"He has made everything beautiful in it's time." Ecc. 3:11

Out With The Old, In With The New!

2012-01-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the second day 2012. It's a new year for me! A year of beginnings...hopefully. 2011 was a year of accomplishment for me. I finished my last year of college, survived student teaching, passed state exams and graduate December 17th with my degree in Elementary Education. I had fun trip to NYC for my graduation present and had a blast seeing all the shows and sights of NYC. The month of December has been crazy and hectic, but it's also been full of a lot of highs and blessings from the Lord.

My Parents and me at my graduation! 7 Years of HARD work, but it was worth it!

My awesome Mentor Teacher for second grade! I love her to death!

I decorated my hat for graduation! You could totally tell the teachers, for the other majors! lol

Overall, God has truly blessed me in the last year. I can't wait to see what He has in store for me for 2012. I can't wait to find that job where I know there are children there who need me to believe in them and to encourage them to become whatever they desire to be. To show the love of Christ to them and to love them unconditionally. I want to know where I am going and what I am doing, but sometimes, God lets you wait a little. "Patience, is more than endurance," as Oswald Chambers says. So, I will patiently wait on what the Lord has in store for me.

Lesson learned

2011-11-16T15:34:00.001-08:00

You know, some days just seem harder than others. I am getting closer to the end, but it seems like the closer I get, the more stressed I feel. I don't know what the future holds. Here in Texas, the state has cut the education budget. No one is really hiring right now. The fact that I am graduating in the middle of the year doesn't help either. It's very hard to come in to the school year in the very middle of everything. I still have to pass one more state test before I can become certified. Now, it's getting to the point where you can't even sub without the certification. So I am learning how to trust in God right now, knowing that He know everything that will happen after December 17th.
I'm not in control and I don't like it! I think it's a lesson we all have to learn several times over the course of out lives. Having a good cry fest or getting some encouraging words can always help. There are some days where it seems like I went through all of this for nothing, but there are other days when I see the hand of God moving. I know Satan likes to attack in a moment of weakness, and I have had one of those lately.
I am so thankful for Godly friends and parents who are there to support me and encourage me daily. I may not like what they have to say from time to time, but I know that they love me and want what is best for me. In the end, what really matters is how I glorified God in everything that I said and did. There is a whole world out there and who knows where, or what, God has called me to do to demonstrate His love to those who need it.
Usually, I am the one that is the encourager or the counselor, but today was one of those days that I needed the encouragement and counseling. It's humbling to know that when things don't necessarily go the way you want them to go that you sometimes have to re-evaluate. God knows what is best and that's the hardest thing to remember sometimes. His timing, not my timing seems to be cliche but it is so true.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Graduation Just Around The Corner!

2011-10-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it! Graduation is less than 2 months away!!! I am totally excited. I registered and paid for graduation today and it was a bit surreal. As I was filling out the paperwork it hit me that I was actually almost ready to hit the "real world" and have to be grown up! lol The man behind the counter congratulated me and wished me luck on my certification. I shall need it for sure! One test down, one to go. I just hope the PPR will goes as smoothly and well as the State Content test went. They have changed it this year to be EC-12 instead of EC-6th so I hope it won't be too much harder than the other one. I can truly say that I worked my butt off for this degree. Mistakes made and all, I know that it will mean more to me than most who take education for granted. 7 years of college: 2 universities, 1 community college....a life changing event, 2 state tests, and a semester of student teaching almost over and I can see the finish line. One that I have wanted to see for a very long time.

Halfway finished!

2011-10-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

I am over halfway done with student teaching. Kinda nice to know that in less two months I will be walking the stage and getting my diploma! I am so ready to graduate and actually feel like I am doing something with my life. I think sometimes that I feel like I am behind others. I think it's because I am still living with my parents trying to graduate when everyone I have gone to college with has already graduated and started families. It's hard for me to keep reminding myself that it's God's timing and not mine.
I think one of the things I have learned from this semester is learning to just trust that God has me here at this time for a reason. I see the impact I have on these kids just by loving them for these 60 days I get with them. It will be extremely hard for me to leave them whenever I have to leave. It's been stressful, but it's also been a great learning experience. There are times where I want to scream and times where I want to cheer them on. I think one of my favorite moments so far is playing with them at recess. Once they figured out that I would swing, seesaw, jump rope....I became their best friend. It was funny to watch my mentor teacher jump rope at recess. She had the whole 2nd grade counting as she jumped. It was great!
I have also experienced dealing with my first crush. lol He is a cutie and is my shadow everyday. Always has to be in my space. Kinda forgot what it was like when a 2nd grade boy likes a girl. Almost borders on being a pest! lol My mentor teacher pointed out that she thought he was in love with me because he was always being a pest and bugging me. The kid cracks me up. I would take him home in a minute. It's always fun to see what new things they come up with or funny things they say. One day I want to sit down and write a book of all their sayings. Who knows? It could be a best seller one day!

The Bad Case of I Can'ts!

2011-09-20T21:47:00.001-07:00

Student teaching has been a blast, but it has also been stressful! So many things to do in so little amount of time. As, our supervisor said, "I can do anything for 60 days!" Amazing how time flies fast! It's almost a fourth of the way over with! I have been blessed to have an awesome mentor teacher. Sometimes, you don't know how things will work out in these situations. It feels odd taking over a classroom of another teacher. I don't know how to explain it, but at times it feels like you are stepping on their territory and if you change things up a bit, you feel like you will get their disapproval. But, thankfully, my teacher has let me do whatever I want with the lesson as long I get the main point across. It feels good to know that she doesn't have to worry about her class and can walk out of the room to run an errand. She told me the other day that I have a natural gift with teaching and that I just have it. Those words meant the world to me. I walked into student teaching thinking I wouldn't know anything and that I wouldn't be that great, but her words of affirmation were just what I needed. God gently reminded me that it was what He had created me for and He was affirming that through my mentor teacher.
Today, as I was helping one of my students, the Lord gave me an illustration. Zagan HATES math and it is such a hard thing for him to grasp at times. He struggles with memorizing basic facts and will usually make things harder than they seem. He was so frustrated with learning how to regroup today that he just had a case of the "I can'ts" I finally got down on the floor so I could look him in the eye and gently encouraged him to calm down and to try his best. He was just guessing at answers because he was getting tired of thinking. They do practically all of their subjects before lunch, so their little brains are tired. I told him all he had to do was slow down and think things through because he was smart and he could do it. So, once he took a deep breath and went back to the problem, he was fine. When he finished working it out, he looked up at me for approval and got the biggest grin on his face when I told him good job. It was then that it hit me!
Sometimes we are like that with God. We tend to hate going through the refining process, or doing something He has called us to do that we don't particularly like. At times, we get so frustrated with life in general that we get a bad case of the "I can'ts." It is then that Christ has to get on our level and look us in the eye to tell us to try our best and gently encourages us in the right direction. When we are able to step back and regroup, we can breathe a little easier and things don't seem so overwhelming or discouraging to us. It's when we look up to our Heavenly Father to get his approval that we get the "Good job! You can do it!", or the "I'm proud of you!". That, in and of itself, is the most valuable encouragement that we can get when we need it. He loves His children and will help remind them who is there to root them on when the road seem tough or you get a bad case of the "I can'ts!" After all, He is the One that gives us life each day and we should do our best to live for Him.

Three weeks and counting!

