Last Day of OCC!

So today was the last day for dropping off boxes. We finished today at a total of 16,327 boxes. 60 more than last year...Crazy thing ... Spokane collects more boxes than the Seattle - Tacoma area! Now doing the math of people to shoebox ratio... Spokane is one amazing city filled with giving people. Now anyone that watches the stocks fall and the economy fail. God is bigger than any problems we encounter in this short life. It was really a huge surprise and we were all wiped out!!! We filled a whole 18 wheeler today and some of the other 18 wheeler. It just blows my mind to think that. I better of lost some weight with this crazy workout. lol wink wink

Anyways... Today... once again... Testimony time. I heard one that just floored me and made me realize... I am blessed and a little selfish.

So here it is... you have to hear this. It will take 14 minutes to listen to the whole thing... It will make you cry or maybe I just have a sensitive soul and spirit. lol wink wink

Her name is Lejla Allison. She was one of the first kids of OCC when it started. It's amazing and really touching... I am so glad that I am part of this program.

Laughter of A Child... that’s the most amazing sound ever!

Today was slow at the donation center, so it was an amazing day to fellowship with some of the other volunteers and just love on the people that did deliver shoe boxes. I was able to learn more about my future position and what is excepted of me next year. As I learned more about this organization and heard all the different stories... I realized. God put me here on purpose! I was made for this moment.... it's crazy to me to think... what would of happened had I not heard the call from God, when I did. What would of made me listen? Scary to think about but I do.

Anyways... today I was touched. It's amazing to me to see these boxes filled with toys. Then to see the how much work people put into these boxes for these kids that they may never see! Wow... what an amazing organization. We had a group of men from a nursing home, bring in four huge boxes of homemade trucks. I met a girl that got a box when she was a little girl in India. Hearing her story. Just made me realize, I was born to serve others. I love this feeling I get from serving others. I love to love on people. That's what I was made for. As I become more aware of this gift of serving, God gave me... I really understand who I really am. I am one of God's servants to the world but one that can grab the attention of many just with my smile.

Thank you Jesus for this amazing opportunity and all the amazing moments I have already had. I can't wait to see what the next few years bring with this program.

Weird but really cool... I know I am going to the mission field once I am done with school but today I had something brought to my attention. Tell me if this isn't weird.... God has me in a position where I meet every church in Spokane and in the region. I'm not an easy person to forget, so when it comes time for God to send me... I am pretty sure, God is just getting me ready for the future through this program and I am sure... my funding will come from the churches I am going to meet in the next few years! Crazy to think how amazing God is and how He works. I also figured out... my degree... I want to run an orphanage! I want to love on all those kids. I don't want one kid to ever feel like they are not wanted!

I read a story today about an orphan. I cried. Those kids are so amazing and their story would break your heart. At one point this amazing woman felt unloved, tried to commit suicide twice and both time almost succeeded. It wasn't till she was in her twenties, when she found Jesus and his love. However, in her box... she got a doll, which was the doll she had when her mom left her and her sister with their drunken father. It was the same doll she had when she was taken from her dad and put into an orphanage. She still has this doll and she still cherishes! A doll that someone put in their box for some little girl to love. Funny how the simplest gifts can mean the world to someone else. I want to change the world and I want to love on these kids. I want to be a missionary when I grow up... now why did it take me so long to figure that out... Think it would of been cheaper in college loans, had I figured that out sooner! Once again... it's all in God's timing! I do need this degree to run an orphanage... funny how I started this degree to become a 6 figure CEO! hmmm my accounting side is thinking... that math isn't adding up! wink wink

London Bridge is Suppose to Fall, Not My Tears!

Today really tested my Christian disposition... I had to hold my tongue and smile, when the guy driving the "God Fearing Brothers" trailer cut me off on the highway. I needed to hold my tongue when the girl in the fast lane, decide that the set speed of 60 MPH was too fast... So we drove at a speed of 54 MPH from downtown Spokane to the Valley, pacing a 18 wheeler next to me. ARGH!!!! The best situation though... Picture this... I am always late... I mean always! Don't know why, I just am. So running out the door late to meet Carol at the concert, I realize... I don't have my ticket. Nope. My dear ticket was sitting in the middle console of my car, so I wouldn't forget it the night of the concert. Funny... how today I would have my dad's truck to move and my car was way up north!!! I was irritated to say the least. I really wanted to say some nutty things under my breathe... I didn't. I turned on the radio and sang to some DC talk song and laughed at myself because had it been anyone else... I would laughed at them, thinking "Man what luck!" lol wink wink

Well, I made it to the concert late. :) Told you ~ Always late.

I found my dear Carol and got to singing along with Brandon. Totally knowing every song and word... I thought to myself, "okay... I think I have taken this crush a little too far!" Funny thing.... Brandon... He's 5'6 maybe 5'7 (I'm 5'11 and I love to wear heels)! My dreams were crushed, I can't marry a man shorter than me. I know.... Shallow but really... I think a man should be taller than his girl and stronger! I don't know why but that just screams sexy to me.

Anyways... After the shock of how shorter he was, wore off!

Brandon got me crying. Bawling would be the best way of describing it and I felt stupid. He had to go and sing London. All my feelings of a past love, came billowing up and I found myself praying... God why can't you teach me to lose this love? Why does it still hurt, if you wanted me to let go? WHY do I still cry? Why? As I sat there crying and trying not to draw attention to myself... I still love my Superman! With all my heart. Wow... When I get upstairs and meet the Big Guy... We are going to talk. Couple of topics on the list!

1) My Superman... Why then? Why Now? why Not? just a few of the questions... the list could go on though.

2) My hair... I think I should be a red head... God thinks I should be a Blonde... Funny thing, God is winning because no matter how much money I put into this head of hair of mine... I always end up a blonde, when it is all said and done.

3) yeah... let's be real... this list could go on too! God I think will have to tell me to breathe a couple of times too! lol wink wink

SO I didn't get my picture with Brandon because my make-up... Well, my eyes were down by my cheecks. I wasn't looking too hot and I really didn't want to explain to the world for years to come.... Christina, Why do you look like you were crying... lol wink wink Oh... I wish you could learn not to love but then... I wouldn't be me! I still love him and even though I try to tell myself that I am cool. I realized tonight, that I keep myself busy just so I don't think about Superman and how hurt I am. WOW.... That was a hard cookie to chew tonight. I thought I was strong but now... starting to think... Man, Love kicks everyone's butt, even mine!

