Chicago.

Here are the pics from my trip to Chicago last week. Enjoy. (The descriptions are under each picture.)

This where we ate lunch 95 stories above the city. The Signature Room. Beautiful building, beautiful experience. Sorry I did not get a picture from the window up there. It was breath taking even with the fog.

Navy Pier. If it had not been raining we would have been on that fabulous Ferris Wheel you see in the background. There are only 4 in the world this large. (I definitely want to experience Navy Pier someday.)
Gorgeous Castle like building. This is the water works building. The only building to survive the Fire they had many many years ago.
A matching building across the street. The architecture was really incredible. This is Donald Trump’s Building. He is trying to build the new tallest building in Chicago. Notice the clouds around the top. These buildings were designed to look like corn on the cob. Ha. They look very cool. They are condos. Notice the cars parked at the bottom. Chicago River Walk. I have a thing for light posts. I liked this one.
The Stone Heads (Famous Merchants) across the street from the Merchandise Mart where our Chicago Showroom is.
The one picture I got of me in Chicago. In the car on the way back to the airport. We did not think we were going to make it back in time to catch out flight. (I snapped two pictures. My sales rep started waving at the cars behind us thinking they were flashing their head lights at her to get over. Ha Ha Ha. We had a good laugh when she realized it was me taking pictures.)

We had a good time and I did not get a picture of the three of us together since we were so rushed to get back to catch our flight. It was fun. My Sales Rep was a very gracious and fun host.

Thanks and Praise.

In so many ways...

I am so undeserving of His love, but yet He gives it so freely.

Father you truly are Wonderful and The Only worthy of praise and glory. Today Father I praise you simply because of how Wonderful You are. I understand very little of how wonderful you are but my heart is over flowing with Praise for You today. You are Worthy Father, You are Wonderful, You are Faithful, You amaze me everyday. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

How little I deserve to hear His sweet voice whisper direction and comfort in my ear when I am on the verge of completely falling apart. When I feel like I have done nothing right but only ruined everything, to hear His sweet and quiet voice whisper to me that Everything Is going to be okay. That is more priceless than I can tell you.

Thank You Father for speaking to me. Thank You for Your comforting words though I deserve none of them. When the situation you are comforting me about was caused by myself and myself alone. Thank You for Your Sweetest Voice. Sweetest Voice. Thank You Father. You are truly the Best Friend, Father, and Comforter I hae ever know and will ever know.

It is alright, just like you said it would be. Thank You for extending your hand for me to hold and for giving me Words and Hope. Hope that does not disappoint. I am not disappointed today. Thank you for helping me to trust and rely on You and to once again see that I need to stop trying to do this by myself and allow you to lead me. I ask for your continued guidance as I work out the rest of what lies ahead. Help me to trust you more and more everyday. Help me to once again find my way out and Father may YOU get all the Glory for it. May I learn this now so that this is not a battle I must face in the future. Thank You Father.

Father you fill all the gaps for me. I know there will always be gaps and that as long as I have You and trust you and seek You there in those gaps You will fill them. Thank You beyond words for that. I know that You are the only One who can love me completely and never hurt me. So when hurts come I know that I have You to turn to and You will extend your hand for me to hold. You will walk with me through the hurt as you have recently. Father I am filled with adoration for You today and Who you are. Thank You does not even begin to cover it, but it's all I have. I give you my Thanks and my Praise. Father I give you the Highest Praise. No other deserves any Praise. Praise You Jesus. You alone are Worthy.

So full of Thanks and Praise today.

I love you Father. In Jesus name. Amen.

Psalm 103:8-14
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

Quick Weekend Update.

Ok so I just had the most amazing weekend.
From start to finish.
Our trip to Mobile was so peaceful and wonderful.
Filled with siblings, babies, laughs, food, Target, football, HG Tv, and hugs.
Sunday was a GREAT day too.
Sunday School went awesome. Discussion with some truly amazing beautiful girls.
Play practice went wonderful, only four more weeks left to practice then those amazing kids get to performe. They are going to do an amazing job, I cannot wait!!
We then spent the afternoon with my parents and had a Oh so yummy lunch and sat around and chatted for a while.
I got to spend some time with my lil brother which has been long past due, then some time chatting with Neesie and Dad.
To cap off the weekend Mr. Wonderful and I went for our Sunday Night Ice Cream stop where I tried the new Gingerbread Ice Cream with Peanut Butter - cause we all know you cannot have ice cream without peanut butter. Then we made a stop at Walmart and Target.

A much needed refreshing weekend. Now it's Monday and I have much work to do. So I am off to get caught up before my trip to the Windy City on Wednesday.

Sharing a learning.

It's Friday for me! Yay!

I am very excited about my weekend.

Mr. Wonderful and I are headed down to see his family. His parents took the day off Friday to spend time with us and his brother is coming to visit as well. It has been several months since I have seen them and I am looking forward to it. I love the drive down there. I have always loved traveling south. Something about that stretch of road makes me exceedingly happy. We will spend Friday with one set of parents and part of the day Saturday with the other set of parents. I think they all like me and are beginning to see how serious we are about each other. :)

Oh what a happy time in life right. A time I thought would never get here for me. I cannot wait to be engaged so that I can openly share plans and hopes and dreams. I feel silly doing all that before it's official for everyone that we will be spending the rest of our lives together.

Let's talk about that a minute...

Let me give you a little background...I no longer believe in divorce...you see I grew up in a world of divorce...but for me divorce is NOT an option. I think couples jump into things using divorce as their way out if it does not work out.

After I gave my heart to the Lord, my Creator, The One who formed me in my mother's womb, who already has my plan written out, after I surrendered my life to Jesus He showed me Truth.

He asked me not to date. He brought an incredible family into my life. In that time of singleness I began a journey of Healing and Learning. My whole outlook on family, marriage, and relationships changed.

Statistics say I would have grown up to have at least one if not many relationships end in divorce. But because of the Truth and Learning Jesus brought to my attnetion that will not be what happens in my life. Divorce is not an option.

In my time of singleness I learned that God created someone for me and all I have to do is wait for His timing. After all He knows much better than I do what is best for me and what the plan is. He did create me with a plan already in mind, and only He can see that plan fully. I only see pieces at a time as He allows and as I am ready to see. He is my Heavenly FATHER the superhero of all parents! So I learned that in His timing He would bring my mate and that I would know when it was The Time and The One. That my friends is exactly what happened. I could not have predicted the time or the way it happened either. It was ALL GOD. And know that I would not have even choosen to date had I not gotten God's okay first. I knew that the next person I dated would be the man I would marry.

