frommetoyou.

What can I get for a $1.07?

2011-10-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I haven't been working full time since I have been back from Denver. I do have a job as a server at a super cute restaurant opening up soon, but the opening keeps getting pushed back... Which means I am broke. I have been surviving on the most random jobs you could possibly imagine! Cleaning, boat detailing, babysitting, dog walking, house sitting, etc. All of which have been an incredible blessing!!

With that being said, I would like to invite you to laugh along with me as I find amusement in this stage of my life.

It all started when I had to make decisions like coffee, new music or gas money.

Pathetic. I. Know.

I would openly admit that coffee and music are 2 addictions in my life. My coffee intake has been reduced to a 1/3 of what it was and I haven't purchased music in a long time. Wah. Someone smack me upside the head!

I thought that would be the worst of it and then...

I needed to see what a $1.07 would get me!

I was driving home from church and was starving. I knew I didn't have any groceries at home, so I evaluated how much money I could spend. $1.07 it was. What kind of meal can you buy with $1.07? Dollar menu from McDonald's it was.

If you know me well enough, you have heard me hate on fast food. I could get into the genderless details of the meat served, but that's not what this post is about. I just need to paint the picture for you of the severity of the situation. The thought of fast food alone makes me sick. In that moment I knew I had traded my pride and health of my arteries for a McDonald's McChicken sandwich.

There you have it! I am selfish and glad the Lord is stripping me of these selfish desires and my pride. When you go through times like this you really learn quickly what your needs really are! :)

Life in the Ghetto // The Conversational GEM!

2011-08-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Living in the ghetto has had it's downsides but there are many things I'm going to miss! The little things that give me a laugh and a conversational gem! It's hard to think about going back to normal life! I would like to highlight just a few of the daily occurrences I will miss and not miss!

1) Kids in the hood don't swim..they splash. Going to the pool became the farthest thing from relaxing! I do not think of steel drums and Bob Marley when I am by any body or pool of water here!

2) Tally of tattooed tear drops at the gym and probation anklets at the pool! QUALITY! I have lost count!

3) The hallways permanent scent of KFC!

4) Finding random people's socks in my laundry.

5) Naked lady in the laundry room because she put all her clothes in the washer.

6) Almost getting ran over on the side walk by a hover round operated by someone that wasn't paralyzed just thought of it as better way of transportation than walking.

7) Baby daddy drama

8) LiL Wayne ring tones

9) Living in a room the size of a sandbox with 2 other people.

10) etc, etc, etc :)

Things I won't miss

1) Slippers

2) Drug deals everywhere I go

3) Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

4) Smoke coming into my room from my neighbors.

5) Mice

6) The carb loaded food here

2011-07-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

Normally I would start out this blog post with a few excuses as to why I haven't blogged in a while. However, there are no excuses to make! I always have time, I just have to make sure I set it aside!

June was a crazy month for me! Take the good, the bad and the unexpected and stick it in a blender and there you have it! From sickness in family, Jake detoxing, internship, house sitting, car getting broken into, car repairs, one of my good friends here moving back to Connecticut, trying to maintain adventurous Colorado woman status, visiting grandparents in the Springs, and all the inbetweens I might be the smallest bit worn out! But through it all the Lord is at work and faithfully guides me by my right hand through each day! For that I am beyond thankful and refreshed!

So that's where I want to pick up today...God's faithfulness!!

I know we each find ourselves in situations where we are "waiting" for God to answer our prayers. However, did you realize that He always answers our prayers according to His will and the good in our lives!?

Many of you have been in continual prayer for my brother, Jake, for many years now! It has been a long road of ups and downs for our family! Part of my moving up here was in hopes that he would later join me to check into one of Denver Rescue Mission's programs! I'm excited to say that...HE'S HERE!! I could write pages upon pages of the details that the Lord orchestrated, but I'll save that for later!

Yesterday Jake promoted into Phase 1!! He now has 2 hours of free time a day off site and will be starting Education classes where he will work towards his GED and choosing a career path!

I'm really looking forward to driving down to the Farm today to take him out!

In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.

// Proverbs 16:9

2011-05-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

All things new//

Colorado is a little late in receiving the Spring memo...better late than not at all, I suppose! Within the last two weeks we have gone from sticks to leaves, mud to flowers and tumbleweeds to grass! You never realize how much you appreciate growth and color until you spend of few months in the winter! So spring, or should I say...summer is upon us, and I am so excited to be able to spend more time outside enjoying the CO wilderness life! Maybe get a chaco tan?? HECK NO ;)

As I think about this new and refreshing season upon us, I can't help but rejoice in the fact that I have been able to sit back and watch the Lord making each one of these women new each day! It has been one of the sweetest things to be a part of! Through conversations, laughing, studying, cleaning, hurting, cooking and taking care of their children, He is rebuilding and restoring brokenness. It has been such a privilege to be around these women! The house is really becoming a community! Some of the times I have enjoyed the most is just hanging out by the coffee pot while listening to their stories or helping them cook dinner!

This whole season of my life can really be described the same as these women! He is making me new. As a Christian it is easy to get stuck in a rut, a routine that leads to nothing but a calloused heart and stale walk. There is no longer fruit that is being produced but instead bitterness and a hard heart.
You just get comfortable and you lose your child like faith! I needed to come here. I needed to be refreshed and be reminded of the authority and sovereignty of the Lord in my life and be put in my place to stop over thinking and analyzing! I don't want a season change to have to bring me out of a rut again!! I am so thankful that He is making me new each day, and I pray the same for you! Let's remember where we were and who we were when we first knew Him, and praise Him for the work He has done and His continued faithfulness!

2011-05-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day in the ~~neighbor~~HOOD!!

So sometimes you just need to make some humor of your situation to put in in perspective! I need it today!

Just thought I would walk you thru a normal day and night in my life at the shelta!

Normally fall asleep to the sweet lull of my roommate snoring her heart out!

I then wake up at about 3AM sweating to death from the heater.

Take a quick nap and then hear my roommates alarm goes off at 4am. SWEET!

My 6AM alarm comes pretty early after nights like that!

Head down to the cafeteria for some black water.

On my way I step on a cu tip full of earwax chillin in the hall and almost throw up!

Head to my car and make sure it didn't get keyed!

Off to work// My favorite part! Love working at the Champa House!!

Go to the Hiawatha rec center where I work out with people who train to kill!!

Dinner at the cafeteria...Turkey a la king is always something to look forward to ;) ehh!

There is no room at all for selfishness in these season of my life! My stubbornness is making its way out the door! Thankful for that!!

To Whom It May Concern:

2011-04-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

All my life I have had the disease of always trying to walk through life with my chin up and my hurts swept beneath the rug! I always try and hold it together in the midst of a chaotic or heart-breaking situation. I seem to always be in the midst of situations that require me to feel like I need to hold them together. Being transparent with my hurts has always translated into being incapable and weak to me.

For example, a little while back I got a phone call from a guy that meant a lot to me and it nearly broke my heart. I haven't admitted it until now, but it hurt a substantial amount. I cried my heart out for a little bit and then felt weak, so I swept it under the rug. I used the whole "I'm fine, just trusting the Lord" excuse when people acted surprised when I said I was fine. Unfortunately when I do this it does me no good and ends up causing more harm! The hurts then begin to turn into baggage that I carry around with me. All this keeping me from experiencing the fullness of God!

So today's a new day! This is slightly embarrassing to have you all read, and my heart feels pretty exposed but who cares. Transparency with others leads to complete surrender and healing from the Savior!

I can thankfully say that there has been healing and forgiveness when it comes to that situation in my life! So whatever you have swept under the rug because it hurt too much to deal with or you thought you could heal on your own, EXPOSE IT! Be transparent amongst the community of people that pray for you, encourage you, hold you accountable, will speak wisdom into your life and always point you to scripture!

We're one step closer to experiencing Christ's freedom through walking in obedience! Feels good, don't it :)

2011-04-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

Easter Weekend in the 303!

I write to you as I sit in the computer lab trying to drowned out the chaos around me with some new Augustana! Seems to be working quite well! I am excited to share with you my weekend! Forgive me if this post is more than a sittings worth of reading for you. If you have the time, grab a cup of coffee and let's pretend I'm sitting across from you sharing the exciting things the Lord has allowed me to be a part of!

Good Friday

The day started out like any other...with me being bullied on my way to the Downtown Mission! Yep, the real deal! Had some people accuse me of cutting them off when they ran a stop sign! They raced up beside me and started saying horrible things while throwing bottles and trash at my car. I would like to mention that I had a rental car at this time which made it even worse. Thankful for no dents! Each day I am developing a stronger back bone for the ghetto!

On to the good stuff!

I had the opportunity to be a part of the Easter Banquet that the Denver Rescue Mission puts on each year at the Downtown Mission! As I pulled up there were hundreds of men, women and children waiting in line. Nike and Adidas had donated 650 pairs of shoes to give away, we had drs examining their feet, foot washing and a meal for those in line. It was an incredible, humbling and powerful outreach event to be a part of. The state each one of the homeless came in reminded me of how I meet the Lord each day. In desperate need, weary, hungry and helpless. Each day he meets me and is faithful to restore and renew my weary soul with joy unspeakable, strength, and purpose to worship Him!

That night I got to go to my first Tenebrae Service! 5 different churches joined together for this service! The word "tenebrae" comes from the Latin meaning "darkness." In this service on Good Friday, all of the lights and candles on the altar are gradually extinguished after scripture reading until the room is in complete darkness. This symbolized the death of Jesus.

Sunday

Got this crazy idea to wake up at 4:30am and road trip to Red Rocks with my friend, Matt, for their Sunrise Easter Service! I have never worn so many clothes on Easter! It was 35 degrees and rainy but was worth it! There's just something about being out in the mountains with some blue grass worship going on! It will definitely be an Easter morning that won't go forgotten!

This is the first Easter/ holiday that I have been away from family and friends. My good friend was out of town, so I was alone for most the day. I had lunch and dinner alone. Normally this would tear me apart. For the first time I realized that no matter where I was or who I was with I had something to celebrate and that my celebration should be the same! Those were the best two meals I have ever had alone. I felt satisfied in the Lord and content with right where he had me eating my shelter food!