A Messianic Jew, a 7th day Adventist and a room Full of Agnostics!

Work lately has been interesting. I guess this change in me is really starting to get noticed. Many people have shared with me their feelings from being totally amazed to being completely in dismay. It's interesting to me, as people share with me their feelings... "why is does this decision I make to follow Jesus, effect so many people!" It's not like I am out there with a Bull Horn screaming it to the world or wearing a T-shirt that says, "Hey.. I'm going to Heaven to see Jesus and this t-shirt is all I am bring!" It's crazy!

Yesterday though, I really understood why it's such a topic of discussion lately. Jesus comes up every time I start a conversation and I don't even try. I can start talking to someone about something so far away from church, Jesus and God but for some crazy reason... my decision to follow Christ and read the bible always come up somehow.....

For example.... Yesterday I was talking about Dog walking with a friend in the break room. Now at first it was just me and her but within 10 minutes, most everyone that works in my department was in the break room. So here we are sharing funny dog walking moments and the crazy things that our pets do.... Then somewhere out of the blue, God gets brought up and to tell you the truth... I don't even know how or when. It's like the "Jesus Talk" just slipped in there.... no warning or any barriers to stop it... it's just like BAM here you go. So our conversation of crazy pets we've owned, turns into Jesus and why people believe and why they don't.

So when I realized the topic change and maybe even became a comprehending participant in the conversation... I stopped and looked around the room. Here in a room of about 9 people, sat one Messianic Jew, a 7th day Adventist and a room Full of Agnostics than me! In a facility, where we are told to keep our baggage at the door when we come to work and never talk about your beliefs... here we sat in the break room talking church! It was awesome and even though it brought out a lot of crazy and funny moments.... I sat in my chair totally in love with my Jesus and knowing... the Holy Spirit was talking through me. The Holy Spirit started that conversation and to tell you the truth... I don't think I started the conversation. It's interesting to me how that stuff happens.

Later when I was talking to Clayton, my messianic Jew.... He told me... "Christina, God is using you like crazy and it's funny to watch you in disbelief sometimes at God's power!" I am in awe of God's power and Love! It's crazy for me to understand how God can use little old me... Me, the girl who is just trying to read the bible for the first time ever in her life. The girl who doesn't have a single bible verse memorized and couldn't even find a book in the bible, without flipping through the bible 50 times to find it! The girl with a background check that could be a little shady for most Church goers but God has used me in the last three months like crazy... you will see me caught up in a conversation with someone about God and most of the time, I am not the one who starts it. It's like God put this sign over my head, with Neon Lights pointing down saying, "She's a non-judgemental Christian... talk to her!" I've had so many co-workers share with me some very personal stories and moments in their life. I've had doctors ask me to pray for them... Doctors who are Gods in most of my patients eyes. I don't know what my future holds but if it is anything like the last few months... I can't wait... God is amazing, All Powerful and Knowing!

Prayer Requests...

1) My dear Andy... please pray over him. Please pray for an army of angels to surround him and his Maria! Then pray for the team. I pray for such unity between them all, that this holiday season which is quickly approaching... they will feel at home down in Mexico and know they are where God wanted them this Christmas and Thanksgiving!

2) Operation Christmas Child... this is such a huge blessing in my life and I am starting to understand why God sent it my way. It was for me to meet Lisa. I've been praying for teachers and strong women to help me along this journey with GOD. Now God has sent me some amazing people, who have loved on me like crazy. You would really think that we were all friends for years, the way we all click... I love this experience! Please also pray over the boxes that we are preparing to ship down to Colorado. I pray for each box that I hold and each kid that will be holding them soon. God is amazing and I thank you Jesus for getting me connected into this group.

3) I am still moving... This week has been crazy! I work in the morning, go volunteer after work for a couple hours and then come home to pack a couple more hours. I've been living off coffee and rice cakes... which maybe isn't the best but I can't really find time to eat. So please pray over my move and the people who will help me! Thank you for praying and I am so blessed that you found the time to read this blog of mine.

I am a scrapbooking nerd.... Found my favorite picture of Mylah... She was only 14 months. Seriously though.... she looks like a sleeping angel... I love that little girl! My little Princess.

I am so excited and in a "high school crush" kind of a way.. I can't believe that tomorrow tonight, I will be standing next to Brandon Heath. Oh... I really hope I don't do anything stupid but my excitement is totally childish and funny. Carol is making fun of me and thinks that it's cute but I am starting to feel stupid. lol wink wink However... I can't wait and think this concert will be amazing! Plus... who knows... I might be able to get a picture with him!!! Oh yeah.... Add to my celebratity pictures I already have.

I love CHRISTMAS!!!!

Christmas is my favorite time of the year... Actually a week after October, when the leaves start to change colors... my excitement for this holiday season starts to bubble up!!! I just love this part of the year! Thanksgiving with the fam bam and the turkey... and oh my... my dad's stuffing... let me tell you... Nothing compares!

The thing I love the most is, knowing that my family will get together for a dinner around my mom's huge dinning room table. My family will laugh for hours about life and catching up. I am very blessed because unlike most families, my family is very close and there is never a fight or a situation that would make the holidays dreadful. So I thank God for that!

My little brother Steven just started his first year at WSU, so it will be awesome to catch up with him. Then Robby and Meg are so busy with school and work, that it's hard to get together with them too. Then mom and dad work on the weekends, so if it wasn't for the fact that my parents watch Mylah for me after Mylah's classes during the week. I don't think I would ever see them. So getting together with my family is one of my most favorites moments about the holidays; but my next best thing has to be the 12 days before Christmas, Secret Santa that I do.

My junior year of high school, my BBF Annience and me started this thing called Secret Santa. Basically, the 12 days before Christmas we leave presents for a family on their porch or windows or whatever ledge we can find, that won't get us caught! Throughout the 12 days, I find cute ways of expressing my love for this season and the family I choose. I always pick a family that isn't connected to me at all and normally someone that needs a little pick me up for the season. Then on the last day, I leave them a nativity scene and a note... It's been fun this year. Thank you for letting me bless you and please remember this next year for another person. Love Secret Santa "X".. Annience was "O"!

