Cycling...in Target.

Yup. That's right.

We were cycling in Target.

We know how to have fun.

I don't think they would have let us if we weren't buying one.

It was super fun.

Until people got in the way.

Don't worry, no one got hurt.

Except maybe when one guys heart stopped beating for a wee minute when my friend went flying past him.

(ha!) 

Annnnd...we had to try on some cute helmets, of course.

I'm telling you, if those little helmets actually fit my head I would be all over that.

Wouldn't you?

I think these two were my fave.

That pink bow is totally me.

And there I am, just chilling on my bike...in Target.

Whenever I am with these two we are laughing.

I am very thankful for their friendship.

They make being so far away from friends and family pretty easy.

Full of joy and fun.

And what's even better than that - they love the Lord and are contstantly challenging me to be a better person.

What more can a girl ask for.

They are such blessings.

catch-up.

Definitely in need of a catch-up on here.

And boy is there a lot to fill you in on.

I am writing to you from sunny California.

Yup. It happened. wow.

It is very surreal. I am still adjusting to it.

I often find myself just in awe of God and all that He has done in my life.

We got the good news in March and I pretty much booked my ticket as soon as I could.

In hindsight, it was a little rushed.

But remember, I have been waiting for years for this all to happen. So when everything was finalised I was desperate to leave.

And it has really been a whirlwind ever since.

I have been here for 2 months and it already feels like 2 years in some ways!

I already love my job.

Seriously, the Lord made the perfect job for me.

I work with some of the greatest people ever.

No joke.

They are becoming very dear friends.

I feel part of the family already.

I am part of the most wonderful small group.

I look forward to it each week.

The Lord has just flooded my life with so many lovely people.

He has blessed me with some great, solid friendships already.

I am one thankful girl.

Having said all that, it feels a little different this time.

 I can't quite put my finger on what exactly is different, but it sure is.

I am missing my family.

Big time.

Especially my brother and sister.

I find myself daily longing to hang out with them.

I am fortunate that I get to speak with them pretty often.

I spoke to my sister this morning for a couple of hours.

Funny how hours can pass with sisters and you don't even realise it!

I also spoke with my mum last week.

That was wonderful.

I miss her a lot.

There are some things that only your mum can make better.

We were laughing and talking.

Nothing beats laughing with your mamma.

I can't wait for the day that we are in the same room and laughing.

So there are days when I feel pretty lonely.

In some ways I am thankful for this.

I am thankful that I can lean on the Lord knowing that He has my very best interests at heart.

I am confident that this is where the Lord wants me to be and I will strive to do my best for Him.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:5-6

I am fully trusting in my ever faithful Lord.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

He wants me to flourish in all that I do.

My hope is in Him.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

I am still rejoicing!

Here are a few photos from the past few weeks.

Her smile is contagious.

These little girls never fail to make me smile.

Having fun with my sweet friend.



My small group ladies. They are such a blessing.

I love these two lovely ladies. They are such an encouragement to me. I am so thankful for their friendship.

So there is a little bit of a catch-up and some photos of my sweet blessings.  



News.

I was doing so well with my posts, until I wasn't!

Anyhoo, here I am nearly a month after my last post.

And I have some news.

A couple of weeks ago we received the great news that my visa application has been approved!

So there has been a lot of emotions going on around here.

First and foremost, I have been praising God.

I can see His hand in all this and trust that this is His perfect timing.

But...there has also been some freaking out.

There are a few more details still to be worked out, I have to go down to London to have an interview at the U.S. Embassy where they will stamp my passport.

I have been told that I have nothing to worry about there because our case is strong.

But I am a little worry wort so that is exactly what I have been doing.

I have been reading this verse, over and over.

Praying it, asking for this peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

There have been lots of tears.

Tears of joy, and tears of me just being dumb.

Thankfully, the Lord has blessed me with so many wonderful people who have been great this past week. Telling me I'm being stupid, encouraging me and praying with me, making me laugh.

Seriously, my friends bring me such joy.

So, right now, I am waiting for some documents to get to me.

After that I will be heading down to London to (hopefully) get that stamp in my passport.

I'm praying and praying, knowing that the Lord can work out all these little details.

I am a happy, thankful girl just now.

Truly grateful for all that the Lord is doing in my life.

Excited for what's to come.

 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. - Ephesians 3:20-21, The Message.



My Friend.

I had such a busy, blessed week last week! 

I think I will have to do a couple of posts to cover everything.

On Tuesday I got to spend the day with my dear friend, Ciara. 

She is lovely and has such a big heart. 

Ciara is a few years younger than me, but she was always much older than her years. 

We went to the same School and Church Youth Group.

It has probably been a couple of years since we have had a chance to catch up properly.

We talked for hours, and hours. 

It was wonderful. 

I didn't realise how much I missed this girl until we spent time together. 

We talked about everything that is going on in our lives, which is why we were up until 3am!! 

But everyone stays up that late catching up with good friends, right? 

In between our talking we did have time to watch our movie, Love Actually. 

When this movie first came out we went to see it at the cinema with our mammas and it has now become "our" movie. 

We try to watch it together every Christmas. 

Last year I think we fell asleep during it! Actually, I know that we fell asleep. We must be getting old! 

But we managed to stay awake the whole way through it this year. 

I learn so much spending time with this girl. 

She challenges me to be a better person and to think differently. 

She is a wonderful, committed friend who gives you her full attention. 

She is a Godly woman who knows her Scripture. 

She is just such an encouragement to be around.

On Wednesday we went for a long walk. 

It was so nice to go on walks that I had gone on as a child. 

We both have a love for the area the we grew up in. 

It is pretty beautiful. (I didn't take many photos so I will have to take some another time and post them for you)

We walked around the estate at Taymouth Castle. 

It is pretty spectacular. 

We also did a bit of exploring around an old, beautiful house. 

I think I will have to go back on this walk and take some photos of all the beautiful places that I am talking about! You need to see what I am talking about. 

When we got back from our afternoon of walking we were a wee bit cold! 

So we spent the rest of the afternoon drinking tea and watching movies.

Perfect. 

Ciara is going to Holland in a week, actually it is probably sooner than that. 

She is going to study over there for 6 months. 

When I was with her before Christmas I had lots of questions for her. 

Her response went something like this.

I'm not really sure where I am staying yet, but I'm not at all worried about it. I really feel that the Lord wants me to be over there and know that He is going to work out all the details perfectly so I am not even going to think about it. 

I tell you, this girls faith would challenge you!

I can totally relate to that in that I feel exactly the same way about California. 

It is in the Lord's hands and He has a perfect plan.

Such a comfort knowing this. 

So through all my rambling I hope you know that I had a wonderful couple of days with my dear friend.

She is such a blessing to me.

Ciara, I will be praying for you as you set off on your little adventure. 

I know that you are going to do great things there and I am so excited for you. 

You are a beautiful, talented, faithful, thoughtful, Godly young lady.

Love you.

(this is the best photo that I got of sweet Ciara, and I think it's pretty cute!) 

Philippians 4:6

p.s. I will fill you in on the rest of my week later. 

Distance.

The baby brother called tonight.

It was so so good to talk with him.

He is off at ship just now and only has half an hour each week to call.

So we don't hear from him often.

And the big sister came up and had dinner with us.
Perfect evening.

Here are a few snaps from the last weekend he was home, at the beginning of July.

 Precious - my brother, sister and I.

Love this photo because we just look so similar. Both squinty in the sun.

Look at that blue sky! We sure do love him.

Fin let me have a go on his motorbike. Yes, the front wheel is off the ground. If you look really closely at the photo you can see that Fin has a pretty shocked expression on his face. I was very proud of myself - and also feared for our lives.

On the train having a starring contest. So funny. Not sure when we started holding our eyes open. Please note big sister laughing hysterically. Really, we all were. We are a little bit silly.

It was so good to chat with him, but I sure miss times like these.

I am so thankful for my brother and sister.

I am thankful that we get along so well.

My prayer is that no matter where we are we will stay close.

We went out for dinner when Fin was home, just the three of us.

It was lovely and we were talking about the future and our families.

We were saying how crazy it is that we don't speak to all our cousins more often.

Then we got thinking about our kids.

We couldn't imagine them not being the best of friends.

I pray that we are able to keep stay this close to each other, wherever we are in the world.

I love them both so much.



My Child.

You may not know me, but I know everything about you.

I know when you sit and when you rise up. I am familiar with all your ways.

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. For you were made in my image. In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring.

I knew you before you were conceived. I chose you when I planned creation.

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I knit you together in your mother’s womb.

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

I had been misrepresented by those who don't know me.

I am distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

Simply because you are my child and I am your father.

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

For I am the perfect father.

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

My thoughts towards you are countless as the sand on the seashore.

And I rejoice over you with singing.

I will never stop doing good to you.

For you are my treasured possession.

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.

For it is I who gave you those desires.

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.

For I am your greatest encourager.

I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles.

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.

And I'll take away all pain you have suffered on this earth.

I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

He is the exact representation of my being.

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.

And to tell you that I am counting your sins.

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.

I have always been father and always will be father.

My question is... Will you be my child? I am waiting for you.

Love, your Dad

Almighty God

The letter is based on different verses from throughout the bible.

A dear friend of mine sent me this a few months ago. I remember reading this when I was at Youth Group years ago. I hope this brings you the same encouragement that it brought me.

I hope you are having a Happy Monday!

Joy.

This is going to be a very quick post. I have lots to say about my weekend/week full of blessings.

Today's post is going to be some fun photos taken this morning at work. Today was my first day back after 6 wonderful days off. I usually have an attitude when I am going back to work after time off. I always pray that I will forget all the anxieties that I associate with work. I have to admit that this time I was really looking forward to seeing my colleagues. They definitely encouraged me with messages while I was away, telling me how much they missed me! I am sure that they are full of it but they definitely made this girl smile!

Anyhoooo...As you well know I was off on Friday the 29th, enjoying the beautiful Royal Wedding. I was a little (and when I say little, I really mean little) bit upset that I wasn't working because I knew that there would be a great atmosphere and that they were going to be dressed up. I cycle to work and this morning when I was setting my bike down I thought there was some creepy guy watching me. This was no creepy guy. In fact it was HRH Prince William. Yes, that's right.

Alright, so he was there with Catherine too. Oh, and they were actually cardboard. But other than that I was pretty excited that the Royals were waiting for me at work.

The Queen was there too! It was a family affair really. You might find this hard to believe, but that is in fact me behind a mask. I know, it's pretty realistic! (wink, wink!!)

Who knew that the Queen had moves like that?

She is just so proud of her grandson.

So this morning I had a really fun morning. The Lord really blessed me with friends who had no trouble putting a smile on my face. After we finished work I stayed for 2 hours chatting to the Queen, otherwise known as Abbie.

Today I am thankful for friends and all the joy that they bring!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7

Eighteen.

I can't believe that, today, my baby brother turns 18!!!

I managed to find some cute photos of this little one. Just to warn you, some are really cute. This guy was just the cutest baby ever born.

He was a HUGE baby. He was 10lb 11oz. AH.

Pretty sure that this was his first Birthday. How lucky he is to have 2 big sisters fussing over him!

What was I telling you about the cutest baby EVER? Yeh, I wasn't joking.

I was so excited to have a baby brother because he looked just like by doll, was the same size and could fit into all of my doll clothes! YES.

Swimming in the garden, back in the days when we always had HOT summers.

Check out how sweet he looks here. His sisters sure do love him.

He was SO smart. He could even get his own cereal. Can you see it spilling all over the table? You can't be mad at that face though? This is how I always picture him.

First Birthday again. With Grandpa and big big sister.

I loved holding him. My mum tells me this all the time.



He was full of personality when he was little! That definitely hasn't changed.

He was always busy doing something outside, getting dirty!

He always makes silly faces, making his sisters laugh.



He didn't lose his cuteness as he grew up. Look how angelic he is!!




This kid is SO musical. He is really, very talented. He can pretty much play any instrument you put in front of him. I love this photo because he just looks so happy.

Such a handsome boy.

Look at that smile, and that hair. He has always had the most beautiful, blonde curls.

Did I mention that he is tall and good-looking?

Looking very smart in his uniform. He is in the Navy and it has been SO great for him. He loves it. He has really grown up since joining.

At his surprise birthday BBQ on Friday. Even without his golden locks, he looks just as handsome.

So there is just a glimpse into how wonderful and adorable my little brother is. He is such a blessing and such a joy to be around. He has gone back to Portsmouth today, so we didn't get to celebrate today. But we have been all weekend! I already miss him and it is hard because we don't really know when we will see him again. I am pretty sure that his sisters will be visiting him soon though! I love you, Fin. Thanks for filling our home with love and laughter for 18 years.

 "I thank my God everytime I remember you." Philippians 1:3

The little one.

The little one was home for 2 weeks. It was so good having him home. And the best part is that I don't even have to miss him yet because he is home for the weekend again tomorrow. I made a point of taking some photos of us together.

Sometimes he was being pretty difficult.

Sometimes he was being pretty funny.

Sometimes he was being pretty sweet.



Sometimes he was being pretty werid.

But whatever faces he was pulling, it sure was great having him home. Can't wait to get him home again this weekend for his birthday. How is it that my baby brother is turning 18? This scares me a lot.

The ultimate sacrifice.

I always get very emotional when I think about what our Lord did for us. This weekend I will be thinking about the sacrifice that  our Lord Jesus made for us, and our Father in heaven who sent His one and only Son to save us. This is much more important to me than the Easter eggs that will be eaten. As much as I love chocolate I love my Lord more.

Praying that you all have a blessed weekend. I'll be praising the Lord.

Here is a little video that will get you emotional. I cry every time I watch it.

I've got sunshine, on a cloudy day.

I said that I would fill you in on how the Lord has been blessing me these past few days, so I thought I had better do that! I have a habbit of saying I am going to write about something on here and never actually getting round to it (btw...I am actually still planning on writing a lengthy post of my baby brother's passing out parade...we will see when that happens!)

Anyway, back to this. I have seriously had such a mixed up week with lots of mixed emotions. There were many times I got back from work last week and just cried. Now, I do enjoy working there but there are a few (when I say a few I mean LOTS) of things that happen there that make angry and upset, well both bounce of each other really. I'm not going to go into it, partly because I will get myself upset and who wants to do that? And also because I don't want you to have to even hear or know some of things I have to put up with from my colleagues. So you can just pray for me, please. Sometimes it is a struggle to get through the day there.

But a couple of days ago I had just a lovely day at work. I had a breakfast shift, ok wait. I work at a Hotel, waitressing for those that don't know. This might help make more sense of what I am talking about, probably won't help you though. So yes, I was working a breakfast shift and then I was helping my lovely friend in the laundry. I was scheduled to work with her but I usually try and help her when I can anyway. We had the day planned out. I made some delicious banana and choc chip muffins the night before (at like 10:45pm...and I wonder why I am always so tired?) so first off we had a nice cup of tea and a muffin. They were yummy. Such and easy recipe, so tasty. mmmm. We both share a love for Motown music so I brought my little iPod down to join in the fun. And oh what fun we have. We definitely cheered each other up. We were singing, and dancing when we could. Other people were walking in and out and couldn't help but smile. We were contagious that day. Then our boss came in and I'm pretty sure he was trying not to laugh at us...by this time I think we were onto Disney's greatest...or something like that. Then it was time for Hairspray. Oh my goodness, we laughed with this one. I came home from work feeling great after spending some time with my friend and knowing that she was happier too. We had so much fun.

