Resolved 2011

What a blessing to be able to attend this conference with the rising freshmen at our church. I always approach these experiences with an expectant heart, and God always exceeds my highest expectations. I could not have left more refreshed by truth, encouraged by the speakers, and excited about getting to know the freshmen even more.

I thought I would include a few of the truths spoken that I pray I will never forget. 

Rick Holland - 

"Appreciation of the truth does not translate to application of the truth." 

"Boundless love covers boundless sin."

"Satan is not the captain of hell, he is the chief captive of it."

"Placing expectations  on this world that can only be met in Heaven is why we complain."

John MacAuthur - 

"True joy is tied to obedience, and obedience gives you a clear conscience."

"Living in a nation full of immorality, it is important to remember that God is still in control."

Al Mohler - 

"As we think is as we do."

"Your worldview is not revealed through your answers to certain questions, but by how you live." 

"Christ's people rarely look as holy as Christ's people ought to be."

CJ Mahaney - 

"We shouldn't be surprised by the temptation to doubt, because we live in a fallen world with active sin in our lives acting out against our faith."

"When you cannot trace His hand, you must trust His heart."

"When our grip weakens, our Father's stays the same."

"I want to keep the cross so close that it feels like it happened yesterday."

"We must remain amazed at our conversion story. There are too many Christians who think that they were chosen by God without much enthusiasm." 

"We bring God joy when we believe with certainty that He loves us completely." 

"Do not look to yourself to find certainty of the Father's love for your, because all you will find is sin."

"A first look at the cross shows me that I am unworthy, and a second look at it reveals that I am loved."

Steve Lawson - 

"None for whom He died will ever perish; He did not die in vain. He got exactly what He purchased with His death."

"If you please God, it does not matter who you displease. If you displease Him, it does not matter who you please."

Cali - Here I come!

Eeek!

Only two more sleeps (this is how I countdown) until I board a jet plane for sunny California.

Forecast...70's all week.
Humidity....non existant.
Happy and happier.

While this trip will be loads of fun, I am most excited about
the relationship building and personal growth that is bound to take place.

And, I go with an expectant heart.

I want to walk away,

with the other 3,900 brothers and sisters in Christ attending,

"resolved to live a life for Him."

Resovled 2011.

2011 Resolved Trailer from Resolved on Vimeo.

New Beginnings -

Well, in true Caroline fashion, it has been over a year since my last post.

Oh-my, do I have a lot to update you guys on.

It has truly been a full year of "firsts."

Here is a quick timeline of the highlights.

I had a song written about me (you can hear it in the wedding video below).

Benjamin & Caroline - Highlight Video from Edward Estes on Vimeo.

I got engaged.

I sold my first painting.

I bought a house with my soon-to-be hubby.

I lived by myself, which was also a first, & loved it.

I got married to the best man that I have ever met.

I went to the Dominican Republic and snuba diving (yes, snuba).

Sadly, the camera used to capture these precious memories no longer functions.

I got my first male roommate (the hubby),

and my house became a much more fun and untidy place.

I experienced the first death of someone close to me, my grandfather.

I switched careers - from 7th grade Language Arts teacher

to full time vocational ministry.

I planted my first flower garden (well, the first one actually

in the ground -flower pots in the window sill of my

college apartment doesn't count).

I had my first Christmas as a Mrs. I decorated my house,

made Christmas goodies for my neighbors, and

played "Santa" for the first time.

Although, I don't think my husband was fooled.

Oh yea, and it was my first white Christmas!

Benjamin and I made the first addition to our family, Miss Roxie Sox.

I became an aunt to the most precious baby girl, Chandler Gray.

I know it sounds silly but, if I am ever blessed with children,

I hope I can love them as much as I love her.

And that, ladies and gents, is probably the best ending to a blog post ever.

xoxo,

Caroline