Life In Graduate School!

Dr. Ritter is one of my most favorite people in the whole world. Her love for Jesus and people keeps her going above and beyond the call of duty. She is extremely passionate and dedicated to the ministry God has given her as a Speech-Language Pathologist. I have learned so much from her, and appreciate that God would allow such a person to be a part of my life. I am surviving graduate school, because of her unwavering support and encouragement. She's the greatest!

Rocks! This summer these kids are motivated by rocks! Who would have thought? You would not believe the stiff competition to earn as many points as possible to receive a rock! Dr. Ritter has convinced all of us that we need to be collecting them! Ha! She even has us wearing rock necklaces! 

This is my amazing partner, Brooke. She and I lead group together. Here she is reading a book to our kids called "Do Pirates Take Baths?" They really liked this one! As you can see, we dress up every Thursday depending upon the theme. So far, we have dressed up as pirates, cowboys, and bugs! This week we get to dress up as fairy tale characters. 

Each week, we make something to go through the process of learning "How To." For example, we introduce what we are making to our kids, list the materials, talk about the sequential steps, and then follow the directions to make our "How To." Our first week, we made pirate maps. Our second week, we made story books. You can imagine the kids come up with some great titles for their stories! This week we made butterflies out of coffee filters and Oreo spiders out of Oreos and pretzels (pictured above). 

This is my "cute as a bug" friend, Laura McCall. Get it? Ha! She always has the best costumes every week! This week a few of us decided to be lightning bugs at the last minute! We just forgot to take any pictures together! Sorry! 

Mrs.Holland, Brooke, Me, & Laura.

My precious friend, Kati! She is also my lab partner. 

Videostroboscopy!

Me & Brooke!

This is just a sign I made for my door!

This is me and my incredible supervisor, Mrs.Holland. I have learned so much from her in such a short amount of time, and have had a lot of fun in the process. I wish she didn't have to go back to Amarillo!

Catching Up!

This week I was not feeling very well, but God took care of me. A little bug seemed to be going around the clinic. With a little medicine and a lot of prayer, I survived. God used a variety of people and things to get me through the week, and I am so grateful. My best friend, Savannah, sent me the sweetest card and worship cd at just the perfect time. I received phone calls and e-mails from different ones that brought an immediate smile to my face. I got my test back that I mentioned in my last post. I made a B+! Thank You Jesus. You continue to pour out grace upon grace. I am getting ready to begin my last week of Camp Success. I can't believe how quickly these five weeks have passed. I wish I could tell you about my clients and show you their pictures, but I can't. There are too many laws against it. You will just have to take my word for it that they are super cute! I have learned so much in this first session, and I am really looking forward to the next. I am less than a month away from my major PRAXIS exam. Please pray! It has been so hard to study, but I must remain diligent. Today, I plan on studying, working on my fluency project, putting together my instrumentation notebook, and running a few errands. Right now, I have to run. No, not literally. Although, I need to do that too. Chris and I are meeting some friends of ours for lunch before he has to go to work. They are leaving Monday morning and moving to Kansas. We will miss them so much. That reminds me... Pray for Chris. He is working very hard. I am so proud of him. Pray that the joy of the Lord would be his strength. We all know that when we get tired is when the enemy loves to mess with us. Please pray for God's protection and power. Catching up will be continued...

He Loves Us!

When I saw this video, I had to put it up too! (Thanks Savannah!) I wish I could take the time to put down some of my thoughts, but I am studying! I have a big test today. If you think about it, pray for me at 11:30 a.m. Thanks!

Thank You Jesus for loving us!

"He Loves Us" Music Video

Hippo's!

"From the lips of children and infants, you have ordained praise"...(Psalm 8:2).

Today looked very different from any other day, and I loved it! Chris and I signed up to work in our church nursery. We will be volunteering every week, and we are so excited! We are the proud, new teachers of the two-year old "Hippo" class. You should have seen us last night preparing for our lesson. We were having so much fun memorizing Scripture with motions! Not knowing quite what to expect, we were full of anticipation of what this morning might entail. We arrived at 8:35 a.m., ready for the task at hand, and headed to our room! One by one, our helpers arrived. I am not sure what we would have done without them! It was definitely a team effort! We had sixteen two-year olds! I must admit that it was a little overwhelming, but totally worth it. We definitely got our workout for the day! We played, talked about Jesus, ate snacks, made crafts, and changed diapers! Yes, I changed eight diapers! Overall, it was such a sweet time. We can't wait for next week! Thank You Jesus that we get the incredible opportunity of loving two-year olds! What a gift! 

