A Favorite....Amazing Grace (MyChains Are Gone)

I Heart Days Off...

I forgot how much I love days off in the middle of the week. I had such a nice relaxing day and I loved it. The only sad part was how fast it went. I spent the morning cleaning and Ivy came over to see me as it was her reward for going potty (she's being trained!) The picture above is her at my house taking another potty break!)
This afternoon I took a friend to the airport then went shopping with Tricia, went to work out (YES!) and Tricia and I grabbed dinner to go and are in for a sweet night at home.
I'm trying to enjoy as much time with her as possible as she gets married in almost two weeks. We've had many moments the past few weeks and I will be one sad girl when she moves out. She is a huge blessing in my life!

*Today I'm thankful for a chill day!

A Favorite...My Sista

I love my sister Kelli! A true blessing in my life.

*Today I am thankful for God's unending undeserved grace in m life.

Would You Rather Wednesday?!?!?!

Would you rather have uncontrollable irregular bowel movements (only once a week) or have daily uncontrollable bouts of flatulence? Death is not an option. Note: This is (literally) a stinky one to have to choose but you must. Don't be embarresed just answer.

* Today I am thankful that I don't have irregular uncontrollable bowel movements OR uncontrollable flatulence!

A Favorite...Little Miss Thang

In the last two weeks Ivy has really started loving me and I must say it is quite fun. Today I picked her up in the nursery at church and she started jumping up and down yelling my name. I picked her up and she just squeezed me really hard. I loved it. I went over to Kel's house and was assigned nap duty. I took her up and layed with her for a few minutes. She kept wanting to play with me so before mommy came up to yell at us I told her I had to go. Ivy would squeeze me really tight and say ,"No Hollie I want you." It just melted me. Today was the first time I got a "I love you" without having to prompt it. It is so fun being an aunt! I really dig it.

In the afternoon Julie Gebhards invited me over to hang out with her and the kids. Julie is such a great friend. She is always looking out for me and pursues me.
I love you Julie and am so thankful for your friendship, Godly example and loyalty. Your friendship means a lot to me and I love you! Thanks for the time!

*Today I'm thankful for the deep enriching friends the Lord places in my life. I know I am above blest in the friend department!

We Love Tricia...

Last night Jen Sharp and I threw a bridal shower for Tricia. It was a great evening to not only celebrate Tricia's up-coming marriage but to let her know how loved and appreciated she is by so many.
To me (and many others) she's such a faithful ,loving, generous, loyal friend who encourages me and loves me. She pursues me and faithfully prays for me and I am so thankful for her in my life. Three weeks from today Tricia! I love you!

Would You Rather Wednesday?!?!?

Would you rather be known for writing the best selling song in history or breaking the record for most baskets scored in a single game?

*Today I'm thankful for the summer sun!

Happy Father's Day Pops....I Love you!!!

Fun with Friends...

This pictures is from a week ago on a night out with some friends. These girls are SA-WEET! This weekend I went down to Palm Springs and spent two days at the Resolved conference representing The Master's College. There were over 3500 students who attended. The theme was "Heaven and Hell". I worked for about 9 hours. I would have stayed the whole weekend but my parents are here until Monday and I wanted to get back to spend a little more time with them. I got to meet up with Shannon who used to work in the Admissions office and spent some good time with her.
I went down with John Spring and while I went to the conference he met up with some of his friends. We had a great time and stopped in Pasadena on the way home...love that place! The weekends fly by. I'm excited to get back to church tommorow as I've been gone for the last three Sundays...nothing like church!

*Today I'm thankful for sweet fellowship.

A favorite...

I love this video! It makes me laugh every time I see it.

*Today I'm thankful for Fridays!!!

Would You Rather Wednesday?!?!?!

Would you rather die by starvation or a flesh eating bacteria? Regular death is not an option. Things to consider with starvation it's slow and gradual with a flesh eating bacteria it would be quicker but it could hurt worse and you would look horrible.

*Today I am thankful that I get my hair done tonight! It needs it!

Passion Kampala

We had a nice suprise in Uganda as the Passion 2008 tour just happened to be in Kampala during our stay. Francis Chan, who is a Bible teacher/ Pastor and also TMC alumni was speaking at the event so we were able to get in.

We attended the first night which happened to be a night of worship. Chris Tomlin led the worship that evening. It was great. He has written some amazing songs! There were approximatley 20,000 people there. It was a great night of worship and thankfulness. The video was taken from that evening.

*Today I am thankful for tea. It's a clear, light clean taste and refreshing in the morning when you need a change from coffee.

