Hidden Messages?!

So the other night I was enjoying a night in watching Holiday movie after movie. Around 12:30ish I decided it was time to retire to my bed and then perhaps watch an episode of Friday Night Lights (6 episodes left and this amazing story is over. sad day in Annieland!). While getting set for bed I really felt like I was supposed to finish the chapter I had started in "Hind's Feet on High Places" before I went to bed. I had a conversation in my head that went something like this:

"Lord, is that you?"
"is this just me cause I really just want to watch FNL before I crash"
*gut feeling still there*
"Ok God, not really sure what is so important that I can't shake this, but I'll wrap up the chapter"

*grumbling that I just wanted to watch FNL knowing full well that after I read what I am supposed to will then be followed by prayer time.*


OK so now go back with me to the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011...I was working through some tough stuff and just really leaning into the Lord. During that time and through the course of this year I keep hearing the Lord say "watch what I am going to do!" when I get frustrated at Him and don't get what in the world He is up to. Feeling like I was suppose to open my heart back up to a situation that ended up just hurting me again, knowing that I was supposed to let go of my job, etc. Through this year of letting go of a lot and taking new things on...when I am in question of what the Lord is doing...I simply hear the quiet "watch what I am going to do!" *ummm, ready and waiting :)*

Fast forward back to the other night...and this is what I read:



I am getting ready for something new and I am beyond ready to see what the Lord is going to do and how He will use me. It's been a rough, but amazing past few months...and I am leaning on who I should be leaning on...the Lord. There is a reason I have this scripture reference tattooed on my foot: Proverbs 3:5-6

That shared, what has the Lord been speaking to you? What is He asking you to do? Maybe to let go of something? Maybe to do something new and push through the box you have put yourself and Him in?









sidenote: I am trying to go to Africa with my church in April...if you would like to support me (tax write-off *hint*hint*)...that would be amazing! Info here: http://www.gofundme.com/Send-Annie-To-Africa

Sweet Christmas Eve

I couldn't help but wake up this morning with the excitement I've had about Christmas Eve since...well, as far back as I can remember. All growing up Christmas Eve was by far my most FAVORITE day ever!!

I'll set the stage for why...

The earliest memory begins when I was tiny. Driving to my Grandparents house in West Seattle which sat on a hill that overlooked the Puget Sound. (If I ever get rich - I will buy back the house my Grandpa Roger "Cupie" built. Absolutely amazing!! Cedar, stain glass window from England, little cubbies throughout, the west side of the house practically all windows to be able to stare out the window and enjoy the view of the water....). My mom's whole side of the family would gather - 3 sisters with families - great grandma's - and occasionally my dad's side of the family (that was once or twice...we learned that was not a good idea ;) ha). We would eat amazing food!! Sometimes Grammers would have the energy to cook for us all and other times she would take the catering way out. But we could always count on Great Grandma Down's fabulous Pecan pies (southern made) and Grammers and Mom's pumkpin goodness...oh and Great Grandma Down's chocolate goo (it was a fudge she messes up years ago that turned out to be our favorite baking mistake of hers).

Traditions were started....and these above all I've missed the past 7 years, but cherish every memory of having.

Grandpa Roger "Cupie" would read the Christmas story to us all. He would then have all the grandchildren (8 of us total) read the scriptures that he had assigned weeks prior for us to memorize and share with the family. We would then get out these Christmas songbooks that the community of West Seattle put out about 30+ years ago (I have them now - some got damaged in the flood, but most survived - Thank God) and we would go through and sing all the songs. Not to brag, but I come from a family that has some pretty legit and classically trained voices. (sidenote: my brother and I used to "fight" to see who got to sit in between Grammers and Cupie at church. To hear them sing their parts in Hymns was such a treat and gift. Sometimes, on certain songs, I can actually hear them singing. Sweet memories). My favorite song to sing as a family in which everyone had parts was The 12 Days Of Christmas. Cupie always had "5 Golden Rings"...and the way he would sing it...well, again...I can hear him every time the song is sung. My Aunt Debbie would always be the one to add in a funny line or noise to make in that song. She was always the one who would also wear blinking Christmas light earrings and one time she busted out silver glitter leggings. haha. She def is a fun one.

