What Will Be, Will Be

Howdy strangers. It’s been a while. Remember me? Well…remember my last post? If you don’t, go check it out. I had to re-read it before posting this blog and all I can say is “wow.” I was right on so far. Honestly, I haven’t thought much about what I wrote since I wrote it…but I guess what will be will be. I say this because everything I spoke about in my last post, has been so incredibly on-point with my life as of right now, 19 days later. That’s when you truly know that you hear from God.

That being said…was the easier part.

This part is a bit harder.

I’ve been blogging for a long time. I’ve actually developed some following. It amazes me. Thanks so much for reading what I have to say!

But the truth is, I don’t have much to say right now. God is doing such a quiet, humbling work in my life and I’m currently on a journey that isn’t meant for the public eye. He’s doing things in my heart that can’t be put into words. He’s opening my eyes to things that are meant for me alone to see. He’s opening doors that are marked with a sign “for members only” and the membership price is extremely high and the applications accepted are few.

So what am I trying to say? I’m saying that it’s official. As of right now, this blog is closed. Alive for people to read old posts but for the near future, no new posts will be written and published.

It’s been a fun and amazing journey but it’s just not what I’m supposed to be doing right now with my time. I’m sad and excited but I know that with God – what will be, will be. And things may change..but for now, my online blogging life door has been closed and I’m smiling at the other doors that are opening because of it.

Thanks for all of the love and support and comments and reading! You can still keep up with me on facebook and twitter and gmail and in person and all those other ways if you’re interested. And if not, that’s okay too. I’m believing that God has a plan much bigger than I could ever know.

With love,

Jess/Proverb31girl

What Will Be, Will Be

Howdy strangers. It’s been a while. Remember me? Well…remember my last post? If you don’t, go check it out. I had to re-read it before posting this blog and all I can say is “wow.” I was right on so far. Honestly, I haven’t thought much about what I wrote since I wrote it…but I guess what will be will be. I say this because everything I spoke about in my last post, has been so incredibly on-point with my life as of right now, 19 days later. That’s when you truly know that you hear from God.

That being said…was the easier part.

This part is a bit harder.

I’ve been blogging for a long time. I’ve actually developed some following. It amazes me. Thanks so much for reading what I have to say!

But the truth is, I don’t have much to say right now. God is doing such a quiet, humbling work in my life and I’m currently on a journey that isn’t meant for the public eye. He’s doing things in my heart that can’t be put into words. He’s opening my eyes to things that are meant for me alone to see. He’s opening doors that are marked with a sign “for members only” and the membership price is extremely high and the applications accepted are few.

So what am I trying to say? I’m saying that it’s official. As of right now, this blog is closed. Alive for people to read old posts but for the near future, no new posts will be written and published.

It’s been a fun and amazing journey but it’s just not what I’m supposed to be doing right now with my time. I’m sad and excited but I know that with God – what will be, will be. And things may change..but for now, my online blogging life door has been closed and I’m smiling at the other doors that are opening because of it.

Thanks for all of the love and support and comments and reading! You can still keep up with me on facebook and twitter and gmail and in person and all those other ways if you’re interested. And if not, that’s okay too. I’m believing that God has a plan much bigger than I could ever know.

With love,

Jess/Proverb31girl

And Away We Go!!

Some of you may remember a post I did a while back about my desire to scrapbook but lack of scrapbooking knowledge/discipline. Well I’m pleased to announce that with the help of my brother Craig and his girlfriend Nicole, I finally have all I need to get started!

So I went through my bag of “things to eventually go in a scrapbook” from my “projects I haven’t finished” drawer and found some fun things that define my life since Chris entered the picture. Hope you enjoy! (Please ignore the quality of these pix…I took them quickly in horrible lighting)

We like the Spiderman movies

Cornerstone Festival every year together

We love road trips

Our trip to Canada

We love our movies & music!

The simple things are sometimes the best!

