Friday, December 30, 2011

Farewell 2011

Well December is coming to a close my friends... and you know what that means. The New Year, once again, is upon us. How about a photo recap to remember the awesomeness of 2011?

Ok. If you insist...

New Years 2011... Seoul, South Korea

 Spent the evening with some awesome sistas : )

 Before i headed home Monica Ssaim taught me how to make kimchi... and a smattering of other Korean's dishes :)

A feast we made! And what a great nite it was!  

 This was my last day of work...

To celebrate we headed to the north to go sledding on possible the coldest day of the year...

:) and then went to a water park. An indoor water park. It was awesome!

And then i went to Thailand

 where it was beautifully warm and awesome! 

I spent 10 days exploring...

and it was beautiful! 

Josh Koop and i on our last night together...

Need i say more?

With only a few hours back in Korea, i flew home... : ) 
10 hours in a Chinese airport and a 11 hour flight to California... i look happily busted to be back in California. 

Life back in California consisted of a lot of family. And time with my brother who'd grown all up while i was gone. 

Not long after returning my sweet friend Holly invited me to a Friday night Bible study... God knew just what i needed. I love these girls and am so thankful for our studies together.

It wasn't long after i returned home from Korea, within the first week actually, that i "met" and fell in love this with awesome man. And i'm so thankful i did! God knew exactly what he was doing!



Kicked off the summer in Palm Springs with the women in my family. 
Maybe the first vacation we had ever been on all together.

Kelly Guynn got married. Whoa to the whoa! 

Randy and i got together June 4th... and it was only the "start" something really wonderful. :)

Heather and i went to Seattle to visit the Guisti's... and it was AWESOME!



Pike's Place at Pike's Place. Have i mentioned that i love to travel? I do. A lot.



Disneyland was redeemed forevermore... and we'll be enjoying it often for the next year :) 
Thanks baby!

I spent most of the summer planning and preparing for Mountain Child USA's Launch Party

 With the help of many... it was an awesome success!! 

 My formal time with MC ended in October... 
but my heart to CARRY HOPE is still beating strong!

We celebrated the coming of sweet Rosie, who arrived healthy and beautiful November 14th. I remember when Heatha and i sat at lunch in high school eating carrot sticks and cookies. Look as us now... mommy and auntie. : )

Stashbash 2011... the culmination of our Family Gift of Time 2011. Each family hosted an awesome themed party... and it was wonderful! 

Nunkins and i 1930's. : )



Finished up the year with my small group. 
A few things i learned this year:
1. God voice is personal, and specific to me. He is moving intentionally and specifically in my life to accomplish his will. His Spirit is alive within me.
2. I am weak and in daily need of the Gospel
3. The love of Jesus is deeper and wider and fuller than i could ever know


And like every year, Christmas came and went as quick as ever. It was SO good to be home! 


In short, 2011 was beautifully full... in activity and awesomeness! 

Tomorrow will kindly wrap up this year, and as i look back i'm particularly thankful for God's hand in my life! He has blessed me this year, in so many ways! : )

So, here's to what will come in 2012... 

: )

On the radar:
- The LA Marathon
- Half Dome
- Turn a quarter of a century
- A wedding? 

Whatever comes, Jesus... may you be pleased! : )


Saturday, December 24, 2011

The most beautiful gift.

Today is Christmas Eve. I sit here a few hours before the family and Turduckin arrives and am just thankful.

Like many of you fellow Christmas lovers, the anticipation for Christmas has been building for quite some time. Check my Facebook countdown.  I just love Christmas. Everything about it!  I love Christmas trees. And Christmas lights.  Christmas music and cookies. I love gingerbread, and wrapping paper.  And this year I have some odd fascination with all things sequins. I've resisted the urge to buy a sequin dress to wear today. You can thank me later.

But aside from all that, I'm thankful for the greatest of this season. I'm thankful for Jesus! So much so! Because let's be honest, without the birth of him, I'd be in a whirl wind of trouble. Last night at church we wonderfully celebrated the birth of Jesus! A birth wonderfully orchestrated and perfectly timed as the onset of God's awesome salvation plan. A salvation plan that somehow included me. A most gracious, gracious plan.

