25 for 25

In honor of turning 25, I'm giving you 25 random facts/confessions about myself:

 1 - My favorite animals are elephants and giraffes. I really want to go on an African safari one day!

2 - I can touch my tongue to my nose. 

3 - My sophomore year of college I dyed my hair. I will never do that again. 

4 - I lived in Breckenridge, CO for 3 summers during college. Summit County will always have a piece of my heart and I'm itching to go back asap (just not in the winter....)

5 - I am NOT an animal person. Yes, I do have 2 fave animals but notice they are not ones I will run into on a normal basis and have to pet (except in India and when that happens, you pet and ride the elephant!) Yes, I had dogs and cats growing up and I love my own animals. But, I don't do well with animals and I just don't love them. Sorry. 

6 - Pink is my favorite color. 

7 - I worked at Dairy Queen for a summer (in CO).

8 - I also worked at an Oxygen Bar for a summer (also in CO).

9 - Summer is my favorite season. I would be happy to never experience winter again. I would also be happy to find a way to have snow days during summer weather. 

10 - When I read a book series or watch a TV series, I get attached. The characters become my friends. I start referencing them by first name, like we know each other, and I'm always telling their stories (I can relate any life situation to a Friends episode.) So, when they're over, I cry. And, I don't mean just a few tears...I'm talking sobs. I still cry like a baby during Michael's last 2 episodes of the Office & the last episode of Friends, no matter how many times I watch them. 

11 - I love writing with colored pens & I love marking out my to-do list at work with colored sharpie.
12 - When clothes shopping, I navigate towards blues, without even realizing it. My closet is full of shades of blue - stripes, solids, plaids, polka dots.
13 - I love to read.
14 - I love candles. Any time I am home for a few hours, I'm burning a candle.
15 - I'm very clumsy & I bruise 'like a peach' (name that show...hint - see #10).
16 - I was on Drill Team in 7th & 8th grade. I was a cheerleader in 9th grade & 11th-12th grade. My sophomore year I took off, had foot surgery, and was football manager & water girl.
17 - I miss cheerleading - stunting, cheering, dances, jumps, all of it.
18 - I enjoy getting older - it means I'm wiser ;) (hopefully). I don't like drama that the younger years often bring.
19 - I've cut my hair 3 times to donate it.
20 - Country music is my favorite music of all time.
21 - Sweet vs. Salty = sweet every.single.time. I rarely salt my food. I could always eat something sweet.
22 - I really like naps.
23 - My family means the world to me.
24 - I enjoy trips to Wal-Mart or the grocery store. I like perusing the aisles and taking my time (unless there are a million people there.)
25 - I want to live in India. 

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July!! I love this holiday! It's smack dab in the middle of summer (my fave season) & there are so many great things about it:
Fireworks
SUN
Laying out
Music
Fam & Friends
Day off :)

It's the first time, that I can remember, being in Arkansas and not being at the lake. In college, I was always in Colorado or India for the 4th. The rest of my summers, I am ALWAYS at the lake! But, the mid-week celebration threw some glitches in the plan. So, I'm laying out solo today and making some plans for tonight.

Happy 4th! Don't get too hot, stay safe, and remember the people who fought and still fight to keep us free.

If Every Weekend Were a 3-Day Weekend

Why can't every weekend be a 3-day weekend? My SIL & I contemplated this very question at lunch yesterday, while sitting on the screened in porch after a long boat ride.

If every weekend were a 3-day weekend:
-I would be uber bronze in the summer.
-I could deal better with being tired during the week.
-I would have more time to cook and clean and would ultimately be more productive (as a result of being able to deal with being tired because I know I'd be getting plenty of sleep on the weekend).
-There would be more time with fam & friends.
-I could travel even more. 

However, every weekend is not a 3-day weekend so I'm going to cherish the ones I have!

This past weekend was PERFECT in every way.

Thursday night, I headed to Hot Springs with my bros. We met up with my SIL for dinner, then headed to the gparents house. We just hung out, laughed, watched some TV, & went to bed.

Friday, I had my DOP on the screened in porch. It was incredible. Great day! That evening, the kiddos, aunt & uncle, & my mom arrived.

Saturday, I woke up and cooked cinnamon rolls for everyone. I had a great time letting Joshua help me out! (love that kid!) We spent the day on the dock laying out. Literally, all day. LOVED it.

