Instant Sunshine

2011 New Years commitment

2011-12-30T21:27:00.002-06:00

Last January I decided after numerous failed attempts at keeping stupid resolutions like exercising more, eating less, and so on. (I think the only thing I've actually kept is not drinking soda for 5 years!!). So last year I decided to try something different…I really love reading but just don't ever seem to find the time or others things get in the way, like watching some stupid tv show, so for 2011 I decided to try and read one book a month. I started and realized I was really enjoying it and could do 2 books a month and so I did! Here are my 24 books for 2011, I tried to mix up types of books as well!

January - "Pride & Prejudice" by Jane Austen

January - "In the Name of Jesus" by Henri Nouwen

February - "What Difference Do it Make?" by Ron Hall & Denver Moore

February - "Better Than My Dreams" by Paula Rinehart

March - "The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud" by Ben Sherwood

March - "Change of Heart" by Jodi Picoult

April - "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper

April - "Sex and the Soul of a Woman" by Paula Rinehart

May - "SexGod" by Rob Bell

May - "Something Borrowed" by Emily Giffin

June - "Something Blue" by Emily Giffin

June - "In A Pit With A Lion on A Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson

July - "Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks

July - "Sisterhood Everlasting" by Ann Brashares

August - "For Women Only" by Shaunti Feldhahn

August - "The BFG" by Roald Dahl

September - "Codependent No More" by Melody Beattie

September - "Esio Trot" by Roald Dahl

October - "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

October - "Between the Dreaming and the Coming True" by Robert Bensen

November - "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

November - "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

December - "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller

December - "Best Friends Forever" by Jennifer Weiner

Some were better than others but there wasn't a single one that I didn't like!!! And now as I think about my 2012 New Years commitment, I'm still trying to decide what to do but i have decided to continue my 2 books a month just for fun!! I encourage you to join me in reading 2 or even just 1 book a month for 2012!!!! Happy New Years everyone!!

NEEDTOBREATHE

2011-09-22T22:48:00.001-05:00

The new NEEDTOBREATHE cd, The Reckoning, was released a few days ago and I can't stop listening to it! I think everyone should go buy it! I feel like everyday I have a new favorite song on it!! Absolutely Love!!

A day I will never forget...

2011-09-11T21:41:00.001-05:00

"It's Wonderful to Fall"

2011-05-15T23:03:00.002-05:00

I love this song and and this movie...but the book is definitely better! I just can't stop singing this song! So I hope it gets stuck in your head and you love it too!

Natasha Bedingfield - Little Too Much

Hey Na Na

2011-04-14T21:09:00.004-05:00

I love this song and I love this video! I want to be friends with Katie Herzig....I mean this looks like so much fun! It reminds me of something we would do at Young Life!

Ella Mae Bowen

2011-03-28T17:20:00.004-05:00

So I recently went to a friends show at The Basement here in Nashville. It was the BMI buzz that showcases up and coming artists that are unsigned. The girl that played right before my friend was absolutely amazing! She was only 15 years old and this was her first performance but she was great! She is from South Carolina and has written a few songs with NEEDTOBREATHE...the bass guitarist accompanied her for her first show. She doesn't have any songs that you can purchase yet, but you can hear her music on her MySpace page. Check her out Ella Mae Bowen...Her is one of her songs Leavin' Jesus Behind...It's GREAT!

Find more artists like Ella Mae Bowen at Myspace Music

A Love like...

2011-03-18T17:52:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure why, but this song has been in my head lately! I think it's cause I just love Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash! Man to have a love like them!

Filled with Joy

2011-03-15T19:48:00.002-05:00

"The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy"
Psalm 126:3

The Kimyal People Receive the New Testament from UFM Worldwide on Vimeo.

Love letters

2011-03-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

My Dearest Allie. I couldn't sleep last night because I know that it's over between us. I'm not bitter anymore, because I know that what we had was real. And if in some distant place in the future we see each other in our new lives, I'll smile at you with joy and remember how we spent the summer beneath the trees, learning from each other and growing in love. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever. I love you. I'll be seeing you. Noah

People just don't write letters anymore and it makes me so sad. I mean imagine getting this in a letter it is far better than some quickly typed up email you send! I hope one day someone will write me love letters like Noah did every day to Allie in the The Notebook!

Great Delight in You!

2011-03-11T17:36:00.000-06:00

Zephaniah 3:16-17

¹⁶ On that day they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp.
¹⁷ The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”

I Need a Doctor

2011-03-01T21:40:00.002-06:00

So I have a slight obsession with Eminem and have for a while now! I love this new song with him and Dr. Dre and Skylar Grey, I Need a Doctor. The video is only available in explicit, so sorry about the language. But this video is great and it makes me sad for Dr. Dre. But Enjoy!

President's Day

2011-02-21T14:38:00.002-06:00

In honor of President's day I thought I'd play a little old school music for you! So here is the band Presidents of the United States singing their one hit wonder "Peaches"!

Snowed in and Crushing!!!

2011-02-10T11:05:00.003-06:00

Well folks I'm officially snowed in! We had a few inches of snow fall last night and the city has shut down! The roads are covered in snowy ice and looks like school will be canceled the rest of the week! And so I'm home...reading, watching some TV, purchasing new music and about to do some painting! But since we are just days away from Valentine's Day I thought I'd share my crush with you...Bruno Mars! Man oh man is he good looking...we could sing to me any day! So on this Snowy Thursday enjoy the song that wont get out of my head!
Bruno Mars - Grenade
(The actual Music video is good to, but I just love this live version!)

My Side of the Story

2011-02-03T12:37:00.003-06:00

So I am a HUGE fan of the show Criminal Minds and I was recently watching an old one, that I had seen before, and heard this song at the end of it and absolutely LOVED it! I search everywhere for it on itunes and Google and here is the only place I found it! It is such an incredible song and just touches you when you feel down! Enjoy!
Hodges - My Side of the Story

The Lucky Ones

2011-01-31T18:10:00.001-06:00

New Favorite Song... The Lucky Ones by Emily DeLoach
Check it out and buy it on itunes!

Made Right

2011-01-24T15:24:00.005-06:00

Some local Nashville Singer Songwriters have donated their time and musical talent to make a CD that will benefit Capernaum Young Life Campership! Neal Carpenter, PW Gopal, Sara Groves, Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Ryan Long, Brendan McCarthy, Jake Ousley, Andrew Osenga, Stephan Sharp, John Troast, & Christopher Williams have all helped in making this CD where all the money goes to sending kids with disabilities to camp! You can purchase this CD here

Who Made you King of Anything?

2011-01-14T14:32:00.002-06:00

Can't get this song out of my head...I just Love it!

