Hanukkah 2019 ends tonight with the lighting of the last candle of the nine lamp menorah. However, the original seven lamp holds deep meaning and significance for Jews and Gentiles alike, and gives hope to those desiring more.
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Please consider these verses to get a fresh perspective of what our Creator is communicating to us through His Word and the seven lamp menorah. They're is so much treasure to find, but here are a few verses to spotlight.

In The Beginning . . .

• And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3 (NIV) 
• Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule . . .” Genesis 1:26 (NIV) 
• God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. Genesis 2:3 (NIV)​

Instructions for the Menorah
​“Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. “Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. Exodus 25:31 ,32 & 37 (NIV)

The Prophets

• “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:6-7 (NIV)
• I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)
• Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up, like someone awakened from sleep. He asked me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps. Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”  I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” He answered, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I replied. So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4;1-6 (NIV)

​The Parable of the Ten Virgins
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25

​Revelation
On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Revelation 1:10-20 (NIV)

God is the Light of the world, and He has called us to be the light also. Our lamps must be filled with oil and He alone is our source. 

With love, 

Christina

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

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Good News! There are awesome things happening across our country and around the globe in schools that have started a Good News Club!

What's a Good News Club?
Good News Club, a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship, was started to share the Biblical truths and lessons of God in a fun format for children to experience. They hold their club meetings at local schools in the afternoons, just like many other clubs. All children are welcome, and parents must give their permission for their children to attend. After sitting in on a few club meetings at our local school, I found the excitement contagious and realized how much the children, parents, teachers, and administrators love this club. The club leaders greet the children with snacks and small group time, followed by games, Bible story and lesson, scripture memory verse, and then more games. Children have a safe place to share prayer requests, talk about what they are thankful for, ask questions about spiritual matters, and the best part - they have opportunity to ask Jesus into their hearts if they want to. 

(Personal side note - receiving Jesus as my savior as a child was the best decision I ever made, and having a relationship with God, through Christ, has brought me through all of the difficult times of my life and continues to do so.) 
I highly, highly, highly  recommend this club!

How to start a Good News Club at your local school?
1) Pray and ask God for direction. Maybe your church would be willing to sponsor a Good News Club at a local school.
2) Check out Child Evangelism Fellowship at www.cefonline.com
3) See what a local Good News Club site looks like at www.goodnewsclubgwinnett.org
4) Listen to podcast below to hear an interview with Carol Kohl, a missionary with Child Evangelism Fellowship and former Director of CEF Gwinnett at Good News Club Gwinnett.

Thanks for stopping by! Please share, subscribe and comment below.

Christina

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16 (KJV)
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Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  John 14:6 (KJV)

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

To check out my testimony click here
Let's get connected!
Instagram @humbleandbold
Facebook Humble & Bold
Twitter Christina @humble_bold
​Pinterest humble&BOLD by Christina

While in Nuremberg, I took some pictures of unique doors. The trip was for research on a screenplay I had written, but the week before I left, my Aunt Sallie was admitted to the ICU. I had the opportunity to see her when she was first taken to the emergency room and listen to her voice one more time. I didn't know it was the last time I would hear her speak clearly. We all thought we had more time with her. I wrote out how we handled the news of her breast cancer here.

In Nuremberg, Berlin and Munich, she was on my mind. I remember walking the hallways of the hotel praying for her, after getting the latest updates on her condition. I flew back to the States on my fiftieth birthday, then drove to Birmingham the next morning to see her. Jet lag and memories of my mother's passing fought with my faith, but that's another blog post. She recognized me, but couldn't speak. I drove back to Atlanta in tears and went straight to bed. My husband let me know she passed that night. It didn't seem real, but there was so much to do. Auto pilot engage.

My Aunt Sallie was stunningly beautiful, inside and out. I always thought she looked like a certain Charlie's Angel. I had a vivid memory of tagging along with her and her husband, Terry, in their Trans Am listening to Paul McCartney and Wings' Let 'Em In song. Out of all the 70's songs played on the radio, this song is the one deposited into my memory bank. Now, I find it interesting that this door had ME marked on the outside. Didn't think anything of it at the time, but it relates.

