Love so much it hurts

Jesus is god he needs no defense 

Loved us so much. The people he created that now want to kill him, so he wants to die for them to save them.

God never gives up on humanity. No matter what. It can't be forced. God loves us so much that he gives us freedom. 

Give each other a chance, he gave you more than one 

Casting my vote for the common good

Just a few thoughts around politics and personal application.

How does the shift in the presidency personally change your daily living?

A good friend of mine said it perfect "when we wake up on Wednesday morning, no matter who wins, we are still going to have a great country, we are still going to have our families, and we are still going to have hope. And no matter who you vote for, I will still count you as my friend and a valuable person in my life." He sees the bigger picture here. 

Will you treat your neighbor different, love your family any less, stop doing good for the kingdom? I would hope not. Why over invest energy in all the hoopla when you could use that energy for doing good. Not saying don't share your opinions. I just wish that some of my friends who express these spurts of passion would take that passion and do something with it. Some are excited, some are angry,y some think the end of the world is coming. Wherever you fall in this thought process would you please do something beside just post on social media? Yes, of course I want to hear you and value your stand point, but if the place your passion ends is the keyboard of your laptop or iphone we have a problem.

If you don't like the fact that we have options move. I do hear Canada is quite nice this time of year. It's interesting to me that Christians don't want the government telling them what do, yet they want to tell the government what to do. What about equality? Then we have someone trying to do things that are good, but the way they are trying to accomplish them completely aren't your way so you bash them?  Wow, how dare someone want to help the poor, give rights to those who people often mistreat and try to provide care for the sick. Then again people didn't like Jesus either.

I didn't vote for Obama. I didn't vote for Romney. Just as you had your right to vote I had my right not to. I've had the good for yous and the you're so un-american comments. I'm just not at a place where I'm compelled to vote. Maybe it's because of the state I live in or the fact I can't vote from my phone...seriously can someone please get on that? At the end of the day there needs to be some common ground to unite on and fight for what is right. What did Jesus ask us to do? Love others (don't think it said they had to be a certain party,race or religion), respect and live peaceably with others when possible, help the poor, take in the orphans and widows, and do all this without  expecting anything in return.

So, I'm casting my vote. My vote is to the common good. My vote is to those who don't have a voice. My vote is to stop bitching about problems and come up with solutions that will help those who can't help themselves. My vote is to live my life the best I know how.....in love

Sent from my Galaxy S®III

Perfect

10. Everybody gets to play

It goes back to the idea that yes we will love people in-spite of who they are or after they accept all of our rules. But there is no application process with God he accepts us and walks with us through of journey. We are apart of ensuring everyone get to taste and see...

john 3:16-17 This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.


Every time I think of this passage I think of Pinks song "perfect"

Made a wrong turn, Once or twiceDug my way out, Blood and fireBad decisions, That's alrightWelcome to my silly life

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstoodMiss "no way, it's all good", It didn't slow me downMistaken, Always second guessing

 Under estimated, Look, I'm still around

Pretty, pretty pleaseDon't you ever, ever feelLike your less than Fuckin' perfect.Pretty, pretty pleaseIf you ever, ever feelLike your nothingYou're fuckin' perfect to me.
You're so mean,When you talk, About yourself, You are wrong.Change the voices, In your headMake them like you Instead.
So complicated,Look happy, You'll make it!Filled with so much hatredSuch a tired game.It's enough, I've done all I can think ofChased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same.
Oh, Pretty, pretty pleaseDon't you ever, ever feelLike your less than fuckin' perfect.Pretty, pretty pleaseIf you ever, ever feelLike your nothingYou're fuckin' perfect to me.

The whole world stares so I swallow the fear,The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer.So cool in line and we try, try, try,But we try too hard, it's a waste of my time.Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhereThey don't like my jeans, they don't get my hairWe change ourselves and we do it all the time

3D glasses

Continue on what Ive learned in the past 25 years

9.Its ok to ask the questions that we may not have the answers to.

