rachel lyn closs

postcard design.

2010-06-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

My pastor and his wife have been ministering to the community at GRACE for 20 years!!! On June 19th we celebrated them and I had the honor of designing the postcard invitation and coordinating pieces for the event. Pastor Lou is an amazing communicator and you can listen to his sermons at http://www.gracelbmedia.org

new website design

2010-06-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

[poster design for hospice of virginia]

2010-06-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

[website for Hunter Security]

2010-06-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

I have been working with Tim Brandon at COMMAND MASS....he is a GREAT web programmer and I really love working with him....here is the latest site we collaborated on. Check out there website for all the work they do...www.cmdmass.com [& just for fun...http://www.commandmass.com/dance-party-at-work/ ]

apu...U KNOW.

2010-06-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who coaches basketball for the Azusa Pacific University Women's Basketball team...she asked me if I would design a t-shirt for the girls and I said YES! I have become quite the fan of the team - not only because they are AWESOME and play great ball, but because they each have amazing hearts and are just cool people!

So the design on the right got put onto maroon shirts and they sported those shirts all the way to the National Championship game...oh yes, I like to think that a team in a well designed pregame shirt is destined for success.

[sometimes making things is so fun.]

2010-06-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have had the privilege of discipling/mentoring a group of amazing girls since 2003...I try to make them things occasionally. Mainly because...well, I simply like to make things.

My grandmother and I found some old wood at a fleamarket type shop in VA--we spent SEVERAL days trying to find the right wood and I actually wish I had found even older wood then what we came across. We ended up getting some old shutters that came from a barn and I had my grandfather help me chop it up into rectangles and sand the edges. I printed out some pictures of us, sewed them onto fabric, frayed the edges and then attached them to the wood with these cool nails my grandmother had. And wa la...a simple little gift.

gigi turns 1

2010-06-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

I LOVE designing and making custom cards, invitations, announcements, etc!!! They take A LOT of work to put together but an invitation sets the whole tone for your event and its fun to be a part of creating something that gets people ready for a GOOD TIME!!!

Kim DeAllen came to me and asked me to create a invitation for her daughter GiGi's one year old birthday party which was also going to be a fundraiser for breast cancer and her baby dedication. She also wanted to somehow highlight her daughter's formal name of Margaux Gisele DeAllen as well as the name everyone calls her "Gigi"....SO this was quite the challenge to combine all of these pieces in one formal invite but we both LOVED how it came out.

The invitation was fun but the party was AMAZING!!! Kim is such a great party planner and they were able to raise so much money for breast cancer while celebrating a beautiful little girl.

[business cards]

2010-05-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

here are a few of the business cards I have been designing lately...

:)

2010-05-28T14:21:00.001-07:00

flourish conference...amazing!!

2010-05-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

SO....I know I posted A WHILE ago about my friends and I putting on a conference for high school girls called FLOURISH....it was an awesome day!! This is because we had the most amazing team of friends come and help make it happen!!!! I was overwhelmed and in awe of how incredible it is to be a part of such a great community that supports and encourages each other. It was a one day event from 9am-6pm and girls from all over California [San Diego to Modesto to San Luis Obispo to Long Beach] came and worshiped, laughed, studied, and learned about what it looks like to live out Ephesians 4:1"....live a life worthy of the calling you have received".

[it was a beautiful day.]

Besides speaking, I got to do a few things that I love to do, like paint!!! I wish I made more time to sit and paint...it is so therapeutic for me even though I am not very good at it, I still like it! I made this sign for our photobooth that we set up for the girls to take pictures at the event as a keepsake of the day. [thank you Randy Marshman for setting up the photo shoot/backdrop, etc and Taylor Johnson for taking such fun pictures all day long!!]

I also got to design tshirts for the FLOURISH team. I designed patches and my friend Kevin Jenkins who owns EMBRACE APPAREL [www.embraceapparel.com] printed them up for us and then I sewed them on at different places on each girls shirt...so we all had different ones!!! AND I maybe a little bias, but I think we had the world's best band made up of all amazing women - lead by Jessica Lindstrom Garcia...her voice is truly angelic & they have hearts to match!

We are currently setting up FLOURISH conferences in Modesto, Long Beach and Mechanicsville, VA for the fall/winter! More details to come!!!

Ginny's amazing cakes!!

