To the Man Who “Holds” My Heart

There are a few men in my life… my Heavenly Father, my earthly father (Tim Atchley), my brothers (Josiah and Isaac Atchley) and the one who’s steadily taking winning my heart Justin McConnell… My Man

The Lord takes you through seasons, and with each new season comes new relationships.
My relationship with Justin has been growing for over a year now… almost 14 months to be exact. And, every moment has been a gift from God.

Justin continues to amaze me as he grows with Christ and determines to walk according to His will. As he listens to the voice of the Lord speak to him regarding school, work, a calling, etc, etc, etc…

He’s been a blessing by being consistent. Is he perfect? No! -sorry Justin
However, I can bank on his hearing the Lord when it’s necessary; I can bank on his being honest with me,;I can bank on the fact that in the end he’ll do the hard thing; I can bank that in difficult times, he’s gonna stick to it and through it; and I can bank that he’ll be willing to pay the price for Christ.
Which, in turn, means that he’ll do the hard thing for me if it comes to it, because Christ has placed me in his life and he will steward that calling just as much as any other.

It is not yet time for my heart to be “completely turned over” to him… but, in the season that God has us in, and with what God has allowed me to in-trust to him, Justin has proven consistently trust worthy and faithful to care for it.

Justin has a servants heart that touches me daily, a perseverance that I admire and a humility that I wish I had.
He’s honest, loving and completely doesn’t care about “keeping his cool”.

There’s a Michael Card song “God’s Own Fool” that I love that makes me think of him when I hear it:

Seems I've imagined Him all of my lifeAs the wisest of all of mankind
But if God's Holy wisdom is foolish to menHe must have seemed out of His mind.
For even His family said He was mad
And the priests said a demon's to blame
But God in the form of this angry young man
Could not have seemed perfectly sane.

Chorus

When we in our foolishness thought we were wise
He played the fool and He opened our eyes
When we in our weakness believed we were strong
He became helpless to show we were wrong.

And so we follow God's own fool
For only the foolish can tell-Believe the unbelievable
And come be a fool as well.

So come lose your life for a carpenter's son
For a madman who died for a dream
And you'll have the faith His first followers had
And you'll feel the weight of the beam

So surrender the hunger to say you must know
Have the courage to say I believe
For the power of paradox opens your eyes
And blinds those who say they can see.

So we follow God's own Fool
For only the foolish can tell
Believe the unbelievable, And come be a fool as well.


Get to know Justin, and you’ll see this is the call that he’ll put out to you. This "foolish faith" is the faith that he walks in.
For every moment of fellowship you’ll share with him, you’ll get to see this heart and you’ll come to love it, just as I have.

I may be his girlfriend, but even as believer in Christ, I could recognize his heart…

If all of this is a little much for you - I don’t apologize.
The scriptures say to “encourage one another…” so, why shouldn’t I begin with a man who means much to me?
Why shouldn’t he and I, even now, begin the practice of “building one another up in our most holy faith”?
Better now, than realize suddenly later, that it’s necessary and not be sure where to begin.

So, My Justin… keep up the good work… I love you for it.

Selah

This weekend has been full of lessons, thoughts, and God moments for me. I feel that at every turn, something was being spoken to my spirit.
After the sermon this past Sunday (which only confirmed what the Lord had been trying to speak to me over the weekend) I just felt an instant need to come away… to think, to ponder and to meditate.

I, as of yet, haven’t necessarily had the opportunity to do so.

Last night was CCA (which, by the way, those who missed truly missed out. It was Holy Spirit inspired, challenging, encouraging and strengthening… which sweet fellowship and wonderful conversation.) and, this morning I have to work.

However, I am in a Selah state. My mind and my heart are simply fixated on the things of the weekend. This could also be labeled as a “meditative state” which is biblical, yes.

In the Psalms the word Selah is used relatively often.

Out of curiosity, I decided to see what the online Websters had to say about Selah….

Surprisingly enough here’s what it said:

- a term of uncertain meaning found in the Hebrew text of the Psalms and Habakkuk carried over untranslated into some English versions.

You know what I discovered through this? The world is simply uncomfortable with Selah because it’s the moment that is reserved completely for the thoughts revolving around Christ and Christ alone.

