"I am a storyteller."

Several months ago in the social media world, I began hearing this buzz about a girl who was leaving letters for strangers in New York City and mailing hundreds of subsequent letters to people she had never met. My attention was instantly piqued, and I just had to learn more about this girl.

You see, I thought writing letters was a dying art form. I thought I was one of the last people on earth who still cherished exchanging correspondence through hand-written form. Don't get me wrong, I'm a social media nerd. In fact, it's an area I'm studying at school. However, there's just something about tangible thoughts on paper that still grips my heartstrings like nothing else can.

Enter Hannah Brencher. What was initially birthed as a form of therapy, became her life mission. "I am not a strategist or a specialist. I am a storyteller," says Hannah. Since leaving letters on the train in NYC, she's sent over 4,200 letters around the world, spreading a message of love and ultimate hope. The stories from Hannah & her organization, The World Needs More Love Letters, are absolutely INCREDIBLE. Rather than trying to re-count what Hannah is passionate about, I'll let her tell you herself. Watch her TED video below:

Kisses from Katie: My Life in the Red Dirt of Uganda

Yesterday, I posted about Katie's story and her journey of following Jesus to Uganda. Watch the videos below and hear about Amazima directly from Katie's heart!

Read Katie's blog and follow her to Uganda on Twitter.

"Jesus does not ask that we care for the less fortunate. He demands it."

I tried to push back the tears, but I just couldn't. Katie pulled on my heartstrings and brought emotions to the surface of my heart that I haven't felt in a long time.

I can't begin to imagine being a single mother to 13 girls at the age of 22, but Katie is. At the age of 19, Katie went to Uganda, on a short-term trip, not knowing that she would end up making a lifetime decision.

While teaching kindergarten in Uganda, Katie not only fell in love with the Ugandan people, but she saw a desperate need for change. She could have finished her time teaching, come back to the U.S., and gone on with her life. Instead, she chose to follow Christ--wholeheartedly, passionately, unashamedly, and with her whole life.

Katie decided to stay in Uganda and adopted 13 girls while starting a ministry, Amazima that sends over 400 children to school, gives over 1,600 kids meals, hosts Bible studies, provides jobs, gives medical aid, and partners with parents in Uganda.

"People tell me I am brave. People tell me I am strong. People tell me good job. Well here is the truth of it. I am really not that brave, I am not really that strong, and I am not doing anything spectacular. I am just doing what God called me to do as a follower of Him. Feed His sheep, do unto the least of His people."

Katie's faith is unshakable. Looking into her eyes, I saw the honesty in her words. She truly believes that all she needs is Jesus. After hearing Katie's story at Catalyst, I picked up a copy of her book and was completely engrossed in her blog....story after story of what God is doing in Uganda kept leaping out at me, her words echoing in my mind.

Katie's story shook me to my core. A large part of that is because we are just two years apart in age. I keep thinking through life, right now, in this season, and what she has decided to follow Christ in. I want to follow Christ like that. I am done being a fan on the sidelines of life. I'm ready to step into my Uganda and not look back. I'm ready to follow Christ to do the unthinkable, the unimaginable....I'm ready to dive into what I could only do under complete & total surrender to Him.

Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you. ~Mother Teresa

I am so thankful to have met Katie several days ago and see the passion and love in her eyes. Amazima partners with Ugandan women, offering them an opportunity to work for their families by making and selling jewelry. I had the privilege of buying one of their necklaces and every time I wear it, I will be praying for Katie and her family in Uganda.

"Jesus does not ask that we care for the less fortunate. He demands it."

Connect with Katie & Amazima:

Website: amazima.org

Katie's Blog: Kisses from Katie

Twitter: @katieinuganda and @amazima

Facebook: Amazima Ministries

*All pictures and videos are from Amazima Ministries.

Blogger, Friend, & Must-See Website!

I'm excited to let you know about a brand, new AMAZING website for my friend, Ashley Mays!

I had the privilege of meeting Ashley when I was in the runnings for Focus on the Family's Brio Magazine's Brio Girl 2008. At the time, Ashley was a Brio staffer and I just absolutely clicked with her.

Since 2008, Brio Magazine ended, but its editor, Susie Shellenberger launched her own magazine, SUSIE!

After her journey with Brio, Ashley continued to write articles for magazines, but also began writing on her own--keep your eyes open for books by Ashley Mays in the future! :)

In the mean time, check out Ashley's website to check out her writing and hear from her heart about what God has been teaching her!

A Different Kind of SHE: Kara Knepp

I have had the privilege of knowing Kara for pretty much most of my life! Kara has been a friend of me and my sister, Katie, since we were little girls. We have danced together, been on the same swim team, and gone to kidz camp together. I remember one time when we had this slip'n'slide at our house and Kara went down and broke her arm! So many memories!