Oh gosh....I could go on forever about the memories of Christmas Eve and how much I cherished them. I will always miss Cupie reading the Christmas story....all of us grandchildren quoting our scriptures, and Grandma getting on the piano and playing so we could all sing Christmas carols together. I feel very blessed and pray when I have kids someday that they will love the traditions and memories that we create...

What are some of your favorite Christmas memories/traditions?


Merry Christmas Eve to all! Praying you all have an amazing day with friends and family....celebrating the real reason for this Christmas Season. Excited to be with my Church family today and framily this Christmas. fun times to be had!! :)

Shoutout to my family in Seattle and praying over my brother as he leads Christmas Eve service at his church tonight...loved attending that last year and so incredibly proud of the man of God he is. Blessed with such an incredible family and thankful for Skype this Christmas :) xoxo

A quiet walk on the beach....

I have been writing this, saving it, then thinking about if it needs to be posted...the only hesitation I have is that I DO NOT want it misinterpreted...this in fact is not aimed at anyone...just more of an explanation of where I am in life right now...and in sharing with quite a few people about my social sabbatical and how FREEING it is...I'm spurred to share what I've been doing and what I've been learning.

A few months ago I went to Catalyst in Atlanta which in essence started the season of change. Well, that and a message by Pete Wilson and the theme was "be still"...which if you know me...I am NOT good at laying low and/or being still. I like to go go go...and do do do.

A couple weeks after Catalyst I felt like I needed to do a social sabbatical...yes you read right...a social sabbatical...I know what you are thinking...trust me! ;) BUT I knew I was supposed to...so I pretty much cut out all hanging out with friends except church/youth kids, etc. Which in all honesty, especially with my new comfy pad, was not so hard to do and was so what the Dr. ordered. Believe me, if you are feeling overwhelmed and not like yourself...and you are highly social like me...TAKE A BREAK!!! If friends don't get it...then maybe you need to re-evaluate friendships ;)

**after getting laid-off a few weeks ago I've slowly and still slowly am bringing friends/people back into my life - not to be mean, but I saw some changes in me and I want to make sure I am who I am meant to be - in character & action - I want to be real and raw and have healthy boundaries in friendships and how they affect me**

While walking Folly Beach in Charleston on Thanksgiving (I had my parents walk behind me so they could be all cutesy cutesy with each other) I was praying...trying to understand timing of ALL that was going on the past few months and what I heard and have kept hearing are two things: 1. I am delivering you from all abusive circumstances/relationships (this meaning work, friendships, etc.) 2. watch what I'm (being God) gonna do.

I think the word abusive seems and feels very harsh to say, but I guess other word(s) that could be used are selfish, taken advantage of, and well...used. I think you get my drift here...and please know I am not saying these actions are done on purpose, but sometimes people do it without realizing or this is who they are in nature. And it's true...I have been in a place of that for most of my life (this is not to get anyone's pity WHATSOEVER) I am simply made with a huge heart and the only way I know how to love, work, and play is with all of me and giving more than 100%...(I blame my parents for my overworking reasoning)...which in essence means that without having healthy boundaries...one gets hurt a lot and walked on. Things the Lord is teaching me...in SO MANY WAYS! Another season of refinement, but to a whole new level...which is hard, but with an understanding knowledge that this is so good for me...and an odd underlining joy.

I told this to my good friend Linsey last night...and she just burst into tears. We've been friends for 6 years...and she was so thankful that I am finally seeing how I love so well, but set myself up for hurt and being walked on. Now there are things I am able to stand strong in, but when you get to a certain place in my life...I love and give grace freely when I should instead be strong and stand up for myself.

so much going on in my world...not easy, but so good...some to share and some not. Learning healthy boundaries in loving with all my heart in work, friendships, etc.

