My crazy, beautiful life

About me...

I'm a Texas girl, born and raised. My childhood was spent in Houston where my wavy hair gave testimony to the 100% humidity on most days. I moved to Dallas for college at Dallas Baptist University in 2001 and have been here ever since. During my sophomore year of college, sitting on the floor of the hall outside my dorm room, the Lord began stirring in me a passion for women's ministry. I didn't know exactly what that would look like except that I was to use my gifts to love and encourage women however I could. The passion He birthed in me that night is what has led me to where I am today and I've had the privilege to serve women in a variety of capacities all because of His call on my life. I've realized this is just the beginning and I am so excited for the future.  

My love story...

My husband Justin and I met at DBU where I graduated and then began working full-time. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a Master of Arts in Christian Education, and a Master of Arts in Global Leadership. He came for the Ph.D. in Leadership program and we developed a mutual group of friends. Two weeks after our official first date I broke his heart and told him I wasn't interested. Little did I know the Lord was working on my heart, and teaching me to trust that His plan is always best.. After an unfortunate accident that involved me "wrecking" his truck (not really, but he calls it that...) we started dating and were married in September 2008. To be completely honest, Justin wasn't exactly what I thought I wanted in a husband, but after 8 years of marriage I continue to see, almost daily, why the Lord brought him into my life. Marriage is not always easy and we have our fair share of differences, but Justin balances out my weaknesses and sees things from a perspective that I often desperately need. He is my cheerleader, my voice of reason, my dream defender, and my best friend. 

My little loves...

In 2012 our sweet little Zachary was born. He is a joy and delight and has the biggest vocabulary of any 4-year old  I've ever met. Last week he correctly used the words "hydrate" and "scampering" in a sentence. Lord, help me. He has entered into the "lover" stage and can frequently be heard telling Justin or me, "Mama? Daddy? I love you." I melt.  

Isaac was born in 2014 and in staying true to the meaning of his name, keeps me laughing with his handsome smile and silly personality. I like to think that he is going to have a witty sense of humor to go with his compassionate heart and love for people. He gives me a run for my money one minute, and wants to cuddle with me the next. I guess it keeps me on my toes.   

Being a mom is hands down the hardest thing I've ever done, but I have learned so much about myself, the Lord, and giving grace. I am far from perfect and I've realized how much I need to let go of the things that don't really matter and hang on to my friends who will walk this road with me. Oh, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

Ministry...

It doesn't take knowing me very long to know I love music, women's ministry, a good book, and time spent with a girlfriend over coffee. I am humbled by the fact that God would choose to use me to minister to others, and by His grace I have had numerous opportunities to use my gifts in that arena. I've had the opportunity to be a Resident Assistant in my dorm, lead multiple women's Bible studies, speak at events, conferences, and retreats, organize and lead student mission trips, write, lead worship, coordinate gatherings for women, and served as coordinator for MOPS. I love event planning and thrive on creating an environment where women can connect, be given a variety of resources to meet their needs, and be empowered to become the woman, wife, and mother they were called to be in Jesus.  

In a nutshell, I'm a wife and mom, a Jesus girl, a recovering people-pleaser, a magazine addict, and a woman with a desire to use her gifts bravely for the kingdom. I love iced coffee, a good book, music, a new tube of lipstick, and most things girly.