Muddy Buddy 2007

I think the pictures tell it all...

That's right. The most wonderful man proposed--and I said YES!

Birthday Happiness!

Last week I crossed over to 28 and it was a fabulous transition! It all started... like many days... at 12am!  But at this 12 am, I was happily enjoying the moments with my "Hot Chick" friend Anna, wonderful roomie Allana, my cute boyfriend Thai and looooovely East Coast sister Belinda Ball--that's right she flew in for the holiday fun in California!!

Thai did a crazy fun job throwing me a big birthday bash, and a bunch of peeps came around for some fun loving time. Even Ron Pulliam flew in! Okay okay... he was here on business, but the trip itinerary made way for him to party with us--and shoot some fun video...

Which I have tried to link below--you'll love it. It's about 8 and a half minutes long, you don't have to watch it all, but it comicly starts with Allana, followed by my friend Marla all the way in the back of the room and ends with a really funny story from Thai at the 4:20 minute mark. Let it load first and then listen to the gorgeous Allana and at least watch the totally cute, adorable, funny Thai halfway through. 

http://www.youtube.com/v/V4OIW4cTHDg

MY BIRTHDAY IS IN 20 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!

Did you see the sunset last night? It was beautiful! I was walking around a pond with ducks quacking and very fit elderly making their laps. It was peaceful in and of itself, but with the sky of fire and the sun yellow and bold fighting to keep above the horizon, till the last shade of purple turned to blue and then turned to gray, I was happy. Even with my imperfect life.

My sprint into the fall semester with my college students at Evergreen Valley College, took a weird flop in the first couple steps. As a leader I felt like a runner, all prepped and ready to win, but I rolled my ankle on a rock unnoticed on the track. I barely cleared the start line and this??? I am still running but, a little slower, unsure and cautious, and have no idea why I didn’t see the rock on the track or how much longer my ankle will be sore from the sprain. Weird.

Walking around dwelling on God’s love and the sky was still painted, I realized—again, that Jesus intentionally died for me. What was really cool though, is that He didn’t just kind of do it—He DID it big. Seriously… He cleared our slates on this planet in such a manner that even 2000+ years later—you and I would know about it. How Cool Is That!? Not only did Christ die, but God maneuvered our hearts today, so that our eyes wouldn’t overlook His gift and love. Dang yo…

After that, I didn’t notice my ankle was sprained. LOL He makes me wanna run faster! PEOPLE!! EVERGREEN!!! He did it! :o) I know I can be cheesy sometimes but my heart was overwhelmed.

On another note—things are going really well! I love this season. My sister Via is home, Allana and I are still loving roomie life—seriously though, I am amazed we are still best friends. People warned us about the potential loss of our friendship if we moved in together, but we really love living together! I am so enjoying time with my gorgeous boyfriend Thai. We literally live 10 minutes away from each other and there is a reason it took a mission trip to South America to meet—we live in completely different worlds. As busy leaders, our lives are focused on the same King and even the same generation but different pockets of our city. It’s fun jumping into each others worlds.

And Jesus loves me…. Really what more does a girl need besides that!?

Currently Listening Nothing Left to Lose Where Do We Go From Here? see related

I loved this dinner and the joy this picture brings me, so I am gonna share!

 In Argentina, Allana and I met a plethora of incredible people. Our team was made up of 130 internationals from the age of 8 to 76 years old!

One participant has surprisingly become a major blessing to my life--as my wonderful Beau! We are taking it slow, don't freak out. We just met in Argentina, but God's hand of grace and peace has drenched us with joy as we seek His will for our future. It is fun and healing as both of us are learning, together, the risk to trust again... a beautiful adventure.

This isn't the picture I intended to share but as I was writing I couldn't resist adding us in. Lord, thank you for making such an incredible friendship!

Anyway, last weekend there was a mini reunion of the Bay Area team members to share our memories of South America and eat some yummy food! Here's the shot I couldn't keep to myself. We missed Linh, Ben, Blake and Roman, so if you know them, just insert their happy faces.

Going around the left is our beloved Allana Miner (Jesus, thank you for an amazing best friend!)... Kim, a stellar nurse with the heart of God, serving at the Stanford Medical Center...  ME! blessed by the Cross and Jesus' love in my soul.... my gorgeous and Godly boyfriend, Thai whom I could write about forever.... and last but not least Jason, who just moved back to the East Coast this morning--to obediently/passionately pursue the high calling and blessing God designed for his future.

I love these guys, and how the Lord distinctly knit our friendships together .

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.."
1 John 4:18a