2010

Just a smittering of the things that filled the year of 2010...

friends

My heart is full of happiness.  It has been such a fun week!!  This is very appreciated after what had been a drought from joy.  My giddy, fun loving self has returned...and I like her. There have been several reasons to prompt this swing toward the brighter side, not the least being a full week of rest.  However, one stands out above the rest.

Sunday, as I decorated the Christmas tree in my pajamas, I barely heard the phone ringing with that song that signals "one of my guys" is calling.  I jumped up to see which one.  I was greeted with the message that Seth was just miles away and coming to hang out for the evening.  The former ordinary day had just become extraordinary.  Although we communicate regularly, it had been nine months since we had seen each other and even longer since a real visit in person.  Sunday night we caught up over dinner at Sweet Basil.  Afterward, we went to Fox and Hound for a little while to hang out with Talyn while she worked.  Later, I didn't have to decorate the Christmas tree alone!  Seth watched, talked, and selected background sounds while I meticulously placed the ornaments on the tree.  It was so great to have him here.

The best part was he came back on Monday night, too!  Again, we got time to swap stories and remember ones from the past with dinner at Maurizio's in Coppell.  I decided good friends should always be close by.  However, since they are not, I will hold on to these moments that we shared.  Only one photo was taken to capture this visit.  It will not win any awards for photography or lead us to accept positions as a model, but to me, it is just Seth and Jen.

Seth and I have now been friends for 10 years!  A lot of life has happened in this time.  I consider it a blessing that we were provided this opportunity to enjoy our friendship together.  So many things will change in the coming days.  Seth will be married.  Then, very shortly, he will relocate to his new assignment with the Army.

Roadtrip?

memories of Grandaddy

This is the 3rd post in a series of three.

This place is used to collect many treasured moments.*Saturday mornings at the park (or the zoo, whichever I choose)
*Sunday mornings at church (asking for offering money before we left, waiting outside for Nana to finish nursery duty)
*Vacation through New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California with stops at a meteor hole, the Petrified Forest, Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon...singing patriotic songs in the back of the van....
*Bedtime chants before going to bed
*Silly drives around town following dinner at Golden Corral
*Vacation to Galveston
*Vacation to Disney World, through Georgia, and up to Nashville before completing the loop back home.
*Consistent letters during  a time we were separated
*Sunday lunches at his house
*Vacation to Hot Springs, AR
*Coin collections and how he liked to share this joy with others (kids, waitresses, family, and friends)
*Calling him to come get me from college and the drive back home
*My first car
*A doctor visit to Dallas with a side tour of Downtown Dallas
*Unique Christmas gifts...and their wrapping!
*Eating breakfast or lunch with him before I headed back home
*COWBOYS GAME
*Taking a drive through East Texas looking for photo opportunities
*Reading scripture to him when he was in the hospital
*Visiting via Skype

similarity

I remember when I was in college at a friend's birthday celebration I inadvertently burned my wrist on the exposed handle of a fajita skillet.  At the time, it hurt.  It did.  I had suffered a severe burn...my guess is a Second degree.  However, it wasn't until several days later that some say my nerves began to regenerate that my arm was hurting in such a way that I wanted to cut it off.  I called my Nana crying in desperation seeking condolences, advice, and relief.

As the initial shock and exhaustion are beginning to subside. Grief takes full hold.  I feel a similar way again.

priceless gift

This is the second post in a series of three.

I have reflected and shared of the many things that Grandaddy did in denial of himself for me.  I retold the story of the many Fridays in 1997, 1998, and 1999 in which I would call Grandaddy immediately following the completion of my final class on Friday afternoon around noon.  I would tell him of my desire to come home and ask him to come get me from college.  He would simply respond "I'm putting on my shoes...".  I could gather my belongings, watch the clock, and meet him downstairs upon his arrival in front of the dorm.  He did not delay when I called.  He was reliable, without a complaint.

Later, my sweet friend, Sue penned this poem in honor of my relationship with Grandaddy, the specific story, and the memories that I shared with him.  It touched my heart.  She provided a priceless gift.  A new memory to replace images I wanted to forget.

Grandaddy

As God reviewed His Book of Days

To see who next to call,

He scanned the pages one by one,

Reviewed the work of all.

“This is the one; let’s bring him home,”

He stated to the Son.

“He’s fought the fight and finished well;

His work on earth is done.”

“The final threads are all in place

My tapestry’s complete.

Once more I’ll claim the victory,

And death will know defeat.”

So when your Grandaddy heard the call

He knew just what to do.

He quickly rose and gladly said,

“I’m putting on my shoes.”

before you, with you, and never forsaking you

This is the first post in a series of three. 

