2013 in Review

(2013 I know that you and God have a lot more in store for me then all of this. I know that this year is going to be absolutely amazing. I pray that I continue to find God's leading in everyday and strive to make my life part of the greatest story ever told.)

 I can hardly believe as I write this that are only 2 days left in 2013....time seems to fly these days.

The beginning of the year brought Dillon Bridges into our lives. I was able to go home for a week during super bowl and see my friends and family. Those are the memories I hold onto the most - surrounded by friends and loved ones. I loved meeting the newest addition to the OG family!

In March I finished my first triathlon and it was amazing. Swim, bike and run at Sugar Land Memorial Park. 

In April Amy called with some amazing news - her and Tyler were getting married! And then everyone followed suit not long after - Mel and Jess both called and said they were getting married. :) I knew 2013 would be filled with some amazing memories at that point.

June we took our high schoolers to Coleford, England and were able to speak to over 900 students at Laker's Academy. What an amazing experience- sharing the gospel and our faith. Our last weekend there we took the kids from the church we partnered with and our students to a weekend retreat- I took a bad tumble off my bike which resulted in a tear in my shoulder. 

The summer was filled with fun trips to the beach, Austin, and random road trips to Beaumont and Lousiana. My friends are pretty much awesome. 

The end of September kicked off with 3 weddings and my 10 year high school reunion in a 6 week span. All back in California I might add. Though I wouldn't have traded those memories for anything. Maid of honor in two and bridesmaid in one I was truly blessed to stand up next to my best friend's on their wedding days. 

Not long after the last wedding I had shoulder surgery to repair the SLAP tear. Currently we are almost two months post surgery and I'm making some great gains. I can't lift anything more then one or two pounds but my mobility is getting better day by day. 

Hands down the biggest change of 2013 came in the last 6 weeks- I was offered an amazing opportunity in a small town just north of Houston as their Assistant City Manager. So as 2014 starts I will as well start a new adventure- new job, new church, new home. It's crazy and amazing, but I know God is with me every step of the way. 

To 2014:

My motto for you shall be this: Love God, love people and trust the rest will fall into place. I know that no matter what this next year brings as long as I lean on the faithfulness of Jesus I can do anything. He has carried me this far and out of love and obiendence to everything He's done I will take every step forward- for the sake of His name and His glory. 

A new chapter

There's something about the month of December- not sure if it's the change of weather or the promise of what this time of year means for those of us that love Jesus, but I love this time of year. 

Three years ago this month I got a phone call that would change my life. Unemployed for almost 6 months, attempting to finish my grad school comprehensive exams, my current boss called and offered me a second interview in Texas. I remember standing outside the library at Fresno State calling my Grandma and asking if my Christmas present could be a flight to Texas the week of Christmas. She said yes if that's what I wanted. I also remember her asking if this was something I really wanted, was it worth the risk? And in that moment it was. I had nothing to stand on except this open door God had laid before me and my faith. 

Fast forward three years later and South Texas is now my home. I've been so very blessed to be part of an amazing team at work, and been given the chance to open up the city of Sugar Land's first and only rec center. 

God provided in amazing ways and brought me to The Bridge Fellowship. Sitting in the seats of the Palladium today singing about how we've never walked alone. Not once. Ever. And for that I'm thankful. I'm thankful for my amazing friends and everyone that I hold dear at The Bridge. My small group girls have changed my life and I can't wait to see what their future holds. 

With all that being said....there's something about December that seems to change things. 

2 weeks ago I got this email:

A crazy email that I thought was spam. For those that know me my long term career goal is to become a city manager one day. I told a friend and co-worker that I was applying and he said he knew the city manager, so he called him. And I applied. And prayed and thought no way that this was ever going to pan out. 

I got an interview and even though I loved the people I interviewed with I thought it was a long shot. I chalked it up to a good experience. And then I got a call for a second interview. So last Wednesday, two weeks after this crazy email I drove up to Willis. 

I think that day will live in my memory forever. Sitting in the City Manager's office at 2pm he offered me the job. And without a hesitation I took the offer. 28 years old and in a matter of moments I became the Assistant City Manager for a small town in Texas. 

I can explain this in one word: GOD. His hand was in this from the beginning and I can't begin to thank Him. For the love, the grace, the guidiance that He is every day. 