Some Freakin’ Strength

This morning I was driving to work and severely struggling with my battle against car sickness. I got car sick easily before I was pregnant, so you could (maybe) imagine how this commute is killing me softly (okay, dramatic, I know).  So I did everything I knew how to do. Cracked the window, tried to get in the lane that slams on their brakes the least in traffic, ate some crackers, drank some water, turned Emery down and prayed. I prayed in tongues for about a minute and then suddenly the perfect prayer came to me. Pray for strength. “In my weakness, He is strong.”* I know this scripture. Sometimes I’m only who I am because of this scripture. And I didn’t even need Adie Camp to remind me this time!**

So with excitement I opened my mouth and prayed “God, please give me some freakin strength to get through this!!”

My mouth remained open…in shock. Did I just throw the word “freakin” into my prayer to the all mighty God?!!? Ya know, that God that created the earth we’re standing on and the sun that’s shining on my car right now.

I then went on a mental rampage of questions. Is it okay to pray like that? Does God really hate cursing? Is it in the bible that we shouldn’t curse? I know “freakin” isn’t a curse word, but it isn’t the nicest word. Is that okay?

And I came to this conclusion. God knows we’re not perfect. If we were, we wouldn’t need Him. And therefore I truly believe that God doesn’t mind the word “freakin” when I’m coming to Him looking for His help. Maybe he doesn’t want me using that word too much or it might be my child’s first word…but right now…I think it’s okay.

*Actual scripture:  “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

**Reference to the song “Sufficient” by Adie

There is NO place like home…

As some of you know, 4 times/year I “live” in NYC for a week for work. This week is always a very hard time for me as I don’t like being alone in a hotel AND I don’t like being in the city. I like home. I like my schedule. I like my life that usually has fun weekends planned. So once I come home (as I did yesterday), I’m often overwhelmed with the things I love about home.

I love the fresh air of the country.

I love the leaves on the ground and the feeling of fall.

I love how Chris always cleans the house before I come home.

I love how my cat is always there to greet me.

I love having my box set of the Gilmore Girls and my xbox that usually works.

I love that one of my best friends works 2 miles from where I live.

I love that going back to church is like an exciting, refreshing reunion.

I love that it’s easy to charge my ipod and go on the internet.

And I love that I can see the people I want to when I want to and this weekend I don’t have to check my email

A Note to My Future Self

I’m currently reading “Through Painted Deserts” by Donald Miller and I have to say, it’s a very enjoyable book. While I’m reading it I’m able to drift off into this peaceful journey with my 2 friends Don and Paul as they experience the simplicities of life.

In the chapter I just finished, Don wrote a note to his future self. He decided it was important to note the way he was feeling rather than the things he was seeing. He wanted to remind himself in the future of these things, in case somehow he forgets as the years pass by. What an awesome idea! Here is his letter:

“I figure you might forget what kind of person you were back when you were on this trip. I want you to know you weren’t a bad guy. But you fell into thinking a lot of money and a lot of stuff and a lot of social collateral would get you somewhere. And I don’t know who you are now, and what you’ve done with your life, but try to remember, God doesn’t expect you to accumulate a lot of stuff. You were really happy here in the canyon, you know, I promise it’s true. I guess I just want you to remember there was a time when you did a pretty difficult hike, and you decided that you didn’t need to carry a bunch of stuff on your back because the climb was hard. And I don’t know who is around you, whether you met a woman or have some kids, but I really hope you have shown them this stuff, that life is going to be okay, that you just have to enjoy it. If you can’t buy a nice car for your family or anything, don’t worry about it. Just go into your kids’ room and kiss them on the forehead, okay, ’cause there is all kinds of beauty and it doesn’t have anything to do with having some stuff. Also, don’t kick yourself around. If you can’t climb up out of a canyon real quick, just do it slow. And also just remember that this guy Paul is one of the most incredible people in your life. There was a time when he showed you a lot of grace. I don’t know what else to say. You’re a pretty good person, you know. God made a whole beautiful earth and decided to put you in it, to experience all of this beauty. You can’t do that watching television all the time. Nothing else. I have to go climb out of a hole. Maybe you do too. All the best. Feel like I’m talking to myself, for crying out loud.”