Before I knew when my world would be rocked by the sudden passing of my Grandaddy, God knew.  It is encouraging to rest in the  faith that it was not a surprise to Him that Grandaddy's last full day of life would be Wednesday, October 13, 2010.  Not only was it not a surprise, but he had been preparing my path for that very morning.  Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 6:39 A.M.  When I would meet one of my most dreaded days.

October 10th: He prompted me to do laundry, which I forgot in the dryer giving me clean clothes later in the week.
October 13th: I was provided with volunteers who assembled math games and copied generic worksheets for my sub folder (just in case).
October 13th: I was given the ability to work late into the evening preparing documentation and other items so the classroom would be prepared in coming days.
October 13th: The car ran out of gas prompting a complete fill-up.
October 14th: I had already eaten breakfast and prepared myself for the day prior to being notified of the news that would change my world as I previously knew it.

This is only the events I recognize within the week.  Numerous other examples go back to September, June, January, and uncountable months...years in the past that provided relationships, knowledge, faith, and peace during these difficult days.

"...It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8

transform

I took part in Transform for the first time today.  It was a success!  The Village Church has partnered with several schools over the past several years to serve during the summer with school improvement projects and relationship building.  This year the Flower Mound campus was at Hedrick Elementary in Lewisville hosting a Back to School bash for students and serving the school community.  From my perspective, the whole day was a success.  I volunteered with Dani, Garrett, Becca, and Caleb (a few of the other members in my homegroup).  In the beginning, I was outside with them cheering on a sack race, playing tug of war, and hanging out in the shade with some sixth grade boys eating Rita's. 

After a while, I began to feel as though I could be better used in a different location on campus.  Becca and I went in search of a greater need.  We found Room 302.  This 3rd grade bilingual classroom was in need of someone to level the classroom library!  I felt confident and purposeful in this role.  My knowledge of children's literature and my experiences in leveling libraries were quickly put to use. 

Becca and I fell into a rhythm of sorting, taping, and filing the books.  We spent the next several hours helping out Mrs. Porter, who also attends The Village (Denton). 

We took a quick break for a lunch of pizza or hamburgers in the cafeteria.  Later, Caleb came in to help us finish up the task. 

This is Becca and I with Mrs. Porter in her newly leveled classroom library!

Her English library was complete!  It was teamwork and community on several levels.  At the end of the event, the backpacks that we (Villagites) had filled with school supplies were distributed to the students.  Throughout the school year various individuals and groups will be adopting the classrooms to support with various needs.

Transform 2010!

throwback thursday

Way back...This is Big Daddy, Mama Pat, and Bigmama.  Obviously, long before they were known by those names. 

And another one of my Mama Pat.  Look at those cheeks and gentle eyes!

 

Unfortunately, I do not know any details about these photos--whether they were taken for a special occasion or even the year.

i scream, you scream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Rah! Rah! Rah!...especially Blue Bell ice cream!

Today was a great day for a sweet summer treat!  Blue Bell and KLTY radio had a partnership to collect fans and food for the Christian Community Action center of Lewisville.  In exchange for these donated items, the Blue Bell cold storage distribution center offered "tours" and a single serve snack.  When I heard of this fun adventure, only an hour remained in the project.  I didn't have to twist Brooke or Steven's arm, since they were already considering a trip to Tappys yogurt (sorry, but free Blue Bell wins!).   We dashed away for a little Wednesday night adventure with canned food in tow.  The "tour" consisted of being allowed to venture into the freezer, which is 20 degrees below zero...in your street clothes designed for 100+ degree temperatures!  Obviously, it took only a matter of seconds before the chill began to set in!

Oh, yes!  That is half-gallon buckets of ice cream stacked floor to ceiling!  I was tempted to see if anyone noticed me just grabbing a carton or two.

Next, on the "tour" was the opportunity to get in an empty ice cream truck.  "What you see, is what you get."  The truck had not been turned on in hours, so it was cool, but not cold--and without ice cream, it didn't look much different than an ambulance.

Finally, the highlight of the event--ice cream!

I chose a Country Cone, Cookies 'n Cream, enjoyed right on the back porch of the loading dock.  It was so good, I went back for a Cookies 'n Cream Sandwich!

We had a "Blue Bell country day"!

if you give jennifer....

If you give Jennifer clean carpets, then she's going to ask to paint the walls.  And if you paint the walls, then she's going to want....new bathroom furnishings to match the bedding.