2010-05-28T12:28:00.001-07:00

While I was back home in Virginia during the month of April, a group of my friends from high school got together for dinner. We each brought different toppings for a salad and had a great night of catching up and eating:) I love how encouraging, beautiful and funny each one of these girls are. We've been friends pretty much our entire lives and to grow from preschool, jr.high, college, weddings and now having babies and still be able to laugh through it all is a special thing.

Ginny started a cake business a couple of years ago and everything she makes is EQUALLY delicious as it is beautiful!! She just "whipped" up these personalized cupcakes for each of us. If you are in the Richmond area, you definitely need to use her for your next big event! The cupcakes had a delicious filling and the icing was a whipped chocolate frosting with cherry and chocolate chunks!!! SO GOOD.

art+food....mmmmhmmm.

FLOURISH conference for GIRLS!!!

2010-02-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

March 27th...it will be a glorious day! check out the flourish blog for more info, crazy videos & to SIGN UP!

www.flourishconferences.blogspot.com

[inspiration]

2010-02-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

Be inspired by the world around you!!! Open your eyes and take things to new levels.

[making a memorable scene]

2010-02-01T23:33:00.000-08:00

The day started by deciding to take a stroll along the beach and as we came to a huge mound of sand, like typical girls, we set up a little photo session, enjoyed the sun and caught up....THEN out of nowhere our silence and serene beauty was interrupted by 3 boys. There were the two brothers (one plump/so precious and the other super skinny and never stood still) and then token random friend. who was off in his own world. They climbed onto our mound of sand with boogie boards and I wondered..."Are they going to do what I think they are going to do?" And sure enough...down the sand dune they went. We watched. We laughed. We thought it was cute that the plump little brother looked like he was praying before he scooted himself off the edge. I thought it looked like fun but they were boys and I am such mature, classy lady.

But you see, I am reading this book, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller (THANKS mike forrest!!). It's been like a little treat each night before I go to bed. I try to force myself to only read a chapter or two because it's like a good dessert after a tasteful day. ANYWHO. The book really dives into this whole concept of our life being a story and challenges you to look at the life you are living. Is your story compelling? Is it Fun? Is it meaningful?...Donald Miller writes, "A good movie has memorable scenes, and so does a good life."

So back to the beach....I decided, why not join in on the fun and make some new friends. First attempt down was so fun! It was like sledding but even better because I wasn't cold and I didn't have 45 layers of clothes on. Then skinny brother started doing crazy things like 360s and jumping so I was like..."Oh I am doing that!!! He is 10years old. If he can do it, I can".....Unfortunately, it was an epic fail. I was flipping and rolling all the way down the sand dune and was a human sand box for the rest of the day. The moms asked if I was ok. My friends were crying they were laughing so hard. The boys definitely did not think I was cool. But it was a memorable scene in this life I live.

life is but a BREATH. live it well.

[Thanks for coming to visit Kimi&Taryn. You both live a very compelling life and am thankful to be a part of it!! Keep shining.]

[believe in someone]

2010-01-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

Who inspires you?

Who do you see has amazing potential?

Do you see someone using their gifts and talents beautifully?

TELL THEM.

Recently, someone I admire and respect took the time to believe in me. To encourage and push me to be the best designer I can be. She gave me advice and spoke life-giving words. The power of LIFE is in our TONGUE...so let's USE IT!!! Let's allow those around us to FLOURISH by speaking life into them, not to receive anything but the joy that comes from seeing someone live life to it's fullest!

[olive leaf]

2010-01-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

Olive Leaf is a line of products I designed and Janie Seltzer penned the beautiful poetry. My favorite pieces are the mugs!! The shape is perfect for a big cup of coffee in the morning...and I definitely need a big cup of coffee in the morning :). These were released in the middle of 2009 through DEMDACO and are available at bookstores and retail stores around the country. [www.demdaco.com]

[megan hearts goes to NORTH CAROLINA]

2010-01-21T12:34:00.000-08:00

I have been a part of the MeganHearts team for a little over a year now and it has been so much FUN! Kimi and Megan started a publishing company called Kegan Publishing and they published their first book "Megan Hearts Baking" in 2008. I came alongside as the art director and we [Kimi, Megan and I] have been taking this book on the road. Our goal is to use every minute of the hour and a half event to redefine FUN! Our hope is that each girl walks out of the room a little more confident, knowing that she too can find JOY in unexpected places through giving, encouraging others and having a positive outlook in all situations!