So I waited for The One God created for me and His timing. There is no need to ever doubt if this is right I already know. God has reassured me again and again. Trust me I wanted to be sure, I asked over and over. Even though I felt I already knew I needed to hear it from My Creator a few times to make sure it wasn't just me doing this. God created us for each other. Divorce is not an option. Divorce is not necessary.

Are we perfect without any squabbles or challenges? NO! Who is? Noone. But we know this relationship has been ordained by our Heavely Father. We seek Him together everyday. We seek Him seperately everyday. We will choose for the rest of our lives to do what it takes to make the relationship work and keep it centered in Christ. Yes it will take work, yes it will take prayer, yes there will be difficult times, and YES we will be together for the rest of our lives.

This really is the most exciting time. God has brought The One and He has promised to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us a hope and a Future. How awesome is THAT!!!

God is good and wants us to have the best. We often jump the gun and short change ourselves. I remember last summer reading a story in the bible of a people God sent to take a city, but He gave clear instructions not to take the city but do not plunder the city. However there was one who did plunder the city and take goods. The next battle was no the victory they had been promised because this one had disobeyed. They found him out. I can't remember exactly what happened...I believe he was killed or exiled. However after he was found out and the items removed, the people began to have victory over the city they were trying to take. God said they could plunder this city. It had FAR MORE for the people to receive than the previous city. The point is...when we obey the first time, though it may not make sense right away or though it may not be easy. There is a MUCH BIGGER reward God has in store. We don't know that ahead of time and will never know that ahead of time. We must simply TRUST. Yep...TRUST. Trust and Obey. Nope it's not easy. It's Simple but not Easy. The greatest thing...When we fail and we will fail...God is Gracious, Forgiving, and Loving. What more could we ask for really.

Jesus is my life for the rest of my life.

Father may I always choose to obey and trust You, no matter how hard or how much I do not understand. In Jesus name. Amen.

Dreams and Visions

Anxious feelings dissapated
Trees make me happy
Christmas music makes me gleeful
Zaxby's is my favorite
Hallie is clean
Headed South earlier
I have Holiday dreams & visions floating in my head

This time of year alway makes me reflective and hopeful of the future. I am flooded with thoughts and dreams and hopes of family and traditions and memories to be made. I cannot wait to start my own family and begin building traditions and making holiday memories.

I have a few memories of the holidays. Most of my best ones are from recent years.

I love Communion on Christmas Eve
Decorating Christmas Trees
Drinking Egg Nog
Christmas lights that sing and dance to Christmas tunes
Thanksgivings where the family actually comes together to eat at the same time and is pleasant to one another.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sitting around the table listening to family chatter
Playing outside in the yard with my little nephew
Left Overs

Many of these memories are one timers. But good memories none the less. I just cannot wait to continue these memories and to begin creating memories.

Fall Breezes, Bright trees, & Christmas music creates in me this reflective hopeful dream filled person. I love it.

Things.

I voted!
On time for work.
Plans made.
Outfit picked out.
Chicago here I come.
Have peace.
Stood up.
Increasing Faith.
My Hope in His Word.
Have great friends.
Still In Love.
God is SSOOOO Good.
Thankful today.
Joyful too.
Listening to Christmas Music.
Planning packing in my head.
Ready to head home for the day and start packing.
Need pants sewn.
Loved.
Ready to start climbing instead of just clawing.
Psalm 130.
Believe.
Weekend needed.
Teaching SS Sunday.
AH!
Loving the time change.
Trees are beautiful.

That is my bit of randomness and realness for the day.

Oh my Father, You are so Good. Thank you for your goodness and love. Your unfailing Love. I never want my life to be without you Heavenly Father. I love you with all of my heart and Iknow exactly where my life would be without you and I never wanna be there. Thank you for your Word, for faithful friends who Love YOU, for your Hope, for your presence. I give you this day and all that is left in it. Lead me and guide me. In Jesus Precious name. Amen.

Prayer. For it's all I have today.

Father you see me, my heart, my strengths, and my weaknesses. Thank you for loving me unconditionally even still. Strengthen my weaknesses and give me wisdom, for I know it is a treasure. Father I love you and I want to be all that you created me to be. I know I have much work left for you to do in me. Help me to endure and never give up. I love you with all of my heart. Give me an unwavering faith in you. Help me to see past myself straight to you and you only. Draw me close to you my Lord. Thank you for your words to me today, for your calming peace given to me straight from you. Thank you for being faithful to me when I fail to be faithful to you. Thank you for speaking when I do get around to listening. Father you are the most incredible part of my life. Without you I am nothing and I have nothing. Thank you for all you are Father. Thank you for all you are making me to be. I love you Father. In Jesus' name. Amen

Back on the right road.

I am back on the right road.
The road that looks at others through the Father's eyes.
The road that does not gossip or say ugly things about others.
The road that walks away from conversations where others are talking ugly.
Back to being set apart for Jesus & in the name of Agape Love.
Love like in 1 Corinthians 13.

I am embarrased by the person I have been.
I am ashamed about the things I have said.
And the ways I have behaved.

I have not been an example or shone a very bright light.
I have tried to fit in and be accepted.
And used others to do that.

I am airing out my dirty laundry.
I have been that christian that others look at and say really that's why I'm not a christian. And she says she loves God.
Yeah I have been that.

I just want to say.

I truly am very sorry. I have been wrong and ugly. Please forgive me.

Middle of the week musings...

I have been on time everyday this week
I can't wait for worship tonight
I am happy in love
I am changing my behavior towards people at work (I have been ugly and wrong)
I rearranged my desk yesterday
I love fall
The wind makes me nostalgic
God is so Faithful and Loving
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Imporium is a GREAT movie
My new favorite show is Eli Stone
I am getting excited about Christmas!!!!
We are drawing our Secret Santa names today
Gas prices are much more plesant these days
I am excited about my two trips next week (Chicago & Mobile)
I can't wait for youth tonight
I am in love
The man God brought me blows me away
I love to hear God's voice
I love my new Prayer Portions Book
I have been meditating on the Love Chapter for weeks now it's helped
I love the holidays
I love the Lord with all my heart, all my strength, and all my mind!

To God be the glory for all the wonderful things in my life I would have none of them if it were not for Him...faith, family, friends, a job.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Now replace the word love with your name and see how many are true. I fail greatly here. This helps me to see where I need to consentrate and work harder.

When I get upset lately I just repeat the love chapter over and over in my head and it helps me to respond better and it calms me down. I have been surprised several times at how my anger has dissipated by repeating the love chapter in my head before responding to what made me upset.

Thank you Lord for your Word and your work in me. I love you Father. In Jesus name. Amen.

Mr. Pumpkin Head.