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

You Will Find Me

2011-01-03T15:47:00.003-06:00

Happy 2011 everyone!

Check out this great song by Andrew Ripp, Ben Rector and Steve Moakler!

You can find it on Andrew Ripps's new Album

You Will Find Me

When your souls weary

When you find doubt

When you can't hear me

Lay your troubles down

In your dark moments

When your hearts weak

Bring yourself broken

You will find me

Who wrote the rain

Who wrote the sun in

Who called your name

Where are you running

I'm gonna be there near or far

I'm gonna meet you where you are

Who wrote your name

Who wrote the sun in

When you come thirsty

When the wells dry

When your souls dirty

I am by your side

When your faiths broken

When you can't see

With my arms open

You will find me

You wrote the rain

You wrote the sun in

You called my name

I'm tired of running

I'm gonna be there near or far

I'm gonna meet you where you are

Who wrote your name

Who wrote the sun in

You carried all my shame

When you called my name

I am not the same

Still don't know what love means

2010-12-29T23:42:00.001-06:00

Ray LaMontagne- Jolene

What an incredible voice!…this is just the mood I'm in!

Sigh No More

2010-10-07T22:51:00.002-05:00

Sigh no more, no more...


Love that will not betray you, dismay or enslave you,
It will set you free
Be more like the man you were made to be.
There is a design,
An alignment to cry,
Of my heart to see,
The beauty of love as it was made to be

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

Just how I'm feeling. 
Thanks Jesus for Love that will not betray, dismay or enslave me
but for love that has set me free!

Flooded in Light...

2010-10-06T20:23:00.003-05:00

"There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it

When nothing is owed or deserved or expected
And your life doesn’t change by the man that’s elected
If you’re loved by someone, you’re never rejected
Decide what to be and go be it

There was a dream and one day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid with a head full of doubt
So I’ll scream til I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out

There’s a darkness upon you that’s flooded in light
And in the fine print they tell you what’s wrong and what’s right
And it flies by day and it flies by night
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it

There was a dream and one day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid with a head full of doubt
So I’ll scream til I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out

There was a dream and one day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid with a head full of doubt
So I’ll scream til I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out

There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right
There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it"

Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise - The Avett Brothers

I love the line, "There's a darkness upon me that's flooded in light"
What a sweet picture of Jesus in our lives!

All I Do is Blob Blob Blob...

2010-09-21T22:17:00.004-05:00

If you've ever been to Young Life Summer Camp then you have heard of the famous Blob, and you've also seen some pretty good program entertainers. Well this past summer at Rockbridge the program team went to the next level! Watch this incredible video that shows campers all the things they can do at Camp! Including the Blob!

This guy is Amazing!

2010-08-27T08:08:00.001-05:00

This is Unreal! I could possibly have a crush on this guy just because of this....absolutely amazing!

It's Amazing

2010-07-26T22:21:00.002-05:00

After spending a month at Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, CO.....I'm back in Nashville. Being home is always a little bittersweet...I'm glad to be home, sleeping in my own bed, driving my car, laying by the pool and being with my friends! But man oh man do I miss being in the Rocky Mountains...the view, the smells, the clear night skies and the incredible cool weather! The peacefulness, laughter, tears and love that comes from spending a month at Frontier Ranch, just makes me so excited to be in my heavenly home with my Jesus!

"It’s amazing you still love me
It’s amazing you still care
After all those times I turned away
And left you standing there.
When I feel like I can make it
on my very own
patiently you’re waiting
until I get home.

So don't let me leave this place unchanged
‘Cause I can’t bear to stay the same
‘Cause we both know the reason why
You climbed that cross and chose to die.
You climbed that cross and gave your life.

It’s amazing you still love me
After everything I’ve done
Lord you brought me from the darkness
to lead your people to the son.
You are closer than my shadow
whom shall I fear
wherever this life takes me
I know you’ll be near

So don't let me leave this place unchanged
‘Cause I can’t bear to stay the same
‘Cause we both know the reason why
You climbed that cross and chose to die.

You climbed that cross and gave your life."
Michael Warren

Unarmed

2010-06-02T23:02:00.000-05:00

Mariah McManus - Unarmed
I heard this song on the season finale of Grey's Anatomy and I loved it! I absolutely love her voice! I'm excited for her to come out with some new songs...I think she is going to be very good!!

She's Like Texas

2010-05-11T23:42:00.003-05:00

So I found this new great country song that I just love! It's Josh Abbott Band and the song is She's Like Texas...I just love it and can't get it out of my head...I hope you enjoy this new song!
Here's the video (the video isn't that great of a video but I do love the song!)

Beach Bound

2010-05-04T20:14:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow at 4:30am I am leaving to go to Destin, FL for the rest of the week, and I am so excited about it! I can't wait to be with my friends and partners in ministry from across Tennessee. This will be such a wonderful break and I can't wait to just lay on the beach, laugh with my friends, eat good food and worship together! I have the best job ever!

So maybe I'm not going to this place...but just to be on the beach...ahhhh!

The flooding rises...

2010-05-03T21:51:00.001-05:00

Here is a fun Nashville Song about the flooding here...

And here is one that show the more seriousness of the catastrophic flooding that has happened...This just breaks my heart.

It's flooding!!!!

2010-05-02T14:17:00.002-05:00

I can't help but have this song in my head as I watch the rain continue to pour outside! And that Matt, from Jars of Clay was just over at my house helping to pump water out of our crawl space! I just continue to pray that my house wont flood!

Rain, rain on my face
It hasn't stopped raining for days
My world is a flood
Slowly I become one with the mud

But if I can't swim after forty days
and my mind is crushed by the thrashing waves
Lift me up so high that I cannot fall
Lift me up
Lift me up - when I'm falling
Lift me up - I'm weak and I'm dying
Lift me up - I need you to hold me
Lift me up - Keep me from drowning again

Jars Of Clay - Flood

I could really use a wish right now...

2010-04-30T23:07:00.001-05:00

After a week of my computer being at the Mac Hospital...it is back home and healthier than ever! So sorry I haven't posted because of that...but here is a fun new song that I LOVE right now!

Airplanes by B.O.B. feat. Hayley Williams from Paramore

Can we pretend that airplanes
In the night sky
Are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now (wish right now, wish right now)
Can we pretend that airplanes
In the night sky
Are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now (wish right now, wish right now)

If you haven't heard it you should download it now!

"If I Die Young"

2010-04-24T22:57:00.002-05:00

In honor of today's Country Music Marathon, here is a fun new Country artist you should check out! The Band Perry and their song (free on itunes) "If I Die Young". It's a great song and a fun new band!

Making my life something so Beautiful!