Annience moved away right after high school and I had to keep this going on by myself. I can't wait till Mylah is old enough to join me... I think this will be an amazing way of teaching what Christmas is really about. Now each year has special moments that I cherish and will always remember for years to come. However, there is a family that will forever be the family above all families... My favorite moment ever... My favorite family was a mother who had MS, lost her husband that year and she had 7 kids. Seven kids that didn't like the idea that I was secret, so they would chase me. That year, I really had to work on my 007 skills and I was in tip top shape, thanks to the workout those kids gave me! :)

Now there were a couple of nights, where I thought those kids were going to catch me. One night, I had to jump under their neighbor's porch. Mind you... I am terrified of spiders and then... not too many people rake under a porch... so dead leaves everywhere! Prefect spots for spiders to live and noise makers!!! I was freaking out but those amazing kids stayed outside for 45 minutes just watching for anything to move. I couldn't breathe normal and then I couldn't move because the leaves would make a sound. After 45 minutes the kids finally decided to give up searching for me. Then people's whose porch I was under had company show up. I was stuck under that porch another 20 minutes. I thought for sure, I was getting caught but I didn't.

Then there was another night... where the kids must of been right by the door because the second they heard something outside... the porch light flickered on and I heard feet running towards the door. SO I ran across the street and mashed myself between a car and the curb. I am so lucky no one called the cops on me!!! However, thanks to the shade of the car and me being all in black... the kids didn't see me when they came running around the car I was smashed up against. I was telling myself... "I am shade.. I am shade! Be ONE WITH THE SHADE!" I couldn't breathe because my breathe would give me away! I didn't want to look at them because I thought they would feel my eyes! It was an awesome year!!! I did make it through the 12 days without the family finding out who I was, which was awesome. None of my families ever find out who I am but I do send them Christmas cards each every. Which I think must bring a smile to their face!

So that is just a couple of reasons... why I love this season!!! Nothing compares!!!

Operation Christmas Child

Last night I learned what the coolest thing in the world is... It's watching my daughter help a little old lady carry her Christmas Box in for her. It was watching a little 5 year old, explain to me why each and every toy in his box was there. It was hearing the laughter of everyone that was there volenteering last night for Operation Christmas Child. Even though this is my first year and I don't really know any of the people, God has such an amazing way of bring people together. It's amazing to see people from all walks of life, all different backgrounds in religion and theologies... come together to do Christmas!

I love Christmas! So I am publicily Thanking God for this experience. I can't wait to see what the rest of the week has to offer! God is amazing and thank you for this moment in my life! AND a little side note... Thank you Andy, JAX, Faith, and Chad... they will never know what they did in my life and honestly... I wouldn't be experiencing these moments without their influence in my life! It just proves to me... that the simpliest things in life, can mean the world to others! So remember that when you smile down the street or say HI to someone in the store! That could change their life forever! It did for me!!! Thank you Jesus! Thank you!!!

"Mommy.... Why do you love me?"

As my three year old asked me this today? A long list of reason came to mind and I shared with her every single one. Now with each reason that I gave her, none of them seemed to please that little monkey of mine. She kept asking me why? Why mom? Why? Now I did get a little frustrated at myself and wondered why my daughter really felt the need to ask me "Do you love me?" Did I not show her enough love? Was I missing something? Where did I fail in showing her how amazing she was? Why did she need to ask me? WHY?

And that's when God stepped in... "Hey, how do you like that question game?" As I sit there, a little humbled at the fact that my little monkey is so much like me. I realized, that even though I can see God's Fingerprints throughout my life. I still find myself asking God, Why? Why should I be this loved? Why should this life be so hard? Why? Why?

I know I am not alone in these questions! Everyone has asked them. Today I realized, that even though I am 27, living on my own, raising my daughter and trying to live each day a little better than yesterday.... I noticed that I will never loose that child in me, when it comes to my Savior. I will forever be God's child. I will forever be lost in God's love and will always be amazed by His love For Me. Just like my duaghter, who asked me today... "Mommy, Why do you love me?" I too find myself asking God all the time, "Why me God? How can you love someone like me? and everyday... He reminds me... Because your MINE!"

When I finally told Mylah, "Well, God gave you to me to love and your my monkey!" She ran into my arms and said... "Mommy, you love me!" As I hugged that little monkey of mine, I came to really understand how important it is to be reminded... we are loved! Have you noticed God's little love notes for you today... If you haven't.... Open your eyes because God sent you one! I found mine through my daughter! Wonder what tomorrows love note will be? God is amazing!

As I go through old scrapbooks and boxes and boxes of old mail and love letters. I couldn't help but find myself reminesing about the past and the many, many lucky and blessed moments in my life. My whole life has been one interesting joy ride and for some crazy reason. God is really opening my eyes and making me aware of where I have come from.

At a young age, I was trouble for my mum. Always grabbing peoples' attention and never really knowing what it meant to follow the rules. I remember once, I convienced my brother Robby at the rip old age of 4; that Mary Poppins magic to fly wasn't from her umbrella... NO!!!... it was from her skirt. I said this because my mum was forcing me to wear a skirt to a family shin-dig and I was a soccer player ~aka ~ a little tomboyish. Now I can't remember the exact details of the story or what the exact words were that convienced my brother but when it was all said and done. My brother had jumped out of our two window with a skirt on and I am so lucky we lived over a fire department in Germany. My brother didn't get too badly hurt, just a little broken arm but man, my butt sure did get blistered when my mom and her wooden spoon were done with me!

I remember being 5 and stuck in a bed for almost 7 months in a Germany. I was in a coma for the first few months and my mum was being told that there was nothing the doctors could do. They basically told her, "Chrissly (my mom's nickname for me) only has a 5% chance of living! Praying is the only thing that is going to save her." Somehow I had contracted Meningitis and by the time it was caught, it was too late. For a good two weeks before getting admitted into the hopsital for my nice 7 month stay, doctors kept telling my mum that I just had the flu. Anyone that knows my mum, knows she went nuts and being a single mother too; I can't imagine the hardships I caused her as a child. I was also the one that brought home the chicken pox to the family! My mum at the nice age of 29, got chicken pox for the first time ever, thanks to me.

When my mum met Rick, who IS my dad. I remember giving them so much greif and making it so hard for my mum. Running away with my brother and let's not forget my legos! It was awesome though... because when Robby and me got lost just a couple blocks away from home in Darmstadt. I remember my mum walking up to us, with her arms wide open to embrace her two scared kids who never lost grip of thier legos. My mom was always a superhero in my eyes.

