Made to raise my voice lift my hands up and rejoice

What a summer!

I remember when I was in school, summer was defined between the end of a semester and the start of a new one. But life after school, I've realized I have the ability to start the summer and end it whenever I please!

Therefore, I've decided I'm going to saver it just a little longer.

Cattle Shows, Golf Tournaments, Conferences, County Fairs, Sunburns, Weddings, Family Time,

and the Missouri State Fair was my life for the past 14 weeks!!

Whether its meeting people who are part of my industry at events, seeing kids show off some of their most prized possessions at the fair, or simply laying by the pool with friends and family ... my summer ROCKED!

At the end of it all, I have to sit back and realize that I've been blessed! An artist that is on constant repeat on my iPod is Sara Evans. Maybe it's because she's a Missouri girl or maybe cause after each song I think, she wrote that for me. But one of her songs that I enjoy most is, Low, off the Billy Graham Movie soundtrack! Take a listen here...

What do I love most...

I'm gonna roll this stone away

Live my life my way & stand up on my faith

Just like the sun rises every day

The tide is gonna change

You can't keep me low

No matter what post-summer plans I have in store for me ... It's going to rock as well! Let the journey continue!

Where Have I Been

Hello World! I started it and then left it. But after a charge by my cousin, I realized I had neglected this blog. So much has been going on, but I wanted to write just to put my feelings of hurt and help towards the people of Joplin, MO after the horrific tornado's that have ripped through our state.

I have many connections to Joplin and the surrounding area and my heart is hurting for those individuals who are suffering so greatly. I never could understand what they are going through but I do know one thing we have in common, God will never leave us no matter what situation we're going through.

I'm reminded of a song that we just sang Sunday at our church called, God Of This City. I love the song for what it means to me and my 9th Street family going thru so many incredible things in Eldon .... but on a whole new level I love it for I know, "Greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city!"

Joplin is in the Heartland of the Bible belt of America! There are wonderful people there, incredible Christian organizations, Ozark Christian College is there to teach and train Christians to be a light on the mission field .... And I believe that God is going to turn a tragedy into an opportunity for people to be led to Him. It warms my heart to hear people respond to the question, How are you still alive? With the answer, "Only by God saving me!"

Couldn't we all answer that way? I know I sure can!

Please continue to pray for the hurting people of Joplin as they rebuild their homes, community, and lives!