God is so good, gracious and faithful. I am so thankful to be here! I am learning so much each day and being broken of myself. Each day it sinks in more and more that..

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Let's be a people that approach the Lord hungry and needy! For He is the strength of our heart and our portion forever!

Miss each one of you terribly!!

2011-04-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

The rhythm in which my heart breathes and beats is
To this adoption weaved behind and before in my lungs
Chosen and called
We walk towards you
On this journey of unknown and unfamiliar

Almighty, just and sovereign one
Your presence in thick and all consuming
Take my hand and stay awhile
Meet me here as the storm rolls in

Awaken my soul to sing a new song
May all that is within me cry out to know you more

Expose the dark areas of my heart
So that there is nothing keeping me from you, my only

2011-04-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Exciting things are happening here in Denver, CO!

One of the girls, Deachenae, who I have been tutoring for her GED came in yesterday in almost tears. There is a lot going on in her life but all of it for her good!! The Lord is really working in her life!! I had the opportunity to encourage her and pray for her!! I am so thankful that she has opened up to me and that the Lord has given me the opportunity to share with her how special she is to Him!

2 new woman will be moving into the Champa House Program next week! We are excited for them to begin this journey to meet Jesus and understand their worth and purpose in Him!

I start leading devotions for the women on Tuesdays and Thursdays from now on! I am so excited about this!! Please pray that the Lord would press upon my heart what will minister to them!!

I will be serving at our Denver Rescue Mission Event at the Lawrence Street Shelter on April 22!! This is a special event for the homeless! We will be serving them by foot washing and giving them a brand new pair of shoes!! I am so excited to be a part of this!!

Please continue to pray for these women and that Staff that serves them! May we each be renewed in passion to serve and point them to the Lord each day!

Miss you all!

2011-04-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

So sorry for the lack of updates!

Week 4 here at the DRM, and I am loving it more each week!

One of my favorite things has been tutoring math for the GED...Who would of thought?! One of the girls I have been tutoring for a couple weeks just received her GED last week! I am so excited and proud of her! We are hoping she will move into the Champa House by the end of this month!

I have absolutely fallen in love with the kiddos here! Last week was their spring break, so we had the mother load of kids in childcare for the week! 12 kids ages 0-7! Lots of screaming, crying and chaos but overall a lot of fun!

Monday night I started leading Bible Study for the kids while their moms go to Bible Study! This was the first week of adding some structured time while we watch them. Not to mention the first time I have ever taught a Bible lesson to kiddos who are under the middle and high school ages. I always seem to be the experimental Ginni pig in transitions! Giddy up! How did it go you ask? Well, let's just say I never thought a lesson about creation could be anymore chaotic!! "This is stupid!...Creation is stupid!" So we broke out the play dough REAL fast and walked through each day of creation forming what was created with play dough. LIFESAVER! Monday nights can only get better from here I suppose!

I have officially declared my room at the crossing a cave. There is simply not much light, room for food or space for that matter, making it an official cave!

This past weekend was so much fun! I am meeting really cool people and able to get out and put some adventure and laughing back into my life!! You have no idea how exciting it is to have things to do on the calendar...I'm a freak, I know!

So thankful that the Lord has made this a smooth and fast transition! Such a good reminder on how He provides, prepares, equips and strengthens us when we follow and trust Him! The second I begin to worry or take control is when things fall apart!

Right now in my life I am being so challenged by the fact that the Lord is woven into my being..behind and before! I am so humbled and broken by this. Me? Why? I'm just a beggar at the foot of the cross. I am so unworthy of this grace, yet I take it for granted all the time... Everyday I am praying to be made so weak in my flesh so that I may live a reckless abandonment and complete reliance upon the Lord.

There's just a quick update! Will try to be better about this!! :)

May He be your all, strength and your eyes today!

2011-03-24T22:03:00.000-07:00

Let's make plans about making plans!

Planner, coordinator, peace maker, and motivator. Put that all together in a blender and you get me. I'm a lady who thinks she's got a hold on it but knows she has to let go of all authority in order to walk in obedience.

What I'm trying to say is...I have to stop thinking, planning and such and be obedient.

Let me be completely honest with you right now! It is hard to be obedient and it's hard to be living at the crossing and to be away from everything I have grown comfortable with. The kind of hard I am talking about is the willingness to surrender and die to self, taking every complaint captive and placing it before the Lord to mold into His likeness.

A few things for example...

Living in a facility which seems like land of all creepers. The way they look at you makes you feel very uncomfortable.

Living in a small room with two roommates. I'm talking, the size of my bedroom with three lives crammed into it! Love my roommates, but it gets claustrophobic.

The shower goes from luke warm, to warmer, to blazing...my body is on fire, is that the smell of burning skin HOT, followed by cold :)

No space or time to think.

So those are just a few of some of the character building things I am going through. My sob story, the things I so selfishly bring before the Lord.

It is is times like these where I am blown away by His grace. In my struggle of obedience, He gives me the strength I need to take one step at a time. Each step, revealing more of who He is and how desperately I need Him.

Philippians 1:6 // Being confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

The good work is // His plan for His glory through my life.

How do I get there?

Abandonment of self so I can walk in obedience!

Let's walk this together!!

2011-03-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

Just a few things I am thankful for today!

1) My cell phone // without it, this transition would be crazy!

2) People interaction/ a social life! I am such a people person! So hard for me to function without it! Have met a few awesome people here, and I am more than thankful! I have been praying that the Lord would provide me with community.

3) Encouragement from everyone at home!! Your notes in the mail, texts, facebook posts and phone calls have made each day sweet :)

4) Joined the rec center today!! They give DRM interns half price, so it's only $24 for 3 months!! It feels good to be able to go to the gym once again! The fact that it's it the ghetto makes it even better as well! Lots of people watching glory!

5) An ice scraper that the maintenance man gave me!! Can't get to work without it!!

2011-03-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

The first time I have made it to a computer since I left home and the first chance I have gotten to put words to what has been going on for the past couple of weeks!

Well, the road trip here was so much fun! So thankful Liv was able to come with me! We got to stop and hang with some good friends in Dallas as well and had such a good time! We also got to spend a few days with my grandparents in Colorado Springs!

Let me start with some basics of Colorado glory.

1) Altitude // We're high up there and it's hard to adjust to! The only description I can put to help you understand is to put yourself in the shoes of one who has asthma and can't make it through their daily activities without an inhaler. Yep! That's how it feels! Delightful? YES! :)

2) It's dry here // I don't go anywhere without lotion, chapstick and water. Like my skin wasn't already dry enough!! Granny hand to the 100th power!

3) I just might be the only chick in this darn state that doesn't own an outback car or have a roof rack! Chicks are serious about their mountain woman status, yikes! I would even go as far to say that many of them don't shave their legs and wear chacos!

4) Tumbleweed really exist outside the movies. I hit them all the time.

5) Cowboys are everywhere.

6) The 2 hour time difference from home is frustrating when trying to talk with family and friends! I have woken way too many people up so far :/

I could probably come up with 50 things off the top of my head, but I'll save it for later!

Denver Rescue Mission

Moved in on Saturday

I made it here in the afternoon and met my two roommates, Maria and Sarah. They are sweet! Things were all good until the reality of me living in this transitional living facility that's not in the safest area of town and not knowing a soul hit me. I haven't felt that sick to my stomach in a long time, stripped of all comfort. I spent hours pleading with God on why He brought me here? He then reminded me

The safest and most fulfilling place I will ever be is where He has called me.

I know that living here will bear much fruit in my walk with the Lord. Less time to focus on my own needs and more time to serve the Lord and serve others!

Started my internship at the Champa House on Monday!

What a sweet day that was!! I immediately felt at home meeting the staff and the women and their children! All my questioning of why the Lord brought me here was answered!

To just serve and to learn.

Some of my responsibilities for this internship include / Cooking dinner for the women, leading a weekly devotion, figuring out a class I would like to teach, assisting in LEC (life skills classes), GED math tutoring, education with the children, administrative office work and such!

Although I'm homesick, I'm very excited for this next 6 months! A time of refining and learning! Here we go! I will go into more detail soon and put up some pictures!

Last note! I really have something that has been heavy on my heart to share! Through this transition the Lord has really taught me how important it is to have a light hold on the things in my life! He gives and takes away, and I have to be ready and available to respond to His calling at any moment. I now realize that I have invested so much time, energy and money into making a place a home. This isn't my home. I need to spend more time investing in things with eternal worth!! My home is at the feet of my maker in eternity. The sweetest place for me! I want to live with that on my heart at all times!

Please continue to pray for me! I need strength and I need encouragement and ultimately I need a teachable heart!

2011-02-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

3 full days left of being home. The Lord continues to pave this path I am walking on. I am constantly surprised, prepared and not alone for each step He calls me to make!

This has, by far been such an exciting walk and adventure! The downside is too many see ya laters each day! NO BUENO! Why can't we have one big party to get it over with! Haven't cried once yet...teared up a bit reading letters but that's pretty much it! A clear sign that the Lord is preparing me! I hate goodbyes and am super emotional when it comes to them!

One of the coolest things has been the opportunity to share my story and this walk with people that don't know Jesus!! Literally each day He has placed someone in my life to share!! Another reminder to me that this whole opportunity has nothing to do with me! I'm just here to serve the Lord and be obedient! This excites me more than anything!! He has given me no control!!

I also have so many cool stories about the way the Lord is providing financially, but I will send that update in a few days!!!

2011-02-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

Last day in the office!

Weird that I won't spend my life transporting info on napkins into spreadsheets, won't get looks at the store for buying random objects or 15 gallons of OJ and 100 pounds of pancake mix and won't be comforting middle school parents through letting their child leave home for camp!

What have I learned?

Boomerangs, hula hoops and marbles are a seasonal item! How do I know? Searching the 239 for them when they're not in season for a Wednesday night game!

Ministry is hard! Persecution and attack accompany it. Clinging to the Lord, remembering who you're really serving, perseverance, having honest and hard conversations, prayer, and accountability get you through.