2011-09-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it's my third week into student teaching and I am surviving! LOL I actually got to teach a little bit today for the first time. It was fun. I know it was only their geography and science packet, so it wasn't a ton, but it was fun! I have gifted and talented 2nd graders and they crack me up with how they explain things. Sometimes their minds are totally out there! I have a little autistic boy in my class and he is one of my favs! Love him to death. He hates math with a passion, but as I was working with him today he got totally excited when I kept telling him he was doing great and getting problems right. Just a little encouragement goes a long way with him! It's fun getting to know all my kids in my room.
I also have a friend down the hall that teaches Kindergarten and it's fun getting to see her every day! Funny thing is, there is a Kindergarten teacher next door to her that has the CUTEST little boy ever and we think he has a form of autism. He always seems to escape every now and then from her room and come visit us in our room. He has a fascination with the globe. The kid is a genius for a kindergartener! Can read cursive, print, knows the continents on the globe. He loves spinning the globe to find where his daddy is and always points to the country and says "Unite States!" We finally taught him to say United States. So, he's got a deal with his teacher that if he is good, he can come visit us and spin the globe! Drake is gonna be fun to quote the whole semester! I remember the first day he came into our room, he asked us "Where I come from?" and then went straight for the globe. We had to look at his name tag to help him figure out who he got lost from. Poor kid had to go back to his classroom! This will definitely not be a boring student teaching experience for sure!

It's already August?

2011-08-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

Holy cow! Time flies like crazy lately! I can't believe it's August. I can't believe I start student teaching within two weeks and I graduate within four months! I thought I would never see this day come! I've made my choices along the way that I wish I could change. But then again, I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't gone through all of that. I can't change the past, but I can use the past to help change my future. Sure, there are times I wish I had made better choices, but I don't think I would appreciate my degree as much as I do now. I worked my butt off for it the last four years(well, 7 total :D But I messed it up the first 2 and a half). I know how important an education is and how it can change your path in life. But, I also know that if you aren't doing what God is calling you to do, then it's useless.
Doing what God has called me to do is so much easier than doing what I want to do and what the world throws at me. Too bad it took this stubborn, Texas gal a few years to figure that out! Kinda funny how God uses the bad choices in our life for something good. I have a friend who is hurting right now and I can't exactly know everything she is going through, but I do sympathize with her and can help her by how I got through my rough patch. Amazing how God puts people in your life who you need to minister to and they end up helping you out! Despite our plans that we have for our life, God's plans are bigger and better even if we can't see what's on the other side. That's where faith comes in to play. Faith that He knows what He is doing and that I am doing what He has called me to do. Faith that despite my past choices, they will be used for good and that His perfect Will will be completed no matter what. I may have taken a detour, but I end up back on track eventually when I surrender my will to His. At times it may seem hopeless to get a teaching job during this economy, and at this time in Texas when budget cuts are being made in education, but God's got it!

Big Apple Adventure

2011-07-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

VBS is over and done with! I must say, that it was definitely a crazy week! I had four year olds and most of them were boys! 17 four year olds to be exact! They were cute. I had some funny answers to questions I asked about the bible stories. I think my favorite answer was when I talked about the woman crying on Jesus' feet and anointing him with oil. When I asked what she used to wipe the tears off, one of my boys said Hairspray! He looked at me like I should've known the answer to that question. Sometimes kids say the funniest things. Overall, we were kinda down on numbers this year for our church. Especially, since it is a big church, but God sent the kids that needed to come. 1,004 were registered and 57 made decisions for salvation while 59 said they wanted to be baptized. It was a neat week and the kids got to sing in big church today to show everything they have learned. There is just something about little kids singing about Jesus that make everything awesome! Here are a few pics from the week.

Satan's lies

2011-06-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

You know, lately Satan has been having a field day with me and my friends. Every wonder why it feels like he wants to attack when God is working in your life? Just goes to show you that no matter what, Satan will always think he can draw you away from the Lord. One thing I have learned lately is that Satan will use anything, no matter how small, to distract you and then all of a sudden you start to believe on the lie that he has planted in your path. How fitting that I am learning this just as I am teaching Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free! The third chapter in that books seemed to be really difficult for all of us in Bible study. It was talking about the Lies we believe about us as women. I think the one I had the most trouble with was the lie that We shouldn't have any unfulfilled longings. We will have unfulfilled longings in this life. If we were handed everything on a platter then what is the point in depending on God or even longing for Heaven. That's the whole reason why we have those unfulfilled longings. The thing is, we can't let those unfulfilled longings control or consume us. We have to allow God to work it out in HIS perfect timing, not ours. I think society is the one that forces us to say we deserve it, or gives us the fix it mentality. If you look at commercials today, you can see there is always a problem presented and then you fix it with medicine, or buying a certain product or whatever it is. Amazing how we go to things to fix our problems, instead of our Loving Father. Just something to sit and think about....

Summer Time!

2011-05-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love the Summer! For the first time in over several years I actually don't have to do a single summer class! I don't think I know what to do with myself now! Hahaha! I can't wait to see what God has in store for the summer for me. I just started teaching Nancy Leigh DeMoss' Lies Women Believe And The Truth That Sets Them Free and it has been an eye opener. Definitely a hard study to teach! I can't wait to see how it affects all the girls I teach. I am beginning to see things that they are struggling with and I think it is good they are starting to feel safe enough to share their lives within this small group of believers. I am a huge believer in investing in other people's lives and letting them know that judgement should only come from God, not men. We are all flawed and when we come to that realization that no one is perfect, then we don't need to point the finger...just some food for thought for the day.

The Little Journey of Baby Thomas: 05-06-11 / The Fight of His Life….

2011-05-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

The Little Journey of Baby Thomas: 05-06-11 / The Fight of His Life….: "05-06-11 / The Fight of His Life…. To say that this weekend was the best weekend of my life and the worst weekend of my life is about th..."

I usually don't do this, but I am posting a link to this blog. This is a couple in my church and they have been on a long journey with their pregnancy. They found out in January that their little boy would have anencephaly and wouldn't live very long. Doctors gave him 6-8 hours to live, but he ended up living longer. Amazing story of how God used this little boy in people's lives.

Almost the end...

2011-04-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! Almost the end of the semester! Kinda sad to leave my kindergarten class in a few days, but I am so ready to end the semester!!! Just means I am one step closer to graduation. Had my last advising appointment ever. Kinda weird to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 7 long years to get there, but it's so worth it! Education is important and I know that getting my degree was something I wanted. May have taken the longer route, but God's timing is always perfect! That's something that I have had to learn over these 7 years. I made my choices along the way, but in the end God knew what He was doing and how it would all turn out. I wouldn't change anything because even with the growing pains, I wouldn't be where I am today. And for that, I am truly grateful!

UPDATE

2011-04-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a few months, but it's been a crazy semester! I am on track to graduate in december. Had my last official advisor meeting for classes on tuesday! So crazy that its getting closer. My internship this semester is going great too. I love Kindergarten! They are at such a fun age. I managed to teach my lesson in front of my professor ok. PHEW! Kinda funny that I was more nervous to teach one in front of my mentor teacher than I was in front of Dr. Duncan. Maybe it's because I love Dr. Duncan and I knew she was cool with whatever I did. We did Texas History and did the four different Texas Flags and how we got the one we have today. It felt like it went really fast, but they loved it. I think my favorite thing about interning is getting to know the kids personalities and what they are like. I know who is the tattle tale, who is the whiner, who is the drama queen, the quiet one, the smart one, etc...kinda funny to see them act like the teacher at times too. I just pray that when I graduate there will be a job out there for me. Even if it's not in the teaching field, that's fine. Sadly, education isn't doing so well in the job department in Texas. 100,000 if not more may lose their jobs in texas. Future isn't looking so bright, but it's a good thing My God is in control.

John Piper’s Report on His Leave of Absence

2011-01-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

John Piper’s Report on His Leave of Absence: "John Piper’s Report on His Leave of Absence from the Desiring God blog."

Just wanted to share this.

Merry Christmas/Happy New Year!