​I was honored to speak about Sallie's life at her funeral. With her first birthday in August, since her passing, I wanted to once again honor her and my promise. The following is an excerpt from her going home service.

​"Anyone who would allow their future, talkative niece to come along on dates, must have a wealth of love and patience in their possession. I would basically perch myself on the arm rest between the driver and passenger’s seat and take in every cool moment of cruising Eastlake and Roebuck Parkway with you (talking to my Uncle Terry) and Sallie’s, Farrah Fawcett like, hair blowing in the wind.
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To this day, I still think of Paul McCartney and Wings’ Let ‘Em In song playing over the radio. I won’t sing it, but the lyrics were very deep . . . Somebody’s knockin' at the door, somebody’s ringin' the bell (2x) followed by . . .  do me a favor, open the door and let ‘em in. Somehow that, Let ’Em In, song is seared in my mind as I recall all the fun times I was allowed, tagging along, inside the forever cool, Trans Am.

When I first heard that Sallie wanted a small funeral, I didn’t know how that would be possible - unless we just didn’t tell anyone, knowing how many lives Sallie touched with her own. And I really don’t have an accurate number of how many lives that was or is, because she wasn’t one to boast. But I knew she had had an impact on many others, because she had such a HUGE impact of my life.

However, it made perfect sense that Sallie wanted an intimate type of service, because that’s how she was in all her relationships. She was down to earth and transparent about her struggles, and you could talk to her about anything . . .  ANYTHING. And she would put you right at ease. She was relatable and had no pretense or false piety about her.

When I was praying about what to speak on today, the word REGRET kept coming to mind. I know if I could talk to her one more time, I would express some of the regrets that I am struggling with right now. When somebody dies this young and unexpected, it’s normal for regrets to mess with your mind. But here’s the thing, Sallie wasn’t a stranger to regrets and knew the only way to deal with those types of thoughts was to go to the Lord with them. She knew they were too heavy to carry alone, and she knew the Lord could be trusted with every one of our shortcomings. Sallie often spoke of God’s grace and how she wanted people to understand the deep love of God.  I remember her coming to speak at my young ladies’ Bible class at Briarwood Christian High School back in the mid-eighties, and I still have classmates bring up how much her talk meant to them.

Christina

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (KJV)
​
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 (KJV)

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

To check out my testimony click here
To like my facebook page click here 
Find me on twitter @humble_bold ​
​On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christ ​

Humble & Bold teams up with Shofar Outreach for a podcast interview with Larry R. Walker, author of Faithful To Compete It. Looking back on his life, Larry describes how the Lord was faithful to direct his steps through many obstacles, after being called to missions as a young teenager.

Larry graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Building Construction degree and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps Reserves, serving three years of active duty, with thirteen long months in Vietnam. Afterwards, he worked as Vice President for his father's steel erection business in Birmingham, but believed God would use his skills in construction to serve in missions.

Larry and his wife, Sherry, faithful missionaries for 29 years, have served in four different countries: Kenya in East Africa, Paraguay in South America, and Costa Rica and Honduras in Central America. Listen to this podcast interview for a glimpse of what it's like to follow the call God has on your life.

Jennifer's Wild and Free - 40th Birthday party brunch was a ROarYAL event that began with a private screening of the new Lion King movie on opening day. Such a fun time was had celebrating Jennifer's blessed life with friends and family. Definitely wanted to share some pictures of the amazing job Jennifer's friend, Akeisha Thomas, did with event planning. By the way, if you're in search of booking someone in Atlanta for your next event, you can contact her by email at oandgevents7@gmail.com.

There's also a cool God story at the end of this post!

Love how the brunch and dessert menus complimented the party's décor and theme. Amazing southern brunch by the way! 

Jennifer, the birthday girl, was so gracious in her welcoming of guests to the party and offered to pray a blessing over all who attended.

Special touches created beautiful photo backdrops. 

