I AM SECOND

"I am Second is a movement where significance in life is a shared value among people of all kinds. Actors. Musicians. Business leaders. Your next-door neighbor. People just like you. Their authentic stories here on iamsecond provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. You’ll meet people who overcame destructive lifestyles. Plus you’ll discover those who’ve tried to go it alone and have failed, yet still found a life full of hope, peace, and fulfillment.
We believe there is a reason why you are here. We all have needs and could use some help. Here you’ll find issues relevant to you as well as answers to challenging life questions. I am Second is designed to help people discover their purpose in life. Have you discovered yours? Visit the full site."
--I Am Second Blog

For those of you who haven't checked out Iamsecond.com, please do!! The videos are short, well made, and really inspire and encourage you. Check out Brian "Head" Welch's (former lead singer of Korn) testimony and how Jason Castro keeps the Lord in the center of his life. The website just launched on December 2, and is already turning heads. Check it out!!

Experiencing the Advent Season

The last several years I've really struggled during Christmas time. I'm not sure why. I think I let the old traditions become mundane to me and that I was never truly experiencing Christmas with the same zest that I once had. It even came to the point where I didn't even want to listen to Christmas music...at all. For those of you who know me, this is a big deal. I was the strange girl in high school who broke out the Christmas tape in the middle of July just because I couldn't WAIT for Christmas to come.


Though I'm definitely not that extreme this year, I'm definitely enjoying the Christmas season. I have a roommate this year, and we already put up the Christmas tree in my condo. Last year I did no such thing because I was alone and by myself. I've been listening to Christmas music on Pandora (the Peaceful Holidays station is my new favorite).


I think one of the biggest changes for me this year is my new outlook on the Advent season and the true meaning of the holiday.

This year I feel excitement for this season where we get to celebrate Christ coming to this earth. Not only do we get to celebrate that Jesus CAME to us, we get to wait with joyful anticipation for his coming AGAIN. For the first time during this holiday season, my hope and joy is focused on the right place. I feel like this new joy instilled in me is lifting weight from my shoulders, that a new light is shining in my heart. I'm excited to spend the rest of this month celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

This weekend, I went to a worship service and saw this video for the first time. I have now seen it twice and keep thinking about it. If you struggle with finding a balance between materialism, commercialism, and the TRUE reason for the season, this video is for you. Watch it and enjoy!