I’m encourage. I think I’ll write a letter to the future me. Maybe you should too.

A Fresh Return

Ever have a vacation that makes you go “ahhhh?” Well, I just had one. Chris and I spent a great week at the Outer Banks and for those of you that only go down during the summer, you’re missing out! Imagine that same great ocean and the same great restaurants but without the traffic and wait for dinner! It was wonderful.

We slept in and spent mornings out on our private patio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We then went out for breakfast/brunch and spent each afternoon shopping and relaxing by the water. We even got to play some mini-golf and go to an aquarium. Then each night we experienced all the cuisine the Outer Banks has to offer, from seafood to barbeque and even a brewery! So I’m back, all refreshed and inspired by the coastal beauty God has created. I’m excited to share more in my blogs this week.

But I have a question:

How was your week? Any highlights? I want to hear from my readers! Share something great that happened to you this past week…or even not so great.

Ottawa – The Spiritual Journey

Wow guys – I’m sorry about my inconsistent blogging! I’ve been pretty good about blogging every day but with traveling and being sick and work being busy – the blogs remain in my head for a few days longer than I’d like! But as promised…here is the spiritual journey I took to and from Ottawa, Ontario last weekend.

Chris and I have had our hearts set on London for a while. We weren’t quite sure why but we figured that we would do all in our power to be prepared for anything God might want to do. So this past winter we got our passports (can’t be sent if you can’t get in!). Well the passports came in…and a few weeks later an offer to visit Canada appeared in front of us. “Sure!” was our automatic response. There was something about Canada that just seemed…appealing. We didn’t care the cost or time, we just knew that we wanted to go (I give Joel partial credit for this…being all Canadian and cool). Anyway, as the trip approached the excitment grew. Something inside of me knew that I’d fall in love with the city and the people. And as most of you know, it happened. I’m in love haha.

Rachelle and Tyler amazed me. It was so great to spend a weekend with 2 people who are so incredibly in love with Jesus that they can’t help but talk about him all of the time. Walking up and down the streets of downtown Ottawa Rachelle thought nothing of speaking in a normal tone about how awesome Jesus is for saving her. She shared her testimony and was eager to hear ours. And man, Tyler is even bolder and louder for Jesus than she is! Tyler amazes me. He’s just this cool guy with such an amazing heart and passion. A guy who has literally seen miracles and knows the power of God. He lives his life with boldness. Seriously. This couple is amazingly contagious. Within minutes of being with them something inside of me felt humbled. “Why aren’t I like them? Why does my voice resemble a whisper IF the name of Jesus comes off of my tongue in a public place? I WANT TO BE MORE LIKE THEM.” Rachelle greets EVERYONE. She doesn’t get offended if she walks into a store and someone doesn’t say hi to her because she’s already said hello to them with a smile and joy that should be trademarked.

It got me thinking…if we truly believe that Jesus is king and we’re really trying to take our town/city/state/country back from the devil…why do we let unbelievers determine what we do and say? I’ve never heard anyone pray over food in a restaurant as loud as Tyler did Sunday morning. He’s not afraid of what people think. In fact. He knows what people think and is doing everything he can to change their minds.

And then there is the rest of the HEAT Worship Team. Each person individually is on their own amazing adventure through being a Christian. It was so great to sit around with them, listen to their stories and have discussions with them about books, movies, music, ministry and God.

HEAT really taught me about freedom and boldness. Normally I’m a shy worshipper. I go into my own little world and move around a little but mostly just lift my hands and praise God in my head and heart. HEAT taught me to worship God with EVERYTHING I am…and that includes my body. I was jumping around the dance floor with freedom that I haven’t felt in a long time. Free to dance. Free to sing and to shout and to be myself. I just closed my eyes, focused on God and went to that secret place where I was free.