2010-12-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been awhile since I have posted! Grades came in and I kicked butt! 3.33 with an 18 hour semester. So glad it's over with. 12 hours this next semester will feel like a breeze! Christmas went well. My little cousins and Aunt and Uncle came down for Christmas and we had fun making cookies and candy. We definitely messed up the kitchen. I was reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to my little cousins on Christmas Eve when the youngest one, Laney, asked me a funny question. She is four so, it was so cute trying to tell her she needed to sleep or Santa wouldn't come! As I was tucking her in, she asked. "What if I just fake sleep? Will Santa still come?" When I told her no, she had to really be asleep, she exclaimed. "But, I really want to see Rudolph!" Lol, I love little kids! Their excitement on Christmas morning was awesome to see. I believe Santa was good to all of us! I got some Christmas dishes I have always wanted and a new Macbook! And of course, my whole family got Cotton Bowl t-shirts to support my ags!

Gigem Aggies! WHOOP! Hope, everyone has a great New Year's Eve and Happy 2011!

Almost over!

2010-11-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

PHEW! All I can say is, I can't wait till this crazy semester is over with! I am just praying that I can pass Geometry with a C. I don't know how much longer I can take all the craziness! Good thing is, I only have to take 12 hours next semester. This 18 hour semester with internship and work and teaching bible study is overwhelming. But, God gives me the grace and mercy to get through each day. I have never looked forward to Christmas break in all of my life. Good thing is, that I am still graduating on time! Meeting with my advisor went smoothly, so I was excited about that. Now, if I can just hit the fast forward button....

Our God is Greater - Chris Tomlin

2010-09-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Amazing Song! I just love Chris Tomlin

PHEW!

2010-09-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

Chaos is about to reign in my life fairly quickly! Between school, work and church I don't have time to breath! This semester I will be working with 1st, 2nd, 4th and pre-schoolers. This is gonna be interesting. I have to help with reading in 2nd grade, writing in 4th, math and science in 1st and observing and doing a lesson in preschool. Just writing that makes me tired! Anyway, prayers are much appreciated.

Weddings, School, Craziness!

2010-08-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

It's been crazy the last month or so. Summer school is over with finally! But, my 18 hour semester is about to start up in a week. It's gonna be nuts this fall. I went back to NB for Will and Karen's wedding! It was a blast. I love them both so much and it's awesome to see how God worked in their lives. So weird to call her Mrs. Flora now. She was a beautiful bride and the wedding was great. Here are some pictures from the weekend!

Just thinking....

2010-07-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

I was just sitting here thinking about what God has done for me in the past two years since we've moved to Beaumont. Who would've ever thought that Beaumont would be a place I would live in...not the funniest place in the world! But, through it all, God has been faithful and steadfast. He's provided friends and the opportunity to stay with my parents rent free while I pay for school. Grant it, I will be owing the government money after this is over, but the lessons and values I've gained from going down the hard road are priceless. I wish I could go back and do things over again and say that I will graduate from Texas A&M and not just say I had to withdraw because of my stupidity and selfishness, but I can't. As much as I love A&M with all my heart and miss it, I know that I wouldn't be where I am today with the trials that I have gone through. Sometimes, I tend to be somewhat stubborn and have to learn things the hard way. But, God has been faithful and pulled me through the tough times.

Psalm 40
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods. [a]

5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced [b] , [c] ;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll. [d]

8 I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."

9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.

10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.

12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.

13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;
O LORD, come quickly to help me.

14 May all who seek to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.

15 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"
be appalled at their own shame.

16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"The LORD be exalted!"

17 Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.

That has been the cry of my heart for the last four years! This Psalm has a special place in my heart and I don't think I can ever look at it again without seeing the hand of God guiding my life. I wish I could write like David, but I can't! Amazing how God still called him a Man after His own heart after all that David had done. God can forgive David, then he sure as heck can forgive me and you for all the things we've done. Random thoughts running through my head today, so you get to be the recipients of it. :D

YES!

2010-06-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Boring class is over with! FINALLY. That was one of the worst classes I have ever taken. Funny thing is, she tells us not to make our teaching boring...hmm, something wrong with this picture? I think so. I don't know how many times i whipped out a book or texted someone else. Had to keep myself awake somehow. Oh, random fact....the american tennis player in wimbledon just made history with winning the longest tennis match ever! 11 hours and 5 mins long. I would hate to be the loser of that thing. Play for three days and lose...Anyway! I decided to update my blog since i had the time. Kinda nice not to have to go to class this morning. Actually got to sleep in for once. I am so ready to graduate. I think once I apply for student teaching, it will actually become more real. Which, I have to apply for that soon. July will be a busy month with my second summer class, work, VBS, a bridal shower, the fourth of July(I think family is coming in). It's gonna be nuts! But, oh well.

Almost done!

2010-06-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness this boring class is almost over. It's alot of information in three weeks, but this prof is killing me with just sitting behind the desk lecturing...and I have her next semester for an hour and 15 min class. Sometimes I wish professors would take their own advice. Kinda funny to look around the room and see everyone texting, working on homework from another class, or reading. No one was paying attention. And, when she finally gives us break, we all jump up out of seats like it's the best thing we've heard all day. Thank goodness it's over with next Wednesday! Now, off to study for my test in this boring class. Just needed a distraction for a few minutes....

Summer School

2010-06-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well, time to go back school! I don't think it will be that bad this summer. I'm dreading the heat and humidity more than anything! That, and hurricane season. Why we have to live in hurricane territory, I have no idea. Hopefully, it won't be as active as they say because I would like to graduate on time.
So, drama has consumed my life lately. I don't know why, but I'm kinda sick and tired of it. I'm just praying that God gives me the words and strength to deal with things when i need to deal with them. Sometimes being single sucks because of all the other things you have to deal with from other people. But, I reminded myself this morning it's not about me or others, it's about Jesus. Plus, I've been teaching a girls bible study every Friday night and it's something that's kinda been up and down lately. I have tons of girls one week and the next week i only have one. But, regardless of how many come, the message is still heard. I'm just praying I don't get discouraged and I just do what I need to do. I'm doing Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge and it's got some hard core stuff that you have to talk about. It can emotionally drain you if you aren't careful and bath it in prayer. Ooops! I just looked at the time and realized I need to head to choir practice at church. :D

End of the semester and other crazy happenings!

2010-05-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it's definitley been a weird two weeks. Especially this last week. Between finishing finals, mother's day, a wedding shower, graduation for my sister and a funeral...well, let's just say that i've gone through the emotional ringer lately. We got a call last Sunday after church that my mom's sister had died in a house fire. The fire probably started in her room and she has asthma, so the smoke would've made it impossible for her to get out easily. We are thankful that she was a believer...a new one too. But, I know mom is sad because she pratically helped raise her after their mom died when my mom was 16. It's kinda sad that it took a death in our family for all of us to see each other. Ash sang at the funeral and did really well with presenting the gospel. Bro Ed rocked it as always with the truth. Hopefully it planted some seeds. My step-grandfather did come talk to my dad after the funeral and my dad was able to share with him some. He's gonna try church out. Which is a huge step for him. We had my sister's college graduation on Saturday and the memorial service on Sunday so we were kind of on an emotional roller coaster this week. But, I know that God holds everything together and He won't give me more than I can handle.
I did get some great news school wise! I made a 3.31 this semester!!! So excited. Hopefully I can do that well next semester when I take 18 hours. I've got a few weeks before summer school starts,but I just have to keep telling myself it will be worth it to get out of school as fast as I can. Sometimes I wish I could just fast forward things!

