'08, Looking Back....

2008 has been a year of nothing but change. Starting the year off I had recently fallen back into an emotionally abusive relationship that lasted on and off for almost three years. I let him pretty much control my mind, my life even though we were in a long distance situation. He pulled a few "stunts" that made me take a step back. I finally realized what type of situation I was in and got the courage to break things off. It was hard, I didn't know what to do. Part of me longed to be with him but part of me knew it was a bad situation. Fortunately I had some good friends to pull me out of the deep pit i had fallen into. I still felt that there was something missing. So I had met another guy down here in VA. and he claimed to be a completely different person than he rally was. It just made me realize that I didnt need to be in a relationship to be happy. Come march my very good friend asked me if i wanted to join her at church one Sunday morning. I went with her and enjoyed listening to the sermon and the music, but i just felt like i didn't belong. So I did some research, then came across articles in the paper about an Easter egg drop a local church was doing. So I looked into it, Waters Edge Church. I noticed they had just started doing evening services which was perfect for my crazy hectic work schedule. The very first night I had attended, I felt instantly connected with God. Not growing up in church this was all new to me. I loved their crazy pastor, the awesome band, the whole atmosphere. So I returned the next Sunday and i just knew i had found what i was missing all along.

To be continued...

I can only Imagine...

Today is my moms birthday, she would have been 54. It has been four almost 5 years scince she has passwed awy unexpectadly. I love this song because it not only reminds me of but also makes me realize that she is in God's Hands and is now living a much better life, Happy Birthday Mom!

Christmas Aftermath

Well, Christmas has come and gone quite quickly. This is the second year not spending Christmas with my dad and sisters. Unlike last year this year was very hard being away from them. Christmas did have some high points however. The first being Christmas Eve at Waters Edge Church. What an awesome service!!!! Seeing my cousins young children and the excitement in their eyes when the realized Santa had come. I also received some good presents this year, a new purse, a northface jacket, an xm radio and some gift cards. But most of all I learned the real purpose behind Christmas and it made me appreciate the holiday more than ever...

Why Printers Dont Work....

Tooo Funny!

Tacky Sweater Party!!!

Last Night I attended a tacky sweater party with some great friends and of course Rob Shep's Awesome chocolate chip cookies!!! I posted a few pics below:

My Nativity Scene!

This is my Nativity Scene I inherited. This was my grandmothers nativity scene that she used to set up with my mother when she was younger. I'm very happy to now have it in my hands!

Tacky Christmas!!

What is it about making christmas tacky? I know it is alot of fun, from white elephant gift exchange to tacky sweater parties to way overly decorated yards! I mean how much does ones power bill go up at christmas time?? I know its a way of getting into the spirit but come on now, do we really needd all those lights and blow up thingy-ma-bobs?!?! What is your favorite tacky part in celebrating christmas??

"Find out who your friends are..."

That would be a song to a country song, i believe. This week I was given 5 days of vacation, so I packed my bags and headed north. I am currently in maryland visiting family and friends. Tonight I got to spend with my best friend Kimmy V. It just so happens we have the same name and we have known each other for 20 years! Yep thats right we both are 20, we were born 4 months appart and our moms were best friends. Now we have shared are fair share of arguments that have torn us appart for days, weeks, months, but in the end we still remain friends. We have shared many of the struggle that life has thrown at us,we even found and accepted Christ at the same time unkown to one another. We got to look back on pictures from throug out the years of all the great memories we have shared. I honestly believe God has placed eachother together for some purpose or another. I know get the privlage of being her maid of honor come april! THis trip home has made not only realize how strong i have become in the past year but also helped me find out who my friends really are. I may have been blown off by two supposed "friends", but i got to spend some great time with my best friend.

Family outside your family...

Well, yesterday at church they played my story of finding waters edge church and how much it has changed my life. My story was played along with three others. I attended the morning service and volunteered at the night service. After both services I had several people, most i had never met before come up to me. They wanted to thank me for sharing my story or just to give me a hug. Thats why I love waters edge because it really is a family outside your family, A big church family. It is amazing how many people go out of their way to say thanks or just a simple hello. I must say that I love being part of such a big family. :-)