However, as I got older and mum & me became more alike. We fought like crazy lunatics under our Spokane home. Our strong relationship that had formed during my younger years, vanished by my 13 birthday. I became someone totally different than what my mum had raised me up to be. I started drinking and living life for me. Then in my 8th grade year, right before entering into high school with all my friends who had turned into my family in my eyes. My family looses everything to house fire. My parent's ceramic store was totally gone in just two hours and every little thing I thought was important to me.

When I look back now and read my dairies entries of those days. I come to realize that God was everywhere that night. My little brother Steven is alive which is a mircle. The volenteer fire fighters refused to go in for Steven but my dad did. Three times and on the third time, he says, "I heard Steven cough!" Funny... Steven was dead when my dad took him out of fire. There is no way Steven could of coughed! Robby still to this day is unable to explain how he got out of the store. He just remembers fainting in the kitchen. My mother wasn't able to come back in, she says that there was something stopping her. I got pushed down the stairs and when I turned around to yell at my brother... no one was there! All three of us kids were put into ICU and once again... COMA! Yeah... starting to think this is my thing!

Then as I go through more boxes in my closet I come across some letters from school class mates, yearbooks and then homework that I have saved over the years. With each sheet that I decide to finally let go of, I find myself laughing, crying and every once in the while... thinking wow... I wore that! Why did I ever think polka dots and strips where a cool thing to wear together and don't get me started on the many pictures of me with the side pony tails and huge earrings! WOW... However, I can say... I have never sported the mullet!!!

The one thing that I did find today that got me to stop and really reflect and thank God for all my blessings, was my baptizing certificate. At the nice age of 23, I actaully got saved. Now I didn't get saved like most people. Bob Loflin did a prophetic prayer over me. Funny it took Bob asking me in front of my whole church three times before I finally said, "Okay... Do whatever you need to do to make you happy!" Now anyone that was there that night at Open Bible, can tell you how amazing it was. There in front of a huge church, was this man telling me who I was and things that no one knew. He explained to me the details of my rape, the feelings I felt about suicide, the fire and than in the most amazing way ever... God just wanted me to know, I was never alone and HE LOVED ME! I got so scared and freaked out; that I didn't step foot in the church for almost 3 months. I really had to grasp the fact that there was really a GOD and He was always with me.

So as I sat on the floor in my bedroom today, looking at this slightly torn paper that represented my public confession to the world that I was GOD's. I started to pray and cry... thank you God for being so merciful and amazing. Looking over my shameful moments in life and still seeing me as one of yours! God really has changed me and made me HIS! I don't deserve a single thing that He has already given me and when I cry about the lost friendships that I already have experienced. I know God has more amazing plans for me. I am HIS and I will never go back to that "OLD TINA!" that I found in most of my scrapbooks. She wasn't happy but she did do an amazing job at faking happiness! Thank you Jesus for saving a wretch like me... I can only imagine that day I can finally say thank you face to face, think I will be a huge ball of mush!

One more thing... Today God really just spoke words of peace into my life. He made me realize through an amazing email from Shawna. Even though, I might feel alone right now and isolated from the life I use to remember... God has His hand in my situation and He has it all planned out. I just need to relax and be thankful. Thank you Shawna.... you'll never understand what your friendship means to me!

Prayer Requests...

Please continue to pray for the families down in California, as the number of homes being demolished raises with each passing hour, please pray!!! As I watch the news today, I can't help but think... WOW, is this really happening? Please also stick a couple more prayers in there for my Dear City close to my heart, Santa Barbara... Please pray! I talked to a Stephen and he said that he is fine but some of his friends aren't that lucky. Please pray over those who have already lost their homes!

Then continue to also pray for Andy and his mission team. Pray peace over their minds because I have a feeling that some of the people down there in Mexico. Are also being effected by this fire in California, seeing that this church is based in LA. So pray peace and safety over their family back at home.

Lastly... Dear Maria. Pray for that amazing two year old! Thank you for praying.

Last Laugh for the Night!

My Dear Shawna just left my house and as I sit here looking at a the beginning of a very long process... I can't help but laugh. I think I brought work home with me. All around my house, are boxes labeled... "Adult Depends" "Cardinal Health" and last but totally awesome... "Viagra... Because you never know when you need a lift up!" hahahhah Totally awesome and makes me laugh!


PS... Thanks Shawna for that much needed adult time and the home made wine. Your amazing in my eyes!!! Love you!

Moving Humor thanks to Mylah!

Okay... Kids are the greatest things in the world! With everything that I am packing up, nothing could mean more to me... Than that little girl of mine! She cracks me up and teaches me everyday that even the nastiest task ~ aka packing a home up~ can be fun, if you think about it as a child! Now who is the teacher in this moment?

Now what even gets me more... is when she looks at me and says, "I'm ready mommy! I'm packed too!" WOW... I love her and she is a huge blessing in my life!

God sent her to me... To make my life worth something! Thank you Jesus!!!

Then something else I learned tonight... Do you know what the worst drink in the world is? It's a Large Heath Milkshake from Baskin Robins. In this nice drink, there is over 2100 calories... WoW! That's like eatting 11 heath bars in one sitting. Yikes!! Just random thought. lol

I am not one of those people that needs the finer things in life. Okay wait... retort that last comment... I really do enjoy the finer foods of life and wine, the older the better in my book! Which means more expensive! Everything else though...... electronics, cars, furniture, clothes.... I am cool with just the bare necessities! The most expensive thing in my house, isn't the TV or even my washer and dryer and even though I would love to say, I have some expensive and beautifully tasting wine. I don't (Christmas is coming, hint hint)

Anyways... the most expensive thing in my house, is my daughter's scrapbooks! Which is funny because Market value for them = $0.... those books don't have any value to anyone else but someone that cares for my daughter and me. However; if I was to total up all the money I spent on those stickers, the different types of paper and the extra bling blings used in those books... WoW ... I think I have easily spent a couple thousand dollars on that hobby of mine.

So when I grabbed boxes at work, I didn't grab that many! I actually thought I grabbed too many boxes but with only two closets packed and one more to go (being mine ), I find myself needing double the boxes I brought home. All the boxes are almost used up and I am starting to think, that my preception of what I have is way off! I have also learned... I hate packing!!!

Oh... I can't wait for this whole move to be over! As much as I don't like this packing process, I am learning that I love the feeling of a new start! The whole idea that I can start all over, in a new home, with more space... that is really exciting! Okay.... well, enough blogging... need to get packing some more!!!

Prayer Requests!