Why does the God in the Old testament  seem so unlike the Jesus that we see in the New Testament? 

Why are people crazy?

Where are the signs that say "your sins are forgiven" instead of "repent the time is now" ?

Does it matter what process God used to create the world?

How does living in moderation positively and negatively effect those around us?

How can one be truly all things to all people?

In order to push forward in a community of faith how do we incorporate tradition without it having the elements of rules, oppression, and basic religion creep in and over take the message of love?

As I have asked these questions and continue to ask these questions I must bring up the element of perspective.  It goes back to when you're driving everyone else driving slow is an idiot and everyone driving faster than you is a maniac. 

You only have that one perspective, the one that you are in. As we begin to start the conversation and dialog of how do we bring the light and love of Christ into our community to all people I am beginning to see things in 3D. It may be uncomfortable but if you can look at things in a 3D mindset you will begin to see not only how the idea is relating to you but to others around you. 

But this is only the 1st step. The 2nd is being able to effectively communicate this to others around you. Its not just being able to relate to convert or understand to condemn, but rather to embrace to find truth together. Truth in terms of not just what we think is right, but  where do we all fit into this idea that God loves us...but He also loves them. 

We have somehow over the course of history set up a "spiritual quarantine" ( a term I found in my lastest adventures with a McLaren book) . It seems that we have this idea that once you are in the club you are in and you've been upgraded. How can we now break this quarantine and not be placed into religious circles and see how we all fit? God sent his story of love, hope, and freedom to ALL!

Gods story is not only beautiful but it is spacious. It has room for everyone from drug addicts, to pew warmers, Buddhist, Christians, old, young, rich, poor, and yes even you and me.

So grab your 3D glasses  as we continue to ask the questions that we don't have the answers to. 

Death

Im starting to see death more and more as I grow older.

My first experience was when I was 7. It was a boy named Tommy. See Tommy was special, he was born deformed and could barely walk, speak, and really interact with others. Tommy kept getting cancer. It just wouldn't stop. It would go away for awhile and just comeback again. One day cancer finally took Tommy and when it was my turn to go see him at his casket I just stared at him. I didnt know what to do or really say I was just a kid ya know? Should I laugh or should I cry?

After time I figured out people just kept dying. From car accidents, old age, and illness.

Then the major death of a well known student in highschool over took our community and it was the same emotion, I didnt know what to do or say

Next my sister, a coworker, a friends mother.....it just kept happening and then on the night where a close friends father passed it hit me. Death sucks....but its apart of life.....its the cycle.....I may not understand it...but for strange reason I will celebrate it...... it reminded me how special life really is and how I owe it to that person to celebrate them and myself.....here is what I posted on facebook that summons up how I felt......

Oh life how you confuse me. As we celebrate friendship, shed tears,dance and grieve the night away may we embrace the love that is here and now. I will dance and drink this last one is for you

marrwage

8.Being married is awesome ...hard sometimes 

but awesome 

So this is a tough one. I can remember when kris and I started talking to me and day three he told me he was going to marry me and my response was "good for you".  Kris is my best friend. I could never ask for a better life partner. He makes me laugh, happy, cry, and want to be a better person

the times where we watch tv, go to the bar, and hang out with friends and go on vacation are amazing. i enjoy his company. there are also times where we disagree, we do stupid things, and frankly are assholes to each others. Life happens ,jobs change, people die, lies over take the relationship. 

even after the bad ......the good means so much more. I look forward to growing old together, paying off our house, living life with family friends and others. 

he is my best friend, nerd in crime, and beer buddy. being married is hard, but awesome all in one.

A toast

This year I got the amazing chance to be apart of my best friends wedding. They have been together for more than 10 years. My best friend has taught me a lot. She's taught me to stick with it even when it's hard, laugh at yourself, and its ok to be werid.

Here is my speech I shared at their wedding:
Speech

I'm Nanette the moh how bout that ride in?

Cassie and I have known each other almost 15 years now (crazy right) how would we ever know that mrs menyards gym class would be the start of a beautiful friendship. 

