Giveaway Winner (a day late)

I am guilty of moving a little slow sometimes...as in, I'm often on "island time" out here. My apologies!

Thank you to all who entered my Maui Love Giveaway; as I mentioned in a previous post, the best part of this giveaway was being able to read about your acts of kindness and the small gestures you offer to one another out of kindness and love. These two qualities will take you far, I promise.

With that said, after verifying all entries, comment #15 was the lucky winner of the Maui Love Giveaway:

Congratulations, Kelsie! Email me (angieonmaui at gmail dot com) with your mailing address and I'll send this box of goodies your way!

If You Really Knew Me...

...you would know that I really hate having my photo taken. Hence why I appear incredibly stiff, awkward and uncomfortable in the photo above (it's a good thing this isn't a fashion blog). Forget the smize and let me hide behind my big sunglasses.

...you would know that while I like dressing up and going dancing just as much as the next girl, Friday night usually finds me clad in a pair of Phil's boxer shorts, a tank top, my hair pulled up in a messy bun, sans-makeup and wearing glasses. Comfort is key, baby.

...you would know that it is not always easy for me to make new friends. It takes me a while to get past the anxiety enough so that I can actually put myself out there and be available.

...you would know that creativity runs through my veins; I could not survive if I didn't have the freedom to create something - anything - with my hands. Writing, taking photos, painting or drawing, these are all forms of personal expression that are necessary for a life fulfilled.

...you would know that there was a point in my life where I would irresponsibly spend food money on art supplies. Woops.

...you would know that coffeehouses and bookstores are my happy place. I could (and have) spend an entire day drinking copious amounts of caffeine while leafing through magazines and perusing the shelves.

...you would know that I crave solitude; I'm the kind of girl who can go to a movie by herself, or have a sit-down meal in public at a table set for One. I love my husband and I love my friends, but I love my "Me" time, too.

...you would know that I have spent my entire life living by the sea and cannot imagine NOT being able to see the ocean on any given day. This visual splendor is a blessing I do not take for granted!

...you would know that I talk a big game about striving to eat clean and living a healthy lifestyle, but man, I love me a greasy burger and fries. With mayonnaise. And an ice-cold Coca Cola to wash it down.

...you would know that I am living a new life; a life with my eyes fixed on Jesus.

This is Kindness. This is YOU.

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Kindness Inspires. If you have already entered my Maui inspired, 13-piece giveaway, then you know the only mandatory entry I've implemented is that you share an act of kindness you've passed along to someone, or one that was passed along to you. As your entries have come in, I've been so moved and so inspired by your kind and generous hearts. This really is the BEST part of about this giveaway; I've enjoyed reading about your experiences and love that you're all practicing kindness...just because.

Every act of kindness--no matter how small--has an impact; you're all contributing towards the greater good of this planet and its people. You may never know the true depth of what your seemingly "tiny" gesture could mean for another person, so I encourage you all to keep spreading the love. It's a beautiful thing!

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All of your gifts (whether given or received) are special, but here are just a few of my favorites that you've shared. This is what Kindness looks like. This is YOU:

Heather writes:
My husband and I are currently living in China. There are so many people asking for money laying on the streets. We always try to have conversations with these people. We ask them their name and questions about themselves. They are people, eternal and loved by Jesus. We don't want to just throw money at them or in their hands but know them, love them. We always make a point to bend down low to the ground where they are and look them in the eyes and have a conversation with them. And we always tell them in Chinese that God loves them as we put the money in their hand while touching them in some way, like a hand on their back or by holding their hands. I often think, how long has it been since they've been hugged or touched? It's such a small thing. And even though it may mean nothing to them, it changes me a little bit each time. I'm humbled and reminded of God's love. :)

Katie writes:
I gave a client a hug yesterday, and today she called to tell me that she hasn't used at all over the last 24 hours...because that hug reminded her she's loved!

Cami writes:
I had my hands full with the baby and pup today and a kind stranger helped me with doors. It's little things like that that go a long way for me!

Lori writes:
There have been many acts of kindness over the years given in my behalf. But the one I am most grateful for this summer is my friendship with Kari. She is a grandmother that I met at church who is going through ovarian cancer for the second time. I was asked to be of service to her by taking her to appointments, running errands, and general help as needed. While I am always happy to help out, the real blessing has been what she has given to me...I come away from each visit with a renewed spirit of hope and strength, friendship and love. Kari has changed my life and for that I am grateful.