Some moments I can't believe this is happening and other moments I'm so excited. I'm nervous but ready for the road ahead. I know whatever this new journey brings that He will always be with me and He will always be fighting for me. And that for me is enough hope to face anything tomorrow may bring. 

Week 1

I can't sleep. So I decided to blog instead. I am one week and a day past shoulder surgery. I have a feeling I might like to read these along the way. So here we go! 

I had my first post-op appt on Wednesday. I was cleared to shower which in and of it's self was a huge moment. Not showering or washing your hair for a week is too long. 

I was so excited for said shower that I didn't pay much attention to my shoulder. 

I can take it out of the sling. It's stiff, it's sore and it doesn't work. That probably sounded funny because I just had surgery but my arm doesn't work. 

I can't pick it more then a few inches from my side. I can barely write. I can't put my hair in a ponytail. 

But I start PT next week. 

I know I can do this. I know that I will get there. One day at a time. One moment and milestone at a time. I'm thankful right now for a repaired shoulder and the chabce to make a comeback. 😊

Chapters

Everyday we hear stories of new chapters in life. 

For my best friend it was getting her social security card with her new last name. A new chapter in her life has started. And I texted her this: 

Just think it's a new chapter is this book called life. It will have it's up and downs like any good story but the best part is you get to be a part of that story. Write it however you want. :)

Later I got a card from my mom with well wishes about my surgery with some money inside. 

And I read a story about my friend's adoption and how some paperwork expired and it's delayed them bringing home their boys. 

I realized something about stories today.   

We always want to go back to past chapters and change the ending but we can't. The future isn't found in the yellowing of the well worn pages of the past. The future has yet to be written- so we must embrace the present. Remember every laugh, every moment, every memory. Makes those moments the best. That way we won't have any fear of the ending because we lived the very best one.

As this realization settled over me today I was thankful for my life, my story, and this chapter. For the amazing people in it. Over the last week I've come to realize how incredibly important they are, how much I love them and how richly they add to my story. 

I have a feeling our stories are turning our pretty awesome. 

Wedding season

It's hard to believe the beginning of November is here and that in two months 2013 will be over. I swear time flies faster everyday and I try so very hard to be in the moment- to treasure today for what it's worth. Over the course of the last two months I have had the most amazing privilege of standing up for my three best friends on their wedding day. 

The first wedding was my best friend Amy Nicole Ballinger (now Wildey) and her husband Tyler. I can't think of a couple that is cuter then these two- they make me laugh everytime I'm around them and I love them for it. 

My maid of honor speech pretty much sums up our friendship and I'm so glad I was able to be there to share in their special day. 

I had a saying I told Amy a lot when we were in college- it's easier to know where you are going when you can remember where you came from. 

So let's take a little trip down memory lane- for those of you that don't know me I'm marge. And Amy and I have been best friends since freshman year of high school, that was only 14 years ago...but who's counting. Who knew biology class would form a long lasting friendship? 

Through high school we formed an amazing group of friends who stand up here today- they truly have become family. We, like any normal teenage girls, had a ton of fun in high school- camping trips, first speeding tickets, motorcross races, and knee surgeries.

Fast forward into college- Amy and I ended up going to school three hours away but she still managed to move me into my dorm room, attend football games, go camping, and let's not forget the ever epic trip to Vegas in the summer of 2006. A story I'll save for some other day- because I know at some point she will be saying this same speech at my future wedding and who knows what stories she might decide to tell. 

In Jan 2011 she was the most amazing best friend ever and drove across the country to move me to Texas. A few months later I got a phone call that she had met a guy and she really really really liked him. I got all the details on this guy named Tyler and I knew even though I was 1,500 miles away there was something different about the way she talked about him. Luckily that summer I was able to make it back for our annual camping trip and he was coming with her. I was fully prepared to grill him and pull the best friend card. But I remember as he got out of the jeep I didn't have to. There was something about the way he looked at her and cared for that made me smile. I knew she had found someone special.

Over the course of the past two years Tyler's family has welcomed me in when ever I've been back in California and I've gotten to know the Wildey family very well. I'm thankful that even though I'm not here on a regular basis that Amy has been welcomed into a family full of love and laughter. 

I remember so many times talking about our future and what that would like and how that story would play out- and I'm so thankful for this chapter for you both. I love you both so much and I'm thankful that at the end of the day love brought you together and we all get to celebrate that with you! 