Sunday, we went out on the boat! There are 2 lakes that back up to each other in HS - Ouachita & Hamilton. We grew up going to Ouachita but now my gparents live on Hamilton so we go there. Where the 2 lakes meet, there is a dam that pulls water from the bottom of Ouachita into Hamilton. We call it the "cold water." It's become a tradition to go there and jump in whenever we go out on the boat as a whole fam. However, we've never done it this early in the year. We normally go for July 4th or Labor Day. Guys, the water was FREE.ZING. (yes, read that as 2 syllables for the full effect). I'm talking colder than white water rafting or intertubing the Blue River in Colorado. It takes your breath away. But, I did it! And it was worth it because once you get out into the 90* heat, you feel fine. Such a fun day!

Heading to the cold water!

Sunday night we went out on the boat for fireworks. They weren't as good as years past but it's still fun to go out on the boat at night!

Since Monday was the last day, I started it early. On the dock at 11, out on the boat around noon, short lunch break, back to the dock until 3:30.

Incredible weekend full of family, food, SUN, boat rides, laughter, & sleep! I loved it. Now, I have a great base tan to take with me to Destin! Counting down until I leave on Saturday. Can't wait for 10 days in Destin & lots of fun times with our staff and students!

no motivation

i've been m.i.a. because i've had NO motivation to write a new post. life and work and sleep habits and eating habits have been crazy crazy busy and out of whack. so much so that i sleep in any free time i have. hence the no posts in a million years.

recap:
-i've been out of town the past 17 weekends (exaggeration but it's been at least the past 5)
-april staff training in tulsa 1.5 weeks ago for 6 days
-a million projects and to-do lists at work to prep our summer events
-finishing perspectives (it's over! i loved it but i'm pumped for the extra time)
-sleeping and relaxing all weekend at the lake this past weekend (to recover from april staff training sleep deficit)
-staying up 'til at least 12 or 1 or 2 every night at AST (i quickly found out i'm no longer a college student)
-still loving my macbook pro
-pumped to start eating healthy and working out again next week - will be using some healthy pinterest recipes now that i have a working computer
-love my fam - loved the time with them at the lake

random: i took a nap after work today and now i'm getting everything crossed off my home to-do list...at 9:30pm when i should be winding down

next post...my plan to switch all my makeup products to e.l.f. products. get excited! :)

Super Hero Birthdays & Bachelorettes

Last weekend was packed full of great times! Friday night I attended a Super Hero Birthday Party for one of my 501 friends' husband. He loves super heroes so that was the party theme! It was so fun just hanging out with friends and celebrating a birthday!

Some of us at the party!

Saturday, I got an early oil change and then headed to Fayetteville for Hayley's wedding shower and Bachelorette party! So so fun!! There were a ton of people at the shower & Hayley and Taylor got some great stuff!

Wedding Party & House Party before the shower!

Me & Allison - love this girl!

Me, Allison, & Tash

After the shower, we headed up to Rogers to go out to eat and stay at a hotel to spend even more time with Hayley! We had a great time!

Dinner at On the Border!

Sunday, I left super early to beat the storms home & took a LONG nap at my mom's house. It was much needed! Then, I set up my new computer and just spent time with my mom and brother. It had been way too long since we spent low-key quality time together.

I had a wonderful weekend! Looking forward to a good week and another fun wedding weekend!!

Weekend in Pics

 Good Friday: Church service @ Fellowship then dinner and froyo with friends

Hillary; Al, Hil, & Adam @ Orange Leaf; Beautiful Merritt; Allie, me, & Brandon @ Chipotle

Allie & Hillary; all the girls after the Good Friday service; Merritt & Brandon w/froyo samples; Merritt & me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easter Sunday: Church then lunch, dessert, & pics @ my aunt & uncle's house!

my fam!

all the cousins

me, mom, & nana - tradish 3 gen pic! :)

all the girls

So grateful for my fam & friends! Even more grateful for the death & resurrection of our Savior!!!

Happy 20th!

My YOUNGEST bro turns 20 today. Did you get that? My youngest brother is no longer a teenager. All the sibs are in our 20's. Where has the time gone?! Happy Birthday Bro!!! (He doesn't read this but it's the thought that counts) Tonight, we're going out to eat for his bday - I was officially invited by the sis-in-law, despite Chan's not wanting me to come. Oh well...I'm going anyway because he's my brother & I love him & he deserves to have me it's an  honor to drive to LR to be around on his bday.

