I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me From snares of the devil,

From temptations of vices,

From everyone who desires me ill,

Afar and a near, Alone or in a multitude.


Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.


- Lorica, St. Patrick (ca. 377)

I Am What God Says I Am

Have the words and opinions of other people caused you to water down your dreams? One of the most important things you can learn is that other people don’t set the limits for your life. Other people don’t have to believe in you in order for your dreams to come to pass. There will always be critics and naysayers. The negative voices come at everyone. But other people don’t determine your destiny, you do.

The Apostle Paul says in Romans 3:3, “What if they don’t believe? Will their lack of faith make the faith of God of no effect?” This verse is saying, “It doesn’t matter if other people don’t believe. Their unbelief is not going to keep me from believing in my dreams.” When God puts a promise in your heart, it’s not up to other people to bring it to pass, it’s up to you! You don’t need everyone to validate you. You don’t need to get confirmation from all your friends. You have to follow the voice of God for yourself and allow Him to order your steps. God sees the hidden treasures that you’ve had buried on the inside of you. He wants to bring those treasures out and make your dreams reality!

As you stir your faith up and water those seeds they will take root, and you will accomplish things that you never even thought possible! It doesn’t matter what negative things have been spoken over you in the past, God’s blessing is greater than any curse! Begin to speak words of life and faith over yourself. As you get rid of those old, defeated thoughts, and replace them with what God says about you, you will rise higher and live the abundant life God has in store for you!

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A friend from the beautiful country of South Africa sent this to me this morning and I wanted to share. It encouraged me and from time to time we all need to be reminded of God's promises that He has for us! I love to dream and to have a passion for the things that God has created me to embrace. We are all children of God and He has a specific plan and purpose since the beginning of time for us... keep running this race hard- love and embrace the things He has created YOU for :)

Until next time

Girls just wanna have fun :)

2008: A year of new beginnings...

Carpe Diem
Main Entry:
car·pe di·em
Pronunciation:
\ˈkär-pe-ˈdē-ˌem, -ˈdī-, -əm\
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, literally, pluck the day
Date: 1817
: the enjoyment of the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future

Carpe Diem... seize the moment. As I am into the New Year and thinking of all the possibilities that lie before me in 2008, I have decided to approach each day as its own... seizing the pleasures of each day without concern for tomorrow. May sound silly or hypothetical, however I want to make the most of each day without worry or concern...

I have been anxiously awaiting this year and the first 7 days of 2008 have been wonderful. The new year rang in with hope, peace, encouragement, special friends, good food, laughs and memories that are cherished... with so many more to come. With many things aligned for the coming months, I thank God for His purpose, His plan, and continually guiding me on my journey. My hearts cry is to make a difference some where some how, no matter how big or how small... So here is a toast to enjoying the pleasures of this very moment. Make the most of the opportunities given to you this day with hope for tomorrow.

I'm excited to see how life unfolds the next few months. As I have said many times before, no matter what I go through or how hard life can be, or how unsure and confusing my life gets at times- I love this journey. I love my life. I love challenges that help me discover more of who I am... and I love adventure that helps me discover what I'm called to... I love people because they enrich me... and relationships because they make me smile... I love God's word because it builds my faith and guides me to an everlasting future...

Love those around you. Embrace each day with faith, hope & love. Be all God's created you to be for such a time as this.... this very moment. Opportunity is awaiting you......

Here in the Quiet speak to me now
My ears are open to
Your gentle sweet whispering
Break down the door, come inside

Shine down Your bright light
I need a lamp for my feet, I need a lamp for my feet
I want to hear the thunder of who You are
To be captured inside the wonder of who You are
I want to live I want to breathe
To search out Your heart and all of Your mysteries
You were the first and You’ll be the end

Time cannot hold You down
Why save a wretch like me?
No eye has seen, no ear has heard
No heart could fully know
All of Your mystery

Your glory burns in the stars
Shine down your light let it burn in my heart
Bring me to glory, bring me to you
Lord it’s your heart that I will hold onto

Your glory burns in the stars
Shine down Your light let me know who You are
Jesus, Your glory burns in the stars
Shine down Your light, let me see You, let me see You.
[Phil Wickham]

"I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour. I dripped it carelessly, Ah! I didn't know, I held opportunity." (Hazel Lee)

Tis the season...

I have to say that Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Not just because I love the Christmas blend coffee at Starbucks, but for many reasons. For some reason this year I felt like I was ready for it to be over. I wanted it here and gone and was desperately awaiting the first day of 2008. I don't like the fact that Christmas is so commercialized and every year it seems to grow worse. The weather was like summer down south... 80 degrees during the day in December?! The pretty lights downtown and the arrangements set out and about just weren't creating the mood but Christmas still came... and it was so great. Spending time with family and friends, the fellowship with others, and celebrating a time where our God sent his one and only son on that day for you and I. Amazing.

I hope everyone had a blessed holiday and remembered the true reason for the season. Christ. Our family. Our friends. Our loved ones and the special fellowship we share during this time. (Along with great coffee from starbucks and some rockin eatin!)

Me, Emma & Kaitlyn


Roxie waiting on Santa


Joshua & I with Grandma


Me & Joshua