Making progress!

I've gotten so much done lately due to my sisters visiting and helping me cross things off the list! Those that are bold are the most recently accomplished.

My oldest sister and I attempted surfing. I wouldn't say I succeeded, but I did learn how to do it. I'll attempt to actually surf again! We also drove to Malibu and the Santa Monica Promenade. The middle sister came and we crossed of many items! Driving PCH, Santa Barbara, one of the missions, Hearst Castle, and Sequoia National Park! And all of that was in one weekend! :D

Here's the updated list! We're making progress. I'll be going to Disneyland in a few weeks, so that one will soon be crossed off. :)

The California Bucket List

1) Learn to Surf
2) Swim with the Dolphins at Sea World
3) Visit and hike Catalina Island
4) Hollywood
5) Malibu
6) Santa Barbara
7) Dodgers Statium
8) See a movie premeire
9) Hike to the Hollywood sign
10) Stay at Hotel del Coronado
11) Channel Islands
12) Lake Arrowhead
13) Joshua Tree
14) Palm Springs
15) Yosemite
16) Vegas
17) Disneyland
18) Grand Canyon
19) Sequoia National Park
20) Drive Pacific Coast Highway
21) Huntington Library
22) San Francisco
23) The Missions (Fulfilled in Santa Barbara)
24) Kayaking caves at La Jolla
25) Hearst Castle
26) Sailing
27) Death Valley
28) Hollywood Bowl
29) Whale Watching
30) Grunion Runs (with my Dad)
31) San Diego Zoo
32) La Brea Tar Pits
33) The Ghetty Museum
34) Griffith Observatory
35) Universal Studios
36) Santa Monica Pier
37) Eat at Planet Hollywood
38) Venice Boardwalk
39) Santa Monica Promenade
40) Be an extra or in the studio audience of a TV show
41) LA County Museum of Art
42) Pantages Theater
43) Tommy's Burger
44) Canter's Deli
45) Philippe's French Dip Sandwich
46) Fashion District
47) Olvera Street
48) Tijuana
49) Move back to Missouri

Help us Win a Free Honeymoon!

My Fiance and I are trying to win a free honeymoon! Help us get to the top of the comments page and leave a comment! It only takes 30 seconds and we'd really appreciate it! :) Thanks!

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Another Tune for a Tuesday: "Don't Be Afraid" by Pete Buncher

"Don't Be Afraid"
Pete Buncher

Don't be afraid,
I'll hold your hand.
Don't be afraid,
I'll help you stand
For me.

Don't be afraid,
I cast no stones.
And though you may roam,
I'll lead you, I'll lead you home.

I gave my life,
So that you would live with me.
I've broken my body,
So that you may be free.
So come follow me.

Don't be afraid,
I go before you.
This price is paid,
I love you, I'll lead you home.

I gave my life,
So that you would live with me.
I've broken my body,
So that you would be free.
Come follow me.

Don't be afraid,
my voice is in you.
Just walk my way,
I love you, and I'll lead you home.
Oh I love you, and I'll lead you home.

This Tuesday called for a double dose of lyrics! A friend from high school youth group just released his first CD! I'm listening to it for the first time right now, and as this song came on, I was filled with joy. I remember listening to this song a few years back in his college campus house. Who would have know (answer: God) that it would be speaking to me again today!

Download the album on iTunes! And if you're in the St. Louis area, head to his CD release party this Saturday at 6:30 pm at Assumption Parish in SoCo!

Congrats Pete! And thanks for a beautiful album to bless my ears!

A Tune for a Tuesday

"Alive Again"
Matt Maher

I woke up in darkness
Surrounded by silence
Oh where, oh where have I gone?
I woke to reality Losing its grip on me

Oh where, where have I gone?
'Cause I can see the light
Before I see the sunrise
You called and You shouted

Broke through my deafness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
You shattered my darkness

Washed away my blindness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
Late have I loved You
You waited for me, I searched for You

What took me so long?
I was looking outside
As if Love would ever want to hide
I'm finding I was wrong

'Cause I feel the wind
Before it hits my skin
'Cause I want You,
Yes I want You I need You, and I'll do

Whatever I have to just to get through
'Cause I love You,
Yeah I love You

This song is perfectly placed this Tuesday. I just got of off a retreat that I lead this weekend, and though I lead it, it was just as much a retreat for me as it was for those in attendance. I've been living a busy life full of 5 different ministries, a long distance relationship, sister visits, and preparing for the holidays (not to mention the overbearing stress of wedding planning soon to come). In the midst of it all, it became easy for me to put my prayer life on the back burner, and consequently, lose touch with my Lord. I saw it happening and just couldn't figure out how to break out of the cycle.

Thankfully, My Lord "shattered my darkness" and helped me to break through and find him again. I'm determined to stay alive! I've begun my Daily Mass Challenge, determined to make Christ the beginning, middle, and end of each day. The Eucharist is the greatest gift, one that I refuse to leave unopened each day.

Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness even when I am not. Thank you for waiting for me, finding me, and slapping me in the face when I need it. Thank you for a beautiful weekend, a beautiful retreat, and for all of the ways you worked through each person on the retreat. Thank you for the gift of the Eucharist! May I never leave the gift unopened again! :) I love you, Lord!