Serving Him

I woke up this morning from a crazy dream and smiled at the appreciation for where I am. Life, in all it's circumstances, is never perfect. But I live my life knowing and trusting that God is in control and knows what I need. I may not have everything I have ever wanted (I don't think Target will fit in my backyard) but I have everything I need. My belly has never known true hunger, and my heart has never lacked love. I am so grateful to work at a church that supports my family lifestyle. As I write this morning, Kylie is playing with her toy next to me.

Being a youth pastor isn't quite what I imagined, but God is showing me more and more how he created me to be here for this moment. I may not know how to write a budget and get intimidated asking people for help. But I do know that I love working with teenagers! Yesterday, I got to take some of our teens (and a few parents) to a large tent in Pinellas County. It was a place for families to come and get Thanksgiving food baskets. However, this ministry did not just meet their need for food, but also their need for love from others and from God. The teens were immediately split up into different areas - registration, kid's play area, and helping families navigate throughout the tent. I was able to be a shopper and help them pick out their food of choice! It was such a wonderful experience to meet and talk with these families. I heard about their kids and their situations, and we were able to offer them hope though these hard times. Some of the teens were able to watch the families meet pastors and be prayed for. One of them was so excited to watch someone accept Christ for the first time!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to give thanks in all circumstances. No matter how hard things seem to get, we give thanks for we know our God still reigns. He is bigger than hunger, disease, loneliness, and anything you might be facing.

I look forward to following up with the teens and talking about their experiences yesterday afternoon! Thank you God for knowing me better than I know myself and for calling me to something greater than myself!

Priceless!

Last night after a long day, we were all sitting at the dinner table talking. Tre was able to get Kylie to giggle so much we got it on camera! Sorry about the shaking, I was laughing myself.

Too good not to share

Last night Jennifer, Kylie, and I went to watch Clearwater High School Varsity girls play soccer. We took this picture and Kylie's eyes were too awesome not to share with the world! I hate blinking in pictures, so I tend to open my eyes really wide instead. I guess Ky takes after her mom. :)

Hope you are all doing well and seeing God working all around you! I have been blessed to see Him move in so many people this week!!

What a Trooper!

This past weekend, I took Kylie to TNT (Top Nazarene Talent) a competition for teenagers in the Nazarene church. It is something that I competed in as a teen and always loved it! We had a great time together, but Kylie sure made some memorable moments. During the opening ceremonies while Pastor Ronda was praying, Kylie decided to join in. While everyone else was quiet, she talked. One of the teen girls was holding her, so I tried to put my finger in her mouth to quiet her down. All that did was cause the two of us to laugh even harder. While we were eating lunch on Saturday, Kylie took it upon herself to spit up all over Tre. He cleaned up his lap, but to his surprise he had missed a huge spot on the side of his leg. When he stood up to pay, all the teens started laughing (which only drew more attention). Before I knew it, he was showing everyone in the restaurant the white residue that remained on his pants.

Kylie was such a trooper going from event to event. Even though she had a screaming fit in the van, she was great the rest of the trip. She slept well and enjoyed the love from all of the teens. They each take their turn and were always very helpful. I couldn't have done it without them!

Busy Busy

We survived the month of October with our many visitors and busy schedules. It was GREAT to have people we know and love come visit us and see our new lives in FL. Thank you to all of you who were able to come this month!



This past weekend, Tre went to AL with the men in his family to watch a NASCAR race. They had a great time relaxing and hanging out with each other as they watched cars turn left for three hours! Evidently, it was wonderful! Not wanting to spend four days alone, I invited the girls over for some quality time. It was a great weekend of games, eating, and good conversation. My house has never seen so much dessert and I am still looking for volunteers to finish eating it :)

Kylie is officially four months old and growing every day!! She is still small and petite for her age. She can still fit in several of her newborn onsies, but at least we are getting our moneys worth. She is sleeping through the night, which is a beautiful thing. Keeping her awake until bedtime can still be a challenge, but she is such a trooper. She has started "talking" more. She moves her mouth to make different sounds and it is absolutely precious. I love this little girl so much and am so thankful that she is a part of my life!