1) My dear Stephen is down in Santa Barbara and anyone that knows me... knows that my heart is in Santa Barbara, CA. That's the most magical place on earth for me! lol Anyways... with the fires and it being in a state of emergency now! Please be praying for firefighters working around the clock and the families who already lost homes there. So far, the number of homes blazed by the fire is over a 100! In '96, my family went through a house fire and lost everything... so I can totally understand the feeling of lost... However, God is in control and I have to believe He has a purpose for everything, even when it really sucks! SO PRAY!!!

2) Andy and his mission team... please pray that GOD sends a million angels to surround and love on them. I pray that with every tear they shed and with every hour of sweat they spend building the orphanage... God can use those moments a million times more than what we as humans can understand! God is amazing! I am just glad that God has given me the chance to know and see those miracles happening! That's amazes me everyday!!!

3) Little Maria... I pray for little girl everyday and know for a fact, God has an amazing plan for her in the future. So please continue to pray that God will provide the needed love a child her age needs and should have!!!

Patience Really?!?!? Did I pray for patience?

Sums up my day perfectly!!!

This morning I woke up to pray a little early. Okay not a little, let's say a good hour or so early! Not sure why, but this morning I woke up with the attitude to take on the world. So feeling really ambitious and really full of life; I decided it was time that God and me could work on some other character flaws of mine. Today I did the a huge NO-NO! I prayed for patience!

Now any mature Christian at this point is probably laughing their butts off now and really finding this kind of funny; however, starting to think there needs to be class in church that is called, "somethings you might want to think twice about, before asking God!" **HINT HINT PV **

So God, being amazing and "me" being totally real with God! I found myself at noon, asking God, "By any chance, could I retort my prayer request from this morning or put it maybe on back-order!" Today sucked at worked!!! SUCKED SUCKED SUCKED!!! By 930 a.m., I felt every butt muscle in the toochie screaming not so nice words at me because I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. ER was crazy. OR was out of control and then the outpatients... WOW... don't get me started! Then to add to the mix, I get brought into a little tiff with another co-worker (side note: I was right :), had some elderly person almost relieve themselves on me (thank goodness for my soccer skills) and finally, got yelled at by a doctor in some language that wasn't English. (Once again.... Doctors with God complexs'. Is this a taught class, "how to be an A$# 101") ALL IN ALL ~ today sucked!



I had no control over anything today. I couldn't help that our ER was going crazy busy. I couldn't help that every doctor that practises at Valley, decided today was the day to do surgeries! Then the doctor issue, he was mad at the patient. So that was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time! Wasn't that lucky for me! lol **WINK WINK **



Funny thing though, when I left work today... I did learn how to be a little more patient. At least a little more than yesterday! Yes, it did take a couple of prayers, a couple moments of talking under my breathe and yes, a every once in a while Chocolate snack from Big T and Jason. To make me realize, Life is too short to stress over things out of my hands! I can't wait to see what God has in store for tomorrow. lol Should be interesting.



**Pray for me and if you do... pray I keep my mouth shut, love like Jesus and realize... it's my Friday!! Yeah!!!



**Pray for Andy and his team. Then still be praying over little Maria and her future!



** Lastly, Pray over my hospital... there is so much going on with the company sell out, people being stressed over job security. Everyone has so many things getting thrown our ways, that we loose sight of the fact we are there for our patients. I love my co-workers and where I work! I just hope that I protray that everyday to them!!!

God's Going to Work with ME! WOW!

So lately, God has been sharing with me a lot of amazing things. Now He isn't just showing me, now He is putting His plan to work for my life!

Last night, got another place to stay. Was a little taken back by the offer but it's one that will help Mylah and me. Not just help us, but also teach me not to be so worldly... which was one of my prayer requests over the weekend. I have to let go of a lot of things and only bring the things that mean the world to me. So WOW... that I think, will be a hard thing for me to do! I mean I worked hard for a lot of these things and to sell them or give them away. This will bring some hardship to my earthly self but I think the out come will be amazing! Not only that, but God is telling me.. in the future, I won't be really having a lot of stuff with me because I will be traveling and living for Jesus!

Then I was just offered a new position... I am going to be the Northwest regions Operation Christmas Child year round Church Relations Volenteer! (say that three times fast!)

Are you serious?

This is going to open up so many doors and bring my awareness of serving others to whole another level. I am praying that God will send me the right people to teach me. I am just wow'd right now. Don't really know what to say and Thank you, just doesn't even come close to what I feel.

God is amazing!!!

Please pray like you always do... Then also still be praying for Andy and his team down in Mexico! Thank you guys!!!

Mylah's Story!!!

This weekend's end came faster then I really wanted it to come. I just layed monkey down for a nap and now have a couple moments to really reflect on this amazing weekend. I came to terms with the fact, our God is amazing! I am so blessed and sometimes, I find it hard to believe how blessed I really am. With everything going on in life and feeling a little out of control of my own life. I really find it hard sometimes, to just smile in comfort that God sees me trying to make it HIS day! Today God reminded me how much I mean to Him with a drama preformed by teenagers. I think it's funny how God uses some of the most amazing outlets to grab people and shake them up.

The drama brought me back to January 2005, just a couple days after my 24th birthday, I am sitting in a doctor's office getting the news that I may never have kids. At the young and partying age, may I remind you... I get the unsettling news that my dreams of being a mother, may never come true. It seemed that my female parts were turning against me like crazy and I was in the gyno's office almost every week for a good three months straight. My gyno and me were on first name bases and honestly, anyone that knows you better than you know yourself (**WINK WINK **).... that's someone to keep close!

Anyways... My boyfriend at the time, wasn't the best relationship for me and we were actually at a point where we had broken up for the 15th millionth time due to some stupid and crazy fight. Well, I went to him and asked anyways... "Hey, I don't know how to ask this... but you want have a kid?" We talked it out for about three hours and funny how that seemed to be enough time to discuss the next 18 years! Well, once the talking was done, we tried once. Turns out it's true what they say about mexicains... those guys have potent sperm of steel. Okay... maybe that was a little much. hahahaha

On Feb 14th 2005, my best friend Mara showed up at my house with a pregnancy test that she had laying around her house. Which just the fact that Mara had this pregnancy test just laying around, brought the funniest look on my face. Now after 30 seconds and a little lighter... the test came back postitive! I don't know why I was shocked or scared but the reality of what I decided in January was now not a thought, but actually a fact! So being the Gideon that I am.... **wink wink ** I went to Walgreens on Garland and purchased every pregnancy test they had. Then proceeded to pee away money like I have never done before ~ literally! Right there on the bathroom counter, was a EPT, Blue Clear Easy, Walgreens Special, Mara's hanging around the house prego test and every other test ever made; telling me, "Christina... you are going to be a mother!" I remember the fear and anxiety I felt... I planned this baby and I wanted it but I went right into BABY SHOCK or that is what all my therapists AKA "the girlfriends" called it!