Kara has always been that source of joy and light. She always makes me laugh! For Katie's sweet 16 a couple weeks ago, Kara flew down from Pennsylvania to surprise her. Seeing Kara for the first time in the airport was a breath of fresh air. She walks with a confidence in Jesus and flashes her drop-dead-gorgeous smile to the world. She makes you want to look to Jesus.




Thank you Kara for being a different kind of SHE, a girl who really does radiate Jesus' love. I love you!

A Different Kind of SHE: Brittany Powers

SHE is a junior in high school and already making a huge impact on those around her. SHE loves wholeheartedly, serves without asking for anything in return, thinks of others first, and is one of the sweetest girls you will ever meet in your entire life. I have the privilege of going to school with Brittany and I know first-hand that SHE is the real deal. She lives what she says she believes and walks confidently in Christ.

"Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing on your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing, and perfect will."
~Romans 12:1-2

Thanks, Brittany, for making a difference in my life. You are an amazing friend!

A Different Kind of SHE: My Mom

Today is a very special day. You see, today is my Mom's 41st birthday--oops! Sorry Mom, I definitely did not mean to publish that!! : )



But back to my point. 41 years ago my Mommy was born and quite frankly without her I would not be here! But I have honestly cherished every, single moment spent with my Mom over the past 17 years. She has always been there for me. She is the one who gets up early to make my lunch for school. She makes all of my appointments and takes care of me when I am sick. She immediately drops what she is doing to help me. Whenever I forget something, she drives it to my school. She trusts me with her car! She surprises me with little notes in my lunch box. She prays over me before I fall asleep at night and wakes me up in the morning with a hug. She truly loves me and she shows it. In fact, today she spent her birthday at a swim meet helping me to be able to swim my best under a shoulder injury. She does so much for me without ever expecting anything in return. Wow! That really makes me think a lot of what I do for other people and my motives for why I do them! I hope that someday I can grow up to be like my Mom.



I love you Mommy. Happy Birthday. Even though I am a bit biased, you are the best Mom in the entire world.

A Different Kind of SHE: Erika Robertson

You know that one person that always greets you with the biggest hug whenever you enter the room? That's Erika Robertson! Triathlete, dog lover, big sister, hard worker, lovable aunt, and beautiful bride are only a few adjectives that describe Erika. I met Erika not even a year ago, but I have already adopted her as one of my big sisters! Erika always seems to brighten my day through a text or phone call just to see how I am doing. I remember one day she took my to the pool and we just laid out and sipped on Starbucks frappucinos while we soaked in the sunshine! She has been there for me on my first job, my little sister's flag football games, our swim meets, and so many more things!



Not only has Erika been a fun big sis, but she has also guided me spiritually reminding me that beauty does not come in the form of what you wear or your clothing size, but rather from your attitude.



Thank you Erika so much for being a different kind of SHE! I love you so much and am extremely thankful to have an awesome big sister like you!

A Different Kind of SHE: Katie Richardson

Meet the collegiate SHE: Katie Richardson. Katie has a true servan't heart. (In the picture above, Katie is the girl standing to the far left in the black t-shirt!) I first met Katie for my youth group's Disciple Now weekend and had the privilege of having her as my small group leader for the duration of the event. But even after the event ended, she has had a huge influence on the lives of the girls that she helped mentor, including me!



At Disciple Now, Katie became the "big sister" that I have never had! She shared stories of dating and friendships and gave advice about college and our relationship with God. But I think what I appreciate maybe the most about Katie came in a little note that she handed me after the event. She had taken the time to hand-write a personal note for each of her new "sisters" and mine had encouraging words that I will cherish for forever. Even after our weekend together, Katie has emailed me tips on college and sent me encouraging words that have helped make my days better!



Tonight I bet Katie was a bit surprised when she was almost trampled by six girls at youth group. You see, Katie came back to Ocala for the evening to help lead our service since our youth pastor was out of town. As the six of us stood around her I knew what we were all thinking, "Wow, God, thank you for putting Katie in our lives over our Disciple Now weekend. Please help us to become just a little bit more like her!" And what is it that we want to model? She is a different kind of SHE........and that is what makes her stand out!

A Different Kind of SHE. . .

SHE. who is she? what does she look like? could i be she? she is DIFFERENT. . .













SHE is friendly, compassionate, kind, and looks to the best interests of others. . .













SHE dances like no one is watching. . .

























SHE wakes up each day knowing she has a purpose. . .















SHE is guided, mentored, loved, and has a hunger and thirst for knowledge. . .










SHE is beautiful no matter how long she stands in front of the mirror. . .













SHE works diligently, accomplishes her goals, and lives for a higher purpose than that of herself. . .





















SHE is spunky, refreshing, witty, and fun. . .























SHE is. . .YOU.