Suz writes:
Today I helped a lady carry a table to her car and loaded it for her. Something little but she was overly appreciative that I would do that for her.

Jessica writes:
I was at starbucks the other day and the lady in front of me paid for my drink! i was so surprised and grateful! so i in-turn paid for the lady behind me!

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Thank you for sharing your random acts of kindness...they are a joy to read!

Be blessed! xo

He Makes All Things New

There is a stretch of beach we sometimes go, where old trees, weathered and weary, lay sprawled out along the shoreline. The endless washing of sand has worn their surfaces so smooth, you can't NOT kick off your slippers and climb all over the branches (I've tried). The size and condition of these fallen beauties suggest they've laid here for years--their roots rich with age and wisdom--but still I wonder if they were young trees who simply show signs of age from a hard life in the elements?

I think we're a lot like these trees, you and me. We plant our roots and hope that the foundation is firm and rich enough to sustain us. We drink from the earth and reach towards the sun, all the while bending and swaying and learning to move with the wind and the tides. Our lives are filled with seasons of strength and seasons of weakness, but we learn; we adapt, we change and we grow.

But life can be hard. And sometimes, the world and its inhabitants can be cruel, getting the better of us and beating us to a pulp. Somewhere in life, most--if not all--of us will experience something that will yank the rug out from underneath us; we may stumble and we may fall. And for some of us, we may never recover; the blow is so hard, it leaves us sprawled out and face down for so long that we have no other option than to look UP.

And there it is. This simple act, this Looking Up is all that it takes. Look up! He's there, and He's waiting. Sometimes, we are knocked down for the simple reason that He wants to build us back up again.

I've been there. Years ago, I was that tree; I was broken, sad, and worn down. I felt lost and alone in a room filled with people who love me and I was so completely disconnected from this beautiful island I am lucky enough to call home. Every day I found myself "going through the motions" when what I really wanted was to just sleep my life away...I knew something was missing. And even though my relationship with Christ was nothing like it is today, I knew then that it was by His grace, and His grace alone, that I was able to emerge from that season in my life relatively unscathed.

If you're reading, and you're lost...take heart. There's an answer. HE is the answer. And it all begins with looking UP.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;
yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

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Maui Love, from Me to You!

Thank you for the blog birthday wishes! I'm still surprised that this little blog of mine has come this far and grown as much as it has since publishing my first post in the Summer of 2010. In two years, this blog has really challenged me artistically; I've come to know and love my DSLR more, I've spent more time in my art studio and I've pushed myself to write more often (and hopefully refined my writing skills in the process). It's been two years of tried-and-true, good ol' creative fun!

The bonus in all this is the friendship and unity in my readership. This giveaway is my way of thanking YOU; thank you for another year of support, encouragement and interest in our island lives out here in the Pacific!

Today is a good day to pass along some Maui Love. :) Let's get on with the goods, shall we?

Note: This is NOT a sponsored post. All opinions are my own, and all products in this giveaway package were purchased by me and with my own money!

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If you follow me on Instagram, you already know I'm a sucker for journaling; pen-to-paper is a dying art, but I love that a pretty journal and a pretty pen can encourage me to spend more time writing out the deepest parts of me.

So here's a journal and a pen in one of my favorite colors. Write!

You need a little more Aloha in your life. This is a deep green soap dish from Peahi Pottery, handcrafted right here on Maui (I *LOVE* supporting local artists); it has little rubber bumpers, so it won't scratch your counter tops. Need some soap for that? Fret not...that's coming, too. :)

This may no longer be the name of my blog, but Living Aloha is a way of life. So when I bought this magnet to put up on our refrigerator (which The Hubs noticed right away and it made him smile too!), I bought one for you...how could I resist? Put it up on your 'fridge and every time you see it, may you think of me! :)

Last year I gave away two pieces of Maui Dive Girl jewelry; I love her style and couldn't possibly leave her out, so this year I'm giving away one of her adjustable cord bracelets. It has a freshwater pearl and a shell-shaped charm. It's an arm party all by itself. Cute, huh?

GO GREEN. I was super excited when Maui began enforcing the ban against plastic bags; it is a disgrace what it has done for our island, the ocean and our landfill. While most of the merchants here on Maui are on board with this program, not everyone is...and I can only hope and pray that they will come around before it's too late.