 The face lift continues...

love note

To the one I will love,
Time continues to slip by and I have a pretty clear indication that this is not yet the time for us.  Goodness!  When will it be? I am surely anxious and have a great desire to meet you and begin sharing life together.  While at exactly the same time, I can not even imagine the scene.  I ran across this tweet last night and I could relate very much. "I can't wait for the day when I can look back on this season and everything will make sense. Trusting God's timing is not always easy" @stephanieshuler.  I have been trying to make myself available to meet you (Which I don't think is altogether a bad thing.  It has enabled me to expand on that comfort zone a little and develop some additional relationships with others in my community.)  I am continuing to pray that God will hurry the time for us to be together and guide the footsteps of possibility that I encounter.  However, I have seen God repeatedly close the door in the last few weeks.  On the second time, I had to laugh!  It was evident that my little view of things just wasn't a slice of his larger plan.  So I wait with hope in Him for you.
Your future wife,

rearrange

Yesterday, I had the carpets cleaned in my apartment.  It was well overdue since it had not been done since I moved in, a complete 6 years ago.  I have been so proud of the result!  It is worth the work involved.  The unknown stain from the weekend with my family has been removed.  The threads are standing up tall and fluffy.  It feels so fresh and soft under my feet.  Also, a few more chunks have been knocked out of the wall as a result of moving the furniture alone.  You can see parts of the wall, you shouldn't see from the outside and the "sheetrock" is flaking off with each additional bump.  Ooops!  To paint or not to paint? That is the question.

Today as I returned the furniture and decorations back to the carpeted areas of the apartment, I decided to try a little different room arrangement.  I had the sensation that a change was desired.  I had been thinking about it for the past twenty-four hours, but really wasn't sure another layout was going to work.  Here is the end product....

It definitely gives me a different perspective on the room!  It's the next best thing to moving...mixing it up a bit.  Come on over and see it for yourself!  I love to have the company.

P.S.  I love this new format here in blogger!  An undo button!  Putting the pictures where you want in the blog as they are inserted!  Genius!

legacy

Wow! I feel like I am in spiritual 1st grade. It is exciting though. I am refreshed that God choose this time to place this book in my hands and reveal simple truths through his scripture to me that I have never believed in this way. Now my prayer is that I will not try to fight this war with these truths on my own, but that instead I will allow him to flood in with his power to restore and redesign.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. ~Psalm 42:5 and Psalm 42: 11

In a discussion about song lyrics once, a friend told me that writers do not repeat words by accident, particularly at the end of the song. It is with purpose and alters the meaning. In this chapter, the psalmist repeated the same two sentences verbatim in the middle and end. This tells me it was intended to be a significant message. Beth suggested that this was not written at a time when he felt like praising God, but was instead choosing to change his thought pattern. This is what we must do at times when the waves of insecurity begin to surface.

Oh, this next Psalm was so stimulating to me! I had been really captivated by the portion from Psalm 8:5 "crowned with glory and honor" in reference to us. Then I found this mention of crowning with the same implication.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. ~Psalm 103:2-5

We have been crowned with glory, honor, steadfast love, and mercy. I think that is the basis for our faith in a nutshell.

bless-to extol as holy; glorify
iniquity-gross injustice or wickedness; a violation of right or duty; wicked act; sin.

Then when I take time to soak in the entire sentence...it is heavy! Which part does not describe me? Forgives, heals, and REDEEMS YOUR LIFE FROM THE PIT! Then satisfies and renews! I will have to let it marinate on my heart.

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness, " has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ~2 Corinthians 4: 6-12

The treasure of him is carried in fragile little us so that no one can boast but that it is perfectly clear to give glory to God.

Finally...
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposd to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those wo do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.~Galations 5:16-23

And this brought me full circle, the desires of the flesh are to compare ourselves others, compete, play God or the devil to others, have self-doubt, fits of anger, jealousy, envy, etc. This is not living in our inheritance of honor, glory, honor, and mercy...and clearly states that we are not walking with the Spirit. The evidence of him living through us will be love, joy, peace (security), etc. There it is again. If we are being clothed with Jesus Christ we will be secure!

security

I am continuing and am now through Chapter 13. I am thankful that for the most part what God has highlighted for me is directly out of the scriptures. It has also been very enlightening for me to use the definitions of these simple words that we use in our everyday conversations to focus on the depth of their meaning in these contexts.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor heights nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.~Romans 8:37-39

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory (honor); my mighty rock, my refuge is God.~Psalm 62:6-7

glory-very great praise, honor, or distinction bestowed by common consent; something that is a source of honor or admiration; a distinguished ornament or an object of pride

honor-a source of credit or distinction; high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank

May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless (or The Lord will give...The Lord will bless) his people with peace!~Psalm 29:11

peace-freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.;

security–

1. freedom from danger, risk, etc.; safety.