After Jennifer offered to pray over us, her friend, Tonya, came forward to lead a special prayer of blessing over her.

The table centerpieces popped with color and looked so festive. Just wanted to take it all in, before being seated.

Thankful for dear friendships and strong, prayer warrior sisters.

Enjoyed handmaking this bow, and taking time to wrap her birthday gift with party's theme in mind.

Green and white hydrangeas in initial vase beautifully accompany the Publix cake, fruit cups and peach cobbler that were such a big hit with guests.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 
2 Corinthians 3:17  New International Version (NIV)

Some of you may have noticed this is my first post in five months, and thankfully, it hasn't been for a lack of anything to write. In fact, quite the opposite. So much has happened, my mind feels like it is just trying to keep up with all that has transpired. There was the excitement of finishing my screenplay and traveling to Nuremberg, to the deep pain of losing my Aunt Sallie, the day after my fiftieth birthday. I drove to Birmingham to see her the morning after my flight came in from Munich. She went home to be with our Lord, later that night. 

Just like the things we struggle with in the natural and spiritual realms, The Lion King tells of two lions, one who is the real royal king (think about The Lion of Judah) and leads well those in his kingdom. But then there's that other lion, the ruler wanna be, who goes about seeking to steal, kill and destroy. In the real world, knowing which voice to listen to is crucial to our survival and success in running the race God has called us to. We have to know our true identity in Christ to be free of deceptive lies.  Knowing whose we are, and His great love for us, starts the process in setting us free. 

So, I promised to share a cool God story at the end of this post, and here it is.  I had mentioned to my husband, before going to the party, that I missed getting up early during the summer and getting my time alone with the Lord, before the bustling activities of the day.  My heart desired to make that a priority again. At the event, I started up a conversation with Jennifer's prayer warrior sister, Tonya. She had a sweet countenance and looked at me and said, "Wow, with your red hair and that burnt orange top you're wearing, it makes me think of a sunrise." She paused and then looked at me more intently. "I have a message for you. The Lord wants you to meet with Him at sunrise. I don't know if that means anything to you, but that is the impression the Lord is putting on my heart right now." I told Tonya that that it indeed meant a lot to me because of what I had shared with my husband earlier. Her and I smiled, and I thanked her for sharing that word with me. How awesome that we serve a God who longs to meet with us! Who knows our deepest hurts and can answer the longings of our heart. What a priceless invitation to meet with Him and listen to His voice, the right voice!

Later in our conversation, I found out Tonya was a writer as well. Meeting her was such an encouragement and since she gave me that message, I've been meeting Him at sunrise daily. Now to close with this encouragement, please know that He desires to meet with you. Will you accept His royal invitation?

I'm not a fan of the four letter word, can't. My children know that I don't let that word float around because of its  carcinogen effects. However, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to listen to the voice of God. He is real, and He is speaking to us. The world is LOUD and full of distractions, and if you don't get still and make time to hear, you won't; I know this the hard way. But to encourage you, I wanted to share several ways in which I have heard the Lord communicate to me clearly during a process of humbling, meditating on His word  and seeking His face over the past five years.  

When I last wrote on this topic, Called Back To Center Stage, I knew over the summer that God was calling me to this screenplay project, but didn't know how all this would play out. It was a challenge to find time to work on this project, while juggling other looming projects. We had water seeping up from under our driveway, our oldest was looking for a car, we were still going back and forth with our insurance company to honor their obligations of covering my medical costs from the beginning of the year, and had major issues with our large deck out back. Truthfully, I felt a bit overwhelmed. After leaving a Wisdom for Wives class, my friend, Karen, asked if I was going to be working with Special Events again in the fall. I replied with an almost certain, "yes" because not only did I love the women I worked and formed relationships with, but our family needed all the income we could earn. It seemed like a spiritual no brainer. When I got in the car, I became convicted.

Don't ignore conviction; it's there to help you, unlike condemnation.