You see, I'm broken. I fail and fall fantastically five thousand freakin' times a day and once more for good measure. I stumble and waiver over things that are far less than worthy and then rationalize the benefits of settling. My pride prevails and my selfishness steals. I'm not exactly the sight of holy God created man to be. And I lack the intimacy with him I was created for.

Like I said, I'm broken. And i gotten really good at masking it.

But this morning, i sit overwhelming thankful for Jesus! For all that He is! And all that He did! He was born Lord as a humble baby, sent commissioned to live a perfect life, so that he could die. And in his death-- a most perfect sacrifice-- he would pay in full the debt of my sin. In his resurrection, he would conquer death and bring salvation! He would save people of their brokenness and instate righteousness. Not a righteousness brought by anything of my own will or manufacturing, but simply and only by the beautiful cloak of Jesus' blood. A righteousness new of his likeness.

So, as awesome -- or tacky to some i guess--  it would be to rock a sequin dress, today I am choosing to remember and wear the beautiful robe of righteousness that's been placed on my shoulders. A robe of scarlet- bought by the precious blood of my King. One too royal and holy for a simple girl like me to wear. And while too beautiful and weighty, I humbly will wrap myself deep in it and be reminded that even while i was still broken, crushed under the weight of my sin, Jesus saved me and called me into his family. He has wrapped me tightly in his grace and love. And the most beautiful thing yet, he is continually saving me and transforming me. Every day. From glory to glory!

For that most beautiful gift, i am SO thankful!

So, Merry Christmas my friends! May the grace of Jesus and the sweet reminder of his beautiful gift fill you with joy!


Sunday, September 4, 2011

MountainChild USA Launch Party









So many of you know that i work for a non-profit organization called MountainChild. We work to CARRY HOPE to impoverished children living in the Himalayas.


(Yes, those are the mountains home to Mt. Everest. ) 

Almost a year ago i found myself trekking in Nepal with MountainChild and got to see first hand some of the great needs in that area of the world. Needs for improved health and access to clean water. Needs for accessible and culturally fitting education. Needs for preventative awareness to protect children and women from the schemes of sex trafficking and restoration programs to rebuild victims. And lastly, needs for improved farming techniques through environmental education and innovation to prevent child labor and to increase efficient crop yield.

These are the 5 Core Issues that the MountainChild agenda is built from. There is much work to be done... but MountainChild is moving deep into those mountains and getting it done.

At the center of it all is a greater Hope. And that is something i can stand behind!

So, here's why i write all of this. In an effort to raise greater awareness and funds for the work being done out in Nepal, MountainChild is extending its presence into North America. As we are able to share this story with more people, we are hopeful to extend our impact to the kids in Nepal. I have had the privilege of planning and preparing for that official Launch Party... and well, it's right around the corner.


Saturday September 24th, 2011 is MountainChild USA's Launch Party. It will be held in Laguna Beach at the Aliso Creek Inn at 6:00pm. This event will be an evening of great celebration! And also a prime opportunity to learn more about MountainChild, humanitarian work being done in the Himalayas, and how you can get involved-- and quite possibly visit!

I'm giving away a free ticket to this event! Dinner and entertainment in Laguna Beach... for FREE!  Yes. Free. Come on now, you're interested. I know you are!

And winning it will be easy. Here's how it works:
1. Comment on this blog entry or the Facebook post.
2. Tell your friends about MountainChild. Share www.mountainchild.org on your Facebook wall.
3. Find MountainChild's Facebook Page and like it!

Easy schmeasy. I will pick a winner September 16th!

Good luck!

Village Health Clinic

CARRY HOPE!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

It's about time.

Hello friends!

I shall no longer call you followers because well, for a unforgivable time, I have left no trace. My bad. I have said it once and will say again... i'm a bad blogger. But you keep coming back for more! What can i say? : )

I would like to blame this most recent laps of activity to my lack of time. I know, I know and easy scapegoat, but it's the truth. The past few months have been quite busy. To say the least. This morning was the first in i can't even remember how long that i've slept past 7am. It's nearing 11am , i'm still in my PJs, and i'm slowing enjoying my third cup of coffee. I've got nothing on my mind but going to feed the ducks with my nieces and writing this blog. Can i get a "PRAISE BE"?