2. freedom from care, anxiety, or doubt; well-founded confidence.

It wasn't until definitions further down that words protection entered the scene...the primary definitions of security are freedom! So when we are caving to the insecurities we are relinquishing our God given right to have freedom from anxiety about our worth, identity, etc.

I am a woman of God, clothed in strength and dignity, and no one gets to take those things from me. I am clothed with strength and dignity! God gives his people security.

Beth recommends that we refuse to allow insecurity to stalk every other reaction. Here's a revelation:
We can be hurt without being insecure.
We can be disappointed without being insecure.
We can be unsure without being insecure.
We can be humbled without being insecure.

We can choose to think...
You may be so intimidating and threatening that I feel I have to hand a lot of things to you, but I refuse to hand over my security. Who you are doesn't get to dwarf who I am. My security is mine to keep. You cannot have it.

or

You can __________(hurt my feelings, criticize, embarrass) but you do not get to damage my security. It's mine to keep. You cannot have it.

Therefore do not throw away your confidence (in faith), which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised...But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.~Hebrews 10: 36-39

I am a woman of God, clothed in strength and dignity, and no one gets to take those things from me. I am clothed with strength and dignity! God gives his people security.

a woman of valor

I have continued through chapter nine in So Long Insecurity, which is where I will stop tonight. It truly got heavy for me in the last two chapters...in a way I was completely not expecting. God overwhelmed me with his truth through familiar verses that I had never understood in this way. I saw these as a chain, one that led to the next in my understanding, although Beth did not necessarily present them in this order in her commentary.

But that is not the way you learned Christ!---assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off our old self...and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.~Ephesians 4:20-24

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.~Romans 13:14

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings (or than God) and crowned him with glory and honor....~Psalm 8: 3-5

valor--boldness in facing danger

An excellent wife (translates the same as woman) who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. ~Proverbs 31: 10, 25

strength--strong, vigor, courage

dignity--self-respect, sign of respect, honor

And that is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything in accordance with his will he hears us. and if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.~1 John 5:14-15

insecurity--self-doubt, lack of confidence or assurance

These references to clothing are relevant to me. Of course, I do love to get clothes and the feelings of them can have a significant impact on my mood. More so though, when insecurity has won in my life, I have the feeling of standing in the center of a place, naked and bare, exposed for all to see. The truth is that I am covered, clothed, protected-let's say, from "life" with my hope in Christ Jesus. We are created in the likeness of God~worthy. The scripture says we have been crowned with glory and honor and more specifically as women we are to be clothed in strength and dignity (honor). I have not been owning my inheritance! Clearly, based on these scriptures it is God's will for us to walk in this truth to see ourselves as significant in him. Therefore, prayers for security and healing will be answered. I did not realize that the freedom from insecurities would also involve a confession and seeking forgiveness of

• self-absorption
• jealousy and covetousness
• competitions
• thinking too little of the person God created
• despising myself and considering myself inferior to others
• pride and the though that I am superior to others
• unbelief--in the truths

...and healing. Something tells me this is only scratching the surface.

identity

I am currently reading Beth Moore's book So Long, Insecurity. It is possible you will see more tweets and blog posts that reflect this processing. However, I was prompted to put down the book for a few minutes and revisit a poem from a bible study I participated in during college. The study was from a workbook called Search for Significance. It had a definite impact on my thinking and I have been reminded of the truths it reiterates many times since then. We focused a lot on this poem. I have thought to share it with my former homegroup girls so many times before and failed to do it, so here it is.

My Identity in Christ

Because of Christ's redemption,
I am a new creation of infinite worth.

I am deeply loved,
I am completely forgiven,
I am fully pleasing,
I am totally accepted by God.
I am absolutely complete in Christ.

When my performance
reflects my new identity in Christ,
that reflection is dynamically unique.

There has never been another person like me
in the history of mankind,
nor will there ever be.
God has made me an original,
one of a kind, really somebody!

For me, it has taken reading and rereading it, revisiting it time and time again focusing on each part to try to get it to sink in. Obviously, I am still on this journey.

Right now I am trying to attack and put to death this ugly part of my heart-insecurity-with the vengence we have been studying from Colossians. I don't even know what that looks like, nor am I even sure I want to fight that hard. However, I do believe it will affect my relationships, career, etc. significantly if I have the courage in Christ to do it.

My friend, Tiger

My friend Tiger is an extraordinary example of faith and perseverance. You can watch this video to learn more about him, his health concerns, faith, and mission.

