This time next month, Steve and I will be in Cambodia with eight other wonderful people from our church - Denver United. The weeks are going by at a faster pace - I’m trying to slow it down, but I’m ready to go to Cambodia. I am ready to meet new people and I’m ready for the life change it will bring.

When my team and I are in Cambodia, I know it may be difficult to see the fruits from our visit, but I am trusting that our words and actions will be from God! On the other hand, I know we will gain so much from the children and from the women who are rehabilitating after their horrific sex abuse.

————

Steve and I are grateful to our generous family and friends that always support us. Thank you for the outpouring of financial and prayerful contributions toward our trip to Cambodia. When I return, I am praying that I will serve differently, think differently, pray differently, give differently……please pray with me.

Weekend Love

I know that I am truly blessed with a wonderful life. I know that not all people are able to enjoy the love I do and that’s why I want to embrace all my days. This weekend, I captured the things I love with my phone — pretty relevant since Valentine’s Day is tomorrow.

Over the weekend, I enjoyed dinner with new friends, lounging with my husband on Saturday morning, enjoyed treats from dad and mom, date night, church, tea and a good book, and then some time spent at a craft store! It was a weekend full of a few things I love doing.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

In June, Steve and I are serving in Cambodia for two weeks through In His Steps International. We are both anxious to serve orphans and women who are healing from internal and external wounds from being sex trafficked.

In this past month, it has been incredible to see our family, friends and strangers join our team financially and prayerfully! THANK YOU big time!!

More details about Cambodia to come!!

DREAM by Priscilla Ahn - (one of my favorite songs)

——-

Today, I had a day off from work, but I didn’t want to go through my day without intentionally taking time to understand what this day was about. It’s a day to honor a man and movement that was filled with passion and faith! I watched a program on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this afternoon and was simply amazed by his character.

——-

This week, I have been thinking about my 2012 word. Last year, I chose SIMPLE. I spent the last 12 months trying to simplify my thoughts, my actions and my passions - eliminating complication. I wasn’t trying to be lazy or make relationships unimportant; instead, I attempted to find direction, passion and meaning to the valuable. I also simplified my needs and wants! That was hard at first, but I was up for the challenge. I went through my belongings a few times in 2011 and either gave away items or tossed them out - it was quite a refreshing experience.

For 2012, I am going to have more INTENTION. I want to focus on being more intentional about all things that encompass me and surpass me. I want to pursue my passions and dreams more intentionally! I am not sure what this looks like, but I am excited to live out this word. I started today by emailing artist,  Katie Daisy who owns an Etsy shop. She is willing to share her experiences with me - I will share those soon on my blog! Sharing experiences, convictions and challenges is the best way to add depth to your character; and I am looking forward to reading about Katie’s experiences.

I trust that 2012 will be both exciting and challenging - I know that I will be intentional to pursue and seek after opportunities -and if I fail, well, that’s GREAT because I know that I am chasing after BIG things.

Happy 2012! I added a few photos from the two family visits we had back in October and November - fun times! 

Something I am trying to do everyday…because when we slow down, our senses are more open and aware to the realities of this world.

(Source: shellywhite, via keepsavingme)

(Source: souls-of-my-shoes, via simplybethany)

Isn’t it beautiful?

Today marks the fourth month that Steve and I have been in Colorado and it’s been a beautiful ride.I am so thankful to be content right now because it’s hard to be away from a loving family and really awesome friends.

Even though we are away from family and friends, we are learning to be content. It helps that love my job at the Denver Rescue Mission. It reminds me that we are all broken and in need of love and hope - of a Redeemer. Working with the homeless population and with individuals that lost their way for a season is humbling. I wouldn’t trade my job for the world.

Although, we miss home, both Steve and I are growing in unbelievable ways. We are both and individually, understanding our role in this world. It’s a great journey and we welcome all new challenges and experiences.

Thanksgiving is a few weeks away. It usually sneaks up on us all and is over in a minute as we start preparing for Christmas.

But today at church, I decided that I wanted to “hit” the slow motion button. I wanted, together with my husband, to acknowledge and physically recognize all that we are thankful for. At church, we had the kids group worship in front of the congregation. It overwhelmed both Steve and I.

I was personally reminded that the kids in front of me, worshiping God freely in healthy bodies, is a THANKFUL moment. Most children - globally - are hurting right now because they are starving, they are hurting, they are being sexually abused… they are being deprived of innocence and life!

Our family thankful tree will help us to remind each other of all that we have even if they are hardships! I’m thankful for convictions because God uses those convictions to spring us into action on His behalf. I pray that God will use my family to impact little ones globally.

What are you thankful for?

post inspired by: http://www.simplyvintagegirl.com/blog/index.php/2010/11/27/the-thankful-tree/

I was given a camera for my birthday from my husband who always encourages me to follow my passions and ambitions! I love capturing everyday beauty.

(Source: woolyjumper, via keepsavingme)

I love having this blog - it’s a digital journal. One of my favorite things to do with a journal is to read through my old entries. It’s like a story and I am fasinated with the author — God!

I wanted reblog this post because it’s always relevant.

On my run this morning, with my prayers and praises crying out to the one great, sovereign God, I realized that He is always near. He is near in my heart, in my thoughts and in my words. He has transformed my very being!

In reflections of my past and in comparison to where I am today, there is only one person that I can say thanks to — and that is my Savior! He has brought me to a place of contentment while at the same time helps me to distinguish the importance in this life. His very desires and character dwell in the center of my existence. I just pray that I am bold enough to go to the places He sends me.

My husband is in the process of interviewing and waiting to hear back from the companies. This season of our lives leaves us with uncertainty of where we may be in the next few months. As he travels to interview, we are both praying for guidance and wisdom to discern God’s will for our lives. It takes faith and patience. We must wait upon the Lord - for He brings truth and goodness. This is an important lesson that God has taught me in my quiet moments. To worry means that I don’t trust the very person who spoke me into life.

All is well, even in the midst of uncertainty. I know that my God will never fail me.

I absolutely adore this picture - I really didn’t capture their emotions, but it reminds me of that day and how I felt.

 My mom continues to work hard to support herself and her daughters. She can’t offer much financial or material gifts, but the way she loves her daughters is enough! And there’s my mother-in-law, but I like to call her mom too. She loves her boys and her daughters (in-laws) with passion and excitement!

Before my wedding (Sept. 2010) my moms and I visited the ceremony and reception site. Both these ladies had tears of joy building up while walking around! Bless their hearts for all the work they put toward supporting their families! 

I don’t always remember to consider how they may feel that their children are growing up and moving out. I don’t know how it feels to raise kids for 18+ years in your home and then one day they are gone to college or married. But I know that I am going to consider my parents feelings more often!

Thank you God, for a beautiful family that has always made me feel loved!

(Source: asiu, via simplybethany)

(via surelythesunwillrise)