I've needed some good rest and i think this morning was just what the doctor ordered.

So here's a little update on my life. Not that you want, or really need one. But, you are reading my blog, and are rather subject to whatever I choose to write about. So, read it! And enjoy! In my next post, i'm giving away something free. So, come back.

Ok. Onto this update. This summer has been a blur. So much has happened that I can hardly begin to write about it myself. So how do we feel about a few photos to recap? I say, I'll save my words for another more stimulating post, bring on the photos!

July
Early in July i got to spend 4 days with 30 Chinese students teaching them English. It was awesome! I was a sweetly reminded just of how much i love working with people/youth. I felt so alive afterwards and it was awesome. It also made me miss Asia.

August
The beginning of August brought me to Seattle with my best friend. We got to spend our time there with some other great friends, Christy and Guilian (who blessed us abundantly with their kindness and hospitality!) and got to see a bit of their life as church planters in downtown Seattle. We spent that time exploring the city, venturing to the countryside, and spending some much needed sista time! My best friend is beautifully pregnant with my sweet niece who we'll welcome to the world in November! This was an awesome last hurrah before she joins us.
Yay for Rosie!
Seattle is an awesome city. I fell in love with it! Truly. I loved everything about it. The low key hum of the city. The art and culture. The city sandwiched by beautiful country. Yea, i'm much a fan and could definitely see myself living there. If only the sun shone as it does in California.


And last, but most certainly not least (and most certainly overdue)... let me introduce Randy!
In rather random, yet wonderfully awesome timing, i reconnected with Randy in a conversation about teaching English in Korea. That was almost 7 months ago.
And well, I'm a fan. A big one! Of him. Of us. Of it all!
Friends, I'm blessed! So so blessed!
: )


Well friends! That's a little update of my life! You made it to the end which means you're either semi interested in my life and what's going on or you think i'm horribly intriguing. If you fall under the latter, I welcome you to revisit this blog! If i'm able to say so humbly, it does get better than this. And well, if you're just interested in my life and what's going on... i say, "Thanks mom!" : )

From this "wanna be a cool but fail at actually" blogger, Happy Saturday!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

She followed me home.

A dog followed me home yesterday. With my ear buds in, hitting close to mile 4 I was in the "holy heck it's hot" zone. It was like 90 degrees. I was thirsty. And I was only a few short minutes from home.

Then she showed up.

She had come around the corner just as I crossed the intersection and she latched on. This furry four legged friend was now following along quite closely, attempting to keep pace. After a while of trying to ignore her, I stopped. I didn't want to detour her too far off her path. My hope was that her owner was within yelling distance. Yea, not so much. I couldn't shake this dog.

Being somewhat "hearted" (I guess the antithesis of half-hearted) i turned around and walked back to our fated corner. She was obviously thirsty and needed to find her family. So I walked around the neighborhood hoping she'd recognize her home. Or someone would recognize their dog now accompanied by a random sweaty runner with an obvious disdain for dogs. Yea, not such much. I asked neighbors. Random passerby's. Tried to get her to "relax" in the shade, while i made a dash for it. I even attempted to give her to two fellows sitting in their garage- in which she kindly roamed about. Again, not so much. This girl liked me.

Which, for so many reason is horribly ironic. The biggest being: i don't like dogs.

So, seeing that it was nearing noon, and I was already an hour ago hot and exhausted, i decided to head home. And well as you've probably already gathered, she followed along. All the way home. The whole time i was laughing. It would be me that a dog would follow home. You see, dogs favor my lap. They beg of me for food. They like to be near me, and lick me, and well, they seem to think I want the same. Besides the licking- that's rather repulsing. But, that's not the case. I don't like animals and I will openly admit that to their furry faces.

I was also a little embarrassed. The looks I got suggesting some disgust for running with a dog-a pit bull- without a leash.

She's not my dog!

By now, we had developed an hour long relationship and again, being somewhat "hearted", I couldn't bare the thought of calling animal control. So I got home. Immediately texted my boyfriend and updated my Facebook with a witty comment about the irony of it all, and tried to think through what the heck I was going to do with her. So, I gave her some water, not wanting to fully commit with a bowl of food, and let her chill. She made her rounds around our neighborhood, but every time I opened the door her two beady eyes looked up begging to come in. Yea, not so much dog. I'm not that "hearted". Plus, my other dog, Dugan, would have probably had his way with her. No baby making on my watch folks. Or puppy making. Whatever.

