My Very First and Last NEXT

There I go again... not blogging. And I have no excuse for it.

This past weekend, Josh, Kel and I made a trip down to Orlando, FL, for the NEXT Conference. Since we moved to Florida, I was unable to go these past years. So this was my first time, and my last, as it is the last NEXT Conference Sovereign Grace is doing.

The worship was AMAZING and so encouraging. One song in particularly was encouraging is the song off of the Gathering cd, Now Why This Fear.

Now why this fear and unbelief?
Has not the Father put to grief
His spotless Son for us?
And will the righteous Judge of men
Condemn me for that debt of sin
Now canceled at the cross?

Jesus, all my trust is in Your blood
Jesus, You’ve rescued us
Through Your great love

Complete atonement You have made
And by Your death have fully paid
The debt Your people owed
No wrath remains for us to face
We’re sheltered by Your saving grace
And sprinkled with Your blood

Be still my soul and know this peace
The merits of your great high priest
Have bought your liberty
Rely then on His precious blood
Don’t fear your banishment from God
Since Jesus sets you free

How sweet the sound of saving grace 

How sweet the sound of saving grace
Christ died for me

What a truth we need to be reminded of daily. Something I am ashamed to say I forget. Since our time at NEXT, I have caught myself singing in a whisper, "Jesus, all my trust is in Your blood." Then I think, "Why am I whispering?" Yeah, I don't have the greatest voice, an yes I do sing off key, but God doesn't care! Sheesh! So I'll begin to sing it loader. Because how sweet the sound of saving grace! He died for ME! At NEXT and even now, those lines almost bring me to tears. Isn't it sweet???

On top of the worship, the teaching was amazing as well! Jeff Purswell did a great job explaining that we are apart of something that is way bigger than us. He took us through the whole Bible from start to finish... and you know as a kid that the Bible is one big story, but you don't actually see it until it's presented in the way he did it (unless I didn't).

I also really enjoyed Kevin DeYoung's messages as well. His one on friendship was very provoking to me. God has given me so many wonderful, godly friendships since moving back to VA, and for which I am very thankful! But his message really got me thinking... am I a faithful friend? Do I go out of my way to see how a friend is doing, and just stop right there and pray for them? No. I was really convicted.

The last two messages I LOVED. Matt Chandler and C.J. Mahaney. Matt Chandler's message was very convicting to me. Honestly, at times I'm a shamed to say that I hid from being a Christian... because I want to seem "cool". I have no problem blaring Pitbull in my car, but I do have a problem with turning Chris Tomlin up. Why? I know it's my sin nature... but I hate that. I love the verse that Tebow had on his eye blacks once, "May I never boast except in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ." (Galatians 6:14) He should be the one I boast in... not the world. One think that Matt Chandler said that keeps running through my mind is this; "When you present a 'cool' Jesus to our world, it's no longer the Jesus of the Bible, but a Jesus you created." What a convicting thought! Something I have never thought of before... it's not the same Jesus. Wow!

 C.J. has always been one of my favorite preachers (followed by Aaron Campbell :) ). So this was the one message I was most looking forward too. His message was on the Church and Disappointment. He encouraged everyone to think of things that you find disappointing in your church and things that you see God at work. I have to confess that for a while there, C.J. lost my attention. I listed many things that I found God at work in KingsWay... but I couldn't find anything I was "disappointed" with. And after talking to my dad when I got home, I realized that after going to different churches in Florida, there were so many things we were without, that it makes us so much more thankful we are back here at KingsWay. The worship, the teaching, the pastors, the friendships and fellowship... everything! What a gift from God it is to me! And a job too!!! What an E.G.G. (Evidence of God's Grace).

