What's Been Up here Lately?

Well it's been a while since I've blogged! It feels like a lifetime ago! So much has happened.  Let's see where to begin:  I had a Birthday! My AMAZING sweet Hubby bought/made me not one but two cakes one BIG one to share with a hundred or so family (ok so they are our church family) at the commissioning meal and another one just for us at home! I wanted a Tropical Vacation for my Birthday and since that really isn't in the budget  my sweet family did the next best thing the made me a birthday in a box!  I got like 10 pair of fun colored flip flops, a new beach towel, bath soak, my favorite perfume and enough chocolate to last several months! (Even for a chocoholic) I feel so special! Then a few friends took me out to celebrate the night before I left for the musical mission trip!  We had ice cream and went on a Photo Scavenger hunt!  I haven't laughed so hard in a very long timetion! (Thanks Girls!)

I spent two weeks on a bus with 56 or so other people and had a fabulous time!  I have been on many youth trips but no other one could compare to this trip.  The Students did an Incredible job!  We shared the muscial: For Such a Time (based on Esther 4:14) worked in a food bank, served hotel workers in Myrtle Beach, and worked with a Boy's & Girl's Club in Orlando. 

I got to see one of my bestest friends Rebekah in Augusta, GA (Her family just moved there a week or so before we traveled through) 

MR C. and I in Charleston, SC

So many amazing things happened and I hope to share here soon about all of them!  The biggest thing I learned was that I am not in control!  You'd think I already know this but nope!  I struggle with control!  God is really helping me with that right now! it's not fun!  But if you never struggle you'll never grow!

It was pretty neat to see the students grow and change and deepen their relationship with God. 

I have been home about two weeks, and haven't had any time to rest!  We have VBS this week coming up and MR C and MC C head off to High School Camp MR C for his first time and MC C for her last.  Then the week after VBS/High School Camp KJ and I head to Middle School Camp!  Then we come home for  two days then head back as a family to Elementary Camp.  I will post pictures when we get back!

We have had some other more personal things going on and I can't and won't share on here right now! But I will say that God is Faithful and He has and I know and Believe He will continue to provide for all out needs! And God can bring good from all situations! 

Have a Beautiful Day!

Christina

Redefining Beautiful! ~Book Review~

Several months ago I recieved the Book Redefining Beautiful by Jenna Lucado and I love it! I have heard Jenna speak at Revolve Tour 2 times now and I love the message she has for girls! In her book she pairs up with her dad Max and speaks to teen girls about what Beautiful really is! Each chapter is easy to read and has a Beauty Tip, and questions to get you thinking and journaling! This would make a great teen girls bible study, small group book or even for girls (of all ages) to read on their own. I love that Jenna writes as if she is speaking directly to you. The chapters are short but filled with great information, scripture, personal stories and most chapters have a note from Max. She writes about how important fathers are in the lives of thier daughters, but stresses that no matter how good or bad your earthly father is, your heavenly father is there and loves you and sees the value in you. One of the biggest things I got out of this book was learning to see yourself the way God sees you. If we could see ourselves and others they way God does we could get rid of the "mean girl" syndrom and begin to see the value in ourselves and in one another. This book says all the things I want my daughters to know and believe about themselves! I am excited to be using this book this fall for the Middle School Girls Study!


I love the letter Max wrote to Jenna and her sisters and plan to some how make this apart of our study/time together! I think this would be great framed, handwritten and given to any girl/woman as a sweet reminder, they are loved!

Dear____________(insert your name)
I have a special gift for you. My gift is warmth at night and sunlight afternoons, chuckles and giggles and happy Saturdays. When it's stormy out there, I want you to be safe with me. This is what I want to give you.
But how do I give this gift? Is there a store that sells laughter or a catalog that offers kisses? No. Such a treasure can't be bought. But it canbe given. And here is how I give it to you.
Your Gift is a promise: it's the promise that I will always love you. I will never leave you. You'll never wake up to find me gone. You'll never find that I have run away. You'll always have me as your Dad. And I will always cherish you as my daughter.

That is my promise.
That is my Gift.
Love,
Your Heavenly Daddy



Have a Beautiful Day!
Christina


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255