Friday, January 2, 2015

That's Life!


That's life...That's what all the people say
You're riding high in April, shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune
When I'm back on top, back on top in June
I said that's life...And as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks stomping on a dream
But I don't let it, let it get me down
'Cause this fine old world, it keeps spinnin' around
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king…

I've been up and down and over and out and I know one thing...
Each time I find myself flat on my face, I pick myself up and get back in the race

That's life...I tell you, I can't deny it
I thought of quitting, baby but my heart just ain't gonna buy it
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly...

Who knew that this little song and dance sung by old blue eyes would minister to and bless me for the season I was in my life?  Don't ever say that God can't or won't use something unspiritual to minister to people…the very fact that He is in it, and you are touched, makes it spiritual.  He is God, afterall, and will use whoever and whatever He sees fit to reach and meet you where you are…and I'm so glad He did.














Read more: Frank Sinatra - That's Life Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

Thursday, January 1, 2015

2014 -- Now THAT'S Something to Be Thankful For!!!

It's funny how we can get so caught up in our day-to-day, that it's easy to not "see" how incredible a span of time has been to you!  Such was my realization today in deleting photos from my phone from 2014--I was deleting all of my pix from my phone that have already been transferred to my laptop and had the realization I didn't just have a good year…i have had one of the BEST years of my life! Yes, there were some very painful losses--losing my Mema--grandma, piano teacher, first-grade teacher, mentor and friend was extremely hard.  Have there been battles?  ABsolutely.  But as I look back at the year as a whole, it is so clear to see that 2014 was an incredible year, so I'm sharing in my victories with my head lifted high and my face towards more of His goodness for 2015!


2014 Victories and Events

*Began new role as Project Coordinator for the Southwest District of the Foursquare Church (I have the best boss and work with one of the greatest teams destined for greatness!)

*Moved to and finally settled in Orange County

*Directed and Produced first NEXT Conference (http://www.thenextcon.com)

*Traveled to Illinois to direct, produce (& train) combined Jr. & Sr. High Summer Camp services.

*Produced my FIRST Foursquare Southwest District Fall Conference in October.

*Wrote, directed and produced "Hooray for Hollywood," a musical number in tribute to our denomination's founder, Sister Aimee Semple McPherson.



*Co-ministered with my baby sis, her hubby and friend, Cheyne, at Camp Hickory, in Illinois. This week was incredible AND I got to be with my schnookums for a week+.  A staple in my 2014.

*Honored to be a bridesmaid in one my girlfriend, Andrea and Gene's wedding in March.
               
*Honored to sing in one of my girlfriend, Gaede (Katrina) and Dave's wedding in Santa Barbara in May.
             
*Began serving in ministry as Worship Leader at The Rock, Lake Elsinore, serving under Pastors Erin & Todd Funk under the ministry of The Rock, Anaheim, led by Pastors Jerry & Kimberly Dirmann.

*Blessed to serve as a newscaster in Dallas, TX for our annual Foursquare Connection.

*Blessed with tickets for TWO to see Wicked at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.

*Zip-lined for the first time in my life at Forest Home @ beautiful staff retreat.

*I got blessed with a new car to ME -- a 2004 Acura with ALL of the bells and whistles!!! (Leather seats, sun/moon roof, seat warmers, satellite radio and more…of all the cars I join on the streets, I love mine the most…thank You, Lord!)

*Travels:  - Started my New Year at the Space Needle in Seattle, WA
                 - Visited my Mema (before she passed away) and Aunt in Huntsville, AL
                 - Celebrating my best friend's 40th birthday in Charlotte, NC
                 - Short two-day trip to a town that has my heart, Austin, TX
                 - Newscasting for a week in Dallas, TX
                 - Five-day trip to my hometome and love visiting my niece and sister in Tulsa.
                 - Trip to Madison, WI with baby sis, bro-in-law, niece/nephews July 4th.
                 - Week+ trip to Camp Hickory in IL capped off with a two-day stay in Chicago!
                 - Celebrating my girlfriend/lifetime friend, Maya & Gabe's wedding in El Paso.
                 - Trip to Flagstaff & Phoenix, AZ for a writers' workshop with gifted writers.
                 - Cross-Country trip from Alabama to Cali, visiting friends in Nashville, Tulsa,
                   Amarillo, Flagstaff & Phoenix.