It has been worth every minute.

Thankful that the Lord has molded me during this time!

Excited for this next journey in my life, but will miss the students and leaders terribly!

Proverbs 16:9

10 first thoughts today!

2011-02-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

1) I can't breathe through my nose.

2) It's my last week of work.

3) Training Debbie this week and she is doing an incredible job. :)

4) All my stuff from my office fits in to a small box just like the movies!!

5) I only have 10% of my funds in and I leave in two weeks. Not sweating it. The Lord knows my needs more than I do! :)

6) Had the sweetest weekend hangin with good friends :) so blessed! Lots of see ya laters happening!

7) Praying for an exposed heart today. I don't want anything to keep me or distract me from knowing Jesus.

8) I wish I could breathe through my nose. I'm feeling like a heavy mouth breather.

9) Someone put Justin Bieber in my office and it's nice to have some company!

10) I need coffee!

2011-02-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

sweet day :)

2011-02-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

I am a lover of many things.

I love to be busy
love to be around people
love to laugh
love an adventure
love coffee
love music
love to read
love to be outside
love road trips
love to write
love to be creative
love to decorate/ design and so on.

The past week I have gotten so caught up in the things I enjoy and the desire to be constantly entertained.

I then realized that I can be entertained all day long and still not be satisfied.

I spend too much time pouring my heart and time into the things I love rather than the one I love. So today, my desire and prayer is that the Lord would teach me and mold me in this area of my life! I want to be motivated to do things because of my love for Him instead the the things I simply love!

He is holy-worthy of my all, my attention and my soul's affection.

What Kind of Tweeter are you?

2011-02-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

I like to put people in categories.. Figure them out by their behavior and habits. Weird, I know! This kind of stuff keeps me way too amused! Maybe I'm not the only one! Just my thoughts on some of the people I follow :) ....

Attention Tweeter- Does everyone of your tweets translate into notice me? Are you a name dropper? Do you use your twitter as free self promotion / PR? If so, you are an official Attention Tweeter. Congratulations, I wish you many replies, retweets, and follows...May they give you the boost of confidence you need to carry on and go places!

Siamese Twin Tweeter- A Siamese Twin Tweeter gives you no choice but to know every detail of their life and then some without you asking for it! Pretty much you feel like you are unfortunately attached at the forehead. Example: woke up at 6:15, dove into God's word with a splash while drinking a cup of coffee. Then went to run some errands. Took a quick nap and now I'm going to weed the garden... you get where I'm going with this?? :)

The P.S Tweeter- We all follow a P.S Tweeter and I can sometimes be one as well. Every tweet translates into a side note..Not too interesting and of not much importance...just there.

Obsessive Tweeter- The Obsessive Tweeter a) has no friends b) needs to get their words in for the day c) therefore, they use twitter as an outlet d) they need a BFF.

Anger Outlet Tweeter- Raise your hand if your first reaction of frustration is a tweet! I crack up when a friend uses twitter as an outlet for their frustration rather then actually talking to who their frustrated with! Especially when you can take a good guess at who it is!! I'm tempted too often to retweet with the name of the person I think they're upset with!

Presidential Address Tweeter- Do you plan out your tweets days in advance? Prepare them as if you're addressing the nations with much importance? You could be a Presidential Tweeter! Although I don't quite understand your ways, I appreciate them. Keep on keeping on. Maybe we'll quote or publish your tweets one day you smarty pants!!

Creeper / Tweeter= Creeter // Don't be that guy that reads everyone of the ladies tweets and quotes stuff back to them like it was their Idea... Example: Girl's tweet: Such a beautiful day on the beach, I will live here one day! Guy brings up in convo later that day.. "Such a beautiful day today. Sure wish I lived at the beach." WEIRDY!!! This has happened to my friends and I way too many times! Don't be that guy!! :)

Anchored in Love

2011-02-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

This is my soul's song today. What sweet words for a beautiful Saviour!

i've found a sweet haven of sunshine at last,
and Jesus abiding above,

His dear arms around me are lovingly cast
and sweetly He tells His love
the tempest is o'er

i'm safe evermore

what gladness what rapture is mine
the danger is past
i'm anchored at last
i'm anchored in Love divine

He saw me endangered and lovingly came
to quiet my storm-beaten soul
sweet words He has spoken and bless His dear name
the billows no longer roll

His love shall control me through life and in death
completely I'll trust to the end
i'll praise Him forever and with my last breath
i'll sing of my soul's Best Friend
i'm anchored in Love divine

Watch it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb7n8CZhqOI

2011-01-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

5 random things for you today!!

My love and need for adventure got me to a run in with the cops and an almost trip to the slammer with 4 of my closest friends. Adding the yellow slip to my scrapbook and putting adventure on hold for a little bit :) Can't wait to tell the story to my kids one day!!

Found out the internship I was chosen for at Denver Rescue Mission! I will be working at the Woman's Shelter working with the women on their worth in Christ and equipping them to be able to make a living! To work in an area like this has been a heart's desire for a good 5 years now :) Dreamer no more, it's the real thing! Can't wait to serve the Lord as I get to know the stories of these woman!!

My Dad just told me that he'll be coming to visit me in May!! We'll be going to see U2 together! We have been wanting to check it off the list for a while now!! So excited!

The Civil Wars album comes out tomorrow!

Will be online with the rest of the nation at 3AM this Thursday to try and pre-order the Verizon IPhone!! Let's see how it goes!

There you have it! Figured it was time for a random post.

2011-01-24T10:54:00.000-08:00

Over this past month of transitioning out of everything comfortable in my life, the Lord has been teaching me and walking me through a lot. He is captivating my heart and pursuing me into a deeper and more intimate walk and understanding of who He is.

:Today:

He is my supplier and provider.

He is faithful to equip and provide for my needs in bringing Him honor and glory alone.

Wanted to share with you some of the ways He has been faithful!! I am richly blessed. :)

1) He has supplied me with His Word. Every doubt, question, and worry I walk through is answered, corrected and challenged. My soul renewed and refreshed. :)

2) He has supplied me with jobs. I have been praying for opportunities to raise support through some extra jobs. He has overwhelmingly provided dog walking, dog sitting, cleaning condos, baby sitting and grocery shopping for people! I am so thankful!

3) He has supplied me with community. My family, my church and my friends have been a huge encouragement in my life during this time! Their support and accountability has made a huge impact on my life!

5) He has supplied me with taking care of the details. I am a detail oriented person. I like to plan and prepare. This season of my life has been the most hands off season of my life! He has prepared the way for me and taken care of the small things. His timing is sweet, and trusting Him to take care of the little things has captivated my heart. I don't understand it and don't deserve it. I am reminded that He has hemmed me in behind and before...

So be reminded and encouraged today! You have been called and equipped for a plan much greater than your own. A plan that is sweeter and costs you everything! His will and purpose is for you to bring Him all honor and glory and His promise is to equip you to do that very thing. :)

2011-01-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

As I collect my thoughts of all that has taken place in my life this year all that comes to mind is that I am simply in awe, more in love, and captivated by my Savior. Everything I have walked through in 2010 points to the one who brings my soul to life and has filled my heart with greater joy.

He is able, He is all consuming, He is just, sovereign, worthy, holder of time, faithful, true, holy, all powerful, and all that is lovely and to be feared. He is Teacher, Father, Healer, Provider, Redeemer.

My praise belongs to Him.

My eyes look to Him.

My heart is captivated by him.

and my life belongs to Him.

So as 2010 has come to a close, my prayer is that I am willing for Him to continue the work He has done in my life this year. May He daily tear my world a part in order to make Himself known and may I walk through whatever brings Him the most honor and glory in my life!!

So I say...I'm ready, do what You will! Let the journey of 2011 begin!!

It's official :)

2010-12-29T21:29:00.000-08:00

My dear friends!

I am so excited to be writing to you about an exciting journey that is ahead for me :) For months I have been wanting to run around hippy skippy and tell everyone, but I had to wait! Writing this makes it feel even more official than the phone call months ago!

You have all known for some time now that I have felt led to GO but was told to WAIT. 4 years of waiting, growing, seeking, refining, learning, following, leading, listening and life has passed. I am confident more then ever that the time is now to pack up and go!

Come March I will be doing just that. Packing up my car with a few things and heading to Denver, CO to intern with the Denver Rescue Mission. It would take too long to explain how it all came about. Long story short- anything ordained and orchestrated by the Lord just works. I can't even explain how refreshing it feels to have a complete confidence and peace to pursue this opportunity!

I will be a part of this internship for 6 months // March-August! I am so excited to be set free from an on the clock perspective of ministry.

Confession: I am looking forward to working in a ministry that doesn't cling to a cheesy little feel good saying of "come alongside" or "dive into" they just DO IT. and by just doing ministry// that means building relationships, hard conversations, hard work, messy, not picture perfect strategic serving and consistent discipleship.

There is still a lot of details that I don't have answers about just yet. That kills the planner in me, but I am learning to just go with it an be patient. I will find out a lot more in February I am told :) haha!

This is not a paid position, so I am working like crazy doing extra jobs to save up to pay all my bills while I am away. No need for me to stress, I know the Lord will provide a way! I am so excited to see the Lord meet my needs in a whole new way in this stage of my life! He is always faithful to provide and equip me with the needs in my life to pursue after Him and the calling and purpose to bring Him glory!

Nothing about this adventure has anything to do with me, but everything to do with me getting out of the way in order for the Lord's name to receive all glory. The fact that I get to be a part of something like this is incredible. I am so thankful!!

This last questionnaire is for the worriers out there that think I am a crazy and who ask me these kinda of questions!

1) Are you scared? Nope, I'm sure there will be times that I will be worried but that's normal.

2) Do you know anyone there? Only my grandparents, they live about an hour away in Colorado Springs.

3) So you will have no friends? Nope, but I will meet good ones..I'm sure of it!

4) What is Liv gonna do? She is going to crawl in a corner and whither away...bahaha, seriously people?? She will be doing her thing and I will be doing mine! We will just be a few states a part challenging and encouraging each other over the phone and laughing at the random happenings of life! She is my sister and that will never change!