January 8th-12th we were in North Carolina--With almost 300 kids & adults and 5 events we have many crazy memories and moments from this trip! Here are a few highlights via our facebook status' in case you missed them :)

ON BOOK TOUR: Charlotte, NC...was getting odd looks at Starbucks...which was odd till Rachel reminded me that a Mohawk isn't normal [megan]

BOOK TOUR DAY 3...a little 6 year old girl just told Megan she had "fonkay hayer"...seeing girls leave more confident then when they walked in has been amazing!! Kimi-we MISS you. [me]

STOP #4: Asheville, NC @ gas station dressed in purple sweatpants & lime green/purple striped beanie & was greeted with, "you girls ain't from around here, huh?" [megan]

Final stop: Salem-Winston & Colfax, NC. I asked the inevitable question, "so do I sound like I have an accent to you guys" to which a new friend replied, "no darlin, you just sound like those people on them tv do." We all delighted in her answer, drank some tea, and then discovered we have two different definitions of ......the word Shag. Thankfully, they were referring to "dancing" with their friend's dads.

left 14 degree weather in NC and arrived to 74 degrees...eating breakfast outside overlooking the ocean in manhattan beach. thank you california. [me]

VERY SPECIAL THANKS to the guys house in Charlotte, NC and for Sandlin & Hunter Douglas for housing us [and for playing our little game :)]

[new hiddenlife designs]

2010-01-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

I am designing a new line of products for hiddenlife and here is a little sampling :) enjoy!

[flourish]

2010-01-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

There was once a young man who decided he wanted to change the world. His mission in life was to make a difference in the lives of others. He worked tirelessly each day trying to cure hatred, poverty, and violence. As time passed, he concluded his dream of changing the world was unrealistic, and he therefore turned his focus to his country. He got involved in politics, met with decision-makers and tried to change laws and policies. After years of exhausted efforts, he again found himself overwhelmed and unable to change his country. So this man turned his attention to his town.
He was confident he could make a difference and a valid change for the better within his community. However, by this time he was an elderly man and after hours and days of working, he was tired and worn out. This man, defeated and unsuccessful in his endeavors, felt shameful and disappointed. He sat wallowing in self-pity, angry at the world and all alone. It was in this moment he realized all his efforts were strictly to bring glory and recognition to himself. The more aware he became that it is Christ’s power that changes the world and not our own fortitude and pride, his pursuit for Christ became more personal and intimate.

Out of the overflow of God’s love for him, he changed the way he loved and served the people around him and in his community. He watched as they began to come together, as one body, making an incredible impact for the Kingdom of Heaven. This man finally realized that true change had to start with his heart and his relationship with God, unfortunately, it just happened to be so late in his life.

as the new year begins... each of us consciously or unconsciously begin to look at our life and evaluate where we are and where we want to be. Our goals, passions, desires and dreams begin to surface. This morning I had coffee with a friend who shared how she keeps hearing God ask her, "What are your motivations behind your wants and desires? Is it to bring ME glory or yourself?" I was struck by the one word...motivation. Many times I act or serve in hopes to fulfill some need or desire I have, however, when my motivation is strictly to be a light and to bring glory to God (and not myself) my life begins to flourish in unexpectant ways.

flour·ish (flûr’ĭsh, flŭr’-)

[v. flour·ished, flour·ish·ing, flour·ish·es]
1. To grow well or luxuriantly; thrive:
The crops flourished in the rich soil.

2. To do or fare well; prosper:
“No village on the railroad failed to flourish” (John Kenneth Galbraith).

3. To be in a period of highest productivity, excellence, or influence:
a poet who flourished in the tenth century.

4. To make bold, sweeping movements:
The banner flourished in the wind.

May our lives reflect Christ and FLOURISH as we seek to bring HIM glory and not ourselves in this new year.

life is but a BREATH.

[inspiration from others...]

2009-12-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

like adding a little personal touch to your gifts?

I love this post from my friend Janel...I receive so much of my creativity and ideas from this little one and thought I would share this cool idea on making a corsage for your candles!!! Candles often can seem like the..."I don't know what else to get you, so I got you a candle" gift---BUT not with these little touches - the candle becomes the accessory to the cool corsage!

