{inspiration monday 01.31.11}

{personal: winter vacation 2010}

A few weeks ago Michael and I went to Emerald Isle for a getaway. Although it turned out to be more work and less play, and a tad bit stressful, it was nice to regroup together. And I've realized something that is very true. Devin, our Pastor, wisely said, "To make time for God in your lives, you're not going to do it if you plan on adding it onto your life. You have to take something out of your life if you think you're actually going to have time for God."

Well I want to make time for God. I have so much going on that I meant to write this blog post right after our vacation in December and I'm just now getting to it. If I don't have time to blog anymore then I probably don't have time to spend with the Lord. You can honestly see your life start to deteriorate when you neglect your relationship with the Lord. And it's probably a good thing that this happens or you might never snap out of the selfish life.

I don't want the selfish life. I don't want anything the world is offering. Michael and I started the bible study "Experiencing God" last week. The point is to ask God where He is working in your life and want to join him. It's not about asking for the things you want and asking God to "do this" or "do that" for you. Much better things get accomplished when you're working with God instead of against him and telling him what you think should happen.

We had an ugly Christmas sweater party to go to the next weekend so we went shopping around. As soon as we pulled up I saw something pretty in the window!

It's time to be intentional and make time for God. Then just watch to see amazing things happen!

{hump day help: 2011 wedding shows}

I did this post last year and thought it was time to post an updated list. There are some great shows coming up!

January

2- The Wedding Show
When: 9am-4pm
Where: Jim Graham Building, fairgrounds
City: Raleigh, NC

8-7- Crystal Coast Wedding Salon
When: 1pm-5pm on Saturday
Where: Sheraton Oceanfront Resort
City: Atlantic Beach, NC

14- Crystal Coast Bridal Fair
When: 10am-4pm
Where: Morehead City Convention Center
City: Morehead City, NC

16- Bridal Expo
When: 12pm-3pm
Where: Shwartz Center
City: Wilmington, NC

30- New Bern Bridal Expo
When: 10am-4pm
Where: Riverfront Convention Center
City: New Bern, NC

February

5- The Wilmington Wedding Salon
When: 1-5pm
Where: Shell Island Resort
City: Wrightsville Beach, NC

6- Onslow Bridal Gala
When: 1-5pm
Where: Jacksonville Country Club
City: Jacksonville, NC

March

6- Wilmington Wedding Showcase
When: 12-3pm
Where: Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort
City: Wrightsville Beach, NC

April

17- The Southern Bridal Show & Expo
When: 11am-4pm
Where: Jim Graham Building, NC State Fairgrounds
City: Raleigh, NC

{inspiration monday: 1.17.11}

{misc: remember haiti}

This post is a very personal one for me. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were in Haiti, enjoying it's beauty and great people. Then right after we left, tragedy struck. I had to hear the news report about 5 times before I believed what had happened. And then the world amazed me at how everyone pulled together to support Haiti in whatever way they could. There was such an amazing outpouring of love.

It still seems fresh in my mind but it's crazy how today marks the one year anniversary of that day. 1 YEAR!

I'm affraid the world has forgotten about Haiti already. Please take time today to pray for Haiti. Not to just think about and remember what happened one year ago, but PRAY. That's what they really need from you. Pray for revival in Haiti, which I believe began happeneing the day of the earthquake. Pray for their living conditions. That the world wouldn't forget them. That lives will be changed from this.

This picture is how I best remember Haiti. Hardworking, beautiful, and vibrant.

I still see Haiti in that way but I hate to think of what their life is like now when it was a hard life even before the earthquake.

If you still feel a tug in your heart (and I know I do) and you want to contribute and help Haiti in some way, you can! You can purchase the boat print above for $15 here and all proceeds will go to Reciprocal Ministries International (RMI) which is an organization based in Haiti who has been helping with the relief efforts from day one.

You can also sponsor a child in Haiti (which I love!). RMI also has a program called Hope For Kidz and I help organize this effort in Wilmington. There are wonderful children whom you can sponsor from grades 1-6. I know these children, I've danced and sung with these children and watched them walk to school. Your money will not go unappreciated. For $250/yr you pay for their:

o School tuition & entrance fee
o One school uniform
o One pair of shoes (most likely their only pair)
o School books for that year
o School lunch for that year
o One church outfit

Even if you can't afford a child on your own, talk to your family, your friends. Get together and sponsor a child together. I have a group of 6 couples that sponsor a child- it can happen!

Please contact me if you have questions about either one. You can view pictures from our trip to Haiti last November here. Even if you can't support Haiti financially, please keep them in your prayers. Prayer can make an even bigger difference.

{inspiration monday: 1.10.11}