Happy 1st day of Spring! I'm celebrating by wearing a coral & mint scarf (from India, of course), my coral cowboy boots, & a size smaller jean!! Woo hoo! I'm officially down 11 pounds & a pants size. The lifestyle change is still going well. I haven't been quite as strict on the sweets (my downfall) which is probably why I feel like I'm plateauing. So, I'm about to decrease the carbs & save the sweets for the most special occasions (bdays, weddings, & showers). I'm enjoying this change, the results, & my increased love for exercise & all things healthy!

Today is the last day for Level 2 of Jillian. After tonight, I'll be 2/3rds of the way done with the 30 Day Shred! I can't believe it. I've LOVED Level 2. I'm a little terrified of how difficult Level 3 will be but I'm ready! I'm ready for more muscle definition, more energy, & more results. LET'S GO!!

In honor of spring, do something 'springy' today! :)

Pi Day

Yesterday was great! I got a lot accomplished at work. It was sunny & 80* out. God met me in my quiet time & I enjoyed His company. I made some support calls & got a few appts lined up! Some Fay friends came down for a cookout. We hung out & had delicious pie afterwards (you have to have pie on pi day!) We drove around to see some of the cway trademarks (Stoby's & the Hendrix tunnel). Then....at 11:00 pm...I went home & did 30 Day Shred because I hadn't done it yet! Holy Cow. I'm just going to toot my own horn & say I'm so proud of myself & feel so accomplished. Haha. Not only was I just up hanging out past my bedtime...I actually worked out past my bedtime! Wow. Ok, enough about that. I failed at getting up to SHRED this morning (I had only gotten 5 hrs of sleep when my original alarm went off-who can blame me?!) so it will be another late night of shredding (after 501) but I'm okay with that! I'm just excited that I actually desire to work out & crave doing it everyday! Haven & I even agreed that we could give ourselves yesterday off if we wanted to because we were hanging out so late...but I just couldn't do it. I committed to 30 days in a row & I'm going to finish my commitment!

In other news, I'm obsessed with this weather. I plan on being outside as much as possible this weekend (except that I just looked at the weather & there are clouds & lightning on each day...boooo). Maybe I'll just have to shop for some new jeans instead (my old ones are too big! woo hoo!)

Next week, my youngest bro turns 20. What?!?! None of us will be teenagers anymore - we are ALL in our 20's! Time is flying. But, I sure do love how my relationships with my bros mature/grow as we get older & in more similar phases of life. (they still treat me like I'm the younger sister that they think is an idiot...but, hey, I know it's all in love). I love my fam!

Happy Thursday, friends! 1 day closer to the weekend!

Best Trip to Fay EVER

One of my best friends is engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tuesday, I got a Facebook message letting me know the day had come....Taylor would propose to Hayley Friday night and they wanted me there for the party. You better believe I made plans to drive to Fay Friday night! Pace, Allie, and I hit the road after work. When we got to the party, there were a million people there and a lot of waiting around, but it was a great time of catching up with Fay friends! Then, the time came, and they walked through the door! Her expression was priceless. Me and her best friend from high school were the first people she saw - it was great. I am thrilled for them!!!!!!!!!

She's engaged!!!!!!!

Future Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Hall!!!

The 5 hours in the car for only 3 hours of a party was totally worth it to celebrate such a happy night with such a wonderful friend! Friday night's trip to Fayetteville was the best one I've ever taken!!!

On an unrelated note, my brother is such a stud. He helps out at our church with lights and stage design, in his free time. This weekend, he was at the church for over 26 hours with 2 other guys preparing the auditorium for Christmas. He voluntarily does this and he was up ALL night. Who does that?! My awesome, tech savvy, can do anything, servant  hearted bro...that's who!

This picture doesn't even do it justice. There are Christmas lights all over the ceiling - over 1/2 a mile of them! (He was on the catwalk stringing them for hours). There are lights and decorations on stage too.

