Taking Chances in 2009

This year is already off to a great start.

In mid-November 2007, tickets went on sale for the Celine Dion Taking Chances tour stop in Kansas City. The second the online outlet opened for sales, you better believe I was entering my credit card info to ensure my seat at the concert of a lifetime. Although the show wasn't until Nov. 2008, and I had no idea where I would be in a year, I intended to schedule my life (and Brian's - ha!) around Celine. The year-long countdown began.

Two days before the concert, I got a distressed call from my friend Val, who also had tickets to the show. She sorrowfully informed me that the KC news just announced that the show had to be rescheduled because Celine's vocal chords were inflamed. Major bummer. But at least we only had to wait another 6 weeks to see her.

Last weekend was the much anticipated show, and boy was the 14-month wait worth it. I have never seen Celine live before (although I do have her Vegas show on DVD) and it was even better than I hoped it would be. Words just really can't do her justice. Brian will even reluctantly admit (yes, I got him to come with me) that although he doesn't "prefer" her music, she puts on an incredible show.

And now I have a special surprise for those who are sick to their stomachs that they had to miss such an amazing performance. 

That was her second encore. Can we say drama? I love it!

To celebrate our anniversary, Brian and I made a weekend getaway of the concert. We found a great hotwire deal on a hotel at the Plaza and ate a delicious anniversary dinner at Capital Grille. We also enjoyed our fair share of baby time with Sophie Bailes and Kate Littrell. I don't have pictures of Kate right now but will post a few that Val took of us and Sophie. Have you ever seen such kissable cheeks?!?! On our way into the city, we drove by our old house in Overland Park. It was a little sad being back in our old neighborhood, but we had to smile when we saw the car that now lives in the driveway. It had INDIANA tags. Coincidence? I think not. Doesn't the Lord have a sense of humor?!?

Three years ago today...

Brian and I got married!

Incredible how time flies.

The past 36 months have held four moves, new friends, new jobs, heartbreaking disappointments and overwhelming joys. Through it all, God has been so faithful. I am thankful every day for a husband who loves the Lord even more than he loves me. Brian has a true servant's heart and teaches me by example of what it looks like to put others before myself.

This next year will see even more changes and adjustments, but there is no one I would rather have holding my hand through this adventure. Love you B!

God with us

One of my favorite things to think about at Christmastime is the concept of Emmanuel, God with us. No matter what we are going through, whether it be extreme joy or severe heartache, our Lord empathizes. He empathizes because out of His unfathomable love for us, He chose to take on flesh and live as one of us for 33 years.

Wow.

Steven Curtis Chapman says it so well:

And in one glorious moment

All eternity was shaken

As God broke through the darkness that had kept us apart

With love that conquers loneliness

And hope that fills all emptiness

He came to earth to show our worth

Our God is with us, Emmanuel

And He's come to save us, Emmanuel

And we will never face life alone

Now that God has made Himself known

As Father and Friend, with us through the end

Emmanuel

We are inconceivably blessed. His children have truly received the greatest gift of all.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

99 Balloons

I have been meaning to post this video ever since I saw it several months ago. What an amazing testament to be able to truly say, in life or death, may the name of the Lord be praised.

Full of thanks

It may be a week past Thanksgiving, but we are absolutely overflowing with gratitude.

The Lord saw fit to allow Brian one of six spots in the orthodontic program in Indianapolis. It is the oldest ortho program in the country and has an excellent reputation. We were not at all expecting admittance there... a few weeks ago we had heard some unfavorable reports toward Brian's chances of getting in. But our God is mighty! And so faithful. 

We received the news yesterday morning and are still walking around with our heads in the clouds. Since beginning dental school six years ago, ortho acceptance has been a dark cloud hanging over Brian's head. Orthodontics is now ranked as the second most difficult medical specialty to be admitted into. It is an unbelievable feeling to know that he never has to apply again - that there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. We have learned so much about the Lord's sovereignty and are beyond thankful for His grace and lovingkindness shown in allowing Brian to work toward his dream.

The program starts on July 1 and lasts only 24 months, in which time Brian will also achieve his Masters of Science, something he didn't even dare to hope for. We don't know much about Indianapolis yet, but are excited to start familiarizing ourselves with a new part of the country.

Speaking of new homes, on Monday we moved into a duplex where we will stay until we leave for Indiana. The apartment we had booked fell through at the last minute, and God immediately dropped the duplex into our laps. Our heads know that He is always with us and always working His perfect will, but during the past two weeks we have FELT Him with us so closely.