Something else C.J. said got my attention. One is to never bring books on your honeymoon :). haha No. He shared a story of a pastor that was meeting with a man from his church. And the man was complaining about the things that he didn't like in the church... the worship, the teaching, etc. And the pastor who was meeting with this man leans forward and gave the man a 5 word antidote for this complaining. "It's not about you, stupid." Man! I couldn't find anything I was disappointed about KingsWay... but how I so often forget that this life isn't about me! It's not! There is only one who my life is about. And his name starts with a J and a C. So tell me who's in the house! J! C! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself. haha That's what you get for growing up in the early '90s I guess... :) ).

It's not about you, stupid! Those five short, little words are so grounded in truth. It's not about me, or you, but about Him who created us!!!

Sorry for this rather long post... and that I haven't posted in a while, but that's what God has been so graciously working on in my life. It's not about trying to be "cool", and it's not about me! But it's about Jesus, and all my trust needs to be in His blood.

Thanks for reading! :)

Isn't He Faithful?

God is so faithful! I've been driving since I was 16.... just like every teenager. But unlike most teenagers, I  was unable to buy my own car. After time and time again getting so close to finally getting one, that just wasn't in God's plan. 

When I got home from community group a week ago, I decided to look on Craig's List to see what they had car wise. And there, at the top of the list was a 2003 Ford Focus (my "realistic" dream car since who knows how long, along with my dream car the Mini Cooper). Red, in amazing condition! I freaked! 

Dad took me that Saturday to go look at it... and I knew that was gonna be a bad idea. I was trying sooooo hard to contain myself. It was in even in more amazing condition from the pictures online. And it made it worse when I found out that it got near 30 mpg in the city. 

Sunday we were gonna go back, but since dad got sick we were unable to. I was pretty bummed, but I kept telling myself tat if it was the car God wanted me to have, it would still be there on Monday waiting for me. 

Sure enough, Monday afternoon, there it was. The Red Focus. And hours later, I was pulling my dream car into my drive way. God is so good! I love it! It's the perfect car for me... and t didn't help that I got an amazing deal on it. I am so totally blessed! As my good friend Lydia says, "God totally loves me!" I've waited so long to have one of my own, and He blessed me with one of my dream cars. He is so totally faithful!!!

Carol of the Bells

For the Christmas season, my family, along with Bryan Holt, put on this special treat for KingsWay yesterday (December 18th, 2011)! It was totally awesome!!!!!! Rock on... and Enjoy!

Winter Jam 2011, Part 2

So to continue my story of our amazing night... where did I leave off?... Oh yes, the performances ending.

When we came out into the foyer, there were tons of people! And since there were not many people in the line for Red, we jumped in. It was so cool to meet them, and I got my cd over signed. I was also very happy for Josh to meet one of his favorite bands ever! I got him a poster for the guys to sign, and so he'll be able to remember this amazing memory! 

Next we were off to see KJ-52. It was really cool so see him out and about talking to fans and taking pictures, rather than sitting behind a table. Kel and I got pictures with him, and were pretty excited.

Kutless was just around the corner. Their newest cd (as of 2009) was $5, so of course, I bought one for them to sign. They have always been a favorite of mine, so that made it really special when I got to talk to the singer, Jon Micah Sumrall for a minute.

Since David Crowder Band was not signing that night, Newsboys were next. And like Kutless, their cd's was $5. Had to get it! Now at this point we were waiting in the loooooong line, and I really wanted to go back to KJ-52's table and get a cd. So my wonderful brother came with me. When we got there, the lady said it was $12, and what are the odds I only had $11. Went back bummed, but were still excited for the night. When we finally got to the table, and handing our cd covers, the australian drummer on the Newsboys, Duncan Phillips, grabbed my hand. He asked me my name, and I told him Brittany. And he said it in his wonderful aussie accent! Then he pointed to Stacy, while still holding my hand, and said "is this beautiful lady with you?" I told him yes this was my aunt Stacy. And he said Stacy in an aussie accent too (she was pretty thrilled). Then Kelsey (standing behind me) shoved her arm through and said "And I'm her sister, Kelsey". He let go of my hand with a laugh and shook hers. It was amazing! When we walked off, Stacy told me she thought she was about to see him propose to me.