2010-04-23T23:42:00.002-05:00

Don’t know how it is You looked at me
And saw the person that I could be
Awakening my heart
Breaking through the dark
Suddenly Your grace

Like sunlight burning at midnight
Making my life something so
Beautiful, beautiful
Mercy reaching to save me
All that I need
You are so
Beautiful, beautiful

Set the World on Fire

2010-04-22T22:24:00.002-05:00

Thursdays mean Butts and Guts and Ugly Mugs...which I love! Our instructor, Kaylee is so great and loves Jesus too! She always prays for us after we work out and we always listen to Christian Music when we are cooling down. Today's song was "Set the World on Fire" by Britt Nicole and I absolutely love it! The lyrics look so similar to words I've written in my journal and just how my heart aches for the World to know the Joy of Jesus! I hope you enjoy them, as much as I do!

I wanna set the world on fire
Until it's burning bright for You
It's everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?

I, I am small but
You, You are big enough
I, I am weak but
You, You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do

I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the Father's hands

I, I am small but
You, You are big enough
I, I am weak but
You, You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do

And the Dove award goes to...

2010-04-21T23:32:00.000-05:00

Male Artist of the Year - Brandon Heath
Female Artist of the Year - Francesca Battistelli
Group of the Year - NEEDTOBREATHE
Song of the Year - "By Your Side" by Tenth Avenue North
Artist of the Year - Casting Crowns

It was a great night over all and some really great performances! And Brandon Heath gave a big shout out to Young Life! So exciting! Check out the Dove Awards this Sunday at 7pm!

Christian Group of the Year?

2010-04-20T23:17:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the 41st Annual Dove Awards for Christian Music. I'm super excited about going and hearing from some new artists as well as seeing some friends! I'm a little torn in this years group of the year category, as I like so many of groups! Here are the nominees:

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
Gaither Vocal Band
Jars of Clay
NEEDTOBREATHE
Tenth Avenue North
Hezekiah Walker & LFC
Skillet

I love Casting Crowns' song Slow Fade on their newest CD, The Altar and the Door.
I of course love Jars of Clay and am cheering for them because of my sweet friends, Kristen & Matt Odmark.
I have a new love for NEEDTOBREATHE and their incredible new CD, The Outsiders. (And I secretly wish that Bo would fall in love with me!)
Tenth Avenue North is another favorite and I think that I could play the song "Times" on repeat all day long!
And I do like Hezekiah Walker for his great song "I Need You to Survive"

So who will it be to take home the award?...We shall find out tomorrow!

When A Heart Breaks

2010-04-16T23:45:00.004-05:00

Loving this song today...I had to try hard to not play it on repeat the whole plane ride to Chicago and then again on the train into the city!

Woke up this morning

And I heard the news

I know the pain of a heart break

I don’t have answers and neither do you

I know the pain of a heart break

This isn’t easy

This isn’t clear

And you don’t need Jesus till you’re here

And then confusion and the doubts you have up and walk away

They walk away

When a heart breaks.

I heard the Doctor, but what did he say

I knew I was fine about this time yesterday

But I don’t need answers

Well I just need some peace

I just need someone, who could help me get some sleep

Who could help me get some sleep

This isn’t easy

This isn’t clear

And you don’t need Jesus till you’re here

And then confusion and the doubts you have up and walk away

They walk away

When a heart breaks.

by: Ben Rector

I'll Find you There

2010-04-15T20:11:00.001-05:00

"Lord You made me laugh
even when I felt like crying
Lord You made me sing
even when my heart was achin'
Lord, you let me hide in You
when the sky was ragin'
I know the sun always shines...after the rain"

Blessed are those who can forget...

2010-04-14T18:44:00.000-05:00

"Blessed are those who can forget
All all those who haven't been hurt yet
I am damned, there's nothing I can do
Because I fell in love with you

Do I ever Cross your mind?
Do I ever Cross your Mind?
Cause I can't seem to get...
you outta mine

I want you to know, that I am not well
riding memories in circles on your carousel
you'll never miss me the way I miss you
cause the love of my life, is just a girl I once knew

Do I ever Cross your mind?
Do I ever Cross your mind?
Cause I can't seem to get...
you outta mine."

Erick Baker

One in a Million

2010-04-12T17:12:00.002-05:00

Do you remember Aaliyah? Today in the office we were reminiscing about Aaliyah and how great she was. And how sad it was to lose such great talent at such a young age. So today's throw back song is Aaliyah's One In A Million.

New James Bond Song?

2010-04-06T22:57:00.000-05:00

After spending some time with my brothers over Easter my older brother Daniel pointed out how great Michael Buble's song Feeling Good is and how he thinks that it should be the next James Bond theme song...if you know anything about Bond, I think you'll agree!
Check it out...Here he is live:

Feeling Good - Michael Buble

Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea
You know how I feel
River running free
You know how I feel
Blossom on a tree
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine
You know how I feel
Scent of the pine
You know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me

And I'm feeling good

New Again

2010-04-03T22:55:00.002-05:00

Thank you Jesus that we get to celebrate life with you each day because you died and rose and live in our hearts! My heart aches to be with you!

Mother - do not cry for me
All of this is exactly how it's supposed to be
I'm right here. Can you hear my voice?
My life, my love, my Lord....my baby boy

As they nail me to this tree
Just know my Father waits for me
God how can this be your will?
To have your son and my son killed?

Whatever happens...whatever you see...
Whatever your eyes tell you has become of me
This is not...
Not the end...
I am making all things new again

I remember when you were born
In that manger where I first held
You in my arms
So many miracles and lives you've changed
And this world repays you how?
With all this pain

Brad Paisley & Sara Evans - New Again

The Last Song

2010-03-31T17:41:00.002-05:00

Today is the opening of "The Last Song" the movie and I'm so excited to see it and to see if it's different from the book! Plus I just love Miley Cyrus' song that she sings for the movie! Here is a little preview of the movie....I'll let you know how it is!

"Til Summer Comes Around"

2010-03-30T21:11:00.003-05:00

I heard Keith Urban's new song "Til Summer Comes Around" today and I almost started to cry...I think it has something to do with these lyrics:

"But I close my eyes and one more time
We're spinnin around and you're holdin on tightly
The words came out, I kissed your mouth
No 4th of July has ever burned so brightly
You had to go, I understand
But you promised you'd be back again
And so I wonder 'round this town
'Til summer comes around"

But I loved the song and just for a moment it made my heart hurt and smile all at the same time!

Something Beautiful

2010-03-29T14:24:00.001-05:00

Right now I am loving NEEDTOBREATHE's CD, The Outsiders. If you haven't heard it yet you should! every song on there is great! They sing about real stuff that is honest and life-giving. I have fallen in love with their song, Something Beautiful and I think it will be their next big single!
Here is a fun video of them singing it:

"Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees,
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful"

I feel like those lyrics are so true for so many people...we're waiting for something beautiful....for God to touch our lives in a way that transforms us and we can't help but share that beauty!

