charlotte's prayer room

I was on vaca last weekend with some old friends from college in Charlotte, NC. Two of them live there and took us to this amazing prayer room right in the middle of the city. It's an urban prayer room designed and ran by a bunch of churches who came together to set-up a space for people to come and spend time with God. This place was A-mazing! There were so many different rooms and little nooks to sit and read your Bible or pray and even larger areas for small groups to go to. Some dude was playing his guitar and singing to God, another station was setup for people to do their art work. Definitely something I would LOVE to start-up in Flint. Check it out:

http://www.charlotte24-7.com/prayer-room.html

Mel's Media Update

This never really happens, but it's always encouraging when someone at work passes along an awesome Christian artist that rocks my world. Well, for me this began a new liking to a young woman's music. Her name is Kari Jobe.

http://karijobe.com/index.php

As for me, its been a while since I've posted. Spring/early summer seemed to give me writers block. Not that I'm much of a writer, but... you know how it goes.

Currently reading, "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert and so far it's amazing! To be honest, I origionally picked up the book because of the title. I read it and said, "all three of these things describe me so well! I enjoy them all, sometimes equally." haha. Can't wait for the movie to come out, starring the world's greatest actress, of course, Ms. Julia Roberts! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZzmqHJ0gPU

Mya Turns 1!

I can't believe my niece, Mya, is already 1 year old! This past year was so much fun watching her grow from such a little peanut into a beautiful toddler. Her bright blue eyes and content attitude light up my day! Here's some highlights from her party, complete with heaps of presents, a princess birthday tutu and of course, chocolate cake!

!

PS- how adorable is my husband with all those kiddos!

To Live

Found this quote today that hit the nail on the head for my desire to live out this symphony. Thank's William for your deep thoughts. Ha

"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly... to listen to stars and buds, to babes and sages, with open heart; await occasions, hurry never.. this is my symphony." ~ William Henry Channing

Beautiful.

blowing our coat

It's that time again... Juneau has begun her bi-annual husky ritual of "blowing her coat." All Siberian Husky owners can relate to my pain. It's messy, hair is everywhere and it happens twice a year (spring & fall). She doesn't blow it all at once though. She starts in little patches on the shoulder area of her front & back legs and as the weeks go by (3-4 wks) she continues to blow in other areas. And so it's begun! Last year our new neighbors probably loved us. We'd take her in the back yard and brush her crazy for a whole hour. The hair she didn't try to eat (don't ask me why she does that, some sick game of hers I suppose, would end up blowing off the deck and floating into the neighbors yard! I'd just sigh and pray the wind would keep blowing it far so they'd not trace it back to me! haha

I was having a conversation with an awesome friend of mine recently about needing to re-evaluate boundaries in our lives. How sometimes, as women (and people pleasers) we struggle to say no and end up involved in too many things at once. This leads us to over-commit and therefore feel torn and exhausted trying to do too much at once. I wish there was this bi-annual cleansing time where we just blow our coat...

What I mean is, what if all our commitments were 'blown off' us, we can actually focus our eyes back on the Lord and re-evaluate which commitments are worthy of our time and which... well, are not. Which will store up for us eternal value... and which will when blown off, will just end up in a neighbors yard. Watching our hair clumps in someone else's yard may seem messy, but sometimes it's okay to say no when God has something greater in store for you!

May we take this time of spring cleaning to blow our coats in a way that allows God the freedom to guide and re-direct our schedules, commitments and time. He is so worthy of that role. If that seems at all scary for you, just rest assured in this wonderful promise:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God longs to guide us into those commitments that will prosper us, and give us a hope and a future in Him. What an awesome truth to claim in our lives when we just seem pulled in too many directions to find a center upon Him! Let's keep seeking, trusting and not be afraid to blow our coats this spring!

ski crazy

So, I've been asking my hubby to take me skiing for years now and finally this winter I went for the first time in my whole life! I had SO much fun and amazed myself that it came easier to me than I'd thought it would. Can't believe I waited 25 years to do something I love so much... and now, all our snow has melted. First time I've ever been sad to see it gone. :)

inked

A couple years ago I finally decided to get my tattoo. My husband, Jeff, wanted one too but he didn't know for sure which one he wanted to get so he decided to wait. Well, the time has finally arrived and he's decided on something. Can't spill the beans yet, but it's pretty exciting! More to come with him... until then, here's mine: (means "Faith" in Hebrew, reminding me to walk in faith)

thriller & pretty flowers

Just came back from my next-door neighbor’s wedding. Well, she was so much more than my next door neighbor… she was my best friend, sister and the only girl who would play backyard baseball with me. And tonight she was a beautiful bride! I just love how God leads each of us on our own paths and then even if just for one night, we get to reconnect and see each other again. She had beautiful flowers & her DJ was hilarious! He led everyone in several group dances; one of which included “Thriller.” Way fun! These wedding festivites got me missing my hubby, who is away for the weekend... and I started reminiscing about the day we tied the knot, almost 3 years ago. Can't believe how fast time has flown. I love him more every day!

Aside from her cute daisies, I also won a beautiful arrangement of flowers today at a baby shower. They’re beautiful and make me wish the snow was gone and spring was here.

God reminded me this week that knowing the truth about our position in Christ produces rich blessings & abundant living. The empty tomb has significance in my marriage, family, relationships, & personal battles. Thankful today for this victory.

hello

always wanted to start a blog. decided this is a perfect place to ramble, re-cap, vent and share. enjoy