Not in an audible voice, but His voice, nonetheless, I hear Him say, "Weren't you going to ask Me about this?" I became aware that I hadn't prayed about that decision like I should have. Not only that, my boss always asked us to pray about being on the team, and I was a team leader, so I should have been praying about it fervently. I apologized and repented, and asked Him to show me clearly what to do. Trainings were coming up and I needed to let my boss know asap because I was one of the trainers. A week later, on a Tuesday morning, after praying specifically about it again, I heard a message from Ron Hutchcraft on Victory 91.5 and knew the Lord was speaking directly to my heart and answering my prayers. With tears, I felt He was calling me to leave my job of fourteen years, before having it all figured out, and I needed to trust Him and be obedient to His voice. What I feared most was missing the call of God. 

What I feared most was missing the call of God. 

As I was working on Eyes In Nuremberg, set in 1938 before the onset of WWII, I was concerned, and rightly so, on how to write this story in an authentic way that communicates what life was life for people of that time period and generation. I asked the Lord to help me write with an authenticity and understanding of the culture and times. Then I waited for His response.

During the mid summer,  I had noticed a new face, smiling and waving as I drove through our neighborhood. She was out walking for exercise and would politely wave to me as I drove by. I immediately took a liking to her.  When the plumbing truck was parking out front of our house. I saw her walking by and was concerned the driver might not see her. I walked up and introduced myself. As she told me her name, Christiane, I noticed her accent. Turns out she was born in Berlin in 1937. I about fell over at the shock, and shared the story I was writing. I invited her over for coffee, and we bonded. We started having regular coffee dates, and she began to teach me about life in Germany during that time. Not only did God provide right in front of our house, but He blessed me with a new friend. 

​Her account of being forced by the Nazis to leave their hunting lodge home, when she was a child, is still a very vivid memory. She said it was the coldest day of the year when they were forcibly placed on an open top truck to be driven off and then dropped off in the middle of nowhere during winter. Christiane was separated from her mother at one point. Thankfully, they were reunited and  taken in by a Priest, who knew of her father, a famous photographer. 

Here I am with Christiane at the Christkindl Market at Atlantic Station.

Later, I heard Him speak to me through a persistent urge to email the brother of my step mother, who is a serious stamp collector,  I had wanted to reach out to him for years, to ask him some stamp related questions, but never got around to it. Then I felt this strong push to finally sit down and go through my stamp collection and reach out to him. 

​A week later, I received  a  beautiful letter from him, with stamps from Germany around the time of WW11. Please keep in mind, I never mentioned the project I was working on, never asked for stamps, never even asked about that time period or region. BUT GOD! I'm so glad I listened to that push, because that is often how He speaks to us through His Holy Spirit. It's hard to fully explain, but I'm overwhelmed with His willingness to answer specific prayers. In this case, I thought looking through my stamp collection and writing an email would distract me from the task I knew God had given me, so I was surprised to feel such a strong, continual push to contact him. NOW, I understand why!

When I opened one of the packs of stamps, I was struck with a sickening feeling. Grieved for all the people affected by this infamous man's ideologies and the lives tormented and lost.  Somehow, just holding actual stamps from the Nazi era, gave me a great sense of the fear and foreboding that these images represent, and a tiny glimpse of what life might have been like for the average German citizen, Jewish and some Gentile alike. My writing took on a new level of importance and duty.

Back in the spring, I felt led to join the Atlanta Writers Club. What has amazed me is how many of the speakers have spoken directly to where I am in this process. Laura Harrington taught a Screenplay workshop at the spring conference,  Tamlin Hall led a four part series on screenwriting and then there was a lecture by Dr. Steven Nicklas, author of  Memories of a Lost Generation: German War Letters, 1939 - 1945. His topic was on the use of random sampling techniques to address historic stereotypes. I am currently in David Fulmer's Fiction workshop and am going to a screening of Regina Mason's film, Gina's Journey: The Search for William Grimes, in celebration of Black History Month. Again and again, I see how God is directing my steps as I listen to His voice.

