Current Ear Candy.

As a lot of you may know, I love music. A lot.  Thought I would share some of my favorite current ear candy with you all.  Because, why not.  Enjoy.

"Choke" by King Charles

"When We Were Young" by Adele

"Old Pine" by Ben Howard

"Blame It On Me" by George Ezra

"The Stranger at my Door" by Brandi Carlile

"Parachute" by Chris Stapleton

"No Good" by Kaleo

"Juke Box Hero" by Foreigner

"Hold Back the River" by James Bay

"Heal" by Tom Odell

"Out of the Woods" by Taylor Swift

Why it is Important to Speak Life to Teens.

I have always had a passion to work with kids and teens and as I spend more and more time with them as an adult, the more I realize that less and less kids/teens are having life spoken into their lives.

They're in an environment where information is at their fingertips all hours of the day. They are completely entertained all the time which means as adults, we do not spend as much time getting to know them and pouring into their lives as we should. I sit at a restaurant and see teens eat while on their phone and communication and family bonding simply is not happening. This is just one example of many. 

There are consequences for these actions. Who is pouring into those kids lives? Social media and pop culture or loving and caring people in their lives? Most likely it is the first. We should not be shocked as to why the current generation is seen as entitled, lost, and lonely. It is becoming more and more evident that teens are crying out for connection and relationship that is authentic and genuine, and no one sees it. 

It doesn't matter if you're a parent, sibling, cousin, or just a friend,  speak life and hope into the lives of teens who are around you. Yes, it takes effort. Yes, it can be exhausting and tiring. But these kids need it so when they are faced with the evils of the world, they have the support needed to be successful.

Let's not let the culture dictate who is molding the current generation. That is our job. 

There is no better time than now to do something. 

Hello Dear Friend.

At the beginning of 2015, I decided to challenge myself with a list of goals I wanted to accomplish in the year. Some were easy to reach, while some were much harder to obtain. 

Regardless, I loved that I made a list of things I wanted to do and try. It grounded me. It pushed me to grow. It taught me the most important things in life are being in relationship with others and enjoying life with them. God made us relational beings and some of the best memories are shared with some of the best people on the planet. 

Last year was full of laughter, challenges, growing pains, learning curves, kindness, and spontaneity. I went out of my comfort zone and tried new avenues of art. I went to a couple rodeos. Saw some kickin' bands. I got to hug on family. See friends get married and others have babies. I got connected to one of the best small groups ever. Made new friends. Grew closer to old ones. Hugged on some I haven't seen in years. I dance and sang and fished. 

All these things I shared with some amazingly stellar people. I am excited to see what 2016 holds, and I can't wait to see how the Lord is going to reveal Himself even more each and every day. 

I encourage you to make a list. It may not get complete or even close to being complete but that doesn't matter. What matters is that you push yourself more and more out of your comfort zone and see how God uses it for the kingdom. It truly is amazing.

Love God and be kind to people.