I love fall!
Mr. Wonderful and I had a great time carving a pumpkin last night.
We set out to the good 'ole Piggly Wiggly to get the perfect pumpkin. Which we found right away. It was the perfect size, shape, and color!! I am all about it being perfect!!
We then drew out a face we both liked and the fun began...
Mr. Wonderful drew the face on the pumpkin, cut off the top
I then got to dig out all of the guts...eeewww...but fun!!
Mr. Wonderful carved out the great face we gave our pumpkin.

Here are some pics. We had a great time and I think Mr. Pumpkin Head turned out GREAT!!

I am hoping to maybe get to had out candy to trick or treaters this year. I don't celebrate Halloween but I do celebrate fall and I would love to greet the kids if they come by.

Enjoy the pics

Mr. Wonderful Carving...

Me digging out the guts...or slime...hee heeProud pumpkin carvers...

Mr. Pumpkin Head...

Friday!

Oh yes it is finally Friday! I must say this week flew by and for that I am definately thankful.

It has been a really good week and again for that I am definately thankful!

I have been quite exhausted this week though. It hasn't been a really emotional week but it has been busy so that may be the reason for the exhaustion.

I honestly don't have much to say today and very little time to say anything anyway.

Weekend Plans:
Hanging with Mom tonight
Fall Festival all day and night Saturday
Sunday School, Christmas Play Practice, Pastor Appreciation Practice Sunday

So Happy Friday to you all and have a wonderful weekend!!!

Survey Fun

EIGHTS

8 favorite TV shows
Biggest Loser
Eli Stone
Extreme Makeover Home Edition
Wheel of Fortune
Jeopardy
Friends
Say Yes to that Dress
Wedding SOS

8 Favorite Restaurants
Olive Garden
O’ Charley’s
Beverly’s BBQ
Full Moon BBQ
Chick-Fil-A
Mc Donalds
Outback
Shogun

8 things that happened yesterday
We had a potluck lunch at work
We had a generation party in Youth
We had a birthday party at church
My Sweetie and I heard our song on the radio
Ate Banana Pudding
I read blogs
I took a nap on the way home
I played with a punch balloon

8 things to look forward to
Girl’s night with Neesie
Fall Festival
Makeovers
KOR Drama performance
Christmas
Trip to Chicago
Trip to Mobile
Teaching Sunday School

8 things I love about fall
Beautiful Trees
Wind
Pumpkins
Walks with my Sweetie
Sweaters
Fall Festival
Warm Socks
Hoodie’s

8 things on my wish list
Makeover
New makeup
Willow Trees
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice
Clean House
Sleep
New Journal
Something Really Special

FOURS

Top four wishes:
Good weekend
Rest
Clean House
No more pain in my neck and back

Four places I want to travel to:
Beach
Maine
Washington D.C.
Savannah, GA

Four careers I want to be involved in:
Children’s Ministry
Wife & Mommy
Women of Faith Speaker
Write a Book

Four things I would like God to say to me at the gates of Heaven:
Well Done Good and Faithful Servant
I have been waiting on you
Your loved ones are waiting on you
Let me introduce you to the lives you’ve touched

Greater is HE.

God doesn't want you looking at what's wrong with you or what's right with you. He wants you looking at HIM. ~Joyce Meyers

Uuummm...Does Joyce Meyers know me or something?

I am most definately my own worst enemy. I beat myself up more than anyone else. When God begins to deal with me about something that needs to be changed, oh boy! I dive into a deep pit of despair, self destruction, hoplesness, self accusation, it's just brutal. I begin to think I am worthless and no amount of convincing will stop this thinking. Then I become hopeless that I will ever be any better and again no amount of convincing will stop this. Finally I hit bottom, in complete darkness almost ready to give up indeed on the very brink of givig up. I literally want to give up and run away. I get to a point where it's a choice in that moment to give up and run away, far far away, or stay and fight it out and allow Jesus to rescue me and be my victory. In that moment of choice it is physically impossible for me to quit. I know it is the Holy Spirit in me that will not allow me to quit. I can literally have my hand on the door knob, keys in hand, ready to run, but it is like there is a steel wall that will not allow me to move. I can't do it. "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in this world." 1 John 4:4 I choose the Lord and I WILL NOT BE MOVED. Jesus is my life. For the rest of my life.

Gals, God is Good At All Times.

This process used to last for weeks, sometimes even months. I am very thankful that now it only lasts for a few days some times only one or two. I have gotten better at forgiving myself, and turning my trust to God and not myself. I cannot be better on my own but God can change me. That is why this quote from Joyce Meyers hit me so hard.

What if I take my eyes off me completely and simply focus on God. Even when God says hey you need to work on this. Okay God what can You do, Who are you...why think that way?...Because God lives in me and what He can do, I can do, if I ALLOW HIM.

Please Father let me grab hold of this concept and hold on to it forever. Let gone be the days that I rely on myself and mess it all up and waste time in the pit of despair when I simply need to Trust you, trust the YOU that is IN me. You are in me, I have invited you Jesus to live in my heart FOREVER. Father help me today to allow the YOU in me to RULE. There are always things I need to work on Father and there always will be. Change is quite the good thing for it means we are not staying the same ole stagnant humans that our enemy wants us to be, but wea are MOVING FORWARD & UPWARD. Father today I give you me and all my issues, all my shortcomings, all my sins, all my ugliness, all my weaknesses. I trust You, I trust the You in me. I love you with all of my heart Father and I desire to glorify You. I have already failed in that area today with ugly words that have come out of my mouth. I ask you to forgive me Father and truly help me to turn from it and walk in YOUR direction instead. Father I need you everyday. Thank You for who You are and for who You are In me. Thank You for your forgiveness and for Your faithfulness to me when I never deserve it. You are my LOVING Heavenly Father. (pssttt God I am so thankful for the Heavenly part it's what sweeps me away.) In Jesus' Precious name I pray. AMEN.

Standing.

I am listening to the faithful voice of my Heavenly Father
(even when I am scared to)

I am standing where He is asking me
(even though it is hard)

I am getting lost in God
(for I am more lost without Him)

I am journaling
(so I can be reminded of His words when I falter)

I am meditating on His word
(to renew my carnal mind)

Father, sweet & faithful Heavenly Father, I love you with all of my heart. I am following you today. Lead me and guide me. Soften my heart for those around me, help me to see all things through your eyes. Renew my mind. I surrender to you Father, I want to be lost in You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Best Weekend.

It was good and calm and happy.


