Dear Friends,

Well I guess it's been a while eh? Okay, maybe "a while" is an understatement but oh well - I'm back and that’s what counts, right?! :)

If there is any word to describe everything that has been going on in my life for the past few months, I certainly don't know it; and believe me people, I can normally think of a word for anything (so that's really saying something).

My Grandfather lived with us for two months, which made life rather hard at times.  It's pretty bad when you feel like (and sometimes indulge in) singing a chorus of "Hallelujahs!" every time he walked out the door to go somewhere for the day.  But at the same time, it’s through adversity that the Father teaches us things we would have never learned otherwise – and sometimes (or most of the time) it’s in our weakness that He shows His strength. So I had a lot of lessons to learn during that time, but Yahweh got me/us through it. He truly does give us what we need, when we need it. So anyway, life is getting back to a normal pace (which I’m grateful for:).

Upcoming Events

I’m looking forward to the conference as always, and it should prove to be quite the event, being in St Louis this year. I admit I will miss it not being in Nashville, but it should be a good change – I’m sure Ed Harris and his family, appreciate it being a little closer to home as well. :)

So it’s exciting learning new dances, and watching them come together for the conference. It’s also extra special for me this year, because I’m no longer wearing a knee support…yay! I’ve been dancing for the last couple months without one, because Vicky White was able to work out a bunch of lumps, and get muscles in the right place. It’s truly been a miracle for me, and I’m so grateful that the Father has brought someone as special as Vicky White in my life.

In other news…my birthday is coming up soon. I’m looking forward to it, but I don’t know what I’m in for – because last week my friends realized it, and I didn’t like the mischievous looks they were giving me. You see, last year I got blue and green hairspray, all over in my hair. No idea how that happened, but it might have had something to do with Steven and Jen chasing me in a Wal-Mart parking lot (with the afore mentioned cans of spray). After all, cans of hairspray don’t just start attacking people on their own, they at least have to have a little help – the help is what worries me. lol

Well, that’s enough rambling for now…

Much love,

-Shell

Dear friends,

Tabs is over, and despite aching backs and pulled muscles – it was a good feast. :) Infact it was the best feast I’ve had for a long time. Not because of one thing but several.

We were able to pull off a surprise shower for Shay & Reilley, and I was so happy to see how many people came and contributed – so lots of props to LAMB and everyone else who came, y’all (yes I said y’all for the first time lol) are AWESOME!

Youth night holds a special place in my heart…

We only had one practice and for some reason my nerves kept me half pacing before we started. I was also feeling extremely tired from the day’s events, and honestly I didn’t know how I was going to make it.  Yahweh is so faithful; He gave me exactly what I needed, when I needed it. At the last minute Erica was able to sing with us, and I felt like a was thrown a lifeline. We weren’t sure how it would work singing in the same mic, but it turned out great.  Erica, you Rock girl! It was truly a blessing for us youth to lead worship that night, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.

The speakers did a great job and they made some excellent points that night as well – their parents must be very proud, and also Mr. and Mrs. Crouch who put everything together.

I got to hang out a lot with friends from Indiana and such during the week, and that was a blast. If they all come back next year they’ll have to name the top of the hill “Hoosier Hill”. I think the last night was hilarious when we played “I’ve Never”. People were half falling into the fire and piling on top of each other just to get a seat, not to mention half flipping the chairs over in the process – fun times lol.

On the last night I was having major pain in my left calf (I found later that it was a pulled muscle), and I was really afraid that I was going to have a problem in our dance. I went in the bathroom and just started to cry, and people obviously wondered what was wrong. So friends prayed for me and massaged the muscle. It helped enough so that I could dance. Thank you Mom, Jen and Amanda, you are such a blessing to me.

Romans 8:28“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love Elohim, to those who are called according to His purpose”.

In my life that scripture speaks volumes. And it did for me that night. So to make a long story shorter… I found out from Mrs. White that the muscle was due to my knee problem – and the good news is that after she works on my knee (massaging it to get all the muscles back into place) I may not have to wear a brace again.Words can’t express how much that would mean to me.

So for all of you out there, just remember that Yaweh is always in control and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Well there are still many stories to tell, but I think this post is long enough. :)

Much love,

-Shell

My Birthday

 Yep that’s right I turned 22 on the 10^th.

Jen was so sweet and had planned this little surprise party for me – poor girl, between the secret conversations Hannah had with “Grandpa” (who was actually Jen), and little things being mentioned here and there from different people; I ended up finding out.

 It was a lot of fun. Chelsey and Crystal came (I love you two!), along with a bunch of friends from LAMB – You all are awesome! So I want to say… Thank You, to everyone who was a part of making it so special for me. :)

Okay, I’m sure by now this is looking like the Credits at the end of a movie, but most importantly two more thanks go to…drum roll please… Jen, for planning everything and giving me a book by my favorite author, Yay! And to Sarah & Chris, who have been so sweet and gave me the coolest gift from “Bath & Body Works”. :)

 Recent and Upcoming Events

 Since I haven’t posted in so long, I’ll write a little about Sarah & Chris’s wedding. First of all Sarah was the most beautiful bride, she looked like a Victorian princess – I’m serious, she was down-right gorgeous!

The ceremony made me cry, and when I gave my toast I was half bawling like a baby – so my words were few, but I said what was on my heart.

The dancing was a blast. I have to say that Joe Diff was one of my favorite dance partners. It was especially funny when he would spin me – considering he’s about a foot shorter than I am, it was quite interesting trying to duck under his arm. lol :)

 As far as other things happening…

Life has been busy so I’m going with the flow, and at times rolling with the punches – but the Father is always faithful.

 I’m looking forward to the conference without fail, and I can’t wait to see all the good things that will come out of it. Every year I learn something new – I don’t believe this year will be any different.

 With much love,

-Shell