Washed by the Water

2010-03-26T23:43:00.001-05:00

Tonight was the Needtobreathe Concert....and it was so good! The concert was sold out but somehow the security guard let me in for free! (I just love when that happens!) And I'm so glad I was able to go in. They were so great. One of my favorite songs of theirs is Washed by the Water...they sang this song last, unplugged and it was incredible...I have a video, but for some reason it doesn't seem to be working currently! so sorry...I'll keep working on it! :)

You should also check out their new CD called The Outsiders, it is also very good! I think my favorite song on this album is Something Beauty....followed closely by Garden and of course Girl named Tennessee!

Loving you is Easy

2010-03-25T15:31:00.003-05:00

Ben Rector - Loving You is Easy

I wish that someone would sing this song to me! I hope that you enjoy it and enjoy this new and upcoming Nashville artist...he has some GREAT songs!

For more fun new artists and songs check out:
Music City Unsigned

Send my Love through a Satellite

2010-03-20T23:20:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow night I'm going with some friends to a Steve Moakler, Ben Rector & Andrew Ripp concert and I'm very excited about it! My favorite song by Steve Moakler is Hesitate, but I also love Satellite and especially these few lyrics:

Steve Moakler - Satellite

Your tears dismissed me to the red-light train

I said baby, someday this will all make sense

She dropped my hand,

she said tell me when it does,

oh please just tell me when it does.

You can send my love through a satellite

and I, I can fell like you're here tonight

When your love is a blinding light, light

I don't know why I close my eyes to the one thing I can't deny

Remember Me

2010-03-14T23:37:00.002-05:00

Today I went to see the new movie Remember Me and it was so good and so sad. I haven't cried like that in a movie in a while....I left with a pounding headache because I was trying to hold my tears in. :( If you're looking for a good crying movie this is it! I did love the movie though! And I love this song, that plays in the trailer of the film.

Breathe Me by Sia

Help, I have done it again
I have been here many times before
I hurt myself again today
And, the worst part is there's no-one else to blame

Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
and needy
Warm me up
And breathe me

Ouch

I have lost myself again
Lost myself and I am nowhere to be found,
Yeah I think that I might break
Lost myself again and I feel unsafe

Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
and needy
Warm me up
And breathe me

Madly In Love with You

2010-03-04T16:29:00.003-06:00

I just got back from a silent retreat, where we had 36 hours of no talking, just silencing to the sweet whisper of the Lord. It was such a sweet time! If you ever get a chance to go on one I highly recommend it!

"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." Deuteronomy 33:12
May you find rest on the Lord's shoulder's this day!

Enjoy these lyrics by Sean McConnell - Madly in Love with You
(Written from God's perspective)

See you down there everyday
Trying to find a different way
To build some kind of ladder to the sky

Trying to find some way to see
Secrets of eternity, and they don’t come all at once
And you don’t know why

Well how do you think it feels to hear you screaming out my name
While all the while I’m trying to open up your heart
See you when you cry yourself to sleep
It’s tearing me apart

I know you wish you could see me
That’s the way it has to be
Someday you’ll understand,
don’t you lose your faith in me

I know you wish you could hear me
Sometimes it’s so hard to do
But every morning sunrise it says
I’m madly in love with you
Yes I’m madly in love with you
Yes I’m madly in love with you
Yes I’m madly in love with you

I know that you’re waiting for,
A chance to come in from the war
If only a moment, if only a day

A place where you feel safe and warm
A sanctuary from the storm
Until all of these questions fade away

But I cannot count on all the signs
You’ve passed away as mere coincidence
And I'm running out of ways to break through
Like a lonely lover, Waiting by the ocean
Ill never give up on you

I know you wish you could see me
That’s the way it has to be
Someday you’ll understand,
Don’t you lose your faith in me

I know you wish you could hear me
Sometimes it’s so hard to do
But every morning sunrise it says
I’m madly in love with you
Yes I’m madly in love with you
Yes I’m madly in love with you
Yes I’m madly in love with you

RUN

2010-02-25T23:55:00.002-06:00

My all time favorite song by George Strait! Taylor Swift does a fabulous job! And not that I have this desire to ever live in Dallas, TX but man oh man do I wish a boy would sing this song to me!

"The Last Song"

2010-02-24T23:05:00.002-06:00

Tonight I finished the book "The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks. It was SO good and I'm so excited for the movie to come out in few weeks! I'm not usually a fan of Miley Cyrus but I do love her new song from this movie, "When I Look at You". After reading the book it makes me love it even more! As I read these lyrics, I think they could be a conversation with God! Enjoy!

"Everybody needs inspiration
Everybody needs a song
A beautiful melody
When the night's so long
Cause there is no guarantee
That this life is easy

Yeah, when my world is falling apart
When there's no light to break up the dark
That's when I, I, I look at you
When the waves are flooding the shore and I
Can't find my way home anymore
That's when I, I, I look at you

When I look at you
I see forgiveness
I see the truth
You love me for who I am
Like the stars hold the moon
Right there where they belong and I know
I'm not alone

Yeah, when my world is falling apart
When there's no light to break up the dark
That's when I, I, I look at you
When the waves are flooding the shore and I
Can't find my way home anymore
That's when I, I, I look at you"

You are my Sunshine

2010-02-21T22:57:00.003-06:00

Today was absolutely beautiful outside! After so much snow and cold weather it was so nice to have a taste of Spring! And so I decided to wash my car! For about 2 hours I cleaned every nook and cranny of my car inside and out. It was so nice to be outside and to see just how clean my car looked!
But of course as is typical in my life it started raining tonight...Pouring for that matter, after hours of cleaning my car, it rains! UNREAL!!

And so the song for today, is actually my favorite lullaby song my mom would sing to me all the time growing up! (and partly why my blog is named Instant Sunshine!)

"You Are My Sunshine"

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away"

This is an Emergency!

2010-02-19T22:48:00.003-06:00

I went and saw the movie Precious tonight...My heart is breaking. As I watched this movie I couldn't help but think about the world we live in...The brokenness, broken homes, hatred, hurt, pain we cause each other or allow to happen all around us and do nothing. We are called to go...to be disciples of ALL nations...to show Jesus to everyone, to love and to forgive. My heart breaks for the girls in this world, in my city, who all longing to be loved, who are longing for a different life, and my heart breaks.
Lord, may each of our hearts break for the lost and unsaved...lead us to your children, that we may lead them to you, that their lives would be changed! Amen.

