Christmas Break Week 2

I can't believe my break is half over. It's been so great. This weekend was full of time with good friends. Friday night I went out with Jen and Jenny! We had so much fun. We went out to celebrate Jenny and my birthdays. We went to Topanga for dinner at PF Chang's. I love these girls. It was so fun to be together again.

On Saturday Summer came over so we could catch up on life and Saturday nigth I had two friends from church over who have been such an encouragement to me...Denise and Patricia. We had a good time. We ate dinner, talked for hours and then watched a movie.

Sunday was church and then I was going to have a night at home but Lynn and Michelle called to go to a movie. We went and saw "Marley and Me". It was aight. I give it a "6".

This morning was AWESOME...hence the pictures. Kristin (from my office), Shannon Stauffer and I went to Hollywood to walk the trails of Runyon Canyon.. It was so beautiful! I've always wanted to go but today was the first time. I loved it and will be going back soon. It was a great workout too. We had such a good time walking and talking. I loved sharing it with these girls. (Tricia, we are soooo there when you get home!)

Life is good and I am loving the break!

*Today I am thankful for the beautiful weather outside.

A Must Read (and Favorite)....

I got this book from Mandy for Christmas. Back in May I did a radio interview on KKLA for the college and right after my interview Francis Chan came on to promote this book. I remember thinking that I really wanted to read it. I met Francis in Uganda and told myself I needed to buy it but when I got back but I forgot. Thanks Mandy!

This book has really impacted me this week. There's a website for the book www.crazylovebook.com and I recommend you check it out. I have become a huge Francis Chan fan. There's so much good stuff in the first two chapters I keep re-reading them.

I've really thought a lot about the Character of God the last few months and have wanted to really know Him more. It's cool to read this book and have that affirmed in so many ways. Here is a brief description: "Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacancy isn't working harder at a list of do's and dont's- it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it...you will never be the same. Because when you are wildly in love with someone it changes everything."

Christmas and Ivy's Birthday...

Happy Birthday Ivy....

Ivy...one of the biggest blessings in my life. She has brought so much joy into our family the last three years. I love being her Auntie. There are so many things I love about her. Happy Birthday Ivy...I LOVE YOU!!!

Christmas Break Day 2...

Today was a good day. Thanks to everyone for praying for my sister and her family. The judge ruled today that the baby will remain with them at least until the next court date in March. It is a complete miracle and all afternoon I've thought of the verse in Proverbs that says "The kings heart is in the hands of the Lord like the rivers of water He turns it wherever He chooses." Praise God the Lord turned the judges heart and allowed Kelli and Matt to keep Sissy another couple months. We will continue to trust in the Lord!

I slept horrible last night. I'm trying not to take any pain medication as I'm fearful that I will become addicted. It may just be me being weird but I don't want to mess with that! I had to get up at 3:45 to take my roommate to the airport! (boo hoo) I got home at 5:30, slept until 7 and got ready to go to Simi Valley to meet with a girl I disciple. We had a good time and then on my way home Kelli called with the news. I went into work for a couple hours and then went Christmas shopping for little Sissy. Tonight Lynn and her boys are coming over for a couple hours for pizza and Christmas! I'm so thankful for Lynn in my life. She is one of the most encouraging selfless people I know. A true blessing to me. The picture is Sissy's first day at my sisters.

*Today I am thankful for God's goodness!

Christmas Break Day 1...

It's only been a couple hours but I am already enjoying my time off. I have been needing A LOT of rest since I had my wisdom teeth out but I was up by 7 AM rearing to go. Mandy was getting ready to leave for work and I was a little sad that she's leaving tommorow for 10 days. I have really enjoyed her as my roomate but most importantly my friend. She is a blessing in my life! Iv'e been doing laundry, had my coffee and spent some good time with the Lord. What a morning...love it!

I participated in a CD exchange with my office and I created Hollie's Hot Hits of 2008. Thought I'd share the songs with you that inspired, encouraged, made me dance, songs that brought me back to a special time/moment and songs that I just really liked this year. If you haven't heard of them go to itunes.

Lesson Learned: Alicia Keys
My Life, My Love, My All: Kirk Franklin
Realize: Colbie Callait
Amazing Grace: Chris Tomlin
What Do I know of Holy: Addison Road
Butterflies: Dave Barnes
Umbrella: Rhianna
OK: J.R.
Overjoyed: Stevie Wonder
Christ in the Middle: Toussaint
The Way I Feel: Matt Wertz
The Only Name: Hillsong
I Can Trust in You: Rebecca St. James
Crumble to Pieces: Phil Wickham
Gravity: John Mayer
A Friend in the World: Matthew West
Single Ladies (put a ring on it): Beyonce (Heck yes!)

*Today I am thankful that we've got to have Sissy in our family the last 6 months. If you think of it pray for my sister and family. We go to court tommorow and she could be taken away at that time. (see Kelli's blog for more info).

Christmas Party No. 12

My roommate decided she wanted to make a Christmas dinner and have some friends over. It ended up turning into a Christmas dinner but you were supposed to wear your Ugliest Christmas sweater. It was fun. There were some really crazy ones out there. We ended up having about 15 people over and there were a lot of laughs.

*Today I am thankful for a day of lots of sleep and rest.

A couple nights ago Adam and Luke took me on a suprise night on the town. These boys have become two of my favorites over the last six months. I work with Luke and Adam is his best friend who taught a class at the college this year so he was around our office a lot. We try to meet once a week for what we like to call "Family time". We share what's going on in our lives, encourage one another, pray for one another and I try to keep them in line! :)
We had talked about having a family dinner for Christmas and they ended up planning a suprise night for me. They took me down to Beverly Hills. We drove around Rodeo and walked and enjoyed the Christmas cheer. We then went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. It was such a fun night and they spoiled me! I am so thankful for the people the Lord blesses me with and places in my life. I treasure their friendship!

