{dig a ditch.}

Have you ever tried the mints and gum they sell at Christian book stores? I believe they have the ever-creative title of "Testi-mints." One day I was in need of some gum while shopping at Lifeway and decided to purchase these so-called breath fresheners. I popped one in my mouth and discovered that this gum was the worst tasting gum of all time. I don't even think Jesus would enjoy this gum. (If you or a loved one work for Tesi-mints....I apologize.) One would think that gum that represents Jesus would taste better than any other kind of gum--right? Are we not called to excellence?

 I watched Steven Furtick (pastor of Elevation Church in NC) speak this week at the Global Leadership Summit. His church has grown from four people to well over five thousand people in a few years. When he first planted his church he said that he just kept "digging ditches." He never gave up or lost sight of the vision that He knew God planted in his heart. He dug a ditch at every obstacle and after every let down. We may not all be pastors of thousands. But are we students trying to graduate from college? DIG A DITCH. Are we Moms and Dads trying to be the best parents we can be? DIG A DITCH. Are we missionaries in Uganda? DIG A DITCH. Are we a generation in pursuit of God? DIG A DITCH. And as we dig our ditches--may we also pursue excellence along the way. For I do not believe that we were created to settle for bad tasting gum. 

goodbye comfort.

November 2008: I left with more than a dozen people I barely knew (from my home church) for Africa. We were going to help build housing for AIDS orphans in a community called ADZIWA in the country of Malawi. The moment I heard about this two week journey--I knew I would go.

What I didn't know before leaving? 

My heart would never beat the same again. 

I would never look at a child the same way again. 

I would never be able to fully explain how it felt to have a little child put his hand in mine while I was walking. 

My heart would break every day for the rest of my life after what I experienced there. 

Things that made me uncomfortable in Africa:

Fainting in the airplane hallway and then proceeding to vomit in the bathroom.

Waking up under mosquito nets. 

Having awful bugs and lizards find homes in my shoes.

Eating the worst food I've ever tasted.

Being so covered in dirt that even a shower couldn't wash it away.

Cleaning an open gash on a little girl's leg.

It was when I sitting in the dirt covered by a group of children on my lap and with their hands in my hair that I realized: I had never felt more at home in my life.  Paul David Tripp said this: "God isn't working on our comfort--he is working on our character." Ever looked around at our Lexus and latte filled land and wondered--"Is there more to life?" Then you are on the right track. Join me in saying. . .

goodbye comfort. 

{song of the moment.}

love the emotion in this song. beautifully done.

{to dream or not to dream?}

Biltmore Estate in NC. {my future home}

      It's been said that I am a dreamer. And? That statement could not be more true. I have been a dreamer since the moment I laid eyes on my first Disney musical. I have been a dreamer ever since I can remember. It was my dream in kindergarten to be a missionary. It was my dream in 2nd grade to be Sandi Patty. My dream in 6th grade? To meet and marry Justin Timberlake. As you can see...the Justin Timberlake dream did not come true (thankfully). My biggest dream of all is to serve God in whatever capacity He chooses. My biggest dream of all is to serve Him through music. 

       I can't imagine a life without dreams. Some paint dreamers in a negative light. Some would rather live life in a day-to-day world then spend a second on dreaming of what could be. I believe God gave me a heart to dream. I was not created to live life without any hopes or dreams. I was created for a purpose. We are all created for a purpose. Now don't get me wrong...I don't live in a fantasy world where Prince Charming picks me up on a white horse or where a herd of ducks follow me into the grocery store (but...actually that did happen.) I know life isn't fanciful and magical all the time. Life is full of hardships and hurt. Instead of drowning in the reality this world offers us; let's chase after the life that God has always prepared for us. Let's live life to it's fullest.  If God has put a dream in your heart I say GO FOR IT. We were not created to settle. We were created to dream. To hope. To love. TO LIVE. 

{this not that.}

I love the "Eat This--Not That" segment on the TODAY show (and book of the same title); so I've decided to do one of my own. 


