Dominated the Dominican

Tuesday night we unfortunately returned back to reality and 10 degree temps from gorgeous 80 degree weather with views of turquoise water and sandy beaches! Thankfully all our flights went smoothly despite airline delays the week before. Originally I felt guilty about going on this trip to the Dominican where there are so many poverty stricken areas and being on the same island as Haiti my heart was torn. I shared this feeling with a co-worker at Assure and she really helped me put it in perspective by saying "Oh don't feel guilty when God gives you those blessings." Being able to share in Kyle and Dacey's wedding was such neat experience and to be there for their vows on the beach as they start their life together was amazing! I am always blown away by the loyalty and dedication to friendship that Alex has displayed over the years to his friends.

Alex and Kyle right before the Wedding

Thursday // Arrived at the resort early evening. Checked out the beach for the first time. Hung out in the Lobby bar area with the majority of the wedding group while sipping on cocktails. 

Finally the beach after 5 hours of flying!

Friday // Woke up early to get spots poolside.  Swam in the ocean and talked to a guy that was wind surfing. Alex & Kyle played water polo with a group from the resort (Their team won of course) Played "Domino Diving" contest. My teammate and I collected 27 sunken dominoes in 1 minute ( all those years teaching kids swimming lessons really paid off :)) Ate at the Mexican Restaurant and had strawberry tequila shots for dessert. Alex and I checked out the piano bar in the lobby.

Domino Diving 

The "CC" group waiting for the rest of the party. 

Saturday // Wedding Day! Kyle knocked on our door to make sure we were waking up! We quick grabbed something at the buffet and made sure Cody (The Best Man) was where he was supposed to be and on time ;) The wedding started at 11:00 am as Dacey's dad, Sam, walked her down the aisle. The ceremony was done in Spanish (since that is the national language of DR) and translated for us. After a quick set of "I Do's" it was time for champagne, Gangnam Style Music and a lot of pictures with the beautiful backdrop of the ocean! That night we had the wedding dinner at the Italian restaurant and I filled up on waaayyy too much of the delicious chocolate/pudding filled wedding cake!

Sunday // Relaxing day spent poolside and Cody, Alex and I walked the coastline the the west of our resort. We had views of parasailers, sailboats and even some couples wearing matching swimsuits :) We walked about 3 miles and Cody and I even showed off our gymnastic skills on the beach. 

C.C. - Our group name :) 

Monday // Day filled with adventure. Alex, Cody and I went on a 4 hour boat ride along the coast to go snorkeling, swimming with stingrays and sharks and chilling in a natural pool far west of our resort. Unfortunately I don't have 'proof' with pictures of us with the sharks and stingrays but it was a way cool experience! We took shots of Mama-Wana (the National drink of the DR) and soaked up every moment of our last day in paradise! That night we had dinner on the beach at the seafood restaurant with Kyle, Dacey, Kendra, Jen, and Cody. 

Ready for our Adventure - Hoping we come back with all our limbs!

Huge plate of Lobster 

Welcome 2014!I

Happy New year everyone! 2013 brought a lot of fun, changes, challenges, and blessings. I started last year off with a Jar of "Epic Moments of 2013" and wanted to jot a few down.

• Ultrasound with Bailey at the Women's Center where I work, found out that her little peanut was a girl and got to share the special moment of seeing little Harper for the first time. 
• Trip to the Zoo with Brady, Kelli, Dan, Kendra, Trisha, Brendan, Bailey and Josh. 
• Mike Graduated! Big party out at the farm with all of our friends and family. 
• Fireworks in Memorial Park with Alex's family - a great tradition!
• Trip to Moore, OK with Bailey and Josh to help with Tornado Relief - even though this was such a tragedy, the experience was like no other and it was amazing to see the people of Moore and their resilience. 
• New Farm dog Addy! Sweet little golden retriever that was such a small playful puppy who instantly melted our hearts. 
• Boating and Skiing in Okoboji in July - Boji is easily one of my favorite places on Earth
• Horseback riding in the Black Hills 
• Running in the Big10 10k in Chicago, IL with Alex and Tim. 
• 1st wedding Anniversary date at Kona Grill 
• Kendra passes the CPA exams and we celebrate with a party at her house!
• Baby Harper is Born! Loved visiting her for the first time and can't wait to watch her as she grows!
• Megan, Mom and I make a whole thanksgiving dinner for the first time - Nailed it!
• Christmas in Marcus with the whole family after Megan and Kyle returned from Georgia. Kyle received NAIA player of the year and made a DVD for our family with football memories. We had fun playing "skittles" in the basement and enjoying a delicious dinner at Grandpa's on Christmas Day. 