5) Oh my goodness you will meet "someone" there? Stupid expectation and furthest thing from my mind! It 's not a priority and has nothing to do with me getting out of Fort Myers.

6) What are you going to do after 6 months? I don't know and that is exciting :)

7) What do your parents think? They are the most supportive and encouraging parents I could ever ask for! I think they are more excited than I am!! haha

There are a lot more questions I have been asked but those are just the most popular ones :)

Final note:: I am so thankful for the people in my life that have continued to point me to Jesus and have challenged me to not make comfortable decisions but right ones. Obedient and disciplined decisions. Decisions that cost me something and require understanding and strength that I alone have no strength to pursue.

Following Jesus isn't following the American dream. It's more exciting than that :)

so boots, banjos, city, hippies, and mountains...Ima comin atcha :)

2010-12-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

December has been too busy to write! The best kind of busy that could possibly be! If you care to lend your ear :) ...

Dec 7
Packed up the gold digggaahh and hit the road with @livhelman. We have both been itchin' to get out of town, visit some friends and have an adventure! This was the only week that was available to take off, so we took full advantage of it!

:First Stop: Whitney Miller // Asheville, NC. Arrived late and was greeted with a 17 degree embrace. It has been so long since I have existed in a temperature like that, and I must say I have not missed it at all. Worst part is running to your car to then try and hold it together before the heat kicks on 20 minutes later. Are there any cars that have steering wheel heaters? If not, I will be sure to invent such a thing!

The three days we spent with Whit were much needed. Got to relax, laugh a lot, wear 15 layers of clothes, see a folk and bluegrass show, hang with the granolas, hang downtown and got to go to the Biltmore!

:Second Stop: Steven & Kristi Anderson // Newport News, VA.
Steven, Kristi and their boys, Jonathan & Tyler left us recently, and it worked out perfectly for us to stop by for a visit! Always a great time with them! One of the coolest families who has made a huge impact on my life! Wish we could of stayed longer! So thankful to see them and go to their new ministry @WEC!

:Third Stop: Savannah, GA- for fun :)
The biggest adventure of the trip and possibly the year was driving through the snow. 15 mins after we were on the road to Savannah from VA it started snowing. First 30 mins were exciting. We did the whole pull over and take a picture thing. 30 mins later and I was bear hugging the steering wheel, couldn't see 2 feet in front of me and cars were in the ditch and over the bridge. The town ahead had already been covered in snow and it was coming down thick. For a moment there I didn't see any way of making it to GA that night. Thankfully we only had about 40 minutes until we would make it out. All that to say, this beach bum drove in a blizzard...done!

We were so exhausted from driving over the course of those few days that that we literally fell asleep at 9PM each night! Hilarious! I absolutely love downtown Savannah! Everything has so much character and charm and is precious! Need to go back again and stay a little bit longer. Thankful for that time to relax before heading back to work and life.

It was a great trip! I am richly blessed to have a community of incredible friendships all across the states!

It has also been such a blessing to have a best friend like Liv. She is truly the sister I never had! Our travels together have been some of the most fun times of my life!

I hope to spend the rest of my life traveling, seeing new things, being a part of adventures, meeting new people, serving, and in pursuit of my Father.

2010-11-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

Holiday Pet Peeves!

1) Playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving. Don't do it! 30 days of Christmas music should be enough! While you're at it, don't decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving too! Thank you!

2) When people wish me a Happy Turkey Day.

3) When girls paint their nails every other red and green.

4) A tacky yard explosion of lights and figurines. One things I do know is that tweety, mickey mouse, santa and Jesus shouldn't be having a dance party on your lawn to the techno music that is programmed to your Christmas lights.
Keep it simple and classic!

5) People who listen to Christmas radio 24/7. That's just weird! No, I don't want to hear 25 different versions of "Little Drummer Boy" or "Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer."

6) The whole worship set list transforming into a caroling session. I am here to worship, not jingle jangle!

7) Buying a Christmas tree when it's 95 degrees out.

8) The Mass Text:: Might as well say "Hey, I'm thinkin of you on this day along with all 350 contacts in my phone!" Yep, real special! Don't do it! If you care enough to send one...make it personal!!

9) This one is a given...When we disguise Christmas with the word Holiday! Come on!

10) Anything Christmas mixed with Characters. So tacky, ehhh!

Sorry for the Debbie Downer Pet Peeves! I promise I love a lot about Thanksgiving, Christmas and traditions! :) I will be sure to blog about that too! :)

It's Friday!

2010-11-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

So these past couple weeks have been so busy. There was so much stuff going on that I was literally getting 3-4 hours of sleep a night. Every bit of it was worth it! The best kind of exhaustion. I did get sick though, figures! Been sick the past week, but I think it's over now!

Changes, Changes, Changes

The reacurring theme of the past few months of my life has been changes, changes, and more changes. It's really quite amusing! Right when I adapt to a situation it either changes completely or is completely taken away. You can imagine that the first few weeks of getting used to that were not too pleasant. Let me remind you if you have forgotten...I am stubborn! Few months later, and changes are a new normal for me!

God has used these continual changes do nothing but tear my world a part in order to make Himself known in my life and the road ahead! A lot of growing pains for sure. He continues to save me from the the American Dream and show me His way for me!

So many things I am looking forward to!

So excited to spend Thanksgiving with my family! One of my favorite days all year! Love spending the day sittin around telling stories, being crazy and on the beach!

Going to see Needtobreathe @ HOB the 27th! YES! I have been waiting for two years to see them! If you want to join us let me know!!

ROAD TRIP! I'm ready for a vacation and road trips are the best kind! Liv and I are headed up to see Whit in Ashville, NC, The Anderson's in Newport News, VA and then we're gonna stay in Savannah,GA for a couple days on the way home! Counting down the days! Never been on a road trip in the winter!

What I have been listening to this week and you should too!

The Civil Wars- Poison & Wine EP
Keith Urban- Get Closer
The Icarus Account- Sunshine and Rain
Mumford & Sons- Sigh No More
Gatlin Elms- Carry Me Home

Have a great weekend, my friends! :)

2010-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Attention all my single people! Just a few things the Lord is continuing to teach me in my singleness that I would like to share with you!

Enjoy it.

You have the opportunity to whole heartily pursue the Lord and the coolest journey in ministry with no distractions! Let's submerge ourselves in God's word and be 100% available and ready to follow Jesus as His disciples. Pretty much I'm saying...Don't sit in the pew and rot! You don't have time for that! :)

Don't look.

Stop looking for a mate and serve! Not only do you look desperate but you also will end up living a life consumed in self. What you want, what you need, waiting, waiting, it's all about me, blah blah! People who are always looking to meet their own needs will never experience rich fulfilment in Christ because their heart is no where near being aligned with the will of God!

Accountability & Community

Protect your time with the Lord and surround yourself with a community of friendships that will hold you accountable!

Set communication standards in your friendships with the opposite sex

It is very important to be clear in your friendships with the opposite sex. Don't be naive. Communication is key. A lot of my friends spend a lot of time and a lot of heart trying to figure out "what's going on." Waste of time!

Girls, You want a leader! If he isn't clear of his intentions then he isn't for you!

Adventure

Have fun, travel and be young!

One day the Lord will place someone in your life to walk beside you on this journey, and it will be a sweet thing! Until then...don't worry about it and put all your energy into knowing Christ and serving Him! There is no greater thing :)

The Dungeon

2010-11-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

A little story for ya!

Ok, decided randomly to get my nose pierced again on Sunday along with Kory getting his lip pierced. We looked up the nearest place and stumbled upon a gem of a tattoo slash piercing place called "Dungeon Tattoos."
Yep, the name alone sounds anything but sanitary and safe. I had forgotten it was Halloween so you can also imagine my surprise to be greeted by a bunch of spike wearing people. I'm talking half footer spikes around the neck! AH! I would of been out the door immediately, but everyone else seemed to think it was sanitary and normal, so I kept my mouth shut. I start signing the papers and then went to the bathroom to calm down. I hate needles. Bad place to calm down...their bathroom looked like a murder had taken place there...creeper sounds, leaking plumbing, random objects, dirty, etc. Yikes!

When I came out a 40 year old sunglass inside wearin man came in with a container full of candy mixed with baked goods.

The guy who was about to pierce my nose definitely took a handful of those baked goods. Glad he hadn't consumed them before hand...Just sayin!

This all made for me, a pansy, to want to pass out. Thankful Liv was holding my hand through the whole process. It wasn't too terrible, but the moment a blinked my eyes tears came flowing out. Not embarrassing at all...

There you have it...Just another normal day in my life! :)

2010-10-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

:Today:

I desire a disciplined, steady and obedient pace on this journey and road I travel. Free me from selfish motives and ambition. I trade my way for all that You are. Cover me and bring light to my eyes, my all and only.

Psalms 13:2-3

2010-10-26T11:30:00.001-07:00

What do we have to show for all this " strategic planning and thinking?"

It is great to seek wisdom, be patient, creative and plan ministry, but there comes a time when you can strategically think your way to a process that has no ear to the Spirit.

I think back on my life and wonder what it would look like if I would of just said yes when the Spirit was leading me rather than making a "plan."

I'm an organizer, a planner and an analyzer.

Lord, set me free from a disease of tangled comfort and control.

I don't want to be a hearer of the word. I want to be a doer//James 1:22-25!!

2010-10-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

Fantastic Friday!

Steven, Kristi and the kids, are moving to Virginia in 3 weeks. Their family has had huge impact on my life over these past few years! I am so thankful for their encouragement, friendship, support, and example in my life. I will miss them dearly, but I am so excited for the new ministry the Lord has prepared for them! Adding VA to the road trip list!

When I first started working in the Student Ministry we had 5 full time staff members. We’re now down to two, and I’m the only person left from that first team. Too much change for a Student Ministry in 4 years if you ask me. Poor things! It’s a good thing I like to organize. Fixin’ to go into organize freak mode! I will be doing lots of volunteer recruiting!

What I have been listening to this week and you should too! // Phoenix, Needtobreathe, Kings of Leon, Brooke Fraser, Sarah Bareilles, U2, The Temper Trap, Fiction Family, The Icarus Account.

