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As some of you know, my brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last March. The trial was this past Monday, and I want to share with you what happened there.


The guy that killed my brother pleaded guilty. He had used all of his continuances and prolonged the trial as long as he could, but he still pleaded guilty. My family and some close friends sat and watched as he turned around and looked at us and started crying...apologizing for what he had done and said "not a day goes by that I do not think about what I did to your family." That's not a normal scene in a courtroom.

Then...my Dad, a reverend, looked at him and got out of his seat and went to where he was standing and embraced him. My Dad, hugging the man that killed his son. The guy just stood there and wept for a long time in my dad's arms.


It made me think about Jesus. Did the Lord God not send His son to die for us? It's the same kind of principle. God embraces us when we come to him for forgiveness. My Dad did the same thing.


I am proud to say that I am blessed with such a strong family. Tommy, we love you and we will see you soon.

Christmas Party

what is my boyfriend doing?! is that Bible Charades?!...


Tonight's Christmas Party for Cross Trainers and Remix was pretty sweet. Model Trains on VHS=pure goodness. I kind of wish I would have traded for Jimmy Bucey, I don't think I even own a VCR...

anyways!...


I just want to take a minute and say that my middle school small group girls, AKA The Divas, are amazing. You girls mean the world to me. Thank you so much for the Hello Kitty build-a-bear and the awesome poems. Nothing else could have made me happier!! It's a great start to an inspiring holiday. It touches my heart that you girls took the time to write me such beautiful things!! I like to sparkle, and you've definitely achieved that. I can't stop smiling.


This is what makes being a youth leader so gratifying. I am truly joyful.


HAVE THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!! I know I will.



A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit... dries up the bone.

Ice Skating!!

So this past Saturday some of the Cross Trainers and I (Laura, Anna, Matty, Bridgette, Emily & Bethany) went ice skating at the PPG building downtown. So fun. AND they had a Starbucks. Unfortunately, I forgot my digital camera and didn't get any sweet pictures to post. Take our word for it- ice skating is fun. Falling? Not so much.

Riding the trolly from South Hills to downtown... definitely hated by most of the senior citizens on there. haha.
Now's your moment...floating in the Blue Lagoon...


So thanks to my small group girls for an awesome Saturday afternoon.

"Is this Chinese...or Japanese?"
-Anna

"Desiree'!!! Don't you remember the 1 foot rule?!"
-Laura

"SUGGGAAAARRRRRRRR!"
-Emily

"I'm going to call Fat Mike."
-Bethany

"Eragonnnnn!"
-Bridgette

"This zipper is broken..."
-Matty



out of the mouths of middle schoolers. awesome day.

<3Desiree'