Roxy made this limited edition, sweet canvas bag built strong enough for books, but perfect for a trip to the market, too. An added bonus? You'll be making an eco-friendly statement while you use it!

This wouldn't be a proper gift package without a candle, right? I love me some Bubble Shack candles! They come in beautiful monkeypod bowls that can be used after you've finished burning the candle. This is a soft and sweet fragrance that will remind you of paradise (but really, I picked this one because it is pink and girly)!

If you know me at all, you know that Starbucks is my happy place. And in all fairness, coffeehouses in general, bring me immense joy. But since those are few and far between out here, Starbucks is my friend. This year I'm giving away another cold-drink tumbler and coaster with a $10 Starbucks gift card. And let's be honest...Hawaii has the cutest gift cards, wouldn't you agree?

I shop at Forever21...and I'm pretty sure everyone else does, too (respectfully, if you don't, I'll bet my right arm you know someone who does!). This is a $25 gift card. Go have fun!

If you can't visit Maui anytime soon, at least have a calendar that will transport you there! This is a 2013 calendar of this beautiful place on earth.

Island Soap and Candle Works! Last year I gave away a similar duo, but this year I opted for another fragrance; it's sweet and fruity and smells good enough to eat (but don't). The cream is amazing, velvety smooth and moisturizing!

You have not properly enjoyed Hawaii if you have not enjoyed guava-anything. My favorite is guava jelly on toast. This particular brand is local (woot!) and definitely one of the best. Get a little jelly in your belly.

With Starbucks being my happy place, many of you already know that I am ridiculously addicted to their green tea. It is happiness in a cup, 'yo. If getting out to a Starbucks is difficult for you, then for the Love of Maui, brew some of this stuff at home. Pour it over ice and e-n-j-o-y. You're welcome.

The last of these goodies is my absolute favorite. Why? Because banana pancakes are flippin' romantic (think Jack Johnson). So save this for a rainy day and make banana pancakes with your love (fresh bananas not included). :)

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Enter to win this box of Maui Love!

For my own reasons, I'm not going to use Rafflecopter (relax, it'll be okay); there is only ONE mandatory entry, but you have multiple chances to win!

1) MANDATORY entry: Kindness inspires. In a comment below, tell me what act of kindness you've passed on to someone, or what was passed on to you!

2) (Optional): Follow my blog via GFC and leave a comment telling me that you did (or do!).

3) (Optional): Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me that you did (or do!).

4) (Optional): "Like" me on Facebook and leave a comment telling me that you did (or do!).

5) (Optional): Tweet about this giveaway (link it to this post) and leave a comment telling me that you did.

6) (Optional): I like hugs. Have you hugged someone today? Leave a comment telling me who!

Giveaway closes at midnight (Hawaii Standard Time) on Wednesday, August 29th. One winner will be chosen via Random.org, and winner will be announced the following day.

This Little Blog of Mine...

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...is TWO!

When I decided to start this blog two years ago, I wasn't totally clear on what I wanted to write about and where, exactly, it would fit in (not that it was imperative it did), but in two years' time, I think it has settled nicely into a niche all its own, and I'm happy with where it is headed.

I'll be honest, a second blog-iversary celebration doesn't have as much impact as the first year milestone, but in light of the changes around here in both content and name, I thought I would throw out one last giveaway celebration for this here blog of mine.

I'm prettifying some photos of the 13-piece birthday loot (a gift for every month, plus one for good luck), so come back tomorrow to enter the giveaway. :)

Now I want a cupcake.

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Trying to be Courageous

So, it happened.

I had not planned on writing about this, but it's something I haven't been able to shake over the last few days; after recognizing that what it really boiled down to was a bruised ego, I decided I would just acknowledge and honor these feelings of insecurity, vulnerability and the ridiculous need for approval, and then just let them go.

I've been so encouraged by your comments and your kind words of support following the recent changes here on my blog and while I fully expected the content might eventually turn away a few readers, I was not fully prepared for the sting of those who slipped away quietly, hoping to go unnoticed.

I've lost a handful of readers, Twitter and Instagram followers in the last week (and conversely gained a few - thank you, whoever you are...please say hello!). I knew this might happen, but what I didn't anticipate was that they would actually be people I already "know", and not just someone who has been following along anonymously. Ouch.