In an online search for a Strongs concordance, here is what I found:
#5541 Calah (saw law’) a primitive root; to hang up, i.e. to weigh, or to contemplate, to tread down, to value.

#5542 Celah (seh law) from 5541; a suspension (of music), i.e. to pause--- Selah

So, to Selah, is to pause what’s going on around you, to weigh, to contemplate, to take time to break it down and to value something. It is a suspension of current ongoings in order to value something that was just said specifically by Jesus himself.

There is no doubt in my mind that this weekend has been Jesus’ whisperings to my heart. That conversations, scripture and the relationships that have been cultivated this weekend were directly from God to myself… So what am I going to do with it?

God says to my heart, Selah.But God, I must work….. SelahBut God, my favorite show’s on…. Selah

Take sometime, come away--- Selah.

David was near and dear to God’s heart, why I wonder??

Selah

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

You know the scripture, “The joy of the Lord is your strength”

--I know you do.

But, do you walk according to that scripture? Do I walk according to that scripture. What about the tough seasons? The times in your life where everything feels heavy, and times are hard.

What about the times when circumstances feel overwhelming (but never really over-whelming because God promises it will never make it there)?
How do we walk in the joy of the Lord through these times?

I confess I haven’t been. Times have been difficult emotionally for me. Does that mean circumstances have been really hard?

Not necessarily… though they’re not easy they’re not terrible either.

It's been simply, a season of learning God’s will for my life, which requires dying to self, which, by the way, isn’t always a walk in the park.

So, how can I find the joy of the Lord in order that I can walk through this with His strength?

My dad always said, that the surest way to be happy, or to have joy, is through thankfulness.

(The above isn’t in quotes because I’m paraphrasing, those aren’t exact words; however, they are the same concept.)

It’s the truth, the quickest way to depressions is to be ungrateful, and visa versa, the surest way to find joy, is through thankfulness.

Do not despise or take for granted anything the Lord has given to you, because as sure as I stand here today it will be the cause of your ruin.
There is such strength to be drawn from recognizing that you are thankful (for instance) for your family.

Think and reflect for a moment on your spouse, kids, sister, brother, parents, cousins, grandparents…god parents. Reflect on the happy moments, on the joys they’ve brought you, on the significance of theirpresence in your life, and find yourself being thankful.

Think about your friends, the strength they’ve provided when you’ve needed it, the laughs, the hurts…everything. Find yourself thankful for being surrounded by multitudes who care for and love you, allhandpicked by God for your benefit.

Think about the smallest moments in a day where something touched your heart…. Find yourself being thankful.

I have news for you, if you’re thankful, if you’re finding yourself mulling over the things in your life that you’re thanking God for, you are finding yourself thankful and you’re building up your spirit.

That is the joy of the Lord, and this, is your strength.

Your strength, my strength, is being always able to find something to give thanks about which in turngives us joy, which in turn gives us a continual access to strength.

The world doesn’t have this, thus, they’re without hope. We brothers and sisters in Christ, have hope.Always, we will hope and always we will be joyful, because what is there that’s greater than what He’s already given us?

I'm thankful for my handsome man, Justin. Who's passionately in love with Jesus and also, passionately in love with me. :)

I'm thankful for family that gathers together regularly to celebrate relationships and thank the same Father, Jesus Christ.

I'm thankful for this moment, the beauty that comes with the journey.I'm also thankful for this moment, a deer no more than 5-10 feet from my car just this past Saturday.I'm thankful for my Rambo Beanie who loves dad bestest, but loves me second bestest lol : )

Searching For Beauty

If you have the eye for it, beauty can be found almost anywhere. In the most unlikely places beauty has a seed there, I'll almost guarantee it.

However, when you're looking for majestic beauty, there are few better places to find it, in my opinion, than the mountains... any mountains really.

I love the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee because of their name. The Smokies... They're called this because of the fog that often sits on the peaks or plains. If you're lucky enough to be there when this is occuring (it's most likely in the rain) than you will have just a small idea of what the temple must have been like when it filled with the Glory of God.

There's a song, "Lord Let Your Glory Fall"

There's a verse:

"Lord let your glory fall, as on that ancient day. Songs of enduring love, and then Your glory came.

Your presence like a cloud, upon that ancient day. The priests where overwhelmed. Because Your glory came."

