S.E.R.V.E.

I realize it's been a while since I've written but hey sometimes life just happens. God has really been teaching me a lot of new things in the past few weeks of this new year. I have been participating in the k-love challenge and listening to only Christian music for 30 days. It's made a huge difference in my attitude- while I am doing homework, dealing with everyday pressures of life, and even in my attitude while I am driving [yes, I do have road rage..].

I've been asking God during this time that He will flood my thoughts with Him and that He will show me how I can be more of a godly woman. One of my new year's resolutions has been to read the whole Bible from beginning to end. I've done this before, but this time I really want God to show me more of His character and that in every chapter I can get something new from Him.

He is always so faithful. One morning as I was listening to k-love, they were talking about visions for the new year. They challenged those listening to come up with a one-word vision for the new year and to live life to achieve that vision. This seemed like SUCH a great idea to me! I immediately knew what God wants me to do for this new year. SERVE. In 2011 I want to grow more in the area of service- serving the Lord wholeheartedly while learning more about who He is, serving others above myself, and becoming a woman who can serve and love no matter what. So far this has been a wonderful challenge and a great adventure. I am excited to see what this wonderful year will bring!

What kind of visions or resolutions have you made? :)

red kettle christmas

For the last 3 years I have volunteered for the salvation army around the holiday season. I volunteer to ring a bell outside of the grocery store in my hometown and raise money in the red kettle campaign. It's one of my favorite things to give back this time of year instead of just receiving. It's fun to smile and talk with the different people that come into the store and drink some yummy hot chocolate while greeting the customers.

This is a picture of my brother and I last year before we went. We usually sign up for 2 or 3 two hour segments at a time. It's a fun and easy way to spend time together and make some kind of difference. If you would like to ring the bell for the red kettle campaign check out the local salvation army volunteer homepage or click here!