During this process, I have realized that God meets me when I listen and step out in faith and obedience FIRST. I find that His method of operation is to tell me, "You go first, and I will meet you there."  Several times, I found myself avoiding my writing space, for fear of staring at a blank screen. I cleaned and straightened the house, telling myself these things needed to be done. I told myself that at least I wouldn't waste time looking at the laundry. I could at least finish that job. Then I felt this call to be still and listen, to sit down and type. I stopped procrastinating and took a seat at my desk. And it happened! He met me there every time, and the story started to come into view day by day. Now it is in the editing process, but what a journey! 

His method of operation is to tell me, "You go first, and I will meet you there." 

Hope this encourages you to get still and listen to Him. You won't regret it if you do.

The screenplay is about a young woman in the South traveling to Nuremberg to see family on her mother's side and touches on the parallels she sees between racism in America and Nazi controlled Germany. She notices how propaganda, peer pressure and steady methodical political progression sway the average German citizen to look the other way and to justify the mistreatment and genocide the Jewish people. Many Germans were not on board with the Nazi agenda, but over time, many became worn down by the persistence and continual threats of an evil regime.  I can't help but see the parallels in how our society today is looking the other way and making justifications for killing the most innocent among us. Have we learned nothing from the Civil Rights Movement and the Holocaust?

Activist, Catherine Davis, founder and president of The Restoration Project, spoke right before the march, about how the black community has been targeted by Planned Parenthood, and she seeks to see them held accountable for the genocide of her people . . .  our brothers and sisters. According to it's definition by Merriam-Webster, genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political or cultural group. Davis often partners with the National Black Prolife Coalition, the Network of Politically Active Christians, and the Frederick Douglas Foundation in an ongoing effort to educate Americans about the issues that are impacting the Black community. In my eyes, she ranks right up there with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in her outspokenness on injustice and encouraging Christians to act. Her goal is for the removal of the Office of Population Affairs and Planned Parenthood. Click here to see her speak at The Lincoln Memorial with friend, Dr. Alveda King.

Here are two important links, Catherine Davis provides, in which you can easily take action.

You can find the petition to abolish the Office of Population Affairs here: 
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/abolish-office-population-affairs 

And the petition to prosecute Planned Parenthood for genocide here:
https://www.enough-thebattleisreal.com/sign-petition.html

After New York's Governor Cuomo passed The Reproductive Health Act that same day, my heart grieved along with many others.  The name of the act sounds innocent enough, but what was passed truly leaves many shaking their heads. If you think you are pro-choice and made it this far, I thank you for your willingness to read this post. I have found that most people who are in favor of abortion, have not seen videos or illustrations of what actually happens. This video will explain the different procedures used and risks to the mother. 

After the silent march, my friend asked me what I thought the blood moon represents and I responded with, "I'm not exactly sure. Blood moons happen, but when they happen on Jewish holy days or other festivals, I believe God is sending a message and we need to pay attention." Right before posting this, the Lord brought this verse in Deuteronomy to mind. The God of Israel says this, "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."  Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV (New International Version)

If you've had one or multiple abortions, please know you are loved.  Need encouragement, listen to Jean's story here.

To all my Christian friends, please don't look the other way. 

Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

Christina

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

To check out my testimony click here
To like my facebook page click here 
Find me on twitter @humble_bold ​
​On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina

We all have things we want to see change in our lives. I've tried many years doing things my way, but can testify that surrendering to Him and His Word has been the best . . . by far . . . decision I have ever made.  So while new year resolutions are on your radar, may I humbly suggest you resolve to dive in and go deep into the things of God. You won't regret it! 

1 Timothy 4:15-16 International Standard Version (ISV) 
​15 Think on these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress. 

16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching. Persevere in these things, because if you do so, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

​With love,

In the Psalms, King David wrote The LORD Is My Light and My Salvation.

Isaiah wrote about The Future Glory of Israel.

In the second chapter of Luke, the prophet, Simeon, carried Yeshua in his arms. He spoke these words over the baby  Jesus, as he held him in the temple.

And in the Messiah's own Words, he said this about Himself.

May we all see and spread the true LIGHT to a dark and hurting world.

​Christina

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105