About

Hi, friends. My name is Maddie, a twenty-three year old campus missionary and seminary student writing to you from Phoenix, Arizona. Thanks for dropping in to my humble little online abode :-)

A little bit about me...

I grew up a southern California girl, but after venturing out of state for college, my heart now belongs here in the Valley. I love the warmth of the sun, the deep reds and oranges in the risings and settings of the sun, the way the horizon stretches for miles, how the mountains frame the skyline. Where people see dryness, unbearable heat, and emptiness, I see beauty, opportunity, and life. I have found these things here because it was in this desert place that Jesus found me. And it is here that I am following Him and falling in love with Him more and more each day.

Although I sat in church every Sunday my entire life, my heart was far from God. I never opened a Bible, never prayed, never really thought about the existence of a higher power. I found my identity and my worth in being a straight-A student and a varsity athlete. I garnered countless accolades and fed on the praise of my family, teachers, coaches, and peers. I was a good person by the world's standards, but by God's standards, I was consumed by my pride.

Becoming a student at Arizona State University changed my life. I found myself on a campus of thousands where it didn't matter who you were in high school. It didn't matter if you were a straight-A student or a varsity athlete because so many others could say the same. With the praise and the accolades gone, I was no longer unique. ASU stripped me of the things that had once given me my identity.

This is the place where Jesus found me: at the point of realization that everything in this world was so temporary and that none of it could give me the worth and love I so desperately craved. With my idols gone, I was finally able to hear His voice.

"I know who you are, Maddie. Follow Me, and I'll show you who you are."

This promise drew me near to Him, but I knew that if I chose to believe Him, I could never turn back. I understood that this promise meant sacrificing all of my plans in favor of pursuing Him. I knew if I chose to follow Jesus, it was going to cost me my life.

But through the power of the Spirit, my soul was ok with that. I took a leap of faith and grabbed hold of Jesus's outstretched hand, trusting that He wouldn't fail me like the world had. And you know what? He hasn't. From the moment I gave my life to Him as a scared college freshman until now, He has been true to His word. He has shown me who I really am.

So who am I?

I am Maddie, a daughter of God, a disciple of Jesus Christ, and a sinner redeemed by the power of the cross. I am eternally loved, perfectly forgiven, and endlessly extended grace. Because of Jesus, I am able to enjoy a relationship with Him both now and forever. I was created to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. And in this life, I am called to share this good news with others. God has called me to be His ambassador to young women on the college campus, who are lost just as I once was.

This is my mission: to know Him and make Him known.

Selah means a "pause." This blog is composed of my pauses to reflect on the adventure I am on with Christ. They are but my small part in His great story of redemption.

I pray that these stories would encourage you to seek Him, find Him, and enjoy Him with all your heart.



Many blessings,

Maddie