The last thing I want to say is that this trip made me realize how little I pray and carry Jesus with me. Of course I believe in Him and love Him but I realized that a true Christian has Jesus inside of him/her at all times. A true Christian thanks Jesus for the smallest of things, not just the biggest. When someone is in love, they can’t stop talking about the person they’re in love with…shouldn’t we be the same with God? If we say that we love Him, we should be acting like we LOVE him. We need to be praying constantly if that’s what it takes to not forget about Him.

Anyway, I can’t think of a pretty way to end this blog so I’ll end it by saying this: Thank you Ottawa. You changed my life.

Canada Trip: Facts & Stories

So for those of you in the dark, Chris and I went up to Ottawa, Ontario in Canada this past weekend. It was our first time out of the country (well, except a cruise I went on in high school) and we had such a great experience. The car ride up was filled with beautiful trees and deep spiritual conversation. Then we crossed the border and had the excitement of seeing new road signs and landmarks we had never seen before. Around 8pm we parked at the St. Paul’s church where we were meeting everyone, across from the beautiful Gasthaus Switzerland that we were graciously given a room for the night by our hosts, HEAT Worship House.

Within minutes a very excited Rachelle came out to greet us and help us into our room. We then spent the night with Rachelle and Tyler setting up for the weekend and getting a tour of downtown Ottawa. Within the first hour in Ottawa I fell in love with the city. It’s clean and beautiful and unlike the city I know (NYC) it’s not crowded and doesn’t smell bad. I love the bilingual aspect even though I don’t speak a word of French and the architecture is amazing. The people are friendly and filled with life and seem really artistic and passionate.

It was a really fun night is quite the understatement, but is the only thing that seems to come to mind at the moment.

Due to some alcohol loving young b&b neighbors, we didn’t get much sleep.  So Saturday was a LOOONG day. It started with a wonderful homemade breakfast at the inn and the best coffee I’ve ever had. It then continued with lunch at a cute healthy Cora’s Restaurant and then a visit to the Christian Book Store that James works at. We spent a while hanging out and looking at things around the store. We talked about the things of God and the irony of a gay book store being across the street. But eventually James had to get back to work and Rachelle had to get some things done so Chris and I were left with the afternoon to wander around the city.

Ottawa is the best of both worlds. It’s a beautiful city with lots of things to do and look at…museums and shopping, food and coffee…but within the city is grass and paths to ride bikes. Tunnels to walk under while looking at art and buildings to tour around. Sidewalks of houses and people walking dogs right next to boutique stores and farmers markets. And just minutes away are suburbs and parks…Canadian nature as they call it It really makes me reconsider my “I hate cities” mentality. Maybe I just hate New York City lol. And I’m not insanely thrilled with Philly either (sorry all you PA kids!).

Anyway, Saturday night was the “rave” – Psalm 119. It was a great time of dancing, art, God and worship. It’s hard to explain what it was like so look for the pictures and videos coming soon in another post! The rave ended at 2:30am and by the time we were done cleaning up and back at Tyler’s, it was 5am. We got to hang out with their core group eating ribs and rice and talking about God and books and their vision for HEAT. Although we were beyond tired, it’s definitely a day that I will never forget.

Sunday we woke up (after 4 hours of sleep) and had brunch at a Vietnamese Restaurant. We had Pho soup for the first time and mmmmm we need to find some closer to home! We then went to Rachelle’s to pick up her dogs and go to a park in Quebec. Although only there for a short time, it was a very enjoyable outing. I was amazed how quickly the signs changed from English/French to only English!

So around 3:30pm Chris and I said our goodbyes and headed back to NY. Although exhausted, our trip home was as great as the one there. It’s so wonderful being married to your best friend. Not only can we joke around and listen to music, but we have some of the best conversations I’ve ever had.

