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.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
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
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
Saturday, January 5, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
2012 in review
2012 in review
What a year 2012 has been. After a rough end to 2011 with my Gma breaking her hip she surprised all of us and rebounded this year. She turned 85 years old in October and continues to fight through the dementia.
I lost 35 pounds this year!!! I fit into smaller of everything including size 10 jeans. Still have work to do but I am proud of where I am. And I just bought an extremely cute dress for new year's eve size 12.
This year I also got the chance to compete in my first Crossfit competition. I placed in the bottom half of the scaled division but I had a great time. Cheering on my fellow cave peeps is the best feeling ever! We will always be a team!
In September I had two beautiful friends from high school get married on the same weekend. One on Friday in Linden, CA and the other on Saturday in Lake Tahoe, CA. A crazy fun weekend filled with a chance to see old friends, catch up, reminisce and plan for our 10 year high school reunion which is around the corner.
In October I got the chance to visit one of my best friends in Colorado and take in my only Fresno State Football game for 2012. It was freezing but such a fun time- I love spending time with them. We have made my trip an annual thing so I am looking forward to the next one.
In November I competed in my 2nd half marathon and finished with 16 minutes off my goal. Will I run again?? Only time will tell :) But with running the half marathon came the chance to see San Antonio which is one place in Texas I hadn't been yet. The Riverwalk was so much fun, I can't wait to go back.
In December a back injury sidelined me from Crossfit. So I started yoga. Who knew how fun that would be? I love it.
Christmas this year was really special. I surprised my dad and spent the holidays with him, my step-mom, step-brother, sister in law and my niece and nephew. It was a really special trip- the first holiday with my dad in 13 years. Such a great way to end 2012!
This post is a small snapshot of all that I have been blessed with this year. I really can't wait until 2013- I have a feeling it's going to be quite the year.
What a year 2012 has been. After a rough end to 2011 with my Gma breaking her hip she surprised all of us and rebounded this year. She turned 85 years old in October and continues to fight through the dementia.
I lost 35 pounds this year!!! I fit into smaller of everything including size 10 jeans. Still have work to do but I am proud of where I am. And I just bought an extremely cute dress for new year's eve size 12.
This year I also got the chance to compete in my first Crossfit competition. I placed in the bottom half of the scaled division but I had a great time. Cheering on my fellow cave peeps is the best feeling ever! We will always be a team!
In September I had two beautiful friends from high school get married on the same weekend. One on Friday in Linden, CA and the other on Saturday in Lake Tahoe, CA. A crazy fun weekend filled with a chance to see old friends, catch up, reminisce and plan for our 10 year high school reunion which is around the corner.
In October I got the chance to visit one of my best friends in Colorado and take in my only Fresno State Football game for 2012. It was freezing but such a fun time- I love spending time with them. We have made my trip an annual thing so I am looking forward to the next one.
In November I competed in my 2nd half marathon and finished with 16 minutes off my goal. Will I run again?? Only time will tell :) But with running the half marathon came the chance to see San Antonio which is one place in Texas I hadn't been yet. The Riverwalk was so much fun, I can't wait to go back.
In December a back injury sidelined me from Crossfit. So I started yoga. Who knew how fun that would be? I love it.
Christmas this year was really special. I surprised my dad and spent the holidays with him, my step-mom, step-brother, sister in law and my niece and nephew. It was a really special trip- the first holiday with my dad in 13 years. Such a great way to end 2012!
This post is a small snapshot of all that I have been blessed with this year. I really can't wait until 2013- I have a feeling it's going to be quite the year.
Friday, December 21, 2012
One decision
There are some moments in my life that stick out - where I remember everything about that particular time. What I was thinking, how I was feeling, who was around me, what the weather was like.
Two years ago yesterday I flew out to Houston for my 2nd interview. I remember how hot it was the week of Christmas, how nervous I was to say the right things, how I thought Sugar Land and Houston were HUGE. I remember what I ate when they took me to lunch, I remember the tour they took me on through town. Every little detail about my trip out here sticks in my mind.
Fast forward two years later. This is my life, this is my town. This is home. I know that the 25 year old that came out here has been broken, hurt, inspiried and change. I can't imagine my life without this decision. As hard as it's been and as much as I've complained along the way I'm so thankful that I came out here.
I remember the day I accepted the offer to come out for an interview and everyone thought I was crazy. But I knew I had to come out, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Two years ago yesterday I flew out to Houston for my 2nd interview. I remember how hot it was the week of Christmas, how nervous I was to say the right things, how I thought Sugar Land and Houston were HUGE. I remember what I ate when they took me to lunch, I remember the tour they took me on through town. Every little detail about my trip out here sticks in my mind.