Well that was more than just a few but it is hard to narrow down all those wonderful moments of the past year. Alex and I sure are blessed as I look over this list and I know 2014 will bring new changes that I have no doubt will make us stronger, more humble, patient and faithful.

Worship Wednesday (Thursday Edition)

I have been following the She Reads Truth Devotional entitled Emmanuel (Which means = God With Us)

Today's devotional was really uplifting because it talks about God's all knowing power, creator of the heavens and the earth yet he seeks out our individual heart and soul. 

Here is a little part from the devotional. 

No, God’s greatness doesn’t diminish my importance. And it doesn’t concern me that I may be overlooked. God’s greatness is my great comfort, because He has told me how he feels about me. He told me that He loves me with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)

And if the great enormity of my God causes me to feel security and not insecurity, what in this passing world is big enough to woo me away from Him? What obstacle or unknown is great enough to cause me to forget my security in Him?

Sisters, if we truly believe in the greatness of God – in His size and power and sovereignty, His love and saving work – then this is all we need to find comfort for a lifetime.

___________________

This song is really unique and has a special perspective on the night Jesus was born. Celebrating Our Savior's birth this time of year is sometimes lost in the hustle and bustle of presents, baking, and family get togethers. But this beautiful song is a wonderful display of the true meaning of Christmas and the amazing Gift brought to earth just US!

Check out the Video Here

I wonder if you've heard the story
Of little fame and lesser glory
The night the keeper of the inn
In the little town of Bethlehem
Encountered Joseph and his Mary
About to birth the Savior of the world

His wife said, go and see who's knocking
He ran down to the gate, unlocked it
The moment he heard Mary's cry
He couldn't look them in the eye
Denied them and went back to bed
When his wife asked who was there
He said, I don't know

Just a girl
Just a couple gypsies begging at the door
Told ‘em we don't have room for any more
And closed the door
It was just a girl

He tried to sleep but wasn't able
He snuck out to the dirty stable
The two had found for covering
And laid her in her suffering
The keeper knelt outside the barn
And in the light of that great star
He prayed, what have I done

He's just a babe
Just minutes old there trembling in the hay
I could have found a room for them to stay
I'm so ashamed
He's just a babe

There was no robe, there was no crown
The shepherds stood on royal ground
The keeper wept for what he'd done
He turned away God's own Son

Just a King
Just a million angels crowding in to see
Jesus there among humanity
Just a babe
Just minutes old there trembling in the hay
Staring at his mother in the face
She's just a girl
Just a girl
Does she even know that she just changed the world
Does she even know that He will save the world
Does Mary know that He will save the world
She's just a girl
Just a girl

Copy and Paste Time

I can't sum up all the crazy feelings I have been having with the changing seasons. I have never been one to accept change very well but who is? This devotional that God brought me to through my friend Kendra (who posted it on her facebook) and also my love for following She Reads Truth Devotionals, is worthy of just copying straight from the site. This message needs to be placed at the forefront of my mind and saved on my blog to look back at with the next change in season.

Here it is...

Text: Daniel 3:1-23

“And if not…”

I feel like that’s the rally cry of my faith. I hold on to the idea that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had. I believe that God will show up, that He will show up here on Earth and move in His people and move mountains.