The second wedding has been a special day in the making for over 8 years. Jess and her husband Jesus mean the world to me and she is the closest thing I've ever had to a sister. One of our dear friends married them and their vows were perfect. I cried through most of it :) 

This was my attempt at sharing how much they mean to me in my Maid of Honor speech::

A 16th century french poet once said as rare as true love is, a true friendship is even rarer. Recent studies also show that if a friendship lasts 7 years it will last a lifetime. So a friendship that has survived 23 years is special and rare and whether she likes it or not we'll be friends for a lifetime. But when you've been friends for that long where do you start? 

Our adventures as best friends started in kindergarten. I was the overly bossy and extremely loud one and Jess was the quiet reserved child with bouncing curls. Even though for most of our lives we've been polar opposites we've always balanced each other out. 

We survived the awkward years of growing up by staying up late, eating too much cookie dough and drinking too much dr. Pepper. In high school much to everyone's surprise Jess had the lead foot when we started driving- scoring her first speeding ticket when she only had her paper license. 

Fast forward to college. Fresno State is where this all started - Jess and Jesus met in 2005 and as they like to say the rest is history. 8 years, 2 kids, several moves and jobs later- here we are. Celebrating the love that has binded these two together through thick and thin, no matter what. 

When i sat down to write this I happened to find an old email that i had written Jess in the spring of 2009...we were closing in on our 24th birthdays and she needed a pep talk about life and everything that comes with it.

This is what it said: 

But that's part of the journey. You have no real idea where you will be in five, ten years. Just like 10 years ago we didn't really know where we would be today. But the greatest part of these journeys is knowing who's around to catch you when you fall or to stop you when feel like jumping off some cliff. 

This adventure called marriage, this adventure called life, this adventure called raising children is all part of the journey. All part of who you two are and who you two will become. No matter where the future takes you remember that- remember the journey, remember the adventure but most of all remember the love. 

The last wedding I was in was for two people that I love and admire so very much. I'm thankful that when planning their special day they not only wanted me their but they chipped in with the rest of our best friends to get me there. I don't think words can ever express how thankful I am for what they did. 

Their love reminds me that you never know how a story will turn out- how many turns and twists it will take to get you back to your one and only. But they have proven it's worth the wait. 

These three women are my best friends. They have been there through the happiest days and the saddest days. They have been there for my best moments and my worst and I am so thankful for their contiuned friendship and love through out the years. I will treasure my memories from these weddings and the chance to stand up for my best friends on their very special days. 

Love you ladies! 

To my girls

For some reason tonight sitting around the table during our "last first" Drive I couldn't help but smile. My heart is full of how amazing and incredible every single young lady in that room is. I see Jesus. I see laughter. I see love. I see forgiveness. I see grace. 

I see a group of young ladies that given the chance will band together in the name of friendship and love each other through the good times and bad. 

As your small group leader there are a few things on my heart that I will be praying for. 

I pray that you remember that you are loved- not only by us but by the one that created you. That He loved you from the beginning and will love you no matter what. 

I pray that you are bold- that you remember that Jesus lives within you and   through Him you can do anything. I pray that you takes chances with friends and invite them to Drive or church- that you invest in them for the sake of eternity. 

I pray that you are intentional- with your time, with your resources, with your relationships. This year is going to fly by and before you know it we will be sitting in Scott's office for the very last Drive and I want you to know deep in your heart that you left everything on the table. That you made the most of what you were given. 

I pray that you take time to have fun- the future will be there. I said it tonight and I mean it: stop worrying about what hasn't happened yet. Live in the moment. Be thankful for this journey because this journey is your life. Enjoy your last year of high school and make some beautiful memories. 

I'm thankful tonight to be a part of this small group- to lead with Audrey and do life with you ladies. I pray continually for you and I won't stop because at the end of the day I love you all so very much. I can't wait to see what God will do in you and through you this year! 

Somedays

I'm striving everyday to be the best version of myself - to be the woman God created me to be inside and out. I'd be lying if I said that everyday was perfect - that there weren't moments that the tears well up and and I find myself blindly wiping them away. 

