Introducing Mrs. Barnes

Welp it's official...I am Mrs. Barnes!! Brandon and I said "I do" at St Mark church on November 7, 2009 and it was truly one of the best days of my life! We had a beautiful ceremony and reception thanks to the help of many wonderful friends and family members. Thank you to everyone who was there to support us on our big day. We love and appreciate you all!!!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from my bridal shoot. We're still waiting for wedding pictures but I will post as soon as they are available.

Photography by Kristian Ogden

http://kristianogdenphotography.com/

Lecrae

I have always been a fan of rap music, but since I started living for Christ I find it very difficult to listen to secular rap music. It seems like every song you hear now days either degrades women, promotes drugs & violence, uses profanity every other word, or doesn't make a bit of sense. I mean seriously, what is a stanky leg anyway?!?!

I must admit, some Christian rap music can be a bit cheezy as well but I have found a few Christian artists who have better flow than most secular rappers. My favorite christian rapper, by far, is Lecrae. Even if you aren't a fan of rap music, I HIGHLY recommend checking him out. (Click here to check out his website.) Lecrae is one christian rapper who is not afraid to keep it real by incorporating the gospel and scripture into his music while producing some of the catchiest beats and lyrics I've heard on the rap scene in a long time. Just to give you a sample, here is the video and lyrics to one of my favorite Lecrae songs.



"Take Me as I Am" lyrics...Its 5:46 in the morning; tossin' and turnin'; chest burnin; sermons in my head keep reoccurring; havin' visions in my head of a kid cryin' at the feet of the father for all the wrong things that he did; now i'm sweatin' in my sheets, cant sleep; my mind keeps tellin' me im 6 feet deep; dont remind me; even though i'm still alive i cant tell; the way im livin my life i feel i'm goin' to hell; God, they tellin' me i should except you; that you had to leave the world cause the world left you; reason i cant change; like a mystery to me; so i make-believe there really is a heaven for a g; even though they say you loved the world so much you shed your blood; God, i feel i'm too messed up for love; they tell me come as i am; but i smell like smoke; my whole life is full of sin cause its all i know; the bible told me you died for my sins; if i believe in Christ he'll save me from the end; but i'm scared to ask you to save me; my heart's so evil ; ive got thoughts that's full of hatred; hurt from people; i thought at first i had to clean up my life; now im here and i just need to cling to the light; i'm ready to do it but, Lord I pray you understand; my life is a mess, will you take me as i am? Will you take me as i am; i know the way im livin is wrong, but i cant change on my own tryin' to make it alone; i wonder, how could u love me with my life so ugly; but you came down and died for me.Will you take me as i am; i know the way im livin is wrong, but i cant change on my own tryin to make it alone; i wonder, how could u love me with my life so ugly; but you came down and died for me. im still tryin to be the man my daddy ever taught me to be; i'm grown up now, life aint what i thought it would be; i made many mistakes in my past i can't fix; now i'm starin' at this crucifix, painted on my wrist; is it true what they tellin' me am i just crazy; did you bleed on the cross for my sins to save me; but why would you die for me; my whole life i've been workin' for Satan while he fed lies to me; and now i'm hearin' too much; tryin' to get in true touch; about a love that can change me; i'm all screwed up; figure hell is what i deserve; but Your word says we all fall short; so i guess we all outta burn; teach me i wanna learn; how you can save a wretch like me before death says its my turn; i think i finally understand; no matter my past you still take me as i am. Will you take me as i am; i know the way i'm livin' is wrong, but i cant change on my own tryin to make it alone; i wonder, how could u love me with my life so ugly; but you came down and died for me.Will you take me as i am; i know the way i'm livin is wrong, but i cant change on my own tryin' to make it alone; i wonder, how could u love me with my life so ugly; when you came down and died for me. Will you take me as i am. if i had a few last words to give; i'd be tellin' people the reason to live, the reason to die; united with the king in the sky; this life is passin' us by, ive got no reason to lie; you'll never give the world enough; they'll hunger for more; there fixin' there ways of nothin' to settle the score; more security than the man who left you; more love than the mommas who kept you; he'll always except you; be everything your supposed to; let Christ rule your heart mind body and soul because he chose you; and if the world don't know you; it don't matter, your God's child and he'll never disown you; your purpose on earth is far from worthless; that's why your glorified like your life's been purchased; and it don't matter if the world don't see us; we still mean the world to Jesus. Will you take me as i am; i know the way i'm livin' is wrong, but i cant change on my own tryin to make it alone; i wonder, how could u love me with my life so ugly; when you came down and died for me. Will you take me as i am; i know the way i'm livin' is wrong, but i cant change on my own tryin' to make it alone; i wonder, how could u love me with my life so ugly; but you came down and died for me. Will you take me as i am?

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A Must Read

Who do you think that I am? :: Grace to You

Shared via AddThis

Walking along the Narrow Way

This is today's message from a daily devotional I subscribe to called Grace Gems. It really spoke to me so I wanted to share.