I spent all yesterday evening doing laundry, cleaning, and packing. I was super productive but I'm still slightly overwhelmed. It was not easy getting out of bed this morning. When I sat down for my quiet time, I realized the only way things will get done well over the next month:

Bible, Prayer Journal, & Coffee

God is the only way my to-do lists will be completed, everything will get done on time, and I'll have the energy to work for Him. I love knowing that truth. It's so comforting knowing I don't need to be overwhelmed or anxious because He is all that I need and He will make it all happen. I love resting in His promises.

The Calm Before the Storm

The short, but sweet, 4-day Thanksgiving break was the perfect way to end the calm before the storm. Thursday, we spent a few hours in Bryant with my dad's side of the fam. They haven't done a full Thanksgiving in a few years so it was great to hang out and enjoy LOTS of great food! (esp my aunt's ridiculously amazing chocolate pie) Once we'd stuffed ourselves and spent some great fellowship time together, Chan and I headed down to Hot Springs to spend the rest of the break. There is something about my grandparents' house that is extremely relaxing. Seriously, I can stay up until midnight by myself at my apt easily...but at their place, I'm struggling to stay up past 10. I'm not complaining at all! I'm just saying it's a weird phenomenon. Thursday night and Friday  morning, it was just my gparents, mom, Chan & me. Cam and Andi did Thanksgiving with her mom and then did Black Friday [side note: I refuse to participate in the stressful, crazy, extreme, exhausting, ridiculous event that is Black Friday]. We won't mention how Friday afternoon was spent (Let's just say my fam wasn't a fan of my screams of joy in the first 1.5 quarters, they didn't protest the nap I took in the 4th quarter, and I woke up disappointed). I still love my Hogs and I'm so proud of the #3 ranking we had for 5 days! Saturday, we lounged and Nana and I cooked for our wonderful Thanksgiving feast that we had Saturday night.

I love my family. We laugh. We joke. We love the Lord. We eat. We love. We care for each other.

Monday morning I woke up 2 minutes before my alarm with my brain going 90-to-nothing. Last night, I couldn't fall asleep before 12, woke up from 2-3:30, and up again at 6:30. It's officially the season of to-do lists, work events, non-stop brain, no sleep, and lots of fun! I say "bring it on!"Even though I will have lots of 14-18 hour work days in the next month, I am extremely grateful for my job and I wouldn't trade what I do for anything!

Grateful

This Thanksgiving season, I am grateful for:

1 -Family: I am so grateful for my family! The time I get to spend with them at church on Sundays, random weekend trips, and during the Holidays is a huge blessing.

2 - Supporters: My encouraging prayer and financial supporters make my work possible. I am so  blessed by all of them and grateful for the role they play in my life!!

3 - New friends & great community: I'm so thankful for godly friends in the same phase of life to hang out with and learn from!! 

4 - Old friends: I love hanging out with, skyping, calling, or texting friends that I've known for a while and picking up right where we left off. There is just something about people that know you so well that is refreshing and energizing. I'm grateful for my long-term friends!!

5 - Conference: Over 1,000 students are signed up for the Conference! I'm grateful for the favor God is giving us on each campus to increase this number! I'm grateful that I get to play a role in putting on this conference for our students!

6 - Work: I am so blessed by my job and my co-workers. I'm extremely thankful that God chose me to be on this staff team.

7 - Bible Study: My Sigma Phi Lambda girls learned a lot from our study. I'm grateful for the bonding and growth that took place this semester in that study!

8 - Personal Growth: I'm grateful that God pursues me, loves me, and teaches me all the time!

9 - Support: God has continued to provide prayer and financial support throughout this semester! I am so so grateful for each person that has ever lifted me and/or my job up in prayer, given gifts towards my support, or offered a word of encouragement to me in a stressful time.

10 - Salvation: I am most grateful for the gift of salvation that God freely gave us!! He chose to send His Son to this earth to die on the cross for our sins. Then, when He rose from the dead 3 days later, our sins were forgiven and our slate was wiped clean. As a result, we are seen as righteous in God's eyes! Wow! The gift of salvation is one I don't deserve but I'm extremely grateful for!! I pray that you and your loved ones have received this gift and are able to thank God this holiday season for this gift.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

This Week...

...I finished Reshaping It All. Great book! It definitely motivated me to change my lifestyle to a healthier one.
...I finished Week 1 of my running plan and started Week 2. I even got up at 6:20 today to run! WOW!
...I got mad at the Hogs (what else is new?) for losing to Bama.
...I watched the OSU/aTm game instead of the Hogs/Bama game.
...I watched both of these games at a watch party with great friends from 501!!
...I made 2 recipes for said watch party: Birthday Cake Fudge & Cream Cheese, Bacon, Jalapeno bites.



