Defining Moments

We often think of Defining Moments to be something good and exciting that has happened to us, like getting married or graduating from school. Unfortunately, most of the defining moments in my life how come out of what I thought were horrible disappointments. I have been reflecting on things in my life that at the time when I experienced them I thought they were awful. Here is one of those moments.

When I was 19 years old I was living in Nashville TN pursuing music. I kept facing one difficult challenge after another. I was becoming more and more sucked into the music scene and all that that lifestyle entails. It's fascinating how quickly you can fall for anything if you aren't standing for something. I decided I was going to apply for Belmont, the music school in Nashville. That would be a way for me to pursue music in a much better atmosphere. I told myself that was going to be my last straw. I had everything riding on getting into this school. I finally was told that I wasn't accepted. I don't think anyone truly knew how disappointing that was for me. I was so devastated and basically thought everything was over for me.

A few months after being rejected from the school I started praying again. Isn't it sad that we go to God more in our down times instead of happy times. After journaling for awhile and reflecting on what it was that God really wanted for me, that I started having a desire for Fashion. Within that month, I found FIDM in Los Angeles and got accepted into the school. It's amazing how God redirects your life. I would have never moved to LA if I would have got into Belmont. At the time, I couldn't see what the Lord was doing but now that I look back on it, it makes perfect sense. His plan is perfect! Since then, when I face disappointing circumstances in my life, I try to reflect on that moment and realize that God is bringing something bigger and better than I could ever imagine my way. Now today, I wouldn't have wanted to go to Belmont. I am exactly where I want to be.....The thing is I just didn't know it at the time but God did!

How Miracles Happen: 6 Phases of Faith

Happy Easter! Are you looking for a miracle? Here are my notes from Pastor Rick's Easter sermon.

6 Phases of Faith- You will face these phases while on your journey

1) Dream -What is your Dream? What would you love to do?

2) Decision -Decide to step out and make the decision to pursue it

3) Delay - Stay on track. It's not on your timing that the Dream comes to pass but on God's time

4) Difficulty -God is testing and growing you as a person. Perservere

5) Dead End -You feel like giving up. When this stage happens to you then you are on the verge of a break through. A break through that only God can do. Remember a Dream is suppose to glorify God

6) Deliverance -Your Dream Fulfulled!

Luke 18:27 "What is impossible for people to do is possible for God."

Also, check out the book " The Dream Giver"

Learning About Men

So the last few weeks have been pretty busy but I am taking the time to read a great book called "For Women Only" by Shaunti Feldhahn. What you need to know about the inner lives of men. It is so fascinating to me to learn the differences between the way men and women are wired. Have you ever thought that you could drastically change your relationship for the better just by being able to understand your man more? Well you can! I want to share the chapter topics with you. I encourage every woman to read this book!!

1) Lightbulb On!...How I Woke Up to What I Didn't Know About Men

2) Your Love Is Not Enough.....Why Your Respect Means More to Him than Even Your Affection

3) The Performance of a Lifetime....Why Your Mr. Smooth Looks So Impressive but Feels Like an Impostor

4) The Loneliest Burden.....How His Need to Provide Weighs Your Man Down, and Why He Likes It That Way

5) Sex Changes Everything.....Why Sex Unlocks a Man's Emotions..(Guess Who Holds the Keys!)

6) Keeper of the Visual Rolodex.....Why It's So Natural for Him to Look and So Hard to Forget What He's Seen

7) Chocolate, Flowers, Bait Fishing.....Why the Reluctant Clod You Know Really Does Want Romance

8) The Truth About the Way You Look......Why What's on the Outside Matters to Him on the Inside

9) Words for Your Heart......What Your Man Most Wishes You Knew About Him