I want to be liked.

There, I said it. I feel silly and embarrassed to admit that, sure, but deep down to our core, don't we all feel that way on some level? Don't we all want to be accepted? To be liked? To be loved? To secure the approval of others? There is camaraderie and solidarity that exists in the safety of numbers.

Sometimes I find that the head and the heart don't always work together; there is a constant battle between the two. In this case, my head is telling me that it's okay that someone disagrees with me or that we have a difference of opinion...but my heart is saying, "...but please still like me!" (I'm a work in progress...and I've got a lot to learn).

I'm trying to remind myself that somewhere behind shiny exteriors and shields of confidence in even the best of us, we are ALL insecure and vulnerable to some degree. And why wouldn't we be? We're humans, not robots. The key to this, however, is remembering that we are not defined by what others may or may not think of us; we are not defined by our audience---who does or doesn't read our blogs or follow us on every social-media platform available. If someone decides it's time to move on in real-life or over the internet? It's okay.

Not everyone will like me. Not everyone will agree with or support whatever it is I choose to write about and publish. Not everyone will be interested in what I have to say.

All I can do is be the best (and most authentic) version of me that there is.

JJ Heller: When You Come Back

I've been listening to music so much lately and I am happily discovering new (to me) artists whose voices and lyrics pull in the reins, giving me pause throughout the day. My latest discovery? JJ Heller. I found may way over to her website, read her bio and listened to more of her raw and honest music, and quickly decided that I.LOVE.HER.

This song, in particular, really moved me; the piece is short, but so perfectly encapsulates and echoes what is on my heart:

If there is one downfall about living on a rock in the middle of the Pacific, it is that we are seemingly forgotten when it comes to music tours. There are a number of artists whose tour schedules I stalk, but who never travel further West than California. Boo...

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Kauai post up next!

Blogger Love, Kauai Style

Let's just gloss over the fact that I have yet to write about the trip to Kauai that Phil and I took in June, shall we? That's a photo-filled post that I'll save for tomorrow. What I do want to share is the brief, but sweet little meet-up I had with a fellow island-blogger!

I've written about my friend Che'lyssa, of Lily Love before; Che' sponsored my blog earlier this year and has been a source of encouragement in my growing faith. When I told her that we were planning a quick trip to her island, she jumped at the chance to get together and a flurried exchange of excited texts ensued.

Originally, Phil and I had planned certain dates for our trip, but at the last minute, I extended the trip an extra day and then booked our tickets. What I didn't know was that the extra day would be the only day that Che' was able to meet up, as she would just be coming home from a week-long retreat with her youth group. How's that for synchronicity? Che' and I joked that even God wanted us to meet, because He made the timing work out perfectly.

We met up with Che'lyssa and her sister at Starbucks for a quick coffee (are you really that surprised?) on our way to the airport. This is the part of the post where I publicly thank my husband for being so patient and so supportive (it would be his third cup of coffee that morning...all in the name of Blogger Love). In my years of blogging, I have lost track of how many blogger "meet-ups" he has attended with me. Before we left for Kauai and when I mentioned that I'd like to see Che' while we were there, he smiled and said "I wouldn't expect any less from you...you can't NOT see her while we're there."

Did I mention that this trip to Kauai was for his birthday? I seriously have the best husband. EVER.

Although our coffee date was much too short, I was so grateful that Che' and I were able to connect at all. It was SO good to finally meet her in person and give her a hug...'girlfriend is as sweet in real-life as she is online.

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Have you had the chance to make a blog-friend a real-life friend yet?

The Last of "Life, Lately"

This will be the last of my "Life, Lately" posts; I have become entirely too lazy with my photography, relying too heavily on my iPhone when my big-girl camera and lenses cry out softly to me in sadness and neglect. It seems as though these posts have become more of a photo-dump of sorts--redundant in nature, because everyone with a smartphone is on Instagram anyhow, right? I want to get back to my Weekly Be-Happy-Tudes, where I not only used my DSLR more often, but where I also spent more time in reflection and gratitude over the things in my life that bring me joy.