Bday Cake Fudge - super rich, super yum

...I'm going back to India!!!!
...I went shopping with a friend and got 3 new shirts, a jacket, and a pair of cute black boots for under $100 (bargain success) (ps-I'll probably start posting pics of presh outfits soon...remember my goals for 24?)
...I had lunch with the fam after church for the first time in a LONG time. It was funny.
...I laughed A LOT.
...I only ate sweets twice.
...My bro turned 21 and got a twitter (this is big).
...I led week 2 of bstud. It went well. God taught me lots. I pray He taught the girls lots too.
...I got to skype with great friends.
...I'm treating myself to some shopping (a reward for running).

Labor Day Weekend

I think Labor Day weekend is my favorite 3-day holiday weekend of the year. Labor Day weekend brings with it fall, football, the start of a new semester, cooler weather, and freshness. I don't know why, but for me it breaks off summer and starts something new. And fall weather is so fresh and crisp that it just doubles the effect. My love for Labor Day weekend was no different this year!

It started off in Fayetteville with a Board Meeting on Friday. I got to go up Thursday night and spend time with a few friends! After a mere 2.5 hours of sleep, I started my long, 14-hour day of sitting. After the board meeting, I drove to LR, picked up Kenya (the adorable puppy pictured below) and headed to Hot Springs. I seriously spent over 14 hours SITTING DOWN on Friday - it wasn't extremely enjoyable. Once I got to HS, I ran around the driveway for a few minutes to loosen up a little. I'm too old to sit down that long! That night, it was just me, Cam, Andi, Nana, and Pawpaw hanging out. That was fun! I haven't hung out with Cam and Andi much since the wedding.

Kenya - precious puppy!

Normally when people go to the lake, they lay out, go out on a boat, etc. I didn't do that at all! I just relaxed, read, slept, and hung out. I'm kind of over laying out and getting tan (who would have thought I would have EVER said that?!?!) I think it's because it's just been SO hot. Anyway, Saturday, I slept in a little, spent some time with Jesus, played with Kenya, watched TV, and took a nap :) I also had some in.cred.ible cheesecake (my fave dessert) Saturday. Cam made some original cheesecake and brought leftovers to the lake. I took my piece and crafted a delicacy....I melted hot fudge & pb together (arguably the best food combo possible) and layered it between 2 small slices. Then, I broke up a reeses and put it on top. HEAVENLY.

That night, we watched the HOGS WIN! I'm so glad football is back-I love it! After the game, Chan, Cam, Andi, and I went to get froyo. I LOVE sibling time! Sunday was pretty much the same pattern as Saturday :) My cousins, aunt and uncle, and mom got to HS Sunday so we all hung out and grilled out for dinner. Burgers are one of my T5 fave foods. Monday morning, I slept in again, went to Bath and Body Works for their candle sale, then headed  back to Conway. I haven't spent a weekend at my apt in WAY too long so I needed some extended time at home. I went to the store, cooked some new recipes, and spent some much needed time relaxing in my home!

Parmesan Fish and Parmesan Asparagus

All of my foods over the next few weeks will be from pinterest! I love it! Monday night I made Parmesan Fish and Parmesan Asparagus for dinner. It was so good! The parmesan mixture made a cheesy layer on the fish and the parmesan added a nice crisp to the asparagus. I will definitely make this recipe again - it was quicky, easy, and delish! I also made mini-quiches Monday afternoon to eat for breakfast this week. I loaded them down with veggies - broccoli, mushrooms, red bell peppers, green bell peppers - to add to my daily veggie intake. I ate one this morning and it was really good! I paired it with a peach - yummy, healthy, filling breakfast!

Mini-Breakfast Quiches

Last week, I made Butter Chicken for dinner. I found this recipe on allrecipes.com. It was a different variation of the Butter Chicken I had in India but it was still great!

I <3 Indian food.

This week's menu: Tomato-basil Alfredo Ravioli and Orange or Honey Chicken.
I might also be having some UofA friends stay with me Friday night before Saturday's LR game. If so, I'm sure we'll make a yummy pinterest dessert!