Shane and Shane: Before The Throne (with Bethany Dillon)

2010-05-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

I love this song! It's amazing. Pray for my family too. My mom just lost her sister Saturday night in a house fire. She raised her since my mom was 16. They lost their mom to cancer then. My Aunt left behind her two step sons too. She was kinda the black sheep of the family, but was slowly getting in contact with us since Christmas. We don't know if she was saved or not. She started talking about God and the bible lately, but we don't know for sure. Pray that my mom and her brothers and sisters have peace and this can be an opportunity to witness to our unsaved family. Kinda sad this happened five days before my sister graduates.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2010-04-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

So, it's been crazy busy this last month, otherwise I would've written more on here! Test, projects, more tests, more projects! NUTS!! I'll be so glad when this semester is over with! I'm beginning to really hate Chemistry...why we have to take it for education majors is beyond me! Oh well. Oh, and I start this new bible study today! I'm actually teaching it every Friday Nights. It's Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. I've taught the study before, but never had the videos to go with it, so I'm excited! I just pray that I do well teaching and allow the Holy Spirit to guide my words cause I know that if you teach you are held to higher accountability and standard from God. I'm just excited to teach again after two years of not doing it.

So I was on facebook and saw this video...this kid is seven years old and amazing!

God is so good!

2010-03-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

So, it's been crazy lately with school! Sometimes I would just like to sit down and scream my head off to just to release the stress! :D I do have some good news though! After taking forever to finish school, I will officially be graduating December of '11...taking me almost seven years with a two year break in between, but at least I'm getting my degree! I can finally see the finish line and it's a beautiful sight. Patience is something God has had to teach me in the area of school and what He wants for my life. I'm fairly patient with kids and standing in line at a grocery store, but when it comes to moving forward with my life and not having to be derailed at every crossroad, well that's a different story. But, like my mom has always said...It's not about you, it's about Him and what He wants to accomplish in your life. Don't waste tomorrow's grace on today's worries! Anyway, I just thought I would share the lovely news with all five of you who actually read this...LOL At least, those that I know who read my blog.

Deep Week

2010-03-13T15:00:00.001-08:00

So, my spring break is almost over with. :( Definitley been eventful to say the least. Spent the weekend with 7th grade girls for the end of Deep Week. It was Disciple Now weekend so it definitley was filled with food, lack of sleep, and lots of God's conviction on the kids' lives. I had several girls who were hurting and those who were just waltzing through life and not really living for God. It's amazing what these girls have to deal with at just 12 and 13 years old. I wasn't even worried, or could imagine, these circumstances that they've had to deal with. My one on ones were great. I was able to get deeper with some of the girls. I'm just praying that continues to work on their hearts. I know there was one girl on the verge of accepting Christ, but she just wasn't ready. My heart goes out to her too because of all that she is dealing with.

Of course, fun was had as well! We had a box maze that we had to go through...in the dark! LOL. Everyone was getting out cell phones so that they could see where to go next. There were muscles on my body that ached in places I didn't know I could ache! It was funny to see all the carpet burn from crawling and scooting throughout the maze. I also took some of my girls to Walmart, just to take random silly pictures. LOL, they cracked me up with some of their ideas.

I also stayed in New Braunfels for the week. Tuesday morning didn't start off that great since I woke up to find my laptop stolen. Someone had walked into my friend's apartment and took it and the charger while I was sleeping like five feet away. I was dead to the world because I had been busy with seven 7th grade girls and functioning on lack of sleep with them. I reported it to the police and Dell, so hopefully something may come up to where they can get it back to me. I seriously doubt it though, but the fact that I lost all my music, school stuff, and pictures just makes me upset. I know it's just material things, but my school stuff was something I really needed. So, after that whole mess happened, I had to go bridesmaid's shopping for a wedding I'm in in August. We had fun picking out our dresses. We all have to have the same color, but we could pick out our own style. Here's the dress just in case you were curious!

This isn't the color, but it's the style. The color is Lapis...a deep purplish/blue color. We are wearing pink shoes with it! It's not a bright pink, but not dull either. It's the watermelon color from David's Bridal. Shopping witht the girls for Karen's wedding helped make the day go better, but I was secretly hoping, that my dell computer would be back on the table when I got home. I hope it crashes on them! LOL Or at least they get convicted by listening to some of the sermons on itunes I've downloaded or listening to the christian music on there. OH well! Life goes on. At least we weren't hurt. Funny thing was, the Officer asked if I had been drinking the night before and had a hangover! AH HAHAHAHA. It was so hard to keep a straight face since I hardly drink at all.

So, needless to say it was a long eventfull week for me. I came home Thursday night only to see my parents for one day....they left for the week for Destin, Florida. Took my sister and her nine girl friends there for her graduation present. She graduates from A&M in May, so that was her gift. Too bad our Spring Breaks didn't correspond this year! But, having the house to myself isn't so bad. Just not looking forward to going back to school. :(

Fear or Courage?

2010-02-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

"I also believe we're free and safe to voice our worst nightmares to God. In times of crisis and demonic attack, however, our vulnerable souls need something more. The most critical breakthrough of faith you and I could ever experience is to let God bring us to a place where we trust Him-period. We don't just trust Him to let us avoid what we fear most. We determine to trust Him no matter what, even if our worst nightmare befalls us. We have no greater victory and can render Satan no harsher blow." -Beth Moore, Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman

So, I've been doing Beth Moore's Esther Bible study and it's awesome! We're getting to the part where Esther goes before the King expecting to die, and instead the King extends his golden sceptor. I just love this book of the bible. It's one of my favorites next to Ruth. The video session we watched was about Fear and how it can rule our lives. Beth Moore points out the irony of us not accepting what God has extended out to us. "How often does our own King hold out the scepter of His approval and though we inch forward in timid approach we choose not to reach out and touch it? Oh, that we'd recieve such royal invitation even when our hearts pound within us until our ears ring! Who knows what mighty delieverance is at hand." Esther, who accepted the gift of the King's sceptor by touching it, was the example of courage for all of us. She was brave enough to face the fear of death head on. She had come to the point that if she perished, she perished and was Ok with that. It amazes me how much faith she showed when she thought that there was a great possibility that she could be killed by going before the King without being summoned. It all boiled down to obey God and being patient. Waiting on His timing and not her own. The fears that she had didn't matter. In the end, she came to the conclusion that no matter what happened, that God would take care of her. Her fear was replaced by courage and faith in a God who knows what's best for His children.

Beth Moore went on to talk about the banquet Esther invited the King and Haman too. Just learning more about Haman's character over the past few weeks, makes me realize we all have a little bit of Haman in us. His ego was so puffed up that he couldn't stand the thought of someone not bowing down to his wishes. I love this quote she uses in this segment. "Human ego is about as strong as a cheap balloon bouncing around in a room of sharp needles." Ego was his downfall and most of our downfalls as well. Amazing how he has to throw a party to make himself feel better!

But, I think what hit me the most was the issue of humility. How many people do you know who are humble and you know that they give all the glory to God. Their mansion in heaven will be big, not because of the works they did to gain accolades, but because of their heart while doing it. I'm gonna close with this little paragraph she put in on day four that hit the nail on the head.
"What would God's kingdom gain from a people who were only humiliated? What would be the reward of our existence if we were only repentant and never repaired? Discontent with selfishness and weary of ego, we finally become willing to lose ourselves to something greater. In doing so, we find Christ as we've never known Him and, there, pooled in the reflection of His eyes, startle to discover that a part of ourselves resembles Him. That, Beloved One, is what happens when human flesh and blood-with all it's fraility-participates in the divine nature."

I survived!

