Joy...and happy sadness...

This week has been a wild one. But let me start with this. CONGRATS to the amazing job my Pastor did at Catalyst yesterday. He spoke to over 12,000 church staff/leaders encouraging them and giving them hope with no holes barred. I was unable to be there (that's the sad part)...but I was so proud that he was there with over 150 our staff/church members. What a defining moment in his life and the life of our church. I can say from experience, Pastor Furtick is so humble and longs that God be honored and followed through His word in everything that Elevation does as a church...and yesterday was no exception. Thank you Pastor for freely giving the way you did! Daniel and I are honored to be a part of Elevation Church!
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The joy...well...the joy comes from this angel below...I would like to introduce the newest member of our family. His name is Oliver Queen....but we'll call him 'Oli'. He's a maltese...5 months old...and is as gentle as a feather. We picked him out yesterday....he'll come home with us when we arrive back from California. Watch out..this kid has TONS of pictures coming our way :)



(Oli was named after 'The Green Arrow's' True Identity, Oliver Queen, from the series Smallville and the Justice League Comics. He's so sweet! Here's his first picture of many!)

A REAL Daniel Fast.

Starting on Sunday we at Elevation Church (staff, volunteer leaders, and others) were given the challenge by Pastor to begin a Daniel Fast for 21 Days. Honestly, I have never been more excited than I am now about being part of something so much bigger than myself. We are praying for MANY lives to be changed during our Gospel Series that begins this Sunday. I can't think of a better way to pray and give than by doing this. There are people in my life that I want to have 'Come and See' and I can't wait to watch God work in so many lives....

....not only are we fasting foods....but I am fasting my husband. (Not literally) Daniel is in Conway getting licensed in something for his job....and I didn't get to see him. So...I guess I am doing a Daniel fast in the true sense of the word!

**Keep your eye open for some bridal portraits today or tomorrow.**

We Are Alive

Daniel and I are currently driving back from our mini-vacation in Hilton Head Island. We’re on 95 to be exact. We are listening to our church’s brand new cd (that will be released tomorrow) ‘We Are Alive.’ Pastor Furtick has said that these songs are our stones. Stones from what you may ask? When Israel crossed over the Jordan river, God instructed them to set up 12 stones as a continual remembrance of his miraculous power. Pastor Furtick couldn’t be more right.

As I listen to each song, I think of all that GOD has done for Elevation Church and I’m so thankful that he has allowed us to be a part of this movement. We are HIS humble servants and God, and God alone, receives all the glory for all we do and for ALL the lives that He is bringing to himself.

Lord, you are worthy. I am incapable of having the words to use to describe all that you are and All that you are worthy of and of all that you deserve.

Daniel and I would like to give Ryan Hollingsworth a big shout-out for the top-rate AMAZINGLY divine artwork for this album. When I get famous and sing ‘Legacy’, will you design my album work? 

Wade, Mack & Chris….God has rocked our socks off with this album and the songs in it. God couldn’t have chosen 3 more inspiring musicians!

Pastor Furtick’s song that he co-wrote with Carl Cartee, ‘Here in this Place,’ has me in tears every time I hear it. The lyrics couldn’t be more appropriate for what our church exists for. All of you that are reading this blog…you MUST get a hold of this album. Whether you attend Elevation or not….this music is right on.

Here In This Place
Lyrics & Music by Pastor Steven Furtick & Carl Cartee

This is a place for the broken
This is the hope of the world
Jesus, friend of sinners
Jesus, Savior
Here in this place mercy is flowing
Here in this place is the glory of God
All things are new in the presence of Jesus
Father we stand amazed
Here in this place

It's not every day...

It's not every day you get to go to work and give a car away. It leaves me thinking, "Wow...How lucky am I to be a part of something bigger than me?" Daniel and I both enjoy the part we get to play at Elevation Church from capturing the memorable moments on camera and with the behind-the-scenes stuff we get to do. Today, on Mother's Day, Pastor Furtick spoke about the lost art of honor...and the differences between honor and respect.

Also, we started a new series called "Old Time Religion." We had a special choir for this Sunday (great job getting this one together, worship leaders!) and even showed off some hand-painted stained glass (nice job Jeremy, Sarah, and Andrew!). Pictures from Sunday will come later this week...

But, back to the car giveaway! For Mother's Day, Elevation Church was able to bless one of our members (single mother of 4) with an amazing car. To get the back story on it, you'll need to watch Pastor's message from Sunday....click here to see it (it will be posted by Tuesday a.m.)

Here are a few of our pictures from the giveaway. To see more, click here.







ps...take a look at the blog post below from late last night :).