In honor of the cooler weather, I will be wearing cardigans and getting Pumpkin Spice Lattes this week. You should do that too!

Highlights of my 23rd year

Saturday I turned 24. That's right...I'm officially in my mid-20's. Let the fun begin.

In honor of a new year, I am going to look back at the previous year and pull out some highlights.

 

-I passed the NCLEX and officially became a (non-practicing) RN.

-I started working full-time for StuMo. This job fits me. It's better than anything I could have imagined or dreamed up for myself.

-I moved out of the nest and into my own apartment!

-I experienced everything about year 1 of the real world - new place, bills, first year of a job - and learned so much!

-I co-led DC4K. I was blessed by those kids and loved loving on them each week.

-I grew so close to my co-worker, Allie, since we only had each other in Conway.

-I put 16,000 miles on my car. The highlight about this fact is I travel a LOT for my job and I love it! I go to Fayetteville, Tulsa, OKC, and KC a ton. I really do love getting to travel throughout the year!

-I got to be a part of my brother's wedding!

-And, I got to welcome a sister (in-law) into the family!

-I've grown a ton in my walk with Christ. I have fallen more in love with Him. I've had to rely on Him for new experiences and situations. I've been humbled by Him in multiple ways. I've faced trials. I've faced joys. I've loved every step of the journey I'm on with my Creator.

-I've grown closer to so many friends and I am consistently reminded of how incredible my friends are and how blessed I am to know them.

 

23 was a tough year but a good year. I look forward to 24!! A post will be coming soon of some goals/things I want to grow in/things I want to see happen in this next year. Thanks for reminiscing with me!

 

Picture Post

Nursing Friends on Macy's wedding day!



When I visited Kaleo, all the single staff went to Mobile, AL for a Singles Retreat. The girls did guy things on our free day! BBQ, Battleship, Submarine, and Fighter Jets.





All the girls before dinner and the Mobile BayBears Minor League Baseball game!

 

Wedding day: Me, Mom, and Mom's mom. We take this 3-gen pic at major events :)



My beautiful new sister-in-law!
This was right before she went to see Cam.

Buffet Style

This post is going to be buffet style....a variety of topics and you can read as little or as much as you like.

-I'm a fan of Starbucks Via. I was hesitant at first. One of the worst things in the world to me is the feeling of coffee grounds (or sand or dirt) in my mouth. I almost vom if I feel it. So, I was hesitant of Via for the icky grounds factor. "Will it dissolve all the way?", "Will there be big grounds?",  "Will it taste good?", "Will I vom?" You know...the normal questions for someone that could vom just thinking about sand in my mouth. sick. Anyway....I tried it this morning (woke up too late to make a real pot of coffee) and I'm a fan!
-If you're keeping track of the types of apples I enjoy (it's not hard...there is only 1), you can add a 2nd to the list! Pink Lady Apples. (of course I'd like them...they're called PINK LADY. It just fits.) Anyway, I now purchase both Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples at the store.
-God and I are going on an interesting journey this summer. He's teaching me a lot about myself. He's teaching me a lot about Himself. I'm being stretched. I'm being strengthened. I'm getting confused. I'm being humbled. I'm learning how dumb I can be. You know....the norm. Man, is it hard but fun.
-2 of my single friends have gone on 1st dates with new guys!! I am SO excited for them! Neither of them have dated in a while so I'm thrilled that guys are pursuing them!! :)
-I finished the HP books. When I read or watch a series, the characters become my family. It was definitely difficult to experience death and hardships along with the characters (I'm telling you...I get attached!) I can now start renting the movies and watch them! (looking into Netflix-any other services you'd recommend?)
-I just finished a small book by Ray Comfort called "God Has a Wonderful Plan for your Life." It was incredible! It is all about evangelism and discipleship. It's point is that we can't get people to convert by telling them God has a wonderful plan for their life. Then they follow Him for a bit, experience trial, and fall away. We have to lay the foundation that they are sinners (10 Commandments) and that Christ forgave them for that and they can experience hope. Once they see their depravity, they desire the hope. It made me want to go share the gospel right now!
-One thing I am pursuing now, after a full year on staff, is a personal ministry. I did DivorceCare4Kids last spring and loved it! I'm going to continue with that. But, I also want a ministry where I am discipling and pouring into young women, whether it be kids, youth, or college students. I'm in the midst of figuring this out. I plan on leading a Bible Study for girls/women in Conway through my church. I'm excited about this opportunity. I'm praying God would reveal to me if this is what He wants me to continue with or if He wants me to reach out into another type of ministry in my church. I'm also praying about opportunities to share the gospel. I just don't know where to do it! Since I work for a ministry, I don't have non-believer co-workers to share with. So, if you enjoy praying for things, ask God to give me wisdom in ministry and gospel sharing! Thanks! :)
-I now have a sister-in-law! Cam and Andi's wedding was unique, sweet, and God-glorifying. I loved being a part of their special day! They got home from San Diego on Saturday. Mom and I picked them up from the airport and they came back to mom's house to open all their presents. It was fun hanging out with them!
-Last night I went on a 40 minute walk that only felt like 15. I called my great friend Michelle and talked and talked and talked and it was great. We are in the same phase of life and it was so refreshing to talk through a lot with her. I'm so grateful for her friendship! I love quality time with deep convos with friends.
-Last Friday night, Macy, Kate, Christy and I went to Wild River Country and back to my mom's house for dessert (leftover wedding cake!). We hadn't all hung out since Macy's wedding so Friday was a great time!
-I've read a lot of books this summer. I LOVE to read. Here they are: HP 5,6,&7; God has a Wonderful Plan for your Life; Youniquely Woman; The IT Factor; Living Water and Indian Bowl; Spiritual Leadership; The Magician's Nephew. I'm currently reading The Lion,the Witch,&the Wardrobe, Counterfeit Gods, and In This Generation. Seriously, I love reading.
-I've made some good recipes lately. I'll try to make a recipe post soon. This week I've had Bar-b-cups (childhood fave), Southwestern Chicken Roll-ups (an improvised version), and tonight is Fish Tacos. Get excited!