“And, if not…”

And if not, He is still good. He is still the King Most High. He alone is still worthy of our worship. It is still worth it. It would be far better for me to perish than to live a life of bowing down to a lesser god.

We may not live under a government that dictates who or what we can worship, but how often do we voluntarily allow idols to take residence in our life? Comfort, safety, health, wealth. How often do we bow down and sacrifice for those things?

I have hopes. I have desires. If I’m honest, sometimes I hope God’s desires line up with my desires for my life, not the other way around.

But, I believe I’d give up comfort, safety, health and wealth to more fully know God. I believe that giving up those things would benefit me here on Earth. And, if not, I have the comfort of knowing there is glory in Eternity.

Do you have something you are hoping God will show up and do? Do you trust that He is good to grant that desire? Do you trust that He is also good in the “And, if not…”?

Worship Wednesday // Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

Wow, this is sadly my first post in October! I took a little break from posting not really by choice but just out of being busy with birthdays, work, Etsy orders and quality time with friends! But I'm back writing on a Wednesday which means....Another awesome song to Worship to :) This week's song Oceans by Hillsong gives me goosebumps and sometimes brings tears to my eyes at just how simply tender the lyrics are. I hope you enjoy it too! 

Sometimes our problems seem as deep as the ocean. The lists, struggles, exhaustion and heartache pile up. Although we have trust in a Lord that can Move Mountains, at times the weight of the world just feels like too much. It could be one big let down or a lot of little let downs piling up and our faith begins to waiver. God is pressing us to "keep the faith" though, just as Jesus took that walk of faith when he walked on Water! How powerful to know that the One who holds our future is the same Almighty One that enabled Jesus to walk on water....to witnesses the impossible, became possible right before their eyes! 

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep

My faith will stand

(Chorus)

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed and You won't start now

(Chorus)

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

She is Clothed in Strength & Dignity

I am loving the current She Reads Truth Devotional centered around God's Promises. It is a simple message but also really makes you think about just how blessed you are to receive God's Grace! Today's scripture was Isaiah 30:18.

I try to find my own strength and sometimes lean on the strength of my friends and family for help but I know that strength has limits! God's Strength is LIMITLESS! I can try to do it on my own but I will always fail because I find myself being broken down and discouraged but when I look to God for His Power then I know I'm in Mighty Hands :)

Reminds me of the strength that the women I see at Assure need so much! They are scared and lost which is exactly how every woman has felt at some point in her life. God heals and offers hope to those woman that seek Him. I had my first shift at the new West Office and feel blessed to be part of this ministry...plus it isn't bad working in such a beautiful environment! Check it out...

All Wrapped Up into One Day // Worship Wednesday

Today is a very significant day for multiple reasons. It's a hard day because I know that my best friend and her family are hurting. They went through something very difficult a year ago that is pretty shocking, yet when I see their resilience and faith, I am reminded that this doesn't have to be labeled as a "sad day". 

I can honestly say that Kendra has played a significant role in shaping my faith and her friendship has made an impact on not only my life here on Earth but in my Forever Home in Heaven. Wow, that's deep stuff...but it's the truth and it is what is on my heart today as I think of the heartbreak her family endured. So I think it is no coincidence that this day is also National See You at the Pole Day.

  

I have no doubt millions of people across the nation were praying not only for their school, classmates and teachers but also healing. Whether that be healing from sickness, loneliness or a broken heart. God can work wonders through prayer and it is powerful that today so many young people are joining together for one mission. A peaceful demonstration and positive gesture in this broken world reminds me of the song by Kari Jobe called 'We Are'. The song is an anthem for living like Christ and walking in your faith as an open example for others. 

Every secret, every shame
Every fear, every pain
Live inside the dark
But that's not who we are
We are children of the day

So wake up sleeper, lift your head
We were meant for more than this
Fight the shadows conquer death
Make the most of the time we have left

We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine

We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine
Let the light shine, let the light shine

We are called to the spread the news
Tell the world the simple truth
Jesus came to save, there's freedom in His Name
So let His love break through

We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine

We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine