S.A.M.

I am so thankful for S.A.M. (Single Adult Ministry)! Through the last several years I have been on some amazing trips and met some of the most amazing people that I know we will be friends for a lifetime. We had a mini S.A.M. reunion a couple weeks ago! It was sooo good for us all to hang out together again, even if it was only for a short time!

Parisi Cafe

So, Union Station has this a.m.a.z.i.n.g coffee shop!!! This Parisi Coffee Shop is fabuloso!! Such a cool atmosphere right in the middle of Union Station! It's become another favorite spot of mine in Kansas City! :)
This is inside the coffee shop! :)
And it's full of big black and white pictures....which is even more amazing!
And their coffee art....
...is amazing! How do they do that?!

Totally love the sitting area!!

Kansas City

Have I ever mentioned just how much I LOVE this beautiful city?! A couple weeks ago, my sweet friend Melodie came for a visit! We had a wonderful time! And while I was waiting for her to get into town, I just had to hang out in the city for awhile...





This beautiful city...full of each season, the BEST BBQ, fountains, and Jazz! What's not to love?! :)

Harvey House + Union Station + Titantic

Mel and I started out the day with meeting for lunch at the Harvey House at Union Station.


This is a fabulous restaurant in such a cool atmosphere! We both were trying to be good so we got a yummo salad! But I just couldn't pass up these AMAZING sweet potato fries with cinnamon/marshmellow dipping sauce! What's not to love?!


I absolutely love the grand hallway at Union Station. Ok, I don't know that its actually called that...but that's what I call it. :) It's fabulous! I love to come here and just sit and take in the atmosphere. :)


I can never get enough of this amazing ceiling! So much detail!


We then saw that Union Station had an exhibit for the Titanic! And...it was the 100th Anniversary of it!!



How cool is that?! We've been through it before but just had to go and see if it was any different than the last one we went too. They give you 'passports' so that you can be one of those people while you explore. Glad to say that both Mel and I survived the Titanic! :)

Heart to Heart

Dont you just love heart to heart talks? There is just something about them...especially with a great friend! There's just something about talking about life, and things that are going on where you can just really open up, share, get advice, share heart aches or victories!

I loved getting to spend time with my sweet and beautiful friend Reegan the other night, while we enjoyed some Orange Leaf!


Can you guess which one is mine? :)


I'm so thankful that God has placed some amazing people in my life that I can call friend!

Love you Reegan! Can't wait to see how this year unfolds for you!

Night of Bowling

I kinda forgot how much I enjoy bowling! A couple weeks ago, I went bowling with our Career group at church. We had a lot of fun together. Funny moment when a song came on and the ENTIRE bowling ally burst into song! Haha

We even decided to do our second game with our opposite hand. Now that was a challenge...but it was fun. :)

Community Health Fair

Our church, The Life Church, had our 1st Annual Community Health Fair yesterday!! It was amazing!! We had so many vendors come, varying from dental exams, spinal checks, hearing checks, Hope House, against violence, music for kids, healing oils, self defense classes.....the list goes on and on.

Here is a little recap video of the success! (Don't forget to stop the music first, at the bottom of the page.)


Thanks, Bro Danny, for putting this video together!

I'm so thankful to be apart of an amazing church who loves to be involved in the Community!!

Live, Laugh, Love

This pretty much sums it up. :)

Life Kidz Worship

We had a wonderful kids revival at church this weekend! Here is a little taste of Kidz Worship-Live!

Holiday Corner: St. Patrick's Day

It's that time again! I can't believe we are already into another month! Finally got the new art put up and before we know it, it'll be time for Easter!

I can't wait until I get a place of my own and I'll have more room to decorate! But until then, I'll enjoy this little corner! :) Happy March!

Letter to 'Big Mom'

My sister's Mother-in-law wrote this precious letter to our sweet Grandma the day after her funeral. I came across this letter today....I'll keep it forever. It makes me cry every time I read it. This past January marks 4 years that she passed away. I miss her so much.

January 13, 2008

Dear Sister Shaw,

I knew you as an acquaintance...until yesterday.

I knew you as a fellow laborer...until yesterday.

I knew you as our daughter-in-law's "Big Mom"...until yesterday.

Yesterday, I learned to know you as a saint of God who has fought the fight and gone on to claim her reward.

Yesterday, I learned to know you as a loving wife who put her husband's needs above everyone else's...except the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yesterday, I learned to know you as a mother and grandmother who successfully passed on a heritage that is rich beyond anything this world has to offer.

Yesterday, I learned to know you as a lover of people...a lover of souls...who prayed diligently for those she loved.

Yesterday, I learned to know you as a servant of God who is now blessed to hear those words we all long to hear some day..."Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant!"

Era Belle Shaw (I mean no disrespect by using your name instead of the more respectful, Sister), I am writing this to you with no knowledge of your awareness. I like to believe that after we leave this life, God allows us to see some of the impact our lives have made on others.

Era Belle Shaw, I am writing this to you because you are changing my life.

Era Belle Shaw, I am writing this to you because you will never be forgotten.

Era Belle Shaw, I am writing this to you because you have motivated me to make some fresh commitments in my life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus, I commit to loving souls more than I love myself.

Jesus, I commit to loving my soul mate more than ever and letting him know he comes first.

Jesus, I commit to making more memories with my children and grandchildren.

Jesus, I commit to loving the ministry more...and letting them know that I do.

Jesus, I commit to praying more diligently for those I love.

Jesus, I commit to rearranging my priorities so my time is yours to use.

Jesus, I commit to learn how to smile unceasingly.

Jesus, I commit to living a life that will live on after my life is over.

Era Belle Shaw, this is written as yet another testimony to a life well lived...that will continue to live on in those of us you have touched...even after your life on earth has ended.

Thank You, Era Belle Shaw.

Kathie H.

I read this letter with tears in my eyes. I miss this godly lady so much. Someone who put others before herself. Who loved people and someone who LIT UP when you walked in the room. Who loved giving you hugs and making sure you had everything you needed and more when you were in their home. Someone who always gave God the glory. She's been in Heaven now for 4 years. I only hope that I can be half the person she was, one day. I love you, Big Mom!

Coffee Chat

Good Morning! Such a lovely Saturday! My only day to sleep in and I was awake before 8:00! What in the hay?! I have to admit, I was kinda frustrated. I tried making myself go back to sleep for an hour, but my mind wouldn't stop "rolling". Ever have times like that? I finally got up and made some coffee. :) That seems to "fix" everything, doesn't it?

So, as I sit here and drink out of my favorite mug....It's big, it's red, it's Starbucks....what's not to love? :) I can't help but think about life. Thinking about how much God has blessed me. To think about all the adventures of this thing called life.

Thinking about my family. I'm blessed. All my family lives so far apart from each other-which makes me so thankful for Skype. So blessed to be given such a wonderful Christian heritage, that I wouldn't trade for anything in this world.

Thinking about my friends. Seriously...they are amazing! There is nothing like having TRUE friends in your life and so glad that God knows who to place in our lives!

Thinking about the sweet man that I'm dating right now. He has such a kind, tender heart, who makes me feel like a queen. I've never met someone that is more of a gentleman than he is. #blessed

It's the little things in life. The things we often take for granted. Life has granted its ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. God has truly blessed me.

So, as I sit here about to finish my coffee, the "to-do" list keeps staring me in the face! Ha! It's going to be a busy day running errands, cleaning, and catching up on things at home. Oh, and you can't forget shoe shopping! What's not to love about that?! :)

What about you? What is on your agenda for this lovely day?

Dream Big!!

For some reason, I started thinking about this today. You know that's dangerous, right?! Ha! I will admit, this is a topic that I seem to get off on my soapbox. :) So...bear with me.

I don't know about you, but I LOVE quotes. There are way too many good ones out there! But one that I've seen before, but saw again today was this...

"Make your life a story worth telling!"

That should really make us think! What is our life all about? One thing is for sure, I LOVE living life to its fullest!! Now, I realize that there are so many different types of personalities and we all handle things different in life; but there are so many people that don't have any goals.

"You've got to have a dream, if you want to have a dream come true!"

That quote pretty much sums it up! Get out there!! Think BIG, Dream BIG!!! Live those dreams! There is nothing wrong with pursuing goals and dreams! And its NEVER too late to accomplish them!

Don't live your life with regrets! We all have things that happen in life, but you just have to push through....smile and make it a lesson learned. Yes, it's not always that easy. But, it's WORTH it!

You know, I sit here and think about all the crazy adventures that I've been on. Through the ups and downs of life. Through all my travels and through all the moments that Life has offered me. I can honestly say, I don't regret any of it. It's the valleys and the mountain tops that have help make me be the person I am today. God won't give you anything that He doesn't think you can handle! I'm not sure why I got off on this, but maybe its for a reason. We all have our moments when "life happens", but keep your chin up! Everything is gonna be okay!

My short 31 years has given me so many adventures and I'm loving every single minute. Yes, it's not all been a bed of roses, but live life to its fullest. Get out there and live those dreams! I hope that one day I can look back and say that my life story really was worth telling!!

Instagram

So I've just started using Instagram. L-o-v-e it! So you might be seeing more "Instagram" posts in the near future! :)

I have to say.....

......this is one of my most favorite pictures! :)

Me....with Mr. Handsome himself. :)

And...on that note...I'll leave you to have a wonderful rest of the week! :)

A Visit with my Bestie

I love spending time with friends, especially when...

...they feel like family!

That's exactly what this past weekend was all about!

My sweet bestie had traveled to Southern Missouri to be apart of a family wedding (by the way, Congratulations Seth and Rachel!), and I was blessed to go see her! Yes, the time was way too short. But, I'm so glad we got to spend some time together. When you live 12 hours away, you don't get to hang out as much as you want. Boo for distance! But...I can say we don't let let miles separate us. I'm thankful for that.

Another bonus to the weekend....was a sweet, handsome, little man, who calls me "Auntie K"!! I adore him!! And I'm thinking that "someone" was excited to see me too! hehehe I'm not gonna lie....when Jen sent me this video of Bradyn.....this Auntie's heart melted!!

He's such a sweet little man full of personality and love!!! His smile melts my heart! :)

Will You be My Valentine?!

Today is the day that was chosen to celebrate love! As I think about celebrating this day, there are several different thoughts that come to mind. I don’t think that you should celebrate love on just one day…but every day. We never know what each day will hold and we need to let those know that are dear to our hearts just how much we love them, everyday. I do, however, think that Valentine’s Day should be an extra special day to celebrate! Not that it has to be lavish, but just to make those you love feel extra special! Let’s be real here….who doesn’t love, love?! :)

I love hearing stories about Dad’s giving their daughters flowers or something special for Valentine’s Day. Or how a husband and wife surprised each other with something special to celebrate this day! It warms my heart!

I have to be honest. Through the years, I’ve not always been a big fan of Valentine’s Day. I never dated until my late twenties and with always being single, it always seemed like a gushy day that was meant only for people that had that extra special someone. Thoughts would go through my head like, “Well, I don’t have anybody special, so why would I celebrate?” In fact, there were some years where I absolutely hated Valentine’s Day.

But my view point has been changing over the past few years. It’s about those you love. Period. End of story. It doesn’t matter what type of relationship you are in. Whether you’re single, whether you’re just starting a relationship, dating, or married….it goes beyond that. It’s about others that you love as well….family, friends, nieces, nephews, sisters…you name it. I say this to my single friends because I’ve struggled with this so much in the past. More so than anyone probably knows.

So with that being said, I choose to forever celebrate love! I love, love! It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. J I received a phone call from both my sisters this morning wishing me a Happy Valentine’s Day. They’re amazing!! I also got to talk to my little love-bug in Turkey….baby Karstan! I love my little Valentine! I also want to tell my other love-bugs in Indiana; Ashlyn, Todd, and Katelyn….Auntie loves you very much! Happy Valentine’s Day!! You four have changed my life in so many ways. You make me proud to be your Auntie!
I can’t leave out my other sweet little love-bugs that I’ve adopted along the way. Bradyn, Caedyn, Sissy (Noelle), Lilly, Nessie, Owen, Declynn, and Colin. I love getting to be your Auntie! You’ve warmed my heart in so many ways. I love you bunches!! If you've been following this blog or any facebook posts, you won't be surprised when you hear me say, "I LOVE being an Auntie!!" :)

Yesterday, I received the sweetest message! It read…

“Will you be my Valentine tomorrow?”

How sweet is that?! I of course, said Yes I will! So my friends….here is my Valentine! :)

He is such a great guy and such a gentleman! I received my Valentine gift over the weekend! Love it! Happy Valentine's Day, my Valentine! :)

And to you, the reader! I hope you all have a wonderful day, and celebrate those that are dear to you! Happy Valentine's Day!

Driving in The Stake!

Church was FABULOUS today!! Seriously, there really aren't enough words to describe how amazing it was. I love worshipping with TLC! There is so much hunger to get more of God and people ministering to each other. Pastor always preaches with passion but today was OUT of the park!! His message was so passionate. You could see it. You could feel it. It was like you could reach out and grab it and get a tight hold on it. He was preaching on making our stakes deeper. People are watching us and you never know who is holding onto the truth that we have. We need to make sure that our stakes are grounded. If we leave a bad legacy, you never know who it may damage. We've got to make sure that we drive the stake in, deeper and deeper. Pastor used a visual of having a board with several stakes in it and people hammering the stake in deeper. It hit home. The presence of God was thick. It was life changing. A service we will be talking about for years to come! I'm driving my stake in!! Pastor Gleason gave each family a stake as a reminder to keep driving it in. I feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing church. We're so blessed!

Valentine's Banquet

My niece and nephew had their Valentine's banquet at church last night! Ashlyn looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! I love you baby girl!!! I can't believe that you are 16. The time has literally flown by! You have grown up to be such a beautiful, sweet, godly young lady. I love you more than words can say! I will never forget the day you were born. You hold a very special place in my heart. I love spoiling you---just wish you lived closer!! I am so proud of you honey!!

I love her gorgeous dress!!!

Todd had his first "date" last night with Jaycee! I'm pretty sure my sister made it clear that it was just a "friend"! HAHA!! So sweet!!
Aren't they so cute?!
They are so adorable!! My nephew looks so HANDSOME!!! Bubba, I am so proud of you!!! I can't believe you are 14 already!! Where has the time gone?! I'll never forget our little Christmas present....YOU! You always make us laugh and smile. I love your humor and your confidence! You are such a handsome young man! I love you so much Bubba!!! Words can't describe it enough!!
Ashlyn and her date.......her Daddy!!! I love this picture!! I love the fact that she is such a Daddy's girl! She said her friends kind of laughed a little bit when they found out, but I thought it was SO sweet! She asked her Dad to be her date, so he ran home and changed and brought her flowers!! It's moments like this that she will ALWAYS cherish.....and NEVER forget!!! Ash said, "I have the best date here!" Soo sweet!!

I ADORE this picture!!!! So proud of my sweethearts!!

Thanks for letting me have a sappy Auntie moment! :) There is NOTHING like being an Auntie!! They make me PROUD!!

Butter + Muffins

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Ok, this is kind of an inside joke with my sister and I. But seriously, WHO SAYS THIS?!!?!?! hahaha Love it!!!

Forgiveness

Forgiveness.

We say we forgive...but we never forget.

Is that really forgiveness???

During my Bible reading time this week, I was reading about forgiveness. Thinking about different things and situations in my life. I believe it was in Matthew where it was talking about forgiving someone 70 x 70. Do you realize how many times that is in one day?

A LOT!!

Profound huh? lol It doesn't matter how many times someone hurts you, whether it be over the course of a day or throughout a period of time. It doesn't matter what people say or the things that they do....we must forgive.

In the end, it will make us a much better person, especially knowing that we have forgiven those that hurt us or situations that have occurred in this life. It's life....things will happen, but we must forgive. We can't hold bitterness inside our hearts. If we do, it will take you places that you can't even imagine....that you don't want to go. I've seen it happen so many times.

Just a little thought that has been on my heart this week. :) I don't know if this was just me thinking or if it was meant to help someone. But nonetheless, here it is. :) I pray that God will always help us to forgive, no matter what.