We are also very grateful that God safely returned my dad and brother to us. They had an absolutely incredible journey and we're looking forward to hearing their stories for years to come. In light of the recent terrorist attacks on the hotel in Mumbai, India (the guys were there photographing the Taj Mahal about 4 weeks before it happened) and at the New Delhi airport (which the guys flew through twice), we are very relieved that they are back on US soil, safe and sound.

My mom and I decided to repaint the master bedroom and bathroom four days before Dad's return. With Brian's help, somehow we finished in time and are super pleased with the outcome. Dad loves it and it was a great surprise to welcome him home.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers, support and encouragement throughout this roller coaster ride. We could not be more amazed at the community that God has placed us in, and truly we thank Him every time we remember each of you (Phil. 1:3).

Lead Me On

I got to meet Amy Grant on Sunday night. It was one of the most exciting three minutes I have ever spent with anyone.

For those of you who don't know, or haven't just picked up on it, I am a huge fan. I have been for as long as I can remember! My parents have an audio recording of me singing "The Lord Has a Will," one of her earliest songs, when I could barely even talk. "Tennessee Christmas," her first song off her first Christmas album, is how I officially start my Christmas season every year. Her music has been the backdrop to many of my most precious memories. The Lord never fails to use her words, honest and true, to lift me up and remind me that I am not alone.

I realize she may be considered controversial by some in the Christian community, but there are very few artists I respect more. Throughout all of the multiple articles, books and interviews I have read concerning her, she has shone with graciousness and dignity, despite rumors and falsities swirling around her. She is nothing if not genuine. And she deeply loves the Lord and her family.

Anyway, the concert was held Sunday night at the church where my dad is on staff. That morning, she surprised everyone by singing two different times during the service. It was incredible to see her that close. My mom and I had front and center tickets that evening with our lifelong friends, Diane and Christine (who equally love Amy). Christine and I have DREAMED of getting to talk with her face to face, so we were beyond excited when we got two backstage passes to meet her after the show. The concert was really amazing - she sang nothing released after 1988, so it was all of her old, really good stuff. Christine and I laughed and cried through the entire show. It's amazing how music can take you back.

When our turn to talk finally came, all of the things we wanted to say just flew out the window. It's so hard to know where to start when you are trying to convey to someone the incredible impact they have made on your life. But despite all of our un-eloquence, I think she knew.

Homecoming, the elections, and a great sale

My mom and I headed south last week to see my sister Lesley perform in her first Pigskin. For those of you who have no idea what Pigskin is... in a nutshell, every spring, all of the fraternities and sororities put together a 7 minute song and dance routine, complete with costumes, backdrops and props. The best eight acts are chosen to perform during Baylor's homecoming the following fall, and that performance is called Pigskin. Not really sure why.

Anyway, we stopped in Dallas first to spend a couple of days with our relatives there. Upon our arrival, we were very pleased to learn that our visit happened to coincide with a wonderful event called the partners card sale. Once a year, you can buy a card for $60 (all profits go toward a neat pro-family organization) that allows you to save 20%, in addition to any sale prices, at more than 750 shops/restaurants in the city. Pretty much every store in Dallas. 

So, my mom and I immediately got out a map and set a game plan including the Container Store, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie and Crate & Barrel. In less than 48 hours, we managed to FILL the jetta (like so I couldn't see out of the rearview mirror) with deeply discounted purchases. We are pretty proud of ourselves for saving so much and think we might have to start making this sale an annual tradition!

Homecoming was so fun - I'm embarrassed to admit that it was the first one I have attended as an alumna. My dear friend Carrie drove up from Austin to spend the weekend with us, and we had a great time reliving old memories. Our first stop in Waco was Common Grounds. Yummm! Has anyone else been there recently??? It's a completely different building, but thankfully, the coffee is just the same. We decided against the bonfire (it was waaaayyy too hot that night to be standing by a huge fire) but we did get up early the next morning for the parade. We also skipped the game (which turned out to be quite exciting, but how were we to know?) and instead spent the afternoon at Spice. Les did a fabulous job in Pigskin - Pi Phi's act was "Mischief in the Library." It was adorable. We also got to have lunch with my Waco grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Cunningham. I think I'm going to have to start making homecoming an annual tradition along with the Dallas sale.

We got back to Wichita just in time to gear up for election day. While I could post a lot of anxious thoughts, instead I'll opt for a verse which calms my spirit during this time:

"The king's heart is like channels of water in the hands of the Lord: He turns it wherever He wishes." - Proverbs 21:1

Presidents are not, and never will be, sovereign. Thank you Lord, for giving us such a promise.

I am now in the midst of a huge project - 400 20-page programs for a wedding next week. Since I just started on them today... I better get back to work. :)