I do apologize in the past few weeks if I have hurt anyone's feelings. I acknowledge that when I'm going through a lot I tend to shutdown. I'm trying to take seriously what lessons He is trying to teach me and I wanna make sure to listen & obey. I do not know what is next in my life, but I am excited. It's been such an interesting season of life and God has been so faithful. I am choosing joy and trusting...and um hello, it's Christmas season...and I LOVE me some Christmas goodness!

love you all and I hope you heard my heart in this...I encourage you all to do a social sabbatical. I may do it annually now :)

End Of A Season....Chapter

Yes, the rumors are true....I no longer work for Tooth and Nail/BEC Recordings...and let me put you all at rest...ALL IS GOOD! :)

After almost 6 years at Tooth & Nail, this chapter has come to an end. An end that God has been preparing me for for quite the time...He actually had to give me the final shove out. Go figure...I'm loyal to a fault sometimes when I know I need to make a move. That being said, I still consider the Tooth and Nail family...family...all was left on good terms...so many great memories, laughs, and pranks. Oh the glory day of the pranks :) Good grief. I enjoyed working with everyone....co-workers, artists, managers, producers, cohorts in marketing outlets....the list goes on and on. You all know who you are and there is nothin' but love!

As far as next steps...I don't know what is next, but I know He does. My journey through jobs has been nothing short of an exciting adventure that God has taken me on. I have gotten to work in two industries that I never dreamed or thought of ever pursuing - great lessons/skills learned, relationships made, and memories that will forever be apart of my life story - one word: blessed!

So, while I am taking time to breath and be still...if any of you hear of any jobs that seem like a good fit for me...let me know :)

Oh yea, and NO...I have no plans to move back to Seattle. Let's kill that rumor now ;) I know I am where I am suppose to be and I LOVE my new apartment.

ALSO, I am trying to go to Africa with my church in April...if you would like to support me (tax write-off *hint*hint*)...that would be amazing! Info here: http://www.gofundme.com/Send-Annie-To-Africa

Farewell & My Apologies....

Today I took my little white car to the dealership and sold her off! As I was driving to Beaman, a lot of memories were flashing back and shockingly enough I got a little emotional. I realized that this car started a new chapter of life for me....and now as I say bye to the little white car I am starting a whole other chapter in my life in so many ways.

I would like to take this time to apologize to the little white corolla for a few things as I have left her to sit in a dark parking lot....not knowing if she'll go to the auction, get a good owner to take care of her, or if she will get timely oil changes...

1. I am sorry that I never gave you a name

2. I am sorry that your little white bumpers got scratched because people in Seattle find it perfectly OK to bumper bump

3. I am sorry that I let Lins borrow you while she moved that one time and she kinda messed up your dashboard and side door ;)

4. I am sorry that a piece of wood got stuck under your front bumper and loosened it up

5. I am sorry I cursed you when I tried to drive you in snow & in the torrential downpours of the south

6. I am sorry that I yelled at you when you beeped at me and my passenger when we didnt have our seatlbelts on....others were annoyed at it more than I, but still...CHILL OUT!!!

I know there are more apologies to be made, but let's forget about the hard times and let's remember some great times...

1. Thank you for getting good gas mileage

2. Thank you for the having a great moonroof that shut without me having to when I turned you off

3. Thank you for the many roadtrips across Washington, down through Oregon, and across the country all the way to Nashville

4. Thank you letting the allie dog be comfortable in the arms of the passenger seat

You were a great car and you hold a LOT of great memories for me...and for that I am truly thankful! Hope you find a nice new home little white corolla! All my best! xoxo


I AM OFFICIALLY CAR DEBT FREE!!!!!

The Face Says It All...Ha!

Give it everything you have, heart and soul...Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going...Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." - Joshua 1:7 & 9

Was reading this in my quiet time today and have to confess I have been a bit lazy & lax with taking the steps that I need to do in order to be able to move onto the next chapter. Parts I am so excited about and others I am quite intimidated by....but I know it's going to happen either way....so why not put my best foot forward and move in the direction I know I am supposed to....even though I am not certain of the outcome. I know a lot of people are feeling this way...and when you are not sure at times of what is going on...you stand still when you should Be Strong & Be Courageous...moving forward in what you know God is asking you to "follow" or walk through regardless of the unknown or insecurities.

Hopefully in this next week I will be CAR DEBT FREE!! So excited about that and ready to kill a monthly payment and be able to focus on something else. Which then leads me into the living situation...do I buy (seems like a good time for a first time home-owner and that way I stop throwing a monthly rent away), rent a place by myself, or try another roommate situation. Things I am praying about and needing to figure out by next month. Cannot wait to fly back to Seattle to bring my doggy back. I miss my little shedless bundle of white fluff! ;)

Lots more going on this head....but have such an underlining peace amoungst the chaos-ish and so incredibly thankful for people who KNOW me and KNOW how to keep me in check, be an encouragement, and do life with. Having that "stability" in sucha season of change helps the process and to feel some sort of security....even though I know my TRUE security is found in God alone.

I am a bit flustered, but I am excited
I am a bit nervous, but I know I must have courage
I am a bit stressed, but I know He's in control...I must listen and obey

All that being said...time to knock out some more thoughts for Charge Nashville's social media. Excited to get our youth group stuff more interactive & cohesive for all the munchkins! woohoo!

In closing...another verse that keeps coming into my head while I type:

Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. - James 1:22-24

AMEN! :)

My ramblings on "Beauty"

A few weeks ago a friend asked me to come talk to young girls about "Beauty"...what that is...what it looks like...and ultimately what that looks like as a Christian woman...to overcome past hurt and/or misconceptions of who we are and how we see ourselves.

The first word and/or thought that came into my mind was "eyes"...the eyes are the passageway to the heart.

beau·ty
noun /ˈbyo͞otē/ 
beauties, plural

*A combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, esp. the sight

*A combination of qualities that pleases the intellect or moral sense


I think all woman (and a lot of men) can go back to places in their lives where something was said and done to make you feel less as a person....less attractive...less talented...less intriguing... We all have those moments. The ones that go down to the deepest parts. That have scar tissue around them...that sometimes we pick at and cause to bleed again. Unfortunately sometimes causing it to bleed again causes comfort...as twisted as that sounds.

For me, one of the people who caused the greatest damage to the way I see myself is my own grandmother...and honestly to this day I struggle with time to time on how I view me. She made it clear that my brother was better than me and that I was the fat little girl that was not talented or could ever amount to much. Even as a teenager when I would go on walks with her and guys would honk...she would always make it known that they were honking for her because she had such GREAT legs. I look back and I laugh now....but at a young age she started in on me...and how insufficient I was. Yea, I was teased in Jr. High....shoot....those are some awkward years in life. I had a stress disorder that caused my scalp to flake out of control...I got super chunky....I was called ewok cause of my big eyes....the list goes on...it happens...kids can just be plain cruel. BUT the fact stands that I am sure most of those kids don't even remember what they said or how they acted.

Funny enough...my other grandma was in the hospital getting a blood transfusion the other day and her nurse was a gal I went to jr. high with. Some way or another I came up and the gal told my grandma she knew me and thought I was such a sweetheart and keeps up with me on Facebook. The funny thing is...is she was one of the girls that was mean to me...yet she doesn't remember that...she remembers how I RESPONDED to her. Even my parents in their counseling met other people who knew me and thought highly of me...and my memories of them are not so great. Let's face it I was a target in Jr. High and very much a LATE BLOOMER! hahahaha

We also may have that guy/girl past and or possibly present relationship that did some pretty hurtful and deceitful stuff that cause us to doubt our self worth....wonder what we did wrong....what is wrong with us emotionally/physically....why we aren't good enough. OR even better yet a boss or co-worker who makes you feel incapable...makes you feel like you can't do it...micromanaging...not allowing growth or enabling you to grow thus making you feel unimportant or not of value...that all the work you do still isn't enough...thus you work yourself harder and to the bone to constantly prove yourself and your worth....