If you've read all of this, you must be busting at the seams with upates. Thanks for being a part of my life! :)

Blown Away

I have been overwhelmed by God's greatness over the past few weeks! Every prayer that I have been praying for the past few months, God has answered in bigger and better ways than I could have EVER imagined! For work, I am consistently applying for international visas for our staff. Over the years, this has been a stressful game we play with the consulate, never knowing if they will give us the visas we want. This year, we came up with some new business platforms and God has been using them in huge ways. So far, we've applied for 33 visas and ALL 33 VISAS HAVE BEEN APPROVED!!!!! This is unheard of! We have fewer than 10 left to apply for and we're praying they all go through as smoothly as the first 33. God is blessing our efforts and we know He wants us to be doing His work internationally! Whenever I think about this, my mind can hardly grasp how incredibly these prayers have been answered. This also answers another prayer I've been praying - that God would show me more clearly my purpose for staying in Conway for a few years and my role in our overseas efforts. My Conway position allowing me to apply for these visas for our staff=my role in our overseas efforts and the reason God has me in Conway. Wow, is God great!!!!

Last week, I got to visit our Kaleo project in Destin! It was a wonderful time of seeing how the Destin project flows and of hanging out with friends at the beach. I was incredibly refreshed by my time down there! I got some great one-on-one time with close friends and got to have great convos and catch-up times with girls I haven't seen in way too long. Also, the beach is my ALL TIME favorite place on the planet, so that was a plus! I love laying in the sand, feeling the suns rays, and hearing the oceans waves. I loved my time down there and definitely didn't want to leave! Then, my expected 5 hours of travel time home turned into 12 hours, due to every possible delay you could imagine. It was good to be back in Conway once I finally got home!

This past weekend, my fam went to the lake. I spent 2 solid days laying out and got some great sun! :) The Marina had a rental boat available on Sunday so we got to go out for 4-5 hours. It was great! Second to the beach, I LOVE being on a boat on the lake! (my loves stem from laying in the sun - can you tell?!) We drove around, jumped into the 50* water by carpenter dam (felt like jumping into a glass of ICE water), and tubed.We are going to the lake again this weekend for the 4th - I'm looking forward to 3 more days in the sun!

Lastly, Cameron's wedding is LESS THAN 2 WEEKS away! Can you believe it?! It seems like not that long ago that he proposed. Where has the time gone? I am so excited for him and Andi! I'm honored to be a part of their big day. I am pumped to be adding someone so wonderful to our family!

Have a great week blogger friends!