Jury Just in...

I have been watching way too much of the Casey Anthony trial...hence the language used in the title. I swear I will recover and return to normal language in my communication...I swear I'm telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Anyway, the test results are in!! I get to have a NIECE!!!!! Looks like my sister's dreams are coming true with little pink ballet slippers, cute outfits, and fancy dresses to come (although she'd be happy with whatever sex the baby is as long as it's healthy). We're all excited that the baby is looking healthy and growing well in her Mama's belly! I wonder what I'll buy first for this little cutie:

OR

Ran for Her Life

This past weekend I had the privilege of participating in an awesome event for an incredible cause. I took it upon myself to train for a 5K, with the help of a spectacular correspondence trainer Angie Gooding. Check her out here...seriously, you'll be better for it! She's an awesome trainer and an even more awesome person. I'll tell you more about her later. So, I trained for this 5K because I've tried to sign up for races and complete them in the past and something has always stood in the way of me completing them...mostly my knees. However, this past weekend it all came together.



Samaritan Village, a transitional home for women with the desire to walk away from addiction and street life, hosted "Run for Her Life 5K"...catchy title, I know. This was an event to raise awareness of the many needs in our community, particularly that of women who need some support and help getting on their feet. Consequently, I ran for her life, the woman who cannot run for herself, or even speak for herself and the help she might need. I was reminded as I ran of the blazing Florida heat at 7:30am, but more importantly of the privileges I have been given throughout life. I was blessed with a good upbringing, parents who love me unconditionally, and resources that a majority of the world does not even see. Knowing what this race was all about made it so much easier to endure the humid Florida summer morning and run for the sake of someone else, not just my own physique. Check out their website here if you'd like to know more about Samaritan Village or how you can help in prayer and participation.

Hilton Head Island, SC

Last weekend I had the great pleasure of getting together with a dear friend from college. Lauren met me at her in-laws in Hilton Head Island, SC, totting her precious 1-year old son. It was such a gift to be able to spend such quality time together and share the beauty and fun of Hilton Head Island and Savannah, GA while Lauren's in-laws were gracious to watch the little cherub. Of course, the sweet little muffin boy was great fun and a delight to get to know. He'll be walking soon which was so exciting to watch. It's amazing to me how God can bring friends into our lives that remain life-long encouragers, blessings, and so much fun to be with no matter how far apart we now live...Lauren is one of those people. I'm blessed to have a few! :) If you'd like to hear more from her life, she's got a great blog over here...check it out! Thought you all might want to see some photos of the weekend. If you'd like to see more, head to my FB page.

Lauren and I sharing a wonderful dinner (I later got a little minor case of food poisoning from that lovely fish, but it didn't last long!)

The sweet boy....who could argue with that face!

South beach marina on Hilton Head Island

Pretty church, surrounded by big Oak trees and droopy Spanish moss...love the look of the South!

Lauren and her boy

Don't Mess With Texas

I started this blog in anticipation of journeying along with those of you who are interested in what goes on in my life, whether fascinating or not! :) I posted a few weeks ago about MY plan for what's next. Go to the University of Central Florida, get another Master's degree, and look for ministry positions as I went. However, MY plans are rarely God's plans until I let go and watch His mastery unfold. This season of my life is no exception. After posting about Tim Keller's Book, "The Prodigal Son" and it's impact on me being reminded to "let go" and get "off the throne" of my own life, God moved in a mighty way. Here's the update....I would apologize for it's length, but I'm wordy, so good luck!

A couple of weeks ago a good friend Angie, from seminary, contacted me about some ministry opportunities that might be available within the foundation where she serves as a director of the youth camp. The Foundation for Laity Renewal, offices located in Kerrville, Texas (about 45 min. from San Antonio) was founded by grocery store founder H.E. Butts (laughter welcome) :). He started the foundation in an effort to offer a place for all kinds of people to go to a beautiful location and experience spiritual renewal outside of the day to day chaos. He bought about 2000 acres of land along the River Frio with a great canyon. The foundation has several camps and elements of ministry that it offers. Angie works with the youth camps that host camp mainly in the summer months. However, there is a new 8 million dollar facility being built in the canyon for the family camp. That is where I come in. The family camp has been running for about 4 years now (if I remember correctly) and this new facility is going to expand it's growing potential. There will be two full time positions opening up there in the next year. In the meantime, there is a part time opportunity that I interviewed for last week to support the family camp, assisting the director, leading worship, teaching, and working with the college students that come out to work the family camps. I was offered the part time position last week and my friend Angie even has an affordable living option for me in Boerne, not far from the camp offices. I accepted the job and will be starting Labor Day weekend. Family camp runs select weekends throughout the year with a few week-long camps a couple times a year. I plan to do this part time and may even be used in a few other capacities in different parts of the foundation to fill in the gaps. What's really cool about the family camp is that they offer weekends/weeks at camp for low-income families, wounded military families, and a variety of folks from different walks of life. It's really incredible to me that a camp is able to do so much for all kinds of families.



I am still considering another master's program but I could do that easily part time at the University of Texas, San Antonio, 15 minutes from where I will be living. Time will tell as I'm taking one step at a time with the Lord. I am really excited about this opportunity and the potential that it offers. I won't be able to interview for the full time positions until next Spring but the more I'm connected to the camp in the meantime, the better. Plus, I'm really looking forward to being in the great outdoors more consistently and using the gifts God has given me in many different ways. It is going to be great to live close to my sister and Spencer (1.5 hrs. away), especially as they anticipate the birth of their first little one this fall...yay!! It does feel bittersweet to move again and have to transition once more, especially on my own. I have bounced around the country, mostly for education, and it is just getting tiresome to build relationships and then to leave again. It is with sadness that I leave friends in Florida, but I am looking forward to living closer to family once again.

God has taught me a great deal at each stop so far, maybe enough to write a book someday ;). Moving from place to place is beginning to get old but I know that I will not be truly Home until all is said and done on this earth. In meantime, isn't it an adventure to experience so many places and spaces of this world? That's how I feel today....ask me in a month when I'm packing boxes to move in August!

Such a good thing

I just love Thanksgiving. I think I've even talked about loving Thanksgiving on this blog before. At any rate, I love Thanksgiving because I have the pleasure of spending quality time with family and friends, cooking a delicious meal (usually with mom), watching football, the Macy's day parade, and just getting to be with loved ones all day. The weather in November, no matter where I live, is cooler, perfect for an after dinner walk, and reminds me of how each season changes and the many reasons I have to be grateful.

This Thanksgiving, it's going to get even better! My sister and her adoring husband Spencer are expected their very first little bundle of joy!! They are anticipating the sweet little Whelan baby on November 21st...just in time to snuggle with us on Thanksgiving and enjoy being together. I cannot even wait to be an Aunt and can't even imagine how much fun it will be to have a babe around. We are all so grateful for God's provision with a healthy mom and baby so far, and are continuing to pray they both stay safe and healthy till the little turkey is ready to come out of the oven!.....I know, cheesy...can I call the baby a little turkey too? Probably not, that might be a little too much. We'll just have to find out... :)