Friday night = Date night:
My sweetie took me to see Fireproof
Incredible incredible movie
I loved it
I wanted to cry for hours after because that is the movie he picked


Saturday morning = Japanese Gardens:
My sweetie
Panera Bread for breakfast
Perfect Weather
Great Pictures
Fun


Saturday Evening = Family
My Neesie
A Terrible Scrabble game - very funny actually
Left Behind II
A good rub
A nap
To bed early with some GOOD sleep


Sunday = Busy
Lady in Waiting SS - great conversation
Children's Church - Play practice then some fun at the end
Fall Festival Meeting
Pastor Appreciation Practice - very fun stuff
Bridal Tea - wonderful ladies doing a wonderful job, fun hang out time with some great ladies
KOR Drama Practice - funniest kids EVER, video looks great, a new silly video, a blanket
Chat time with my Neesie - planning for the future, giggles, blaming, getting caught by dad


A great great weekend. I had the best time. Thank you Lord Jesus for such a Blessed weekend!


So I will leave you with the best pic of my sweetie and me yet...

Friday :) Friday :( Friday *sigh*

Right now I have a Love/Hate relationship with Fridays.

Love Fridays because they mean the weekend is FINALLY here.
Hate Fridays because lately they mean layoffs and cut backs.

Lord Bless this economy, bless this business, and bless those whose lives are changing right now. Bring them peace and comfort that comes only from you in times like these. Open doors for them so they will be able to take care of their families and themselves. Father pour out your Love, Strength, & Peace today. Touch our world and give us the wisdom to walk in this uncertain times. Father I love you and I thank you that you are still in control even when things seem to be so out of control. I give you this day and all that is in it. Help me to glorify you in all I do and say. I Praise You today Jesus, for you are God and Holy and Worthy to be Praised. You are faithful and loving and I am thankful for You in my life today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Moving Forward.

I'm not moving back
I'm moving ahead
Surrendered my life to You
Now I'm MOVING MOVING FORWARD

Praise Jesus I am Moving Forward with Him. In all areas!

Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Wednesday.

It's Wednesday. Middle of the week. Pay day (Praise Jesus!). It's another day to live and breathe and love my Lord.

Today I am fighting with all my might against the hopeless feelings that are once again trying to creep up and steal, kill, & destroy. But in the mighty name of JESUS get thee behind me satan. You have no part in my life. I will NOT believe your lies that anything is hopeless. I belong to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I am loved, forgiven, restored, and called. I WILL NOT BE MOVED. In Jesus name.

*Sigh* What a GREAT Heavenly Father we have. Today I simply want to hear His still small voice and listen to it and obey and have His peace rule my heart.

What a punk our enemy is. That little jerk thought he had me but he was wrong. I belong to Christ and I will not turn from Him. I will fight the good fight, I will fight for me, and together Christ and I will win. Christ will win and I through Him. God will get the glory.

Today I choose you Father. Today I choose to fight. Today I choose to see. Today I choose to hear You, listen, & obey. Today I choose to believe that Greater is HE that is in me than he that is in this world. My Father let me hear Your voice, let me listen, and let me obey. Let me fight will all Christ's strength, for I am weak and He is strong. Father today I love you, am in love with you, and desire to glorify and please you. Today is Yours and I am Yours in this day. I love you Father and I am thankful for Your incredible goodness and faithfulness and forgiveness and hope. Thank You for your never ending love, your unconditional love and that You have a plan for my life. Thank You Father for your work in me. I love you Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Monday R&R.

Yesterday when I said I was exhausted from Altar time Sunday night I was so not kidding.

God did such a Mighty work in me. I cried so hard I thought my face would explode! Praise Jesus for it though! He knew just what I needed!! What a GREAT God we serve!! Boy am I in love with my Lord!!!

So yesterday I left work early and enjoyed a little R&R at home.

R&R:
* Quick stop by CVS for a refreshing clay mask for my face & dove chocolate bars
* A VERY loonngg VERY hooott bath with said mask, chocolate, & a girly movie (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - it was the best girly one I had on DVD - too bad all my fav's are on my DVR and couldn't be transported into the bathroom)
* Some very peaceful prayer/study time with my Lord & Savior and this incredible book called Prayer Portions by Sylvia Gunter (I guessed at the last name sorry) but it is so GREAT!!
* Some great snuggle under the electric blanket time followed shortly by a nice peaceful nap!

I am very thankful to have had the sick time to take from work and a boss that was understanding. I did have quite the headache until after my hot bath and meds.

I am feeling GREAT this morning!!! Praise Jesus!! Oh how I love praising Jesus!!

Things to Praise Jesus for today:
* Salvation!!!
* Restoration!!!
* Life!!!
* Love!!!
* His gentle voice!!!
* Rest!!!

PRAISE JESUS!!!
Okay I must get to work and make up for the half day lost yesterday. Lots of Love, Peace, and Joy to all my readers!!

Relief.

Amazing how God swoops in when you think you can handle no more and cleans it all up.

I feel excited again for the first time since April or May.
I feel life return to me.
I feel a bit more like the me God created me to be.
I actually have hope and faith that the full me will shine through again brighter than before.
I am exhausted from the actual process and finishing that took place last night in the altar, but ready to be the new creation God has so desired me to be.
I think I will need to fight my enemy to keep feeling this way, I know he wants to steal, kill, & destroy. That nasty ole devil thought he had me this time. But greater is He that is in me than he that is in this world.
Wow! Look at that...my faith has returned!!! Praise Jesus!

Weekend Highlights:
5th Quarter - community churches came together and ministered to community teens! Human Video was annointed and GREAT!
JBQ - Love that time with the kids. My team won one match and one of my kids got 4th top quizer!
Scrabble - Neesie and I played scrabble Saturday night. It was alot of fun, I think that was my first time playing scrabble.
Sunday School - Very good!
Christmas Play Practice - Went great!
Sunday afternoon - lunch with friends and loved ones, girl chats in the office = hilarious!
Drama Practice - Went GREAT!
Night of Healing - God restored me! Neesie loved me! Mom was baptised!

Jesus you are the lover of my soul.
Heavenly Father you are my everything.
Thank you for restoration and life. Thank you for your work. In Jesus might name. Amen.

More.

So much more.
Alot more.
Heaps and Heaps.

Faith shaken again. What a test.

It's an actual choice at this point.

I am reminded that I am not the only one struggling and my struggle is much less than others.

Oh what a selfish person I am. I hate it.

But I am loved in spite of it. Praise Jesus for that!

A post.

Where's the fun?
Where's the wit?

Hopefully coming again soon.

It's Wednesday and last Wednesday was so amazing I just layed in the presence of God and soaked Him up. Oh how I need that again.

I am a little lost and wandering these days...very weepy...very tired...very all over the place. Break downs here and there...a major one recently...probably never quite broke down like that before.

Faith has been greatly shaken.