Tiger Coffman Testimony from Unblind Productions on Vimeo.

Almost two weeks ago, he underwent a major surgery to remove some tumors at MD Anderson in Houston. These were located on his spinal cord. While he is undergoing physical therapy and making progress each day, he has not been able to regain feeling in his left leg and has had a few other complications. It has been a tough time for him. Please join me in prayer for him. Here are a few specific things on my heart:

• any amounts of discouragement and frustration would be quickly battled, keeping a positive outlook
• regaining of feeling in his leg
• a full recovery of independence
• that Tiger will be able to bring truth to those around him (nurses, doctors, fellow patients, family)
• others who hear of his story will be encouraged and led to truth

cheerleading

Today I'm taking a moment to be a public cheerleader for my dear friend, Kate! She is an amazing woman. I knew this before, but in recent months I have been so excited and encouraged by her faith, courage, confidence, and willingness to follow. Today she left for a 2 year adventure in Dubai. While she is there she will be working with children and being an administrative assistant. I know she is going to be fabulous in these new roles! I can't wait to hear about the things she gets to share with others while she steps out of her comfort zone and takes a leap into a different culture. Please join me in prayer for her during this time of transition and throughout her journey. I love this girl!

giddy

I love to be giddy! It is so exciting to have that heart-beating fast, jittery feeling of excitement! It had been a while since it had been around...but its back! I am so glad.

This week I have been so giddy about summer that I can hardly contain myself! I am looking forward to a concerts, weekend visitors, spa day, summer nights with live music, Rangers' games, Kansas, Tyler, and....the delight of my heart--Big Bend National Park.

Yep, I'm super excited about driving 10 hours to a desolate part of Texas. It is in this varied landscape right on the Rio Grande that I am going to get to be without a phone, TV, gas station, etc. for four days. However, the most exciting part is that I will get to be in the presence of God and his beautiful creations of mountains, canyons, river, streams, wildlife, desert, and I'm sure other surprises. I should also get to visit a couple of West Texas ghost towns. My only agenda is to soak in his awesomeness and document it with photography. I am overflowing with joy for this opportunity.

I have rented two lenses to bring my grand total to four for the week. In my opinion each one will offer a varied perspective (versatile zoom, wide-angle zoom, telephoto zoom, and kit lens)...and hopefully, aid in some fun, inspiration, and personal masterpieces. I can't wait to play!

The countdown has begun!

re-blog

I am SO VERY thankful that the Lord gifted us with friendships. It is distinctly possible that I often put significantly more value in them than in seeking The Father himself. However, on the other hand, he continues to bless, grow, strengthen, refine, and bring joy to me through the people he so purposefully placed in my life. I absolutely LOVE the following excerpts from a another blogger. It strikes the things that run the deepest within me my relationship with others. Some treasures are worth passing on! So this is like a re-tweet of sorts...a re-blog.

It is fun for me to research the Word just a bit when I started thinking about friendships in the Bible and how the Lord blesses His children with people during various seasons of life.

The first one that comes to mind is David and Jonathan. Jonathan's father, Saul, was on a man-hunt for David...and so Jonathan helped protect him. In 1 Samuel 18, it says that Jonathan was "knit" to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved David as himself. Jonathan even risks his relationship with his father, King Saul, to protect his friend David.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego - friends of Daniel who refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar's Baylonian god. The three stood firm together, even if it meant being thrown in to a fiery furnace. Not one waivered.

Ruth and Naomi...an odd couple, not necessarily bound by friendship at first. Maybe it's more mother/daughter-ish, but Ruth definitely showed characteristics of a good friend by not leaving Naomi with whom she had no ties. She was constant and committed, selfless and helpful.

Mary, Martha and Lazarus...brought up a few times in the New Testament. It starts in Luke 10 when they invite Jesus in to their home. Maybe He knew them ahead of time? I'm not sure. But they develope a deep relationship, so much so that upon Lazarus's death, Jesus comes back to them and WEEPS with them (John 11). It even says "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus."

Paul, Priscilla and Aquila - I love these 3 because this has been me many times in my own life, even now...being friends with a couple when I have no one to accompany me - it's like I'm intruding on date night! There have been a few times over the last couple months where I spent dinner with friends of mine who are couples...couples that I respect and admire, who have prayed for me and with me. There's no feeling like a 3rd wheel here. I'm sure Paul didn't either...he lives with Priscilla and Aquila for a short period of time, and even travels with them (Acts 18). He refers to them in Romans 16:3-4 as "fellow workers in Christ Jesus" and mentions them several more times in other books (1 Corinthians and 2 Timothy) in regards to greeting. He loved them and missed them.

