More Of You!

"In this dry and weary land
My eyes grow dim
I cannot stand without You
My heart aches
My body longs
I cry to You
Restore my song again
Again

How can I find You, Lord
You're all that I adore
My soul is thirsty for
Waters of life
Rivers of joy
I've tasted and I've seen
There's no one else for me

Come now and hear my plea
For more of You
I need more of You

Having reached the end of me
I turn away from everything
But You, God

Who on earth can satisfy
It's You I need
My very breath of life

How can I find you Lord
You're all that I adore
My soul is thirsty for
Waters of life
Rivers of Joy

I've tasted and I've seen
There's no one else for me
Come now and here my plea
For more of You
I need more of You

More of Your power
More of Your spirit
More of Your love in my life
More of Your passion
More of Your vision
Teach me to see through Your eyes

I've tasted and I've seen
There's no one else for me
Come now and hear my plea
For more of You
I need more of You"

-Meredith Andrews

Baylor Homecoming 2009!

There is no place like home! We had a wonderful time

celebrating 100 years at Baylor! Here are a few pictures

from our weekend!

We made the most of the game! Unfortunately, we lost!

However, we had fun just being together.

We spent a lot of time with the Rife family. They are precious.

Carter and Meredith enjoying riding in style!

Meredith, looking beautiful as always!

Meredith and Carter had a crazy weekend!

This was a quick change in the bathroom.

"Steppin To The Bad Side" by KOT

2nd Place SING Act!

Featuring: Meredith Smith

Waiting for Meredith and Carter

in the parade!

In all of our years at Baylor, they have been

so supportive! Love you Mom and Dad!

Just finished performing!

Meredith represented KOT as homecoming

court and queen nominee!

Love my Dad!

Love my Mom!

Grace!

Thank you Jesus for Your grace! A few days ago, I watched a man be interviewed. He was sitting in jail for armed robbery. However, his story was just a little bit different. He walked into a bank with a loaded gun. What did he find? He found a woman that started crying out in prayer and calling on the name of Jesus. He began to tear up. He told the woman he didn't want to do this, but he had no choice. The woman spoke to this young man with love and compassion. She continued to pray. He dropped to his knees. She hugged him. He asked her to pray with him. Together, they called on the name of Jesus. They were saved! His name is power! The woman reported that the prayer was simple and from the heart. The Lord heard their cry and saved them! The young man took the bullet out of the gun and did not harm the woman. He turned himself into the police. When asked about this recent situation, the young man said that no one had ever talked to him like this woman. He even went on to say that he didn't actually think it was this woman talking to him. He thought it was God talking to Him through her! The young man said that he had always believed in Christ, but he had never walked with Christ and had a real relationship with Him. This young man's name is Greg Smith. He is currently serving time in prison. Let's pray for him that He may come to know what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that he would be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory! (Ephesians 3:17-21). Check out Bebe and Cece Winans new song "Grace." It's a sweet and powerful reminder for all of us!

Happy Birthday Regan!

Joe T. Garcia's

Birthday Girl!

Courtney, Jennifer, Me, Chelsea

Regan, Brittany, Amber, Alison

Food! Fun! Friends! Music! Laughter! Good Times!

Picture Review!

Over the years, I have realized how important it is for me to document what I am doing and what God is doing in my life. I've done it various ways, but I think that is why I like blogging so much. I haven't been keeping up as well as some, but I am trying. If I blog as I go, I have this beautiful online scrapbook of all the wonderful moments God has given me. I have a journal of what He is teaching me. I can look back and hopefully see growth and progress! We are all on a journey to know Him more, to love Him more, to make Him known. As I am sitting here doing this "Picture Review," I am realizing how many times I didn't bring my camera when I was apart of something really special or with someone really special. I haven't written about all the sweet times that the Lord has given me with my friends and family. I really want to do a better job of posting. Even if it is two sentences and no pictures! God is at work in me, in my friends, and in my family. It must be shared. If not for anyone else, for myself. I must be able to look back and recount His faithfulness. For I know that He is faithful! How soon we forget! How prone we are to wander, to look to other people or other things! I won't compare. I will be content. I will look to You Lord. I will speak of Your faithfulness. I know that You are good. No matter the circumstances of my life! Thank You Lord for the abundant life I have in You! Thank You for these moments I did capture with my camera. Thank You for the moments that were not captured by a camera but definitely captured my heart. I recognize they are all sweet gifts from You!

Love these girls! We had a great time visiting Matt & Court's

new home! Matt was out of town, so we had a slumber party!