[for a "how-to" fun project...check out the link below to Janel's blog!]

http://janelkaden.blogspot.com/2009/12/gift-ideas-candle-corsage.html

[making baby clothes???]

2009-12-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Remember that baby shower I made invitations for? (see previous post!) Well...I was talking with the new mom and dad to be a couple weeks ago [steve & kimi] about how the majority of baby clothes are pretty generic and how should I say it...just plain "baby" looking...WHY can't babies dress hip too? So, after our conversation, I decided I was going to try and make baby landon some cool clothes.

With the help of my friend Kevin who owns EMBRACE APPAREL [www.embraceapparel.com...check it out-such great stuff!!!] I picked up some pieces from American Apparel to play around with. Steve & Kimi love the mid-century modern look so I found some leftover fabric I had in my craft closet (yes, I have a craft closet, ha), dusted off the 'ol sewing machine and went to town! It was SO MUCH FUN making them and creating unique little pieces of art...so much fun that it has sparked an interest in making this into a little side business!! Steve & Kimi loved the clothes so much that Kimi, the marketting MASTER, is helping me create a business plan market them to local boutiques and shops through out the Long Beach/L.A. area!

NOW, I NEED YOUR HELP!

We are trying to think of a name for the line and COULD USE YOUR HELP!!! Baby Landon's nickname is TURTLE and since he was the inspiration behind this project starting, it is only fitting that the word turtle is in the name...AND I want to keep the mid-century modern look...any ideas???? 2 free onesies if your idea becomes the new name!

this is so much fun :)-------enjoy your day!

[one for one]

2009-12-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysE2VlyvdnI

Personally I love my TOMS shoes...I like wearing them. I like giving them. I like feeling cool every time I put them on AND I like smiling to myself knowing that some kid around the world is feeling the same way.

Give the gift of TOMS this Christmas...everyone likes them!!! Ideal for teachers, that special someone, your parents, your children, your dog and your best friend.

There are so many amazing styles to try and if you simply can't decide which ones to get someone there are gift cards available on the website as well!

My awesome friend Megan is an affiliate with TOMS SHOES because she truly lives the principle of giving. She sacrifices her time, talents and love to everyone she comes in contact with...and just but putting her name "meganfate" in the 'discount code' area you too can be blessed by getting a little bit of money off our shoe purchases!!--Feel free to use/share the discount code: "meganfate"

PAY IT FORWARD and give to more than just the people you know!

www.tomshoes.com

hmmmm what to do....

2009-12-11T00:35:00.000-08:00

A great friend gave me this cool black screen as a gift a few years ago and ever since I got it, I have always wondered how to decorate it just perfectly for Christmas!? Most normal people don't loose sleep over things like this but I do!!! So, as I was watching the amazing (and might I add, incredibly informative) HGTV Channel this weekend, a show came on about decorating celebrity homes for Christmas...I fell in LOVE with the look they designed for the singer Jewel's home!!! They had put this garland on her tree that was made out of old, vintage Christmas cards and I thought to myself..."I COULD totally do that!" Almost simultaneously my head turned and my eye caught the black screen in the corner--then all of a sudden there was a spot light illuminating the corner and I heard the words, "pick me, pick me...I want some Christmas Garland!"

I had to oblige and go through with it now :) So there began my fun project for the week! [YOU can DO IT TOO!!]

1. I quickly looked through my stash of old Christmas cards and designs to find some I liked

2. I copied them onto textured paper with my home printer

3. I cut them out and glued to a backing (a colored piece of cardstock---don't worry about making the lines perfect when you cut...it adds to the uniqueness & vintage feel)

4. I then glued it onto another piece of cardstock in which I had scalloped cut the edges

5. last step punch holes at the top - add a few glitter accents throughout - HANG & ENJOY :)

{I was thinking about making some of them just plain ornaments with a ribbon or possibly Christmas Cards or tags for gifts...let me know if you have any more ideas!!}

[make a jersey...make more fun]

2009-12-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

Our family is a little....how should I say??um....interesting? My grandparents gave land behind their house to their children and we all grew up on this one beautiful plot of land back in the woods in Mechanicsville, VA. So, ever since we were little kids we played together...we were all we had. A few times we played nice and sometimes-actually usually, there were tears. One sport we have all grown to love is football....we...uhhhh, kinda like it a lot.