Think About It!

Isn't it funny how we can think ourselves into any mood? Joyce Meyer would say that the mind is the battlefield! If you haven't read her book, "Battlefield Of The Mind," you need too. It talks about how a deceived mind leads a deceived life. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:4 to "See that no one leads you astray." Think about the thoughts that go through our mind in a day and how they can affect us. Think about the way we over analyze things. Satan loves to asks questions and stir up trouble. He's been doing it since the beginning of time. It is what led to the fall of man and keeps man falling. "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat from the fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' " You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it" (Genesis 3:1-6). How easily we can be deceived! Satan is a liar and the father of all lies. We must not listen to him. Scripture admonishes us to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed (changed entirely) by the renewing of our minds. It is when we have been transformed (changed entirely) that we are able to determine what is God's good, acceptable, and perfect will for our lives. A change of mind means a change of life! Think about it!

Click on the link below for helpful resources concerning the mind.

Joyce Meyer

Victory!

"Victorious lives flow from victorious thoughts, from setting our focus on a victorious God." 

-Beth Moore

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

This verse really spoke to me this morning. I can remember talking to my mentor and friend, Kim Scott, about "pushing back the darkness." What does it mean to live a victorious life? According to this verse, I think it means several things...

1) Recognizing who surrounds us. Specifically, those in Hebrews 11 whose witness stirs us to run and win! They have gone before us, and it has been said of them "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"

2) Throwing everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. With each new day that God gives me, I realize it is impossible to live victorious without "pushing back the darkness." I must always run with perseverance the race marked out for me. I can't stop. There is no such thing as coasting in a Christ follower's life. Scripture says that we should leave no such room or foothold for the devil (Ephesians 4:27). Paul is saying, "Don't give the devil an opportunity." When I talk about "pushing back the darkness," I am talking about not being passive. I must be active. Joyce Meyer says, "One of the devil's most deceiving tricks is to get you to do nothing and to feel content about it." We must throw off every little thing that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. It's not about not doing anything wrong, but it is about doing good! It's about following Christ with our whole heart, seeking Him first each and every day. As believers we are instructed to put on the full armor of God, so that we might stand against the schemes of the devil. Oh, how I want to stand! Don't you? But I also want to fire back at him! Amen? We need protection, but we also need ammunition! 

3) Fix our eyes on Jesus. What we behold, we will become! We must fix our eyes on Him. Passion comes from setting our eyes on something bigger than ourselves. My friend Kim Scott had me read a book called "I am not, but I know I AM" by Louie Giglio. If you haven't read it, I encourage you to do so. It has stayed with me ever since I picked it up a few years ago. It's about being a part of a story that is so much bigger than ourselves, His story. So, what does it look like to fix our eyes on Jesus? Our college pastor, Carl Gulley, wrote an incredible spoken worship piece that (I believe) hits the nail on the head. It's called "Otherness." This is only part of it, but you should be able to get the idea. 

"Otherness...

That's what we are all about!

We are not trying to be like anyone or anything else!

Just Jesus!

And it makes us look like aliens, foreigners in a distant land.

We stick out, and humbly so.

Why? Because the way we love is so unusual.

Our words bring tears of laughter and tears of solace.

Our music and dance are fueled by a different drummer.

And a better one at that! And the fruit, it's a different song, a different value system.

Not pushing the edge of sin and hell, not okay with status quo.

A place where beneficial versus permissible is clearly understood.

And no one even wants the boundary line! 

We would much rather lunge out to the kingdoms cutting edge, which are heaven's arms.

Sitting on His lap is fine with me; His heartbeat rhythmically puts me at rest. 

Not apathetic slumber that leads to poverty, but deep love that thrust us to Nineveh!

Look again! His tears aren't clear. They don't taste like salt.

They taste like the blood that was shed for them.

They are waiting for you, waiting for me to open our hands.

So, He can pour them out. Why would He trust us with these treasures, these precious children of His? Because He calls us family, He can trust us.

Because we have seen the otherness of God, and we long for more!

For if you God were the same as the rest, You wouldn't be holy.

And my unholiness craves Your holiness! Your cleansing! You!

And in the process, we become other ourselves.

And the importance of that...

So many stories are being told, vying for my affections, my passion, my heart, but I refuse to be caught up in the midst of small stories that seem brilliant at the moment, 

but soon become faded glory. 

I desire to be taken up into Your story, into Your great plot for me and mankind. 

So, I leap into the chariot of fire, and I ask for humility and courage to leave it all behind - 

no matter the cost! 

Because Lord, You deserve it! 

And they need it!

Because, I love You!

And they need You!

And the Spirit and the bride are still crying out,

'Come Lord Jesus!' 

And You will. 

You always do."

We must look at Jesus. It's our only hope of becoming all that He desires us to be. Consider ALL that He has done for us! In the front of my Bible, I have these words written. "If God never does another single thing for me, He's already done MORE than enough." It's a reminder I need quite often. 

Thank You Jesus for enduring such opposition for me. Thank You for Your Word, Your strength, and Your Spirit. May I run the race marked out for me with great perseverance, so that I might live the abundant, victorious life that You died to give me. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You that through looking at You and abiding in You, we can have victory!

Lovely Laura!

    Celebrating 23 Years!

 

 We love our lovely Laura!

Surprise! Happy Birthday!

This morning Brit and I made breakfast for Laura (blueberry pancakes, eggs, and coffee). We only had about thirty minutes before we had to be at class, but we had a great time! 

Praying God's Word!

Seriously, God is so good! Last night I had a dream that confused me. I woke up a little unsettled this morning. Of course, the first thing I wanted to do was jump into the Word. I grabbed my "Praying God's Word" devotional by Beth Moore. I cannot tell you what a blessing this little book has been. As I turned to today's date, I was so thankful to be reminded that "Satan will do anything he can to scare you away from your God-ordained destiny." I can't go into detail about my dream, but you know those dreams that make you second guess that you are in the right place? Well, it was one of those! So, I opened up my Bible to Psalm 116. "I love You Lord, because You have heard (and now hear) my voice and my supplications. Because You have inclined Your ear to me, therefore I will call upon You as long as I live. The cords and sorrows of death were around me, and the terrors of Sheol had laid hold of me; I suffered anguish and grief (trouble and sorrow). Then I called upon the name of the Lord: O Lord, I beseech You, save my life and deliver me! Gracious are You Lord, and righteous; yes, You are merciful. You preserve the simple; I was brought low, and You helped and saved me. Thank You that, in You, I find rest. My soul can rest, because you have dealt with me bountifully. You continually deliver my life from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling and falling. I will walk before You in the land of the living. I will believe (trust in, rely on, and cling to You God)." 

"When I am weak, unable to speak,

Still, I will call You by name...

Oh, Shepherd, Savior, Pasture Maker,

Hold on to my hand.

You say, 'I Am.'

The winds of change and circumstance,

Blow in and all around us,

So, we find a foothold that's familiar.

And bless the moments that we feel You nearer..."

-Nicole Nordeman

Happy Father's Day!

Most of you know how much I like pictures! Today, I choose to celebrate my Dad through just a few of them. We have so many meaningful memories together, and I wanted to honor him for all he's done and continues to do. So, Dad this is for you...

I love this picture. Even though I am playing in 

a pool and only six years old, this picture still

represents everything my Dad is about in my life.

Whatever decisions I make or steps I take, he is

there. He loves being a part of the process, and 

continues to play the perfect role with each 

year that passes. My Dad is trustworthy. As a 

little girl, I didn't mind making that "big" jump

into the "deep" end of the pool. I knew my Dad 

would be there to catch me. I have never doubted 

his love and devotion. There is a security there that 

I will forever be grateful for and will always lead me 

to choose faith over fear. I know that he delights in

me, because I see it in his face and hear it in his 

voice. Even when I mess up, he is there with open

arms, ready to embrace me. I delight in being his 

daughter. My Dad has taught me what it means to 

trust. I have always been able to count on my Dad for 

anything and everything. He has been the biggest reason 

I have been able to know my Heavenly Father as He is - 

an extravagant Lover of His children and forever

faithful. Thank You Dad for loving me so much

and so well. 