In those moments all I can do is take a deep breath and trust. Trust that God will carry me when I cannot walk any farther. That He will go ahead of me as promised and fight for me when I have nothing left inside of me. I imagine when I'm too tired to stand, I find God kneeling beside me saying "Rest child" as He stands to fight my battles.

If I were to be completely honest, I'm afraid. I'm afraid of the unknown waters of the future, I'm afraid of what I can't see instead of trusting the One who carries me in the dark.  

In the darkest and hardest moments of my life God has rescued me. He has picked me up when I felt there was no hope and nothing left. I'm praying that I never forget the love and security and hope found in who He is. 

We will get there together

During my trip to England in June we got the chance to go mt. biking in the Forest of Dean. A super fun trip filled with mud and bumps and hills ended with a tumble over the handle bars. 

Fast forward almost a month and a half later and I've been through an MRI that indicates I have a SLAP tear in my shoulder from the fall. 

It's in these moments when we have the hardest time seeing the future because we have a hard time dealing with what's right in front of us. 

What's right in front of me? 6 weeks of therapy and then an appointment to see if it's any better. If it's not then we schedule surgery. That means 6 weeks in a sling followed by 6 - 9 months of therapy. 

Every moment there are a million thoughts running through my head. I'm scared, I'm nervous. I'm afraid for what's around the corner. 

But then I'm reminded of a few things: that God has got this. He hasn't failed me yet and he won't start now. And the   second thing I am reminded of is how amazing and blessed I am to have the friends I do. 

The one thing I refuse to do is stop working and stop fighting. I've been told not to Crossfit and though I have stopped lifting and doing anything overhead I refuse to stop doing something I love. I will work on box jumps, sit ups, lunges and anything else that doesn't require my arms. I will run miles before my workouts and after. Because at the end of the day I refuse to go down without a fight. 

Last night after our workout one of my dear friends and coaches texted me this:: 

Hi Marge, i just wanted to say something real quick. I can see over the past few days even though you have that beautiful smile on your face, you still seem to be worried about your shoulder. 

I know that you know this, but i wanted go ahead and remind you that God puts us in these situations to test our courage, emotions, and our vulnerabilities to figure out what type of person you are when things arent going well.

Now we all know you are a great loving friend and awesome person, so i am pretty sure this test from God is to show how Extraordinary you are. 

You will get through this Marge and you will be better than ever. We all have your back on whatever decision you make and we will make sure we have our Cali girl back on track.

Keep your head up and keep that beautiful smile on your face. 

Love, Khizer :-)

Another friend sent this in a text:

We will be there when you wake up from surgery, and when you're cleared to run we'll run, and I'll visit and have game nights 

This is why I love Crossfit. At the end of the day they have your back. Regardless of what else happens they have been there through the tough workouts and moments that you want to quit and they have supported you. I'm thankful for this group of people that has rallied around me and hasn't told me to stop chasing my goals. But instead they have said it may take us a little longer and it might not be on the road we planned-

but we will get there together someday. 

England 2013

I'm not sure if I can ever put into words how amazing and life changing this trip has been. Walking into the halls of Lakers School on Monday I wasn't fully prepared for what God had in store. He has given us sweet moments with these students, asked us to defend who we are and ultimately revealed a little more of who He is and His plan for all of us. 

Entering into their Religious Education classes we've been challenged, questioned, asked about everything under the sun and at the end of the day we've been able to share our faith. It's not everyday you walk into a school and share who you are, what you believe and what you stand for. But that's what we've done. 

We've discussed questions such as "Is religion dangerous?" Or "Is it hard to be religious in the 21st century?" Or "Should religious people keep their beliefs out of medical ethics?" Or "God cannot be described" and my favorite "God has no place in modern society". These are questions that I think Christians don't think about everyday- but we've sat with students and talked and debated and shared our point of view. 

Today during a question and answer time one of the girls said this: "I've never met anyone that was this strong in their faith" It was a simple statement but it has  resonated with me. I've realized that God has molded me into this strong and vibrant person who is willing to share the gospel because at the end of the day it's all that matters. 

My 28th Birthday

There is only a few minutes left of my birthday and even though it is way past my bedtime I couldn't miss the opportunity to put my pen to paper and hold onto these sweet moments.  