There's no wit here or much fun...but fortunately there is still a little life. Praise Jesus it's all because of Him.

Much prayer is needed. Send them up for me.

Father...here I am...I need You. In Jesus name. Amen.

The good, the bad, & the ugly

The good:
Relaxing Friday night & Saturday
Bible study time Saturday
Girly TV shows & movies
Time with the parents Saturday night & breakfast Sunday morning
A yummy lunch - my fav
Christmas practice and cute kids singing
Drama Practice and cute kids practicing to freeze
An amazing turn out for a baby shower I sort of helped host
Poeple being excited about my relationship and future
A new fan for my window
A goodnight hug from my sweetie

The bad:
Missing my Sweetie while he was visiting home
Not being able to sleep Saturday night
Not getting to practice Christmas musical enough before directing
Little down time on Sunday
Picking the wrong shoes to wear on a busy Sunday
Lack of communication

The ugly:
Money always being an issue
Saying stupid things to embarrase myself
Orange juice in my purse
Being ignored and shunned
Slight drama
Chipped nails
Snitty remarks directed at me

God has been teaching me alot about myself and how to love...honestly I am not that good at it...but hopefully I will get better.

Today.

Today...
Today was the first day of car pooling
Today I got up on time and did not run late
Today I had a friend bring me breakfast
Today I thought about my struggle
Today I have dark nails
Today I have gotten alot done
Today I feel the presence of God
Today I have prayed for friends
Today I wore accessories for the first time in forever
Today I spoke before being spoken to
Today I was scared by a co-worker
Today I choose Jesus
Today I am not hopeless
Today I keep fighting

Father,
Today is yours and I will not be moved. Father today I choose you and your will. Lord I love you with all my heart and I am reaching up to you with all my might. Today Father I thank You for Your presence and I thank You for loving me. Today I thank you for being with my family and friends in all life's struggles. Father forgive me for all my sins and my wrongs. I seek you and to be like you. Take the rest of this day Father and have your way. In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.

Weekend.

Another week is here...can you believe how fast the weekends go?
Wow this one flew buy. We were busy all weekend.

Friday night was fun...Mr. Wonderful, my brother, and our friends Carrie & Boo all came over. Mr. Wonderful grilled - pork chops, Hamburgers, and Conecha Sausage and made french fries. We ate like a yummy end of the summer feast. Then we played Phase Ten while watching TV. We had a good time!

Saturday we took the youth to Six Flags. We had a great time riding roller coasters and hanging out. The weather was perfect and the lines were not too bad at all. I did get sickly and didn't ride any of the rides twice like I wanted. Phewy! Next time I will take medicine and hopefully that will help!!

Sunday I was very sickly...but the day was good. Full of wonderful practices and sweet kids!! Some nice healing at the end of the day!!! God is SO good!!

What?!?!?!?

I know I need to post something but I just don't know...what?!?!?!...to post.

Gggrr...I hate writers block.

I know there are noteworthy things that have happened this week but I am so not in the mood to write or put anything in story form.

Can this annoying grossness please leave me now!

The girls at work want a silly day today...but SHOCKINGLY enough I do not want to...WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!?!?!?!?!?!?

So how do ya like my whiny complainy post...yeah I know the silence was MUCH BETTER!!

Have a great weekend...I am done whinning!

Ramdon Tuesday...

I have way too much I am dealing with to go deep right now so Random(ahem Shallow) it is...

I love coffee
It's finally Fall & this is the most amazing one yet
I am totally In Love
Today I am going to get caught up
I have the most amazing people in my life
I prayed and asked God for friends and He provided three amazing friends
I am wearing Pink & Black
I have worth
I am a Daughter of the King of Kings
I am ready for tomorrow
My favorite trees where I live are about to be Amazing
I need to take new pictures
God is good all the time & AT ALL TIMES
We are starting the Christmas Play I am excited
I love JBQ
I love football
I love my orange Sharpie

well that is enough...time to work on that getting caught up!

Love you all
Have a Very Blessed Day

Silly Day Again.

ITS SILLY DAY!!! ITS SILLY DAY!!! ITS SILLY DAY!!! ITS SILLY DAY!!! ITS SILLY DAY!!!

Oh yes...It IS Silly Day!!


I have not been successful at being serious today so why not just deem it Silly Day!!


On Silly Day you get to be as silly as you want ALL Day.

Or for those of you who are not a five year old trapped in a twenty-seven year old's body like me the challenge is to be silly at least once today!!



So far today...

* I have made shadow animals in the projector light in a company meeting

* Laughed uncontrollably in that same meeting

* Shared my favorite laffy taffy joke...I just dont get why others don't think its as funny as I do...sheesh(yes I am about to share it with you)

What do you call a cow with a twitch?...........

BEEF JERKY

(oh yes I am laughing uncontrollably again!!!)

* Pretended my notebook was a catalog of my handwriting and displayed it for all of the other customer service girls to see (this after our boss asked if we had our catalogs, which we were all supposed to bring and noone did -- I didn't lie I just made my notebook into A catalog -- okay some of the ladies did think it was funny -- maybe even the boss)

* Danced like an idiot in the hallway for several to witness

* Laughed some more



Let the silliness continue. It is Friday and the Fall weather is so refreshing. And I am feeling better about myself than I have in two weeks. Junior Bible Quiz starts tomorrow. My family is coming over for dinner tonight...CHILI...yes I have FALL FEVER!!!

Ok so I was Goggling silly day to get some images for this post when I totaly just found this...And yes Silliness is absolutely a Ministry!!!!

Remember too that This is the Day the Lord has made...Let's rejoice and be glad in it...we all have something to be thankful for even in the midst of storms and battles and struggles...let's find something to rejoice over today and invite a bit of silliness and joy into our day...ITS SILLY DAY!!! ITS SILLY DAY!!!

God is good all the time and At all times!

Hope Restored.

Oh you guys...God is so Good!!

He restored my Hope last night! The wonderful thing about God is you cannot be in His presence and come out unchanged!! Praise You Jesus!! I am ready for more of God's presence just so I can bring Him glory in all I do. Oh Precious Jesus you are my Hope and my Salvation, the One whom I can always run to. Oh how good you are!!

God is good all the time and at all times.

Grumpy.

I don't know why I am so Grumpy but that's me today. Grumpy. Mean. Downright Irritable.

Ggggrrrrrr.

Father help me today!

You could get rich off me today this way. Gggrrrr. Well not so much, I don't have the $10.00 to pay you. Ha!

So my goal today is to be quiet as much as possible. And get less grumpy of course!

Father, take me today and take this whole day. It is yours. I love you. In Jesus name. Amen.