Not because we are pro but because we truly enjoy the time with each other....I believe so much in the power of football that I have a few tips for you to start your own family football team

TIP ONE:

make jerseys...it makes for more fun...

I finally designed and had jerseys printed for the fam...our teams are the DUCKS vs. the BUCKS

TIP TWO:

have 2 designated, appointed or elected ALL TIME captains.
Selection of teams becomes much easier. The two captains discuss and divide the group fairly...this way NO one gets picked last and feels like they are the worst player on the field....AT LEAST I appreciate it :)

TIP THREE:

football is a TEAM sport
Everyone plays on every play...no one just stands on the line and runs around the field without purpose. This is why it so important to have great captains -- they direct plays and get everyone involved!!

TIP FOUR:

fans are a necessity
My mom pulled out some cheerleading moves for the 70's..VICTORY VICTORY is our CRY....V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!!!!!

TIP FIVE:

go big or go home.
Why not play tackle football?

let me know how it goes & enjoy :)

[not responsible for any injuries that may occur before, during or after any game to come as a result of this blog...play at your own risk! ha]

[the beauty of the moment]

2009-11-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

Life is fast. In the book of James our life is described as "but a breath". A BREATH...that's it? Just a breath? My life seems much more complex, long and crazy to be just a breath! Compared to the eternity we have waiting for us, our life is simply a breath.

We can take this knowledge and look one of two ways:

Because I am just a breath, it doesn't really matter what I do with my life because I am not here that long..what difference does it make. Why care so much? Why not live for myself? Why not just do what I need to get done so I can have the things I want?

BECAUSE life is short, I want my life to be genuine. I want to live in such a way that my family, friends, and strangers know how precious this life is. Why not seize every opportunity to make a difference? Why not love those around me, especially those living under the same roof, and find ways to encourage them to truly flourish? Why not be careful to not fill my life with too many "things" that I miss the beauty of the moment.

[The difference lies in the discovery of whether or not life is about YOU or OTHERS]

I came home to Virginia for my first Thanksgiving in seven years this past week. My typical holiday break/trip home is filled with as many activities, plans, and parties that I can possibly fit in. I would leave a family gathering a little early to go meet up with a friend and then after staying up too late, get up super early to meet someone else. I was constantly going and ended up giving each person half of me because for the most part I was either worn out, exhausted or my mind was preoccupied with the next thing on my agenda....this trip I decided to be intentional.

There were unexpected surprises I was able to have because I didn't over plan...three hour conversations/visits that just randomly happened with my aunts and uncles, a day trip to Charlottesville with my mom and sister, long walks in the crisp fall air with great friends, hours of playing football with my cousins...

Sometimes we fill our lives with too much and other times we don't seek to love and invest in others enough. It is a fine balance - and one I am STILL learning. However, the more I remember that my life here on this earth is temporary and short, I am challenged to seize each moment whether that means taking time to laugh and snuggle with my mom on the couch or genuinely listen to a friend in need. Our life is a group of moments...but it is just a breath. Are you making the most of it today or just getting by?

[who plans a babyshower on a monday?]

2009-11-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

As Kimi walked into Me 'n Eds pizza parlor, Ashleigh, our little partner in crime asked the hostess if they could sit in the back room [winking and nodding her head in hopes the waitress would get the hint that THIS was the lady to whom the crazy baby shower in the back was for and to play along]...she didn't get the hint and responded with, "oh, no you can't, there is this silly baby shower going on back there...they have a photo booth and a big banner, streamers everywhere...it's cute, you should take a peek."

Kimi, confused looked at Ashleigh and said, "weird...WHO has a baby shower here? And on A MONDAY night?? crazy!" And off she went to order some pizza.

Ashleigh texted that the plan was spoiled and on the count of 3 we slung open the partition divider, yelled surprise, popped poppers and started playing/dancing/singing to "BABY BABY" by the wonderful Amy Grant which then transitioned nicely into "Hit Me Baby One More Time" by Brittany Spears....Kimi turned around, just stared trying to figure out who the surprise was for until she realized that those were all her friends dressed up as babies and pregnant ladies having the time of their life and that this party was ALL FOR HER!!!

The night was spent with GREAT pizza, friends and words of wisdom from mothers, traits we admire about our mothers and encouragement to Kimi with the 1 word that embodies why she is going to be such an AMAZING mom to baby turtle.