You know what I find interesting about fog? There are a few things.

1) You cannot see through it

2) It's thick and often you can feel it

3) You can find it anywhere. Whether high or low, you can find it.

4) It's beautiful and mysterious

If God's glory settles "like a cloud" (fog) then there could be a few things taken from this.

1) No matter where you're at in this season of your life, high or low... on the top of the mountain, or in the valley below. You are not out of reach of the Glory of God. It could come at any point and time in your life, rain or shine. You probably won't expect it, though you were probably asking for it.

2) You will feel the weight of glory. It will affect you.

3) Sometimes as a result of His glory resting upon you... your vision will not be clear. You won't be able to see and discern on your own.

We pray and we sing "Lord, let your glory fall."

Let's rid ourselves of singing things we don't understand or don't give any real thought to, and let's ponder this request.

We're asking for "blured vision, a thick weight, a wonderful powerful moment, and vision that only can see God."

YES, Lord let Your glory fall.

Seasons of Desire

How many times have I heard in my spirit, "Oh ye of little faith" these past few months?. Too many to count, and yet it continues.

I know that I am to place my trust in Jesus. I know His plans are the best for me, or do I?

If I did, would I be worrying?

Worry isn't of Christ, doesn't the scripture say "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself."

So, thinking backwards here,... if I'm worrying about tomorrow, I may not be walking in Christ.

My fear you ask? That my strongest desire won't be His will for me right now.

Do I believe His will and ways are better?

- I thought I did... but if I did would I still so strongly desire mine?

"For My ways are better than your ways says the Lord; and My thoughts higher than your thoughts."

Lord, if these desires of mine are not Yours... would you take them from me? I want to desire Your ways for me, not my own... but I do not know how to in my own power. It will simply have to be You.

Amen (so be it)

PS. God, if my desires do fit into Your plans... could you speed the process up a little?? -lol lol

*Welcome Home Sister*

*Welcome home sister*

Preface: I want to recongnize the fact that MANY servants hearts went out on this particular trip to Cambodia. Maria and Katherine Kear and Jonathan Trentham went along with Sarah to serve and to share the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ. However, forgive me for playing favorites... Sarah is my sister, and I'd like to welcome her home.

Sarah and I are very close (in part- due to being together from birth. Yes, we are twins).

As a result of that closeness, I really do miss her when she leaves; esp. for any extended period of time.

She and I are absolute polar opposites-- thus, most times we get along GREAT... other times:

"Backup ladies and gentlemen... there's something going DOWN!!!"

However, these moments are now, few and far between.

Sarah is my confidant... she will know more about me than anyone else (other than my parents and my future husband). She's simply been there with me... from birth.

We've stayed up late in the past huddled under the covers of our bed, whispering and giggling with one another... making plans and executing them with wonderful style : )

--Sorry mom and dad.

We make a great team and always have worked best together. We were able to work together for a time at Cedar Springs Christian Bookstore, and took customers by storm. People loved us when we were together.

Let me tell you, together we got more done than any myriad of employees put together... I know this to be the truth. -Ask me how : )

She and I can be honest with one another, never fearing the results. We will, simply put, always be there for one another; through every season of life... enduring together every change and going with the flow- together.

There may be a time, where she is called back across the seas somewhere for a extended period of time... and I will still remain here...... but, together we'll go....

I haven't once stepped foot in Cambodia, she has twice now... But, we have impacted that place and those precious people together. I support---she goes.

There is so much more to tell here, but for lengths sake, I will refrain.

But, *welcome home dear sister and friend* I've missed you!!

A Moment to Celebrate Relationships

As most know, I'm am part of a fellowship of believers that mean the world to me. Pick anyone out of this gathering and you'll see they're a close friend, brother or sister of mine. We've all grown together over the years. Nothing proves more than years of many trying moments weathered through together... This, is the body of Harvest.

However, while I don't take them for granted even in the least. I would like to take a moment to honor a close friend of mine, who's weather many things with me outside the body of Harvest. It is rare to find such a friend... but, I have. She is near and very dear to my heart.

Ashley P. is a friend who's remained close, honest and dear through years of working together and then being far apart as she's gone away to college. She's now home *yippee* and I'm excited that we get to continue being close friends.