Those of you who know my Dad know that I don't 

have to tell you how much fun he is. Growing up 

on the lake was one of the best things for our family.

Whether we are at the lake, on vacation, or at home,

Dad never fails to make it fun! He is the life of the

party. My Dad is all about family and all about people.

He is so good about including others and making 

people feel loved. Over the years, I have learned so

much from him. He is a servant and one of the greatest

givers I have ever seen in my life. He cheerfully gives

of himself each and every day, and I will forever be 

changed because of his generosity. Thank You Dad

for always being available. Every minute you spend

with us means more than you know. 

I love this picture, because it is such a "Kodak"

moment. I am sure we were just "singing in the

rain." Ha! I actually don't remember this actual

event, but what I love about it is that my Dad is

holding me. You can see that we are both smiling.

It seems to be a re-occurring theme with my Dad -

everyone all smiles. Thank You Dad for always 

holding me when I needed it the most and just

because. Your touch means so much, and it always

will.

There seems to be a lot of water in these pictures!

Ha! Thank You Dad for being the one on the floor,

in the water, or wherever it was we wanted to play.

Thank You for getting on our level and making us

feel like we were the only girls in the world. It's 

always been a special thing to be one of the "Smith"

girls! Whether it was taking us to the lake or

renting our favorite car on vacation, you have always

put our interests above your own.

Daddy, Thank you for loving Mom like Christ loves

the church. Thank you for showing us what it means

to lay down your rights and your life. Thank you for

the team approach that you and Mom take on every-

thing. Thank you for not hiding conflict from us, 

but teaching us to love each other more in the midst

of it. Thank you for being crazy about Mom and still 

pursuing her passionately after twenty-six years. 

Thank you for being the first to say that you are sorry.

Thank you for your humility and honesty. You have led 

and continue to lead our family so well. 

Thank you for being you! Thank you for every

e-mail, phone call, letter, etc. It makes my day

when I hear from you. I smile every time I think

of you, and I can honestly say that there is no one

else I would rather have be my Dad. Thank You God

for allowing me to have such an incredible father, 

who reflects so much of Your character.

18 Months!

Thank You Jesus for the love You show me through Chris McMullen. Thank You for 18 months! I recognize that he is a gift from You, the Giver of all good gifts. Thank You that I am learning more about who You are and who I am not through this man. Thank You that he loves you and passionately pursues You. Thank You that You continue to show us our need for You far outweighs our need for each other. Thank You for the place You have us at this very moment. Help us to know and be confident that You will continue to direct every step as we trust You. Thank You for the blessings You continually pour out on us, be it trials or triumphs, we count it all joy! You are worthy of all our praise. You are the Author and Perfecter of our love and our lives. We fix our eyes on You. We throw off everything that so easily entangles us. We only boast in You. We say that You are full of wisdom, power, and might. Captivate us and consume us with You!

Perfect Love Of Jesus!

Our weekend began with an amazing lunch with 

just the girls! I have heard about the incredible 

people of Borger, Texas for sometime now, but I 

was truly blessed by their generosity last weekend. 

From the hand sewn napkins to the beautiful arrange-

ments, everything had a personal touch! 

A few of the bridesmaids!

Here she is just minutes before she became Mrs. Courtney McCollum! I have never seen someone so joyful and peaceful before they were about to walk down the aisle. It was so neat! All day, my beautiful friend was all smiles! It was truly a special weekend that was such a reflection of the purest love of Christ. From the bridal luncheon to the wedding reception, God spoke this to my heart over and over again "As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will I rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5). It has been the biggest blessing to see how Matt has delighted in Courtney up until she walked down the aisle last Saturday night, but I am confident that Matt will continue to delight in his new wife for the rest of their lives. I love how God gives us pictures on earth of His overwhelming and relentless love. I get excited thinking about how much Matt loves Courtney, but even more so how much Christ loves each of us. He rejoices over us, each one individually. He is so personal. Thank You Jesus for living a life of love and then choosing to die for love. Thank You that Your love is what lives in our hearts and what lasts forever. 

Behind!

