The Next Ten...

And Happy New Decade!

In some ways, this decade has just flown by... my children have grown in a blink of the eye, it seems. But in many other ways, it's hard to believe that just 10 years ago was only 10 years ago! So much has changed -- in our world, and especially in ME.

In the past decade, since Y2K:

--I have moved to another state and adopted another city as my own. (I LOVE Baton Rouge!)

--I have had another child -- my third daughter.

-- I have gained 50 pounds and then lost 96...

--I have changed directions, professionally & politically.

-- I have survived being run over by a drunk driver and the overwhelming anger & depression which followed...

--I have survived hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike and (having grown up in Arkansas)... I still think I prefer them to tornadoes!

-- I have joined ranks with one of the most "REAL" and truly Christ-like churches I have ever seen: Healing Place Church.

-- I have found amazing grace and favor with God by allowing Him to guide my steps.

-- I have let go of years of anger and resentment for things which were truly beyond my control, and even for some that weren't.

-- I have written a book and have begun to write another.

-- I have turned my determination for justice into a mission of mercy.

-- I have stepped outside of my comfort zone to reach out to those who have lost hope and feel forgotten.

-- I have met amazing friends who put orphans and widows, the homeless and the heartbroken, ahead of their own selfish dreams.

-- I have learned how to "tear down the walls" and take the Church to those who might never set foot in one.

-- I have had my eyes opened to the horrors and injustice and the overwhelmingly enormous problem of human trafficking... and I have set my path to join the fight against it.

-- I have discovered that I am a daughter of the King and that nobody -- NOBODY -- can take that away from me.

Ten years have held a lifetime of changes for me.
And I can't wait to see what God has for me in the next ten...

God bless each and every one of you in this new year & the coming decade!

THE END

But NOT, actually.

Last night was our last class and final exams for ELEVATE.
We graduate on May 25th!

Indeed, ELEVATE is truly ending...
We are the LAST class to be known as "Elevaters."
Next year, we will be:
HEALING PLACE SCHOOL OF MINISTRY
Pretty cool, huh?
I wonder what they will call us?

Yep, I've decided to go another year. In fact, I think I may do 3 more years and go for the degree. I'm really excited about where this could lead me... I have absolutely LOVED this past year of Elevate; it has blessed me in more ways than I could ever say.

To those of you who have prayed for me and supported me and cheered me on, I say: THANK YOU!!
I couldn't have done it without your prayers & encouragement.

I will keep blogging through the summer, so stay tuned for more adventures in...
well, whatever it is God has next for me!