31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I'm continually amazed when I read God's word and all of His promises to us, when I hear His voice, when I feel His presence. In addition to this, I'm also amazed at how selfish we are as humans...especially humans who have a promise from an almighty God that He will never forsake us and that we will never be separated from the love of our God because of Christ Jesus.

God reveals Himself so strongly to me... I learned a lot about why and how this works for me when I had the opportunity to attend The Greenroom Conference at Seacoast. As an artist, a worshipper, and a leader, God has created me to see Him in the beauty of His Earth, in paint, in music, my own voice, the eyes of children, and my list could go on forever. These are the things that my God has created my soul to be filled with and to worship Him with.

It is because of these things that I am also taken back when I realize the items in my life that are not pleasing to Him and do not glorify Him. How can such beautiful things that God has provided for me honestly fit in the same heart as sin? And when we become aware of the mess in our lives, we can clean it up. Lately, God has revealed to me how we can so easily fall into the trap of "being okay" with our mistakes by finding others who will wallow in our messiness with us. It's much easier to give up when you avoid those who will call you out on your junk. I'm guilty of it to the nth degree and I see it all the time in my friends and in my students and it breaks my heart, because I've been there and it isn't what God wants for us. I'm empowered by His promise that He will forever be with me and always provide for me...and I know that it in no way means life will be easy. But that's why there's the rest of the Bible....to guide us through the tough spots. His word encourages us to lift each other up, hold each other accountable, and carry each others burden's.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2

Think of ways to encourage one another to outburst of love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

I wonder how Michael would feel...

I've just experienced the new version of "We Are the World" by Michael Jackson featuring everyone ever. So now it is "We Are the World 25" by Michael Jackson featuring the not so greatest artists ever. However, to no ones surprise I'm totally obsessed with this new recording. Please enjoy : )

I have to admit, as soon as as Michael started singing and they superimposed Janet next to him, a few small tears made their way down my cheek (partly because I'm a Michael Jackson fan and partly because it was so ridiculous). Props to Justin Bieber (who I only just discovered last week and am totally in love with along with every other 14 year old girl in the US) for successfully singing Lionel Richie's part. Wyclef Jean's tribal wailing was interesting as well but totally okay because he is the most deserving of a spot in this line-up. Josh Groban sounded like an angel as usual. Overall, we really could have done without the random outburst of "I'm On a Boat"-esque rapping, T-Pains 5 minute auto-tuneage, and Miley Cyrus. And I would have really liked seeing more than 1 Jonas in the choir as well as atleast know who Bizzy Bone and Nipsey Hussle are. Lil' Wayne must have invited them.

What I love about Snow in Charleston

1. My pessimistic attitude about how it will NOT snow in Charleston...no way.

2. Charleston residents immediately panic upon hearing the very word "snow" and lose all ability to drive. I can't even imagine what actually driving in it with them would be like.

3. Snow = stocking up on bread and milk. What are you really going to do with bread and milk?


4. As if car vandalism via malicious run-away buggies in the Wal-Mart parking lot isn't bad enough on a normal day, shoppers find that the snow makes that extra 4 feet to the buggy drop an impossible journey . This results in multiple gangs of buggies throughout the parking lot just waiting to peg the back of cars.

5. Perfect weather to sit on the back porch aka Elise and Kelsi are actually dirty hippies.

*Note- the recycling all over the porch, the bike, Elise's pipe, random indie music playing the

background

6. The realization that I'm still scared when the power goes out.

7. Taking Flat Stanley to build a miniature Snow-being (he has no appendages or mouth/eyes/nose/etc.)

8. Snow Cream (the product of snow plus sweetened condensed milk aka one of the best treats ever)

The only thing this snow was missing was hills because sledding on flat land just doesn't work.

Name that John Mayer song!

I had a life long dream fufilled the other night. I give that credit to my dear friend Shelley Grosso who bought me John Mayer tickets for my Birthday and Christmas. So, for other John Mayer fans out there, you may enjoy the challenge of figuring out what picture is of what song he's playing!
Flames?

Birds?

Lady killer?

Daily Snippets

Snippets [ snip - its ]
- noun
1. a small piece snipped off; a small bit, scrap, or fragment
2. moments that make up my interesting, entertaining, blessed, and precious life

I feel that an explanation for Snippets is due, which therefore requires a story. I was wandering around the grocery store in Wilmington with my sister (as we do because we haven't quite mastered working in order of the items on our list) when we came to the dairy aisle. We needed whipping cream which I found much entertainment out of the "wh" in the whipping (ooo-whhhhipping cream!!). Shea finds enjoyment in my random thoughts (and humor which basically means that she's equally as odd minded as me because she understands it) and feels as if I need an outlet to share not only my thoughts, but my encounters, catastrophes, and entertaining moments.