2010-02-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

So happy, my crazy week is over with! I survived my four tests, math project and crazy fun filled weekend in New Braunfels. I love going back to my hometown and seeing all my friends. I've missed some of them. Plus, one of my friends recently got engaged and I finally got to see the ring in person!!! So excited for them. I love them both dearly! I'm in the weddings, so it will be fun to be a part of this time with them both. I also survived my first full week in the classroom with fifth graders! AHHHH! Oh the attitudes! It's amazing how they don't care or won't listen to their teacher at times. She doesn't let them get away with it, which is a great thing. I've been doing one on one tutoring and small group teaching. No matter how many times you repeat a formula, they still get it wrong. AND THEY HAVE A MATHEMATICS CHART! They are preparing for the TAKS test, so she's been emphasizing the use of the chart to help them solve problems. Amazing how they do't use it no matter how many times she's said to use it! I don't ever remember being that lazy or careless about stuff like that. It's like parents don't have any expectations of their kids anymore. It's very interesting to see how their attitudes affect the work in the classroom. But, anyways...i better go get ready for church choir. Can't wait for our spring concert in April! It's gonna be awesome!

Patience is a virtue....

2010-02-11T18:42:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Patience is something I'm having to deal with concerning my education. I'm just so ready to graduate and get in the classroom to teach cause I've been in school for forever. But, apparently God's trying to slow me down and tell me it's not about my timing, but His. I'm so frustrated right now because the school I've got this semester makes you fill out extra paperwork besides the stuff we did through our university, and it's been over a week since I've filled it out and no reply yet. Everyone else is enjoying their classes and mentor teachers, but I have to wait till I get the OK. I'm just hoping this doesn't put me in a bind to reach my 60 hours in the schools. Our supervisor said we won't be penalized, but it's just frustrating knowing that I'm so close!!
Not to mention the fact that I've got four tests, several mini projects for my math class, and art lesson plan and questions over four chapters due all next week in the first three days! Can you say STRESS? I'll be so glad when Wednesday is over with! I think I'll throw myself a party! Needless to say, it's been a crazy and frustrating week and next week is only gonna get worst. But, I've just got to remember God won't give me anything I can't handle. Just take it all one day at a time and I'll be fine.

Here we go....

2010-02-02T07:39:00.001-08:00

Finally! It's been a crazy week so far! I'm supposed to start interning in the schools this week, but at the end of last week I suddenly didn't have a school anymore. Thanks goodness they called this morning. I'm supposed to report to the principal and get my placement from them. LOL...I haven't been to the principals office in forever! I'm nervous, but I shouldn't be. I'm not going cause I'm in trouble. Hahaha. I was told I was getting 5th graders last week, but it would be nice if they switched it up and gave me kindergarten or first grade. Oh well! At least I finally go meet my kids and teacher. I'm praying she's nice and not mean! :D

Out of the mouths of babes

2010-01-22T13:52:00.000-08:00

Obviously, everyone has heard about Haiti and how they have been devastated by an earthquake. It's amazing how people pull together in times of grief and sorrow. I've heard reports of people going to church sunday morning in haiti worshipping and praising God. I don't know if I would be strong enough to do that. Especially, if I had lost loved ones, or my home was destroyed and I didn't know I was going to survive. It's humbling to me and I am awed by it. We serve a MIGHTY God and despite the horrors of the earthquake, He still holds us in the palm of his hand.
So, on Sunday at my church I was helping out with Children's choir. I help with pre-k four year olds. They are totally adorable and love to talk and question things at that age. We got around to prayer time. We ask them if they have anything we should pray for and some of the things they say are cute, or funny, or just plain humbling. One of the little girls stated quietly that we needed to pray for Haiti. Even at such a young age, she knew the desperate need that that country needs. Of course, we thought the kids had no clue what really happened in Haiti, but boy were we wrong! Another little girl, Sophie, proceeded to tell us exactly how she understood the situation.
"There was a BIG HUGE crack in the earth and it made a big hole. And people got hurt, and buildings crashed and houses aren't there anymore. We need to pray that they get new homes built and that they can get food there so they can buy food and have it in their new homes. And, pray that the earth would get back together because there was a huge crack!"

Yup, out the mouths of babes...left us speechless. Thought of everything right down to food and housing. Oh to have faith like a little child.

Matthew 18:2-6 (New American Standard Bible)

2 And He called a child to Himself and set him before them,

3 and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and (A)become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

4 "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 "And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;

6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Survival!

2010-01-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

WOW! This semester will be nuts! So many projects, reading assignments, homework, etc...Not to mention, the 60 hours of observing I have to do in the Elementary Schools. I can't wait for that part! I'm excited to get my assignment and see what age I'll be working with. Hopefully, it will be 1st or below. Don't know if I can handle above 3rd grade! I'm just excited that I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not an oncoming train! I'm thankfull for the three day weekend though! I can get organized. And, read some books!
Speaking of reading, I'm on my fourth book for the challenge. And, it's still January! Fast reader, here. :D Anyway, I'm off to go dig through my closet. It's time to throw away old clothes!

Crazy Love

2010-01-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

So, I recently just finished Crazy Love, By Francis Chan. Totally not a fiction book, but still was a great book to read. Definitley makes you look at how you view God and how much we should love him. I mean, the more sense we make to the world the less we really make ourselves stand out as Christians. We shouldn't make sense to those around us. They should be questioning why we do or say certain things. We should be radically sold out to God! One of the things he really hits hard in the book is being a Lukewarm christian. "Lukewarm living and claiming Christ's name simultaneously is utterly disgusting to God." If that isn't blunt and to the point I don't know what is. But, I think the two things that really stuck out to me where what he said about being comfortable and wanting God.
"But God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through" Ouch! How many of can say we like our own comfortable world we live in and we don't dare trust God completely. I mean, if he's called you to switch jobs and possibly go minister to someone in the projects or another country, will you trust him enough to provide the money, medical supplies, food, etc? Can we truely say, Christ is all we need? I'm going to leave you with this quote that really sums it all up.

"The irony is that while God doesn’t need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don’t really want Him most of the time."

Welcome 2010

2010-01-04T09:12:00.001-08:00

Well, it's a brand new year! I wonder what it will bring? Can't wait to see what God has in store this year. It's funny how people love to make resolutions, but hardly ever carry them out. I think if we make time to spend with Christ our main priority, then everything else will fall into place. I've found this website called Goodreads adn it's so fun! That is, if you like talking about books and even talking with some authors about their books. There was a challenge presented on one of the boards to read 24 Christian historical fiction novels..I'm already on the second one. I think I can double that with they way I read. So, we shall see how many I read by December 31st of this year.

Here's the book I'm reading now.

Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana by Tricia Goyer

View all my reviews >>

2009-12-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!(almost) I just love Shane and Shane. Amazing voice, but totally humble about their success. They always leave the stage singing O Come Let Us Adore Him because they know it's all about Christ and not about them. That's why I love seeing them in concert...not to mention the ridiculous vocals they have! This is probably one of my favorites that they do.

FREEDOM!!!

2009-12-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Ah! Blessed freedom! No more test, finals, statistics, biology!! Well, at least no more for this semester. So glad it's over and done with! It's been really hard to be motivated when all I want to do is get going with my teaching courses and graduate. But, i've got to remember it's all in God's timing, and not mine! I take the entrance test to get into the education college on friday. So, I will officially be in and feel like I'm actually doing something. I'm so ready to just get my own classroom and teach my own little kiddos.

Christmas holidays are here. Mom's side of the family is coming in, so that should be interesting. Definitley gonna be loud! I've figured out the cake I'm making, so hopefully it will turn out cute! I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Speaking of Christmas....every notice how commercialized it gets? Sometimes we all forget the true meaning of Christmas and it gets lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It's just nice to sit down and take a moment to breath and ponder on all that He has done for us. Amazing that He would come to earth in the form of a helpless, vulnerable baby into the worst of circumstances....your family is being made to pay taxes, not to mention the fact that the king wants to kill all baby boys/ Plus, there's no room for your family in the inn, so you get born in a muddy, nasty, smelly stable and have to be placed in a feeding trough. A trough that is probably germ infested, slobber infested, and who knows what else! And yet, you are prepared to live you life for 33 years and then be killed on a cross for all the sins of the world. Sometimes I still can't comprehend it all. It amazes me and I'm in awe when I think about it. Jesus was born in the worst, most humble circumstances, but He is exalted and held high above everything, and everyone! That's MY KING!