So, I left for church and returned to find she was gone. Disappointing end to this story? I'm not sure where to- but, i bid her farewell. And I thank her for an afternoon of borderline annoyance and a story worth sharing on my blog.

awesome.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Guilty As Charged.


I am often accused of optimism. And while at a loss, most of the time, navigating how to respond to such a label, I can’t exactly disagree. I'm guilty. So shoot me. You see, in prime cliche fashion, my glass really is half full. I like it that way! While I acknowledge the pain and evil on this globe we call Earth is vast and deep, my experience proves that fixating on the problems never provided solutions. It doesn't really fix anything! What if we were to take a step back? One step out of the mire and eyes set on something more beautiful. Would that make a difference?

I am convinced that the objects you fix your eyes to, and the direction in which they are moving, makes all the difference. You can’t escape it. For where your eyes are fixed there too your feet will move. The promise of a fantastic view, will keep your feet moving upward-- past the shaky knees and screaming lungs one switchback after another. The promise of prestige will keep ones feet quick up the ladder of success. The intrigue of a connection will move sweaty palms and an awkward pick-up line across a crowded room. It’s simple. The things that captivate our affections and hold our attention will move us to tangible action-- in the direction of that object.

What about the bigger things in life? What about when life seems to be hard? What if we were to fix our eyes on beauty? On things that are most beautiful? Eyes lifted from the bad we find in this world, and fixed on the one thing that is most beautiful. Wouldn’t that change things? I have to argue, yes. Not only does it change things... it makes life just a bit sweeter!

You see, there is a beautiful Creator. One who has fashioned the world in which we live. One I have decided to fix my gaze on. One, who has captured my attention and wooed my affections. It is this Creator who has ordered and orchestrated the natural beauty I find in this world. The same Creator has also fashioned the people who fill it with capabilities and passions that reflect his grand beauty. Human hands, hearts, and minds capable of creating impressive beauty of their own!

Yes. People are hurting. Yes. People are hungry. Yes. People are dying. Starving. Suffering. I get that! I see it, and it settles deep in me. But, I have been created in the beauty of the Beautiful One, and live in a place surrounded by that same beauty. My hands have been empowered and I've been given a new heart motivated to create beauty of my own. So, with one foot in the mire, getting dirty for things that have caught my heart, I am steadfast. I am strengthened and excited! Beauty is present! It is transformative, increasingly so, in the most dire of situations in real, tangible ways. I am an agent of that! In the daily moments Beauty has the power to change things. It is on this I have chosen to set my gaze. As I do, it is changing me. As it does, the more I have to share. The more beauty in this world, the more it is changed for the better. How could it not? That is something worth getting fired up about!

In light of that, optimism is inevitable! Good things are happening and the promise of greater things is real, even when things look bleak! There is hope in that! Optimism, or maybe joy, is the fruit of that promise!

So, let my culprit be momentum, and beauty my charge-- not to positive naivety, but to action! Radical, joyful, awesome, powerful action with eyes set on that which is most beautiful! Life really is good! And Beauty really does change things!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Adventures at the 99Cent Store.

So I was at the the 99Cent Store yesterday. Exciting... yes, i know. But, you know what's even more exciting? I went to get envelopes. And a hairbrush. Oh, the life i lead. It's epic i tell you. Just epic.

Like all trips to the 99 Cent Store, though not too frequent, I decided to take a stroll around the store. Survey the goods. Because, let's be honest, things are a whole lot cooler when they cost less than a dollar. I rounded my first corner, to find the jackpot of of 4th of July awesomeness. I'm not having a BBQ, or really any party for that matter, however, i was drawn the the patriotic kitchenware. They were 2 for a dollar and super cute. Maybe i'll plan a party. Anyone need a glow necklace?