"There are many prodigal sons
On our city streets they run
Searching for shelter
There are homes broken down
People’s hopes have fallen to the ground
From failures

This is an emergency!

There are tears from the saints
For the lost and unsaved
We’re crying for them come back home
We’re crying for them come back home
And all your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home

There are schools full of hatred
Even churches have forsaken
Love and mercy
May we see this generation
In its state of desperation
For Your glory

This is an emergency!"

(Tears of the Saints - Leeland)

Armageddon

2010-02-17T23:33:00.002-06:00

So tonight I had to babysit for folks who live down the street from me and after I put the kids to bed I turned on the TV to find the movie Armageddon playing! I hadn't seen this movie in forever so I decided to watch it...I finished watching it when I got home and found myself in tears as I watched Liv Tyler say goodbye to her on screen dad Bruce Willis...so sad! What makes this movie an unforgettable movie though is the theme song by Aerosmith "I don't Want to Miss a Thing" a cheesy love song that deputed at number one on the Billboard's Top 100, which was a first for Aerosmith! This song has since become one of our favorites to sing at Young Life Club!

"I Don't Want To Miss A Thing"

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Well, every moment spent with you
Is a moment I treasure

I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

Lying close to you
Feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together
And I just wanna stay with you
In this moment forever, forever and ever

I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
I don't wanna miss one smile
I don't wanna miss one kiss

Well, I just wanna be with you
Right here with you, just like this
I just wanna hold you close
Feel your heart so close to mine
And just stay here in this moment
For all the rest of time

Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
'Cause I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep, yeah
I don't wanna miss a thing
I don't wanna miss a thing

"We Are the World"

2010-02-15T19:46:00.002-06:00

25 years ago Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote these powerful words to help the support in Africa. With the help of many other singers and celebrities singing, the song became a hit. Now with the recent Earthquake disaster in Haiti, artists have come together again to rework this classic song to help support Haiti. Enjoy both the original and the remake of this song!

"There comes a time
When we head a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can't go on
Pretneding day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of
God's great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me

Send them your heart
So they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me

When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There's no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well, let us realize
That a change will only come
When we stand together as one

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me"

We Are the World Original

We are the World Remake

"Where Have all the Cowboys Gone?"

2010-02-14T23:38:00.003-06:00

It's an oldies and a song that gets stuck in my head for hours, but being that it's Valentine's Day and all I really want is a Cowboy, my only question for the day is really that...
"Where have all the Cowboys Gone?!"

"Oh you get me ready in your 56 Chevy
Why don't we go sit down in the shade?
Take shelter on my front porch
The dandy lion sun scorching,
Like a glass of cold lemonade?
I will do laundry if you pay all the bills.

Where is my John Wayne?
Where is my prairie son?
Where is my happy ending?
Where have all the Cowboys gone?

Why don't you stay the evening
Kick back and watch the TV
And I'll fix a little somethin' to eat?
Oh I know your back hurts from working on the tractor
How do you take your coffee my sweet?
I will raise the children if you pay all the bills?

Where is my John Wayne?
Where is my prairie son?
Where is my happy ending?
Where have all the Cowboys gone?

I am wearing my new dress tonight
But you don't even notice me.
Say our goodbyes
Say our goodbyes
Say our goodbyes

We finally sold the Chevy
When we had another baby
And you took that job in Tennessee
You made friends at the farm
And you joined them at the bar
Almost every single day of the week
I will wash the dishes while you go have a beer.

Where is my John Wayne?
Where is my prairie son?
Where is my happy ending?
Where have all the Cowboys gone?
Where is my Marlboro Man?
Where is my shiny gun?
Where is my lonely ranger?
Where have all the cowboys gone?

Yippee Aw, Yippee Yea
Yippee Aw, Yippee Yea
Yippee Aw, Yippee Yea"

Thanks Paula Cole!

It's a New Year and I've got a New Idea!

2010-02-13T23:00:00.000-06:00

So after feeling like a failure with not posting on here in about 3 months...I've been doing a lot of thinking as to what I want my blog to be about! And so here is what I have come up with, I LOVE Music and being that I now live in Music City, I have been able to hear some pretty incredible artists and find a new love for all kinds of music! So in my thinking of how much I love songs and the meaning of songs and the lyrics to songs I thought that is just what I'll write about! Maybe it's a song of the day, maybe it's a song of the week, either way I hope that you will enjoy the songs and that in some way they will bring a bit of Instant Sunshine into your life as they have mine!

The CMA Awards!

2009-11-11T14:49:00.000-06:00

So one reason I love living in Nashville is the Country Music! I got the opportunity to go to the CMA Awards which was incredible! So my friend and old roommate, Kendal came into town to go with me! We got all dolled up, we got our toes done, did our hair, got our makeup done and got all dressed up for the night! My friends Sarah Jane and Claire also joined us! We had incredible seats and were so close to the stage! I loved it! Zac Brown Band had by far the best performance with "Devil went down to Georgia" Here are some fun pictures from our night!

Kendal getting her nails done!

Pedicure!

Quick Sonic break!

All the celebrities!

Carrie Underwood Performing!

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood hosting!

Billy Currington....so cute!

Taylor Swift - So cute!

Keith Urban - Love!

Another Pfunky Griddle

2009-11-08T14:45:00.001-06:00

So I took another trip to my favorite pancake place in Nashville, the Pfunky Griddle! I went there with my small group from Quest...we had so much fun!

Smiley Face!

Mary Raine and her "M" pancake!

Fall Camp....

2009-11-01T14:36:00.001-06:00

So a little late but over Halloween weekend I went to Sharp Top Cove in Georgia with CPA kids and 100 other kids from around Nashville! We had an incredible weekend here are some highlights!

Some of the girls from our cabin!

Quest Work Crew!

Love these girls!

My sweet friend Kathryn

All the Nashville folks!

Team CPA - Leadership!

2009-10-25T21:29:00.001-05:00

So we had leadership on Sunday...I really love leadership and just worshiping together and just being together as a whole of Nashville Leaders serving side-by-side in this mission. And our cute, small team of 4 was all there!

Jamie, Katie, me and Rachel

All the girls...Just Love them!

Nashville Zoo!

2009-10-22T21:19:00.000-05:00

So today I babysat for this sweet little boy Max! We have so much fun together! We were together all day and it was so pretty so we decided to go to the Zoo! We played on the giant jungle gym and got to pet the goats and see all sorts of animals! We had a great time! It was my first experience at the Zoo and it was so much fun!

Crazy Static from the slide!

Petting the goats!

Max and I with the Camels!

NC STATE SURPRISE!