For the first time in my adult life I am thrilled for what 28 will bring. I would describe this birthday as a moment in time where I feel comfortable in my own skin. I feel confident in who God is shaping and molding me to be and I'm ready for whatever adventures He has in store for me. (That includes a trip to Coleford, England in 31 days with my students from church!)

I have felt an overwhelming sense of love and grace from the people in my life. Not only in California but the amazing people and coworkers God has blessed me with here in Texas who have made this birthday one that I will remember for a very long time.

Today was one of those days you wish you could freeze frame and hold on to when life gets rough and your not sure what the next day will bring. But I know that the sweet presents, voicemails, texts and moments I had today will live on in my heart and in my memory.

Feeling very blessed by the people in my life - every single person who made this birthday special- you know who you are. Thank you for thinking of me, thank you for loving me, thank you for supporting me.


Fast forward 365 days and here's a quick thought for the me that will be closing in on the end of the decade called her twenties:

I truly hope you live this year with abandon - you love more, you give more, you hope more and you dream more. This life is truly yours for the taking and with God the sky is the limit. Don't be afraid to say what you feel, share with the people around you and love like you've never loved before. 

Continue to put God first and He will direct your path, remember that as you grow older you have the blessed opportunity to spend another day on this earth sharing the love and joy you have found in Christ. Don't be afraid to be the light- be who you are and everyone will love you for it. Don't take life too seriously because you never know what's around the corner that might derail the best of plans. Love your friends and family and extend grace whenever possible. 

But if you do nothing else in the next 365 days at least do this - LOVE those around you as much as you love yourself. The rest will fall into place. 

Blessings

It's hard to be sad or down or upset when you have too many things to be grateful for. So I made a list.

5 things tonight that I am grateful for:

1. The simple task of crawling into my bed at night - knowing that I am loved.

2. Knowing that the God of the universe has a plan for my life and know exactly what the future holds.

3. The ladies in my small group who challenge and grow me every week.

4. My sweet friend that sent me flowers today to kick off birthday month

5. My friends and family in California who despite the distance are still here for me everyday.

Doing life together

At first glance this picture to any passer by would be a simple glimpse of a group having dinner.

But to those of us in the picture it is so much more. This picture represents life, trust, family and friendships.

This world is crazy and full of chaos but on a Wednesday night for a small second the loudness of life quiets down. It's within those moments of quiet that we find the freedom and courage to be ourselves. To lay all of who we are on the table for those we trust to examine and help us grow.

Life is messy but done best with those you love. And on Wednesdays for a small moment of time God brings us together to listen and share and heal all the broken pieces. Everyone of us has a story, something to share, or something to say. And we get the blessed opportunity to gather around the table every week and do just that. Share, listen, laugh, pray and enjoy the blessings of this amazing thing we call small group.

England 2013

I feel blessed that since I've been in Texas God has provided me with the most amazing people to do life with at The Bridge Fellowship. Being a small group leader to a group of high schoolers has challenged me and my walk with God in ways I never thought possible.

And when I think my heart can't hold anymore joy or love, the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself. Lead a group of high school students on a mission trip to England to help share the love of Jesus Christ. I remember thinking me? You want me to help lead the next generation on a mission trip?

I love that when you think you aren't capable of doing something God equips you in ways you never thought possible. So here I am less then two months from the adventure of a lifetime - taking a group of high school students to share their story and the Gospel with our brothers and sisters in Coleford, England. We will stay in host homes and do life with them, the students will also participate in discussions in their classes about Christianity in America and what life looks like for us as believers.

Today I am asking for your support through finances and prayers. The total cost of the trip is $2800.00. As of today I have raised $1205.00 bringing my balance to $1595.00

You can give online:

https://public.serviceu.com/PaymentForm/11956/?OrgKey=2e86a7cc-3d0c-4d75-b382-297353d56465

You can mail a check to:

The Bridge Fellowship (note: “Marge Littleton-England")
802 Brooks Street

Sugar Land TX 77478

Or you can join us April 18th at Il Primo Pizza (99 and Mason in Richmond) where 10% of your purchase will go to support our team!