"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel."
~Proverbs 27:9~

These individuals highlighted in the Word give me some interesting characteristics of friendship to ponder. When friends do life together it creates a community that is rewarding beyond words in both the heights and depths of circumstances.

birthday wishes from students

Being in the classroom with twenty-two 8 and 9 year-olds can drive me crazy...but on days like a 31st birthday, being in a room with twenty-two 8 and 9 year-olds keeps me from going crazy! On the way to school, I was feeling sad about this birthday, which is very out of character for me. I told a co-worker, "I just want it to go away." Then the students came in and began showering me with homemade cards and sweet birthday wishes.
You're not really getting old...just think of it as getting another year closer to total awesomeness.

Dear Ms. M., You are the best teacher ever born that I know of! :) Love, Molly

Students love you! Dear Ms. M., You are so lucky to have the smartest kids in 3rd grade! We all love you so much and hope you have a jolly birthday! We are so thankful to have a teacher like you! Love, Molly

We've loved having you as a teacher and hope you have a wonderful b-day. You're the best teacher a kid could ever have. Sincerely, your best class

Roses are red. Violets are blue. Thank you for all you do. Happy birthday! P.S. You're a queen for a day!

Ms. M is wow! Ms. M is awesome! Ms. M is cool! Hope you have a happy birthday. You're very special to us. You are the best teacher ever! Hope you have a good birthday. Love, Baylee

Happy birthday, Ms. M! Marvelous, Student teacher (teaching students), Mind exerciser, Always teaching, Caring, Kind, Educate, You're nice. You're the best teacher! Happy birthday Ms. M. from Ryan

How could a girl stay sad after such words of adoration? It turned my day around. I am so lucky to have these gems in my life! We've had a great year that I will cherish.

good friends, food, and wine

After doing a little online research this week, I was reminded that I must have been born to put on some saucy clothes and spend an evening with great friends enjoying good food and wine. Ok, maybe the "born to.." is a bit of an exaggeration since I do not have hope in these things...but it is definitely something I enjoy! These sweet times of fellowship develop into moments that I cherish.

So if you are up for a little adventure eating and don't mind sparing a little cash along with it, please let me know which of the following locations in Dallas that you would like to explore! Listed in no particular order...
Abacus
Mi Piaci
Ferrari's
Ziziki's
Tom Tom Asian Grill
Jaspers
Dish
Hibiscus
The Grape
Mercury

I am sure that there are many other places that I would also like to go, including some of the great burger restaurants listed in Texas Monthly, but this is what made the list at this time until further review.

new favorite words

As part of the Esther bible study by Beth Moore, I have been introduced to several of my new favorite words...

"the reversal of destiny" (aka "the reversal of fortunes")--the complete changing of the course of a series of events. This happens several times throughout scripture. Here is an example:
2 Corinthians 5:21-For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

"peripety"-a sudden turn of events that reverses the expected or intended outcome, particularly in literature (dictionary). It is the hinge on which the reversal of destiny occurs (Moore).
A monumental example: Jesus rising from the grave. Before this significant event it looked little different from many other situations common to that day. However, this was the turning point that changed EVERYTHING!

So as I processed and internalized this literary device, I realized that this applies directly to individual lives. In fact, Esther and Jesus were individual lives--not just a piece of literature. So I attempted to think through various events in my own life to pick out the peripety that caused a reversal of destiny...
The day that my mom dropped me off to stay at Nana's "for a while". Often we are unable to see a peripety when it happens because it is in the representation of ordinary events, however the course of my life was changed in that moment. It wouldn't be for years that I could look back, view it for what it was, and be so thankful.
Obviously, the day that I accepted Christ as my savior.
Possibly the moment that I decided and stood firm to go away to college, despite the instruction from at least one who didn't think it was the best idea.

As I continued to inspect what this intriguing aspect of journeys looks like, I considered that it could also apply to negative changes in course. Beth did not mention any of those examples and when I looked briefly online did not find any either, so I am unsure whether the same word would apply.

It made me wonder...What is the peripety in other people's lives? What do some of those moments look like that cause the reversal of destiny?

to my sweet (future) husband

Honey,
I am thinking about you today. I wonder where you are. I wonder what your day has been like and what filled it's time.

Over the past week or so, I have been led to pray for you. I know this is God whispering in my ear because it has come at times when I didn't even realize you were on my mind. This has renewed my faith that you really are out there somewhere. In those prayers for you, I have asked that God provide protection over you, physical and emotional, that he will guard you. I was led to pray for your job and the relationships with those that you work along side. I prayed that you follow God's guidance during this time, staying true to His desires for us, that you will grow in knowledge and faith in Him.

