Shop 'Til You Drop!

Today was a great day! I had the incredible privilege of spending time with these beautiful and encouraging women. Even though they are all living with their husbands now, they will always be my roomies. They are some of my favorite people in the whole wide world, and I need them more than they could possibly know. Thank you girls! You lift me up. You make me laugh. You speak the right words at just the right time. You listen. You're patient. You're kind. You're honest. You're inviting. You're so much fun, and you love me so well. I love each one of you for different reasons, but there is a common denominator with you all. You bring out the very best in me. I can't think of any four people I would rather have crammed in a dressing room with me!!!

The Colonial 2010!

We were so excited to go in!

Then, they checked my purse.

No cameras allowed. Standing in line to drop off my camera and

disappointed that I can't take pictures.

Had to get a few in after the tournament!

We wore the right color. PINK OUT for

breast cancer awareness!

It was so hot but worth it! We couldn't have

made it without our fans and Arnold Palmer's.

THE END.

How Do You Explain?

I can't believe May is almost over. Where does the time go? It seems this year is flying by. Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness thus far. You have been my Healer, and all that I need. I claim that You are more than enough. I am overwhelmed with thoughts right now. I cry out for Your wisdom and discernment. I am incapable of making the best decisions for my life, apart from You. Help me to abide. Give me the grace to remain steadfast in keeping my mind and heart fixed on You. Keep me from temptation and deliver me from evil. Keep me from manipulating or taking control. Help me not to lean on my own understanding. I trust that You will continue to direct my steps. Show me Your ways, O Lord; guide me in Your truth and teach me. Thank You for knowing the deepest parts of me, for listening to my heart, for interceding for me when I don't have the words...and the list goes on! I am choosing to forget the former things. I will not dwell on the past. I know that You are doing a new thing, and I am excited. Thank You that I am complete in You. My hope is in You, and I will wait for You. Thank You that it is in the waiting that my heart is enlarged to love You more. You have been so good to me. Thank You that You are in the midst and ever present in my life. You are the Mighty One who saves! Give me the courage to take risks for love. Help me to allow any grief or pain from my previous relationships to carve out an even deeper place for love to reside now and in the future. Jesus, I pray against barriers. I trust You as the Keeper and Healer of my heart. It's in loving You and others that true healing takes place. I am grateful for another breath, another opportunity to serve You and bring You praise. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You. Thank You for Your constant pursuit of me and the sweet ways You draw me to Yourself. Thank You for continuing to fill me up with Your precious and perfect love. I can't help but let it overflow.

Summary Of Pictures!

So far, the year is off to a great start! These first five months have flown by! I am overwhelmed with trying to recall all that has happened and the sweet times I have had, but thankful for the ability to write and communicate what I am thinking, feeling, experiencing, dreaming, loving, and living. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I thought I would share a few...

Barrett and Jennifer invited me to come stay

the night with them, and we had a blast! We had

dinner in uptown, met up with some friends, and stayed

up talking until 3 a.m.

My best friend, Savannah, got engaged! I have the amazing

privilege of being Maid of Honor and standing by her side.

We have been in desperate need of a third full-time Speech-Language Pathologist, and I have been praying diligently for the Lord to bring the right person. In February, He answered my prayer. Lauren Wohl is not only my friend, but the newest addition to our team at Broadway. I am so thankful. She is a woman of God that I love and trust. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to work with her each and every day!

The whole family went to Waco to watch Carter Reid Rife walk across the stage and graduate! We will be back in August to watch Meredith Leigh Smith! I can't believe it.

I love these two! Happy Day! Congratulations Carter!

Amanda's Wedding! It was so much fun to be back

with the LCP crew. Our ten year reunion will be here

before we know it!

KOT Sweetheart Tea!

Chelsey's Birthday at

the Ball Park!

TSHA 2010! Our first conference

as professionals!

Celebrating Amber's Engagement!

My Amazing Parents!

B.P. & Poppy!

Poppy's first snow! In the beginning, she was a little timid.

It didn't take her long to realize she loved it!

After a few days of snow, Poppy was pooped!

Inclusion!

We need some pretty radical change in the church if we are going to reach a world we SAY we care about. We have excluded a lot of people out of our lives, being more concerned about the danger they might be to us...then deciding whether or not maybe it is somebody Jesus would include...and perhaps we have it wrong. There is an issue of inclusion. God's nature is for us to live with the assumption that everyone is coming to the party. God isn't interested in who may or may not want to come to the party, but everybody gets an invitation. God gives everyone a chance. Historically in the church we have not wanted to waste our seed on people we don't think will respond so we judge, separate, and exclude. And then we put our seed in someone we think is a likely responder which means most of the world are never reached by the church because we pre-judge them as non responsive types and so we finish up having church just filled with our types which usually means most of the community are not being reached. So we are inclusive with those we feel safe with, which is a human nature thing. But we by default exclude the majority that are not like us. Who are some of the people that Jesus included that might be kind of surprising? Everyone Jesus included were those that were not included by the established church at the time. He seemed to specialize in people that were not accepted in mainstream. They were being excluded by the religious people of the day. If we get this religious mindset, we will literally exclude those that Jesus would include. Jesus, from day one, reached out to the prostitute. Often an act of inclusion is what you don't say. He didn't judge her. He didn't express an opinion. What he actually did at the end of the day was protected her from their exclusion. Jesus was willing to be excluded to include someone that would never be included. That is Jesus.

A New Year!

Back to blogging. It's been awhile...So much has changed in this last year, yet You have remained the same. For You cannot disown Yourself. I have found all of Your promises to be true, O Lord. Even when we are faithless, You are faithful. There have been a lot of first time experiences, but You have been there for them all. Thank You for the opportunity to live life one more day. Thank You for all that You have done in 2009 to make me ready for 2010. The journey has been hard, but so sweet. Thank You for opening my eyes. Thank You for your protection and provision in my life. Thank You that everything I experienced this past year, good and bad, left me knowing You and loving You more. You are worth it all. I look forward, with great expectation, to what this year might hold. Being confident that the greatest gift I will receive will be finding You, over and over again, in each and every circumstance You allow in my life. May I be quick to search with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength...knowing that You will be found. With everything You have given me in this world, You are still my greatest treasure. Forgive me when I get caught up in myself or the temporary things. Nothing this world could offer could ever compare with You. Help me to maintain focus, fixing my eyes on You...the Author and Perfecter. I trust You with all of my heart, and I know that You will direct my steps. There is freedom in surrender, and I surrender all. I know Your goodness and Your grace in a deeper way, and I am grateful. Lord, I pray that You would find me faithful. In spite of my hopes and fears, Lord, You know them all...May Your will be done in my life.

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