Charleston, SC Flashbacks

Okay, I'm usually not very organized (as many of you already know), but tonight something has hit me. I took some pictures on my camera and then began organizing the ones on my lap top. As I was doing this, memories rushed in and I began re-visiting old pictures, memories, trips, and favorite moments. I wanted to share a few of those with you guys. So, below are some of my favorite moments with friends.
Charleston, SC is probably my most favorite place to visit. Partly because my dearest friends (Jackie & Russ & Baby Noa) live there but also because of the history of the city. So here are some of my favorite photos from my favorite place to visit! I've been told that Tulsa is the Charleston of the West...I'm choosing to believe this is true!


I simply love this picture and home! There are so many homes in Charleston that I just adore. Driving downtown along The Battery or walking along Kings Street are some of my most favorite things to do.





Alissa, Jackie and I always go to a place called "The Sanctuary", which is an elaborate hotel on Kiawa Island. These private beaches contain some precious girl time and provide many photo shoot opportunities as well. If you are ever in Charleston it is definitely a grand place to visit!

On my 30th birthday, Kris and I made a trip to Charleston for our summer vacation. While there, Jackie and Russ had a friend take us out on a sailboat...it was so much fun! We had a blast and a few times felt like we might be going overboard. Jackie was ready to fight off the sharks if the opportunity presented itself!







Russ and Kris are showing their strength here...look at Russ' face! Priceless.






Angel Oak: On one of our first trips out to Charleston, Jakie took Alissa and I to the largest oak tree in North America (if I remember correctly). When we first pulled up we stopped to ask where the tree was. Of course, it stood right in front of us! How can you miss the world's largest oak tree? We admired the massive tree, branches, and took pictures galore and later found out that Angel Oak is a "haven for rats and squirrels". Praise the Lord we didn't see any of these critters while visiting this historic site.

Mom and Me: This is one of my favorite pics! I think my mom is so beautiful and this picture captures her youthfulness and beauty! I love her so much and couldn't ask for a better mom, friend, and role-model. Here's to many more years of sharing life together!

Invading Earth With Heaven in 2009

As many of you know, one of my favorite worship artists is Klaus Kuehn out of Texas and Christ for the Nations. In one song titled “I Give You Glory” this phrase is stated “and with a crown of thorns you became a King forever”. It struck me the very first time I heard it and I continue to ponder on the power and work that Jesus did on the cross on my behalf. He wore a crown of thorns and became The King forever. To think that we were the joy that was set before Him on his journey to the cross is beyond comprehension. I’m so thankful that He took the cross and crown of thorns for me becoming King and allowing each one of us to reign with Him. The Word says in I John 4:17 “…as He is, so are we in this world”. We are to rule and reign here on this earth and invade earth with heaven! This is my heart’s desire for 2009, to see heaven on earth! When you think of heaven, what comes to mind? Freedom from bondage, sickness, disease, poverty, brokenness, despair, tears, fear and nothing but total peace, prosperity, life, worship, praise, joy, and complete fulfillment to name a few. Each one of us desire these to be present in our own lives, who/what says we can't possess it here in this life? What Christ did at the cross completes what the enemy took in the Garden of Eden. "It is finished" was not spoken for nothing. The question is how do we begin to see and allow heaven to invade our lives; where miracles are an every day occurrence. May we begin to ask, seek, and expect the Lord to invade our lives with His presence and glory. He is truly our soul's desire and delight. May we run after Him and truly find complete satisfaction in our lives and souls. For nothing or no one else will satisfy. May heaven begin invading your home, relationships, life, neighborhood, city, nation, and world this new year like never before! For He deserves all praise and glory!