As we were walking away, Stacy said she could give me the $1 I need for KJ-52's cd if we wanted to try again. So we did. And as we were talking up, we saw two guys packing up the stuff. Then we relized, it was KJ-52 himself! It was amazing! I asked him if it was to late to get the cd, and he said it wasn't, and he sold it to me himself!!!! AHHHH! And since there was no line of people, he was able to sign it to me, and did a silly face on the front. How cool! He also gave me his pack of 5 Gum. Just the four of us were able to hang out with him and talk to him for a few minutes. It was amazing! What a way to top off the night!!! Could not have ended better than hangin' with KJ! 

When we got back to the car, all of us could not stop saying "Oh my gosh! What a night!" God planned it out Himself, and truly blessed us!

Winter Jam 2011, Part 1

For the last few weeks my aunt Stacy has been talking to the 3 of us about going to Winter Jam 2011 in Mobile. Well, yesterday afternoon, we decided to go... very last minute! I wanted to go, but I was not dying to go like Kel and Josh.

The drive over was so much fun. Having that time with our wonderful auntie was a blast! Went to Starbucks, ate at Panera Bread, acted crazy, and had lost of time to chit chat.

Following the directions from the web, we could not find the place where it was being held. Even Kel's iPhone didn't give us good directions. When we asked a police officer on the campus of University of South Alabama, he told us where Winter Jam was, and that last year they had to turn back 2,500 people, and there was more people turning up this year than the last. At this point it was already 5 minutes since they opened the doors, and we had not yet had the car parked.

Once we parked, and got to the line, it was already 15 minutes since they opened the doors. As we stood in line, we started making plans that if we didn't get in (which we were expecting not to) we would go see a movie. The line moved pretty fast, and we made it in! Just $10 each at the door! Crazy!

Just 20 minutes after the doors opened, it was packed! We finally found some seats, but they were kinda behind the stage. But we were really close to the performers.

First up was one of the bands we were really looking forward to, and one of Josh's favorites, Red. It was awesome seeing them live. And what was also really cool was behind the drums, they had a fire machine (or what ever they are called). So during the really have parts, the fire would blow in several directions. I was very happy Josh got to see his second favorite band!

Next up was Newsong. Didn't really care to see them, and all I have to say is, it was very interesting. They were a lot older than I expected them to be, but that wasn't what I thought was interesting. They were in skinny jeans! And that's not all. Keep in mind we had just seen Red, and they had a fire machine... Newsong started blowing glitter and confetti! I just started laughing, and leaned over to Stacy to tell her what I thought was funny. And just when she replied with, "I know, it's very intersting" they started playing the old song Shout. That made us laugh even harder! Now they did play Sweet Home Alabama (since we were in Mobile) and that was fun.

Francesca Battistelli was next, at this point Josh and I went out to go check out the Red booth, and I bought their cd, Until We Have Faces, that came out a week and a half ago for $10. I was pretty excited!

When we got back to our seats, David Crowder Band was coming out. That was cool seeing them, because most of the songs they played I know. And since they are from Texas, at the end they did a hoedown. One guy even played a  banjo. It was fun!







When David Crowder Band was done, it was time for an intermission. Kel and Stacy went looking around, but Josh and I stayed with our seats. We enjoyed watching the setup guys up together the Kutless' stuff. And then KJ-52 came out, and was goofing off. 

Stacy and Kel made it back just in time for the next performer. KJ-52 did a song and it was awesome! He also had us doing some dance moves, which Stacy and I did!

Kutless then opened up with their version of It Is Well. I loved it! Next song was one of my favorites of theirs, Strong Tower. The rest of their performance was amazing. Jon Micah Sumrall (the singer) did a few songs on the grand piano they had on stage. It was great!