Walking along the Narrow Way

(Arthur Pink, "The Narrow Way")

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction--and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life--and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Walking along the Narrow Way, means for the heart and life to be constantly regulated by Christ's holy teaching. It denotes a steady perseverance in faith and obedience to the Lord Jesus; overcoming all opposition, rejecting every temptation to forsake the path of fidelity to Him. It is called the "Narrow Way" because all self-pleasing and self-seeking is shut out. It is right here that the testing point is reached. Unto the natural man, it is much easier and far more pleasant--to indulge the flesh and follow our worldly propensities. The Broad Road, where the flesh is indulged--is easy, smooth, and attractive! But it ends in "destruction!" Though the "Narrow Way" leads to eternal life--but only FEW tread it.Multitudes make a profession and claim to be saved--but their lives give no evidence that they are "strangers and pilgrims" here on earth, and that their "treasure" is in heaven. They are afraid of being thought narrow and strict. Satan has deceived them--they imagine that they can get to heaven by an easier route, than by . . . denying self, taking up their cross daily, and following Christ! There are multitudes of 'religionists' who are attempting to combine the two "ways," making the best of both worlds and serving two masters. They wish to gratify self in time--and enjoy the happiness of Heaven in eternity. Crowds of nominal Christians are deluding themselves into believing that they can do so--but they are terribly deceived! The reason why so few will enter Eternal Life--is because the multitudes are not seeking it in the way of God's appointing! None seek it aright--but those who pass through the Narrow Gate--and who, despite many discouragements and falls, continue to press forward along the Narrow Way.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction--and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life--and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Check This Out

Please follow this link and read the post my friend Kristian wrote on a blog I follow. I highly recommend adding this blog to your blogroll if you have not done so already.

http://tinyurl.com/lgmdhz

75 Days

I know, it has been a while since I've posted, but I have had so much going on lately. As you know I just recently flew across the world to teach English in Asia. It was such a wonderful and life changing experience that it is hard to put it into words. I will try to have some pictures and more details up ASAP. Thank you again for all your prayers and support!

So I was looking at my wedding account on theknot.com and it tells me that Brandon and I will be married in exactly 75 days! Wow! The reality that I will FINALLY be a Mrs. in less then 3 months is slowly starting to sink in. As you can imagine, wedding planning has been fun, yet extremely stressful at times. But this experience has made me realize just how blessed I am to get to spend the rest of my life with such an amazing person.

My first Shower was this past Saturday and it was absolutely lovely. My mom drove all the way from NC to be here with me and I was pleasantly surprised by the great turn-out. I can not thank the ladies who hosted the Shower enough for their hospitatlity in doing this for us. It is times like these that make you realize just how important good friends and family really are.

I love you all so much and I thank God for each new friend, old friend, family member and family member-to-be. You are a huge blessing and I am so thankful to have you in my life!

Around The World

Well the count down is almost over...Only 3 more days until I will be flying around the world to teach English to children in Asia. I am a bit nervous about the flight, but I am so excited about the journey that lies ahead. I am confident that the Lord will use this experience to grow my faith and to give me a better appreciation for the blessings He has poured into my life.

Although this will not be my first time on a plane, this will be my first time flying to another country. Please keep our team in your prayers as we go to serve. I ask that you specifically pray for travling mercies, safety, good health, and opportunities to share Christ's love with the people we will be teaching.

Two Paths

On July 10, 2008, my closest guy friend asked me to enter into a relationship with him and I happily agreed. On April 16, 2009, Brandon got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! At that moment, I realized how unworthy I was to receive the abundance of grace and blessings the Lord has poured into my life. With tears in my eyes, I excitedly said "Yes!" After almost 30 years of waiting, God had lead two paths together and I was finally standing face to face with my husband-to-be! It was a perfect proposal at the perfect time, and the best part of all, it was God's timing.

Today, Brandon and I celebrate one year together as we count down the days until our wedding day. On November 7, 2009, we will become one in Christ to the glory of God our Father.

Photograph by Kristian Ogden

A Poem

I wrote this poem a while ago but thought I would share.

When I look to Jesus

When I look to me
I see a face without a name
A heart full of guilt, a past full of shame

When I look to me
I feel hopelessness and regret
I hear hurtful words I will never forget

When I look to me
I see selfishness and pride
No where to turn, no where to hide

When I look to me
Everything is wrong!
“Who am I kidding? I’ll never belong!”

When I look to me
I feel doubt, fear, and strife
Jealousy turns to envy, “If only that were my life.”

When I look to me
I hear “you’ll never be good enough!”
“It would be so much easier just to give up!”

But when I look to Jesus
My purpose becomes clear
In Him I find hope, there’s nothing left to fear.

When I look to Jesus
I can make it through the day
When trials and worries come, I close my eyes and pray.

When I look to Jesus
I find patience and self -control.
I don’t have to be good enough, His love makes me whole.

When I look to Jesus
I feel joy, love and peace.
His grace is overwhelming, it brings me to my knees.

When I look to Jesus
I no longer live in vain,
I live to bring Him glory, and praise His holy name.

When I look to Jesus
It doesn’t matter what I’ve done
In Him alone there is forgiveness, a new life has begun.

By Christy Smith

Testing 1 2 3....

This is a test.....this is only a test. Yay...I have my own blog!!! :)