Now most speeches would move to the how they met ,followed by a funny story about how the two were destined to be or ...threaten Brandon to take care of my bbf or else and end on a marriage or love quote from a song lyric or the bible. But not this speech. I see today not as the end of one chapter to start another but rather as a continuation of an amazing story 

 Over the years Cassie and I  have laughed, cried, set things on fire, fought, made up, stayed up all night,slapped each other,had near death experiences, made mix tapes, looked forward to growing up, lost loved ones, changed hair styles, bought puppies and found love. So now as we continue on our journey in this story,I will say this about your marriage.....may it be blessed. It will be hard, but worth it. There is no perfect formula to a marriage. It's what works for the both of you. It's listening to pointless stories about each others day, extra hugs and kisses, enjoying each others company and embracing each others  hurts habits and hang ups. Brandon and Cassie may the love you have for each other grow stronger everyday day, and be the one thing you always come back to when times get tough,  and be infectious to others around you. To Cassie and Brandon let the good times roll 

:)

fix you

The way to fix loneliness is to reach out to others 

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I've learned that people are not mind readers and we must communicate what we need. Most of the time we get upset because our expectations were violated and we do not assume positive intent. The first thing we must do and this is in all aspects of life really is:

1. Be honest and i mean really honest

no one is a mind reader. you have to be specific and to the point. you cant say one thing and mean another.  If someone hurts your feelings say it. If you don't get it say it. This first step becomes so easy if we do number 2

2. assume positive intent 

you have to see the good in people. you say "you know what that person did not wake up this morning and plot on how to piss me off today." They just didn't plain and simple. If you are at work, church, or at home you have to understand that maybe you are not on the same page . Then get there by talking to one another! What ever you are doing in life you have to know that you are working toward a common goal. You both want to get to this goal you just have different ways of getting there.

3. forgive

we all screw up from time to time and the last thing we need is to feel cut down even more. The best thing to do is move past the issues and more forward in love. 

To fix loneliness is about communication. Reach out, going to guarantee  there are folks out there that are just as lonely as you.  You have to take the first step

  

The light in the cave

Light in darkness
I John 1:5-7

⁵ This, in essence, is the message we heard
from Christ and are passing on to you:
God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him.

^6-7 If we claim that we
experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark,
we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim.
But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin.

My brain works like this when I'm reading.
 Light and think light in darkness 
I've seen that light is cool. Light shows. 
There's an Emmy award for that. 
So weird that there's an award for that. 
Light creates shadows. shadow puppets. 
How does that work? Google "how stuff works.com" 
to figure out how light works. 

Light is strange. It's something that is 
obvious and yet mysterious.
We see glimmers of its affects in rainbows, 
as its beams filter thru the curtains, 
when the sunrise reflects all over the pavement. 
 As we enjoy the light and 
start studying it there are only more questions. 
It would be easy to assume 
scientist have it all figured out 
but it's funny you should say that 

Example We've always taken for granted that light 
travels faster than anything 
in the universe. Then, in 1999, 
researchers at Harvard University were able to 
slow a beam of light down to 38 miles an hour 
(61 kilometers per hour) by 
passing it through a state of matter known 
as a Bose-Einstein condensate. That's 
almost 18 million times slower than normal!
 No one would have thought such a 
feat possible just a few years ago,
 yet this is the capricious way of light. 
Just when you think you have it figured out, 
it defies your efforts and seems to 
change its nature. But it hasn't light is consistent 
but our understanding changes. (howstuffworks.com)

John does this amazing thing where
 he compares being with god to light.  
Making the efforts to show us that just as
 light burst through darkness so does god and 
makes it possible to be with him in light
 to see what Christ has done for us. we 
can see better in the light.  
when i was younger we went to the canyon and we got 
to go into caves and its pitch black
...im sure youve done this too. 
i mean really dark where you cant see your own 
hand in front of your face no matter how hard
 you try but as you trip over rocks, 
hear bats, and grab ahold of your dads hand  
you continue to take steps out of 
the cave and one stream of light beams through
 a pinhole above you and helps you to 
see a fuzzy image of what you know is your hand. 

