Critic's Choice =)

My Heatha'-  My boo-  My friend

And here we have it-  my other favorite person in this entire universe.  Heather Renee.  Even though we're not "family", I feel closer to her than even most of my kin.  She's STINKIN' AWESOME!!  Of all the people I've known my whole life, I've never had someone I really felt I NEEDED... except my Heatha'! 
Before I moved out of state, we made it a priority to spend at least one day a week together, if at all possible.  Those times got me through some of the hardest times of my life.  She is someone I feel that I can be absolutely retarded with, a little immature, and cause trouble with.  (wink wink)  Yet, at the same time, she is my most loyal confidant.  I confide in her about nearly everything.  Why??  Because I KNOW she cares.  Truly.  She has left no room for question.  She has been there to offer a hug when I was scared or fearful.  Her shoulder was always available when I just needed to cry like a big ol' baby.  When I was down and discouraged about things that did or didn't matter, she was there to listen- and do whatever it took to make me smile.  I love that girl!! 
 With our busy schedules, and 180 mile separation, we don't get to talk or visit as much as we'd like.... not even close.  Heather is a mom of three- and I have no children right now, so it's sometimes a little easier for me to break away from life and call her, then it is for her to call me.  So, there are a lot of times I call, and she just can't talk.  I totally understand.  I still know she loves me- cause when she does call, she dedicates at least 3 hours just for me.  *I feel so special!!*  Anyways, I remember one time I tried to call and she couldn't get a break to talk, and she sent me this text apologizing for "being a bad friend... and because I had to chase after" her all the time.  The first thought that entered my mind was, "Some friends are just worth chasin.'"  She is!
Not only is she a friend for my emotional, physical, and mental (lol)  needs- she is faithfully there to help me spiritually.  Every time I get off the phone with her, or leave a nice time of visiting her, I leave uplifted and encouraged.  Always.  My spirit feels free.  My heart feels light. I feel happy.  I feel supported.  I feel loved. 
I can always sense the sincerity in her words.  Her genuine love for the Lord is evident, and her desire to help His people and reach for the lost is obvious to anyone with opened eyes. 
She is incredibly talented, too-  that comes with an anointing.  And as amazing as she is, and yes, I mean AMAZING, she still finds words to brag on me... and push me on.  The many dreams in her heart do not stop her from helping me reach mine. We work together, we share good news, information that will help us succeed in our goals.  That's friendship!  Loving and appreciating someone so much it makes you just as happy to see them happy and excited about something, as you would be if it were all happening to you.  We got that!  She's the only friend I can truly say understands me 100%.  She was a God send for me. When I've felt like Moses standing by myself with my arms raised, she's the one who comes up behind me and holds my arms for me.  She won't let me fail.  She'll refuse to let me give up.  I fully believe she'd do whatever it took to keep me pressing on... and with a big ol' cheesy grin on our faces... I'd make it through anything... cause she'd drag me by hair if she had to! 
 I want her to know how incredibly special she is to me.  How unbeatable her friendship is.  Of all the wonderful people in this world, she's one of the very best.  Hands down.
Heatha' from the Ghetta'...  YOU MY GIRL! 

Critic's Choice =)

My Bestest Bud

"Slap your neighbor and tell 'em that the blood still speaks..."

When I hear this, I don't think of Bishop T.D. Jakes-  I think of Justin Matthew.

My lil bro is unbelievably incredible.  He's almost always in a good mood.  There are those few times he gets kinda' cranky, but when you point that out to him, he even laughs about that!  He has been through so much in life.  Most people in this world would be shocked beyond belief if they only knew the half.  Through all the pain in his life, though... every unfair and sorrowful thing... he has come out of it all with a smile on his face and a song in his heart.  Okay, SONG(S).  He plays music 24/7!  When he calls me and has to leave a voicemail, 9 times out of 10, he just lets a song play until my phone cuts it off.  There's even been a time or two that he's called back again- to let me hear the rest. Cause he knows I just love it...  (please catch the hint of sarcasm.)   =)  Yet, it never fails to make me laugh.  And I think he knows that.

He may not know it, but he inspires me.  Really- in oh, so many ways. He makes me look at the simplest things in life and find joy in them. He's shown me how not to be afraid, or let your circumstances change your character.  For a crazy lil booger, he's got some wisdom beyond his years.  He is so smart and thoughtful.  He's so willing to help, without any hesitation, and absolutely no complaints. He's talented, too!!  Especially with computers.  It's insane.  Aaron and I have called him countless times on things we needed to figure out- and three hours away, he can explain in STEP BY STEP mode what to click, or what to type, what to double click and drag, and exactly where to place it.  I'll never NOT be amazed. 

