Set the world on fire

Kyle and I have been attending Bay Pointe Community Church for almost two years and this past spring when my career path changed I was able to serve on our programming team. Our worship leader, Joe Horness gave a great message this morning on walking in step with the Holy Spirit and what that means in his life and in our own lives.

This week I have danced, walked, ran away from and embraced the Holy Spirit. There has been loss, grief, rejoicing, happiness, nervousness, excitment and joy. And this morning I said a simple prayer... "Lord be with me this morning as I direct this service in your name, I've had a lot on my mind and plate lately and I need your help."

I gave my heart to God shortly after I met Kyle and ever since then I am constantly amazed by the blessings he has given me and my family. Not a day goes by where my heart isn't touched by His grace. Now back to the prayer- here comes the funny part of my relationship with the Big Man upstairs. I listened for a response and before I knew it for some reason I was singing the bridge from Chris Brown's Forever, "I won't let you fall, I won't let you fall, let you fall..."

So right there, my prayer was answered! He knows that I love music and that I've let go many a times to this song with my wooden spoon and dishtowel... you all remember that post!

At BP, we had great rehearsals with one more to run before 8:30. It was a song from our student ministry group that just returned from South Africa. I don't know if the song will be on the podcast (visit itunes, search Bay Pointe Community, and subscribe for free to the teachings each week) but I am going to try and get a clip for you. It was an incredible piece. It was raw, it was real and it was God's children worshiping their hearts out- way to go!

So back to the Holy Spirit... set the world on fire with your love, your patience and your kindness. You will dance, you will fall but when you do His arms will be there to welcome you home.

One World

Few and far between, and extremely rare, are the moments where the world becomes one and tonight it was truly awe inspiring to witness just that... on a sixteen hour time delay!

08-08-08 marked the opening of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Kyle, Dad and I watched the opening ceremony in awe of the technology, cost, creativity and human spirit this country of 1.4 billion exhibited. Without Matt Lauer as our commentator we all would be slightly confused as to what we were watching, nonetheless it was amazing.

There has been such controversy over these games and I hope tonight helps those who questioned the Chinese judgment- the true spirit of China was present this evening. With the help from over 15,000 performers, tonight's opening ceremonies was the most magnificent I've witnessed. I cannot wait to see more from China during the next 18 days. Below are a few of my favorite moments from tonight taken from publications around the world.







Go Team USA! GO WORLD!!

Quite the woman

Earlier this year, as ADIM was still finding it's breath I was introduced to a remarkable event planner by the name of Jodi Bos. Jodi owns In Any Event and is an extremely talented designer and special events planner through out the Grand Rapids area. (Please visit her site to see the amazing events she has done in the past!)

We both have a mutual friend, Jen Kroll, who helped introduce the two of us and our first conversation I wanted to thank Jodi for some great words of encouragement and guidance in getting ADIM off the ground. There is always a little controversy when there is a "new kid on the block" and Jodi was so great in offering her advice as a mentor and a friend. As I told Jodi, and everyone else, ADIM officially started (I mean getting paid for what I do instead of just doing it!) when God opened one door in our lives and closed another.

This past year has been one of the most rewarding, yet challenging times in my life. So thank you to Jen for introducing us and thanks again to Jodi for her amazing talents and growing friendship- I hope you see you ladies soon!

Jodi Bos of In Any Event, photo by Jen Kroll of Jen Kroll Photography

My favorite DIY Store

Quite possibly my favorite DIY website and store ever is Paper Source. Not only do they have the greatest selection of affordable paper products but they offer beautiful letterpress (my personal favorite), great gift ideas and everything you could possibly need for creating a one of a kind event!

I stumbled upon them a couple years ago when I began to plan our wedding. I never knew I had such a love for paper and stationary until I started searching for the perfect wedding invitation. Unfortunately there is no PS store in Michigan but their headquarters is conveniently located in Chicago... their store on Chicago Avenue is a must go to for paper lovers a like.

For a great way to jazz up your paper products check out their adorable rubber stamp collection. They have a stamp for every occasion. For a great gift/card pick up a PS stamp, Colorbok ink, embossing powder and PS paper* and let your creativity run wild!

* You can find all those supplies and more at www.paper-source.com

This was our rehearsal dinner invite that was created exclusively with Paper Source products and the design talents of yours truly!

Lija Sales Meeting

This spring I was given an amazing opportunity to work in sales with a company called Lija. They are a women's clothing line which specializes in fashionable and functional golf, active, leisure and tennis wear. Here's a few pictures from our amazing trip to Whistler B.C. and as soon as I get my samples steamed I'll give you the first sneak peaks of the Spring 09' collections!

The ferry from Vancouver to Victoria across Howe Sound.


The sign outside the pub we ate at in Squamish on our way to Whistler... apparently I didn't have such good karma, I got food poisoning from the clam chowder there, ew.


Whislter Village with a view of Blackcomb.


Laura and I representing Minnesota and Michigan plus UM at the pub.


The Inukshuk at mid peak of Whistler Mountain. The symbol for the 2010 Olympics plus it was an ancient trail marker used by the Eskimos.


Our Lija hiking crew. From Left to Right: Lori, Patrice, Tammy, Shannon, Dwayne, Kelly, Candice, Michelle, Judy, Deb, Alicia (me) & Sue.


500 feet from the summit with a view of the Garabaldi Range.


Black Tusk, Mount Garabaldi and the start of the Tantalus Range.


I was in heaven... and I am not superimposed.


On the summit of Whistler Mountain with Whistler Village below.


Thanks to everyone for a great trip and good luck this season!!

Photo shoot

Last week I had the pleasure of taking engagement photos for my dear friends Lindsey and Nick who are getting married next June. We had an absolutely gorgeous day- unfortunately all the light was a bit of a challenge but the editing came out nice. I am still working out the kinks in the camera, I am not used to shooting living subjects! Here is a snapshot of some of my favorite shots. Thanks Nick for putting up with Linds and I and thanks to the both of you for letting me snap these important pictures!

For the waterfront pictures we had to compete with the Blue Angels who were in town for the National Cherry Festival.


I really liked the vintage look that I was able to create during editing, very soft and romantic. (Nick could kill me for saying that!)


A goofy shot at the State Hospital- the only crazies were these two!


All the elements were in our favor here... Linds didn't even smile, stern face!


Urban shot in Traverse City. Who knew!


Down by the waterfront on the Boardman River.


Walking through Brys Estate on Old Mission Peninsula.


My favorite portrait shot. These two are going to have the cutest kids!

Independence Day

Happy Fourth of July and Happy Birthday to the good ole' USA!