Autumn

Autumn (my prefered seasonal name) is just around the corner, and it does my heart good. I look forward to the changing of the leaves, the crisp cool air, the Thanksgiving holiday, firepits, friends, family and neighbors gathering, hot chocolate and the smell of hot apple cider. All of these things touch my heart in a way that is hard to describe.

Autumn is not just a season to me, it is a heartfelt joy. I love it so much I've considered (Lord willing) naming my daughter when I someday have one, Autumn Marie. Autumn for the utter joy it brings me and Maria after the closest woman in my life.

I very much so look forward to my first Autumn trip to the Great Smokey Mountains. I look forward to it every year... I feel like the mountains in Autumn speak directly of my Saviors amazing creative power. As the mountains light up flaming with magnificent color while fog, sits lightly on the top of them, I think of my Creator. How amazing is it, that He would provide for me this kind of beauty... the kind that touches my heart in such a way as to render me nearly speachless?

Look at the splendor you find during this season and just try to convince me that there isn't a loving Father behind it all. I dare you! This season brings me closer to the reality of His amazing grace than any other seasons combined.

I love the history that has taken place during the Autumn season. There is much to be told that occured during these months (weeks, moments). Most of my favorite historical stories took place during this time... Thus, one of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving.

The Atchley household is also working on establishing "history" for future generations by embracing tradition family tradition. Much tradition in our family begins during the Autumn season. Thus, another reason for my love of it!

There is an Amy Grant song that my mother introduced me to... She introduced it to me one Thanksgiving during a family get together... so, every Thanksgiving my heart sings it...

"Up in the attic, Down on my knees.

Lifetimes of boxes, Timeless to me.

Letters and photographs, Yellowed with years,

Some bringing laughter,Some bringing tears. Time never changes,

The memories, the facesOf loved ones, who bring to me,

All that I come from, And all that I live for, And all that Im going to be.

My precious familyIs more than an heirloom to me."

Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, we put up our tree and decorate for Christmas. It is my prayer that this tradition continues for as long as we're a family.

This is, indeed, the best time of the year.

More Than What I Wanted

I was always told by many godly, wise women, to write down what I want in a future husband. By God’s grace and my mother’s wise council I waited to do this until a appropriate age (an age where I was old enough to seriously consider it instead of day dream about it prematurely). The amazing thing about this was, when I sat down to write it out… I clearly heard God correct me.
It began like this:

I want him to (of course) love God
To be tall, handsome and strong
To be athletic
To love children
To play and instrument
I’d love dark hair, brown eyes and dark skin
………………

Youth

But, in my youth, I heard God say “I have a better plan for you. Do not list what you want in a husband, but seek out what I think is best for you.” So, I threw my list away and prayed. Instantly I felt the Lord prompt me to read 1 Samuel 16 about young David.
I was reminded once again of the calling that I’ve known I’ve had since I was 6. My calling is to church…and specifically Harvest Church. I knew ever since I can remember that I wanted to support someone with an apostolic calling (of course when I was young that term wasn’t familiar to me, but the calling was).

God told me that 1 Samuel 16 was my list of what to look for in a husband and that until that list “checked out” I was to hold off. Here is the list according to 1 Samuel 16