Fast forward two years later. This is my life, this is my town. This is home. I know that the 25 year old that came out here has been broken, hurt, inspiried and change. I can't imagine my life without this decision. As hard as it's been and as much as I've complained along the way I'm so thankful that I came out here.
I remember the day I accepted the offer to come out for an interview and everyone thought I was crazy. But I knew I had to come out, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I need a miracle
Somedays I wake up, look around and am truly in awe of everything around me. Even in the midst of tragedy there is so much beauty in life.
For much of my adult life I've struggled with people who feel that life is worth throwing away. Who have for years continued to abuse prescription drugs and drink to the point of no return. Someone very close to me struggles deeply with this. I look back at pictures at wonder what the once vibrant life filled version of herself would think of the person she has come to be. Where there was once so much life there is now a person fighting for her life. All the fun of this world has caught up with her, all the partying and drinking and drugs from years past has snuck up and robbed her of any decent future.
I think I struggle with addiction because it changes people. It ruins relationships, it ruins experiences, and most times those moments live longer in our memories then the good ones. I try and look for the positives, I try and see past the tears, fights, the harsh words that have been said but I struggle. I struggle because I don't understand even in the middle of all of this how someone can be so consumed with something that will one day probably kill them.
Currently she's back in the hospital, something else has gone wrong. This week she told me that her liver is failing. What do you say to that? I'm sorry? Wow? When I said I was sorry she said it's my own fault. And there in a simple line is the truth. Years of decisions to chose death over life have lead her to this moment. Years of turning to a bottle of alcohol or prescription drugs have left her with a failing liver.
I titled this post because I need a miracle and so does she. She has no insurance and can't get on a transplant list, so therefore she is stuck. She needs a miracle if she has any hope of surviving. I pray that if she does get a liver she realizes this is a second chance. A chance to do life the way we were meant to: free from bondage to drugs and alcohol, full of life, full of love. I need a miracle because at the end of the day she means a lot to me and I struggle because most moments I have no words to express my dissapointment and other days I wish I could just hug her until it all goes away.
For much of my adult life I've struggled with people who feel that life is worth throwing away. Who have for years continued to abuse prescription drugs and drink to the point of no return. Someone very close to me struggles deeply with this. I look back at pictures at wonder what the once vibrant life filled version of herself would think of the person she has come to be. Where there was once so much life there is now a person fighting for her life. All the fun of this world has caught up with her, all the partying and drinking and drugs from years past has snuck up and robbed her of any decent future.
I think I struggle with addiction because it changes people. It ruins relationships, it ruins experiences, and most times those moments live longer in our memories then the good ones. I try and look for the positives, I try and see past the tears, fights, the harsh words that have been said but I struggle. I struggle because I don't understand even in the middle of all of this how someone can be so consumed with something that will one day probably kill them.
Currently she's back in the hospital, something else has gone wrong. This week she told me that her liver is failing. What do you say to that? I'm sorry? Wow? When I said I was sorry she said it's my own fault. And there in a simple line is the truth. Years of decisions to chose death over life have lead her to this moment. Years of turning to a bottle of alcohol or prescription drugs have left her with a failing liver.
I titled this post because I need a miracle and so does she. She has no insurance and can't get on a transplant list, so therefore she is stuck. She needs a miracle if she has any hope of surviving. I pray that if she does get a liver she realizes this is a second chance. A chance to do life the way we were meant to: free from bondage to drugs and alcohol, full of life, full of love. I need a miracle because at the end of the day she means a lot to me and I struggle because most moments I have no words to express my dissapointment and other days I wish I could just hug her until it all goes away.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Somedays
Somedays I wish I could go back and try and figure out exactly what happened. Exactly the point it all fell apart.
In this life I truly believe every decision is proceeded by a fork in the road and I always wonder what would happen if we took another path.
Most of the time we will never know what could have happened. We will only know the path we've taken, the mistakes, the moments, everything that brought us to this point. Life is full of people who love you, people who come and go.
So hold tight to those in your life that have been brought along the way. Celebrate everything that today has to offer because we truly have no idea what tomorrow will bring.
In this life I truly believe every decision is proceeded by a fork in the road and I always wonder what would happen if we took another path.
Most of the time we will never know what could have happened. We will only know the path we've taken, the mistakes, the moments, everything that brought us to this point. Life is full of people who love you, people who come and go.
So hold tight to those in your life that have been brought along the way. Celebrate everything that today has to offer because we truly have no idea what tomorrow will bring.
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