I continued my adventure, down the aisle to find another mother-load of kitchenware. And if i can continue in honesty, I'm a total sucker for any serving dish made of white ceramic. Coffee cups. Plates. Jars. Bowls. Little ramekins. They're just so cute. A little strange, this i know. But, hey, you chose to read this blog. So, here's where my story gets really good (Was it good in the first place?). As i'm about to pass over the rest of the section, remembering i have no kitchen of my own to put any of these trinkets, I stumble across this.

And by holy heck, it made my afternoon.

Casual Living Outdoor Kitchenware- with creepy Jesus pictures on them. Now, correct me if i'm wrong, but I feel that serving a plate of bbq ribs and potato salad on Jesus' face crosses a line. Just sayin'.

Monday, June 20, 2011

A Few Thoughts on Fullness



I spent some time with a friend last week and we were talking about the Holy Spirit. Her and I both are in different Bible studies, with separate groups of women, from different churches, working through the very same book. A book on the Holy Spirit. Likewise, our churches, separate from each other, have honed in on the very same topic as well. As trend in my life, repetition means somethings up. And well, it’s all quite interesting if you ask me.

So, this book o’ choice is called Forgotten God, by Francis Chan. To say it is “good” hardly does even the cover justice. (And the cover is pretty rockin’.) This book is awesome! Not particularly because of who wrote it, or really what was written, but because of how God is using it in my life. It’s a simple book presenting truths evident in the Bible, yet it’s powerful. I’ve yet to finish, and have actually just made it through chapter three, but it has strategically, and at time frustratingly, challenged everything i’ve learned, believed, and than subsequently lived out of the Holy Spirit. How’s that for a holy shake? (It’s good for my head- don’t worry about it.)

The Holy Spirit was nothing more to me than a “fuzzy feeling” when i was about to screw up, and an ambiguous “i think this is what he said” voice when I needed a little direction, and a “get me outta here” feeling when it manifested itself a little outside my nice box. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen God work in my life, and in those around me, in really powerful ways. At times, I’ve felt the Spirit move and speak very powerfully, but it has never been fully. I’ve never related to the Spirit, or considered that I may grieve him with my actions. Years have been spent walking around chest puffed (can girls do that?) with a nose pointed at the “Spirit filled” as if my poised Christianity was somehow righteous. As if a life lacking God’s power could ever be masked for self-controlled. For all the folks whose “holy rollin’ antics I once questioned, I was wrong. You get it. You get that the Spirit is alive and active. And you understand that he is powerful and beautifully moving his Church to do big things.

How’s that for a lesson in pride? Yikes.

So, this is what i keep returning to: the concept of fullness.

The first chapter cautions us not to consider the dwelling of Spirit in terms of quantity. “He has more Spirit than I do.”, “They have more of the Spirit at that church.” Negatory. It’s all or nothing. On the day of Pentecost, it says that the people were, “filled with the Holy Spirit.” He dwells completely, in all of who he is, within us. Not a part of him, or portions of his character, but all of him-entirely- in my life.

Now, check this out. This Spirit, the one who fully lives within me, is the one who raised Jesus from the dead. I think that assumes a certain fullness of power and authority that we’ve gotta consider. And if i boldly venture on, I think i’ve got to ask what my life would look like if I actually got that?

OK. So here’s the deal. When I pray for peace or patience, or forgiveness, this is my thought process: “Dear Jesus, my life is chaotic. Fix _(fill in the blank) . Give me some(fill in the blank).” Ok, it’s usually not spoken quite as blunt as that, but my general thought is that God will come though and “bring a little peace” to a certain situation until it passes over. Until things smooth over.

Yea, there are some issues with that. Actually, there are a lot of issues with that.

See, the Word promises me differently. Romans prays, “May the God of hope FILL you with ALL joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Rom. 15:13) Not a little hope to get by, and a little joy to carry you through. He quantifies it. He says, ALL. Jesus says in the book of John that he came that I might have life and have it ABUNDANTLY. Not haphazardly, kinda cool when I’m doing well. He says full, abundant life. It’s pretty straightforward. Jesus also says that he instructed us with what he did so that his joy would be in me, and that it would be so FULLY. When Jesus is promising the Spirit to his followers just before he returns to the Father, he tells them that when the Spirit comes, “he will guide you into ALL truth.” He says that this Helper, the Holy Spirit, will teach me ALL things and help me remember ALL that Jesus said. He will guide me into ALL truth.