Its official, my staff infection is finally gone, and I didn’t have to get surgery! I am so thankful! What I have learned in the process of that mess: Your true friends will stay within 3 feet of you!

Blueberries and cream coffee is back at 7eleven. It is delight in a cup! :)

Fun trips ahead!

November// 2 Orlando trips

December//road trip to VA and NC and random places along the way

January// ATL for Passion!

February //Guatemala

I am a happy lady!

I can now watch the news in the morning in my room! Simple pleasure for me! Life feels back to normal! One of the things I have missed from my morning routine from when I had my own place! The Schaar’s are so sweet to let me use one of their tvs!

I think last night was the first night I have gotten more than 8 Hours of sleep in the past couple of months, and I think my body is rejecting it! Still feel so tired and this weekend is too busy to be low on enerrgy!

Have a sweet weekend :)

2010-10-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Time, hurry up and pass already!

2010-10-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

So thankful that there is never a dull moment! Always a lot of life to live and a lot of laughter to be had!

Russian Boys have arrived! 4 of them ages 11-13.

One mullet and one curly rat tail are represented among the 4 of them!

They don't speak English, so we are all thankful for the itranslate!

Their first words to me were "we are very glad to see you!"

Their time zone is way off, so they were doing acrobatic activity in their room at 2:00am while speaking 100 miles a minute. Sounds exactly like you would imagine...like a lot of spitting is going on!

I just laid in my bed and laughed listening to them until 3am! Funny kids and full of energy. When they woke up this morning it sounded like a stampede in the hallway!

Here's to a good two weeks! May we have countless opportunities to live out the Gospel while they are with us!

7 years later!

2010-10-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

So I went to storage the other day to get some things out and found my old prayer journals.

Reading through them is such a sweet reminder of how Faithful the Lord has been and always is in my life, the things He has given and taken away, the desires He has given me for ministry, and the areas He is continually molding and refining me!

One of the things that hit me the hardest were my prayers and pleading with God over my brother, Jake's, life. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

My prayers and pleads are still the same today as a 23 yr old as they were the days I wrote them as a 16 yr old.

So...7 years later and Jake is a lot worse off then he was during that time, but I will continue to cover him in prayers that are dependant upon the Lord and for His glory!

HE is faithful and is at work and has been all these years!

He is to be praised because He is WORTHY!!

Please pray for our family during this time. I strongly believe that family is the greatest ministry. May each one of us be available to fulfill the call and purpose we each play in Jake's life with all hurt and baggage aside!

Psalms 141:2 //
May my prayer be set before you like incense, may the lifting of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Hope your day is sweet, my dear friends! May the rich and thick presence of God be what sustains and carries you today!!

Let's talk Ed Hardy

2010-10-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

First of all I just need to ask a question...

WHY?

Ladies, any man who wears Ed Hardy is not marriage material...therefore not date able!

Save yourself some heart ache!.. A man that wears bedazzled tigers and dragons has some things they need to work out.

Who's with me!?

Hmm?..

2010-10-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

October

15 // Orlando
30&31 // Orlando

November

12-14ish // Orlando
27 // Orlando

Seeing a trend. Maybe I should move to Orlando?

Pirate Fest '10!

2010-10-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Only my hometown would have a Pirate Festival! It was their 5th annual one and my first! What a delight it was, an explosion of slur talkin crazies.

Between this guy not letting go of my hip or huffy's hair, I regret ever getting this picture!

They were everywhere! On the beach, in elevators, the stairwells, dining out, riding bikes, in cars, in the bathrooms, and on stage singing. Yes, everywhere! Not sure one could ever get used to seeing a sight like that!

He was my favorite! He must live for this weekend, and I think we're the same height! That's a first!

Guy friends made me take this pic, and I will be sure to never take their advice again! I felt like I had escaped a sweaty pit after this pic. Nast!

Everyone should attend a pirate festival in their life! So much fun!

Another cross of the list for me!

RSVP

2010-10-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is who wants to RSVP to my pity party?

Have a knee infection from an adventure gone wrong! The only way I can describe the pain is...

1// I feel like I am continually getting struck by lightning in the knee

2// Someone is beating me with a baseball bat

3// Or someone shot me

Take your pick!

Looks like elephantitus in the knee. On antibiotics and might have to go under the knife tomorrow...AH! I am not made for that sort of thing. Looks a lot better than yesterday, so there might be hope!

In the meantime, you will find me around town with the pep in my step of an 80 year old woman :)

Content!

2010-10-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

I’m content, I’m satisfied, and my soul has been filled with the richest of foods!

A few weeks ago this was the furthest thought and attitude of my heart!

I am continuing to learn that being content has nothing to do with circumstances or surroundings but instead has everything to do with death to self and heart alignment and sustain in the will of the Father.

I don’t have all the answers and lots of times I just don’t understand the ones I do know.

The only thing to cling to and understand is that God is sovereign! Everything He brings me through stands a plan and purpose and opportunity to bring Him glory.

My heart is at peace with where I am and where I’m not!

Today, I know that He has equipped me to do His perfect will. No need for anything else but that!

So today I say.

I’m ready, do what You will and have Your way. Whatever brings You the most honor and glory in my life today, tomorrow and the next is what I want! Use me in spite of and beyond myself!

Fantastic Friday♥

2010-10-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

It's that time again...Fantastic Friday! Where has the week gone?

Today is going to be completely random! I haven't had my coffee yet and am running low on sleep!

1// Liv's birthday was a good day of random festivity and celebration! Sunshine, friendship, the pool, and a grill calls for nothing but! :)

2// This living on a budget thing is kinda fun. Watch out for me and my envelope system!

3// New pet peeve: Listening to people fill up their drinks from the soda fountain machine. I am convinced that it shares the same equivalency as nails on a chalk board to me. Let me brake this down. OK, you have your cup. You go to fill it up. You then act like the fizz is a surprise as it starts to raise up to your glass super fast. You stop. Try to fill it up some more. Stop. Try to fill it up some more. Stop. Try to fill it up some more. The you finally decide to top it off. AHH! Just talking about it is driving me crazy!

4// The gym hopping has come to an end! Liv and I finally found a free gym to use! Thank you Jeffrey! So now we're training to run a 10k. High five if that actually happens!

5// Bike rides on Fort Myers Beach are always a treat! I don't think people ever really understand how different the people really are on the island! Whit and I ventured on out on a bike ride this week, and within the first five minutes got soaked with a hose from a creeper washing his car. He thought he was just the funniest thing around. Two blocks later the chain came off of whit's bike. I flip the bike over to fix it...cop pulls up. Is just sitting in the car watching me. Finally comes out and asks if we're having bike trouble? No, not at all! By this time I had fixed the bike. At least they offered to get me a wet one! My hands were black.

6// Little baby Anderson is here! I wish I was in Kentucky right now :(

7// I'm taking care of the Schaar's home and McKenna while they are out of town! Been fun! Feel like a mom. Where's my suburban with the family stick figure stickers across the back?!

8// The weather has been beautiful that past two days. It is a rule to be outside on days like this! Work is the only exception to not!

9// Making my last Sallie Mae loan payment today!! This means I only have to finish one more school loan!! I am so excited! FREEDOM!

10// Got a really cool opportunity this week to go to Guatemala and be a part of putting together a youth conference for them in February!!! Just waiting to hear more details to see if it will work out!!

11// I will end with this! Find ways this week to serve the Lord and others creatively and whole heartily!

2010-09-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes words seem so cliche and empty.

So I've made up my mind. I want to do a lot less talking and a lot more showing and serving!

Actions carry so much weight! :)

Take it from a girl who has a history with jean jumpers!

2010-09-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Rules relating to JEANS and anything JEAN!

Listen up ladies and gentlemen!

These are just the rules I live by. J Please feel free to add your suggestions!

length// is key in the selection of a pair of jeans! You have the ability to look like Huckleberry Finn or a slob all in the matter of an inch or two! Who would of thought?!

ladies

If you’re wearing heels- your jeans should then have a little more length to them. Ankle jeans and heels are a bad combo!

If you’re wearing flats- make sure your jeans don’t trail behind you.

Wash// You can never go wrong with a dark pair of jeans! Haven’t seen many bleach washes going around lately, so I think everyone is getting the memo!

Fit//

Last time I checked jinco jeans were no longer in style unless you are living in 1995. In other words, baggy/ wideleg jeans are not my favorite.

I’m a fan of skinny jeans, but if your skinny jeans look like they are spray painted on your body then maybe you should get a new pair!

If you’re not a fan of the skinny jeans, go for the straight legs! Just sayin!

Everything else jean related

Jean + Shorts = JORTS

Hey Ladiesss!

Throw away your dazy dukes. That’s right, you heard me! Don’t even drop them off at goodwill! There are too many short jean shorts floating around. Let’s put a stop to them!

Gentlemen

Jorts should never be an option. Period.

Only 2% of the guy population can make some cut of jorts work. Most likely you are not in the 2%!

Jeans + Jean Jacket = JOUTFIT

don't let it happen to you!

jean accessories

Jean purses

Jean comforters

Jean leggings (jeggings)

Jean backgrounds

Jean looking bathing suits

Pretty much every jean accessory in existence should be retired.

Why I think it is crucial for people to abide by these rules?..I don't know, I suppose I'm a jean snob. Do what you will!

2010-09-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Was reminded yesterday that the Lord is always on time!

He's never early and never late.

What sweet timing it always is :)

Fantastic Friday!

2010-09-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to fantastic Friday! My favorite day of the week,
and the day I will document anything random, fantastic, an observation or a story worth telling from the week!

1// It's official, the coffee shop is now my living room! I haven't gone a day this week without being there with friends! They study for their classes and I read, write, people watch or try and distract them for a few minutes! Quality people watching I must say. My favorite group so far is the knitting group. They have the most interesting and amusing conversations of all time. I'm officially a creeper!

2// I have such an incredible community of friends! A movement in Fort Myers is about to happen!!

3// One of my best friends is back in town for a couple months, and I couldn't be happier! Laughing is all we do!