And about those Canadians…guys…you blessed us tremendously.  In the next few days I’m going to blog about the deeper spiritual aspects of our trip but for now I’ll just say: I can’t believe we only just met you all. I’m not used to having such immediate, deep connections with people…it was a real treat. We can’t wait to see you all again and hope you keep in touch!

Coming Soon…!

Hey ya’ll! This past weekend Chris (deeflash) and I traveled out of the country for the first time! We took the 7+ hour drive to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and spent the weekend with some really amazing people. I can’t wait to tell you about it but seeing as we got about 8 hours of sleep randomly in the 3 days we were in Canada and just 5 hours last night, I’m a bit pooped. So here’s what to come this week in me4thought:

• Pictures from The Gates in Harleysville, PA
• New Music Tuesday:Hillsong London
• Our Canada Trip – Facts/Stories
• Insight/Inspiration from Canada
• and whatever else God leads me to write about!

So while you eagerly await these blog posts, check out the ministry we got to be a part of while in Ottawa: Heat Worship House.

Tourists

I’m sure at some point you’ve been a tourist. Whether it’s in a state next to you, a city you’re visiting for a business trip or a country you’ve always dreamed of vacationing in…we’ve all been one. The question I propose is, how do you act as a tourist?

Now I’m not asking you if you stop in the middle of the street and take a picture because I think we’re all guilty of that…but I’m asking – how do you act towards people?

While in NYC and Maine I had many occasions to observe humans released from their caged-in worlds. I witnessed co-workers being absolutely rude to cab drivers, managers getting wasted with non-managers, people going out of their way to say good morning to security guards, foreigners asking where the recycling bins are, local shop workers giving dirty looks and attitude to innocent customers, cops giving directions to lost visitors, non-English speaking people being made fun of, “upper class” tourists bumping into others as if they had the right to, doors being dropped in others faces, lines getting cut, old people holding hands…you name it and I probably saw it these past 2 weeks.

So I wonder (and I ask you) how do you act when you’re away from home and the people that you see on a daily basis? Do you take a vacation from your manners or morals? Do you try harder than usual to be a “good” citizen? Do you accept others ways of life or secretly (or maybe not secretly) mock them? And are tourists rude because of how they actually are or because of the way others are to them?

I’d love your feedback

In the City: Day 1

For those of you unaware, I work for a trade show management company. That means that when it’s time for the trade show, we manage it. So 4 times/year I work in the city (NYC) for a week. I left today and I knew today would be different than usual.

How?

Well, for starters. I woke up on time and got ready and ate breakfast and finished a blog design and I was still early. I looked outside and so was my driver (I know, fancy). So I went outside and it turned out that I’ve had him as a driver before – so no awkward conversations. We hit no traffic. That is completely shocking if you know the trip. Then, we were early to the hotel which meant we were early to Javits. Again, never happens.

Then I went up to the press center and didn’t have much work to do. Let’s say it all together now, shocking. Finally I got some work done that was asked of me and ordered lunch. The  menu had something I could eat and I didn’t get sick from it. Shocking. Now it’s 5pm and I’ve done some work today but managed to not get stressed like the usual trend is. Shocking.

So this A-typical day is seeming pretty nice. I just looked down. I have chocolate all over my pants. Guess some things never change. Not Shocking.

Time to leave work and check into my hotel and go to dinner and then relax for the night. I’ll try and keep up with the blog. Keep me in prayers as you never know what each day will bring.

And Rachel, if you’re reading this, I miss you. I wish you were here with us. *tear* haha. Enjoy your weekend… Not working.

Proverb31girl & Deeflash Travel!

