Resources for the Light Chasers {Vol. 6 + a Giveaway!}

I eluded to it on Friday, but this week we're going to talk about what it is to reflect the Light of the one in whose image we're created. Last year, after reading Emily P. Freeman's book A Million Little Ways, I was deeply inspired by the notion that life is meant to be lived open handed to the unique way God has created me and gifted me to create in my own way.

I want you to be inspired in the same way so I'm happy to give a reader a signed copy of Emily's book. It will encourage, inspire and challenge you to embrace the art you were uniquely made to live. Just make sure to keep your copy away from your toddler...ask me how I know {see above photo}.

To enter leave a comment about the unique art that is you! What makes you come alive?

Is it serving others? Is it your ability to solve problems? Is it attention to detail? Is it wielding a paintbrush? Whatever it is, share it. I'll choose a winner on Friday!

Resources for the Light Chasers {Vol. 5: My Five Best Chasing Light Albums}

It's no secret around here that I love music something fierce. Certain albums find me coming back again and again for the way they sing straight into my heart with their words and melodies. They sometimes feel like a barricade against the darkness. I thought I would share a few of them with you. I hope they find you where you are and encourage your heart onward in the chase.

Resources for the Light Chasers (Vol. 4)

This little diddy has been on repeat in my house for months. It's truth and it is foot stompin' good music. Let it wash over your tired bones and strengthen your weak eyes.  Back to light chasin' tomorrow.

Resources for the Light Chasers (Vol. 3)

I'm so blessed by the light chasers that fill this worldwide web with pure light. Let's be real and admit that the interwebs can be a dark place. I've long been of the opinion that we, the Gospel loving Easter people, need to take this thing by the horns and use our sphere of internet influence to redeem it for good.

Here are a few links to fill you with light today. Some are recent finds and others are articles I come back to again and again for the way they bolster hope in my heart or make me reflect deeply.

What Creativity Really Means by Jennifer Dukes Lee 
I Do Believe (Help) by Joanna Swart over at Velvet Ashes {A post on doubt, because we all have.}
History of Hymns: "It Is Well With My Soul"
{This is a hymn history story you need to know and this particular writing really brings the truth full circle.}
When You Wonder if What You Create is Any Good by Ann Voskamp
{I have this printed out and it lives on my desk. For each of us who struggle with the worth of the work of our hands.}
Photographer captures 4 sisters over 40 years in 40 portraits 
{There is something so beautiful to me about this series of photos. I discovered it this past week and it made me thing long and hard about the passing of time and the way it molds and changes us.}
An Open Letter to the Ones Whose No Didn't Count {From my friend Alia, this is the hard beautiful kind of light chasing and truth telling.}
Mary Maxwell Gives Hilarious Prayer Turned Comedy Act at a Dinner {Laughter and light go hand in hand. This woman, stoic as she may be, brings it.}

Resources for the Light Chasers (Vol.1)

I took a break from the pressure to publish of the blog world this past summer. I thought long and hard about the way God has gifted me personally. During this time a volume by Henri Nouwen, Discernement: Reading the Signs of Daily Life, found me and is currently wrecking me. 

That's really what we're searching for with this light chasing experiment. We're looking for God in all the nooks and crannies of life, speaking to us, showing up for us. I can't recommend Nouwen's book more. Seriously, go find it at your local library or request it from a distant branch library like I did.

Also, these days its seems I can't get away from Kara Tippetts' words. In fact I think that a lot of us are drinking in her words like a cup of hard grace. Kara is a would be friend, though she doesn't know that, meaning our paths have crossed in a dozen very literal ways but we've never actually met.

Kara is currently facing a dark prognosis and all the medicine the docs can throw at her cancer. If you're struggling to see the light let me gently nudge you toward Kara and her words. They are the hardest kind of light chasing that I know. Oh, and while you're there pour out a prayer or two on her and family's behalf.

You can also pick up her new book, The Hardest Peace.

We're just a couple days in and we've hardly grazed the surface of the pit we're going to plumb. It's about to get real. Catch up and join the chase this coming week. Remember to use the hashtag #chasinglight to share your adventures.

Day 1: 31 Days of Chasing Light
Day 2: Look for It
Day 3: The Weakness of the Darkness