Lastly, I asked that he will hasten the time for us to finally come together. I look so forward to beginning to share life's journey with you. I can't wait to hear your stories.

Love you,
your future wife

P.S. Although we haven't directly talked about it, I believe that one of my friends is praying for you, too. You are already loved!

My Sweet Baby

Tomorrow is a TAKS test across the state of Texas...so I called Mitchell tonight to give him a pep talk before the 5th grade Math test.

He immediately knew my motives..."I know you called to talk about the TAKS test tomorrow."

"Well, yes, I did. Which one do you have...blah, blah, blah"

After a couple of seconds of asking him how he feels about it, etc. I say, "Well, I have gone to a lot of meetings about the secrets of TAKS. Would you like to know what they are?"

He cracked me up! So seriously and with sincerity, "Well, only if it isn't cheating." I said, "Oh, it's definitely not cheating. What I know is that students who show their thinking get more correct."

Humm, he is listening. I ask if he knows about UPS check. He's never heard of it. So in that style that I can't turn off, I just briefly explain what the letters stand for and let him know that basically that just means slow down, show your thinking, and do your best work. I check for understanding...so, what do each of the letters stand for? He repeats it back to me. Alright, well, if you do that tomorrow....thrown in with a good dose of I believe in you, and I love you.

At this point, my heart bursts with pride...Mitchell says, "Whew, I sure am glad that I have a sister who is a third grade teacher."

He's almost set! A few more affirmations. I check on the plan for a good night of rest and a good breakfast. Check!

Now, just a little prayer that the Lord will take care of my sweet baby tomorrow!

I love him!

impatience

It is interesting, intriguing, surprising, and sometimes awe-striking how quickly and unexpectedly emotions can pop-up. That's the kind of afternoon I had. It happened without expectation. An event that prompted awkwardness and then near fury. Ugh, not a pretty site. It took a long time to recover from that moment...and then it was like it opened the flood gate. Other emotions unwarranted and unwelcome began to creep in. Eventually, I ended in that place where I often want to crawl. It is in my turtle shell but would be most desirable in the arms of someone who loves me. Now if the thoughts, fears, emotions, irritations, and tiredness would just leave already.

In my bible study tonight I thought I might be nudged to tears over waiting...not a topic I want to delve into these days since I have become ever more concerned that the "wait" has become a "never". Then Beth Moore said it is draining, depleting when we wait on a thing, event, or person. However, when we wait on the Lord our strength is renewed. Possibly, I have given up on waiting on the thing, event, or person but also released hope in the Lord in some areas.

This verse was laid on my heart about six weeks ago for a dear friend and tonight it came back around to undoubtedly speak to me in a different light.

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.~Isaiah 40: 31

But this one was new to me...

And the Lord answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits it's appointed time; it hastens to the end-it will not lie. If it seems slow wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. ~Habakkuk 2:2-3

Lord, renew my strength to wait on you that I may be replenished in you. Help me to wait on you and not the thing, event, or person in my thoughts until it's appointed time. In your name, Amen.

poem

Ms. M is a great teacher we all know.
In the morning, she's so sweet and she has a great voice to say hello.
Ms. M is so nice and she helps me with my learning.
She is also very smart and her brain is always turning.
She loves to giggle and laugh. I know it's true.
She laughs and giggles to what people say and do.
Here are some goodies for you to enjoy.
Be careful with these goodies they are no toy.
~from D.A.

Thank you for amusing me with this post. I was greeted with this a few school mornings ago with a bag of candy treats. The candy was yummy to my tummy, but the poem brought a smile to my heart.

destruction

My most fond living arrangement since I moved out of Nana's house is Garner Apartments. It is a place I lived for almost two years in college. A quirky, 14-story apartment building on campus at SFASU. At one time it was the tallest building in East Texas. Built in 1969, it is currently being demolished to make room for two new buildings in its place.

I had noticed a call for memories of the building a few months ago from the alumni association. I thought they were just making a news story for the magazine. Yesterday, via twitter, I came across photos of the destruction that is expected to take approximately three weeks. My heart broke like the building appears in the photos. In some of the images, you can look through the building seeing the rooms and their characteristics...those places in my memories being taken down.