 Its like when we are with Christ
 when we walk in the light as he is in the light 
we see things clearer. 
We begin to recognize his light in us,  we begin to see 
that the love he poured out to us 
is to be poured out on others, we begin to see 
the kingdom beginning to come to earth. 
so the story continues 


As we discover God  in the light and it exposes
 what is there may we grab onto 
his hand and trip over rocks as we move towards the light. 
May we share his love 
that he has poured onto us as we continue
 to see the kingdom here and now in those moments.  
may we be apart of the story as it continues 

You were born this way

I was recently inspired by lady gaga and her song born this way. The message of the beauty from with in in fantastic, it is like my husband says he wants to make you a better you. He doesn't want to take away from how he created you he wants to change how you are you.

He made us perfect. Not to say that we aren't messed up. But the scripture says we were made in his image lets look Gen 1:26-27

26 Then God said, o“Let us make man8 in our image, pafter our likeness. And qlet them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 

 27  So God created man in his own image, 

in the image of God he created him; 

rmale and female he created them. 

28 And God blessed them.

When we think about an image it may be a photograph that's captures a moment that takes you back to all the sights and sounds of that experience. Or maybe a reflection in the mirror that causes you to notice intercet details. Or maybe like a pair of prescription glasses that causes images to become clearer. And when you look at these images they have qualities about them.  A still image can capture truths, emotions, and ideas. When god created mankind he did just that he made us part of an experience that we can share with others to pull together all the sights and sounds of what love feels like,he made us a  reflection of his spirit that love always wins and people matter. He made us those lenses to help others see clearer that there is hope and purpose even though it may seem blurry and distorted.

Both male and female perfections can be seen in his image. The qualities of both should be embraced in the image in which we were created. Every person has that. Now unfortunately because of sin it damages that pure reflection that we all have of Christ. So we have to fight and make conscience decisions to be the reflection he created us to be.

Its like the photograph that was taken and over time wear and tear, sunlight, moisture give it that filmy overlay where you cant make out the original image snapped by the camera. Those feelings of not being good enough or making mistakes start to distort the image that god created us in and becomes this discolored, fragile photo in need of restoration. So how can we help each other to restore the image and share with others they are on the right track? It will take all of us committed to standing up for love. Keeping connected to faith when the image starts to become fade.

We as people, no labels, as people have masked the image of that god has put in us...we did that....but we can change that. That is the beauty of the story. That we as people, reunited with Christ can brush off the dust and smooth out the winkles of the photo. 
And we will see that the details,small flaws, and the way the light depicted certain angles that those were the things that made the photo so precious. You were born this way.

Love of the pups

Words can't begin to describe how much I love my dogs. I've known since I was young that I didn't want kids. But I do have a  very fuzzy family. Yes, we have 4 dogs. It's great they don't argue back, don't shame the family name, and I don't have to pay for college. They love me no matter what. They are sad when Im sad and happy when I'm happy. I love waking up with those 4 snuggle bums next to me. It sums it up best what my roommate said to someone who asked why we have 4 dogs....its because I cant have 5!

Hubert Cumberdale-5 old cranky man who should wear a monocle
Albert Neederman-4 smart, strong in charge
Sir William Wilberforce III-4 Mexican ninja with a surly attitude
Charles Kimbertin-1.5 the biggest puddle, scared of everything so sweet

love my boys.

Show love

1john 4:7-12

Have you ever been sitting outside on your front porch on a hot day and you have a breeze brush over your face or on the beach and the wind comes rushing over your skin. It feels good doesn't it? Or even this week while driving in the van.  It's  cool and refreshing.  You can't see it but you can feel it. Do you remember a time when you saw a child open a gift on gift on Christmas morning and as they tear the paper the beams of joy gleams across  their face. You can see the  affects of emotion...joy.  It's the same as the passage is talking about that no one has seen God, but people have seen the affects of Him and his goodness. It says God is love and that is how we are to be known. by the same love that God has shown us.