So I didn't accept that I was pregnant and didn't tell a single soul except my close friends and family. The first ultrasound I got, I was 8 weeks along, give or take a couple days. Here I'm laying on this cold stretcher and remember this young-wet-behind-the-ears-ultrasound-STUDENT telling me, "There's your baby!" Now looking up at a black and white screen and thinking to myself but speaking out loud :( ... "Yeahhhhhhhhh...... I gonna need someone with some experience and maybe even a little gray haired because that just looks like your getting bad reception!" Katie, who became very dear to me, looked at me and said, "You knew you were pregnant, RIGHT?!?!" My response, "Well, that's what everyone keeps telling me?"

After that ultrasound... you would of thought, maybe I would of grasped the idea that I was pregnant... but I didn't! It wasn't till I was 10 weeks along and bleeding a little too much for my doctor's comfort level. So she sent me in for an emergency ultrasound and thats when I really grasped the whole idea of being pregnant. Well, as I was waiting and the fear of actually loosing this baby over took me... I sat in the waiting room bawling! Now picture this, at 10 weeks... you don't look pregnant, no one knows that your emotions are a little out of wack becuase of all the hormones you have going through your body.... NO! All they see, is this young lady, crying out of control, hogging the klennex box and disrupting their day time soap, showing on the television. I scared the people around me and at one moment, I remember hearing a little kid ask their parent, "Mommy, why is she crying?" Kids are amazing how real and true they are!

After a good hour of tests, I got the news everything was fine with my baby! My dear Mylah was going to be fine but now instead of being scared that I was going to be a mother. Now I was scared... how in the world am I..... ME... how was I going to raise this baby by myself! I was now a stastic and with every complaint that I hear about people having their taxes raised, somehow... I knew I was always going to be brought up by someone. Maybe not me personally but the idea that "YOUR" tax dollars are now going to be spent on another single mother's child, that killed me! I made my baby girl a stastic and I planned her! What did I do? That's all I could think about.

God though, stepped in at that moment! Not only did He step in and give me peace over the stares I got from the older generation because I was pregnant with no ring on my finger. He covered my ears, to the people pointing and whispering about me. He showed me so much love and kindness, that I honestly wasn't even able to say thank you fast enough. The thing that blow me even more out of the water, was how amazing and powerful our God is... The fact and this can't be changed and is solid proof of God's power and generousity to me. I didn't have to buy a single thing for my daughter! Nothing... I was so blessed by people's generosity. That Mylah was set up till she was two. I was blessed with actually too much stuff! I actually had stuff that I didn't even use or need but for some crazy thing... God proved to me, that I was more than just a stastic in his eyes... I was HIS! Can you imagine! At one point, I remember having to tell someone... "No but thank you though, God has already provided me with three cribs!"

Anyways... The whole reason for this blog... today in church, they did this drama to Kirk Franklin's "Lean on me!" song. That lyrics got me reflecting on what God has already done in my life! I was that girl in the story looking for a father... I was her and could relate so much! I HAD to lean on God! Even though I have some amazing girl friends and many more people in my life, but God was the one reason I made it through my first two years as a mother! Mylah is a gift from God and I know He is watching over us... Today God reminded me... Remember what I've already done in your life, your future is even brighter!!! Nothing is bigger than God. Thank you Jesus for watching over me and my family!!! Really don't think I would be here, if God didn't have His hand in my life! Thank you Jesus for my little Monkey, she is the apple of my eye and the best part of me!!!

WOW.. Aren't Fridays Suppose to be FUN?!?!?

"So Tina, do I call you that still or Sister Mary Clarence, or what?"

"It's going to take a million times of you reading that bible before, God will even see you!"

"So are you giving up sex and drinking?"

"Well, I don't throw too many sexual comments your way anymore. Seeing that your married to JESUS! Your just not fun anymore"

"What makes you better than me? Just cause you pray to God. Sorry to break it to you, your wasting you time!"

Doesn't sound too nice does it? That's just some of the stuff I've heard in the last three days from people that are supposedly my friends. Now I value my friends for being honest and straight to the point to me. BUT I am starting to think, that maybe we have jumped over that boundary line of friendship and crossed into a land of mean-ness. I can understand that being a Christian and believing in God, can be a little far out there if you watch the news and see the world through our earthly eyes! However, if you looked at the world through the way Jesus sees it and through what the Bible says to watch for. You'd notice that we are blessed and loved. There is a lot of good happening all around us. Then there is no way, I will ever think that I am better than anyone else. Hello, if I nailed up Jesus to that cross. Believe me, it would of taken more than just three nails to deal with all of my sins! So with all that being said....

Yesterday, I was given a first hand experience of what it feels like to live outside of our comforts. It was really a hard day and one that I spent mostly in prayer. Just trying to understand why and how "we" as humans have become so apathetic to the world around us.
First I get the news about a little girl, who was abandoned by her family because of a facial deformity (Cleft Palate) and the shame that she brought to the them. So here she was wondering the streets with a sign on her, like a Scarlett letter for the world to see she was an outcast, a reject. That little girl, was only two years old. It broke my heart and honestly, it was a little much for me to really bare. The idea that a child that young, has to experience rejections for something out of her own control. Just angers and saddens to my heart. As I sat with my little girl yesterday, playing house and ponies. I realized that my daughter doesn't know what it means to want or have needs. My child is very blessed and has many worldly things. I might be setting my daughter up, to be a worldly person who excepts the world and more. I really prayed yesterday, that God would guide me in making Mylah realize how blessed we really are and everything we have is because God blessed us and not because "we" think we deserve it.

However, even though I felt terrible about the little girl and her situation, God gave me peace. God has control over His children and exspecially the ones that too young to care for themselves and the elderly. So I know, God will see miracles happen out of this story and who knows...... maybe that little girl will change the hearts of millions with her story in the next few years. Which I pray will be the out come of this ugly start to life.