Justin also has a strong desire to work for the Lord.  He has organized prayer walks, designed Christian t-shirts, hosted a Bible study, worked in the sound booth, sang in the choir... You name it, he's done it... at only 18!

I love when he talks to me about what he wants to do with his life.  I'm SO PROUD of the man he's becoming.  He is my bud.  We have such good times together- goofing off, "arguing", sharing goals and ambitions, listening to music.  The times we get to share are beyond precious to me.  I'm so blessed to be so close to my brother.  He may not be my older brother, (although he's quickly becoming my 'big' brother  lol ), but he would stand up for me and protect me at any chance he got... and I would do the same thing for him.

I love that "lil guy" so much!  I'm so glad he's in my life!!

Love ya, bud!!

Critic's Choice =)

Me and My Favorite Pal

As Chels would say, "Yeah... we know we're beast!"

In order to fully get to know me- you have to know who the people are in my life that helped me figure out who I am...
It's time to introduce my favorite people in the world!! First off- here she is... my mini me... drum roll please... ... ...  Chelsea Paige... my insanely awesome sister. 
I am so thankful, more than I can put into words, that
we have such an awesome relationship.  It's rare, I know.  And that is a HUGE blessing I will never take for granted. She is one of the most amazingly talented people I know... and at only 17 years old- she's pretty certain as to what direction she's headed.  She's strong. She's always been there for me. Always. Now, for her sake... enough of the mushy-  lol.  SHE'S CRAZY!!- to the max.  BUT I LOVE IT!  When we get together, our possibilities seem endless. We laugh, we sing, we write, we dance, we do nothing, we... pretty much do whatever seems the most fun at that time.  Although we are quite different, we are so much alike.  We push and support each other on an almost daily basis.  I love our random texts, crazy phone calls, stupid facebook posts.  And yet, even though our crazy times are priceless to me- the many seriously deep conversations we have are just as appealing.  I wouldn't trade her for the world... not for anything... not ever.  She is one of my life lines.  :) The best memories of my childhood-  always have her in them.
"We'd stay up late, and we'd talk all night, in a dark room lit by the tv light.  Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive.  We'd listen to the radio play all night.  Didn't want to have to face another fight.  Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive."
This is our song.  Definitely.  We actually did do as it says.  She had a twin size bed that we would squeeze into and watch "Spongebob" at night while chit-chatting, or crying, about our day.  The six years difference in our ages never phased us.  She was my friend; God made just for me.  And He knew how much I'd need her, so He made her my sis. She is crazy awesome.  I love that lil "crooked stick." 
"I remember when we used to laugh... about nothing at all... *We'll MAKE those nights last!!" 
-Luv ya tons, Chels!

Check, Please

Sunday afternoon naps are my favorite! They seem to provide the best rest EVER. And what makes them even better- is laying down STUFFED with amazing food. Oh the joys of life!
This past Sunday- I didn't get my nap. BUT, I did get stuffed with amazing food. Aaron and I, along with some great friends of ours, went to Lonestar Steakhouse for our Sunday dinner. Was it ever delicious! We had a great time talking, laughing, and, of course, eating, and just enjoying each other's fellowship. Our cheerful attitude must have been highly contagious, because our waitress caught on quickly. We were throwing jokes around left and right- dry sarcasm was coming from every direction. Good times. When it was almost time to go our waitress made the usual ending remark, "I'll be right back with your check." Still joking, my husband said, "Oh that's okay. We don't need one this time." Of course we all laughed, as did our waitress, but she quickly said, "Well, I'm sorry... you have to take it. Any time you partake in something this good, you just gotta pay!"
That phrase stuck with me. And I've been thinking about it today.
How am I repaying the people I love for things they've done for me? Do I let them know that I appreciate them enough? Do I put their needs above my own? Am I as encouraging to them as they've been to me?
But even more importantly, I ponder in my heart, what am I doing to "pay" the Lord?? I know we can't earn our way to heaven. It's only by His blood, and our turning from our sins that get us there. But that's salvation!- and that's a gift that came from Him- that He freely gave to me. Nonetheless, I love Him, and I want Him to know that I WANT to repay Him for "something this good." "His thoughts are ever toward me." "He ever liveth to make intercession for ME." That means something. A precious something. With this being said, if He dedicates all that time and 'energy' to me so willingly, shouldn't I dedicate my life to Him?
As hard and even unpleasant as it sometimes is, I have to ask the Lord for my "check, please." When I "pull out my tab" and see the protection He gave me and my family today, and the forgiveness He imparted when my attitude wasn't the greatest... When I see all the laughs He let me have, and how He sent that person at just the right time to say those uplifting words... When I look at it and notice how He kept me from sin another day, He kept me healthy, kept my husband from temptation... the list could go on forever... every day! ... and every day I look over my "check" it reminds me how much I truly do owe Him!! He deserves the best of everything I have to offer... because that's what He gave to me. He gave His life. I will give mine.
I recall the many years of youth camp, and the infamous "ATTITUDE CHECK" the camp dean would say at any given time- which would then be followed by a loud, "PRAISE THE LORD," from any camper close enough to hear. I still use that today. (I don't always holler that when it pops in my head... lol) But in my heart I'm screaming, Praise the Lord, Thank You, Jesus! Bless the Lord, oh my soul! That's where my thoughts should linger. That is how my attitude should stay.
God help me never forget the many undeserved blessings you've so graciously bestowed upon me. And Lord, help me daily check my heart. Help me always live for You. Avoiding all sin, and clinging to Your truth. Check me, please.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

