Growing UP

This past Saturday was my Birthday. I guess late-twenties doesn't sound that bad, does it? Normally my age doesn't bother me. In fact, being younger than most is usually my problem. Not anymore!

The New Year is when people think about something they need to change, want to work on, or should have done better from the year before. For me, it's more about wondering who am I right now. Not who was I, who will I be, but rather who am I right now in this moment.

After much thought I have settled on this one thing...I am REAL. I am by no means perfect, but at the same time I am God's creation and therefore perfect in His eyes. I fail and I succeed. So many times I have tried to be this or that and have ended up frustrated by the result. Accepting the uncertainy of being REAL is always the first step. This realization sounds simple enough. But it was really a kind of difficult one for me.

My encouragement to you is to be REAL. Don't be afraid to succeed with happiness, fail without excuses, and to view yourself through God's eyes.

Growing UP is learning to look UP to find out who you are!

Beautiful

It's beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.

Jawaharlal Nehru

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance.

Never settle for the path of least resistance.

Living might mean taking chances

but they're worth taken.

Lovin' might be a mistake

but it's worth maken.

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter.

When you come close to selling out

reconsider.

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the chance

to sit it out or dance...

I HOPE YOU DANCE!

(Lee Ann Womack)

Childish?

My hope this Christmas season is that I will become more and more "childish".

Check out the link below. A young boy called into a radio station and shared a story that will change the way you use the word "childish".

I pray this next year, we all have a more childlike faith.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

"Lord, may my present to you this year be a heart that loves you, trusts you, and follows you like a child............"

Workin and LOVIN it!

Well....the website is almost complete! I can't wait to show you guys what I have been working on. I won't spoil the surprise, but I did want to show you just a few of my favorite images.

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I love seeing the faces of parents, husbands, wives, friends, and family members when they see their loved ones captured in a photograph. These images are timeless frames of real people and real emotions. I hope that my website will be a way to share these images and maybe brighten someone elses day! Keep checking in....the countdown has begun!

Pirates of ...?

Most of the time we think of pirates as some fictional characters from the latest Hollywood film. But sometimes I find myself being a "pirate" of sorts. No, for all you literalistic people out there, I am not talking about one of those fictional characters. (Although they do have cool outfits.)

At times I find myself going through life having a good ole time. No cares at all....including other peoples feelings, hopes, and dreams. My lack of care and concern at times leaves people hurt and "ship-wrecked".

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...."
James 1:19

Yes, this is a bit out there for an analogy but stay with me. I want to be a person who thinks about what I say, watches out for opportunities to encourage others, and knows the impact a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on can really have. I want to be careful not to steal people's joy, enthusiasm, and hope.

"...hold on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith." 1 Timothy 1:19

Just as a pirate can sneak through the night without much warning and steal what we love, so can being lazy with the influence we have as Christians. I represent an awesome God and every time I miss an opportunity to show how awesome He is, I am "stealing" the joy of Christ from them. No, we are not perfect, but we represent a perfect God. We should do our bests to be as much of reflection of what He has to offer those who are hurting, lost, and "shipwrecked" as we can.

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned." Titus 2:7-8

MuSiC

Power in music...

It makes me feel...

...sad,happy,relaxed,excited,relieved,angry,energized,bold,loved,
timid,empowered,cherished,strong...

How does music make you feel?

change....will do you good?

For those of you who don't know I have recently taken a position as the Campus Coordinator/Admin for LifeChurch in Hendersonville. Our campus is a branch off the main church in Oklahoma City. It is a fast pace job with lots of challenges but with greater rewards. It is a great combination of working with people and detailed financial tasks. I am over the volunteers, plan special events, and take care of the financial aspects as well. I have to admit that it can be overwhelming at times but I live for those times when I see God using my skills to make a difference in the lives of others.

Here is the link to our campus. Check it out and let me know what you think. Let me warn you.....it's church like you probably haven't seen it before. :)

http://www.lifechurch.tv/