We ended the night by all laying hands on kimi and praying for her...I realized in the middle of the prayer that one hand was on her shoulder and the other was on my belly just rubbing away like there was an actual baby inside...is that strange? OR does that make me a natural at child carrying?

...oh, one last detail! dessert was crushed up candy bars mixed with chocolate & carmel syrup packaged nicely in cute little diapers :) yummmmmy.

why be boring?

[...because you can!]

2009-11-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

So....one could stay in their house to finish up a little bit of work...one could be healthy/responsible and cook a delicious meal...one could be boring.........

You could take a little walk (or drive) down to the quaintest european coffee shop on your block and have a chai for dinner :) ...THAT is the beauty of being an adult...you can do that!

Don't get stuck in a rut! Go out and explore your city...you'll gain more creativity, meet interesting people and might possibly be able to compete with the incredible chai I found!

[the best smelling candles in the WORLD]

2009-11-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

So I just moved into a new apartment and these candles have brought SO MANY delightful smells to each room....I wish so much that the internet had a scratch and sniff tab...how cool would that be? Maybe there could be a button that you just push and out PUFFS a certain smell...just POOF there it is and then you know you want to buy a case of these candles for you & all your friends!!! ha...poooof...just envision it.

BUT in all honesty...everyone that comes in my room picks up my candles and comments on how incredible they smell even when they are NOT burning....my friend Kimber hand makes each candle from her home studio in the quaint Outer Banks of North Carolina with love and tender care plus she gift wraps/boxes them up SO CUTE!!!!!

WARNING: you will never want to buy any other candles after purchasing these. Check out the website and buy some candles today that will change your life!!!

http://icraft.ca/theouterbankscandleco

[be prepared for goodness]

[trust]

2009-11-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

why is it so hard to trust the Lord?

So what does it really mean to trust the Lord? We hear this verse so much that it has become a typical christian cliche. In the "good times" of life it's easy to say "YA trust the Lord! woohoo" but when life is hard, when you are confused at what your future holds or lost in the circumstance you find yourself in, often times that fIRM tRUST seems to WEAKEN. The problem comes when we lean on our own understanding and stop recognizing the true nature of God. Our own desires, wants and feelings get in the way and we find ourselves lost in a sea of self-pity, bitterness or doubt. The Lord promises us as we trust Him with all our WHOLE heart, leaning not on our own understanding and acknowledging Him in all we do...HE will make our paths straight. NOT perfect, but straight. He leads us straight to His heart and in Him we find peace, contentment and joy to continue on despite what comes at us.

I was told lately that the way we live our life depends on how we grasp two things...
1) how you view God & 2) how you think He views you

What is your view of God? Is He the God of compassion to you? How about loving, gracious or trustworthy? What does God think about you? Do you hear Him call you His beloved? Do you know He takes great delight in YOU? Do you believe sees you in the midst of your pain?

Our life circumstances can often skew our view of how we see God and what He thinks of us....HOWEVER....even though our views change God never changes, His love for us is never ending and everlasting.

[may these final words bring a source of hope and trust]

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
my heart and my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

[Hillsong United]

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever
[hebrews 13:8]

[kimi's baby shower]

2009-11-12T20:50:00.000-08:00

Kimi and her husband Steve are some of the most giving and caring people I have ever met in my entire life! I am constantly challenged by the way they live life and am excited to have the opportunity to honor such amazing people. They give so much to everyone and now we get to give back a little love through diapers and too many onesies...the invite just got sent to the printer and thought I would upload a sneak peek! [check back in to see pics of the shower after it happens!]

[unveiling conference]

2009-11-09T13:01:00.001-08:00

This weekend {november 13-14} I have the privilege of hosting the "unveiling girls conference" at North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad, California. UNVEILING seeks to challenge girls to live a holistic life of purity by unveiling the lies and embracing the truth of God in a safe environment.

For more information go to...http://www.northcoastcalvary.org/unveilingconference/
There is still room available for you to be a part of this! I'd love to see you there :)

[a new place to lay my head]

2009-11-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

I recently moved to Long Beach from San Diego and finally found the perfect place in the charming Belmont Heights area....I love our new place :) This weekend I spent some time [along with the help of Priscilla and Taylor] hanging curtains, shelves, etc...there is still a lot to do but it is started to feel more and more like home! I'll post more pictures as we finish up decorating....this is just a little taste for now!