 So as we go out and love others, as they are ,no strings attached ( because thats what christ did for us while were yet still in sin christ loved us) let us exhibit the qualities of the love of Christ.  So as you have conversations may you feel refreshed with uplifting words as you share in each others lives. As you dig ditches, tell children stories, and pray about the day may we be overwhelmed with Christ love for you and for others. And as we bring fresh water to these people may we also bring the amazing hope and love that god has given us.

 Because you can't physically hold it in your hands but you can feel it. We have the amazing opportunity to share hope with others that everyone gets a chance to be apart of he kingdom and God doesn't want anyone to be shut out from his love. So as we work,play and pray this week, and even as we go back to our homes may we reflect gods love and may we be the cool breeze that brushes up against others.

the smoker

I'm a smoker. Like a stress smoker. The good news is that I only smoke during holiday. One pack. I make that sucker last. I'm not sure if it's really stress or the holidays or what it is.  I will break it up in the following:
1. Mall traffic
2. Weather
3. People's attitudes
4. The amount of hours I work (70+)
5. The mass amounts of food around me

These may or may not be the reasons why I choose to smoke during the holiday which run oct 31-jan 7. I don't know what started it  but the last 3 years I've done it and I dont feel bad. I know that I can stop and  maybe I'm just too lazy to smoke all year around and it's hot in the summer.

So tis the season

Naps

4.Naps and being in bed at 9pm are a blessing 

When I was a little girl i hated taking naps. Why take a 
nap when I could be doing other things, 
like pretending to live in the juggle(aka playing in the 
huge trees in my 
backyard while the sprinkler was on) or tv to be watched, 
or a fort to build.
 I hated naps. I felt
like I could get so much more done. 
Same with going to bed early. 
Wasnt sleepy so why just lay there? 

Now its a whole other story. 
I freaking love naps. Settling down for bed at 
about 930pm is most of my nights. 
I guess I realized that its
 not about a waste of time, but 
getting more rest makes me 
better for those moments that I am awake.
 I sleep much better since 
Ive made the choice to eat better and work out. 
So now my rest is more restful.

Naps are precious. Rest is fuel. 
Life is meant to be experienced awake!

I dont like seafood

Its true. I wish I did. I really do. Since red meat is not my biggest fan it would be great to like some other protein other than chicken. I do however enjoy fish IF it is cooked right. The only place I like to eat fish has been this great little place by the ocean in Mexico. Red snapper with potato puree mmmm I can taste it now. I really don't know if it's the taste, the presentation, the texture, or a combination of everything. I know seafood is supposed to be healthier than red meat, but I just can't bring myself to to love it. So, no fried shrimp, sushi, or fillet for me (unless im in Mexico)

So this was an easy one. Well here is  to when in Mexico!

I like to travel

I like to go places. I have enjoyed getting to go on mission trips, company trips, and visit places with family or friends. Not a huge fan of going to the airport, but that can be fun too if you like sitting around during delays and layovers. More than the trip I like all the other stuff before and after the event. The planning and looking forward to the trip...the countdown. And after...well the stories, inside jokes and pictures! Some of my favorite trips were

New York for the VS fashion show and to tour with BG
Mexico for celebrating friendship and love
El Salvador to bring fresh water to those in need
Michigan for my two best friends weddings
Arizona to recognize myself and peers for being in top 100 for VS
London to help a mission team start networking

Those are just a few but looking forward to seeing the world more!

Vals wedding

New York tour

Cassie wedding

VS fashion show

Vegas

Life is work

Im going to commit to take some time to expand upon my life lessons.
I think this is good for me at just at a point in my life where I need to be reminded of what God is teaching me. And lets face it blogging is a fancy way of keeping a journal. They will be short and sweet.