So Much.

Lately there has just been so much going on in me.
I am in another large struggle.
I am feeling down alot, so I apologize in advance for all the gloom here.
This too will pass.

I am struggling in all areas in my life right now. It is simply because I am struggling with me.
I am clinging to the Lord with all my might. I am trying to saturate myself in His Word and His Presence as much as I can. Honestly it is hard because I feel so unmotivated anyway. But I am making time to read the Word and just be in the Father's presence.

There are some things that I just do not understand. How can you be so close to the Father and certain things still be a part of you? I am confused, scared, so disappointed & heart broken.

Anyway that's where I am. It's not all Doom & Gloom.

I know feelings lie, so therefore I know this is not hopeless, even when it feels that way. I know that God is faithful and will see me through this, even when I just can't see how things will get better or how things will change. I know my enemy is a liar and he wants to get me down and keep me down. I know my God has already defeated my enemy and that he has no power over me and that he WILL NOT WIN. I know that my life belong's to my Heavenly Father and I will do what it takes to be victorious and God will get the Glory for it!!

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to hs purpose."

I certainly LOVE my Lord and seek His will. I surrender my life and all of this struggle to HIM! I know I am called and He will work all this out for the Good and He will use this to touch many. I am His. I want simplicity, truth, and to be who He created me to be in EVERY way.

Father, today I surrender this all to you. All of my feelings, thoughts, struggles, fears & anxieties. I surrender completely to You. Have YOUR way in me oh Lord. Help me to see things and myself as you do, help me to see truth. Be my shield, my refuge and my fortress today. I choose to believe you and let go of the fears and lies my enemy is heaping on me. I love you Father God with all of my heart and I belong only to You. I will not be moved. I will not let the enemy win. Get thee behind me satan in the Mighty Name of JESUS. I belong to Jesus and I choose Jesus and I choose to fight and not give up. I choose to allow him to make me victorious. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Holding on for dear life.

Psalm 91:14-16 (The Message)
14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"

This is where I am right now...holding on to God for dear life.

Weekend Review.

Under the weather. - I am ready to feel 100% again.
Planning. - I am addicted to it.
Cleaning & More Cleaning. - As a gift, Frantic but thankful it is done.
Praying. - Lord I need you.
Visiting. - Football, BBQ, Babies, & Future In-Laws.
Meeting. - New Beginnings SO EXCITING & fun!
Playing. - UNO!
Chatting. - Future!
Praying. - Father Help Me.
Cheering. - WAR EAGLE!
Eating. - BBQ, Taco Soup, Waffels, Bacon, ICE CREAM
Praising. - My Heavenly Father!
Listening. - New Christmas Play!
Working. - On Human Video.
Practicing. - Human Video!
Sleeping. - Good worn out completely still under the weather kind of sleep.

Nine Eleven. A day late.

I wrote this in 2006 - but thought I would share it a day late on yet another anniversary of Nine Eleven.

Remembering Nine Eleven

REMEMBERING NINE ELEVEN
ON THIS FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
OF THE DAY WE STOOD IN FEAR
WE NEED NOT BE REMINDED
TODAY REMEMBER DEAR
WHEN THE WORDS NINE ELEVEN
ARE HEARD SAID ALOUD
OUR MIND IMMEDIATELY RETURNS
AND SEES THE DUSTY CROWD
FOR THIS GENERATION HAS NO OTHER
SUCH AS THIS TO RECALL
THIS ONE DAY IS THE MEMEORY
THAT STANDS ABOVE THEM ALL
WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER
EXACTLY WHERE WE WERE
THE VERY FIRST FEELING
THE MOMENT THAT WE HEARD
THE IMAGES ARE SEARD
UPON OUR HEARTS AND MINDS
NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN
THIS DAY IN HISTORYS TIME
ITS IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE ASK
DO YOU REMEMBER WHERE YOU WERE
WE AUTOMATICALLY RECALL
WITHOUT SAYING A WORD

On September 11, 2001...
I was at work when the realization of what happened hit...I cried and prayed all day for those who were there that day...God continue to strengthen this country and its leader...continue to give wisdom and protection to this country and its leaders...we need you Lord...9-11 reminded us how much we need YOU...I love you Father...In Jesus name...Amen.

I.

Here's a little fun evaluation about yourself that I found. Feel free to pass on if you wish...
I
I AM…needing some Jesus time!
I WANT…health.
I HAVE…the most incredible Heavenly Father.
I KEEP…thinking of my sweetie.
I WISH I COULD…fast forward a little.
I HATE…that there is strife right now.
I FEAR…some things that I just need to give over to Jesus.
I HEAR…office noises.
I DON’T THINK…I can save any money.
I REGRET…something I did.
I LOVE…My Jesus, My sweetie, My family, My friends, My church, & Ministry.
I AM NOT…perfect. I hate that.
I DANCE…like a goofball because it is fun.
I SING…for my Lord. I love it.
I NEVER…give up.
I RARELY…manage money well.
I CRY WHEN...not when. I cry ALL THE TIME. Sheesh.
I WATCH…a lot of reality TV.
I AM NOT ALWAYS…thoughtful like I should be.
I HATE THAT…I forget things like it do.
I’M CONFUSED ABOUT…some stuff, but I am giving it to God to figure out.
I NEED…My Jesus EVERYDAY.
I SHOULD…totally be working.
I HOPE...for complete change in a specific area.

I belong to HIM.

My heart is HEAVY.

But I am standing on the Word of God today. In the words of my favorite song "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand."

Psalm 100:3 "Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends."

Lord you are Good and I love you and I belong to you. In Jesus name. Amen.

For Today...

Outside my window...I do not have a window in my office

I am thinking...I really need to go get in bed, I feel so bad, I am done.

In the office...there is far too much noise

I am thankful for...a Heavenly Father that love so completely and for my sweetie

From the kitchen...I do not want food…Buffalo Wild Wings has ruined my day

I am wearing...Black pants and a black and tan shirt.

I am reading...Orders and Blogs

I am hoping...to get a nap and a quick shower before church tonight

I am creating...a bit of a whiny attitude

I am hearing...the girls say how bad Buffalo Wild Wings was for them today too

Around the house...there are lots of things that need to be done

One of my favorite things...my journal

A few plans for the rest of the week...Tonight Youth, Thurs. Relax at home alone, Friday work on Counseling paperwork with Neesie, Saturday meeting on Counseling stuff for Neesie, then to the lake, Sat night hanging with my sweetie, Sunday Church & All day drama practice

Oh Life.

Oh Life. Oh Life.
You are Wonderful and Stressful and full of demands. May I be able to catch up and catch my breath soon.
Oh Life. Oh Life.
You never stop, so neither shall I.