The thing that didn't bring me peace, was talking to my two of my friends about the situation. One of my friends, expressed that this was the norm and why would I even care. Maria (the two year old) wasn't my child! I didn't know what to say. This little girl is one of mine. I may not have the birthing scars for her but she is one of God's children. All the children of the world, are our responsibility as a whole. God commands of us to bring them up and teach them of God and His ways. So why in the world, is it okay for our generation to turn our head's and ignore the issue? I was so taken back by the apathy my friend showed but then, it wasn't a huge surprise.
When I turn on the news and see what "we" as society consider real issues. I realize that we are missing the boat all together.

Talking to my friend in Seattle, he shares with me about how there is typically one suicide a week on the bridge he lives under. This week alone, he said that there has been two people that have jumped and neither of them made it. As he was telling the story and sharing with me his concerns. His biggest issue was, "Man, two this week and it's only Weds... that's a little much!" As I listened and let him vent about his anger and dismay, I realized that it didn't bother him, that people were jumping... it bothered him, that there where so many jumping in one week! Trying to sort out the emotions of what I wanted to say and what needed to be said, I found myself praying to God. Why and How did we get like this? I asked "Seattle" (sorry don't think he wants me to share his name) why this isn't on the news and he's response was, "They don't want anymore copycats!"

Okay... now sometimes I am the slowest in the pact but really, I don't think we have an issue with copycats here. I think we are past that point and now, need to find away to do something about the problem. Not sharing the issue for everyone to acknowledge and come to terms with what is happening in thier back yards... to me, is Satan's hand covering the eyes of the people. Come on, there is so much happening around us and yesterday... God was really opening my eyes to the world we live in...

Man... starting to wish I knew what I prayed for months ago, when I asked for "His Eye's" Starting to think, that is a little much for anyone to really grasp! However, I wouldn't change this experience because God is changing me and helping me learn to love like He does! I just hope that as I continue onward... that God will send me strong people in Him to learn from. Thank you God for what you have already done and I thank you for what you will do! Please humble me more, to be a servant onto other's like Jesus was to the world! Thank you!!!

Prayer Requests...

1) That little girl (Maria), please pray for her! I know God has his hand in that situation but really no one is above prayer. Please keep her in mind and let God know, we do care for his children!

2) Andy and his team... please pray for them... they still have another 5 months and with the holidays coming up. Please pray that they all know without a doubt, that even though they are miles away from family and friends... they are still a huge part of our lives and prayer life!

3) That bridge in Seattle... pray for those people. When they get those ideas to end their life, I pray God will send a million angels to surround them!

Gideon Moment for Christina!

It's funny how sometimes, we take things in our lives and see them through our insecurities and not through God's Eyes. A title of a blog, a person's tone of voice and even sometimes, the looks that other's give us, Makes us question our own self-worth and gives us this feeling that there is something is wrong with us! I know that sounds crazy but if you really look at your life, everyone has those moments.

A couple days ago, I explored a profile of one amazing godly man. As I was looking over the pictures, the smiles and all the amazing miracles happening in the lives of others. I found myself wondering why wasn't I apart of this? Why? Yes, that's when God and me started the questions game all over again. Most of the times, I find myself asking and never really waiting for God to anwser, before I'm heading to the next question with God. Which you can imagine makes for a hard conversation with anyone.

As I let those ugly thoughts of worthlessness actually approach my mind and take hold of my every thought. I found myself, crying to God... why do You think I am worth all this stress? Which in turn, makes for an even harder moment to try to hear God's words. Today though, God slapped me back into reality. As I spent the night tossing and turning, I couldn't help but wonder... God what is it that your trying to say? Why all these tears? Why all the feelings of leadership but also, a mixture of weakness? I feel like Gideon; when he tested God with the wool, asked God Why me because I am the weakest of my tribe and Are you sure you really want to send me? . These where just a few of the questions that flowed out of my mouth in prayer.

Once again, God being such a patient and loving father, anwsered my questions this morning with a sweet but convicting email from a friend. As I read through the words of a God's messenger to me, I read what God has been saying to me for days! "Stop Christina, your being silly and I have plans for you!! I don't give you those feelings of worthlessness! You do that to yourself, with the help of Satan!!!"

With each word, I cried and couldn't help by thank God for being so amazing and patient with me! God is doing amazing things around me and reminding mr everyday that we are His! He wants us all to be in His presents 24/7 and those thoughts that we let capture our minds and control our emotions... those are NOT from Him. Those are thoughts from Satan, who trys to grab our time with God! I've learned a lot today and will be spending the day in prayer! Thank you God, for looking over my faults and loving me through the **TINA MOMENTS**

Prayer Request and one Praise Report!

1) Mary, after doing the ultrasound and biopsy, those lumps were nothing but a build up of fluid. When Mary told me, I have to admit... I hug that girl so tight that she actually had to tell me to let go! oops

2) Please Pray for Andy and his team... God is doing amazing things and with every prayer that we send, we protect them all.... one more prayer at a time! So PRAY!

3) Pray for me... Life is a little crazy with the move, work and school. Then with my walk with God, please pray that God will never let me go!!!! I don't ever want to go back to that pre-Jax woman! God is changing me... one tear at a time, lol! Thank you God!

Christina VS the "Pig" Doctor!

I met a doctor that kind of rubbed me wrong and not just a little but a whole lot of rubbing wrong!!!

Okay, so I did this code patient a couple weeks back with this doctor. In the code, he said some very condescending comments about nurses and how lazy we have become, depending on machines to do our job! Oh it took everything in me, not to blow up on him; however, the rolling of my eyes where a little hard for him to miss. OOPS! I think he got my point of being annoyed by up-tight doctors with God complexes!

Then just a week ago, I was in the cafeteria at Scared Heart having lunch with another doctor that I am friends with. I don't remember exactly what brought this meeting about, but somehow... "Dear Doctor that I rolled my eyes at", felt the need to come up to my table and know my doctor friend. Oh I was annoyed and irritated that I was spending my free moments with this PIG! Then when he joined our table, oh gosh... I had to start praying that I wouldn't say something to this man that could get me in trouble!

So there I am praying and smiling like I am listening to him; when the conversation switched to relationships. Then somewhere in the talk of good ones and bad relationships, we started to talk about what we were all looking for in the other half. I'm not really an active participant in the converstation at this point, more of just a listener and a head nodder. When the "PIG" discusses the woman's ROLE! Oh my GOSH! It took everything inside me, not to dump my tray of hospital food all over him. As he shares how a woman should know her way around any kitchen, always wear make-up and lord forbid, if she ever wear sweats! With every Bi-law that he was requiring for his future wife followed out of his mouth, my anger for this man grow out of control!