2009-10-10T23:08:00.003-05:00

So to celebrate my mom's 50th birthday my brother flew me to Cary and picked me up from the airport where we surprised my mom when she and my dad went out to dinner! It was so much fun to see my mom's reaction....she didn't think it was really me! Saturday the four of us went to the NC State Football game vs. Duke. We had a lot of fun tailgating but the game itself was not so fun cause State got beat REALLY bad! :( But of course my mom and I entertained our selves through out the game by taking fun pictures and playing a game on her phone! That night we skyped with Kirby in Argentina and we played The Beatles Rockband.....Kirby picked out which songs we should do...it was so great! It was a quick, but very fun trip!

Our only normal picture!

CPA Homecoming

2009-10-02T23:03:00.002-05:00

CPA Homecoming week! It was such a blast....I got asked to judge all the homecoming games and costumes. What a fun privileged! I had lots of fun and got to meet lots of new kids from CPA!

Victoria, Grace, Me & Julia

Mary, me, Erin, Victoria & Merrell at the Football Game

Fashion Night Out

2009-09-13T21:32:00.001-05:00

While I was in New York I got to go to Fashion Night out with Mo and her friends! I let me and her roommate dress me and do my hair.....instructions were do whatever you want!!! It is so fun to just not care and go out in the ity and just have fun! I really felt like a city girl! I also got to hang otu with my friend Zara who was visiting America for the first time!

Zara and Me at Starbucks!

Becky, Mo & I out on the town!

Besta!

New York, New York!!

2009-09-09T01:04:00.000-05:00

Today I flew to New York City to visit my best friend Mo and meet up with my friends from Australia who are in America for the first time and my friend Kristina who is flying in from California! I'm so excited to be in the city that never sleeps! I'll be here all weekend until Monday....pictures will be coming!!!

It's Football time in Tennessee!

2009-09-08T00:39:00.000-05:00

So this Labor day weekend I took a trip to Knoxville for a fun reunion with my college roommates! We went to a UT Pep Rally Friday night, the UT game vs. WKU Saturday, where we won 63-6...GO VOLS! It was so good to hear 100,000 fans singing Rocky Top in a sea of orange! I just love it! :) Then Sunday was my favorite day of the year.....BOOMSDAY! The biggest firework show in the nation! We ate dinner downtown at Cafe 4 which was so good and then walked down to the river to watch the fireworks and listen to the music that is matched to the fireworks...it's incredible! And there so many interesting people there...it's like people come out of the wood works to come to this....I've never seen so many mullets and cut off jean shorts! Then Monday we just got to sleep in and then I went to visit Lita and her sweet baby boy Eli (who is 3 months)! All in all it was a GREAT weekend!

Kendal, Rachel and Me at the the Pep Rally (Sara Evans Concert)

Neyland's gonna roll and Neyland's gonna rock when a 100,000 fans sing Rocky Top!!!

Mo, Travis and me at the Game!

My Besta!

The Deane Hill girls! LOVE THEM!!!

Me and Kendal!

All my Single Ladies!

Rooms!

Mandy and I's only normal picture!

BOOMSDAY!!!

Sweet CPA Girls!

2009-08-10T01:22:00.000-05:00

So the past few weeks have been very different....I don't feel busy yet I've really only slept in my bed about 4 nights! I took care of some CPA girls then some friends came to visit and then started taking care of another CPA girl! But in the midst of all of it I got to go have dinner with some Campaigner girls and go see the movie 500 days of Summer. We had lot of fun at dinner and totally took over Macaroni Grill! The movie was ok...about a 5 on a scale of 1-10. It wasn't terrible and was worth my money but probably wont see it again! But I sure did have fun hanging out with my high school friends and it gets me SOO excited for school to be starting up again!

I just love the Fall!

Madison, Sydney, Grace, Me, Molly, Corinne & Elizabeth taking over Macaroni Grill!

Before the Movie!

"These boot are made for walking"

2009-08-08T20:10:00.002-05:00

So today me and one of my Young Life girls, Elizabeth did a little cowboy boot shopping! It is tax free weekend and there are lots of sales going on! We went downtown and the store boot Country was having buy 1 pair get 2 pairs for free. So Elizabeth bought 2 pairs and I bought 1. I am so excited cause I was in dire need of a new pair of boots. I have had my boots for 3 years now and wear them everyday when it starts getting cold outside. They have wholes in the soles of the shoes and the toe is curling up and they are just getting too old! I'm so excited now for it to get a little cooler outside so I can show off my new cowboy boots!

The Euro Mullet

2009-08-06T19:53:00.000-05:00

So a few days ago my friend Daniel and his friend Garrett came to visit Nashville from Tyler, TX. We had lot of fun hanging out. They got to tour the city a bit, shop, hang out with some friends at Friends Life, that they did summer staff with, go dancing on the town and just got to chill!

Daniel has his hair cut in what you would call a Euro Mullet and it's awesome! So one night he cut his friend Tim's hair into the Euro Mullet as well! It looks awesome! We all had lot of fun hanging out together while they were here!

Tim and Daniel showing off their Euro Mullets!

The spiked mullet!

All the guys....Derrick, Tim, Daniel and Garrett

Everyone!
Derrick, Mary Kendal, Tim, Garrett, Daniel and Me after dancing and hair cutting!

Cake Off

2009-08-03T20:01:00.000-05:00

This week I got to take care of some girls that go to CPA. One is going to be a 7th grader (Sarah) and one is going to be a Junior in high school (Emily). One rainy afternoon we watched lots of Cake shows...Cake Boss, Ace of Cakes and a Cake Off Competition. So that night while Emily was at a movie, Sarah and I decided to have a little Cake off ourselves. Let me tell you this was NOT easy! We made one cake and cut it in half and then got to shape our cakes and ice them. It looks so easy on TV and it was so hard to do. Granted we were working with a very fluffy cake. But we had lots of fun and made a big mess! But the cakes sure did taste good!

The cutting of the fun-fetti Cake!

Sarah and I getting ready to ice our cakes!

My final heart cake!

Sarah's Cake

Showing off our delicious cakes!

Letters

2009-07-26T20:11:00.003-05:00

So everyone loves getting mail. Like physical paper mail, not just some magazine or bill but just a sweet letter to hello and I was thinking about you. There is just something exciting about going out to the mail box reaching your hand in and finding a hand written letter from a friend! So today I have decided to write some fun letters to friends! Email is always so easy to communicate with people and with cell phone and texting we have all become quick communicators but writing and receiving letters is just so much more fun! Maybe this will inspire you to write a letter to an old friend, or even one that you see every day just to say thanks for being an amazing friend!

Frontier Ranch!