I then came home to find an e-mail from a friend of mine in California. She encouraged me about my waiting game (more on that this week) and told me how SHE was looking forward to getting me over there. It was just what I needed, and the Lord knew that. Then I got another email from a family member in Australia. She encouraged me by guiding me in my prayers for her, and asking me how she can pray for me. I am pretty sure she only ever thinks of other people. She is so good at asking about specific prayer points for you. So lovely, and again, the Lord knew what He was doing.

This whole story has been an encouragement to me too. I shared in my last post a link to a special blog, and I'm going to do it again today. Go HERE and read about their new daughter finally getting home. I cried. What a blessing. A great reminder the God is in control and His timing is perfect.

So there is a little insight into how God gives me great friends to get through not-so-great days! I am blessed. Thanking God for throwing things my way that aren't always easy, and surrounding me with friends to build me up.

 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Who have you encouraged today? Who are you going to encourage tomorrow?

Little rays of sunshine.

Yesterday I was feeling a little bit low. I had such a great time last week with my wonderful friend and I am already missing her. This special time with her made me miss other people that are so dear to me. Today I woke up to a few different emails/messages from my best friends. YES. Thank you Lord! It surely added some sunshine to my rainy day in Scotland. What a blessing friends are. I am so thankful for them.

"I thank my God every time I remember you"

 Philippians1:3 ♥

- I really do!



p.s. I will be back tomorrow with something (hopefully) more interesting..!

O Holy Night.

Merry Christmas (a little late!) I hope that everyone had a wonderful time, ate too much and smiled all day!

My day was just lovely. Every year on Christmas Eve we attend a Church Carol service at our local Church. I have to admit that it has hardly changed since I was little but it is still a joy to go to it! When we were younger, my sister, brother and I would usually be taking part in the service in some way. There are different readings and performances inbetween the different carols. It is lovely to see the different kids that participate now and see how the little kiddies that I used to watch in Sunday School have grown! It was beautiful. I always get emotional during the service because I always reflect on why we are here, and why we are celebrating.

After this my brother and I came back with our mum and spent the evening with her. Lucy came later on, she went out for a few drinks with her friend. I have to say here that it has been a joy having Fin home for Christmas. I love that boy and I love seeing how he is growing up and changing. He is a blessing. We were all sick on Christmas Eve, with colds. It was not nice. I was up late wrapping presents, making yummy truffles and cheesecake for Christmas day. So I was exhausted. I slept SO good. Could of slept all day. I woke up at 8:45am and all was still quiet in the house. I don't remember a Christmas when I have been able to sleep that late. Usually I have a sister or brother in my room whispering to see if I am awake, or doing what they need to wake me up! So I just lay there for a while enjoying the moment where I could wake up on my own. It didn't last long. Soon someone was in the bathroom, I heard the toilet flush and it was like this was an alarm telling everyone it was time to get up. I heard one door open, then another and Christmas greetings being passed around! I knew that I would be next. I didn't do a very good job of being my cheery self. I had a horrible head-ache and stuffy nose.

I finally made it to the living room where everyone was VERY excited to see what gifts they had received. I wrapped myself in a blanket and was ready to fall asleep again. But that's what little brothers are for, to wake you up even when you are not ready to! So he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. Great. Just what I was wanting to happen. And just so you know, I am about 6ft tall and my brother is 6ft 4or5 so you imagine how ridiculous this looked. I do find it very impressive when he manages to pick me up but doesn't mean I appreicate it!

I love watching everyone open the gifts I bought for them months ago and hoped that they would love! It was successful. I will share more about my gifts in another post.

We had a yummy breakfast of cinammon scrolls! They are a favourite for all of us! Suddenly we didn't really have a lot of time and we were all running around getting ready and deciding what to wear, well that was more me...I had no idea what I was going to wear! I got there in the end though. I blame this on feeling really ill and not wanting to get out of bed in the first place!

We then headed down to my Dad's house. It was crazy to be going from one place to another, and leaving mum behind...but that is something new that I am still getting used to. Lucy and I were cooking Christmas dinner. It was delicious. Seriously. We had a fun day. Our Granny and Aunty joined us and that was precious. I love spending time with them but don't do it often enough.