A big group of people met for Amber's birthday in Dallas!

I love Meredith & Carter! I am so thankful my sister

is dating such a wonderful person that we all think the world of!

Savannah and I stopped by to see Mere in Waco!

Brad & Laura tied the knot! Beautiful couple, inside and out!

The brick was delivered! Thank You Lord for

a few days of no rain!

Matt & Court came to see my house! They have started bricking!

It shouldn't be long! Thank You Lord!

Bryan & Chelsey were married on June 27, 2009!

Three months and counting!

Poppy is staying with me this week! She recently attended

a banquet in honor of dogs rescued through the Humane Society.

Mimi (Mom) and B.P. (Dad) took her and had a great time.

Mimi bought her this tutu to wear.

One of my best friends from high school and college, Ashley,

has been married three years. She and her husband, Jesse,

just welcomed Ruth Marie Bullard into the world in July!

This is the first of my closest friends to have a baby!

We are so proud of her! Savannah flew all the way in from

Atlanta, Georgia to be with us! It was a great weekend in

Houston, Texas!

Pure!

"Your love is pure. Your love is precious. Your love is all I need. Your love surrounds me. Your love astounds me. Your love is everything. I run to You when my heart is weak. I cling to You. You're all I seek. It's my hearts desire to be close to You. Here in Your arms, I'll find my strength. Your love is pure. Your love is precious. Your love is all I need. Your love surrounds me. Your love astounds me. Your love is everything. I run to You when my heart is weak. I cling to You. You're all I seek. It's my hearts desire to be close to You. Here in your arms, I'll find my strength. Safe in Your arms. I find my strength. Everything I want! Everything I hope in! Everything my heart cries out for! Everything I want! Everything I hope in! Everything my heart cries out for! Everything I want! Everything I hope in! Everything my heart cries out for!" -Gateway Worship

So Long September!

September has been a whirlwind but absolutely wonderful! I have had the opportunity to be with some of my closest friends and family on a weekly basis this month! The first week of September I worked a lot, even on Labor Day! I am just thankful that I love my job! The second week of September I was able to spend time with my college roommates on two different occasions. We have such a great time when we get together! It's awesome. We never run out of things to talk about, and we always keep each other laughing! Since I have been working so much, it makes it nice to have something so refreshing to look forward to. Also, I signed up to play softball this month too. However, I don't think it is meant to be. The first week I was supposed to play, I got in a car wreck. Thank goodness that it wasn't major, and no one was hurt. But my car did have to go to the shop for two weeks. Five thousand dollars later, my car was fixed! Thank You Lord for great insurance and a low deductible. The second week I was supposed to play softball, I got a sinus infection. No fun! I went into work for a few hours and ended up going to the doctor. Thank You Lord for Z-PAKS! The third, fourth, and fifth week I was supposed to play softball, it rained! Oh well, maybe another time! Last weekend, I finally made it back to Waco! I think it was the high-light of the month! My whole family was together. So many of my good friends were there. I didn't even get to see all of them, but it made me feel happy just to know we were all there! I went to the bookstore, and bought more Baylor gear! I tailgated with my sister, the newest KOT sweetheart! I am so proud of her. I had countless people come up to me and tell me what an amazing person she is. I love when other people see what the Lord is doing in Mere's life. It brings me so much joy as a sister. We went to the Baylor football game, and I actually had to stand in line for thirty minutes to get in. I was shocked and so excited! Next time, I won't stand around and talk so long in Touchdown Alley. Unfortunately, we all know how the game turned out, but this week we destroyed the demons! Ha! Hopefully, next week we will keep it up! GO BEARS! I was able to worship with my friends at Antioch on Sunday morning. I saw so many of the ones I love and had such a sweet time of fellowship. It always feels like home in Waco, and I love it. I miss my once fifth and sixth grade girls that have grown up to be high-school girls! I can't believe it. They are all more beautiful than ever, inside and out. I was able to see Jordan Mathews for a few minutes. She made me a "Justice Jar." It's adorable, pink with flowers. More importantly, it's a way to help their family with the financial costs of adoption. Their journey with God in this process and their obedience to Him has been so neat to be a small part of, and I am blessed to be able to contribute. I can't wait to meet sweet Justice! Finally, this last weekend in September, I had the privilege of seeing one of my dearest friends, Kati. She drove in on Friday night, and we had the best time. I went and picked up dinner at Charleston's and we stayed up talking all night. Well, all night being midnight! Ha! We are getting so old! Kati just graduated from Baylor with her Master's in Speech Pathology. She and her husband Tim are living in Wylie, TX and love it. I miss them very much. Yesterday, I worked until 8:30pm! I received a phone call from a friend of mine I haven't seen in forever, and she was in town. So, Lauren came to my apartment and we visited until midnight! I love that the Lord has given me such precious friends that love Him and love me. My heart is full! Needless to say, this morning I was moving slow. I woke up with an overwhelming need to just be still and know that He is God. Sometimes, I need to just take a few hours to reflect on His goodness, on who He is, on what He is doing and has done in my life! This afternoon will be busy again! I am going to a Southern Living Party hosted by Regan Haggerty - of course! She is the party queen! I can't wait to see her and shop a little. Then, my parents are coming in town, and we have more stuff to do for the house! I think the song that keeps coming to mind this month is "So Good To Me" by Cory Asbury. This song is such a great reminder of His truth and all that we have in Him! Thank You for being so good to me Jesus! Truly, those who look to You lack no good thing. Thank You for Your love, joy, peace, and righteousness in the Holy Spirit! Praise You!