What made Garner so wonderfully quirky?
-the patched doorways that converted a suite style residence hall into apartments
-the pie-shaped layout
-the built-in refrigerators that no longer worked therefore creating much needed additional cabinet space (or better yet, when they did work and were still used as cabinets--cold trash bags anyone?)
-while in your bathroom, it was hard to determine whether the ringing phone was in your apartment or the neighbors'
-while in your kitchen, you could hear the toilet flush in the neighbors bathroom but never anything else
-while sitting on your couch, you could hear the pillow talk on the other side of the wall
-a good rule of thumb...never comment to your neighbor in the lobby about what you heard through the walls!
-each apartment was furnished but with different items from various eras. there were coveted items that were sought out from empty apartments
-my 12th floor apartment flooded during a particular rainstorm and no one could explain why because the water was not 12 floors deep (several other apartments on the west side also flooded that night)
-there were two ways out, but only one way into your apartment
-the mystery and intrigue of the roof

Why I loved it so...
-you didn't have to drive around for hours to locate a parking space in our lot
-everything on campus, and even a few things off, were in walking distance
-I could see over the pine trees for a great view of sunsets
-dinners in my kitchen
-Nintendo challenges
-1205
-all of the quirky things
-my friends

The thing I disliked the most...
-climbing the stairs after a fire alarm, especially in the middle of the night

How 'bout them Cowboys?

I have caught Cowboys fever! I was a little late to join the game this season, but now I am here in full force! I feel like I have been living Cowboys for a few weeks now and love it! The Romo jersey felt so good both times that I sported it. I think I'm going to have to purchase one of my own! The koozies I acquired from the Bud Light girls last weekend are the perfect addition to my collection, too! I was able to pull out all of my gear again last night as I watched them show the Eagles for the second weekend in a row who was the best! To the guy who spit on the star, who's laughing now? Hehe!

Last weekend my family had a very special weekend together. It is a bit rare for all of us to do an event or trip together. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite complete this time either, but the combination was still unique and treasured. After the big reveal on Christmas Day the excitement spread! Julie talked about it all week on Facebook! This event was so special to Grandaddy! It was a dream come true for him and he was elated to share it with us. (I know his heart stung that Nonda could not be with us.) However, we corresponded messages with her during the day to let her know we were thinking of her back home in Indiana.

On Saturday night, I cooked dinner for my family. I felt good about that, even though it was a little slow in the making. It turned out delicious! Then we played a few rounds of Uno with many laughs. I was amazed at what it was like to have them here! My prayers were being answered!

Since it was a valued experience for us, we made the day of it on Sunday! Even though kick-off was not until 3:15, we left my apartment at 9:45 to venture to the stadium. We were in our parking spot and ready to celebrate by 10:30am...it was us and the other serious tailgaters! I had led us right to a spot near the music stage. Of course! It was like our path had been paved for us. Everything fell into place.
I didn't get to touch or even see Romo or Whitten, but it was exciting to be near them as they were entering and leaving the stadium. There were some pluses to sticking with Grandaddy and the handicap access. I loved being there for a big win!Most of all I am going to cherish the special time with my family. I have been thinking back and looking at the pictures with such fond memories. It had been a long time since I had shared something special with some of them.
Grandaddy. This is what it was about. I know he holds the time dear to his heart, probably even more than me. I love him!

I had a feeling...

...it was going to be a good, good night...and it was even better!

Last night, WHISKeYFISH performed at Gilley's Dallas!!
I recruited some other supporters to join me in the adventure. Ashley, Kate, and Karen were perfect partners in crime. I became a giddy school girl in moments when I found out I was on THE list at the door. I love being "with the band"! As soon as we arrived, the fun began! Their name was on the marquee and all! The guys were already getting ready for the show, but we got to talk to them for a few minutes. It was tons of fun to see them perform in this venue. Of course, I was right down front dancing and singing along. I even took my "big camera" for a try at good photos. Yes, I was that girl with that camera in a bar! Oh well...I'm getting too old to care about what others think on some issues. However, don't mistaken that to mean too old to care how I look! It was a night that warranted new boots and jeans! :)

The band did great on stage! I also enjoyed hearing the new music. The next CD release will be much anticipated! (Note: If you are interested, you can now get their music on i-tunes!) I wasn't so sure about the advantages of a January 1st show, but there was quite a crowd from OSU and Ole Miss due to the Cotton Bowl. I think that might have been good for spreading the word.Then Daniel hung out with us during the headliner, Jeff Allen. He took me backstage, too! Hehe! Oh dear! I made some great new memories!

After Daniel left, one of the funniest parts of the evening happened! My favorite CCR song, "The Boys from Oklahoma" was played. It was fun to sing it with attitude knowing that the room was full of "boys from Oklahoma". Karen and I got a kick of it.

I haven't finished editing all of the photos yet, but I was anxious to get this posted, so this is a sneak peek.