Seasons of life are funny. One minute I’m complaining that I don’t go anywhere or do anything and the next I’m crying out for a few days of nothing to do but veg out on my couch. So instead of complaining I’m going to try and live in the season I’m in with a smile on my face and excitement for what’s going on. Not quite sure what’s going on? Well here’s the event calendar:

• End of June-July we were at Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, IL. If you haven’t already, check out my post on our trip!
• End of July we were up in Plattsburgh, NY visiting my brother and his fiance for his birthday
• August 8th was a big day here in Dutchess County, NY. Chris turned 27 AND his EP started being sold in Beacon’s new shop Dream In Plastic. Check out more about the special Dream In Plastic music, the EP release and the store!
• August 14 – 19 I’ll be working in NYC for the NY International Gift Fair. As with all work trips, I’m praying that God moves mightly in the contacts I make and conversations I have with people from all over the world.
• August 21 – 23 we’re heading up to Maine with my family for a (hopefully haha) relaxing time of lighthouses, seafood, water & sun.
• September 11 – 12 deeflash returns to The Gates in Harleysville, PA for a night of youth, music and fun.
• September 18 – 20 we’re taking the journey to Ottawa, Canada to minister with and to H.E.A.T. Worship House!
• October 4 – 10 we’re finally taking our honeymoon trip! Although the original plan was London, we decided that the Outer Banks in NC was a much better choice for us right now.

So as you can tell, busy times are ahead but man they’re good and God is so good for giving us these opportunities to work in our giftings. Please keep us in your prayers and hey – if you have an event that you need a dj or photographer for – I think I know some people

Guilty.

I really like posting and talking about the things I do right. I’m my biggest fan some days. But every once and a while I guess it’s necessary to post about the “other” me days. The days where I’m not so great and glamorous. The days I don’t praise God in my sickness and disappointment. The days where I’m just plain guilty and as Lysa pointed out in her blog today: ugly.

Last Saturday Chris and I took an adventure around the Hudson Valley. We went to FDR Mansion and Woodstock and attempted the Ulster County Fair and walked Main Street in New Paltz. There were good and bad times. The bad was getting 9 bug bites in 30 minutes of walking around FDR. The good was the sunshine and animals and waterfalls.  The bad of Woodstock was that there was no Ben & Jerrys as we thought there was. The good was driving around back roads and talking about the appeal of being a hippy. The bad times about the Ulster County Fair was that we sat in traffic for half an hour to find out the grounds were flooded and we’d have to part at SUNY New Paltz and shuttle over. The good times were choosing to not go and take a long but fun journey through Gardiner, NY and discovering the Red Rooster Cafe. The good time of New Paltz was sitting at a table eating homemade ice cream (finally!). The bad of New Paltz is why I’m writing this blog.

With all of the good and bad that happened that day – the only real thing that sticks out in my mind is the bad that I let myself become that day. The real ugly, rude side of me that I wish was gone.

Most of you that read this know me. I’m nice but I’m not exactly outgoing and overly friendly, especially if I don’t know you. So now imagine this. Chris and I are walking up Main St. in New Paltz. The road is jam packed with traffic because of the fairgrounds. As we’re walking I hear “JESSICA!” being shouted. So on the second shout (all people with common names know this feeling) I turn around, expecting someone to be shouting at another Jessica and I’d turn back around feeling slightly foolish. To my shock, there was a car filled with people across the street hanging out their windows shouting at me. “ME??”, I think. “Who are these people??” So as any nice Christian girl would do, I stared at them, looked at Chris, turned back around and kept walking. They kept shouting after me “Jessica! It’s been a long time!!” And I turn around again, look at them, still have no clue who they are, and walk away.

WOOO could I be a ruder biotch or what??

By the time I realized what I had done the car was gone. I felt absolutely horrible and ashamed of myself. No person should ever be that rude, let alone someone claiming to be CHRIST-LIKE.

So I did what any guilty person might do. I convinced Chris to get in the car and go to the fair so that we could find them and I can find out who they are and apologize for being so horrible to them. So we got in the car and sat in the same traffic they did, only to not see them again. *sigh*

This memory will haunt me forever. And at that moment I made a promise to myself and to God that I will try my best to NEVER do that again. No person ever deserves to have a reaction like that. Especially when they’re just trying to be friendly!