RELIEF...

I feel a little weak, have the most disgusting hole in my mouth, and am tired but I feel SOOO MUCH BETTER!!!! That pain was some of the worst pain I have felt so I am glad the problem is gone. At the doctor they put me compltetly under and I remember trying to fight it. The Dr. was asking me questions and I wanted to answer but I could feel the laughing gas taking me over. It went so fast. It felt like 5 minutes although it was 45. I'm so thankful Johnny was with me. They explained everything to him that I would need to do and then he brought me home and Mandy took care of me the rest of the night. (She can make a mean milkshake!!!)
I was in and out of sleep from 4-9 and finally went to bed then. I only woke up once in the night: took more medication and then slept until 7:00! I am a little sore and grossed out but doing better. I am just going to rest today! Thanks to everyone who was praying!

*Today I am thankful for my roommate...such a gracious, loving caretaker! Love her!

I hate the dentist....

I have been in horrible pain this week! I went to the dentist on Monday who gave me vicadin AND an antibiotic. He said it looks like my wisdom tooth was infected. Neither of the medications have helped. After three days of taking lots of pain medication with minimal results I went to a oral surgeon this morning who will be removing my two wisdom teeth in one hour! I am scared. I do not like the dentist and they will put me out completley. My good friend Johnny is going with me and will take me home after. You can pray for me. (Have I said how much I hate the dentist?!?!?)

By 8:00 PM and $650 later (SERIOUSLY)....I should be feeling better.

Would You Rather Wednesday?!?!?!

Would you rather have glow in the dark body hair or have a receding hair line? Death is not an option.

*Today I am thankful for Luke and Adam....thanks for a fun night out last night!

Par-tay Season in Full Gear...

Last night I took my staff to The Americana for some good food, fun and fellowship. Hugh, Luke, John and I went down early to do a little shopping. We rode the trolly, got coffee and enjoyed the holiday spirit.
Everyone else came and met up with us around 6:00. We had a great time. We ate dinner at Freida Mexican restuarant. We also had a White Elephant CD gift excahnge. I ended p with Kevin Max....HOLLA! For my CD I created "Hollie's Hottest Hits of 2008" This would be a compilation of my fav songs of 2008...(you KNOW you want it people!!!)
Once again i was spoiled with love, gift cards, candles and some of my favorite things. What a blessing to work with some of my closest friends.

Admissions Intern Christmas Party...

This morning I had my whole staff/ interns over for breakfast for our annual intern Christmas party. It was a great time. We ate breakfast, John and Luke led us in Christmas singing, had a white elephant gift exchange and had some great fellowship. Luke was in charge of making the waffles (notice the mess he made in the picture).


They are all a blessing in my life. It was a great morning!

*Today I'm thankful for the Admissions Office!

Here are two pictures from this week at work. The top picture is two guys that I work with. The one next to me: Nate Scroggins is the Director of one of our Master's programs at the school. Jason the one across from me oversees our DEEP and CPS programs. I have enjoyed working with these two this year. The Lord used Nate to convict me about getting baptized and Jason has become a good friend and confidant to me. It's such a joy to work with people you really like.
The other picture is two of my favorite kids Ivy and Tate visiting me at work.

*Today I am thankful that it's Friday!!!

Life is Short...

I was thinking this morning about the last few weeks. I have been tired with all the busyness. This time of year is one of celebration and a time to be thankful but it's always so busy. Ive had a lot to blog about but have been too busy and tired to do it.

In the last two and a half weeks I have attended three funerals. Life is short. They were all celebrations of life. This has made me think about my life. What would people say about me if I died? More than that what does my life reflect? What am I doing with my time and money? Is it bringing the ultimate glory to God? It also reminds me not to waste a moment...be thankful for everything, tell people I love them and appreicate them, be thankful for everything, don't waste time, be a light, and be thankful for everything.

I read this today and loved it so I will share it:
Once I heard a song of sweetness, And it filled the morning air.
Sounding in it's blest completness, Like a tender pleading prayer;
And I sought to find the singer, where this wondrous song was borne;
And I found a bird quite wounded, Pinned down by a cruel thorn.

I have seen a soul in sadness, While it's wings with pain were furled.
Giving hope, and cheer, and gladness that should bless a weeping world.
And I know that life of sweetness, Was of pain and sorrow borne.
And a stricken soul was singing, With it's heart against a thorn.

You are told of One who loved you, Of a Saviour crucified.
You are told of nails that held Him; And a spear that pierced His side.
You are told of cruel scourging, Of a Saviour being scorn.
And He died for your salvation with His brow against a thorn.

You "are not above the Masters." Will you breathe a sweet refrain?
And His grace will be sufficient, When your heart is peirced with pain.
Will you live to bless His loved ones, Though your life be bruised and torn.
Like the bird that sang so sweetly, With it's heart against the thorn.

*Today I am thankful for my my rear warmers in my car! (I am ready for summer again!)

Would You Rather Wednesday?!?!?

Would you rather have a Christmas party for 5 nights straight that you are required to attend or not have any Christmas parties to go too?!?!?


*Today I am thankful for my big fuzzy blanket that keeps me warm.

TMC commercial with J MAC

This commercial was created for our your end show last year. If you are a fan of John MacArthur you will love this!

*Today I am thankful for Christmas music!

Would You Rather Wednesday?!?!?

Would you rather live in a world where hugs were replaced by grabbing a person's nose and squeezing it or where all friendship disputes were settled by a dance off?!?! Death is not an option. (things to consider: if you don't have rythmn you will be a LOSER all the time and noses can be disgusting)

*Today I am thankful for my thoughtful, sweet,gerous and compassionate roommate!