Hello Everyone! I just finished my first week of summer session, and now I am into my second week! It's a little hectic. Today, I am thankful for an amazing weekend with family and friends in Borger, Texas! My roommate and precious friend Courtney Gassaway married Matt McCollum this weekend! Yay! The wedding was so special! I will be posting pictures soon! I promise! Don't give up on me! Love you all!

Proverbs 13:4 says, "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."

I needed to be reminded of this today! Be encouraged. Remember, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 

Enthusiasm!

So, I just got home from my "first" day of school. It's almost seven o' clock, and I am wiped out! I looked at my post "Oh God, Give Me The Heart Of A Child!" for a little encouragement. I clicked on what I labeled "Enthusiasm," and I couldn't stop smiling. I needed more of what this little girl had. I looked up the definition for enthusiasm, and here is what I found...

1) great excitement for or interest in a subject or cause.

2) an occupation, activity, or pursuit in which such interest is shown.

3) absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit.

4) lively interest.

I began to think. What if I lived my life like this little girl recites "Psalm 23?" What if my eyes always sparkled? What if I always smiled? What if my speech was always full of grace? What if I was enthusiastic about each task that was given to me? What if I worked with all of my heart for the Lord and not for men? I realized that theses questions didn't have to be "What if's?" and that God has given me everything I need for life and godliness. Truly what He calls us to, He will enable us to do! Thank You Jesus! 

School Is Not Out For The Summer!

I start my last semester of graduate school today! I can't believe it! Is it weird that I still get excited about the "first" day of school? Jesus just wouldn't let me sleep last night. It's funny how He wakes us up sometimes. My heart was so full this morning, and I woke up rhyming! Ha. I love to write. I don't claim to be a writer, but Jesus gave this to me in the early hours before my feet hit the floor. I liked it, so I wanted to share it with you. I don't know about you, but anything He has to give...I'll be happy to take! Amen? Love You Jesus! Thanks for speaking and stirring my heart this morning! 

"For His Kingdom, for His Glory!

For more than just our story!

We want You, Jesus! We want You!

We worship! We believe! We repent! 

We walk in humility and confess!

We need You, Jesus!

Our hearts respond to Your revelation!"

Oh God, Give Me The Heart Of A Child!

Genesis 1:1

Kenneth's Bible Verses

Psalm 23

The Lord's Prayer

Huh?

Matthew 7

Bible Verses

Whole Heart

Fear No Evil

Enthusiasm

ABC's

Ready, Set, Don't Go!

Yesterday, we celebrated Tara's graduation from Crawford High School and her four years of accomplishments! We are so proud of her. We began with the ceremony, then went to the reception, and ended the night with a delicious dinner at Texas Roadhouse! Tara has become like a sister to me, and I will miss her very much. She will be attending McMurry University in the fall. Here are a few pictures of the family from our sweet day of memories. Congratulations Tara!

Overreacting!

Any over reactors out there? I never react, and I especially never overreact. I always respond in a loving, Christ-like way. Ha! Yeah right! I wish this could be said of me, and I am believing one day it will! So, I am confessing my tendency to overreact. Right about now, my family and Christopher are probably saying, "Yes!" and "Amen!" For most of the time, they are the ones who get to experience my overreacting to its fullest potential. James 5:16 says, "Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working)." Oh Jesus, heal me. I need Your power to overcome all of my weaknesses, but I am asking especially in the area of my emotions. I want You to be in control. Forgive me for my extreme moods and for letting things that don't matter upset me. I need You. I trust You to be my Defender when I am offended. My heart longs to draw near to You. Thank You for Your patience with me. I feel like I say that a lot, but I mean it. I am overwhelmed by Your loving-kindness. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to take offense. I know that my overreacting does not promote Your righteousness and glory. Help me to rid my heart of all uncleanness, and in a humble spirit receive and welcome Your Word which implanted and rooted (in my heart) contains the power to save me. Make me a doer of Your Word. I want to continue to partner with You in this process. I feel like I have been that woman in the mirror who looks carefully at her natural face and then goes off and promptly forgets what she looks like. Pour out Your grace that I might persevere in looking to Your Word, being faithful to it, not being a heedless listener, who forgets, but an active doer (who obeys). I want to live a life marked by obedience, compelled by Love. 