So this blog isn’t to have you post a comment telling me we all make mistakes. It’s to challenge you to find something in you that isn’t so pretty and ask God to help you make it pretty. This world needs more people that are pretty on the inside. I plan on being one of them.

Oh the Memories…of Cornerstone 2009

So, it’s the much anticipated blog about my trip to Cornerstone. Maybe it’s not so anticipated but I’ve sure been anxious to write it. So much happened between the end of June and beginning of July that it’s actually been a real challenge to write this blog. So here we go…and I’m sure I’ll forget 50 things.

Top Moments on our trip:

• Seeing House of Heroes live again. Everytime I see them they get better and better. It touched me how genuine Tim said “thank you guys” after playing. I love when fans are truly appreciated and loved. And just a side note, Colin smiled the whole time. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a drummer smile so much. It’s so contagious.

• Seeing Bradley Hathaway upclose for his live set and then meeting him the day after.  What an amazingly true and humble guy. And soo talented.
• Discovering/visiting the Christmas Story house & museum in Cleveland, Ohio. What a surprisingly fun day.
• Talking to the guy at the Black and White Attire booth. I’m so excited to wear my new shirt. It’s such an amazing feeling knowing the company whos shirt you’re wearing and knowing the full story behind the design.
• Meeting the worship leaders of The Alive Band and getting to worship with them Saturday morning in the rain. I’ve listened to their cd 4 times already haha.
• Morning worship almost every day. It’s so exciting to be in a tent filled with the holy spirit and people craving a touch from God. Especially people from all different denominations and locations.
• Sitting around the campsite talking to my Cornerstone friends of old and new. Kairsie, Dave, Kevin, Fitzpatrick, Brooks, Tim, Joel, Adam, Dima, Jeremy, Alex, random band members of The Ember Days aannd I’m probably forgetting someone…sorry about that if I did.
• Spending hours and hours of quality time with Chris. We grow closer every year we go away. This year was even better than usual. I love you

• Watching Josh Garrels play and literally crying during his set. His music is so powerful.

• Meeting and then watching Everfound. This young band WILL be going very far if they stay close to God. They led great, genuine worship and carry a very powerful message. Please don’t turn into the Christian Jonas Brothers (haha, inside joke.)

• The music seminars with Ryot Entertainment and Traa from P.O.D. They really helped Chris and I get a focus for his next project and re-directed our vision. Then getting to talk to Traa for a while just topped it off. The future is looking SO good and exciting.
• Sneaking away to the Imaginarium to watch part of Lars and the Real Girl. Watching a movie under a tent while it’s raining was very romantic
• Learning common word mix-ups between the US and England and New Zealand. The world we live in is pretty funny sometimes.
• Sitting in the press tent listening to Grandfather Rock talk about Becky and the DCBoys haha. We learned a lot from him.
• Sitting outside with my blanket reading my bible and hearing from God. Man there is nothing like it. Then the humor of DJ Dima and I trying to light a candle for 20 minutes. Then joined by other boys. Insert a “how many people does it take” joke here.
• The fact that Tim was the only person to grab my camera and take a picture with me. It meant a lot to me – I spent the whole week taking pictures of them lol.
• Joel buying me tea when I didn’t feel good. The smallest thing really meant a lot to Chris and I. Thanks buddy!!
• Taking pictures of people doing what they love to do. I’m looking forward to sharing with everyone soon.
• And I saved the best memory for last…learning the meaning of grace. The entire week I felt God showing me, teaching me and demonstrating to me what the meaning of God’s grace is. It was everywhere and I cried every time I saw it. The true knowledge that we are who we are because of God’s grace is so overwhelming that there really are no words to describe it. I’m so amazed by the wonder and awe that our creator is.

Well..I know I have more memories to share but I’m a bit spent. If I feel the need to share more I will. Photos are on my facebook. If you aren’t my facebook friend then just send me an email or comment and I’ll send you some photos