When my anger got to the point where I could see me screaming at this man, in front of the whole cafeteria and making a fool of myself. I stopped him and said something along the lines of.........."I wish you the best in finding your StepFord Wife, but I hate to remind you. When God made us women from the man's body. We were taken from your rib bone. NOT from man's toe and NOT from your neck. NO...we were taken from the middle of your body, which in turn would make us equal to you. We are to stand next to you men and help lift you up, as you would help lift us and support us! You being a doctor, I sure would hope this wouldn't be too hard for you to understand. If a woman was suppose to be trampled on by a guy like you, we would of been taken from the toe!" Then I walked away totally shocked at what I had said but feeling amazing. Since I felt like I conquered a "Pigish" Man with my "woman power" speech!
Later, I ran into my friend and we had a laugh because he wasn't sure if he should of laughed or reprimanded me, either way... it was a moment in his day, that he was for sure sharing in surgery! lol Go figure!!! ** TINA MOMENTS **

ANYWAYS... this is where the story gets even more interesting!

So I was at Valley working and I ran into the "PIG" in the elevator! Totally shocked to see him and a little embarressed... I got on and tried not to look him in the eyes! Then I felt the need to apoligize and I did. At that moment, he said that he was wrong and that he loved my personality and spunk! Really... Who uses Spunk!!!! Well anyways, Valley not being big at all with only three floors... he got off the elevator on two and stopped the door from closing and asked me out on a date. A little shocked and surprised, I laughed and told him that I would have to think about it because I wasn't a girl made to be belittled by anyone and I don't care how much they make!

However, if I was to look back at my childhood dreams of what my prince charming looked like... I have to say, he did look a lot like this PIG, lol but man, his attitude was way better in my head!!! Sometimes, it makes me laugh how guys think girls will just fall over backwards for them. I am not one of those girls at all. I did learn one thing though from this ordeal.... Christina still has HER Sexy!!! Glad to see that I didn't loose that.

All I Can Say Is Thank YOU!!

As I walked into church today, expecting an amazing sermon and awesome worship time, I came to realize that I am very blessed. Typically I am one of those few people that comes to church with tunnel vision. My whole goal is to make it to Mylah's class and to my seat, before someone stops me and does the awkward Hellos'! Now I know that as a Christian, we are suppose to be these pillars of up lifting words to each other and creatures of fellowship but I am not one of those people that does that.

I actually feel those moments are very weird and staged. They are not meaningful to me, which makes me sound terrible but that's me. The thing that even makes this more interesting, I am a social butterfly outside of church. I am one of those people that can strike up a conversation in a public bathroom washing my hands with a stranger or even checking out at the gorcery store. I'm not shy at all! At work, I typically have to be threaten with a write up before I come to realize, "Christina this is not the time to talk!" SO why is it... that a place, where everyone is there to worship and love on each other. I can't! Today, I found myself checking the clock at 10:05 wondering... "Okay, we should be starting?!?!?" This is why I come late to church, so I can miss all this awkward feelings!

It's almost like there is this fear of opening up to these people (Christians). It's like I know they care but something inside me, just doesn't want one of them to check me on my faults or areas of concern. See all of the friends I have close to my life, thier amazing and they think wonders of me. However, not one of them is Christian. I can honestly say, I don't have one Christian friend. The one I did have, I was told by God to let go of because God needed them more and I was a henderenace to them right now. So with the rest of my friends, they think I am amazing, and nothing is wrong with me. Except they all believe that I am a little weird for loving God or believing in Him but none of them really step on my toes and they all still love me. So too them, they don't really know how to give me advice for my life and I can't really turn to them because they don't pray for those words to tell me. Which is dangerous, if you think about it! So I am blessed that God sent me this out going and fun loving church!

See today at church, my mission to be unnoticed, blow up in my face! Just walking up the stairs at church, people are there to greet me and notice me. Then walking down the stairs to Mylah's class, I walk around that corner to the fellowship room and there stands dear Jane. Who I've become acquainted with through the phone calls to the church. There she is, with the biggest smile on her face. She was excited to see me and she waved her hand like stranded man on an island signaling for help. I felt amazing and couldn't help it, but smiled in appreciation! Then just trying to by pass without stopping... Ronnie and everyone else, stops me. Loves on my daughter and me and really show me Jesus. I am blessed and thankful that God sent me amazing people and I feel even more amazing that I feel at home finally!

Anyways... one more thing with today little lesson. Something Pastor Vaughn said today really got me thinking and still stands out.

Then Jesus said to him, "Go away, Satan! Because it is written, 'You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.'" Matthew 4.10

After Pastor Vaughn tells us this, he stops and says... Jesus tells Satan to go away with scripture! Now I've read a couple of the books now in the bible, still not a 100% on everything that I've read or can honestly say I've grasped everything, but I have read a couple times in the bible. Where Jesus did preach or recited the words from the Bible. The idea that He did this, that didn't hit me till today. I don't know if that hit you like it did me, but that just talked wonders to me and brought me back to a couple months ago. Where I heard very solidly, "Christina, your no longer that "new" Christian. That is no longer an excuse, it's now become procrastination. It's time to mature and became someone that I can use in this army of mine!" As I sat there in the pew, totally focused on those words on the screen... I started to pray thank you. If Jesus needed to study and use these amazing words from the bible during His walk here on earth. Lord knows that I need them more because I don't come even close to what Jesus is, was or will be! This verse brought more meaning to why I get up early in the morning to read and pray. It gave me more reasons to be thankful!

Prayer Requests...

1) My friend Mary just found a lump in her breast and like any normal human being... she is freaked. So please pray peace, joy and most of... send her amazing people to love on her! I love that girl and can't imagine my job without her there! So please pray for her!!!

2) Andy and his amazing mission with the kids down in Mexico. He's changing so many people's lives and doing amazing things! Pray for him and his team down there, as these weeks become a month... I know some must fight homesickness and really missing thier families and loved ones. SO please pray for them too!

3) Mel and everyone else at my church... I pray that as I grow more in the word and become more confortible with my new church family, I pray that we can all grow into an amazing church family that holds each other up with loving hands and words of comfort! Thank you Jesus for this family and making me a part of it.