So, this is it - the last day of 2010!

So, this is it - the last day of 2010!

It has been a busy year with many joy’s and much hard work, but through it all I can honestly say I am so grateful for everything the Lord has done in my life this year.

My year started off with much uncertainty, but packed with hope. As many of you know, for the last three season’s I was one of the designers on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Looking back on that experience, I would have to say the best memories were working with the builders, families, and volunteers. It was a painful departure, but I knew in my heart that there was much more for me to do.

Between shooting a campaign for the “My Expressions of Kindness Campaign” early in the year, where I got to work with Bad Pitts non-profit - Make It Right, to traveling the country as a motivational speaker, volunteering across the nation for Habitat For Humanity, shooting a new television show - MlifeTV, which is a travelers inside look on all the wonders of MGM Resorts International (air's January 1st 2011 - go to www.mlife.com to view) and taking a trip to Haiti in April - that literally changed my life, I can say its truly been a blessed year.

Traveling to Haiti, as I said - changed my life. That trip put the year in full focus for me and paved way for what was really important in life. When I stepped foot onto Haitian soil - I immediately felt the sadness of the people. They had just suffered a catastrophic earthquake.  Every person I met had a gripping story to share about what happened. Today, almost a year later - it is still a daily struggle for people to find clean drinking water and food. Hundreds of families are still living in make shift tents. What I saw was not only heart braking but showed me the root of what grave need is. Let me share with you what I mean. Grave need, is when families are literally starving to death and have no choice but to mix dirt with dirty water to make "clay cakes", which they dry in the sun and eat. They do this because they’re so hungry and it helps ward off hunger pains for a short time. Children as young as 6 years old prostituting themselves in order to get some money to eat, and children sold as "restaveks" - which is a child slave, so a family can have one mouth less to feed - or sadly, a child's parents have died and they are left on the streets, stolen and then sold into slavery. I could go on.

I’ve spent many years volunteering for organizations such as Habitat For Humanity, The Teen Project, and feeding the homeless, but I have NEVER seen suffering like this. The reason I am so passionate about this state of pain, is because when I visited Haiti with my husband Christopher - we saw ALL this with our own eyes. I personally felt helpless, angered, saddened, but through God’s grace - empowered to share our stories and motivate people around the world to get involved and make a difference.  That trip is what inspired us to start Christian Housing Ministry International (C.H.M.I).  www.chmiusa.org

Our current fund raising efforts are focused toward an undeveloped school in the outskirts of Hinche, which is located in the Central Plateau of Haiti. Our goal is to support the eight teachers that have dedicated their lives to their community by paying them a small wage and providing higher education. To build classrooms - as they are currently all sitting outside in the elements. Provide electricity - something that is completely foreign to them (we are working on solar powered energy) and clean water - something the whole community does not have. Everyone must walk miles to a river which is unsafe to drink, but they drink it out of need. We would also like to build toilets - again something they don't have. This is just the basic's - we have much more we would like to do and will in time. We’re just getting off the ground and this last week of 2010 we had our first campaign via Facebook. I was moved by how many people stepped up and donated. This is one project you will definitely hear more about in 2011.

Well, let’s change the pace a little, as most of you who read my blog and follow me on Facebook are always keeping up to date with my television career. Once I knew I wasn’t returning to Extreme Makeover Home Edition, I was looking for a project that would allow me to continue my love for television hosting, as well as, a show that I could continue sharing my design skills on. If you know me well, I prayed about it - I just never thought God would flood me with it all at once! Not only did I book a “kick ass” travel show, I also booked an amazing show where I can continue to design. The only catch is... I still can’t tell you what it is. Even though the contracts have been signed - “moms” the word for a few more months. I’ve never had to hold out on sharing good news for so long. :) But, it’s worth the wait, as everyone on my new show is super amazing and I’m so excited to be working with a group of people who love what they do and want to do it together. I will also be working with Nate Berkus and Orpah this coming year on a project that will really touch your heart. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on all the air dates. I will also be doing some motivational speeches in 2011, however; it’s going to be a full year - filming two television shows, working with Nate Berkus, raising money for Haiti, and of course taking care of my family. God sure does have a good sense of humor!

With all the high’s there were some low’s in 2010. My beloved dog Kayla past away. She was a loving dog and good companion. We miss her dearly.

Most recently, and the greatest loss besides my father dying when I was 13 years old, was the death of a woman who was a role model and mentor to me. The talented Executive Producer - Denise Cramsey. Denise was my EP on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. When she left the show - we all felt a great lost. Her death ripped my heart and sent ripples throughout the television community. However, there was so much good, honesty, joy, and sheer genius about Denise, that this coming year I plan to always think, “What would Denise do?” I’ll carry her loving memory with me into 2011 and pray that we all can do a little of the good she did when she was with us.

I think the most important lesson I learned in 2010 is to “let go.” You see, sometimes we all get so caught up in what were doing that we forget that at the end of the day that were not in control, only God is. When I learned this lesson AGAIN this year, life opened up and all the things I worried about and hoped for just fell into place. It comes back to the theory of - what we put out into the world is what we are and what we will receive. “Letting go” and letting God know your hearts desires, I have found, is the best way to live life.

So my friends, I leave you with this - put aside your religious beliefs, your thoughts on nationalities and see that we are all apart of the HUMAN race. No matter what your income level, where you were born, where you live - we all struggle in life. Some days we accomplish our goals, other days we couldn’t feel more alone. So take the time to slow down, to say hello to the person that passes you on the street, pick up the phone and tell a family member you love them, and most of all... GIVE - give to those in need and God will bless and enrich your life.

Peace be with you, and may 2011 bring you much joy.