Up next was Newsboys, and boy was that awesome! They came out singing one of my favorite songs, Dynamite by Tail Cruz. Singer Michael Tate and drumer Duncan Phillips (who in fact is Ausie!) can running down the lite runway. But the keyboard and guitar player came in on platforms that moved through the air. (See picture.) Watching Michael Tate dance, reminded me sooooo much of Michael Jackson. He even did some of MJ's moves.

Through out the show, they would lift these things up off the stage and hover over the crowd. It was awesome! At one point, they started playing one of Kel's favorite song, Play That Funky Music. She had a great big smile on her face! 

During one of the last songs, the platforms rose above the crowd just like before, then Michael Tate went to the end of the runway and rose into the air. (see picture.) And just when you thought that was all, the drummer was raised, turned sideways, and started spinning. It was crazy! Their whole show was very well done and professional. Even more so than when we went and saw TobyMac a few years ago. And just when you thought they were going to end, they started playing the tune of Jesus Freak (which I was really hoping they would since Michael Tate us to be on dc Talk). But then, when you thought "this can't get any better!" KJ-52 came out and did TobyMac's part of the song! Can you say "ama-za-zing"?! I of course was screaming and singing along! What an amazing concert it was!

(Since this post is a little longer than I wanted it to be, I'll be posting Winter Jam 2011, Part 2 soon.)

What a Year for Sports!

This past year was a great year for sports. Maybe not for some people... but it was for me.

Most of you know I was a Gator fan, but I was more rooting for Tebow. Last April, a friend and I made an agreement, I'd be an Auburn fan if he would be a Colts fan. And so began my fanhood of an Auburn fan.

Now when it comes to NBA, I have two teams. Some people don't understand this... so let me explain. Back in 2001, my neighbor Anthony, was the first to get me into NBA. He was a Lakers fan, so that's how I became a fan. In 2002, since I am from Florida, I became a Miami Heat fan. And since then, I have had two teams. Now some years, I'll root for one more than the other. Like last year, Lakers made it to the Playoffs. Or this year, I'm rooting for Heat more than the Lakers, since Lakers have now won two years in a row, I want Heat to go all the way. But then again, a threepeat would be sweet!

But like I said, Lakers won the Championship. After a 7 game series, they beat the Boston Celtics!

When basketball was over, James said he wanted to leave the Cavs. I was hoping and crossing fingers he would go to Heat. For many years, it's been a dream for him and Wade to be on the same team. And one night, when I was checking ESPN (most of the time a daily routine), there on the front page, "Lebron joins the Heat". I screamed! No lie, this was one of the best days of my life. Lebron and Dwayne! What a team!

In October, for my 20th birthday, we went to Jacksonville for the Colts and Jags game. That was amazing! After being a fan since 2006, I finally saw my team! I must say, I did start crying when they came running out. But I never thought I would see my team running out like that in my life. What an experince! The whole game was a close one, and at the last 30 seconds, my Colts lost.

October 23rd, I went with my boyfriend to the Auburn vs. LSU game. This was my first college experince, and I must say I like going to a college game more than a Pro. There seems to be more to it. You have the band, traditions (such as the eagle flying around the field), and the fans seem to be more into it. In the end Auburn pulled the win off! War Eagle!

Start of January came, and this meant Playoff and Bowls. On January 8th, Colts played the New York Jets. They ended up losing, but after the year they had, I was just happy they made it to the Playoffs.

January 10th came, this meant the BCS Championship game. Auburn Tigers vs. Oregon Ducks. Auburn won! War Eagle!

Since football is over, basketball begins. As of right now, both Heat and Lakers are second in their conference. Doing pretty good so far.

This year I'm hoping for another good sport year! Go Colts, War Eagle, Go Lakers and Go Heat!