2009-07-22T18:19:00.006-05:00

So I have been a terrible blogger! But I have been in Colorado for the past month with not a whole lot of time to sit at my computer! We have had the craziest month but the sweetest best month ever! Like I said in my previous blog we had a ton of cases of the Swine flu while we were there and a ton of other crazy things that went on, but God used our month in a BIG way! Lost high school kids heard the Gospel and our last week at Frontier we had 100 kids stand up to say so! What a great way to end such a messy month.

I got to hang out with sweet friends I hadn't seen in a while and meet new friends! I loved being a work crew boss and loving high school kids and watching them give their life away for the month! What a sweet picture of true community and serving! I wish in a heart beat that I could live at Frontier Ranch with everyone from my assignment. You forget how easy life is at Young Life Camp until you come home and have to get back to reality! I had an amazing month and am still working through all the things God taught me about myself and how to love myself and others better! I love my job and miss all my sweet sweet friends!

Our First night in Buena Vista, Colorado!

Sweet friends matching!

The prank we pulled on Stacey!

I LOVE this woman!

Sweet Friend, Daniel and I on the 4th of July...I learned how to Texas two step that night!

Sweet Friends since 2003 reunited again!

Western night!

Fantastic Four!

Sweet Brittany! Just love her!

How could you not want to be in the Rockies looking at this?!

All the servers on fancy dinner night!

Frontier Ranch Flu

2009-06-30T16:34:00.002-05:00

So I have now been at Frontier Ranch for 10 days! When we arrived it was a little different from any other normal assignment. The week before us had the Swine Flu in the camp so we all had to be very careful of where we went around camp to make sure we did not get it. We were all doing great until day 2 of camp when some Texas folks got the flu. we had to send the entire area home early, which was such a bummer. But they had already spread it to the other areas by day 3 every area except 1 had some case of the swine flu, so by day 4 all the areas were sent home early. Which was soooo crazy.

After just a day some of the Work Crew started feeling sick. Slowly they began to drop like flies. We now have 14 work crew and one work crew boss in isolation so no other work crew will get sick. All the assign team and staff are on medicine so no one else gets sick. Week 2 now we only have 2 areas that decided to come but it has been really great and no other people have gotten sick in the last 24 hours.

All the Work crew has been separated from campers this whole week which has been very weird. But God is doing big things here at Frontier Ranch and hopefully we will have 2 full normal weeks of camp to end our month here.

2 days and counting....

2009-05-05T22:07:00.002-05:00

2 more days in Nashville before I head to Raleigh to meet my mom and we jet off to Greece! I can't stinkin' wait!
19 hour flight
Motion sickness meds
A giant boat
Motion sickness meds
Sunshine
Bright blue oceans
White and blue buildings
Historical sites
Traveling pants
Costas
Dancing
LOTS of pictures
And one unforgettable trip with my mom!
CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Thunderstorms

2009-05-01T10:38:00.003-05:00

I just love thunderstorms! What is the point of rain if there is no thunder or lightning? All night last night I could hear loud rolls of thunder and again this morning...I can tell it is going to be a very relaxing and chill day!

YL Golf Tournament

2009-04-25T22:28:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we had our annual Young Life Golf Tournament. It was a beautiful day to play some golf and enjoy some fellowship!

Harper even came out with Cami and got to ride in the Golf Cart!

Best dressed goes to....Andy and Brandon!

Team Ott and James! (They had a little help from Harper!)

And the Winner are... Bebo, Stephan, Cleve & Mitch!

Energizer Bunny

2009-04-24T11:15:00.000-05:00

The past two days I feel like I've just been going and going and going....not sure where the end is but I'm ready to stop! I'm tired! And unlike the Energizer Bunny I am going to stop...probably forced to stop because of sickness (isn't that usually when we stop our busyness? When we are forced to.)

The last few days have been fun but very exhausting! Today we had our annual Golf Tournament. It was beautiful outside which was so great. I was there all day until finally having to leave in a rush to get to CPA for their school play and finally coming home after 13 hours being gone. Thursday was just the same busyness. Not to mention the papers I have to finish for New Staff! But tomorrow I am heading to Knoxville and am so excited to see friends and hopefully relax!

Last YL Club

2009-04-23T22:22:00.002-05:00

Tonight we had our last YL club! We had so much fun and it was a great way to end the semester! CPA had a big turn out and it was fun to be outside. the weather was great and the bugs stayed away! Rachel ate mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and even some deodorant all for the cause of getting kids to sign up for summer camp! It was so much fun!

All the CPA folks!

Going green!

2009-04-22T10:50:00.003-05:00

HAPPY EARTH DAY EVERYONE!

How are you celebrating Earth Day and keeping out planet healthy?

GO GREEN!

Linkin Park

2009-04-21T23:17:00.003-05:00

I love Linkin Park. I love the nail polish and I love the band! Today I was just in a Linkin Park mood...so I painted my nails while listening to some of y favorite Linkin Park songs.

I am proud to say that my very first ring tone for my cell phone back in the day was "In the End" by Linkin Park! They have such real lyrics in their songs that remind me of all the pain high school kids go through. I just love them! (And totally have a crush on Chester the lead singer!)

10 years later...

2009-04-20T15:20:00.004-05:00

Ten years after the worst school shooting in America's history, we still remember the lives that were lost on that tragic day at Columbine High School. Rachel Scott was one of the first students killed while eating lunch outside. Her brother was also there that day and after watching 2 of his friends shot and being covered with their blood he survived. Rachel's dad has written this incredible book with inserts from her own journal. I can't wait to meet her when I get to Heaven, she seems like she was a wonderful girl!

End of the year Leadership

2009-04-19T23:50:00.000-05:00

We had our final leadership for this year! Our outdoor plans were hindered a little due to the excess of rain we got all day long but we still had a ton of fun! Guys were in the unheated pool, folks were playing Frisbee, and playing basketball, a few people went down the zip-line and other just hung out and socialized! We had good food and lots of fun!

The girls watching the guys swim!

Hanging out on the porch!

Worship time

My sweet friend Abby's very last leadership after 4 years of being a leader at Hillwood!

Will & JJ's Wedding

2009-04-18T21:14:00.000-05:00

After a busy morning with Nashville Young Life's Trash Dash (to help raise money for comp this summer) I drove to Knoxville for a wedding. I got there in time to have a quick lunch with my sweet friend Rachel and then headed to Will and JJ's wedding which was outside in Will's parents garden and it was absolutely beautiful! Everything about the wedding and reception was Will and JJ! I loved being there and seeing old friends! It was a quick trip, since I had to be back fro our end of the year Leadership!

Megan, Amanda and I (Two of my roommates from College) at the Reception

Megan and EJ

man oh man do I need a tan!

My sweet sweet friend Rachel Baker!

still in process...

2009-04-15T21:12:00.000-05:00

So our kitchen is still being worked on but we are getting there slowly but surely! Hopefully soon we will have a sink and oven..I'm kinda getting sick of eating out and there is only so much you can cook in a microwave!