O Christmas Tree!

2009-12-02T14:54:00.001-08:00

Family Christmas Tree

The Aggie Tree!

My Favorite pic!

Little Aggie stocking

The holidays!

2009-11-30T14:10:00.001-08:00

Well, Thanksgiving is over with! It's been awhile since I've last posted something. It's been crazy busy lately with school coming to a close. I'm so ready for this semester to be over with. I think I've written the most boring paper ever, and it was for MATH of all things!!! A statistical analysis of 100 grades is not my idea of a fun essay. Talk about pulling things out of the air to make it sound good. It's was ridiculous and had no point. Sometimes I think profs make up things just so they can say their class is productive. The fact that he hardly ever teaches, doesn't help any of us. Cooperative learning is a big thing with him. It's all well and good, if done rightly. UGH!! I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. I do have some good news! As of December 18th I will officially be in the college of education. All I have to do is take a test and I'm in. I'm so ready to be in the schools and actually get done with my degree! I can't wait till I can graduate. It's so nice to finally hear that I can take upper level education courses. It's nice to know my hard work has been rewarded, even if I had to learn the hard way.

Redemption

2009-10-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend was awesome! It's been a while since I wrote, so I thought it was time to update. On friday my friend Amber and I along with my mom, aunts, Mrs. Judy, and some people from NB, went to college station for my sister's night of Worship, Intimacy. Ash lead worship with Donna Stuart, Lizi Bailey and Kelly Needham(Jimmy Needham's wife). Then the speaker Liza Pollack got up to speak. She's an Australian Ballet dancer and has an amazing testimony. The whole theme of redemption was reflected in her life and you could clearly see it as she spoke. I loved how she was so vulnerable and open to the girls. It was intense, like it always is every year. you can tell that lots of prayer and thought goes into the ministry. My sis is amazing and I love watching her in her element. Jesus just shines through her and you can see that she genuinely loves and cares about each girl in that room. And, I'm so glad that the verse in Romans was reiterated in speech and song. There is therefore NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ! It's something that I've learned over the years and loved that it was pointed out. The funny thing is, that is also the verse that has been reiterated in church the last couple of weeks. I think it was a good reminder for me. Sometimes Satan just loves to attack us with thoughts of our past, but ultimately he should have no say or dominion over our lives! God is in control and He has the final authority and say in our lives. We chose to go down the right or wrong paths, but no matter the choice, He can turn it into good. That's what Redemption is all about. Using the ugly, horrbile choices and paths that you took in life to ultimately bring about God's glory! I just love it. :D

Sickness everywhere

2009-09-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

Ugh, what a week. Last thursday i had the stomach bug for two days, then Ashley, my sister goes into the hospital. She had to have her gall bladder removed and is doing well. Not to mention the random temperature I got Tuesday and Wednesday. It seems like everyone I know is really sick, or has family members that are sick. Satan likes attacking vulnerable areas. Being sick definitley gives you time to reflect. I was so worried about my sister this week. She's been dealing with this off and on for over a year. We aren't a hundred percent sure the gall bladder being removed is the cure, but hopefully it is. No more pain and throwing up for her. I'm just glad she is feeling better. I survived my first biology test! I was sick during it, but I managed to make an 80. I had a statistics test yesterday and lab test today. Hopefully, I did well on those. Definitley take brain power. I better go to Bio lecture. I'll write more later.

Another school year has begun

2009-09-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

I'm only taking 7 hours this semester, but it feels like more. I'm not liking the semester either since it's all math and science. My worst subjects in the world! This past week has been hectic, and next week will be too. Tests and quizzes! Not to mention my body decided to crash on me and I got sick yesterday afternoon. I hate being sick. I think I got the stomach virus that has been going around. It's not fun, but it's given me the rest that i've needed. I know it's probably one way God is getting me to slow down some and just rest in Him. Ash gets her aggie ring today and I get to miss it all because I'm sick. It stinks, but she's sick too. I would hate to feel bad on the day i got my senior ring. It's supposed to be the event of your aggie life. I'm sad i got to mess it all up and not get one, but who knows. Maybe, if I go to grad school there...who knows. I'm off to go get some lunch now. That is, if I can keep it down. :D Hopefully, i'll be better tomorrow.

I love the Ocean!

2009-08-27T21:10:00.001-07:00

Oh how I miss Destin! School has started for the Fall semester and it's gonna be crazy with only seven hours of classes. I just pray I can pass them. We recently went to Florida for family vacation for a week. It was a blast. I love the ocean. I think I was the only one that played in it twenty-four seven. Destin is so much fun! And, it was a great reminder of How Great God is. We went to the Destin Harbor our last night and it was really cool. They had a military tribute so we got to see old fighter planes fly and fireworks. That was neat. And in Seaside we went to see all the cute little houses! Seaside Village is where the Truman show was filmed and Ash and I took a pic in front of the house they used in the movie. Here a few pics from the week.

You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

2009-08-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

Love how the Message and the NAS word this chapter in Psalm. Just thought I would share the video and these verses with you.

Psalm 139 (The Message)

A David Psalm
1-6 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!

7-12 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you're there!
If I go underground, you're there!
If I flew on morning's wings
to the far western horizon,
You'd find me in a minute—
you're already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I'm immersed in the light!"
It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.

13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.

17-22 Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I'll never comprehend them!
I couldn't even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
And please, God, do away with wickedness for good!
And you murderers—out of here!—
all the men and women who belittle you, God,
infatuated with cheap god-imitations.
See how I hate those who hate you, God,
see how I loathe all this godless arrogance;
I hate it with pure, unadulterated hatred.
Your enemies are my enemies!

23-24 Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong—
then guide me on the road to eternal life.

Psalm 139 (New American Standard Bible)

God's Omnipresence and Omniscience.
For the choir director. A Psalm of David.
1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
5 You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,"
12 Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day
Darkness and light are alike to You.
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand
When I awake, I am still with You.
19 O that You would slay the wicked, O God;
Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed.
20 For they speak against You wickedly,
And Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with the utmost hatred;
They have become my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.

Job Hunting

2009-08-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

Oh the joys of job hunting! Sad to leave my kids, but I know God wants me to move on. I don't need to be in that environment. I just pray and have faith that God will give me a job soon. One that I can serve Him. Even if it is in a secular daycare, which are extremely hard to work in. Life has been one big world wind lately! I'm kinda glad family vacation is coming up next week. I need the time to re-energize and relax before school starts and I start a new job.

So, we went fishing the other day and I caught and 18 inch trout! :D Totally fun. I love to go fishing with my daddy. The whole family went and Ash's roomie went too. Mom decided to fish and that was funny. She actually caught the first catch of the day. Then, ash and I had thrown our lines out at the same time and didn't see it till too late. But, mom for some odd reason decides to throw hers in the middle of us. We told her to stop what she was doing so we could dance around her, but she didn't listen and she loss dad's good reel. She was laughing so hard until she found out how much it cost. Dad wasn't happy since he only had it for a month. Oh the joys of my crazy mother. Here's some pics of the day.