Dreams!

"You taste the tears
You're lost in sorrow
You see your yesterdays
I see tomorrow

You see the darkness
I see the spark
You know your failures
But I know your heart

The dreams I dream for you
Are deeper than the ones you're clinging to
More precious than the finest things you knew
And truer than the treasures you pursue
Let the old dreams die
Like stars that fade from view
Then take the cup I offer
And drink deeply of
The dreams I dream for you

You see your shame
But I see your glory
You've read one page
I know the story

I hold a vision
That you'll become
As you grow into the truth
As you learn to walk in love

Let the old dreams die
Like stars that fade from view
Then take the cup I offer
And drink deeply of
The dreams I dream for you"

-Avalon

I Simply Come!

Lord,

I simply come. It's all I can do. I love meeting with You. Help me to show up every morning and all throughout the day. Thank You for every opportunity You give me to experience You. It makes all of life worth living. Nothing compares to relationship with You. You are what I am after! Forgive me when I find myself looking at other things as if they might be better or bring more satisfaction. You alone, Lord, are worthy!

"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." Psalm 127:1

Well, this is just one of the many gifts God has given me recently. I am so fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to build a home. I don't feel old enough, wise enough, or strong enough to be doing all that I am at this point in my life. However, I know the Lord of Lords and King of Kings is everything I am not. He continues to make a way for me when there seems to be no way, and I am grateful. I am not sure how the Lord wants to use this home in my life, but I pray that He would be high and lifted up in this place He has so graciously given me for this time. Please be in prayer with me for how He wants to use this gift in my life. I am asking my friends, His body, to join me in laying the foundation of a Godly home. Without Him, I can do nothing. Apart from Him, I am nothing. My hearts desire is to abide. This is a very special, faith-building time in my life. One day at work, God laid on my heart the words..."Firm Foundation." Now the Lord is laying on my heart to ask those of you who want to be apart of this journey with me, to send me a Scripture that you will commit to praying over this new home God has given me. It will be a testimony of His faithfulness, another opportunity for me to share of His goodness. At first, I was going to send an e-mail to a few friends asking that they take the time to come out to the house and write on the foundation. A few of you have had the opportunity to do so, but I think the Lord might have more promises for how He wants to use this home than I could possibly dream up or imagine. I would like to compile whatever I receive and place it on my coffee table as a reminder for me and also a testimony for all to see! This way I will never forget the meaning of why God has given me this home. It won't be for my own comfort, although it will be comfortable. It's not mine. It is His for me to share. So, I thought..."Why not share now?" If God stirs your heart, please be apart!

Zephaniah 3:17!

"The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Lord Jesus,

Thank You that you exult over me with singing! Thank You for giving me the faith to believe in my dry, weary places. Thank You that You are always near. Thank You for holding me. Thank You for Your faithful songs that never stop. You are more than enough. Truly, there is freedom in surrender. I know that I am safe in Your arms.

"When I waited so long, when my tears were my song

With my hope nearly gone, You held me God
To believe in the face of the dry, weary place
When You felt far away, You held me God

Oh, there is freedom in surrender, oh I know it

Your songs have never stopped
You've been singing, always singing over me
Your words are still enough
And You're singing, always singing over me

The chaos in the cause teaching me to see Lord
The beauty in the storm so I believe
When I see through Your eyes, through the testing of time

Every cloud silver lined 'cause You're with me

Oh, there is freedom in surrender, oh I know it

Your songs have never stopped
You've been singing, always singing over me
Your words are still enough
And You're singing

Give me faith
Give me strength enough to wait
To stand in faith
And listen for, listen for Your melody

Your songs have never stopped
Your songs have never stopped

Your songs have never stopped
You've been singing, always singing over me
Your words are still enough
And You're singing, always singing over me

Your songs have never stopped
You've been singing, always singing over me
Your words are still enough
And You're singing, always singing over me
Always singing over me, always singing over me
Always singing over me"

-Kari Jobe

Hope!