SO. Life, Lately...and the last of my photo-grids:

01: Went kite-surfing this weekend! Saturday was great, Sunday kicked my butt.
02: My Jenni Bick order arrived and I am in LOVE with these journals. Geek, much?
03: I need to get this Starbucks obsession under control. Green Tea and a Refresher shot.
04: She Reads Truth: Proverbs 5.
05: She Reads Truth: Proberbs 4.
06: Grace reads the bible, too. Seriously, she's just a space-hog.

07: Took a sick day and found rest and comfort in His presence.
08: Another day, another Starbucks. And an interesting way to spell my name.
09: Announcing that my blog got a face-lift! :)
10: I splurged and bought myself a pretty, new bible from my church bookstore.
The best part? The girl who sold it to me prayed over it before I left the store.
11: Moved by Sunday's message at church...God's grace is amazing!
12: Is it still considered a Chinese Chicken Salad if you add feta cheese and grape tomatoes?

13: Are words really necessary?
14: Announcing the new blog url addy...
15: Representing at the State Champs at Kanaha with Sofia!
16: Taking personal reminders to the next level: Philippians 4:6.
17: Aerial view from that time we flew to Hana and back. :)
18: Supporting a friend and rockin' her adoption braid! Galatians 4:4-7.

(If you want to follow me on Instagram, I'm @angieonmaui)

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How was your weekend? Are you enjoying these last bits of summer? And I say "last bits", because apparently, Halloween is almost here. What is UP with stores putting out Halloween candy already? Slow down, people!

2012 Olympics

'Anyone else as exhausted by these Olympics as I am? It's been an exciting two weeks; two L-O-N-G weeks where I have watched more television than I have in the last four years (seriously...on average, about 3.5 hours a night for two weeks straight? Sheesh). Fortunately, I planned ahead and had given myself a guilt-free reprieve, so I have really been able to enjoy and celebrate our success in these Olympic games!

So much of the last two weeks have really struck a chord with me; I've been moved by these athletes and their stories, each journey laced with trials and tribulations that pull at our heart-strings and find us cheering them on, regardless of their country. I have spent many a night rooting them on in the comfort of our own home, shouting at the television, doin' the "slow clap" and even shedding a few tears of pride for our American team. No shame.

Hands down, I think the inspiration of the summer has to be this guy:

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South African sprint runner, Oscar Pistorius. Yeah; he's one of those guys I'd love to meet just to shake his hand (oh, let's be real...I'd hug on him) and spend a minute in his presence. 'Dude had me bawling.

But oh, Track & Field...I waited with nail-biting anticipation to watch our home team and could not be more happy with our performance. These events hit really close to home because I grew up running competitively and ran the 100m, 4x100m and 4x400m races. I've been out of the running game for almost a year and a half due to a stress fracture and chronic knee problems, so I've been missing the "soul" of running and could not wait to live vicariously through these girls:

Women's 4x100m Relay: GOLD!
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And then the following night, our girls do not disappoint; they just do it all over again:

Women's 4x400m Relay: GOLD!
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Can I just take a minute to point out their ridiculous bodies? Can I have their abs and arms, please? Seriously. Even in the slow-cam, when they're running 100mph (not really, but they may as well be), their abs are still shouting: "'and WHAT? Still here." But I guess that is what four years of rigorous training will do for you. And if I'm being honest, that's just not for me. Someone pass me a cheeseburger and fries, will you?

I'd be remiss if I didn't also give a shout out to our Men's swim team and Women's gymnastics team, who also brought home medals! How cute are all these lithe, little mermen (noun: male mermaid)?

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And these sweet, powerful little half-pints who just killed it out on the floor?

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I'm so proud of our team and all the athletes who have worked themselves to the bone to get themselves to the Olympic games; I have deep respect for each of them, because few of us can even fathom the type of discipline it takes to be an athlete at this level. 'Mad props to all.

Tomorrow is Sunday, the last day, right? I'm SO looking forward to watching the marathon final. As Phil would say, "isn't your boy running?" That would be Ryan Hall. And yes, he's running...Go Ryan! And after all is said and done, I'm looking forward to Monday. Dare I say I'm a little Tivo'd out? I will need a good week of television detox. My brain hurts.

Have a great rest-of-the-weekend, friends!

On Being Inspired

In a world that never sleeps, inspiration can can come from a multitude of sources; whether these originate from the grand (people, places, prized possessions) or the minuscule (a song, a scent, a season), the by-product is the same: the result is a side-effect of something that resonates within us: something meaningful enough to "move" us to DO something about it. Regardless of where this surge of motivation and inspiration stems from, I'm a firm believer that we should (and need to!) capitalize on this energy and feed the momentum, because it is a place where all good things begin.