Reeling my fish in

Checking my catch out

18 inches of beautiful fish! (trout)

Worry, worry, worry

2009-07-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Phil 4:6-9 (The Message)

Sometimes the message does great things to get the point across in a way that is very understandable. I love the way they put this verse. It's something that I have to put into action constantly. Especially now since I've had some ethical issues at work and wondering how the kids are gonna do after I leave. And, finding a new job....one that pays well hopefully! I'm just so sick and tired of people justifying things when they know it's wrong, just to keep their job. It's not like daycare pays alot anyway. I so don't do it for the money. I do it for the kids and it just irritates me when people take advantage of a situation or don't do anything to improve theirs. It's amazing how far people will go to lie about things. I don't know anymore. It's like you can see the evil in them since things have come to light last friday and it's scary. And the weird thing is, I haven't been wanting to go to work the last couple of weeks and I have never felt that way before. Yeah, I've been tired and needed a break, but never felt like I needed to drag myself out of bed every morning and give myself a pep talk. I think it was God just preparing me to leave and find another job. Above all God is in control and i need to remember that.

Summer Time!

2009-07-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Summer school is over! Thank goodness I made a B in my math class. It's been crazy busy the last couple of weeks. My friends came to visit randomly last weekend and then VBS and work this week wore me out! I love little kids, but that was overload! It's amazing how kids view Bible stories and Jesus. Their little prayers were precious and made me wish I had faith like that again. They are so trusting and innocent. And I love how one little boy retold the story about Peter walking on Water with Jesus. I had just told the story and asked what they had heard to make sure they understood. One little boy says it was about Peter and Jesus. And then another little boy finished the rest. He said Peter walked on water to Jesus, but He didn't keep his eyes on Jesus. And, since Peter didn't keep his eyes on Jesus, God punished him. And his punishment was to sink, but God saved him in the end. Amazing how kids view things. Here are a few pics from the week.

my room!

Our Door

My kids...all 22 of them!

Xander Cracked me up!

Father's Day

2009-06-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well, my Dad had a good Father's Day! I love my Daddy. He is an amazing man of God. Totally has set the example of what a Godly Father and Husband should be. I love the fact that he is willing to stand firm for what he believes in no matter the cost. I hope that I am blessed to find a guy who is like my daddy in all aspects. I decided to be the loving daughter that I am and bake him a cake. Of course, if you know me, you know I love baking and decorating cakes. So, it turned out really great! He was impressed. :D Here are some pics.

That's My KING!

2009-06-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

Crazy weekend I had, but it was fun hanging in NB. I love my friends! It was a good refresher time for me. I needed to hang with everyone. I miss the River and Mexican Food!! Dang Beaumont... :(

I was on Youtube today and was just surfing around and found this clip. I had seen it in college a couple of years ago and loved it! It's one of my favorite things to listen to. Great reminder of who God is and how Amazing He is.

Summer School

2009-06-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

Oh the joys of summer school have begun! I hate College Algebra, but I must have it. Kinda glad it's a summer course and not a regular semester. Makes is shorter even if it is more work. So, I was reading in Hosea today. I love the book of Hosea. It's one of my new favs. I used it when I talked to my youth girls about relationships and when we discussed Ephesians for Dnow. Here's one of my favorite passages out of the whole book:

Hosea Chapter 2:14-20

14 "Therefore I am now going to allure her;
I will lead her into the desert
and speak tenderly to her.

15 There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
There she will sing as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt.

16 "In that day," declares the LORD,
"you will call me 'my husband';
you will no longer call me 'my master.'

17 I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips;
no longer will their names be invoked.

18 In that day I will make a covenant for them
with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air
and the creatures that move along the ground.
Bow and sword and battle
I will abolish from the land,
so that all may lie down in safety.

19 I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.

20 I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the LORD.

One of my favorite Chapters in Hosea. God will do what He has to do to get His people's attention no matter what they've done in the past. He will allure us and speak tenderly to us because He cares about us, and loves us unconditionally in spite of ourselves. What an awesome God we serve!

Consider the Lilies of the fields

2009-05-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

So two weekends ago my dad's two sisters and their husbands came to visit. It was great to see them since I hadn't seen then in over two years. The sad thing is one my Aunt Anita and Uncle Joe aren't Christians, so we prayed before they got there that we would have an opportunity to show Christ whenever possible. Ash actually got to talk to my Uncle about what God has been doing in her life and God was able to use that. Plus, mom decided to put them in my room. It's surrounded with scripture and crosses everywhere on the walls. Mom prayed over the room too. It sounded crazy to me, but if you know my Mom, you know she is the ultimate prayer warrior. She makes me feel like I don't pray enough! She's amazing with prayer. It's one of the things I love about my mother. Her prayer life is an example to everyone.

We also went to Shangri La Botanical Gardens in Orange. It was so pretty! Anyone who looks at nature and can't see God in it is crazy! Just walking through that garden and seeing all the beautiful flowers and pretty birds allowed me to reflect on God's creation and thank Him for being so wonderful and allowing us to appreciate His beauty. I'll post some pics of my favorites!

This past weekend, well actually Sunday night. I got a call from some of my friends in NB. They decided to make a last minute road trip to lovely Beaumont to come see me! I've been trying to get them to come for almost year and they finally came. Too bad they could only stay one night. Hopefully, they can come for a full weekend next time. But, it was good to see them even if it was for one day. I kinda needed the boost they gave me. Of course, I had to be all sappy when they left and cried. I thought I had gotten over the crying, but apparently not. It's been hard not having any close friends here yet, so having them all leave was kinda depressing, but I'm glad they did come. I know God's got some friends here for me, I just hope the friendships happen soon. It would be nice to have some Godly fellowship and just talk to people who are like minded, like I had this weekend. Needless to say, my friends were awesome to come visit me at the last second! Of course Will, planned the whole thing, so he deserves cookies next time I come in. :D

Mother's Day.

2009-05-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

For all the Moms out there. Happy Mother's Day! We do appreciate all that you do even if you don't get the affirmation every day. Here's an awesome verse that was on my Mom's card I gave her. It really is a neat one. She loved the verse.

"You show that you are a letter from Christ... written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
2 Corinthians 3:3

8 more days!

2009-04-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

8 more days till the semester and finals are over with! I'm so ready to get out of this physics class. It's gonna be a hard final, and so it my math one. I just pray I can pass them both and do well to the best of my abilities.

I've been sick for almost three weeks now. It's been exhausting and annoying. Stupid cough won't go away. And, the fact that the allergies are kicking in now doesn't help. I went to NB to visit my friends and while I was there I heard about the swine flu. Hope I didn't bring it back with me since SA has had cases and now they are closing NB schools down for two weeks. Being sick like this definitley makes me appreciate my Dad more. It was just me and him for two weeks since Mom was in Dallas helping my aunt recover from surgery. He hasn't been annoyed at my constant coughing and helped take care of me! He thinks he didn't do much, but he did. I'm so thankful for a Dad that takes care of me and loves me. God has blessed me with two wonderful parents and I don't tell them thank you nearly enough. I think sometimes we tend to take those we love for granted and forget they need to hear they are appreciated every now and then.

Here are some pics from my weekend.

Anjelah Johnson

2009-04-15T14:13:00.001-07:00

Invisible Children

2009-04-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

You should watch this video. It's about forty minutes longs, but it's worth the watch.
http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com/

God is so good!

2009-04-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

So, I went to talk to my advisor last week and found out that I am one semester closer to graduation than we originally thought! If I do summer school it will only take me a year and half...maybe two years, instead of the two and a half years! YEA!!! I am so excited and just ready to graduate. It totally made my day when I found out. Let's just hope the rest of school will fly by!

Red Envelope Day

2009-03-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

Send an empty, red envelope to the white house in honor of abortion victims. Watch the video and it will tell you what to do.

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

On the back of the envelope write
Mr. President,
This envelope represents one child who dies in abortion. It is empty because the life that was unable to offer anything to the world.

Responsibility begins at conception.....

NB Town

2009-03-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

So I got to go "home" to NB for a wedding. It was so nice to actually see some familar faces. I miss all my friends and church family. It was nice just to get some encouragement and talk to everyone. Here's some pics.

