2019 was like...
Hey y'all!Since I am so behind on updates, I wanted to touch base on how 2019 went for me. I was actively posting on my travel Instagram page, but I fell off last fall. And if I am being honest, 2019 was rough. I received a lot of support after I opened up and shared Thankfully Transparent last year. After everything was said and done, it still was a tough year. I turned in all the wrong directions, but remained hopeful.I was called by God last September and slowly, but surely began my journey back to church. I remember listening to Stephanie May Wilson's Girls Night Podcast and listened to her testimony. She mentioned a verse in the Book of Habakkuk."Look at the nations and watch--and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5, NIVI kept replaying that part of the podcast over and over, but I didn't act on it. Then one evening in November, I had landed back in Dallas from a trip to Minneapolis and I was exhausted. I had such an incredible trip, but not knowing what was next left me eerie. I reached for my Bible and accidentally dropped it on the floor. I remember being so annoyed that I had to get out of bed to grab it. My Bible was open to the Book of Habakkuk and that exact verse was staring back at me. Chills were consuming my whole body. And in that moment, I knew that what I didn't know was OKAY!And in that moment, I knew that by stepping out on faith everything would be okay. And in that moment, I knew that I trusted the Lord with all that I had.What I did next was something I had not done since I was a young girl. I started serving at my church and getting heavily involved. I remember hearing that being involved in community could make you feel new again and I am here to tell you how true that is. And I have made the most incredible friends along the way.I share this story to encourage you to remain hopeful, joyful, and patient. Whatever He has planned for you is going to blow you away and amaze you.As I mentioned, 2019 was crazy in all sorts of ways and it wasn't always butterflies and sprinkles, but I wanted to make sure I shared my best moments with you:
I took my mama to Los Angeles, California for her birthday in February and of course I had to see the "Hollywood" sign!
In March, I met up with two of my best gals, Bazil and Sue in Portland, Maine! It was so fun catching up and eating too much seafood. We also made a stop in New Hampshire and Boston, Massachusetts (typically I would do a shoutout to Tom Brady, but we are no longer friends).
Did you know The Up House exists in real life? Yep, it's south of Salt Lake City in Herriman, Utah and a real family lives there! P.S. They are SO nice!
I love the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and I found myself in Seattle, Washington twice last year. Get your gum ready and check out the Gum Wall under Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle. Thanks for doing all the tourist stuff with me, Nicole even though you are a local ;)
Paris, France! Enough said.
My favourite city in France: Toulouse. I was there for work and I had the time of my life.
If you know me then you know I LOVE museums! We waited in line for an hour to visit the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain (my feet are still throbbing from walking that cobblestone city). While I was in France, we took a weekend trip to the city!
1. I am not a Packers fan, but I was invited (thank you so much, Fallon--what city is next?) so I figured I would dress the part. 2. I have been to a few NFL games in a variety of cities and the Packers had THE nicest fans ever. 3. Lambeau Field was like a big museum. There was so much history and as a lover of American football, this was a dream. 4. Brett Favre was at this game. 5. No, I didn't meet him. :P
Wow. Wow. Wow. After not seeing Prince's house a few years ago thanks to Sue (LOL), we finally made our way last November. We actually were in Minneapolis, Minnesota to see my girl Maren Morris. We took time to do a tour of the house. We got SO lucky because they did not allow pictures, but the rule was uplifted the week before we arrived.
Charleston, South Carolina is a dope city with incredible food, the beach, and beauty. It's a very southern town with a lot of appeal and I get to visit this place for work. In December, we had our holiday party there. We spent the day at Patriots Point and celebrated with a lot of fine, impeccable seafood, and the best homemade Mexican food by our Leader's wife (I am drooling as I type this).
Christmas in Canada! Yes? Yes! Katelyn and I took another end of the year holiday trip. Toronto and Niagara Falls were so great and cold... It was also a delight seeing Drake. ;)He loves me and vice versa.
What a year it was! Like everyone else, I went through some storms in 2019 and I just wanted to remind you that the sun will still rise and set each day. There is something brewing for you if you are willing to wait and trust His plan!"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." Matthew 12:21, NIVKeep holding it together because you got this!Xoxo,Shay