Epic Weekend

This past weekend (10/01-03/2010), my family, Mark and Sean all went to Jacksonville to see my Colts play the Jaguars.
Friday, we arrived at my aunt Kelly's at 2a.m.. I was to excited, that I was not able to sleep much. So Saturday had an early start.... It was a pretty chill day. Mark and I watched the Auburn game in the movie theater room. They won! 52-3. =D Jacob took Josh, Mark and I on a ride on the golf cart on the golf couse. There was also lots of pool playing. Later that night we watched the Florida vs. Alabama game. Poor Florida. 6-31. =( Sunday, was another early start... thanks to my excitment. haha But it never hit me that I was going to see my team till we saw the stadium. When we got to our seat (at the very, very top) it was amazing! Even tho we were at the very top, we really did have agreat seats at the 50 yard line.
When my team, in their white and blue uniforms ran out, yes... I started to cry. haha I was so overwelmed with joy! This site was something I never, ever thought I would ever see. It was amazing! haha One of the best moments of my life. haha Mom brought dad's hunting binoculars for us to see closer... and it was so cool! I was able to see their faces! It was such a close game... and the last few seconds of the 4th, Jacksonville kicked a 59 yard field goal. The ending score; Jacksonville 28-31. =( I was very bummed, but I was still very happy I saw my team!
It was an amazing weekend! Not only did I see my team, but I also got to spend time with my boyfriend! =)

Lately In My Life....

Lately in my life there has been either a lot going on, or big changes!!!
My family made the trip over to Jacksonville, to my aunts house, on Wednesday the 14th. Where GG and Popa Don, along with Kristy and the girls came down too. It was great seeing everyone and enjoying great times with cousins about my age! Played lots of pool... swam at their neighborhood waterpark, and went off the big slide like little kids about 20 times each time we were there... drove the golfcart everywhere, inculuding Walmart... played our own game of tennis... watched movies in the theater room.... And we did so much more in the 5 days we were there!
Tuesday the 20th, Popa Don, GG, Kel, Josh and myself all piled up in their car to head to VA! I must say that was the fastest trip I have ever taken!!! And I have taken a lot of roadtrips... from VA to Pcola a few times each year... and many more trips!
We had a great time while we were there! Did lots of shopping and saw many good friends! We had a great time spending time at GG and Popa Don's! They even gave us a beach party Sunday night so we could get together with close friends! Played Mafia most of the time... and I must say I have a new strategy. Mwahahaha!
On Tuesday the 27th, we were heading back home. But the night before GG called Kelly, and all the flights from Richmond to Atlanta were full. I was pretty upset, because I was ready to see my parents and Mark the next day. Mark kept telling me I had to come home. Well, we still got up at 4am, and headed to the airport. There were 2 seats left, and we decided to send Kel and Josh on. As I was saying my goodbyes, I was thinking that I might not be able to come home till next week. Because this was the best day of this week to leave Richmond to Atlanta. As GG was writing down the numbers to give Kel and Josh, she felt God was saying no. Well, the gate dude was sooooooo sweet and nice!!! He told us he could get us from Richmond to Orlando... then from Orlando to Atlanta, and Atlanta to Pcola. That is just what we did! On the plane to Orlando we were in business class (aka first class). That was really cool! The other two we were in coach. They were all relaxing to me, but the landing in Atlanta was a lil rough.
When we arrived at Pensacola, we saw our peeps!!! Mom was there with Diego, Lili and Sabrina... Mark and Sean... and Stacy and the girls were also there! It was great seeing everyone... lots of hugs!!! haha Mark and I got a great picture!!! (my profile picture! haha)
When we got home... Mark and I went to Starbucks where I thought we would be talking about our trips. After a while, he asked me if I would want to be in a relationship with him. I was speachless!!! I must say, I was hoping it would happen, but I was not expecting for few months. So when he asked me the day I got back from VA, I was so surprised!!!! I now have a boyfriend!!!! =D These are exciting times!!! I now know why he said I had to be home! =)
He is everything I ever wanted... and God has really blessed me!!!
God has been so kind to me this summer. Blessing me left and right. From opening my eyes to things I had never seen before to Mark. Even my relationship with my parents has grown! He is a great God!!! And I am very thankful for the gifts He has given me!!! My prayer is, I will glorify Him in all I do!