I am thankful for every trial and what He is developing and accomplishing in me. Thank You Jesus for every breath You have given me. Every day is one that You have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Help me to see the beauty in the mundane, the masterpiece in the mess, and the light in the dark! You are my Rock and my Salvation. My hope is in You all day long...

Abba Father!

"You sing over me

You dance over me

You cover me with grace

Mercy so free

Keeps giving to me

Oh, how I love this place

And You quiet me with Your love

You quiet me with Your love

You are healing me

Abba Father

Abba Father

Abba Father

Abba Father

You lead me beside

The waters of life

I'm fiercely satisfied

Restoring my soul

You make me whole

Oh, how I love Your ways

And You quiet me with Your love

You quiet with me Your love

You are healing me

Abba Father

Abba Father

Abba Father

You call me Your child 

You call me Your own

You call me unto my destiny

I call You my King

I call You my Love

I call You Father

And You quiet me with Your love

You quiet me with Your love

You are healing me..."

-Klaus & Kari Jobe

Dear Heavenly Father,

         Thank You that You win victory after victory. Thank You that You are always with us, celebrating and singing because of us! Thank You for refreshing my life with Your love. Thank You for loving me enough to continue to call me out to the destiny that You have for me. Only in You, I am satisfied. Above all else, I ask that You would give me more of You. May all other goals bow down to this journey of loving You more...

I Am Free!

"So, I pray...

Bring me joy

Bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings you glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain..."

-MercyMe

Your grace is greater still. Jesus, thank You for the opportunity to praise You in the storm. You are Holy. You are in control. You are Emmanuel. 

True Identity!

When we are positioned in the intimacy of His arms, we have a different perspective on life. This morning I was blessed by the message the Lord spoke through our pastor. He reminded us of our true identity. If we don't know who we are or whose we are, we will never live up to our calling. In Him, we live and move and breathe. We must always remember and never forget. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. We are not simply sinners saved by grace. We are saints, and He has qualified us to share in His inheritance. For He alone has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. We are raised up in the love and power that sets us free the very moment we believe. The very moment...We do not stand before Him related by performance but grace! Praise You Jesus! We can come just as we are. Hebrews 10:14 says, "For by a single offering He has perfected  for all time those who are being sanctified." Our pastor reminded us of this simple but profound truth that I think we sometimes forget. Perfected forever. Being sanctified. Perfected meaning already perfect. When we come to Him, He says the old is gone and the new has come. What a gift! Christ doesn't just wipe the slate clean. There is no slate with Christ. He just forgives and makes new. We are saints, chosen by Him...to be holy. That brings me to the second part - being sanctified. Sanctification does not mean perfection reached, but the progress of the divine life to be more like Christ. Why do we impose this process on ourselves and others to arrive at being sanctified. We are saints, holy and dearly loved, because of His work....not ours. When temptations arise, we must remember who we are and whose we are. Perspective. If we see ourselves as Christ sees us...perfected forever and being sanctified...what the enemy has to offer will never fit into our identity. Satan is out to steal, kill, and destroy. He is like a lion, seeking whom he may devour. When he comes, we must know the truth and blast him with it! As children of God, He is in our midst. He is mighty to save. He rejoices over us with singing and quiets us with His love. He delights in us. May we delight in Him, in every part of who He is....and by His grace...who He has made us to be. Praise You Jesus. Thank you for perfecting us for all time and for being patient with us in the sanctification process. Truly, we are a blessed people. Thank You for Your indescribable gift! Help us to walk in the newness of life. May we live for what You died for and gladly accept Your inheritance. We love You Jesus. We love You!

You Are For Me!

"So faithful, so constant

So loving and so true

So powerful in all You do

You fill me, You see me

You know my every move

You love for me to sing to You

I know that You are for me

I know that You are for me

I know that You will never forsake me in my weaknesses

I know that You have come now

Even if to write upon my heart

To remind me who You are

So patient, so gracious

So merciful and true

So wonderful in all You do

You fill me, You see me

You know my every move

You love for me to sing to You

Lord, I know that You are for me

I know that You are for me

I know that You will never forsake me in my weaknesses

I know that You have come now 

Even if to write upon my heart

To remind me...

