spiritual gifts

...if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. ~ Romans 12:8

After taking an assessment last night with my small group I found out that my spiritual gift is the gift of mercy. 

Mercy- The special God-given ability to
feel genuine empathy and compassion for
individuals who suffer distressing physical, mental or
emotional problems, and to translate that
compassion into cheerfully-done deeds
which reflect Christ’s love.

I was both excited, and content with this discovery. I love my spiritual gift! I feel most used by God when I can help ease pain or confusion for someone. Through the years I have been faced with challenges that I know now were incredibly vital to my own personal growth, and my growing relationship with God. In the darkest of days, I felt the world was too big and I was just too small and that it was never going to get better. Boy, was I wrong! I am thankful for the heart break, the turmoil, the tears, and most of all the times where I felt alone...had I not been faced with these trials I would not be who I am today. I wouldn't be where I am, and more importantly I wouldn't have seen the brightest light or felt the deepest love a person can feel. His love.

I still struggle with decisions, and I still feel heart break in certain situations, but I know I handle myself differently. I'm not perfect, nor do I try to be. I am who I am. I have boundaries, and limits that I didn't have before and that is all thanks to these lessons learned. I can listen easier, love better, speak softer (in most cases) and just breathe freer. 

My gift of mercy will not be wasted. I want to find the best place to apply this gift, and minister it to those who need it...I encourage you to find yours and give it often!...for in the end, we serve only an audience of one!

A special thank you to Mrs. Pageau for her kindness, encouragement, and wealth of knowledge! Our small group was lucky to have you!  

Commitment Weekend

Well, it's official Kate is off the market! Congrats to Kate & Tim on their engagement this past weekend!!! The bride to be was glowing, and Tim did a fantastic job, planning and asking!!!

Another commitment took place on Sunday in Lake Michigan just near North Ave. beach! My dear friend Rachel was baptized and we couldn't he happier for her and the experience! A beautiful thing, and God is good! Congrats Rach!!! I'm so glad we were all there to help share that moment with you!

impatiently waiting

I know, I know...you're all tired of seeing my countdowns, but I can't help it! I'm so excited for Maui...and in 9 short days I'll be laying a beach that looks a lot like this! 

Looks pretty rough, doesn't it?!

Home sweet Grand Rapids!

August 16th is moving day! We have an apartment all picked out and Jason and I couldn't be happier! Leaving Chicago is truly bittersweet. We love the city and everything that it has to offer (minus CTA) and we'll miss our community of friends of course....but this is the first of many steps for us to start our life together! You know how I love countdowns...so 35 days!!! 

We'll be having a housewarming for sure:) Stay tuned! 

Stone Falls of Ada (Just a lil'sneak peak)

girls, girls, girls

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.- Marcel Proust

This past weekend was a happy one! I was able to spend time with so many of my most favorite girls! Cindy was in town from Atlanta, so I stopped by the Buell's house for some chow and time with her, and the  rest of our crew (and their guys!) Saturday morning I got back in the car and headed to Detroit! Amanda, Kate, and I headed to the movies for some Eclipse action (oh Rob Pat, how I love thee!) We met Rachel for lunch at our old time favorite Bar Louie, and headed to the mall for some shop therapy! We did make it to the MIXX where I lost my phone a year ago and no, it wasn't there, shocker! The rest of the night was filled with dancing, and lots of laughing! 

I love you all so much, and I realize just how blessed I am to have kept in touch with all of you throughout the years! Each and everyone one of you is so important to me, and love you more than words can say! Here's to the past, the present, and the many more fun things to come!!!

mushy

I'm in the mood to be mushy! Well, when am I not mushy? 

This post is a shout out to my fiance! Jason, you're a blessing and a dream come true. You are beautiful, amazing, and you take such good care of me. I can't wait to marry you!

You, are my heart!

Wedding Season 2010

Well, we've got 3 weddings under our belt now! We recently had a double wedding weekend, and what a great time we had! Our friends Brett & Brielle were married on a Friday evening in Grand Rapids, MI. She looked gorgeous, he was a dancing fool, and we all had a great time! On Saturday I had a bit of a Mattawan Reunion at Dustin & Sara's wedding in Kalamazoo, MI. It was a beautiful wedding, and they are so adorable together! I'm so happy for both couples and pray that they have amazing marriages! We've got 3 more this year in addition to our own, so it's not done yet!