In regards to asking God for things, he says “Sweetheart, ask and receive-- that your joy may be FULL!” Ok, so maybe God doesn’t drop the sweetheart, but you know, he was thinking it, I’m sure. God says to ask him and trust him to come through for big things so that our joy may be FULL. The Word says that the Spirit strengthens and empowers me to comprehend the great love of God, that I might be FILLED with the FULLNESS of God. As the Spirit reveals, I can start to grasp the great love of God, and in that am filled with who he is.

These are the promises of the Word. What’s with this praying for “some” of anything? When God moves he moves. When he provides he does so fully. When I need peace, he gives it. Fully. When he promises joy, he delivers it. Fully. When I need to hear truth. The Spirit guides me into it all and will teach me. Fully.

I’m done with asking for little things. I’m done asking for parts of things, pieces of fruit, and expecting God to come though every now and again. No. He has asked me to ask him for big things and live out fully what he has given me. So I’m doing it and i’ll wait expectantly trusting that God’s word is trustworthy. He will do what he said he will and he will do so fully!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

It's been a while.

My followers, (are there any of you?) i must apologize. How long has it been since I've posted last? Wow. I have but one excuse: i suck. I really do. Not conclusively at life (most of the time), but at having a blog. If having a one makes me a "blogger", then consider me so because my consistency or relevancy sure don't. So, while categorically a "blogger", i'm of the least of these. (Which i guess makes me greatest? hmm...) OK, moving on.

So, here i sit, on a Thursday evening trying to pull something out of the air to write about. (Like how im not a blogger. So ingenious, I know.) And well, i've officially decided i really have nothing exciting to write about. So this blog will be ending shortly. But, before i go, how about a little awesome typography?

ok. seriously. not only am i far from being awesome- my image uploader has followed suit.

So, here's what we're going to do about that. "Publish Post". No awesome typography for you either. This post is literally about nothing for the sake of saying something. Awesome.

Blogger of the year, right here folks!


yea, this is the only way i knew how to end this blog.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Oh, Happy Day!

When you ask? When i win a trip to Paris! (And well, a lot of other things would make me happy... but this would make me REALLY REALLY REALLY happy!) :)
See how im trying... here.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

People.

The past few years have been years of constant transitions. And i think the same is true for most college aged folks. Semesters at school and breaks at home. Temporary commitments and seasonal jobs. Time spent traveling, a year in Korea. You know, normal life stuff. While at times my wanderlust keeps me up at night searching flight tickets, there is a safety and solidity in settling in. Planting roots, if you will. While sounds like I've just secured a mortgage and am with child, I am not. And can i get an amen to that? The simple solidity of being planted, with the ability to fully invest, for a while is good for the soul!

What i've realized in all of this, both in season of transition and in season of settled-ness, is the value of the awesome people who've been deposited along the way. I have people in my life who have been there for almost a decade. Crazy to think about life with those whom you've been friends with for that long. They've seen me at every stage of life. That's a scary thought. It's those friendships that also offer a smattering of blackmail material. Yet, those are the very people i'd fly across the world for.

Then there are folks who come into your life for seasons. Friends who, in a very short time, draw near to your heart. People who will be near for a time until God moves you elsewhere. Friends who show you true friendship. Who will leave you Korean funnies on your desk just to encourage you. Friends who will help you pack for Thailand and send you home with the promise of a friendship. Friends who meet you for coffee until the wee hours of the night and make you movie DVDs so you don't get bored in the airport. Who will also send you random pictures of his motorcycle- just to keep in touch! Oppas who are just that- Korean big brothers. The deposit of those people, and their friendships in my life are rich. And i'm so thankful for them!

Then new people come into your life or you find yourself reconnecting with folks after a time apart. Though sometimes seemingly out of the blue, the deposit these people drop into your life is equally awesome and exciting. Folks who'll wander a vintage store for hours and spend an afternoon making Snickerdoodles with you! (You know who you are.) Friends who you will tell you how awful you are at making flower arrangements and send you to get coffe instead. Someone who will also sit and talk about Jesus and men, and the cursed blessings of being a strong women.