That I know that You are for me

I know that You are for me

I know that You will never forsake me in my weaknesses

I know that You have come now even if to write upon my heart

To remind me who You are..."

-Kari Jobe

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:31-32

Lord Jesus, 

Thank You that there is no condemnation for those who are in You. Thank You that, through the cross, You set us free from the law of sin and death. Thank You for allowing Yourself to become a sin offering. Thank You that You have given us the way to live in accordance with the Spirit. How I long to have a mind that is always set on what the Spirit desires. Your Word tells us that the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Thank You that, when we accept Your precious gift of salvation, Your Spirit comes to live within us and we are controlled by it. Thank You that the Spirit of Your Father who raised You from the dead is the same Spirit that lives within us. What power! Thank You that we did not receive a spirit that makes us slaves to fear, but the Spirit of Sonship. And by You, we cry, "Abba Father." Thank You that Your Spirit testifies that we are God's children. Thank You that through being Your children, we are also heirs of God and co-heirs with You. Thank You that Your Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes for all the saints in accordance with Your will. Thank You that all things work together for good, to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Thank You that nothing can separate us from Your love, and that You are for us in every way!

Top Ten For Today!

Today, I am thankful...

1. He is my Healer.

2. He alone is all I need.

3. That nothing is impossible for Him.

4. For precious friends who call just because!

5. For His sweet reminders of who He is and how much He loves.

6. For new opportunities!

7. For a puppy whose tail is always wagging and keeps me smiling.

8. For my health.

9. For my new patio furniture, so that I might enjoy the beautiful day a little bit more.

10. For time to be still and enjoy His presence, even in the midst of the mundane.

My Soul Longs For You!

"My soul longs for You

My soul longs for You

Nothing else will do

Nothing else will do

My soul longs for You

My soul longs for You

Nothing else will do

Nothing else will do

My soul longs for You

My soul longs for You

Nothing else will do

Nothing else will do

I believe You will come like the rain

I believe You will come like the rain

I believe You will come like the rain

I believe You will come like the rain

You'll come like the rain

You'll come like the rain

You'll come like the rain

So, let it rain

Let it rain

Let it rain

Let it rain

So, let it rain

Hallelujah 

Hallelujah

You make all things new

You make all things new

It's just a matter of time 

You're going to turn it around

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

So, let it rain

Let it rain

Let it rain

Let it rain

So, let it rain"

-Misty Edwards

Yes, Lord. I believe You will come like the rain. Thank You Jesus. You are good. 

Feels Like Chaos!

"It's time for healing

Time to move on

It's time to fix what's been broken too long

Time to make right what has been wrong

It's time to find my way to where I belong

There's a wave that's crashing over me

And all I can do is surrender

Whatever You're doing inside of me

It feels like chaos, but somehow there's peace

It's hard to surrender to what I can't see

But I'm giving into something heavenly

Time for a milestone

Time to begin again 

Re-evaluate who I really am

Am I doing everything to follow Your will

Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills

So, show me what it is You want from me

I give everything

I surrender to whatever You're doing inside of me

It feels like chaos, but somehow there's peace

Though it's hard to surrender to what I can't see

I'm giving into something heavenly

Time to face up

Clean this old house

Time to breathe in and let everything out

That I've wanted to say for so many years

Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You're doing inside of me

It feels like chaos, but I believe

You're up to something bigger than me

Larger than life 

Something heavenly

Whatever You're doing inside of me

It feels like chaos, but now I can see

This is something bigger than me

Larger than life

Something heavenly"

-Sanctus Real

Lord Jesus,

      I know how I can stray, and how fast my heart can change. I pray that You would empty me of my selfishness and pride. I long to be filled with You. Rid me of every vain ambition. Everything is a lesser thing compared to You! You say that if I call out to You, You will answer me. Thank You that You are always there. Thank You that You can give me more than my heart could ever want. Thank You that You are Love. I'm calling out to You. You know every desire of my heart. You know what I need more than I do. I am listening. I am running into Your arms. Hold me forever. Hold me through this storm. I confess that I've run from You in the last few months. I've been wrong. I don't know what's best for me. I need a revelation. Apart from You, I can do nothing. Apart from You, I have nothing. I need You. Forgive me Lord Jesus where I have failed You. Forgive me for being caught up in myself. Take it all, because I can't take it any longer. Once again, I surrender all.