 This past summer, I had the joy and honor of spending it with a beautiful ministry called Bristol House Music living in Houston as a worship resident. It was the most wild, yet the sweetest summer of my entire life. We spent our days serving as worship leaders all while growing, learning, and being poured into by the greatest leaders you could imagine. They are kind, humble, pure, and compassionate, and I am confident these friendships are long lasting. Going into this residency, I never had pictured myself as a worship leader. I didn't even know I could sing, furthermore lead a room into the presence of God! My Grandparents have been a part of this church for years and we have talked about me being a part of this residency since I was 13, though when I finally did join it was fairly spontaneous. At that time, I was introduced to two of the Bristol House leaders, Mark Swayze and Brenna Bullock. I was instantly struck by who they were. Throughout the years, they kept in touch and they were so intentional every time I saw them. I knew they carried something special, but little did I know that those interactions were planted seeds for a fresh work of God not only in my life, but in the lives of so many others. We led worship in so many contexts, from VBS to youth camps, from church plants to large worship gatherings, from morning devotional time to a spiritual emphasis week in Costa Rica. It was such a blessing to be given the opportunity to lead and to worship in so many different areas with so many different groups of people. I learned to lean in to the Holy Spirit and to step in to God given authority. I fell in love with worship leading, blessing God with the gifts He has given me, and ultimately, I fell in love with Jesus even more. I entered this residency from a spiritually dry place, but then began to drink from the living waters of Jesus all over again. I was reawakened. This was a summer of crushing and pressing for the sake of new wine, all in the midst of pure joy, lightness, rest, and so much fun. I began to treasure the Holy Spirit more than ever. I learned that leading worship forces radical dependence on Him. It’s an outflow, though all while letting Him infiltrate my weaknesses and let His strength shine through. I felt so surrounded, loved, cared for, and seen. Each person a part of this mission fosters such a powerful sense of belonging. I for sure am leaving this summer with forever friendships. To everyone who has been such a friend, thank you. The songs we sing are fragrant. Nobody else can bring the same offering. And through that, the Lord meets us and there is blessing. Though I am saddened by the fact that this summer has come to an end, I’m so thankful that we get to carry with us everything the Lord has done. We get to carry with us friendships that make life so rich. We get to carry with us roots with @bristolhousemusic. We get to carry with us the gift, art, and communion of song. Friends, He never lets us settle for less. He calls us higher. He calls us into abundance. He calls us into His heart. My God, thank you.                  
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