Greater is HE that is in me.

What an INCREDIBLE Heavenly Father we have. Oh wow!! Having a relationship and I mean an active daily relationship with Jesus is absolutely THE best thing that has EVER happened to me.

Nope.

I wish I were a little kid sometimes and could simply look at the world and say this four letter word...NOPE.

Well unfortunately I am an adult...and I do not get that opportunity. Isn't it amazing how life can spin right out of control in the matter of a single breath.

Big Sigh here.

I feel slightly overwhelmed and it's only beginning. I have so much to take care of. And the one thing that I want and need most to make a priority slips through the cracks more than it should. I am an idiot in this area, I know better.

On a much brighter side...I have a good God and He will never leave me or forsake me...and He will never give me more than I can bear. Thank You Jesus.

Once again I give you my issues. I give them up to you completely. I let them go. I let you take care of it. I trust you, I trust the YOU in me. You will make it right, get me through, show me the way. I trust I trust I give I give. I receive I receive I receive I receive. In Jesus Name.

ggrrr.

I stink at life.

Random thoughts.

Swinging makes me giggle like a little girl

I am in love

I have the most incredible family ever

I love to hear my Heavenly Father speak to me

Pictures are my favorite

One of my goals is to declutter my house

My pretty pink cell phone died

Christmas is less that four months away

When I am weak HE is strong

War Eagle

Autumn is my favorite

I fell in love with a flat nosed cat last night

Jesus is the most wonderful person in my life

I have been dating now for 3 months

I am sleepy

My day started off perfectly

I had three great lunches this week

Jesus is my life for the rest of my life

There are ovr 500 promises in the bible and not one of them says things will be easy

My brother is an awesome speaker

The weekend is almost here

Pic from last weekend...

Balance.

Balance.

The Story of my life.

Father help me to do it well, help me to hear you and see your way and be obediant. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Learnings & Opportunities.

Rundown:

Last night my plans were to go and hang out with my beautiful mommy-to-be friend and be totally girly and then go help out my beautiful Bride-to-be friend with last minute Wedding things.

I have just enough time to get home and change into something much more comfortable(uuggghh heels - I will never walk well in them and they will never be comfortable). I get home change and am headed out the door and Hallie(my car) will not start.

*Frustration is conceived.

I pop the hood and trunk...grab my trusty miniature Louiville Slugger from the trunk to begin venting my mounting frustration on the battery connectors...that always works right...NOT SO MUCH.

*Frustration rising.

I call Mr. Wonderful who thankfuly lives right around the corner(I AM on a time schedule here, I have a plan and must stick to the plan and a non-starting car was not in the plan - I am to meet my preggo friend who needs her beauty rest so needs to be in bed early and my time is running out - my plan is slipping - THIS IS NOT COOL)so I call Mr. Wonderful who rushes over to look at Hallie - and diaganosis her with a dead battery.

*Frustration screaming upward.

I call my Dad cause I need a plan and my frustration has ripped my planning skills right out from under me - he suggests we take the car to the parts store and let them hook up a machine to confirm the diagnosis - and buy a new battery if needed.

*Frustration lowering(I have a plan - sometimes that's all it takes for me)

I call mommy-to-be and let her know - SADLY - I may not make it tonight - Sheesh It's only been months since I have seen her - TEAR SNIFF SNIFF - then Mr. Wonderful and I head to the parts store.

*Attitude sets in.(My plan has be ruined - I HATE THAT)

Now we all have had those times right before payday when you know the funds are not in the bank but you know you can PROBABLY write a check and be safe right. Well Not when the parts store runs your check for you new battery costing $98.98(because YES I did give a dollar to support research for Juvenile Diabetes and thought about Alan - I LOVE YOU ALAN and believe for your HEALING God IS Faithful) through like a debit and it gets DENIED.

*Attitude, Frustration, EMBARASSMENT set in hard.

Praise Jesus for a Dad who really is a good Dad and bails his favorite(only) daughter out with the trusty Credit Card over the phone. (Wiping brow here)

*Embarassment level falls and Grateful level RISES. Attitude still there STRONG. Frustration better(once again a plan is in play).

On the road back home it is now after 7:00 and I am wrestling with what my new plan should be. My attitude is so bad I simply want to go home and go to bed. And I have gone back and forth out loud. Mr. Wonderful sweetly kisses the top of my hand. (Why are you loving me when I am being so difficult, indecisive, and so darn Unlovable?????)

*Guilt Builds. (I'd rather at this point be in bed that be social with those I had plans with & I am being Ridiculous). Motivation GONE.

Neesie & Mr. Wonderful encourage me to go ahead with original plan. I call mommy-to-be she's game for a later but shorter visit. I decide to beat beat beat beat the attitude (Thanks for the further encouragement Neesie while your hands are elbow deep in chicken)...push through and go ahead with the origianl plan only later.

*Attitude Defeated!

I am so glad I went. I had the best time with mommy-to-be, we talked babies, weddings, Jesus, chruch, football, family. It was great. I got to see baby boy on video - I already love him. Made my heart flutter to watch him moving and showing off in mommy-to-be's belly.

I got to go and spend all night(10:30pm-2:30am) helping Bride-to-be with wedding stuff as she was completely overwhelmed. I was so blessed by that and I think she was too. SO AWESOME!! I loved hanging with Bride-to-be, whom I hadn't seen in years and be able to be there for her!!! AWESOME!!

Learnings:
Attitude tries to beat me when my plans fall through
I can beat Attitude
I don't think I should be loved when I have attitude like that
I love my Neesie, Mr. Wonderful & my old friends(we have history and I love that)
I know what I dont want the days before my wedding to be like

Opportunities:
Beating Attitude
Hanging with friends
Meeting baby boy
Blessing Bride-to-be

Sadly - NO pictures for any of this.

God is GOOD!!! I am not even that tired right now!!

Rolling River God

...and the waters keep rolling on...

Waters of life...ever changing...ever rolling on...

More change...good change...

It will be so cool to see what the rest of this year and this next year brings...

Exciting things are on the horizon...

...and the waters always keep rolling on...

Jump in the River...God's River...it's overflowing with blessings...jump in and roll on with it...

I am excited and humbled and I just can't wait to see how God moves!

Nichole Nordeman \ River God

Rolling River God Little Stones are smooth

Only once the water passes through

So I am a stone rough and grainy still

Trying to reconcile this river's chill

CHORUS:

But when I close my eyes and feel you rushing by

I know that time brings change and change takes time

And when the sunset comes my prayer would be just this one

that you might pick me up

and notice that I am just a little smoother in your hand
Sometimes raging wild

sometimes swollen high never have

I known this river dry

The deepest part of you

is where I want to stay

and feel the sharpest edges wash away

CHORUS

Scream.