1. Life takes work and I mean a lot

Life is not easy. We have to work,
be there for family and friends.
 Alot of time it seems that
 there are not enough hours in the day
but the way we all make it work is
 by planning and looking at 
what our priorities are. 
If we do this then we have more time 
than we think.
Ill give you a great example, college. 
When I was in college I worked full time 
at a premiere VS and took 18 hours for school. 
This was no easy task. I had less
 then 5 hours of sleep and rarely spent time with 
friends and family. My day was very planned
 out spare 30 mins or 15 mins were for
 studying or writing. I did have my treat
 once a week and spent sat night with
 my husband and our friends at what I like to 
call burbin and bible question night
 at our small apartment
 in Arlington.
It wasnt much but it got me through the week.
 Once I got out of college,
 I thought WOW going to have so much free time
 I should write a book or learn Spanish. 
Big surprise that didnt happen. My time 
just got reallocated to other things,
 like church, friends, and my family, and my career.  

I guess what Im saying is that life is work,
 but we can let time work for us or against us.

 

25 years of life lessons

In recent events I turned 25. I feel like I'm 40.
















Not psychically, I'm in the best shape Ive ever been, but my soul feels that old. So, here it is some of my life lessons thus far and adding to it daily!

1. Life takes work and I mean a lot
2.I like to travel 
3.I don't like seafood
4.Naps and being in bed at 9pm are a blessing 
5.I'm only a smoker during holidays 
6.The love from a dog is priceless 
7.The way to fix loneliness is to reach out 
to others 
8.Being married is awesome ...hard sometimes 
but awesome 
9.You don't have to have all the answers but 
it's good to ask questions
10.Everyone gets a chance to play
11.One can be fierce without being a bitch 
12.Beer is awesome
13.I don't do well in traffic 
14.We all have baggage we just want someone 
who will help us unpack it
15.People do change its apart of life
16.Death sucks 
17.Everything in moderation is a good rule of thumb
18.God loves everyone period 
19.My counseling classes came in handy for working
 retail 
20.Stop judging and extend grace and share love
21.Don't to take myself too seriously 
22.Don't go to bed angry 
23.Lucky to have good 5-10 friends thus far
24.Stand up for those who cant defend themselves 
25.A good pair of heels makes me feel like 
I can take on the world 

Snippets from El Salvedor

Co-mi-co merry-posa funny butterfly 
A-key tea-en-es here you go 
A-tra-bahar get to work
Merry-qinta lady bug 

 Sun
Happiest: seeing the ocean waves 
Question: How do you even drill a well 
Annoyed: rooster
Thankful: safe travels

Mon
Happiest: eating homemade tortillas 
Question: why we think Christianity is the only way
Annoyed: at Christians 
Thankful: for the nice cold shower 


Tues
Happiest moment: riding on the back of truck and branches hitting my face
Question: how chickens lay eggs
Annoyed at: trying to make converts vs compassion 
Thankful for: worship songs to pass the time

Wed 
Happiest: getting to share 1john 4:7-12 with the large group 
Question: why people think God would prevent others from goodness rather than 
god creating systems that man had messed up and at now trying to fix.
Annoyed: people who need to be the center of attention 
Thankful: santana walking us home 

Thurs 
Happiest: drum circle 
Question: how does predestined all take place? 
Annoyed: soup 
Thankful: providing village with water

Fri
Happiest: zip lining 
Question: how can I be more restless for god 
Annoyed: hurting my finger 
Thankful: flowers 

Sat
Happiest: songs that remind me of April 
Question: haven't thought about a lot of daily life rather the focus of the 
well. How do we go back home with that focus to live missionary at home.
Annoyed: flight delays 
Thankful: a week well spent....haha get it 

Mary

Mary
She shared with me about her experience in the store. We were saying the right things but we weren't communicating. She said I've bought alot to the table I'm on new medication and I just found out that my mom in law is on her death bed and she started to cry. The conversation had now shifted from bras to life. I hugged her while she wept in front of my store and share with her that even though all of that stuff is terrible that there is hope. Asked her if she as support and she nodded. If you ever need anything please call me at the store. I hugged her again and she thanked me and left the store pink bag, swollen eyes, and a little less of a heavy heart.