All that to say...a lot of our insecurities about our looks and abilities stem from something that was probably said out of someone else's insecurities...and they probably didn't/don't even think twice about what they said because they already forgot they said it or are trying to make themselves feel better...and we enable them to have power over us...to make us feel less...to hold us back from what HE has for us. LET IT GO!!!! We are all so gifted and talented in so many different ways...ways that we should all appreciate and that can compliment one another!

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

We all have our own style, our own look, our own talents....that's one of the things that I love...we are not cookie cutter...we ALL have something to add to this world/life. My friend who is a stay-at-home-mom is just as talented as one of the musicians I work with...it's just a different "gift"....a different "beauty"

And to wrap up my ramblings on "Beauty"....and back to the first thought that came into my mind..."eyes"....the passageway to the heart...the whole package on "Beauty" is not just outward beauty for that shall surely fade, but it is the inward beauty as well...that tends to shine greater than any outward beauty could. The way you love others, the way you encourage, the way you help friends in need, the way you give to a total stranger, the way you respond when someone is being hurtful, the heart of compassion and love towards the Lord who is "the author and finisher of our faith." God has made us all so unique! Don't let others out of their own hurt or discontent hurt you. Watch how you react. Embrace your difference and your gift and use it to glorify Him....for He did not give you that "gift" - "beauty" for nothing. Let your eyes convey the "Beauty" that is you - which in turn should lead to Christ - what He's done in your life and what He has given you.


sidenote: cause we all know I am a cheesy person....think on Top Model...in all the pictures they wanted the EYES to be the expression....to be fierce...to be innnocent...to ultimately show what was going on inside cause that would convey enough....LET YOUR eyes convey what you are....who you are...and what is going on inside. I know by looking into someone's eyes what they are feeling...happy, sad, confused, joy, anger, allergies....your eyes are very TELLING!

I would rather be known as a Proverbs 31 woman...than a woman who's "beauty" fades....

Take All That I Am...

For the past few weeks....besides being obsessed with the song "Furious"...the bridge and chorus of "Like An Avalanche" has been my hearts cry...

Take my life
Take all that I am
With all that I am I will love You
Take my heart
Take all that I have
Jesus how I adore You

And I find myself here on my knees again
Caught up in grace like an avalanche
Nothing compare to this love love love

Let The Good Times Roll?!

it's funny how my trip home to Seattle really was not what I expected and not all the excitement and fun I had been planning on...to be honest it was pretty stressful...sprinkled in with moments of fun. I am very grateful for the time I did have with family and friends, but so wish there had been more...and time on the water and in the hills...oh well

I had to make the call when I got to Seattle if I was gonna drive back to Nashville since I am getting so many bites on my corolla that I am trying to sell (pray it sells soon). I made the call that it was wise to drive back now. But wait....who is riding back with me?! I didn't want it to be one of my parents cause I have always down major roadtrips with someone in the fam...I wanted it to be a friend. Well, needless to say that was not what God had in the cards....

and for that I am grateful!

This roadtrip has been a BLAST with my dad....talking, singing, and taking in all the sights!! It has been fun to explore and go picture crazy! I even got to see one of my besties from college who has always had my utmost respect. Robyn is so raw and real, killer athletic, incredible writer, and now a mother of 4! It was humbling to hear how she described me and how I was in college to my dad....I pray I am always seen and truly am that way!



Even though I did not get the rest I wanted and time to hide out in my fave spots at Alki Beach to seek God on a few different areas of life...be quiet before Him. He had other plans...and as much as I am exhausted...and pretty well drained...I am thankful for this time and the memories that are being made and the BEAUTY that I have gotten to see as I drive through the country.

My Night With Dave Ramsey

Tonight I went and heard Dave Ramsey speak...which A) did not know he lived in Nashville and B) was pumped to hear him cause I missed his session at Catalyst West.