So, the prompt of this post. Today i get to see my college roommates-- though roommate hardly encompasses my love for them! Now friends, these two ladies are awesome. Let me tell you. Our friendships started in a convent we like to call Alpha on a ResLife staff we like to call dysfunctional! And it only got better from there! One is happily married now. Both of them are successful, loving, servant hearted nurses. Both are beautiful, and funny, and generous beyond belief. I am so thankful for these women. For reasons more personal than i care to divulge on this blog. But, trust me. They're awesome!

While this post is rather specific to the people in my life- let me broaden it for a minute. The value of community and doing life, well, with people is unmatched! God has created us for relationship. He created us to do life with people. It's in those relationships, we see more fully who God is, and who he has made us to be! And there is an awesomeness, and adventure and joy to life in the company of people you love! So love people! Rock life with them... and make it count!

awesome.


love them.
so much.



Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Enough Said.



- God

Translation: "Beautiful, i got you!! Don't even worry about it!"


Monday, May 23, 2011

awesome of the week- siblings.


I'm not sure what else needs to be said other than i love them! So very much!
And that they're awesome. (Like crazy awesome!)

That's all.

I got joy...

joy joy joy... down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart! (Kick-back Bible song anyone? Ok, moving on! It was before my time too.)

But seriously! Joy! Friends, it's so good for the soul! It really is! I'm sitting here, after a rather "normal" day simply overwhelmed by the goodness of the Lord. His favor in my life is so undeserved and yet its sweet blessing is being poured over me in crazy awesome amounts! My cup is filled and runs over most definitely! Who needs some... i gotchu! : )

Last night at church i was reminded that God is my Father! Tim Khul rocked the face off that message. God is my dad. His arms are steadfast and strong to catch me. His wisdom is great and all knowing. He is quick to protect me! His holiness sets him infinitely apart from all that i am, and that promises goodness! He is a good dad! And he delights when his daughter runs to him! It brings him joy and delight when i run to his arms! I can't help but overflow when i think about it! I am the daughter of a God who is in perfect control of it all. Everything. Every single detail! He takes delight in orchestrating the events of life to bring himself honor and for the goodness of those he loves and who love him! And for kicks, he decides to bless the heck out of his children! He loves us! Oh, how he loves us!

Dang yo. He's got me! He's got it covered! He's my dad! And well, the three year old in me wants to ask for a pink pony and a prince charming... : )

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

"Be all in everyday."

I attended woman's retreat this past week. Yup. I guess i'm officially welcomed into the womanhood! Hola!

: )

To be completely honest, when i think woman's ministry i think doilies. I know, it's a bit drastic. But it's the truth. So, when i signed up for Woman's Retreat i was a little cautious of what was to come. I was excited to spend the weekend with the women in my family, yet admittedly a little wary they'd have me scrap booking. (Or worse.)

Considering those were my latent, obviously unspoken expectations, i was naturally blown away! It was a fantastic weekend! Truly! Sitting in a room of powerful, beautiful, Spirit filled, ridiculously funny woman was good for my soul! I get encouraged to see woman doing life with each other! While i'm still young, in age and faith, i'm passionate about discipleship and the role of older women speaking into younger women's lives. It's essential. And well, spending a weekend in the blessings of that was so good!

Anyway, the lesson i took away is simple. But i like simple... so it's perfectly fitting!

"Be all in everyday."

So simple, right? I just love it. What really excites me though, is the possibilities of actually living it out! That, my friends, is far from simple! And I think it could prove rather radical! Think about it. Waking up every morning telling Jesus that all i am today is available for all of what he'd have for me today. Could you imagine? Where would he take me? Who would he have me bless? What would his Spirit teach me?

What about in a marriage? Just think about how waking up committing to be actively engaged in your spouse and that relationship, today, would cause a spark! Could that cover a multitude of sins? What about your job? How would showing up to work prepared to be "all in" (and not on Facebook) change your output? Maybe your attitude would be different?

So, this week, my challenge has been this. Pray daily that i'd be all in! All in to whatever God would have for me today. The people, the places, the conversations. All of it. I trust that God is doing something big! And that, my friends, is AWESOME!

This photo has nothing to do with my post. But i just love this little girl!

"Hey Nunkins, make a funny face!" This is what i get. Joy to my heart!