Happy Birthday Little Brother...

Kyle, I love you! I wish I could see you today for your BIG 30! I am so proud of you and think you are one of the greatest husbands and dad's I know. I wish we lived closer! I'm so thankful for you and consider it a blessing to be your sister. Your pursuit of Godly things and doing all things excellently are a few things I look up to. I love you bro and hope you have a great day.

*Today I am thankful for my bro!

The Rents are Back...

The rents are back in town! They flew in late Friday night (thanks Matt). Tricia and I went to some garage sales yesterday. I got a bread machine that I'm really excited about. I hung out with the family most of the day and got to play with Ivy. The only thing missing was my brother and family.
Today Kelli and I are taking mom and pops to the Rose Bowl Swap meet. They love stuff like that. I'm still haven't fully adjusted to the time change yet. I have been fighting to stay awake past 8:00 PM and then I'm up around 4:30 AM....hope my body kicks in soon!

*Today I am thankful for Tricia...I am so thankful for her friendship in my life!

The Least of These...

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18





On my trip to Uganda one thing that I witnessed everywhere I went was children on the streets. It was eye opening for me to see hundreds if not thousands of orphans. It gave me an even greater heart for adoption and foster care. The conditions that some of these kids live in is almost beyond comprehension, yet, they had no idea all the things they were missing out on. They knew no different. It was amazing for me to see the joy that they had. They would get so excited and happy when we would come around. They would want to touch us and hold hands and they loved getting their picture taken so they could see themselves. It was such a little thing that would get them so excited.
We were at an orphange one day and their was a group of kids that made up a children's choir. It brought tears to my eyes to see these kids sing about the love of God and praise His name. Their hearts were glad.
It's hard for me to comprehend why the Lord has chosen me to be blest beyond measure and have so much while these kids don't even get a meal some days. What can I be doing to make a difference to not just love with words or tongue but in action and truth? Being single, I can't just go out and adopt or even foster some of these kids. Even foster care is such a huge need in our country. I'm not sure what I can do at this point but I am thankful for the love the Lord has given me for these children and I hope to one day be able to adopt or provide for them in a more tangible way.

*Today I am thankful for a full nights sleep. The night before I only slept until 1:30 it was greatly needed!

Uganda...

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma." Ephesians 5:1-2
I'm not even sure where to begin with my trip. There were so may wonderful moments and lessons learned. It will take me a few posts to cover all the different things. I want to begin with the thing that impacted me the most. We stayed with Danielle and Shannon Hurley. They are missionaries in Uganda from the Santa Clarita area and are TMC alumni. www.sosministries.com
Their two primary missions are humanitarian aid and biblical training. They live their ministry and this really impacted me. They have taken numerous people into their home who are in need. An example would be a guy named Charles. One day Shannon was driving and saw a crowd gather on the side of the road. He pulled over and Charles (a stranger) had been hit by a car and his leg was severed. No one was helping him and he was left there to die. Shannon put him in his car, rushed him to the hospital, paid for his expenses and then once released, Charles moved into their home. He was asked to attend bible study every day with Shannon and over the months he would sit in his chair and read the word of God. Charles gave his life to God and continues to live with the Hurleys and is being discipled by Shannon.
It made me see my selfishness and pride more than ever. I really believe the college is my ministry and I look at how I fit girls into my schedule when it's convienant for me. I give money to others in need but make sure I have enough for "my pleasures" too. I have students over for dinner when I feel like it or when they ask but not me pursuing them like I should. I have a selfish heart that really desires to be more like Christ as long as it's not inconvieant for my own agenda.I know there is a good balance to all of this but I know I'm not there yet.
In Africa I meet a family who live their lives to serve and love others daily. Danielle provides dinner for numerous people every day and does it with joy. She serves and helps her husband like none other I've seen AND does it all with a happy heart. They can only afford to have meat once a week because of the number of people they feed. Their luxury meal once a year is chicken breast. They have a home that is always open to others. They have never turned anyone away with medical needs. They love and serve others daily in order to share the gospel. It really made me look at myself and see my selfishness with my time and money. This is something I really want to evaluate in my life. If you think of it pray for the Hurley's. If you are wanting to give to a worthy cause that is imacting the kingdom then check out their site and see how you can help.

Ephesians 3:17-19 "...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

*Today I am thankful that I am able to take a shower every day and be clean!

Would You Rather Wednesday?!?!?!

Would you rather exert orange juice every time you sneezed or exert butter when you perspire? Death is not an option.

* Today I am thankful for a safe return from Uganda....more to come!