There are so many people like Mary.

New Life

Novitas
Growing up in a Christian home I would say can be a blessing and a curse. I was always taught that God loved me and came to rescue world from his own wrath and destruction. I was under the impression that it was my job to mark another tally off that represented the souls that would now be in heaven because of my evangelism skills. From church 4 days a week to Christian school to preachers kid it was pretty hard to escape the gospel. But something didn't seem right. The highs from church camp, the Sunday school lessons it didn't match up.

The time I was sitting in youth group and ppl were being called into ministry. 100s of people every week receiving  the envious calling.Was there something wrong with me? Why wasn't I being called to be in the coveted ministry? had god forgotten about me or was I not worthy?

Or the time I was in a new testament class and was told I was defying gods will because I didn't have long enough hair and I should know my place. So what was my place ,where was my voice besides a pastors wife, school teacher or housewife?

Or the time I was in college taking a spiritual inventory and my results came back and my professor was extremely irritated because it said I would best fit the role of a pastor and suggest that I take it again. What if I took it again and I got the same results? Was my holy spirit meter off? I did take it again and got the same result and was told I'd be a great support to my husband in ministry someday.

As I journeyed toward wanting to know the truth, I started to ask questions. I began to learn that gospel that had been taught to me and that I had been sharing was simply fire insurance. It was to shock and to save. As I began to discover pockets of truth through professors, mission trips, and some people who thought differently aka those hippee Christians it started to come together. It most made since when I read

Rom 12:9-21

It wasn't about the tally marks, the rules, the calling  or the spiritual inventories. It was about people. It was about love. It was about being Christ to those around in me no matter where I was or where I work. So as the story goes on I am encouraged to live love. Do good and never give up.

whats going down

1. A new song I like- "eyes open"- Taylor swift

2. A verse that really stood out to me- John 15:26 When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.

3. Best thing- Cascade with peers

4. Worst thing- Realizing things are not always that they seem

5. A song lyric I liked- " We're just having fun We don't care who sees So what we go out? That's how its supposed to be" Snoop dog Living young and wild and free


6. A blog post I enjoyed-http://www.expressandstar.com/blogs/2012/04/03/blog-the-many-faces-of-apples-steve-jobs/

- A pace setter for newness and creativity

7. Goal for the week- lessen the carbs

Everyone gets to play

As I am inspired by those around me, I can't help but think about my friend Michelle and her passion for others to experience life and all it has to offer. Everyone is invited to the table. People are to be apart of the story. As we journey through life let us hug the hurt, grab the stragglers, love the broken and care for the needy.

http://wordofawoman.com/2012/03/21/the-true-magic-kingdom/

Fierce

Reading recommendation: Fierce Conservations by Susan Scott

Really about the power of words and connections with people. Powerful communication is something that Ive been trying to master for years. As I move along in life and see how powerful we are to one another it reminds me that what I do does matter. Maybe not on a global aspect but local and in my little bubble.

As words impact our day to day actions, those fall into people paths which change perspective which changes the world one conversation at a time.

Drivers in Texas

Things I would teach if I were teaching a driving class I would highlight the following:


1. Merge
2. Doesn't kill you to let someone over maybe even more than one.
3. Texting, putting on makeup, facebooking, and shaving in the car can be done ALL at the same time AND still be safe ( note to self: future blog on the joys and trends of Loop 12 )
4. The following is the lane you're allowed to be in
                                 far right- trucks, work vehicles, loligaggers, folks over 90, hummers and the blind
                                 middle- speed limit abiders, cars with children, hondas, the sane
                                 2nd middle(sometimes not available) normal drivers, the sane
                                 far left- speeders, nascar driver, the "im late" folk, people who just dont care, for passing
 5. Just because there is a car broken down, a wreck, or some guy mowing doesnt mean we all slow down to see if we know them



follow these steps and you will survive the high five!!