As we prepare for this journey please pray for the life change that these students and leaders will experience as we share the gospel, as well as open hearts for those we will be serving on this incredible trip. One final thought comes from a sermon I listened to at the end of 2012 that talks about the importance of going on missions and serving those around us. The scriptures shared were from 3 John 5-8:


5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,[a] even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

These verses have stuck out to me since then and I feel honored and privileged to work together with my friends, family and these students as we share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our team (from left to right): Marshall Peterson, Brad Fisk, Madison Gould, Gabby Nguyen, Alex Baez, Tyler Baez, Marge Littleton & Joyce Abiodun. Not pictured: Joel Owens

Fun times with friends

I love having people come visit and I especially love it since I've moved to Texas. I love that they can see where I live and who I hang out with.

The best part is when that person is someone you've know for over 15 years. One of my bestest friends from high school moved to North Texas with her husband almost 8 years ago. Unless she came home to visit I didn't get to see her on a regular basis until I moved to Texas.

The first year and a half I was able to travel up to their neck of the woods often and we always had a blast. Their daughter was born almost two years and she has quickly become one of my favorite people.

We've grown closer over the last 2.5 years because we know what it feels like to be far from those we love. Attempting to make a life, a name, a family without those that know us better then anyone else. It's rediscovering who we are and what we stand for.

I'm thankful for these friends and for the bond we have. We laughed, we saw alligators, we built a fort in the living room- we just lived and it was perfect.

A bargain book

It's funny how when God wants you to know something, read something or get something He has a way of putting it out there so you can't miss it.

A few weeks ago after a birthday dinner with my best girl friends we stopped by a Christian bookstore so our friend could have some help picking out a bible. I wanted to go as well because I had a coupon for a book I wanted to get so I went straight for that section. On the way back across the store I was stopped by another book. First it was in the bargain book section, it was on sale for $4.95 (who doesn't love a deal?) and it had a picture of a plate of tofu with a red table and chair. The title you ask? Looking for God: An Unexpected Journey Through Tattoos, Tofu, and Pronouns. So I picked it up and figured for that cheap I could add it to my collection and see if it was worth the read and the price.

But you know how I mentioned that sometimes God has a message for you? Well this unexpected bargain book ended up being that message. Knowing I would have time on a short flight to West Texas last week for work I grabbed this book off my night stand. As soon as we took off I started reading and found myself in a chapter labeled Longings, Aches and Pains. I started reading and literally felt like my heart had been poured out onto these pages. Like this author knew every deep and dark place of who I was and I couldn't stop the tears. They flowed for most of the plane ride as I read and re-read this chapter. Here's where it gets really good:

I found that God met me in my sadness. I found that the deep ache and longing I had for California was also a reflection of being an alien in this world. Not fully belonging yet longing to. Being created for a perfect world but living in one that is imperfect. The spiritual layers became more available to me as I dug a little deeper and allowed the longings, aches, and pains to have their voice. 

And when I did, what slowly emerged was a growing phrase from God: You love California more than you love me. 

Well, maybe, but just a little bit. Is that a problem?

I began to understand what "idolatry of place" was. I found friends who weren't afraid to engage me in conversation, reflection and challenges about my own idolatry of place. I discovered that God was a strong place I could go to when the sense of loss felt overwhelming. Through this process, I realized that God is the one thing that doesn't change. And that understanding became the center of who I was. - Nancy Ortberg

After all these moments, all the tears, all the pain, the realization of what she had written hit me like a ton of bricks. I really had made California my idol. I had put it on a pedastel and made it into the best place that God ever created and I wrestled constantly with this idea that I loved California more then I loved God.

In the pages of this book all the pieces of my life that I didn't understand made sense. That when I had enough sense to give God everything, including my idols He changed my heart. 6 months ago after reading another book (Not a Fan) I decided to stop applying, stop looking and stop dreaming of a life or my former life back in California. The minute that decision was made, that God could really have everything and I was willing to give up everything I had ever known for who He was and is, the biggest sense of relief washed over me.

This book is just further proof that as Nancy said God was a strong place I could go to when the sense of loss felt overwhelming and I am so thankful for that.

Being Loved

I posted on Facebook last night how grateful I am for the people in my life who are open to adoption and how much my heart just soars with love. I'm getting teary eyed writing this post because being adopted I have a special place in my heart for those that are adopted and those that do the adopting.

My mom isn't on facebook so I texted her what I had posted on facebook and said thank you for adopting me. And what she wrote back caused the tears to stream down my face:

Thank you I was very blessed to get you. I'm sorry the road has been rocky at times.

Always know no matter what I love you with all my heart.

