2010 is off and running...

I went to dinner with one of the greatest people God ever created last night... Crystal Bott. We spend a lot of time together, but its usually in the gym or at church. So, we decided to go have dinner (with a gift card I got for my birthday..thanks Nicole!) and catch up. It amazes me that 2010 is only 15 days old, but so much is going on. God is working in both of us, like He never has. Both of us were able to share just minimal details, and for the sake of privacy, I will be even more vague. If God continues to move in our lives for the rest of the year like He has over the past 2 weeks, 2010 will prove to be the single most incredible and defining year for each of us.

As I walk down this new path, I can just feel the anointing fall. God has placed burdens on my heart before, but never like the one I'm walking through now. I am learning more and more about focus, discipline, obedience and faith. But I am also reaping rewards I never dreamed of. I don't know why God called me to be a leader or why He gifted me in music. I know not why I tend to find favor where I least imagine it. But I can say I am seeking His face above all else. Nothing is more important to me than knowing I am right where I was created to be. He is enough for me; enough love, grace, strength, support, encouragement.

I will do several things this year that I have never done before. I will run a 5k. I will read 100 books. I will continue to watch my debt dwindle. But I will not do any of it alone. I am blessed, more so than I would have believed when I began this walk with Christ. I may not be thin, I may not be wealthy, I may not be ubersuccessful, I may not be married...I may not be what the world would like me to be... BUT let me tell you, I am the daughter of THE KING! I was created in His image. I am called to His purpose. I trust His way 100% more than I trust my own. and I will be content in that. I dare any of you to challenge these views.... I am fired up! Be blessed today and more importantly, be a blessing today. Someone needs your smile, your hug, your laugh....

Healing Sands by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn

Ryan Coe is angry…at the world, at her ex-husband, with her job and with herself. She’s a photojournalist who spent the last year in Africa, but moves to New Mexico to be near her sons. Healing Sands tells of the need for one to release their pain, anger, and disappoint to the One who is able to conquer it all. Sometimes we must surrender to God before we can take another step.
While my friends and family seemed to enjoy this book, I could not seem to get interested. It did not grip me and keep my attention and was more of a chore to complete. I hope it proves to be a better read for you.

2010 100+ Reading Challange updated 2/2/2010

Below is my list of books sitting on my shelf to begin my 100 + book challange for 2010 and the date I finish them. If you have any suggestions of books you think I should read, please comment with book title and author. :) Happy reading!

1. Aint She Sweet? by Susan Elizabeth Phillips 1/8/2010
2. Leave It To Claire by Tracey Bateman 1/14/2010
3. Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult 1/21/2010
4. Perfect by Harry Klaus, MD 2/2/2010
5. What Difference Do It Make by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent
6. Vision in White by Nora Roberts
7. Mirror, Mirror by Judy Baer

Bring it on 2010!

As this new year begins, I am full of new dreams and the possibility of new opportunities. 2009 is gone, along with all its heartaches and all its trials. I spent New Year's Eve/ Day with some fantastic friends. We rang in the new year standing in the Shelton living room with some sparkling cider after having a night FULL of laughter, dance dance revolution, some horrible UT football, and a runaway camera. I wouldn't trade that night, EVER. Thank you Tassie, Jesse, Crystal, Jared, Alicia, Brent, and Adam for making the 2009 B's birthday/NYE Bash such a fun time. What would I do without you all? Jan 1 found Crystal, Jesse, Tassie and I huddled in the living room once more, watching the entire 1st season of GLEE on DVD! Wahoo. I can't help but think how incredibly blessed I am. If 2010 turns out anything like the 1st weekend did, this might be the best year of my life.

2009 was, no doubt, a hard year for me. With the loss of 3 family members, I experienced more heartache in 1 year than the previous 25 years combined, not to mention my brother being deployed to Iraq. But 2009 also brought new friends (some of which I'm not sure how I ever survived without) and restored friendships with old ones. I am excited to see what the new year brings, but I am also reminded that God's mercies are new each morning and that each day brings about newness of life. What are your most memorable moments in 2009? What are you most looking forward to in 2010?