9 Years Ago...

9 years ago today, I gained another little sister. It is blowing me away that she is SERIOUSLY 9. I don't even know how that's possible. Here are some of my favorite pictures of her. Man, I love this little girl. I hate that she lives so far away now. Happy birthday Halle! I LOVE YOU!!!!

"W" Looking Pants

Tonight my family an I watched home videos. Last Christmas we had all of our videos put onto DVDs and I love watching them together. But tonight one of the scenes gave me something to think about... It opened to a 3 year old me crying and Mom talking to me. After listening for a moment you realize that I'm upset because in a picture I drew, the pants looked like a "W" so I got angry and "teared it up.". Both Mom and Dad are trying to make me feel better, reasoning with me that I draw very well for a 3 year old etc etc. However, you can tell they're trying not to laugh. Finally I just curled up in Mom's lap and wanted to be held.

I couldn't help but think about how God must see us and our problems. We act like the world is coming to an end, and may even feel that way. He isn't condescending or rude. He doesn't tell us to shut up because our problems are no big deal. Rather, seeing that we're making a fuss out of something that is going to turn out okay in the end, He reasons with us, speaks identity over us, asks us to go try again, and finally welcomes us when we go to be held. He knows it's going to be alright. He sees the big picture. He has a plan. He isn't stressing out about what to do or how he's going to fix our big mistake. All He does is listen and love. Man, that's a beautiful picture. I had to share. Hopefully it touched you like it did me. So if you ever feel like everything is going wrong, remember the "W pants" and run to Abba. He'll take care of it...

That Time I Turned 20...

It's hard to believe I'm out of the teens and into the 20s... But it's here. I'm officially 20. I thought I'd share some pictures from my various birthday celebrations this year. Virginia, Cheesecake Factory, Ice Skating party that my roomies planned. It was a good birthday = )



First I celebrated in Virginia with the Reynolds!


Nuryia was pretty stinkin' excited I got Toy Story 3 hahaha


Birthday dinner at Cheesecake Factory with the family! (and Abbey haha)


Ashley Lynch (the girl who disciples me) and I!


Me and the roomies = ) (Koby and Rachel)




Me, Julie, Koby, and Rachel


Pretty much the whole crew = )

Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Banquet

Every year my dad sponsors the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame banquet. For the first time in a while, it worked out for my whole family to go this year! Keypoints included Troy Aikman being inducted and giving a speech, Don Demeter's friend giving a hilarious speech, and my dad's brand new speech (He's stuck with the same one for the past 6 years). My dad was on a roll. Those moments are always nerve-wracking for my mom, sister and I. Even if we think it's funny, we never know how everyone else is going to react! But it seemed to go pretty well. Great job Daddy = ) Here are some pics from the night!!



Mikayla, Me, Chan


My hair. Not gonna lie, I was pretty proud of myself for creating this!!




Chan's hair (Creation of Mom)


My sweet cousin, Mikayla!




Dad flashin' a smile out at the audience hahah


Troy Aikman giving his speech


Me and the fam fam

Missin' My Family- Yes, Yes!

While working on gathering some photos for Antioch's College Ministry website, I found myself perusing through my pictures from India. I found some videos from team times- times of worship filled with laughter and dancing, joy and fervency. I REALLY miss these people. They are one of a kind. I absolutely love them all. I miss inviting the Lord to come among us every morning and night as we met together. I miss the encouragement. I miss the rawness. I miss the honesty. I miss the laughter. I miss the shared experiences. I wish I could spend everyday with this group. CANNOT WAIT for them all to get back to OKC/Norman in the next few weeks. I miss them!!



"They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.
They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved." Acts 2:42-47

Happy Birthday Papa

Yesterday my Papa turned 77. He suffers from dementia so every moment and memory is dear to us as we watch him slip away. Dementia breaks my heart on so many levels, but I don't want to write about it right now. It gets me down. This post is a celebration! So here's to my puzzle partner, poker teachin', piano playin', boat drivin', "Don't Be Cruel" duetin', Christmas story readin' Papa. I love you. Happy birthday!!

Steamboat Springs

So I know I haven't blogged in a while. Honestly I've just had so much catching up to do since getting back from India!! At the moment I'm in Colorado with my family. We've been here since last Wednesday and I'm LOVING IT. Today we moved out to a cabin on 50 acres. I'm not sure I've ever been somewhere some quiet in my life. It's so peaceful and beautiful. This trip has been very refreshing in a different way than India was. India was an incredible time of building bonds with my sweet friends from Antioch, getting poured into, and pouring it all back out. This trip has been so, so different as I suppose is to be suspected. I've hiked 6 miles up a mountain (thought I would die but it was worth it), floated down Yampa River, gone to a parade, kayaked Yampa River, stood face to face with a majestic waterfall, seen the sweet Spradlin family, gone to Euzoa Bible Church, and read NON-STOP. I've read at my old pace, the pace I've missed the past few years and it has been incredible. Currently I'm starting up "The Maytrees" by Annie Dillard. I can already tell it's going to be beautiful. The picture at the bottom is what I'm currently looking at. I'm curled up under a blanket on the deck watching the sun's reflection set on the mountains. Tonight the fam and I are going to play some Settlers and make some s'mores. Yummm. Well as the sun sets, it's getting cold. I'm going to go inside and curl up with my book = ) Much love and many blessings friends...


My view at the moment.. Not sure I could be more content...