1. A new song I like- "Gimme your all your luvin"- Madonna

2. A verse that really stood out to me- Hebrews 11:1-2 "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd."

3. Best thing- Being number 2 in the company last week

4. Worst thing- Traffic

5. A song lyric I liked- " life goes on,It gets so heavy,The wheel breaks the butterfly,Every tear, a waterfall."-Cold play paradise

6. A blog post I enjoyed-http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/life/ny-fashion-week-recap-fall-2012-194181.html

- 2012 New York fashion week

7. Goal for the week- begin to plan for my new cleanse

1. A new song I like- "brokenhearted"- Karmin

2. A verse that really stood out to me- Romans 11:11 "say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous."

3. Best thing- Olive garden with my love

4. Worst thing- being burnt out on Sunday

5. A song lyric I liked- " One tear in the driving rain, One voice in a sea of pain."-Tenth Ave North hold my heart

6. A blog post I enjoyed-http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2012/0215/Five-Whitney-Houston-songs-race-up-Britain-s-music-charts-after-death

- sometimes you are not truly heard until you're gone

7. Goal for the week- Get to know my new team better

Strong 7

1. A new song I like- "Glad you came"- The wanted

2. A verse that really stood out to me- 1John 5:14-15 "that you who believe in God's Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he's listening. And if we're confident that he's listening, we know that what we've asked for is as good as ours. "

3. Best thing- catching up on Supernatural

4. Worst thing- my cell phone not working in my own house

5. A song lyric I liked- " Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end"-Semisonic closing time

6. A blog post I enjoyed-http://ririanproject.com/2007/09/05/10-benefits-of-power-napping-and-how-to-do-it/

-the benefits of napping!

7. Goal for the week- Getting my work calendar started

Dear God.....

As funny as this is, it is also true. What ever happened to loving people and just being there for one another? To come to the point that we might not agree on everything AND that being ok. We are all just in the dark sort of speak looking for the light switch. This is why I'm so committed to Novitas church. This is our mission we are attempting to carry out- To reunite people with God and help them follow Jesus Christ by providing avenues for learning, worship, transformation and mission.

Reunite: 1. to bring together again 2. to come together again: rejoin

Jesus Christ: 1. a teacher and prophet of the first century, whose life and teachings form the basis of Christianity; 2. the Son of God and the Christ, a person who is both God and man, the Messiah sent by God to save the human race from the sin it inherited through the Fall of Man.

Avenues: 1. a way of access : route 2. a channel for pursuing a desired object

Learning: 1. the act or experience of one that learns 2. knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study 3. modification of a behavioral tendency by experience

Worship: 1. the free expression of one's love and adoration for God; 2. wholehearted devotion to God; 3. to make God the center of one’s thoughts and attention.

Transformation: 1. the act or process of changing in form, appearance, nature, or character.

Mission: 1. an assigned duty or task; calling; vocation; 2. a sending or being sent for some duty or purpose.

We have miles to go and wounds to heal....but we will do it together.

Week of demands

1. A new song I like- "Drive by" train

2. A verse that really stood out to me- Mark 10:For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for."

3. Best thing- New opportunities at work

4. Worst thing- people close to me divided

5. A song lyric I liked- "We found love in a hopeless place,Shine a light through an open door" we found love" rihanna

6. A blog post I enjoyed- http://wordofawoman.com/2012/01/30/pray-away-the-gay/


-I am sorry. I am sorry that anyone ever made you think that God didn’t love you JUST. LIKE. YOU. ARE.-

7. Goal for the week- stick to my diet

p90x

In 2009 I began a journey on the road to health. I was 175ish lbs and not feeling my best. As I began to unwrap my issues and commit to be fit. I started p90x. It was hard, exhausting, and challenging. The first time I did the workout some of the moves I just couldn't do, some maybe 5 reps, others were ok. As time went on I got better, faster, and stronger! I was able to keep track! I now have done p90x 3 times and have started p90x2. Now as it stand in 2012 I have lost 40lbs and there is more to come. I was not able to do everything full force at first, but as Tony says "Im enjoying the journey"