It kills me to see girl friends settle for anything less than what God has for them--especially when it comes to relationships. We are all daughters of a King and should be treated as such. Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you aren't worth it. God values you. God chose you. God loves you...and His love is much more grand than anything found in "The Notebook." {although I do adore that movie.} So. . .


...this one goes out to all my single ladies.

 WAIT FOR THIS.

DONT' SETTLE FOR THAT.

{masked.}

Photo by Anna Crane Photography

Has anybody been watching "The Bachelorette" this season? {Come on--you know you have.} ;) One of the possible suitors this year arrived to the show wearing a mask. He wanted "the bachelorette" to see him for what's on the inside. So he walks around looking like The Phantom of the Opera and it is awesome. This past Monday he decided to strip himself of this mask and reveal his face! {side note: he was not given a rose that night.} The mask was so distracting that she couldn't get passed. It seems that all his mask did was hide both his face AND his heart. 

This makes me wonder: how many of us walk around wearing a mask? Sure--we may have good intentions. We want people to see the very best of us. We walk around with our neatly ironed shirts and perfectly combed hair. We use fancy words and order fancy lattes without ever showing anyone the REAL us. God created us each uniquely. We are HIS CREATION. If our Maker is proud of us....why aren't we? It's okay that not every day is perfect. It's okay to cry. It's okay to be human! Sure--we all have our flaws. Who doesn't? There is no such thing as a perfect person.  Let's take me for example: I have crazy curly big hair. I have the hand-writing of a ten year old boy. I can't ride a bike. Sometimes I lack courage. Close to perfect? Nope. Not even close. But? I am becoming the lady God wants me to be. Life is a journey and I'm glad to be on it with Him. Let's face it-- Life is too short to wear a mask. I believe we could reach more people for Christ if we were just REAL. So I ask you this question: Will the real "you" please stand up?

wah [wah] wah.

I took Mr. Darcy (my dog) to the groomer's the other day. When I picked him up they said he had a "bad attitude" while they groomed him.I wanted to say: "Well. If someone were to groom you...you'd probably have a bad attitude too." But I didn't. Side note: Mr. Darcy is a lovely English gentleman [who has a bit of a swagger.]

This had me thinking about our [human] attitudes. I am the kind of person that does not hide emotions at all. If you think I am sad--I probably am. If you think I am happy--I probably am. My face says it all. (I really wish it didn't.) I find myself several times a week complaining about non-important matters: "I'm hungry. /I'm cold./I wish I lived in a castle and had ladies-in-waiting serve me tea." (well the last one might be exaggerated.) 
A few years back a church started a 30 day initiative where they vowed not to complain for 30 days straight. There were wristbands involved and the whole nine yards. I'm pretty sure they made it on Oprah too. Which is like HUGE. (said in a Donald Trump voice.) So. I've decided to not UTTER a complaint for ONE WEEK. I think I can do it. Join me? I mean really--what do we have to complain about? We are loved by AN AMAZING God. Who PAID IT ALL on the cross for us [even though we are big ol' complainers] and never uttered a complaint. 

i'm discovering. . .

. . . that Jesus has a sense of humor.

. . . that i just don't like tornadoes.

. . . that i crave adventure.

. . . that royal weddings aren't just in disney movies.

. . . that i like the taste of red onions.

. . . that all good things are worth the wait.

. . . that my family [are] and will always be my favorite people to be with.

. . . that i'm blessed with the greatest of friends. 

. . . that there isn't anything a good novel and a bubble bath can't cure. 

. . . that i'm rather fond of life.

. . . that i can't wait to meet the apostle paul in Heaven.

. . . that i'm just getting started. 

{perspective.}

diamonds [aren't] a girl's best friend.

A few years back I saw the movie "Blood Diamond" and was really impacted by it's message. Before seeing this movie I had no idea what a conflict diamond was. You may not either. Conflict diamonds are stones that are mined and produced through the forced labor of men, women and children. They are produced in areas that are controlled by rebel forces. These rebels and warlords sell these diamonds and the money is used to fund their ciivl wars in Africa. Many died for the sake of diamonds. These diamonds were being sold in retailers across the world. A study showed that 83% of diamond buyers in the United States do not question the source of their diamond.