The Dog of Nashville

2009-04-14T21:07:00.000-05:00

So today i had lunch with my roommate, Brooke. We decided to go try out the new hotdog place in Hillsboro village, The Dog of Nashville it was so good! The fries are amazing and the hot dog was huge and full of goodness! The only bad part about our experience was the aftermath and our stomachs! But it was worth it to eat such an amazing hotdog!

A Journal for Jordan

2009-04-13T21:38:00.005-05:00

So after a crazy busy morning starting at 5:30am I finally got to sit and relax for a bit to match Oprah! Today was a great day...it was about "unconventional and unforgettable dads" First there was a single dad of about 8 kids...then my second favorite of the dads, a Man named Matt who is also a single dad after losing his wife 27 hours after his daughter was born. He has an incredible blog that yall should check out! His sweet baby Madeline is so precious! My first favorite dad though is a man named Charles King. He was a solider in Iraq. When he found out he was going to have a little baby boy his wife bought him a journal to write to his son in. She wrote every day to his son while he was deployed. He was able to spend 2 weeks with his son after he was born before being deployed again. He died 1 month before coming home in a road side bombing. But his wife published the journal and now his little son has these memories of his dad as well as great manly advice. What a sweet gift. Here is the book:

I am about to go buy it myself and start reading! And yes I was totally in tears while watching this episode!

Good Friday

2009-04-10T21:58:00.002-05:00

Isaiah 53

⁴ Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7wEa8YTGhM

"Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me

Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now

You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now

You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done

And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
Oh.. I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?"

Singing in the Car!

2009-04-09T22:41:00.004-05:00

So Tonight we had club but it looked a little different! We went and ate dinner at Mazatlan (a really good Mexican restaurant) then a bunch of us girls went and got Ice Cream at Maggie Moos....on the way there we had a BLAST in the car singing as loud as possible! The girls in the back were going crazy! I just love singing in the car!

Waiting for Greece!

2009-04-05T16:15:00.003-05:00

So in one month and 3 days I will be on an airplane with my mom on our way to Greece! I am so excited about our trip! We will be flying to Athens and then taking a cruise around the Greek Islands, then back to Athens...I seriously can't wait! Santorini, Greece
I'm probably going to meet Costas there!

Downtown Nashville

2009-04-04T15:57:00.004-05:00

So tonight I went to a benefit concert with some CPA girls For Danita's Children (Orphaned kids in Haiti) It was a great event. After I went downtown with one of my YL girls, Elizabeth, and we walked around got ice cream went to the pedestrian bridge that over looks the city and meet up with a few other CPA folks. It was a beautiful night to be walking around the city! Of course upon our walking we ran into a family singing...

Frontier Ranch

2009-03-30T17:41:00.000-05:00

So today I am off to Frontier Ranch in Colorado for 4 days for Assign Team Training for the summer. There was lot of snow and it was very cold but I mean I guess I can't complain that I get to go to Colorado!

BAD weather coming....

2009-03-28T17:33:00.002-05:00

So after a wonderful day of sleeping in....I headed off to Deer Run Retreat where I was going to a women's overnight with my church! On the way there we had CRAZY weather! One minute it was hot and sunny and the next and it was down pour and then hailing! Lucky I didn't know there were tornadoes all around me cause I was already freaking out!

But I did manage to take some pretty cool pictures of the sun!

Welcome to Moe's

2009-03-27T17:23:00.002-05:00

So tonight I went to my favorite restaurant with some YL girls for some delicious food and lots of laughter! After we finished eating we basically sat around and laughed a lot!!

Sweet Emily and her funny hoodie!

Christina and the most amazing face ever!

Butts & Guts & Ugly Mugs

2009-03-26T21:53:00.005-05:00

So every Thursday morning Alecia and I go to the East Nashville YMCA for a class called Butts & Guts and it is exactly like it's name!...Today we got killed and I'm not sure if i'll be able to walk for the next few days! But after our work out session every Thursday we go get coffee and chat at our favorite coffee shop in East Nashville, Ugly Mugs Each week the guys that work there ask us about butts and guts! This week they gave us a little surprise on my hot chocolate!

Man oh Man do we look for just getting our but kicked working out! Alecia and I were so excited about the drink! I will have you know that I drank the entire thing without messing up the B&G!

Capernaum Idol

2009-03-19T22:45:00.000-05:00

Today was our last day of program for Capernaum Day Camp and as a final performance we made a video for YouTube (should be us soon...no worries!) Then our kids got to have their own Capernaum Idol! It was so much fun to watch all the kids have such a great time singing their favorite songs!

Andy (Wyclef) joining our friend Clay after singing!

All our Capernaum friends and buddies!

"Jamaican me Crazy!"

2009-03-18T22:41:00.000-05:00

Today we had a fun skit with a Sombrero to get us ready for some Moe's lunch and then we had a really fun county fair outside for the kids! It was a lot of fun but man oh man am I tired!

I may start doing this look more often!

"We are the islanders from Jamaica"

2009-03-17T22:28:00.001-05:00

So this week is Capernaum's Day Camp and Andy and I have the great privilege of doing program for them. We are Jamaican Islanders trying to make it big on YouTube! We had so much fun going this! I will say that the Jamaican accent is a hard one to get down though! We watched lots of videos of Cool Runnings!

Being that today is St. Patrick's day my 'fro changed colors!

HATS

2009-03-16T22:19:00.001-05:00

This week is CPA's Spring break and so not a lot of girls are in town but Elizabeth was in town and we get to hang out and play one night having dinner in Green Hills at Pei Wei and then doing some window shopping! We had so much fun! I really love hanging out with these girls! We went to Anthropologie and tried on some funny hats! I absolutely love to try on hats from different stores! Elizabeth and I had a great time hanging out!

I mean really the brim of my hat takes up half the picture!

cleanin' out my closet

2009-03-15T22:09:00.000-05:00

So after being inspired by Kendal, who cleaned out and giving away everything she hadn't worn in the past year....I came home and decided to do some cleaning myself! I own LOTS of t-shirts! I had just received an email from a friend looking for Young Life shirts to bring to Macedonia to give to YL kids there. And so the cleaning began! I got rid of a whole bag of clothes and gave away a bunch of YL shirts (which was so hard!) And yet I still have 50 YL t-shirts as well as about 25 or 30 other random t-shirts! Really I could probably wear a different t-shirt or long-sleeved t-shirt everyday for the next 4 or 5 months without doing laundry...thats doesn't even count for my hanging clothes! Just CRAZY! So in other words everytime I go shopping and want to buy new clothes...remind me of this!

After the cleaning...I still have TONS of t-shirts!