Right. Onto why I'm not sharing photos in this post. My laptop is doing something funky. I have this horrible green tinge on my screen and it is driving me nuts! When I look at photos there is like this green tinge throughout the photo. Best way to describe it is that it looks like someone has gone over my screen with a green pencil and rendered it in! So when I am editing photos I really can't tell what they look like and don't want to bore you with terrible photos. I have lots of photos to share from Christmas day from the people and prezzies to the meal. I will try and post these soon. I will probably just use my mum's laptop.

I am going to leave you with a Carol that I have been listening lots this CHRISTmas time. The version I have been listening to it by Natalie Grant. She has a really beautiful Christmas album. I should of directed you to it before Christmas. Sorry. The song is a Medley of Silver Bells, Saviour Came for Me and O Holy Night. I really touches me.

Truly He taught us to love one another,

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.

And in his name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

With all our hearts we praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Back in the Summer of 2004!

I am finally finding time to sit down and blog about my summer. Sorry it has taken me so so long. It was a pretty exciting summer filled with fun, friends and family.

The first time I went to California was way back in 2004 with my sister. We were invited by friends we met at a wedding in Scotland. Long story short, we met a lovely couple there who invited my sister and I to spend the summer with them. We were very excited about the opportunity to go over there having loved the time that we got to spend with them while they were here. So off we went, I was 15 and my sister was 17. We all hit it off straight away and had a wonderful summer together. The last week we were there we went to their Church Beach Camp. My sister and I were both really, really dreading going to this camp. We had no idea what it was going to be like and didn't really know anyone that was going to be there. Little did I know that this would be a life changing week with lots of learning. It was so hard to leave them when we came back to Scotland. We didn't really know if we would see each other again.

We shared with our Church what we had experienced that summer. We were able to show them the Beach Camp baptism video. This really moved them and they were encouraged by this. We wanted more kids from Scotland to be able to experience what we had. So we pitched this idea to the Elder board and they loved the idea. The Church were happy to pay for the flights for the kids to get over there. In 2006 we were all set to go over, myself and another guy who attended our Church. At the last minute her pulled out so I went over by myself again. Of course, I had another great summer there.

I come from a small Church so for the next few years there really wasn't any kids that were old enough to go over. Until last year, 2009. My baby brother was now 16 and I thought it would be great for him to experience this before he finished school. And a close friend of mine was also in her final year of school. So we got ourselves oganised to all go over. I was so excited that finally I was going to be bringing more students over with me. It was a wonderful summer. They both learnt a lot and got to share their summer with two wonderful families who fell in love with both of them. I was able to go along to Beach Camp with them and help with the childcare there.

This year we were fortunate enough to send another student over again this year. I went over with her and was able to go along to Beach Camp with her. Anna is such a beautiful young girl, inside and out, and it was a real joy to have her there this year. She has a such a sweet spirit about her.

This year I was blessed with a lovely group of girls. They are all such sweet girls and loved having the opportunity to spend each evening with them at Beach Camp.

This summer I was so happy to spend more time with my very special friend. It is very hard being so far away from someone the is so dear to me but I am very thankful for the friendship that we do have. I have so much fun with this lady. She is such a blessing. Love you, boo.

Every year that I return to California I always make new friends. This year was no exception. I was lucky enough to share a tent with this girl as well as LOTS of laughs. She is a close friend of my lovely boo so we were sure to have a great time together. And we certainly did. The Lord definitely blesses us through friendships, and that is exactly what He did this summer. We had a lot of fun together this summer. I miss seeing these lovely faces each day.

For some reason I seem to have NO photos of my dear family over there, The Allens. They know how much they mean to me. They are famly for sure. I was blessed with many laughs, long talks, hugs, grandkids, "taking the mic", delicious meals, and even more special memories made. I love you dearly and miss you lots.

I will leave you with just a taste of what it is like when Karen and I are together. Lots of faces that look like this.

"Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart." Philippians 1:3-4