Have you ever had a scripture or a Bible story come up multiple times in a week, month....repetitive to the point that you KNOW God is trying to tell you something. That has been happening more frequently for me in the past few months. The most recent scripture that has been coming up a TON is:

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." - Colossians 3:23

So as you guessed...Mr. Ramsey brought this scripture up tonight...this would be like the 3 or 4th time this has come up in the past two weeks. This scripture is obviously applicable in ALL aspects of life...and a great challenge in truly living this out.

Here are a few solid points from tonight's talk:

* A real leader SERVES

* With much privilege comes much responsibility

* Playing for something bigger than me - how I react to people - what am I communicating and am I showing who God is in me or reflecting my faith...

* INTEGRITY = a whole person/no fractions - to always be the same person regardless of setting/circumstance

* “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” - Augustine


Good reminders/food for thought as I close my eyes and enter into dream world (although I rarely remember my dreams) haha!

Snapshot Into SoCal Trip March '11

I recently went on a trip that kinda came together in nothing short of two weeks....as cheesy as it sounds...it felt like God planned this vacation for me. so blessed!!! I landed in San Diego on Tuesday night and was picked up by one of my besties Megan Benton...to which she whisked me away to wonderful dinner at El Camino accompanied by Alexis Ward and Kelli Larson



the next day I spent with Alexis up in Encinitas....catching up, riding beach cruisers, eating outside at Swamies, and watching a friends son play baseball at dusk. Later to be picked up by Amanda McMillan in which I indulged in some yummy In n Out and headed up to Catalyst West.

I have never been to Catalyst West before and definitely felt with the circumstances of this all coming about that God wanted me there. The theme of the conference was "Take Courage"




First session was with Andy Stanley...here are some highlights:

"Your single act of courage may be the tipping point for something extraordinary that God wants you to do"

"Secrets are dangerous...they can grow into something dark...secrets influence the way you lead...you compensate for it in your leadership."

Faces of Courage:
* courage to stay when it would be easier to go
* courage to leave when it would be easier to stay
* courage to ask for help when it would be easier to pretend that everything is ok

"Every day we should fear being out of God's Will"

...I mean....really?! first session in and God was totally speaking to me on so many things and things to come. Yea, definitely supposed to be here.


I'll highlight another session - Matt Chandler (stoked to finally see hear him speak):

“People do not drift toward holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith.

We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated.” - DA Carson


Grace Driven Effort - Colossians 3:1-11
*uses the weapons of grace rather than the will of the mind and heart
* fights with: blood of Christ (Eph. 2:15), Word of God (2 Timothy 3), and the
promise of the covenant (Hebrews 9:15)

"the Holy Spirit whispers to you but it's sweet and makes you run to God - the devil whispers to you things that make you run from God - hold you in condemnation."

"Grace driven efforts attack the roots not just the branches - behavioral mgmt - feel the weight of the heart of God"

"Grace driven effort ruthlessly pursues the heart of God"

"Transformed by the Holy Spirit not conformed"

"Grace driven effort goes beyond consciousness and peace - doesn't forsake sin but rejects it"

"developing an appetite for what is good...you will lose your appetite for what is bad"

"Grace driven effort is violent...it understands that any sin at any level will cause cosmic danger to the glory of God - puts to death evil"



I also got to meet up and spend quality time with one of my old youth girls/friends Jessica Mann. All I can say here...God is faithful and cares so much...He can use any and all things you have gone through for His glory. I love so much that God has been bringing a lot of my "old youth kids" back into my life...I have loved reconnecting and loving on them...that will never stop!



lastly, I got to spend some time in my "happy place" - La Jolla! Got up early so I could have my alone quiet time...it was a bit of a stormy morning, but I loved every second of it...followed by a solid catch up sesh with Tic Long...then back to "the ville" I went.

Anyhoo, wanted to give a quick snapshot from this trip...so thankful and so blessed to have been able to see so many that I never have enough time with. Sadly, I couldn't fit everyone in, but let's be honest...I'll be back out again soon!:)



so much more to share, but this gal is tired....