4// I put myself on a tight budget to save money from here on out, and it is going well! A good discipline for me and it causes me to be creative and intentional with my time and stewardship!

5// There is so much routine in my life. So routine I almost back into the same business man pulling out of the driveway every morning! So I'm trying to switch it up as much as possible by adding something into the mix. Change the scenery, the time, the place etc! It has been glorious!

6// Liv's birthday is tomorrow and I feel like it's Christmas! I'm just so excited to spend the day celebrating her birth let me tell ya!

7// It's crazy the opportunities you have to reach out to people and hear their stories when you get over yourself and are available. This week has been so full of good conversations :)

8// We went night kayaking with a group of people a few days ago! 4 people on each 2 person kayak during shark feeding time. It. was. hilarious. Tipped about 5 times out in the deep. Not terrifying at all!

9// Brooke is about to have her baby!! Why do we have to live so far away from each other??? Can't wait to meet little Anderson!!

I could go on forever, but I will stop! What a great week it was!

2010-09-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

~~Everything else I write just gets scratched out...because all I am really learning is that...~~

I'm just a beggar at the foot of the cross.

Dressed in rags. I’m unworthy, penniless, weak, and hungry.

SYATP!

2010-09-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

What a sweet blessing this morning was!

Got to join my small group girls at their public middle school this morning for prayer!

About 12 kids showed up, but what a powerful time of prayer it was! We had students from all different walks of life with different stories and a whole lot of baggage and hurts. Their honesty and hunger to know Jesus blows me away!

Please join with me in prayer for each one of these girls. Each name represents a girl who is being bullied, a family that is falling a part and girls who have been abandoned by their parents.

Jasmaine
Sierrah
Jesenia
Jordan
Rebbecca

Our God is the ultimate healer, provider, comforter and faithful Father! May His name be glorified!

Awkward Explosion!

2010-09-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is where I'm at!

You've either been in this stage // I applaud you and need encouragement!
Are in this stage// let's walk this road together or
You are about to be in this stage // get ready!

Or maybe I'm a loner! Wouldn't surprise me one bit!

It's the awkward in between stage...I'm not talkin about the "I'm a 6th grade girl...don't wear deodorant, and run around sweaty chasing boys kind of stage." I'm referring to the stage when you feel out of place, removed and uprooted from everything you have always called home.

That is me, oh my!

I am slowly feeling the effects of the Lord taking dear things and dear people away from me, so I can follow Him with no distractions during this next time of preparation and transition.

There are aches ,pains and hurts, but He is faithful and knows best!

I have no answers...only direction! I am so thankful for that! If I had the slightest clue during this time I would find a way to mess it up!

Losing grip feels awkward!! But let me tell you, how sweet it is to be freed up to to cling to the one who has filled my lungs with each breath!

His way is perfect!

2 Samuel 22:31-37//

³¹ "As for God, his way is perfect;
       the word of the LORD is flawless.
       He is a shield
       for all who take refuge in him.
³² For who is God besides the LORD ?
       And who is the Rock except our God?
³³ It is God who arms me with strength
       and makes my way perfect.
³⁴ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
       he enables me to stand on the heights.
³⁵ He trains my hands for battle;
       my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁶ You give me your shield of victory;
       you stoop down to make me great.
³⁷ You broaden the path beneath me,
       so that my ankles do not turn

What are you known for?

2010-09-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

This might come across as harsh, but bear with me!

Why is it that when you ask someone how their walk is their immediate response is...

->>Great, I’m really involved at my church. I’m in the choir, work with the soup kitchen, volunteer in the preschool ministry on Sundays, started a basket weaving ministry and so on. <--

This is when I think…WAIT! You’re missing it!!

How involved you are at church has NOTHING to do with your love for the Lord and relationship with Him!

I have been this person and still fight it.

I didn’t know how to say no, I was always the go to for things; I was too busy and so involved that my time with the Lord was suffering. I was just plain exhausted.

We will be known by our fruit! Walking with Jesus isn’t exhausting and chaotic. It’s anything but that! It's simple. Slow down and step away. Protect your time with the Lord and pick something your called to and pursue it!

Being involved at Church is great, but when it gets in the way and distracts you from being disciplined in your Faith and available for what the Lord has specifically created you to do is when it’s wrong. Satan wants to creep in and get you so busy that you don’t have time to read your Bible, be held accountable, lead your family, pray for your friends, humbly serve, and share the Gospel with your neighbors and those around you.

I can think of a bunch of things in my life that cloud my vision.

Matthew 7: 15-23 //
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

What’s keeping you from being known as a disciple and not just a --> busy always around kind of person?

Psalms 19:7-8♥

2010-09-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Psalms 19:7-8

The Law of the Lord is perfect,

reviving the soul

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

I will not be shaken!

For my God revives my soul,

His direction is right and brings joy to my heart,

His commands are radiant and give light to my eyes!

Just Sayin!

2010-09-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

Cookie Cutter or White Picket Fence // Call it what you like, but....

There is nothing "cookie cutter" about my life. It is messy, all over the place, it's confusing. It's random, seasons are always changing.

Who said there was anything wrong with that?!

I'll be honest. I have wanted a cookie cutter, nice and neat, look good on paper kind of life too many times.

This kind of desire leads me to disappointment every time!

A cookie cutter life does nothing but point to self achievement and strength.

Why you ask? Cause a cookie cutter life doesn't need Jesus. Nor is it a life that relies solely upon Him.

Following Jesus is messy, it's random, it's hard and there are many seasons.

When I filter my idea of what I want my life to look like through God's Word, I realize that I don't want anything to do with those ideals and expectations.

Just give me Jesus.

I want the mess
I want the random

I want the seasons

If just to know Him more and daily walk beside Him

That, my friends, is a rich life!! The most incredible walk there is and one full of adventure!

So lets redefine our idea of what is rich, what achievement really looks like.

I want to be

Disciplined

Faithful

Willing

Available

&ready

For anything He calls me to do!

Hold me accountable to this. Have hard conversations with me. Ask me about my motives and intentions. I need it!

Matthew 16:24&25//Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.♥

Do I stand alone in this?

2010-06-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

A lot of you have been asking, so here's the update on life!

A bunch of you have known that I have been trying to get school loans paid off for some time now! 3 years of making those payments, and I'm almost there!!! It is so important to me to not be held back by finances so I can freely follow the walk the Lord has for me!

Well, the Lord has provided an incredible opportunity to do so! A family that I am really close to offered for me to move in with them for a little bit to free me up from paying rent! One of the coolest families I know! They have been such a blessing in my life for so many years! So awesome how things fall into place when you let go of the grip you have on your life and plans! Being able to sit back and watch Him orchestrate the small details in my life has been AWESOME! The fact that his love for us in that intricate blows my mind!!

So that's why the move took so long...had to fit 2 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, 2 closets and a porch into a 5by6 storage unit!! I'm so thankful it's all over!! The process was stinkin hilarious!

So here I am, living with a family, Workin at the church and paying off my stuff! The simple life! It is exciting to know that changes are ahead! Kinda crazy that I don't know what they are! I'm willing and ready to go whenever and wherever!! :)

2010-05-14T06:57:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Mess!

2010-04-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

      So we've all had those days where everything seems to go wrong. You're buried beneath a mess that you didn't know how you got there or why, but you're there! I’m buried beneath an aged mess right now! I wondered why, but I know! Sometimes I move on from hard situations a little too soon. Before there is healing, before I have learned everything the Lord was trying to teach me or what I needed to do, and sometimes I just move on with my own strength!
      Thankfully the Lord always takes my mess and makes it into something beautiful. Strips me down and fills me up. He pursues me, always captivates my heart, is thoughtful, never gives up, knows my needs and brings healing. My messes always remind me of how wide, how long, how high, how deep is the love of my father // Eph 3:18// and how great my need is for Him! That is what's beautiful :) He is!!! That right there makes my heart want to explode!
      If you've found yourself in a mess... it's not the end of the world! It's the beginning of a beautiful transformation and work that the Lord will do in your life!
      Healing takes time! Don't be in a rush! Be obedient in what the Lord has scripturally called you to do! Don't dwell on your mess// submerge yourself in God's word! You will then truly experience living in the freedom of Christ!!

Romans 8:28♥

2009-10-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

//For the good// doesn't mean the things I think I need.

//For the good// is the equiping to glorify Him, the strength to serve Him, the heart and discipline to love him and see others the way he does, the supplies to do His will. My daily bread.

I have been called to live according to his purpose!

I want to live my life surrendered to HIS good in my life.

Fall is here♥

2009-10-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

Florida got a late memo about Fall, but atleast some fall characteristics are here! It felt so good to open up my house and let the cool air come through while having a cup of coffee! :) It was 54 degrees yesterday morning! Now we just need the leaves to change colors? OH, wait! That doesn't happen here! Haha!

:♥:Check off list for this fall // Winter in the Fort: ♥:

1) Go to an apple/ pumkin farm--still working on finding a legit place in FL.

2) Getting some sweet hallowen turtle necks and takin hilarious picks with a fall background! HA

3) Hayride

4) Go to New York City during Christmas time (Going December 16th!!!)

5) Bike ride downtown frequently.

6) Start going to the market downtown on Thursday mornings to get flowers, fruit, vegtables, etc...(Insert your laugh at me here!)

7) Write more!

8) Redecorate my house.

9) Meet lots of new people!

10) Start working with Aids victims in Fort Myers// finally found a cool ministry down here!

11) Study South Africa

12) Go to more shows

13) Spend time at the beach as much as possible

14) Go Camping

15) Bonfire

16) Worship night at the beach

17) Thrift stores

18) Roadtrip

19) Christmas card made of liv and I in tacky Christmas sweaters at Walmart!

I gotta get a move on it!

So blessed!

2009-10-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

Today I can do nothing but think of how richly blessed I am! The Lord has truelly supplied for my needs! Not always the needs I think I have but the needs to fulfill the journey of living for Him! In Him alone I am satisfied! That is all I got for ya today :) short and sweet!