BrilliantEarth.com 

In 2003, an initiative known as the Kimberley Process was introduced to reduce the flow of conflict diamonds. The majority of diamonds sold in retailers today are conflict-free. However-may diamond retailers fail to provide sufficient assurance that their diamonds are in fact conflict-free. After seeing "Blood Diamond" I began to do some research on the subject and stumbled across a website called Brilliant Earth. They make sure that every gemstone is mined in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Their diamonds are mined in Canada and Namibia and are 100% conflict free. They also give back a portion of their profits to African communities that were affected by the diamond industry. So before you (or your loved one) go to buy a diamond: ASK where it came from! 


Oh and P.S. : Dear future husband: I don't know who you are. But just in case you are reading this : I like that ring. :)

[top five] danielle-isms.

[sayings.]

1. oh that's cute!

2. huh?

3. this is the best salad i have ever had.

4. i don't know--i was homeschooled.

5. what key is this in?

[bucket list.] *not in order*

1. sit on the giant horse at p.f. changs.

2. be merrily married to my prince and have tiny little homeschooled rock star children.

3. go to wherever God sends me and love whoever He puts in my path. 

4. see my [many] dreams come true.

5. live in a cottage and name it after a jane austen character/place. 

[places i want to go.]

1. new york city.

2. london.

3. prince edward island [canada]

4. north carolina [aka the land of nicholas sparks.]

5. italy. 

palm sunday.

We decided to do a really creative/meaningful Palm Sunday service this year at Verve & Velocity (the student ministry at The People's Church in Franklin.) We didn't have a sermon in either services. Instead we developed a worship service consisting of students reading selected verses from Palm Sunday to the ascension. We took communion. We fervently worshipped.  I have to say that I have never seen such a passion for worship amongst our students like I saw today--God was really moving. The service was entitled "show me what i'm looking for" based on the song by the same name. A HUGE thank you to all of our band and tech crew who helped make this day possible! We are so blessed to have such talent---but even greater than that--we are so blessed for the hearts of those who serve alongside us. We serve a great God. 


Here is a sneak peek into today's set list:

*Background/intro music: "Passion of the Christ" soundtrack*

Video: "Steve Harvey introduces Jesus"

Flute Solo: Oh the Wonderful Cross

Search My Heart (off of Hillsong United's new album "Aftermath")

Salvation is Here (Hillsong)

Hosanna (Hillsong United)

Show Me What I'm Looking For (Carolina Liar)

Divine Romance (Phil Wickham)

How He Loves Us (David Crowder Band) 

Beautiful Things (Gungor)

Rise and Sing (Tomlin) 

In keeping with the theme: I took paper grocery bags and wrote words of what we are looking for on them: LOVE. PEACE. MERCY. GRACE. RESPECT. JOY. HOPE. and had them lying on the ground mixed with palm leaves in the hallway/stage area.

[my top five] rainy day movies.

because April showers bring May flowers. . .

[warning: they may or may not be all chick flicks]

                                                    

the measure of a lady.

This past weekend a few of us ladies from our small group packed a picnic consisting of organic sparkling water and desserts (for what is a picnic without chocolate?) and headed out to Arrington Vineyards. We just finished going through the book "Scouting the Divine" by Margaret Feinberg. The last chapter of the book took place in a vineyard! It was my first time there and the scenery was absolutely spectacular. We laughed. We ate. We read Proverbs 31 together. 

I've been thinking a lot lately about the kind of wife and mother I will be one day. The Proverbs 31 woman is a SUPER WOMAN. I see so many attributes from her in my own Mom--who is like Martha Stewart on steroids. I don't remember my Mom ever getting tired of seeing me in musical after musical. Running my sister and me from basketball game to talent show. Homeschooling me and cooking dinner. Being the most devoted pastor's wife. Discipling dozens of women in between running a house hold.  I remember (and know) an ever-loving woman who is graceful and patient.  I am absolutely blessed to have been raised by a Proverbs 31-esque Mom. The Proverbs 31 woman has taught me this: It is definitely possible to be a : wife + mom + rockstar for Jesus. And? I'm looking forward to it. 