Cutting a rug

The bride's brothers singing to her and their new brother-in-law. It was cute!

Cindy and Me

Susan and Me

Life is as a Vapor

2009-03-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

I was surfing youtube when I decided to watch Louie Giglio again. This is neat. If you have time you should watch all five parts of this video. This is part three. It does remind you of how small and insignificant we really are. But, the fact that God cares about us and loves us is amazing. I realized that this past weekend when I almost came face to face with my maker...or at least severly injured. We got in a car wreck on I 10. It was a hit and run. The police think this dump truck was trying to exit and when he came over in our lane he hit the back left side of Mom's lexus and made us do a 360 twice across three lanes of traffic. We came within a foot of hitting the concrete divider and the fact that no other car rammed into us was nothing short of a miracle. Traffic was really low for a Saturday. The fact that he didn't stop made me mad, but there's nothing we can do about it. I'm just glad my mother and I are still here on this earth. God cares about the little insignificant people and I'm living proof.

How Great is Our God

2009-03-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

Louie Giglio is the man! We watched this whole video tonite at church and it was pretty amazing. This is only the last bit of the video. You can watch the rest on youtube. I believe it's five parts long. It's titled How Great is Our God. You watch it and realize how small and insignifcant we really are, yet God still loves us enough to think we are important. Like I said, go watch all the videos. It's pretty cool.

Lonely

2009-02-25T21:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a weird, but rough week for me. I'm really missing having a close friend that I can just go hang with or talk to face to face when I want to. It's never taken me long to make friends or find a church home, but for some reason this time is different. Maybe God's trying to teach me to rely on Him for the ultimate comfort and friendship. I thought I had already learned that lesson, but obviously not. I hate this feeling because I get in weird mushy moods. My poor friends who live away from me don't know what to think. It's at times like this, where I let them know how much I value their friendship and support.
And then, there are songs that I love to listen to over and over again when I get in this mood. In the last year or so, I've really like John Waller. When he came out with "The Blessing" on the radio, I figured I would look him up and see what his other songs sounded like. I love that whole CD. He has amazing lyrics. One of the songs I have loved for a while has just become popular because of the movie Fireproof. It's called "While I'm Waiting" and I'm gonna leave you with the lyrics because it describes where I'm at in my life right now.

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord.
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful.
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience.
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting.
I will worship
While I'm waiting.
I will not faint.
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait.

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord.
And, I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully I will wait.
Yes, I will wait.
I will serve You while I'm waiting,
I will worship while I'm waiting.
I will serve You while I'm waiting,
I will worship while I'm waiting.
I will serve you while I'm waiting,
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord.

DNow-Deep Week

2009-02-20T14:06:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was great. Dnow always makes me tired because of the lack of sleep I get, but it was amazing to see how God was working in some of the girls' lives. I can't imagine having the pressures that they have at 13 and 14 years old. Especially the standards for what is cool and the "in" thing. My heart breaks for them because of all that they have to deal with in the public school systems.
There is so much pressure to be with the "in crowd" and to accomplish that you have to do and say certain things. Middle school is such a hard time in anyone's life and to complicate matters with all the drama and issues that they are faced with just makes it that more difficult to live a life that Glorifies God. And, of course we got to discuss BOYS! Oh my! I hope I wasn't that obsessed at that age as they seemed to be. I flat out told them they have plenty of time to find the right guy and to focus on school and their walk with Christ. I thought they were all gonna faint when I told them that singleness is a gift from God; and it's when you are single that you can accomplish so much more for God. I also pointed out that now is the time to set how they will make time to spend with God and make it a habit. Once boys, marriage, children get into the picture then it causes their attention to be divided. It was a deep conversation for seventh grade, but they needed to hear it.
They also asked for my testimony. I had hinted over the weekend as I was teaching through Ephesians that I wasn't proud of some of the choices I made and that I didn't want them to have to learn things the hard way. When one of the girls asked to hear it, I was thinking in my head "Gee thanks God!" Hahaha! So I prayed before I started in on my testimony and I spent over an hour talking with them about relationships and being a WOG(Woman of God). It was a really good weekend over all. I even had one of my girls wanting to get baptized since she hadn't done it yet. God definitley worked in everyone's life.

Physics?!

2009-02-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this semester is gonna be confusing. Why Elementary Education majors have to take physics is beyond me! Makes no sense whatsoever. Go figure....I just hope I can grasp it long enough to understand it somewhat and make a decent grade.
Now, onto other things....

We are in the process of decorating the house. We painted the downstairs and Mrs. Judy worked her decorating magic. My room is done. Here's some pics....

The Formal Living area

The Formal Dining Room

Our one barnyard red wall in the livingroom

The Kitchen is a Tuscan yellow

My chair in my Reading Corner

Next to my chair(Mrs. Judy calls it my Aggie Corner!)

Like the Howdy sign?

The Aggie/Reading Corner

Hobby Lobby! I have Scripture all over my room.

My bed! I love the comforter, but it is sewen wrong, so we are looking for a new one.

So, I get to be with 7th grade girls Valentine's weekend. It's my first time to lead a D-Now. They are actually doing a whole week of Preparation for it and calling it Deep Week. It's gonna be a challenge. We're gonna go through the book of Ephesians. It will be interesting to see what God has in store for the weekend. Hopefully, the kids will read the book before the weekend like they are supposed to. But, I seriously doubt it. I remember what it was like to just begin being apart of the youth group and wanting people to like me and to fit in. They will be more in for the social aspect, than learning something God has in store. Guess that's why prayers for this whole thing are so vital. Wish I didn't live in Beaumont so I could actually be apart of the preparations they are doing the whole week leading into the weekend of the 13th-15th. But, I know God will use me whatever manner that He sees fit.

Phil Wickham

2009-01-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc4603p8bIE Check out this song. Phil Wickham is amazing! He's got two CD's out. If you haven't heard of him before you need to check him out. I love him!

Another Semester

2009-01-24T12:55:00.001-08:00

Well, another semester has started. I think Physics and Math are gonna eat my lunch this semester. Why education majors have to take Physics is beyond me! Makes no sense, but oh well. It's gonna be one of those semesters where I'm just gonna have to plug away and hope God will get me through. That's something I've been learning recently. God won't give me more than I can handle and knows what I am capable of doing. Being faithful in the little things, will help me later on in life. I just wish I could go a little faster through life sometimes, but if that happened then I would miss the blessings he had for me.

Christmas

2008-12-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

My gingerbread men I decorated!

We had our first Christmas in Beaumont. It's so wrong to have 70 degree weather in the middle of Decemeber, but that's Texas for you! It was just the four of us and my Aunt Lisa for Christmas. Mom made a great meal, as usual! Here are some pics.

Our Christmas Tree!

The Aggie Tree!

The Family!

Living Vessels

2008-12-18T21:30:00.000-08:00

It seems like everyone these days has a blog. So, here goes nothing! I was reading a scripture in 2 Timothy 2 about being a living vessel for Christ. It was in verses 20-21:

"Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work."

We can either be bad vessel or a good vessel. The choice is ours to make. As I stared at the word vessel, I got to wonder what the true meaning behind that word was. So, my curiosity got the best of me and I went to crosswalk.com. (Just a little plug. If you haven't used crosswalk, you should! It's amazing with all the Bible study tools you can use) "Vessel" was a common Greek metaphor for "body" since Greeks thought of souls living temporarily in bodies. We are vessels here on earth. Earth is only our temporary home, just like the body was the temporary home for living souls according to the Greeks. Kinda neat when you actually try to find out the meaning of certain words in the Bible. We want to be useful to God, so we want to present ourselves as pure and blameless before Him. It takes tons of work, but it wouldn't be worth it if it was hard.