::My thoughts today::

2009-10-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about way too much today...it's time to spill :)

::1:: The weather is gorgeous outside today! You know how schools have different block days? I was thinking...what if the business world took on a block schedule...When it's raining out/overcast/or 100 degrees you have to be in the office from 9-5. When it's/sunny/ in the 70s or below/humidity free/ a good beach day/ or tropical storm like take the day to live outside and do something adventurous/ creative... Hey, I think it's a good idea!

::2:: Will I ever get out of FL? I do love it here. I've spent most of my years growing up here! My family is here, My friends are here, the beach, my church family and my job is here, but I know I was created to travel and live a life long adventure pursuing my maker and the things he has created me to do! I can't help but get excited every time I think of where He might lead next!!South Africa is my first choice!! :)

::3:: I am a people person, and being in this office alone is getting the best of me...

::4:: Just finished studying my small group lesson for my 8th grade girls! It's a really good lesson!! It was very encouraging for me. It talks about how God created us to SERVE! Serving is a difficult job because sin gets in the way, but we have the opportunity to experience JOY in serving because we have received God's grace! How do we develop a life of service? 1) Find your fit 2) Evaluate your priorities 3) Serve where you are 4) Seek to please God & not others! Man that's good stuff :) I want to develop a life of service!

::5:: Excited to spend some time with my mom tonight! She's coming in to town, and we're going bike riding downtown!!

::6:: I can't wait till the day that I write a check for my last school loan payment!!

::7:: Tomorrow is Friday! My favorite day of the week! I love Fridays cause there's always so much to look forward to! Sometimes that's the best part of doing something...is looking forward to it! Does that make sense?

::8:: I have been a little bummed out the past few days, and I really don't know why! I think the Lord is trying to get my attention! It has been good for me to spend more time with Him!

I will leave you with this verse today that I LOVE and am being reminded of!

Psalm 73:24 & 25
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Vacation oh nine!

2009-05-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

It seems like we were gone forever! Whit, Liv & I left last Saturday to go visit Ashley, Jon, Brook and Chad! It was such a fun road trip!! We laughed a lot, stopped every hour, slept in ghetto places, went on random adventures, got lost, met cool people, walked all over Louisville and Nashville, saw Chad's show, played some corn hole, and went to lots of coffee shops! It doesn't get any better than that :)

Stop#1-Tallanasty!

After years, we finally got to visit Ash in Tallahassee! It was so good to see her! We didn't have much time to spend there but made the best of the time we did have! That night we went out for sushi and then walked around downtown and then got coffee at a really cute coffee shop. Am I wrong or is Tallahassee filled with creepers?...Haha, ran into an abundance of them! We stayed with Ash that night at her apartment. Liv and I got to sleep in the abandoned room that only had a mattress in it... No sheets and no bed frame and the floor was covered with tumbleweeds of hairr from the chick that used to live there....sickkkk! I am a clean freak, so this was a stretch for me. I just had to keep reminding myself to get over it! I thoroughly enjoyed using my beach towel as a bed sheet that night...it was hilarious!

Stop#2-Louisville, Kentucky!

My good friends Brooke & Jon Malko just moved up there, so we went to visit them for a few days! There place is so cute and we had such a good time with them! It was so good to see them. I miss them living down here so much! This is the 3rd time I've been able to go visit there, and I love it more everytime! I love all the architecture of the buildings and the character of the city! Not like Florida at all! Liv and Whit loved it! We spent most of our time on bardstown road! Lots of cute shops! We were pretty much the only people that showered on a daily basis on that road! Hippies!

Stop#3- Nashville, Tennessee!

We went to Nashville to see our good friend Chad! His band, Yellow Cavalier, was having their 1st show at exit/in, and we wanted to be their to support them! It was an awesome venue! The other bands that played that night were more indie/rock and with Yellow Cavalier being mostly pop you can see that there would be some talk... It was pretty funny. When they were setting everything up people started talking. They were asking us why the guys were just standing there not holding any instruments. We were so nervous for them! When they started I looked back and all the scene kids looked memorized! It was one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time. They were in shock, but they so liked it! I was really impressed with how well they did. Their performance was better than all the other bands there that night!! So proud of them! Get it boooiiiisss! :)

I loved Nashville! It was my first time there. It was a lot different than I expected. It was more spread out! Wish we could of spent more time there!!

This was just a summary of everything. Got to do ALOT! :) We has such a good time! One thing I noticed while we were away was that when your on a trip you're always looking for the most exciting ways to spend your time, are always flexible and carefree and make the best with what you have...you live creatively! It's so easy to live a routine life and be a routine Christian. I have fallen into it many times, but it will get the best of you! Live creatively! Be creative in the way you show your love for Christ! Live with passion and excitement for what's to come. We have so much more purpose in Christ than to miss out on an incredible journey and an opportunity to reach others!!! ♥

Brooke & Jon!

2009-04-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

Many of you know Brooke & Jon Malko and know they are moving to Kentucky next week. I'm so sad to see them go, but I am so excited when I think about the opportunities God is giving them in Kentucky! Brooke has been such a blessing in my life! It has been awesome to work with her in the student ministry! She became one of my dearest friends! I am going to miss her and Jon so much. Work and life will not be the same. They have made a huge impact in so many students' lives, and this is only the beginning!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-03-27T09:34:00.001-07:00

I have the most amazing mom! I couldn't be any more blessed! She is one of the most selfless and servant hearted people I have ever met. She is a character as well :) So, if you've been wondering about me...You know where I get it from! Haha. I only hope that one day I can be the kind of Godly woman and mom she is! We are havin a birthday barbieq at the beach with the fam tonight :) I'm excited! Lookin hottt at 51 mamasita! oww oww ;)

People Watchinnn!

2009-03-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was little I have been very observant and a people watcher. I promise I'm not a creeper! :) For a while I had stopped my 5:30am workouts at planet fitness and had switched to after work....slowly that became not as consistent. I am back at it again, hoping I can be more disciplined in this routine! It felt good to be back there this morning. The same early morning group of people were there. I haven't seen them in a long time. Some have changed...some are still the same! Please let me describe some of my favs! You will wish you worked out at 5:30am too!

Double the fun- There are two ladies in their later 40s that come every morning together to work out. They both have mullets and rock awesome 80s get ups (scrunched sock action) Besides looking awesome, they talk really LOUD and pretty much are all about the gossip. They talk about celebrities, their neighbors, their kids and the people IN the gym. I hear some pretty out there things...

Middle part man- He's a nurse. Bless his heart, he has gotten in really good shape, but his hair is parted down the middle. It looks like side bangs on each side. His bangs go crazy when he jogs really fast :)

100th power lady- Everything she does is kicked up to the 100th power. Just watching her is exhausting for me. She goes all out. While she walks at a pace of 8.7 she always spices it up with some sweet arm movements. I wish I could demonstrate for you! The best part is when she gets on the stepper... I am really happy for her though, she has lost a lot of weight and looks great! Maybe I should put a sweat band on and learn from her?...:)

Then there's the guy who had to of lost 50 pounds in the last 4 months. As he has been losing the weight, the girls he brings with him to the gym keep getting prettier and prettier.. It's really funny to me.

Forget water!- There is another lady who has replaced a water bottle for a cup of coffee. Every time I look over she's drinking it while on the elliptical. This can't be good for you!..I LOVE coffee, but that's just not right...

Some of my other personal favs at the gym is when people are all working out to the beat of the music... It is HILARIOUS when you look around and see everyone working out at the same pace. I seriously feel like I'm living in a musical!

I hope you all have enjoyed getting to know the people I work out with :)

As I get older the list gets longer!

2009-03-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

I noticed that there are more things that drive me crazy as I get older! This is not good! Here are some!

1. Jorts/jean shorts-For clarity, this is only when guys wear them...not cool

2. Jeans and tennis shoes-I'm not talkin pumas, I'm talkin about the combo of workout shoes and jeans...not a good idea.

3. Jorts and tennis shoes- Is double the pet peeve :)

4. Chacos...Yes, I know you could climb a mountain in them and then go to the beach right afterwards, but It doesn't make them acceptable :) haha

5. Missing hubcaps on cars- Back when I had the crashed booty my hubcap fell off, and I was thinkin about taking a bus to work instead of driving my car.

I don't know why this bothers me so much!

6. When I can't brush my teeth on road trips

7. Touching the shopping cart and doors...I kick doors open a lot!

8. How you smell after eating fast food- Does anyone else take showers after eating fast food? Smelling like a traveling french fries will drive me crazy! Gross!

9. Car doors locked-this is only when I'm riding with someone.

10. Clutter

11. Myspace pictures of people doing the peace sign and having a caption underneath of "this is me being gangster" haha. Almost every person has one of those! Kills me!

Ok, I think i'll stop right about now! What are some of your pet peeves?

Olivia Jane Helman!

2009-03-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

lakes park

we play tennis just for the sweatbands..

meet glen

We are ridiculous! This is pretty much what we do in Fort Myers when there is nothing to do... I'm so thankful to have liv as a friend!

Spring Break '09!

2009-03-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

For spring break Liv, Whit and I went to Sarasota and Orlando to see

Alexa, Kory, Chad and Josh!
at St Armonds Circle

We went to the springs!

team domination

wooooo

New Smyrna Beach!

Yep, we swam in the shark infested waters...Thank u boys for leaving out that minute detail :)

We had a great trip! So thankful for these friends :)!

Guatemala!!

2009-01-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

Where do I even begin?...

First of all, this wasn't really a trip I could afford. When I had first heard about it my immediate reaction was... I really feel like i'm supposed to go, but I need to save that money. The Lord really smacked me in the face for that one!! Where is the faith in that??!! haha

Well, God is so faithful even when I am faithless!!! He provided the exact amount of money needed for the trip. Not a penny more or a penny less! Such an incredible way to leave for the trip! It was a great reminder that He is my provider :)

That being said....I went to Guatemala with the most amazing group of people. Their hearts are so hungry for God and their love for Him and others is so passionate and inspiring :) I really enjoyed spending time with each person there!!

The purpose of our trip to Guatemala was to help Pastor Diego with his ministry! We were able to build two houses, do our ministry skits, and bring baskets of food to families!