"Heal my heart and make it clean.

Open up my eyes to the things unseen.

Show me how to love like You have loved me.

Break my heart for what breaks Yours.

Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause!

As I walk from earth into eternity..."

-Hillsong

Firmly Planted!

Psalm 1:2-3 says, "But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. And he shall be like a tree firmly planted (and tended) by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper (and come to maturity)."

Lord Jesus,

Help me to give You and Your Word first place in my life. Your Word says that when I ask of You, You will give the nations as my inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as my possession. You are my Shield, my Glory, and the Lifter of my head. When I cry out to You, You hear me. When I lay down and sleep and wake again, You sustain me. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust. When I wake up in the mornings, help me to listen to You. Before my feet hit the floor, I will enter Your presence through the abundance of Your steadfast love and mercy. Thank You that Your mercies are new each and every morning. I will choose to worship You. I will take refuge in You, put my trust in You, and rejoice! Thank You for making a covering over me and for defending me. I love Your name and will sing joyfully . Thank You that I am surrounded by Your pleasure and favor. O Lord, how excellent (majestic and glorious) is Your name in all the earth! I will praise You, God, with all of my heart, and I will tell people about the wonderful things You have done for me. I will rejoice in You and be in high spirits. 

Kelsey Elizabeth Smith!

This is my cousin, Kelsey. She just graduated from high school, and I am so proud of her. She is only five years younger than me, but for some reason I have always seen her as my baby cousin (... probably because she spent a lot of time on my hip or in my lap during her younger years). Ha! Of course, being the oldest, I always had to be the "Mom," the "teacher," the "boss!" You get the idea. I miss those days. Recently, I had the opportunity to be with Kelsey to celebrate her graduation, and something hit me. For the first time, I didn't see her as my baby cousin. I am not saying I liked this, but I realized that she is growing up. She won't need me to carry her around on my hip anymore, but she will need me to help carry the burdens of life. She won't need me to tell her what to do anymore, but she will need me to listen. She will need me to believe with her, pray for her, and encourage every step along the way. She will have many fans, but I will be one of the biggest. Suddenly, I got really excited about her growing up. I know this has been happening for years now, but I am just getting on board with the idea. I have to say that I was pleased with what I saw in my "all-grown-up" cousin...a beautiful, compassionate, strong, smart woman with goals, dreams, and the world ahead of her. For eighteen years, she has lived a life that has glorified our Father in heaven. I can't wait to journey with Kelsey through this next chapter and see all that He has for her. Even though I couldn't convince Kel that she loved Baylor as much as I did, I am truly proud of every choice she has made, every hardship she has endured, every award she has earned, because all of it reveals a life in love with Jesus. She isn't three years old anymore, running around naked, calling out for "Unkie Biff" or "Aint Cindy," red curls bouncing everywhere. Good thing we have home videos to take us back to those days! But she is still our Kelsey! Deep in her heart, she knows right from wrong. She knows the difference between "good" and God's best. She knows that only the truth will set her free. She knows who loves her and whom she belongs to. She knows that she is a daughter of the King. She knows how to make her own decisions, and that ultimately God directs her steps. She desires to please those she loves. She knows how to listen and who to listen to. She knows His ways are higher than her ways and that His plans for her are good and true. She knows what it is to obey. Because she knows, she will make it! She may question (as we all do), but she knows... 

Pressure!

James 1: 4 says, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This would have to be the theme verse for my life in graduate school, but still I feel that I am lacking in so much! God is after something in me, and I think it is perseverance. I am so grateful for His patience and power in the midst of my weakness and failure. Pray for me as the pressure seems to be creeping in slowly but surely. Summer session begins in less than a week! Pray that I would labor (unto weariness), striving with all of His energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me (Colossians 1:29). Pray that the roots of my being would be deeply planted, fixed, and founded in Him and that I would become increasingly more confirmed and established in faith. Lastly, pray that His love would compel me as I am faithful in the small things and grateful in all things!

It's Really Happening!

