Made in the 80's...

BRANDED youth ministry had our 80's Christmas party last night and it was a blast! A few of us decided to tear up some 80's karaoke...check out all the fun we had so next time, you won't miss out ;)

Gracie rocking out!!!

80's looks like this...


the men holding it down!

Berta is a natural karaoke diva!

such a fun night with some incredible kids!

Happy Holidays BRANDED!!! It's been a great year with even better ones ahead!

JV

I want to go grocery shopping...

Here's to wishful thinking...

Have a great weekend everyone!

JV

Holidays Begin...

The first holiday party of the season. This is me with my fabulously talented LAC PR team.

I love my job!

JV

Artsy

Artistically, this video is spectacular!!!!

"Chasing Pirates" by Norah Jones

JV

Black & White

Whenever I need change I feel like I'm stuck in a black and white photo.

Colorless.
Predictable.

Most of the time (and in spite of God's promises concerning me) I get

Anxious.
Desperate.
Fearful of what's next and/or how long will it take to get here.

To be completely honest with myself, this is a lesson I fail at learning time and time again. And as much as being stuck in "transition mode" annoys me, it's also a loud & clear reminder of God's relentless love for me.

Indescribably loving enough to add color when it's right.
And patiently loving enough to sustain me through my monochromatic stages.

After all, He sees the colorful masterpiece at the end when all we see is black and white.

"...He chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan." Eph. 1:11

Waiting for color....

JV

Nadi

Today I got an unexpected call. My sponsored girl for over a year now, Nadi, was chosen for adoption!! My prayers for her have always been that she feels thought of, loved, fulfilled. For God to protect her, bless her and make her dreams come true.

BUT I never thought the answer to that prayer would come in the form of adoption.

Please hear my heart...I am beyond excited for her! She deserves to be in a home with a family that will spoil her with the love she's missed out on for 11 years.

BUT my heart still hurts.

I'll miss her letters.
I'll miss the updates.
I'll miss just knowing that I'm helping her.

So I hope she keeps in touch. And I hope that family realizes the gem they chose.

When I began this sponsorship journey, my heart jumped at the oppportunity to help a child across the world. And that God could possibly use me at least 1/4 of what is shown in this video below (which I stole from Whittaker Woman who stole it from LPM blog) ;)

I cry every single time I watch it and pray others would get motivated to join this cause that I believe can literally change the world.

Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

If you haven't explored the opportunity to sponsor a child...please do!
If you haven't read up on Compassion International and the work they do all over the world...please do!

Because trust me when I tell you that these children will bless YOU more than your $38/month ever will.

I will never be the same, and soon I'll be introducing you to my new girl.

JV

Nothing to Wear

This morning I was exhausted. This morning I had nothing to wear.

Not literally but nothing I really wanted to wear.

I complained. sighed. and let out deeply-frustrated breaths. Over clothes? Yea I did.

So over breakfast with Mom, she started talking about how thankful we need to be for everything. That God blesses a grateful heart :::rolls eyes and is slightly convicted:::

Then while at work, my friend Mel emailed me a devotional talking about stress management and how one of the keys to dealing with stress is thankfulness.

Psalm 23 is a common (yet today) a surprisingly refreshing passage that details an intimate and faithful relationship with our Shepherd.

How he, "promises to to be my shepherd, to lead and guide me, to provide my every need, to protect me from my enemies, to fill my heart with peace, and to stand between me and my greatest fears." -Mary Southerland

I forgot that this morning.

My prayer? God, I will never outgrow my need for your grace; so help me not to forget the wonder of who you are and what you are capable of doing. Amen.

JV