So much swirling around in me today...

My enemy is trying to plague me with fear, self destructive thoughts, hopelessness...the list may be longer but that is all I can pinpoint at the moment.

My insides literally are in knots...

I need time with my Father...NOW...maybe a trip to my "special place" is necessary...

ARG! I hate this feeling...feeling like I am just messing EVERYTHING up...

Ok...headed down the wrong thinking path so I am going to spend a little time with my FATHER!!

I will never forget.

I will never forget this weekend.

Slack Attack was amazing: Pheonix Rising
It was the most incredible weekend ever. Everytime I think about it I cry from God's goodness.

I am BEYOND proud of the incredible girls in my group. Beyond in love with ministry. Beyond in love with Jesus. Beyond blessed and humbled to have been apart of something so wonderful. I am amazed at God's Heart.

I am so thankful and humbled to have gotten to love on these kids this weekend and share the things God has done in me so that these Beautiful ladies can know God's heart for them. What an honor. What a privilege.

Children's church:
I got to do registration, oh my gosh. I had the most fun. I loved it with all my heart. I got to greet the kids and see them first thing as they came into Children's church and hug them and smile at them and tell them how glad I was to see them. It was the best thing EVER!!!!!! I got to sit with my nephew during the action songs - he really does not do well with the loud music it scares him so much. I know it is becuase of his home life. But I was so glad I got to sit with him and hold him on my lap and reassure him that it was okay and tell him I love him and miss him. Man I love Children's Church and I am so honored to get to be in there with those precious kids ever Sunday and love them and show and teach them about how much they are loved by God!!! Wow!!

Then we had a great lunch with the family and the Jones' at Shogun. So yummy and I just love watching them cook in front of us. Too fun!!

Then Neesie and I finally got some time to go shopping together. Really one of the reasons God put us together was for shopping. Yep, it's true. We shop SO good together!! We got some Birthday shopping done and found some good sales!! Then of course a stop by Starbucks was a necessity on the way home even though I didn't get anything.

You know it was the best weekend EVER!!! I will never forget this weekend and all that God did and the ways He raised us from the ashes!!

Thank you Father!! Help me to be set apart today. I love you Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

I did not do a very good job of getting pictures this weekend but here are three for you to enjoy...

My wonderful Group for the weekend...These are the most incredible girls EVER...I am so proud of them all!! I love you girls!!!My two favorite guys and me...Red Rover in the rain...compliments of Tropical Storm Fay...

Slack Attack Weekend.

This is Slack Attack Weekend. I cannot wait!

This is a weekend we do with the youth, a back to school event. It's a weekend of pouring into them and I am so excited. It starts tonight and I am pumped up and ready to go.

We have been reading a book called burn this book. This weekend we will burn the books and burn the impurities from our lives!!!

I have been praying that this weekend would be really deep and really spiritual and really fun. I love the small group sessions and really digging deep with the kids.

I am ready!! I am ready to have some junk burned from my life!!!

I am ready to love on these kids and for them to have some junk burned from their lives!!!

God is going to show up and I can't wait to see what He has in store!!! I am ready.

Father, this weekend belongs to you. I belong to you. I pray that you would burn impurities from my life. I ask that you would use me to love these students and minister to them this weekend. I pray that you would use all the adults and college students to minister to the youth this weekend. We are your willing vessels. I pray for good sportsmanship, and acceptance, and that all would be included this weekend. I pray that all the kids would be encouraged and uplifted and built up all weekend. I Thank You for what you are going to do this weekend. Lord I surrender to You, use me. I love you Father. Thank You for this opportunity to minister and love these students. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Change.

Change.
It's happening all around.
Apathy is change...a change that creeps up on you and has consumed you before you know it. Apathy steals Holiness. Holiness is to be Set Apart.
Romans 12:2
2 Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.
Be Changed. Apathy brings you back to the things of this world. But we are...I am...to BE CHANGED by God's Word.

Change.
It's a natural part of life...Change hit me hard last night. I closed my eyes and when I opened them I saw things that are changing...people leaving for college...my brother...MY BROTHER...planning to go way off for college...I can't imagine MY BROTHER not being here everyday...whew...that made me CRY...other change was illuminated before me...like the fact that at some point I will have to leave New Life Church...think about it...God has called me into Full-time Ministry...New Life already has incredible full time Children's Pastors...so at some point I will have to leave my church...the only church I have ever know like this...I will have to leave my town, my family, my friends, my securities and safeties...Whoa...Change.

Change.
It's part of life...I believe if you are not changing you are not growing...we cannot stand still...we cannot avoid change or hold change back...change is what is supposed to always be happening...I want to Change...I want to Change forwardly though...we cannot become Apathetic either...that is Change backward.

Change.
Change is not easy. But God never promised things would always be easy, He did promise that He would never leave us or forsake us. He does not change. He is always good, faithful, forgiving, strong, wise, loving, saving, mighty, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-seeing, He is the same yesterday, today and FOREVER.

Change.
Change comes in all forms. Seasons. Life. Good. Bad. Easy. Hard. Apathetic. Holiness.
Change.

Tagged

The rules:
Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog
Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

7 random facts about myself:

1. I love to hear the words Miss Tabbie!!!!
2. I love to be surrounded by pictures of me with those I love in happy moments, it reminds me how blessed I am and makes me happy in the moments that I am not with them.
3. I love object lessons - LOVE THEM!
4. I have texture issues much to the annoyance of those around me I am sure.
5. I like data entry work.
6. I LOVE Fall.
7. Jesus is my LIFE for the rest of my LIFE.


I don't really have 7 specific people to tag SO I tag you all!

Fall Fever.

Yep it's official - I have Fall Fever.

I am ready for falling leaves, cool air, gorgeous scenery, and the feeling that comes with Fall.

This year fall will be best one yet because I have that special someone to share it with. I am so excited. This is such an exciting time in life.

I am beyond excited about the new journey I am on. I cannot wait to see the doors that God will open and how His story will unfold. This is HIS story not mine. I am simply blissfully loving the journey. It's not always bells and whistles but I am enjoying it still. There is a great joy in all of it, even in the hard, and that Joy is the LORD. I love that this is God's story and that I am not the writer.

Thank You Father for the strength to stand - Past, Present, & Future.

Thank You Father for the direction - Past, Present, & Future.

Thank You Father for the Promise that is now unfolding.

Thank You Father for being there always - In the Good, Hard, Easy, & Bad.

You are a good Father, a Faithful Father, You are my Heavenly Father and I surrender all to You. I love you my Father! I am still..