Today, I am thankful for my precious roommate and friend, Courtney. It's hard to believe her last day in Waco is tomorrow! I am not sure what life will be like without Court being in the next room, for it is all I have known for the last four years. It will be different, that is for sure. I won't be coming home to the smell of a delicious dinner or an excited Abbey. I won't be able to sit on the couch with Matt and Court while we all give our opinions on each American Idol contestant. I won't be able to hug her on a daily basis or talk about "nothing."  I won't be able to see her beautiful smile or hear her infamous laugh and snort. I won't be able to experience the "retainer" or say, "goodnight." In less than ten days, she will be married. She will have a new name, be moving to a new city, beginning a new job, finding a new church, and making new friends. She isn't going far, but a lot is changing. I know that Court and I will always be friends, because a cord of three strands is not easily broken. I thank God for blessing me with such a loyal, kind-hearted, giving friend. I love Courtney deeply, and she will be missed. Pictures of the beautiful bride-to-be will be coming soon! 

Joy!

Today, I am thankful for my Mamaw. I miss her very much. I delight in every minute I am able to spend with her on the phone and especially in person! I love this picture of my Mamaw, because I feel that it captures so much of what she is about. Things I will cherish in my heart forever about Mamaw are: her incredible hugs, priceless smiles, contagious laughter, her stories about growing up in the country, her honesty, her addiction to shopping but not always buying, her deals she finds at T.J. Max, her hospitality, her love for Branson, her voice on the phone, her diets, our discussions about exercise and allergies, her huge study Bible always on the coffee table, her love for TBN, Joyce Meyer, and the Gaithers, her "tape-player" always playing music (recently upgraded to a CD player), her love for Mickey Gilley and country music, her beautiful flowers, the greenest yard on the block, her house always neat, her bath robe, her jewelry, praise and worship on the patio, our rendition of "What A Mighty God We Serve" with motions, the treadmill that took up the back half of the patio room, various exercise equipment (weights, sweat bands, thigh master, etc.), "Sweatin' To The Oldies With Richard Simmons," her interest in the O.J. Simpson and Jonbenet Ramsey Trial, her ability to cook, reminding us always to "get more" even when we were stuffed, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, chocolate pies, etc., and last but not least... her love for Jesus and others! My Mamaw, Joy White, has brought and continues to bring countless joy to the lives of so many, especially her family! I am blessed to be her grand-daughter. I am beyond blessed by every member of my family with numerous memories that could be recalled, but today Mamaw was on my heart and I couldn't help but smile and write! 

Top Ten For Today!

Today, I am thankful for...

1) "Bear-Trailing" with Meg!

2) My Dad always being available!

3) My Mom's advice!

4) Christopher's ability to make me laugh!

5) My sister being in Waco with me!

    

6) Phone dates with Mamaw!

7) Sunshine!

 

8) Life Group tonight!

9) Memories of my family at Lake Claiborne!

10) Recent visit to Arkansas!

Body of Christ!

Today, I am most thankful for my church. In high school, I remember praying for God to prepare a place for me to plug in while being away at college. I cried out to Him for spiritual Mom's and Dad's, friends with kingdom values, and a place where I could give my life away for His glory. By the way, every prayer was answered. Antioch Community Church has shown me more of what it means to know God intimately and be a loving representation of His heart to a hurting world. Not that I have already obtained this, but I keep pressing on and straining forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13)! I am beyond grateful to be a part of an imperfect but spirit-filled people, whose passion for Jesus enables them to lay down their lives for His purposes in the Earth.

She Said Yes!

ENGAGED!

Last night, Ryan popped the question and my beautiful friend and future roommate said, "Yes!" Ryan and Regan Haggerty - it has a nice ring to it! Doesn't it? I am so happy for my friends, and thankful for the opportunity to live with Regan before she and Ryan tie the knot! Regan has been a dear friend since my freshmen year of college, and I am thrilled to be able to celebrate with she and Ryan as they prepare for their wedding day and marriage. Thank You God for Your faithfulness.

Pray For The Chapman Family!

For more information...

I can't understand why God would allow such a horrible event to happen, but I know He is good. I have been so encouraged as I have read statements from the family about their tragic loss. I can't imagine how trying this must be for them. Today is the memorial service, but they will face many more difficult days. Please pray. 

Relationship = Refinement!

