Fun Weekend and a Special Visitor!

This past weekend was so fun!

First, it started with Chris coming to town. Sometimes I can't believe that people want to visit me, but I suppose some credit goes to the fact that I live in DC. Our Nation's Capitol is truly amazing and I am so grateful for the opportunity to live here and build community with a wonderful group of people.

Chris was able to meet many of my friends--I love when different circles of friends connect. The night Chris arrived, we made dinner with Jess then we picked up Trent from the airport. Chris pretended to be from Australia (with an accent) and Trent believed us until we told him the truth. It was hilarious!!!

Friday and Saturday night we went dancing. It was a blast! You can see the pictures below. We weren’t planning to dance on Sat., but my friends Jairo and Anna had a wedding reception at the park near the Cedars (they got married in Costa Rica) and afterward everyone went to Georgetown.

Look at the fun pics!

Jess and Amber

Jess is my new friend. I love her more than words can say......She has been one of the biggest blessings to my life since I have moved to Washington DC.

Life goes on!!!!?

Being on the East Coast is great until you realize that life goes on without you on the West Coast. We found out a few months ago that Jenae was pregnant, but it was hard to believe she actually was pregnant...until there are pictures like these!!!!

Jenae and Shawn, I miss you both and wish I could be there to share this part of your life with you! I hope all is going well in the new place. By the way, Happy one year anniversary...it was August 6th right? I know, kind late.

More Fun Pics

Concert Night

Last night, Mike Lawson took me to see Marc Broussard and Bela Fleck & flecktones. It was pretty awesome! I have never seen someone play the banjo like Bela. If you haven't heard of these people, you should listen to their music. This was the first time I had heard of them and I am a big fan now. Simply Amazing Musicians!

Not the best picture.....at all, but it'll suffice! ;)


This should have been a really good picture.

Morning Ponders

“My greatest gift will be the least you’re due.” Matt Redman

There is something about those lyrics that puts me in my place. Putting things in perspective can change my life, my attitude and it humbles me. When I stand before an all-consuming, powerful, and awesome God, my perspective is reordered. Everyday, I awaken to a world that points to self as the answer and every morning it is my desire to re-orient myself to the source that is greater.

Why do I do this? I do this because the Love of my God compels me to move toward him and walk in a way, which honors Him; because walking according to the ways of “self” sacrifices God’s ways, which are high above my ways. I have heard people say that we are to sacrifice our lives to God, but I never really understood that statement. We don’t sacrifice anything because in giving ourselves we actually find life and find our true self--- the way God intended us to be. Everyday I want to walk in this light and be the light.

The Jonkalator!

It's hard not to love a man who looks this good and loads the dishwasher!
Cheers to Jon! I love him like a brother......wait a minute, he is my brother.
How did I get so lucky?
Oh, because I have a really smart sister who married him. ;)

Miss you Megan and Jon! Hugs!

Time well spent!

Things to do in Seattle:
Play on Genessa's new laptop, which has "photobooth"


Alien Amber


This is just bad!


Bright as can Be!

This is not my Home.

July 24, 2006

Tonight I'm sitting on my front door stairs in the middle of Arlington, Virginia. An orchestra compiled of crickets, locusts, birds, and my neighbors piano join together to sing me a song. The warmth of the day has settled and a slight breeze sweeps across my face, whisping my hair out of my eyes. The fireflies beam brightly just above the green grass and I am reminded of childhood firefly hunts in Nebraska. The blue sky above turns purple as I look westward; the purple turns to dark blue with hot pink accents melding into the setting sun. As I gaze upward, I see the treetops dance in the wind as if they’re able to hear the same song as me. All creation is singing, shouting, stretching and praising Him right now and I will partake in the praise. The enchantment of tonight is alluring and captivating to my soul. All I can do is sit here, looking up into the open sky and think about the gift of this experience and the gift of life. I get to witness and testify that all creation acknowledges Him. Yet, in the midst of all this, I am reminded that this is not my home. Although this experience seems so unique in the moment, it is all too familiar at the same time. I hear a whisper in my being that says, “there is more”. As I relish in those words, I am brought to tears because inside I know, the more, is my home.

Thank you, Lord.

This morning I was listening to one of my favorite songs by Cindy Morgan. The words are amazing. The simplicity of being with people and experiencing life together sets well with my heart.


THANK YOU LORD, HOW COULD I ASK FOR MORE by Cindy Morgan

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more

Did I Mention River Rafting!!!!!!

This weekend deserves a whole page!

JUNE

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! Psalm 135:1

June, what a month! I have been blessed with great friends.

First, David Lim came to town and that was flash back! We still are goofy together---nerd and nerdier (what we like to call ourselves).



I moved out of the poolhouse and into a house a couple miles away from my place of work. Then, I went home to Torrance, California to visit my Papa and Yaya for a few days. My time with Papa and Yaya was great! I miss them so much and feel blessed to have grandparents as loving and encouraging as them. Not only, did I get good time with Papa and Yaya, I also spent time with friends:





Amber, Alison, Melinda, and Johnny- We all grew up together (next door neighbors). It's strange that even though we don't keep in the best contact, we can always step into each others lives without any awkward tensions (except Johnny trying to kiss me..;) Jk...I love him!


Kate, Mike, Johnny and I went to the Rivera for dinner and then rode bikes to Hermosa Beach.





The next day I went to the AVP at Hermosa Beach--- Katy Butler and I met up with Nickie Sherman. It was great to see Hudson, Katy and Matt's new son! He is so precious, cute and amazing! I love him.
Nickie and I went to Breakfast the next morning...she is doing well and dating a really great guy, Bobby. I loved every moment with them and am excited about what the future hold for them. ;)





















My mom and sister drove down from Chico to pick me up and bring me Chico.








My heart still throbs for Chico and California in general. I suppose it always will because the people I dearly love are there. There is something that fits right when I am at home--- Megan, Jon and me always have so much fun! They truly are my best friends! I love being with them. Mego and Jon, I love you so much and miss you everyday!!!!!!!
Pics of us having FUN! (as usual)