Merry -go-round & Patterns

I feel like recently a lot of conversations I have been having with people are about recognizing patterns with people/themselves and the merry-go-round that people can get stuck on. It happens to so many...people get stuck and don't know how to get out of it or off of it. Or maybe there is a fear of getting off the merry-go-round...or the change that they have to make seems to be too big...too difficult...or maybe there is comfort in the unhealthy patterns.

Let's take it a step further....God's lessons in life. Do you ever feel like you are constantly facing the same "test"...or you feel like you are constantly going through the same situations?! Maybe take a moment or two and examine each of these circumstances...what is the repeat?! How did you handle it?! OR when it comes to patterns...why are you stuck in them?! Why are you scared to change?!

A few scriptures came to mind when I was thinking/writing this....

James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1 Peter 5:7
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you

Philippians 5:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me

2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall take wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint


so many more scriptures come to mind....but these are a few. You have the power through God to get off the merry-go-round...to break the unhealthy patterns. You have truly got to want it for yourself and not be afraid of what that means you have to let go of or things you might have to change in your life. You need to truly believe that God has your best in mind...and only wants the best for you. That doesn't mean you wont go through hard/refining times. It matters how you handle those times. I guess you could look at it as: each day we go through multiple tests...are you going to pass or "fail" We admittedly will never be perfect...that's a given...but better to live our lives in His will than out of it.

just some sporatic thoughts I would share tonight...especially when it's a topic that keeps coming up in conversations with many.

It Happens In A Blink....

As much as I want to say that 2011 has been off to a great start...the reality is...it has not. It has been one thing after another and in every aspect.

The picture you see above is a picture of Brynna and her son Bryce. I have known Brynna and been tight with her family since she was in 4th grade...many great times, many hard times, and many tears. With out going into too much detail, Brynna's 4 yr. old son Bryce passed away this last week. He had just gotten sick when I was back in Seattle for Christmas. And now the sweet little guy is in heaven. I would ask that you please all pray for Brynna...she is a single mom and Bryce was very much her world. I can't imagine what she is feeling and going through. I hate that I am not back in Enumclaw to comfort and be there, but very thankful for the gift of texting.

Bryce's death along with a message I heard a few weeks ago spurred so many thoughts in my head the last few days...which a death usually does. A) What is my legacy that I will leave behind? B) Have my last words to people been what I want them to be? C) Am I living my life the way I am called to? There are more thoughts and questions I went through, but these 3 were ones I had to define.

I know what I want my legacy to be and I am striving after that. My last words to a certain person were not how I wanted them to be...so I made it right. Something I am called to do I have put it into motion.

As much as I have let you in a bit as to how 2011 has not been off to a great start...God has been so INCREDIBLY faithful. I know I would have every right to be mopey and sad, but I have such joy. I choose joy. And the things that God has been affirming in my readings, at church, and in conversation have just been nothing short of Him showing Himself true. I honestly can't help but smile...as cheesy as that sounds.

I am trusting God for more this year.


Lyrics to "Blink" by Revive:

Teach me to number my days
And count every moment before it slips away
Taking all the colors before they fade to gray
I don't want to miss even just a second more of this

It happens in a blink
It happens in a flash
It happens in the time it took to look back
I try to hold on tight, but there's no stopping time
What is it I've done with my life
It happens in a blink

When it's all said and done
No one remembers how far we have run
The only thing that matters is how we have loved
I don't want to miss even just a second more of this

Slow down, slow down
Before today becomes our yesterday
Slow down, slow down
Before you turn around and it's too late

Morning Prayer of 2011

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD! I have fled to you for refuge! Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble! And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies, and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul, for I am your servant." Psalm 143:8-12

*I found this scripture a few weeks back and then my grammers sent me a card and in it was the challenge to memorize it...a "random" scripture on her own accord. I love how God puts people in sync...gives confirmation. That's been happening a lot lately!

** Also, if you all could pray for my lil sis Brynna Bjornson and her son Bryce. Bryce is only 4 yrs old and a month ago was diagnosed with a rare blood disease. I got word yesterday that they will be forced to take him off life support soon. PLEASE pray God's healing power. Brynna is a single mother...Bryce is her world.