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. . .She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." 

[song of the moment.]

i remember.

Tonight I accompanied my little niece London to the infamous Chuck-E-Cheese. This place has been delighting kids (and twenty-four year olds--ahem) for decades. As I watched the little children run crazily from one game to the next I thought about my childhood birthday parties which were spent in this place which has a rat for it's mascot. He is a rat--right? Why couldn't he have been something cute like a bunny? Besides the point. These days Chuck-E covers Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus songs instead of the "YMCA" he and his buddies used to rock out in my day. I began to think about my childhood. I began to think about my Grandpa.

 My grandpa J.D. Ford passed away a few days ago at eighty years young. He was the toughest man I knew. He was an entrepreneur and businessman.  He always smelt like asphalt. He forever wanted me to sing country music. (Sorry Pops--never gonna happen.) He came to every church musical I was ever in. He gave me $100 every year on my birthday with a card that read: "I hope this fits." He ended every phone conversation with this: "Tell everybody you had a chance to see me." Thankful for the man that he was and awful blessed to have been his little Danielle. I remember. 

these five things.

Hello friends & blog readers!

We all have our little "happies" in life. The kind of things that turn our frowns upside down! It's like turning the "ON" button on in our lives. I've decided to give you a glimpse into my five things. . .

1. My niece London: We've been best friends since the moment this tiny little ball of energy was born. When she began to speak I became 'D-Nell': her singing Aunt who (in her mind) resembles Selena Gomez and holds a Hannah Montana microphone on the stage. Her beautiful spirit and her passion for life (and Jesus and singing respectively) capture my heart on a daily basis. 

2.  Starbucks Iced Green Tea: Need I say more?




















3. Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We make plans and God laughs. I think God's gotten a big kick out of me and my plans! God's got greater and better plans for me and you then we could ever even dream up or imagine or hope for! Whenever I start to feel like things aren't working out the way I'd like--I look to this verse and I am instantly encouraged! 

4. Any book (or book turned into a movie) by  the wonderful Jane Austen. I am a lover of fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters and Jane knows how to write a em'. I mean---I didn't name my dog Mr. Darcy for nothing!


















5. Christmas Music. With sounds of jingle bells and words like "dashing"....how could one not love it? I love everything about Christmas (especially the REAL reason for it!) I know. It's March--but try listening to Christmas music without smiling. It cannot be done I say!












...and there you have it! My five things. What are yours?

backing out of busyness.

Ever had an extremely busy week? Ever glanced at your calendar and been overwhelmed merely by the little text in those boxes? I am sure you are thinking "...you have no idea." This was to be one of "those weeks"--but in a really good way. Monday morning I woke up ready to go. I popped my organic waffles into the toaster (the magic of Whole Foods) and ran to my TV to start my hip-hop workout DVD. Yes--even pastor's kids can 'pop and lock.' I felt good and ready to go. That is until I went to pick up something on the floor...and to my surprise and utter dismay: I could not get back up. Yes. I had hip-hopped my way to an out-of-order back. So I lie here on my back in a bed full of books... putting things into perspective.

I went to sleep Sunday night thinking about all the things I had to accomplish this week. God watched me sleep on Sunday night...knowing I wouldn't accomplish any of them. It is so easy to get busy in our culture.  We are constantly moving and constantly on our way to the next big thing. How often throughout our day do we take time to just breathe in and out? When was the last time you were still in the presence of God? Over the last few days I have realized (again) that my time is  not my own. All of life's busyness doesn't compare to the constant hope and unfailing love of our King. He is my refuge and my strength and it's taken my overly expressive hip-hopped back for me to just bask in the presence of our God--and that is simply enough.


Psalms 46:10-11: "He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations,  I will be exalted in the earth.”The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."