This year has already turned out differently than I had originally planned, but isn’t that how life always works? It isn’t bad though, in fact it’s really good. And once again I give all credit to the Lord, because He obviously knows how to keep my life in order a lot better than I do.  Marquette is my hometown again, my heart breaks for this community, I love the people here. Same job, new restaurant, but I’m continually looking for something else. There are possibilities of being a nanny, being a secretary, being a home health aide, hey even a flight attendant has crossed the list (just kidding) but for now being a waitress is fine. In saying that, I love where God has put me. He always knows exactly where we belong, or rather who we belong with. The people He places in our lives is so important, and our relationship with Him even more. Trusting Him has been a lesson learned, and loved. It’s the sweetest thing  to know He’s got everything under control.

After two years, dance is in my life again.  I couldn’t be happier. It all started with a phone call from my church, and after that I knew God had given me the go to start-up my passion once again, this time for worship, not competition. So, writing dance for an Easter service has been added to the list of things to accomplish.  Writing music has stopped however, well it hasn’t happened in months. I can’t say why, I certainly would love to, but I think its a waiting period. Which is alright, patience is a virtue…at least thats what they say. With patience, I’m not planning anymore. I hate planning, it never works! Actually thats a lie. I love planning, I need to plan, but since it never works, I’m leaving the planning to the One who knows. So I do have plans, but they are open ended and flexible to whatever door the Lord has opened. And I think thats probably the best plan of all.

The mocha is gone, and my time has run out for updates this morning, but I think thats all for now.

Peace…

Its a beautiful time of year.  

Took the dog out for a run, and sadly my camera died, so thank goodness for camera phones.  

I would give a whole update on life, but I’m short on time today. But all that is needed to be said is that all is well.

Stay warm…

Yes, I’m aware its no longer…but I hope you had a lovely one.  It was a special time with family, celebrating our Saviors birth.

I feel the urge to post pictures…but its late, and my tea is starting to get cold. That means its time for bed…

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.

Once again I’ve let this sorry state of a blog go for so long I feel like I need to get on my hands and knees and start pulling up all the rocks and weeds. I’ve been moving, growing, running, and now I’m waiting. There has been so much happening in the past couple months, but guess what? I don’t even dare to share half of it with you. Its important, but too much to get into. Positive notes. Okay, lets start there.  For  7 weeks, we (meaning the Tribe of Judah) had been on the road. It was amazing…truly.  We teamed up with a few ministries such as The Clark Family, U-Turn, and Men As Trees Walking to put on events called the Harvest Gathering. Weekends of free  music, food and fellowship for the community, all to show the Love of Christ, and to give hope to the hopeless. Along with connecting up with great people all over Indiana, the Carolina’s, Tennessee, Florida, Texas and Lousiana, (forgive me for forgetting any…) we were able to serve one another and the communities we were in, and the Lord provided every single need, every step of the way. http://www.youtube.com/tribeofjudahmusic Here you go…click on that link and watch some of our videos. I bet you’ll enjoy at least one or two of em

I played my gypsy part well…it runs in my blood, and I’m not one bit ashamed. Feels good to be home, but I know I will be itching to get back on the road very soon. For now its time for family and close friends, time to rest and time to be rejuvenated. My heart is heavy over a number of things, prayer is always appreciated. I feel like a whole new wave of things will be happening soon, but for now the Lord is teaching me to just trust in Him and sit at His feet. There is no better place to be…He is my first love, and I’m returning to him daily.

So there you go…semi short and sweet. Rather vague I know…but it will have to do for now.

Sweet dreams.

Clyde likes dressers and cabinets, so there are baby locks in the kitchen…but not on the dressers!

Sheba…very much a momma’s girl, but I think she is warming up to me. Or maybe its cause I bring the food??

Smokey is a little blind, but still loves hugs and kisses…and treats…lots of them.

Truly Scrumptious is her name, and she is truly scrumptious!

Yes, they lay green eggs. How cool is that? I must confess again…I <3 chickens.

The Smokies

Yes, it is gorgeous.  The mountains, the fields, the woods, the winding roads, the people…I am in love with TN.

David, Joe, Dalton, Seth and I

The wedding was wonderful…short and sweet, elegant yet simple.

Church in Jones-borough

Reception Hall

With the newlyweds

But let me back up just a little bit…it wasn’t all fun and games. OH wait, it still was! We got to chicago the night before we were supposed to arrive in TN and our car decided to break down. No….Chicago and breakdown do not go well together in the same sentence.  Thankfully it was actually Wheaton IL, so it was the ritzy suburb (I want a house there now). Buuuuut, we were sort of stuck. We slept on all the possibilities we had, and decided maybe renting a car would work…but to make a long story short…God totally had control over everything! We hooked up with Seth’s friend mike, visited with him for the night, and he let us take his car for the rest of the trip (Thanks again new friend!) and we were off once again. We towed Daltons car back to the U.P. thanks to Keith for coming down and meeting us!

So thats the adventure in a nut shell, God blessed us abundantly! Made new friendships, saw stunning beauty, played music, and loved every bit of it.

Can’t wait till we’re off again.

Tomorrow is the 19th year of my life, short I know. There has been much growing, much pulling, many tears, lots of laughter, and lots of love. My God has been faithful, and everyday I see his new mercies and how he never lets his children fall.  I feel like I”m pretending most days, like I should be 5 again…but that is not the case. However, I’ve realized there is still so much I don’t know, still so much more growing to do, so much more life to experience.

I have given much away, taken much, broken hearts and mended them, loved and forgiven, walked and crawled. I thank the Lord for having so much patience with me!

Never settle. That has been the theme of my year…so dear friends don’t ever settle for anything less than what you know God has for you! Even if you don’t know…dream. Big and bigger.

What is new?  This summer has been wonderful. Many travels have taken place, new relationships made and old ones made stronger. Work has increased and includes waiting tables along with hosting. I love my early morning customers, the peaceful ones…they sit with their newspapers and sip their coffee, talk about the lovely day, and leave with intentions of returning once again. And the travelers, we have alot in common.

The gypsy roll is still being played, for yet another trip to Tennessee is taking place next weekend, and pictures will be posted this time around.  Speaking of Gypsy, I’ve learned some Hungarian and have seen pictures of my families country…quite tempting I must say!

Anyway, its been a long day, time to unwind.

Tonight the phone is turned off, the coffee is being made, and the music is being played. Empty house and sleeping puppies…ahhh splendid.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorites…

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13