Our group was able to meet with each family that we were going to be building houses for before hand. It was heartbreaking to see how these families had been living. I'll go into a little more detail when I put pictures up....

The construction was pretty hardcore....mostly the first day. We had to carry concrete blocks up a mountain! Good times. I think one of the things I really enjoyed about the trip was being able to spend the week with the family that we were building the home for. Normally on mission trips your traveling around so much, and you never get the opportunity to really build a relationship with the people. Not only were we able to build more of a relationship with them but we also were able to see what their daily life is like.

During the trip, the Lord really taught me a lot! I was praying the whole week to understand what it really means to live in constant hunger for more of Him. It is long journey but an exciting one :) The more He reveals himself to me the less I want to have anything to do with myself and the worldly things I have desired.

I will put pictures up soon!!

♥

Middle School Lock-In!

2008-12-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

So today I have been so busy getting ready for our New Years Eve Lock-In for the middle schoolers! I am so excited for it to get here but just thinkin about it makes me tired!! haha

Can't wait to see how many kids show up! :)

Middle School Christmas Hooknight!

2008-12-18T08:53:00.001-08:00

We had 137 people at our Middle School Christmas
Hook night! It was a lot of fun!

Turkey bowling!!

The winner of turkey bowling!
I don't think he found any humor in his lame prize!
Haha

HAAAA Kirk would die if he knew i put this up!
It was just too funny not to! I promise he was joking :)

Next game....bobbing for candy canes in eggnog..
yep it was my idea...Didn't think it would get too
out of control!

Kirk explaining!

the kids were out of control!

get it!

Britney is such a good sport!

Eggnog all up in YO FACE!

yep....not a good idea! haha but it was fun!

sweet tacky sweaters!

the middle was the winner! Hers had lights on it!

She won a $100 gift card to the mall! wooohooo!

Pictures of this weekend!

2008-12-16T06:20:00.000-08:00

Liv.me.my cousin manda!

We camped out in alva in the 40ss...all i can say is brave souls!

Praise Jesus we had a fire!

Liv and i cuddled it up in our mini tent!!!
It was hilarious! Thank u jon for letting us
borrow your tent!

me and my cousin!

On Sunday after church we had our 6th grade

small group over to bake Christmas cookies!

I love this picture! there was sugar everywhere!

we had so much fun!

surprise face!

I'm excited to see the incredible ways God will

work in this group!

this weekend.

2008-12-11T09:52:00.001-08:00

So i'm really excited for this weekend!

Friday night Manda, my cousin, is having a koinonia Festival at her house out in alva!

Im pretty excited to spend some time with some cool people and camping out is always good times!

Saturday night the we're having our christmas party for the 8th graders andd the icarus account is playing downtown at the bridge!! So everyone better be there!

The Broseff

2008-12-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

What do you say to someone who isn’t listening and doesn’t want to listen? Or is it rather what you do? I have been so eager to know what exactly to do for years now. I have finally come to the understanding that it’s simply a choice and a commitment to do whatever it takes everyday to reach those who do not want to be reached. Abandonment of self, trust in God, accountability, acts of service, steadfast prayer, continuous encouragement, and the Father’s love.

I strive to live out this commitment for my brother. I have the opportunity to show the love that my Savior has for me. I don’t deserve it but He passionately loves me anyways.
He needs people who whole-heartedly love the Lord to love on him.

Though he may not be listening I know he does hear. I know God has an incredible calling on his life. I can’t wait to watch God transform his life! Wooo!

Where has your passion gone!?

2008-11-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

I cannot help but feel that people have lost their passion, excitement and eagerness to KNOW Christ and make him KNOWN.

There are so many Christians shlopin around livin up the routine.

OH MAN they missing out on so much!..

They must not know Him?...

The Guat!

2008-09-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

As of yesterday, I am officially going to Guatemala January 2nd-10th with the college group for a missions trip! We will be building a house there for a family who lost their home...

AHHHH! This is going to be an incredible trip!

I need ideas for raising the money to go!

The Lord is always faithful! I am excited to see how He will provide!

I will mow your lawn, clean your house, do you grocery shopping,

wash your car, babysit your kids....

pretty much ANYTHING! So let me know the date and time and I'll be there!!!

Vegas!

2008-09-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

I finally was able to book my ticket to Vegas for Sarah and Mani's wedding!

And incase you are wondering, it's a classy wedding in the Paris Hotel. Elvis will not be performing the ceremony!

I am so excited! Sarah, liv, whit, ash and I haven't all been together in so long. It's going to be so much fun!

I also get to spend a couple of days after the wedding with my friend Lindsey who is doing missions work up there!

I can't wait! November 20th better get here fast!

Small group

2008-09-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

Last night was the first night of our girls small group that we started at my house!

We have been wanting to do this for soo long, but it never worked out.

There are 4 of us and we meet on Sunday nights! We are going through the book

Lies Woman Believe and the Truth That Sets them Free!

I am so thankful to have an accountability group like this!

I'm so excited!

life.

2008-09-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

I got to talk to one of my really close friends Kelli today. It was so exciting to hear all the awesome things God is doing in her life. For so long she has been trying to figure out what she wants to do for the rest of her life. She has figured it out and is going for it! So awesome!

This is something I myself am still trying to figure out. The desire of my heart is to be where the Lord wants me, but where is that?! Right now I have the most fulfilling and exciting job I have ever had. I without a shadow of a doubt know that this IS where God has placed me right now, but what about 2, 3 or 4 years down the road?!

I KNOW that God has given me a passion and calling for full time missions. Right now I have been doing everything I can to pay off my school loans so when the door opens to go I can walk through it with no debt and nothing holding me back. But I'm not sure about when that time will come! I am so excited for when it does tho!

In the mean time what should I do?! I have thought about taking some more college classes, but I can't really afford to. For so long I have really wanted to do some sort of TV broadcasting or something along those lines, as well as maybe doing wedding planning. I AM A MESS!! Haha there are so many things i love to do!

My relationship with the Lord has been such an incredible journey. I can only imagine how exciting the rest of it will be! Until I figure it out a little bit better, I'm gonna turn all my worrying into trusting HIM! I don't care where I am or what I'm doing! As long as I'm a part of something bigger than myslef...I will be soo happy!

Planet Fitness!

2008-09-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

So planet fitness has got it goin ON!

$20 a month gets you free tanning beds, the gym, and you can bring a friend as much as you want!

I joined last week and it has been glorious.

Whit and I are now starting to get there at 5:30 in the mornings to work out before we go to work!

It's not as bad as I thought it would be!

ready for the weekend!

2008-09-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

This week has been so busy!

Last week my closet got flooded from some old plumming in the bathroom. They had to take all the drywall out and the tub and start all over. I have learned that you can't trust anyone these days except your DAD!

We had a few sketchy plummers. My dad ended up doing it all himself. He is soo HANDY!

We thought it wouldn't take too long to fix it...a week later and we moved back in last night!

It's so good to be home! I think I have taken for granted having my own place. It's good for me to be reminded of how much the Lord has blessed me. Our new bathroom looks soo gorgeous!

Dad you have got some mad SKILLS!

Also, last night I had the good idea to pick up some hair dye.

Sounded like a good idea at the time.

ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT

The color said dark brown....the fine print on the back said you're hair could turn black.

and I didn't realize this until i blow dryed my hair and it was BLACK as night.

What can i say...I look pretty harcore

Who want to hit up hot topic with me?!!!

Hopefully I can get it fixed this weekend!

the vmas...

2008-09-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

So last night I was really disappointed in the vmas...

It has always been pretty bad...but i think this years pretty much did it for me.

First of all, i think mtv picked the worst host possible to represent them. We pretty much kept it on mute everytime he was talking. He had nothing good to stay. The only funny thing about him was his tight pants and out of control hair!

Thank you Jordan Sparks for your come back!

I was bummed to see how masculine woman have become these days. Britney spears was looking pretty classy compared to everyone else... Crazy!

After watching that i am so motivated to share Christ with people.

Lets REACH people!

This is our mission field!!!

your thought?...

It has been a coons age!

2008-08-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

So...I lied. Definitely didn't keep up with this! Haha

It has been a COONS age, but I think I might actually try and stick with it this time. By no means does that mean daily tho...

I think for me the reason it has been so hard to keep up is I always feel like-does anyone actually read this? and sometimes I tend to be a perfectionist when I write so it just takes too long! But WHO CARES! I love to write and don't get to write enough!

There has been so much stuff going on lately! So exciting! Here is a quick update!

♥Whitney is now my new room mate! WOOOO

♥Liv is back from the honor academy and is home for good!!

♥ I got a new car!! A 2007 mazda 3 No more crashed bootyyy!

I can't even begin to share with you all how thankful I am! I am soo blessed. God is so good!

God is doing so many incredible things in my life! I can't wait to write all about it.

New!

2008-02-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

So here's the new blog! I really just needed a change!

I'm so excited that I can personalize it a little bit more on this one! Gloria!

I promise from now on i'll try to update Kaylee!

frommetoyou.

What can I get for a $1.07?

Life in the Ghetto // The Conversational GEM!

To Whom It May Concern:

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

10 first thoughts today!

What Kind of Tweeter are you?

Anchored in Love

It's official :)

It's Friday!

The Dungeon

7 years later!

Let's talk Ed Hardy

Hmm?..

Pirate Fest '10!

RSVP

Content!

Fantastic Friday♥

Take it from a girl who has a history with jean jumpers!

Fantastic Friday!

SYATP!

Awkward Explosion!

What are you known for?

Psalms 19:7-8♥

Just Sayin!

Beautiful Mess!

Romans 8:28♥

Fall is here♥

So blessed!

::My thoughts today::

Vacation oh nine!

Brooke & Jon!

Happy Birthday Mom!

People Watchinnn!

As I get older the list gets longer!

Olivia Jane Helman!

Spring Break '09!

Guatemala!!

Middle School Lock-In!

Middle School Christmas Hooknight!

Pictures of this weekend!

this weekend.

The Broseff

Where has your passion gone!?

The Guat!

Vegas!

Small group

life.

Planet Fitness!

ready for the weekend!

the vmas...

It has been a coons age!

New!

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.