1. David was referred to (in the message version) as the “runt”. This didn’t necessarily mean that I was to wish for, and expect a “runt-like” guy in the terms that we would think of today…. But it did mean (same as it did for Samuel) that I was not to look at a small-ish stature but to look at the heart.
2. David was found tending the sheep. This meant he was already working at something small as it may have seemed. God called him and found him while he was busy. So, the man that I was to marry must be busy,… already working at something when God finds him and calls him.
3. David was called “ruddy, bright eyed and good looking”. YIPEE! God still had someone in mind for me that was good looking. I’m not going to miss out there! Also, his eyes would tell me a story. They’d be bright and they’d speak of his gentle nature in Christ. They would be joyful eyes. Not only that, but his appearance is going to reflect his work… David was out in the sun all day working… thus a ruddy appearance. My man would look like his work. You’ll be able to see the fact that he is a hard worker because he will look like one.
4. vs 12 “God said, ‘Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one!’” This means that God was going to anoint him. That my man would have been called out by the prophets of the day and set apart for the work that God would have for him.
5. vs 13 “Samuel took his flask and anointed him with his brothers standing around watching. (interjection here… this means that God exalted him above… he was the youngest… and the least to be expected… but he was exalted and not just in private… but with those thinking he was “insufficient” watching.) The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life.” This means that my man, will have the gift of the holy spirit. That he will be empowered by it and that he will stand in it for his lifetime.
6. When Saul was troubled he requested a skilled musician… So David was remembered and called upon… But, not only that, but, when the musician was requested there also came more reports of David voluntarily. No background was requested other than “I want a skilled musician.” Still, here’s what men had to say about David: “I know someone, I’ve seen him myself: the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, an excellent musician. He’s also courageous, of age, (important lol) well spoken, and good looking. And God is with him.” My man would bring such reports. People will respect him and know that God is with him.
7. For lengths sake I’m going to be a little quicker here… there’s so much more to add but here are just a few. 1) when Saul called for David, he was back tending the sheep. See, David was faithful in tending to the little things until God brought him to where he was promised to be. David believed. 2) David was not to proud after being anointed as king… to serve the one he would take over by playing music for him. That speaks multitudes to the graciousness and faith of David… and of my future man.

Now, I know that some of you will be wondering why I wrote this as a blog post. Let me encourage you in this way by posting this… encourage early, a mindset of believing that God has what’s best in mind for you and your children (if you have them) even when it comes to a future spouse. The above “list” is amazing… and I wouldn’t have ever thought to ask for someone so wonderful, had Jesus not reminded me…. “Hey, I have something better for you.”

Be careful what you ask for, because He could very well be answering you, while He had something so much better up His sleeve.

This process of praying for a future spouse may not be for everyone… and I’m not knocking those who’ve made their lists. It’s important to know what you’re looking for one way or another… But, I plead with you… Seek what He’s looking for… I guarantee that it is above and beyond what you could ever ask for or think.

Hannah Grace Bailey

Yesterday--- somewhere around 6:45ish, Hannah Grace Bailey was born into the world... and into the family of Harvest Church. The hospital room was instantly filled with expecting parents and family members... and not long afterwards with members of the Harvest Family.

All had been awaiting the moment when Grace would enter the world.

This baby means a lot to the Bailey and Reese clan; and even, to the Harvest members. She carries with her a prophetic word that has been treasured for sometime now by her loving parents and remembered by Harvesters everywhere : )

The grace that Hannah Grace is to walk in was evident from the moment she came out of the room and love encompassed her instantly.

Here are a few photos to share: )

Family

My Family knows I love them. Put pure and simply, they are a firm foundation for me.

My mother and father will always carry and aspect of home to me. When I get married and move away to make my own home, it will more than likely be modeled after the one I grew up in. They will forever be a central and important part of my life. I can truly say, “I am blessed” because my home is whole and it is healthy.In my mind, my family IS home. Home is not the house… home is truly where the heart is, and until God draws my heart concluded-ly otherwise, home is with my family. I may not remain at home until the day I marry.

In fact, I plan on moving out as soon as “soon” will allow.But, my heart is going to be with my relationships.

My family has forged relationships through fire. As a family we went through rough seasons; seasons of drought, disappointment, hard work, seeming failure, betrayal and through seasons of un-equaled joy. This has welded us together with a bond too strong to break.

We’ve been together through each individuals seasons of trial, or testing. Through seasons where relationship became stressed because it was taken for granted. BUT, through all God has remained faithful to only grow us together stronger.

I’ve watched this play out in my life in a manner that can only be labeled as providential grace. This is not the working of anyone’s wisdom or superior love. It’s simply God’s love manifesting through us towards one another. It’s the love that sticks to a brother through ALL times.

Even now, there are trials we must face together. When it directly relates to one of us is when it hits the hardest.BUT! I place my trust in the same God who, by His providential grace has grown us together thus far, and I know, will continue to do so.

Someday, I will have a family of my own. I pray, that the gift that I have had in my family now, will be continued, grown further and passed on to my future family.

So, thank you Dad and Mom for sowing into family with time and tears.Fond memories have been made and will be treasured for the rest of my life.

There’s a quote I love… who it’s from, I don’t know.

It reads:
“We do not remember days. We remember moments.”