What (or Who) inspires you? It's difficult for me to narrow down my answer to a broad and general question such as this, but as cliche (and as cheesy) as this may sound, I am most inspired by this guy:

Yup...my husband, Phil. And here's why:

I honestly believe that Phil and I are together not because of our own volition, but because God brought us together to fulfill a specific purpose. This is not because of my sudden "clarity" and renewed relationship with the Lord; in my heart of hearts, I believe Phil and I celebrate and enjoy our marriage because we are a fit much more perfect than we could have hoped for. We complement one another; he is the Yin to my Yang. We are polar opposites, and where this might be perceived as a disadvantage, it has been a wonderful learning experience for both of us and has proven to strengthen our marriage, because it challenges us to step outside our comfort zones and learn to adapt to (and accept) a different perspective because we love one another enough to do so.

Phil challenges me; we are on completely different zones in the personality Enneagram, but this has also taught us how to love and accept one another despite our differences. Comfortable with logic, Phil pushes me to question anything and everything; he challenges me go beyond what I think I am capable of and encourages me think (and feel) far beyond the emotional realm.

Where I may react too emotionally (which is often the case), he is there to quell my fears. Where I am struggling with insecurity and doubt, he is there to build me up and reaffirm the gifts God has blessed me with. Where I am feeling broken and sad and discouraged, he is there to raise my spirits and remind me that God has a plan written JUST FOR ME. I'm inspired by my husband not because I SHOULD be, but because he is my perfect counterpart and because it is all part of God's greater plan towards a marriage of obedience and service.

It would have been easier for me to say that I am inspired by the beauty of a sunset or the way the summer waves crest and trough according to physics, but the truth is, I am inspired by a man who pushes me beyond what I am comfortable with. A man who pushes me to become a better person.

Phil: he's the one who inspires me. He's the one where all great things begin. He is the one God chose for me.

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Linking up with Gussy Sews:

A Sister of Influence

FRIENDS!

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments and words of encouragement from yesterday's post. I was truly touched by your support and felt so inspired by those of you who shared similar experiences. I want to personally acknowledge each comment, so I'll be responding to you individually over the next couple of days (if you haven't linked up your email to your Blogger profile, be sure to check back in the comment section for my response). I am feeling so blessed by your encouragement!

One thing I do feel compelled to clarify is that my relationship with Jesus began years ago at the tender age of five, when I experienced an encounter with Him that made me a believer virtually overnight. I have always loved, revered (and feared) God, but the transformation and life-change of four months ago has taken my relationship and depth of love for Jesus to a level I never knew could possibly exist. It is one thing to proclaim that you love the Lord, and another entirely, to actively pursue Him, spend time reading the Good News and to want to make the daily choice to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. I am still learning, but I do know that I want to surrender this life of mine to Him and live to glorify His name.

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My pursuit towards a deeper and more personal relationship with Jesus was also encouraged by a dear friend of mine who is no stranger here on the blog; I have written about my blog-friend-turned-real-life-friend Becki before, and this past Easter after nearly TEN years of blog-friendship, she flew out here to Maui and I was able to meet her in the flesh:

I have been fortunate enough to meet a number of blog friends over the years; while there is always a sense of nervous anxiety about meeting someone for the first time, that was so not the case with Becki; it honestly felt like we'd already met, because our conversation was relaxed and easy, laced with humor that didn't miss a beat.

It was a quick trip for her, but oh, how grateful I was to share a handful of days with her, laying out by her hotel pool, spending hours talking over meals-gone-cold and finally being able to wrap my arms around her and give her a hug powered by ten years of friendship. And I have the blogging community to thank for that.

Over the years, Becki and I have exchanged emails about our faith and she has encouraged and inspired me to seek Jesus and know Him on a deeper level. I will never forget her last evening here on Maui; we went out to dinner and sat together at a sushi bar, talking about God so late into the night that Phil had actually called me on my cell-phone to check in. So much of what we shared with one another that evening really resonated with me and (no surprise), had me on the verge of tears. Becki has been so influential in this intimate journey of mine; everyone deserves a beautiful sister-friend like this.

Love you, Becki!