She's right. The road has been rough- filled with pot holes and bumps and sometimes man holes that we weren't expecting. But the beauty of life is that the road winds, it changes but it continues. There is no dead end for us. We've found our way out of some of the toughest places. There was so much grace felt in that text message because she was offering out the hope that tomorrow is always there, that no matter what happens she will always be there. Most days it's comforting to know that regardless of how rocky the road has been you have your mother in your corner cheering you on, loving you and supporting you.

Go small

1. I need other to walk with me - We weren't meant to walk alone and most times we can't learn the most important lessons in life by ourselves.
2. I need others to work with me -sometimes I will be crabby and not fun to be around but I pray that my friends will show me grace.
3. I need others to watch out for me - who's got your back? Who's looking out for your soul?
4. I need others to wait with me - in the scariest moments in life we need someone there. Maybe not to offer a work of encouragement but just to be there. To sit with us, to pray for us, to hug us.
5. I need others to witness with me. - this life is rocky and Satan will try to bring us down but we must stand together and see the beauty in this world that God has created....TOGETHER

When life gets messy, when life gets bumpy I hope and pray that we have people like this in our lives.

Bibles for Haiti

Towards the end of 2012 The Bridge did an event called Bibles for Haiti. We could purchase bibles that would be given out when our team went at the beginning of 2013. We were asked to write a little note to them that would be translated and take a picture with a chalkboard sign that had a few sayings about how much we loved them written in their language as well.

I remember that Sunday I almost didn't go. I was tired and being crabby and didn't feel like my one bible would matter much in the grand scheme of things. But then I felt the conviction set in and I decided to go.

I remember writing a sweet note, taking my picture and paying for my bible and that was it.

Fast foward to the end of the 2012. The last Sunday of the year a few friends and I attended another church and I absolutely loved the sermon. The pastor preached about what we can do for missions in 2013 and shared this book in the bible:

3 John 1


New International Version (NIV)

1 The elder,

To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,[a] even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.

I highlighted the verses that stuck out to me and I was dumbfounded. Verse 7 and 8 talk about how they set out for the sake of the Name. These people that went out under the banner of Jesus to share the gospel and proclaim the greatest story ever told. Many of us are unable to go on these trips because of work or obligations but Jesus calls us to partner with those that are able to so that we may work together for the truth.

This past week our team left for Haiti and I have several friends that were able to go on this amazing trip. Funny how God has a way of making everything come full circle. Today while at church I got a text message from one of my friends that is there and it said this: We handed out some bibles and I saw your picture. Made me tear up a little. Miss you a ton. As I read this text message I started to tear up! Here was my note of love and encouragement tucked into a corner of a bible that was handed out today at a church service in Haiti.

I can't think of a more amazing way to start the new year then to be able to share the gospel with my brothers and sisters in Haiti. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" 3 John 4

Dear 2013

Dear 2013:

I have high hopes for you. For some reason I've really been looking forward to the next 12 months.

I'm excited for Mel to have her baby boy! He is already so loved and I really can't wait to meet him. I can't wait to watch the super bowl with the O.G.'s and spend some time in Northern California. Since I didn't go home for Christmas it feels long over due. 5 months is the longest I've gone since I've left for Texas.

I'm excited for things happening at work. Spring break camp and summer day camp are fast approaching. March will be the first time we've had spring break camp at the rec center and I'm sort of nervous. Nervous that not enough kids will show up.

I think the one thing I am most excited for is the launch of our new campus! God is doing amazing things at the Bridge and I am thrilled that God has chosen me to be a part of all of it. I can't wait for more people to know the greatest story ever told. And Easter service is being held at the Skeeter's stadium which is going to be EPIC.

In June I will be heading to England with 10 of our high school students, our family pastor and our youth pastor. We will be going to help support a church in England. It's not a typical mission trip in the fact that the people we are going to serve have heard about the gospel but are skeptical of the faith. We are literally going to defend our faith which is going to be a life changing experience.

The fall also brings my 10 year high school year reunion which should be a great time as well. Excited to reconnect with old friends and catch up on all that has happened over the last 10 years.

2013 I know that you and God have a lot more in store for me then all of this. I know that this year is going to be absolutely amazing. I pray that I continue to find God's leading in everyday and strive to make my life part of the greatest story ever told.