Are you kidding me?

The other day I went to the gym with my new friend Laurie. As we were working out we saw a commercial for delicious looking, stuffed crust pizza. Between the sweating and the salivating, Laurie found herself craving some serious pizza. While I am a pizza fan myself, I wasn't nearly as hungry. However, Laurie's wish was about to become her reality. Not even two minutes later, in walked a pizza delivery boy with 25 piping hot pies.....I kid you not. At the gym? Seriously? 25 calorie invested, fat induced, deliciously smelling, and taste bud stimulating pizzas were invited into our local Planet fitness. I was shocked....appalled, and so incredibly intrigued. Were they trying a new marketing tactic? The more they feed us, the more we work out? Do they realize they are putting the temptation of satan in front of every weight watcher in the building? Apparently not!

Anyhow, Laurie and I put on our big girl pants on and refused to grow weak in the sight of temptation. We patted ourselves on the back and marched out of that gym like stronger people, physically, emotionally, and spiritually...amen and amen!

Forgot

I forgot to tell you all that on August 15, I turned 25...yep, a quarter century. So far the new age has not been a problem, although I must say that it has been weird telling people I'm "25". One friend told me that I have to start rounding up to 30, but I disagree. Another friend told me that now I can officially call myself an adult because the frontal lobe of my brain is now fully developed....not sure how to respond to that. For what it's worth, the older I get, the more I'm aware that God is faithful and I think that's all that matters in the long run. In fact, I think life can only can sweeter.

The Kelley's and Farrell's threw me a party..it was great fun!

It's been far too long!

Hey Friends and Fam.....I would generally apologize for such a long blogging hiatus but it's been busy! I have found myself continually in transition mode as I get comfortable here in Florida. It's been fun to get to know people here, explore different beaches with friends and my Florida family, and get settled into a new ministry opportunity! As many of you know, I am planning and part of launching a new worship service for young adults. It is called, "anthem" and if you are interested in learning more, check out the website at www.anthemorlando.com. It's been great fun, a bit stressful lately, but very exciting to anticipate what God will do with this service. We are launching September 20th and have a preview launch on the 13th! Be praying for us, that young adults would come to worship and grow in their understanding of God's word, and in their journeys with Christ. I've included some pictures here to highlight some fun things I've gotten to do this summer....first time snorkeling!! Florida has been a great spot for me, God has provided friends and family here, and He is definitely moving through me during this season of growth for me. More updates to come as the service gets underway!

Molly's birthday in July

The fam came for a visit and we went to Epcot...so fun! Not sure how Spencer got out of this picture!

Great friend Laurie and I goofing off on a mini-vacation to Hutchinson Island and Singer Island with Jeninne and her family

Laurie, Jeninne, and her daughter Lilly at Singer Island

Singer Island, FL....the water is so clear and we got to snorkel around the reef!

Pretty Sure

I'm pretty sure I'm employed at one of the best churches out there.....had a launch meeting tonight and everyone that came, cleaned up at the end. No questions asked....plus, I didn't even have to think about getting food.....people in the church did it all for me!! Wow....this place know how to support each other!

Grateful that God knows what I need before I need it...

Quick Update

Hey Friends....sorry it's been forever but here's why...check it out!

www.anthemorlando.com

I'm in the biggest planning portions of our new service launching in September and find myself keeping my head in all things "Anthem". One of these days, I'll give you a really great update!

For now, and since I last updated, I got to celebrate Molly's graduation from pre-school, which was way more fun than my Gordon-Conwell graduation ceremony! And, I've also really enjoyed people down here....the south is much more friendly!!

My Florida Family - The Farrell's and the Kelley's

New Worship

Well friends....my job is officially underway and I think it's great!! I am starting up a new worship service at the church, geared toward the "20-something" generation. It was a long brainstorming process but our official name for the service is (drum roll please), Anthem!

So, that means I'm beginning to reserach how to advertise and market to this area and it is a crazy time!! If you're interested in following our process, join us on facebook and become a fan at our page. Just search "Anthem Worship"and you'll find us with a picture of a retro microphone.

Oh, this is going to be fun!

Florida

Well friends,

I'm officially a Florida resident and feeling more at home here by the day! It's been amazing to have friends here who are family to me.....they have made this transition such a breeze and have been gracious in their support and care for me. What a difference from feeling more "on my own" out in Massachusetts. It helps me to continue valuing family even more! (even though their technically not related!...ha, not to me!)

So, there are two special little kids I've been spending a great deal of time with while I've been here and they both have the best stories. However, Molly's young age makes it even more interesting. Yesterday, we were playing in the house and she was hiding in the corner, pretending to be a ghost. I asked the ghost (Molly) what it's name is and she replied, "Ham" (pronounced with a LONG a) and the ghost's nickname was named "bologna" and it's second nickname was, you guessed it, "cheese". So funny!

If I had a better memory I could pass along even funnier stories, but I'm sure there will be many to come! Thanks for all your prayers and support that have brought me to this point.....God is good!