Audrey Assad - For Love Of You (Slideshow With Lyrics)

Nightlights - Jimmy Needham

Some Things Never Get Old

I can drink a McDonalds coke 2 times a day, every day, and that will never get old to me.  There is just something about their coke.  It's amazingly refreshing, and tastes so good.  Every time I eat there, those that know me, never have to question what "I want to drink with that,"  They know!  And there have been countless times I have used their drive thru JUST for their coke.  Who needs food- when they have their COKE? It's amazing.Can you think of anything in your life like that?  Something that never bores you, but always the opposite? 
Another thing I think of- I never get tired of being around happy people with a genuine love for the Lord and zeal for life.  Never.  My husband- God knew I needed him.  That man is the best man I know.  Yes, he's goofy- (maybe even slightly insane :) )- but he's incredible.  He is the happiest, truest person in my life.  His desire is to see everyone as happy as he is.  He loves making people laugh- (though some sadly refuse to)- and more than anything- he loves talking about the Lord and the things he can do for Him.  I love being with him.  He always encourages me to do my best, draw closer to God, and pursue my dreams.  If I'm ever in a bad mood- he can lift my spirits quicker than anyone.  I love him... and that never gets old.
There's a lady I work with... I've only known her about six months or so, but already it's evident to me that she is so full of the joy of the Lord.  Even when she's not so happy- she's joyful.  (Hard to understand?- Not if you, too, have that joy in Jesus.)  I love getting to talk to her each day about the Lord- and the calling He's placed on our lives.  She never has ANYTHING negative to say.  It's always uplifting and supporting.  Our conversations never bore me.
I have a friend, my closest friend, Heather, me and her both tease each other on how we need "a Heather day," or in her case, "a Kristi day."  We share similar interests- but more than that- we both want to see the other succeed.  It's in our hearts to help the other reach the goals they so desparately want to reach.  It's precious, and I love it.  I'm so thankful that God put her in my life.  Even though we've both been hurt, aggravated, and hindered- we constantly share scriptures and thoughts- and we have both made unbelievable progress in the ambitions we've set.  God has us well on our way to seeing some dreams come true.  I so look forward to the days we get to visit and those long hours on the phone.  I don't care how often- or how few- those times always feel just as sweet.
I pray with every piece of my heart that I can be that type of person to whomever I meet.  God is good.  God is a keeper of promises.  "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."  No matter what life brings our way- inspite of what people may throw at us- God will work it for our good.  It's in His Word.  He will.  He wants to see "whatsoever we put our hand to, prosper."  He knows the best way for that to happen.  So if seemingly everything in your life is going wrong- for seemingly forever-  keep holding on, because He will turn it around.  I know this from experience.  I went through a time of, probably close to 3-4 years, where I was so unhappy.  I would get disappointed and hurt left and right- and nobody could tell.  And it felt like nobody cared.  I was given positions and opportunities that were taken away so unfairly.  Other "jobs" we were given always had stipulations that no one else had to deal with.  I was actually told while being offered something else that, "I was NOT first choice."  The list could go on.  It happened over and over again- so much, that I guarantee the people doing it- didn't even realize it.  They thought they were helping, teaching.  It was just routine.  When, in fact, we had never been so hurt and discouraged in all our lives.  I really had to pray through bitterness and everything.  Awful place to be.  BUT- GOD... (I could just leave it right here and cry at the awesomeness!)  BUT, GOD... turned it all around!  He made a way to bring us out, open unexpected, unbelievable doors- and give us the joy in Him that I'd been praying for for so long!  I wish I could even just barely put into words that happiness I've felt every day for the last 4 months or so.  It might sound a bit monotonous- but oh, does it feel great!  When you can let go of everything else- and just grasp the fact that GOD IS AWESOME- that He loves YOU- that YOU do have purpose- and that your life can be incredible through Him- you can experience it, too!!  I hope you do, if you haven't already.  Living for God is amazing.  His unexpected surprises are so enjoyable. The plans He has for you- the "packages" He tosses right there on your doorstep are fabulous.  "His mercies are new every morning."  They never get old.