National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer. When my grandmother told me that she, my mother, and I had been asked to pray for families at our local gathering, I was hesitant. I just wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea, for whatever reason. I remember thinking, "Can't Dad just do it...?" But to stand together, as three generations praying for our nation and our families... pretty cool stuff. 

This is my prayer...

Abba, Father

I come before you today your child, your daughter.

I thank you for the life you have given me. For the unfailing love of a Savior who died for me. And for the unwavering support of family who cares me. 

Today I lift up the women who don't have this support system. All over the world, we are enslaved. To habits and addictions we can't seem to break. Held captive by unhealthy relationships that refuse to loosen the grip. We are imprisoned by our thoughts- fear, worry, depression. Some are subject to relentless physical labor, without compensation. Others are victims of sexual slavery,  robbed of their innocence, dignity, and self-worth. Loosen the chains that bind, Father, set your daughters free.

I lift up the children today that will be mothers tomorrow. Let them know that unprepared is so vastly different from unplanned, and that you have the perfect plan for the life that grows inside them. Change the attitudes of this community of faith. We so wrongly have sent a mixed-message to these girls, proclaiming the virtue of life while simultaneously looking down on the young women who have made this remarkably brave decision. The glow of pregnancy has been traded for shame and scorn because of their circumstances. This must change. Help us to love all mothers and all children, just as you have loved us: unconditionally. 

Raise up this next generation as leaders, fearlessly carrying out the work you have set before us. We are Yours. 

[blurry iPhone photo captured by Dad]

one week...

Today marks one week since the horrific events at the Boston Marathon took place. The days that followed this tragedy have been a bit of a blur, and there are so many questions that remain unanswered. It has been nearly 20 years since the Oklahoma City bombing occurred, and even though I was just a child at the time, I find myself feeling much the same way today: profoundly saddened, a little scared, and overwhelmingly confused. And that very same lump in the back of my throat? It still comes and goes. 

From Columbine to Newtown, there is no appropriate explanation for cowardly acts of violence, terror, and hate. But I have been so deeply disappointed by the reactions of some of my peers (and equally inspired by others.) I understand that we cannot control our circumstances, but I do believe that we are responsible for our reactions in these situations. You cannot control the cards you are dealt, but you can control how you play the hand. Here are two clips from my Twitter feed...

The views expressed by these two individuals couldn't be more opposite. One left me feeling agitated and defeated, while the other lifted me up and encouraged me. Both were viewing the same situation, but in a completely different light. The thing is-- sometimes you have to cast the light in the darkness. We simply cannot afford to wait for someone else to shine it for us. 

I'll spare you my personal diatribe, and challenge you with the simple fact that each and every one of us has a choice to make. When dastardly acts of violence rob innocent lives or when arrogant jerks cut you off in traffic... You are responsible for you. It's a remarkably empowering thought. 

[And, since I can't resist... truthfully, if you are sickened by the country that you are living in, make a change and go somewhere you're proud of. Trust that you will not be missed. Tragedy is no excuse for the bold expression of blatantly anti-American sentiments.]

She was... An American Girl

Well friends, are you gearing up for Independence Day? I must say it is one of my favorites... a house full of family, gorgeous, sunny beach days, watching fireworks from the boat, and eating so much delicious food (all while wearing a bikini... makes for quite an adventure.) And such a welcome break in the middle of summer. 


To prep for the week's festivities, my mom and I got mani/pedis yesterday (for America) and it left me feeling pretty patriotic from tip to toe. 

[Red Lights Ahead... Where? and Simmer and Shimmer]

The cute Vietnamese girl who did my nails realllly tried to talk me out of the blue sparkles on my fingers (she knows I usually go for coral, red, or orange) but I tried to explain that it was my civic duty to sport red, white, and blue this week. She wasn't buying it. 

I really love it though. It's super fun. And looks like fireworks on my nails. 

And, in case you were wondering, this song will certainly be blasting out my speakers for the next few days...

There's just something about driving around with the top down, hair blowing like crazy, and belting this song. That's America.