Thank You God that all Scripture is given by Your inspiration, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that I may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (1 Timothy 3:16-17). Today, I am reminded that every part of Your body is important. "And if one member suffers, all the parts (share) the suffering; if one member is honored, all the members (share in) the enjoyment of it" (1 Corinthians 12:26). Thank You that You designed our relationship with You, others, and Your Word to be refining. Thank You that through refinement, I can better understand Your full character. 

A couple of months ago, Chris and I decided to be more intentional and go through a study entitled "Before Forever." It is so nice to be in the same city! Chris came over before he had to be at work this morning, and we began our first lesson "Blends and Balances." Don't you love it when God reveals a simple truth in a fresh way? I do! So often, I think that my way is the right way. Chris and I have laughed so much over the past two weeks about how many times I have been wrong! From packing and moving to giving directions, it seems the Lord is trying to teach me something. Dr. Byron Weathersbee, who wrote "Before Forever", said that the initial qualities that attracted him to his wife have caused the most frustration in their marriage, however, daily he needs those qualities in his life for balance! Hmm...I think God may have something greater for me than me just getting "my" way. What do you think? At World Mandate 2008, Lexia Campbell was sharing her testimony. God really used her to speak to me and I know many others! There are two things she said that I won't forget: "In Jesus, every death has a resurrection" and "Our lives can be a trickle or a river!" Lord, help me to forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of myself and my own interests. Help me to take up Your cross and follow You continually. Thank You that as I choose to deny myself, You are resurrecting Your life to be lived out in me. Keep me from reasoning, but always asking for a revelation from You. Your Word says that He who believes in You (who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on You), from his innermost being shall flow (continuously) springs and rivers of living water! Lord, apart from You, my life will only be a trickle. Make my life a river for Your glory! You are able, and I am willing. The refining process is not easy, but You are worth it. 

Just To See You Smile!

Anyone play tennis? Well, I haven't played since I was about eight or nine years old. Recently, Christopher and I decided this is something we could do together. Our first time around gave us so much hope that we went out and bought the equipment needed to begin this new adventure! Much to our surprise, our second time didn't go nearly as well. We definitely got our exercise, but it wasn't by looking like tennis pro's! In fact, out exercise looked more like chasing a ball and trying to get it over the net. At one point, Chris tried to "fix" the net. I told him I thought the problem was more the people on either side of it. We even tried pretending. He was Pete Sampras. I was Anna Kournikova. When that didn't work, we thought maybe we should be Andre and Venus! We laughed. However, it didn't start out that way. When we first arrived, I was so frustrated that we couldn't actually "play" together. If I got the ball over, Chris couldn't return it. If Chris got it over, I was swinging at air. Usually, I can laugh at myself. Chris was smiling the entire time. I was not! I was just thankful we were playing at night, and it wasn't hot. I didn't want to smile. "It was not my smiling time!" (Some of you will understand!) Ha! Well, as much as I wanted to stay frustrated with the game and how it was not going well...I couldn't! It was then that I decided to let go! I asked God to help me have fun and not focus on what I couldn't do. So, it was from that point that I focused on what I could do and what I do have. I thanked God for my arms that haven't quite learned how to swing a tennis racket. I thanked God for my legs that aren't quite fast enough to keep up with the ball when we get it over the net. I thanked God for the man across from me, whom I love and who loves me the way He intended. I thanked God for smiles and that they are contagious. I don't like to be frustrated. I don't enjoy being mad, but sometimes I choose it. I guess we will always do what we don't want to do as Paul wrote so many years ago. However, I long to be thankful at all times. I long to welcome the presence of God and prepare a place for Him wherever I go, in whatever I am doing, even if it is just playing tennis. 

God,

You are so good. Thank You for my health. Thank You for life, and the opportunity to wake up one more day! Thank you for friendship and relationship with You and the precious ones You give us on this earth. Thank You for Chris and his patience with me. So often, he reminds me of You. Thank You for displaying so much of Your goodness through him. Thank You for laughter. Thank You for tennis, a game that puts both of us in our place. Thank You for warning us that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but You offer life to the fullest (John 10:10). Thank You God! Help me to recognize the seemingly insignificant ways that the enemy is trying to steal, kill, and destroy in my life. Enable me by the power of Your Spirit to choose You and the abundant life You desire for Your children. 

Garment of Praise!

Jesus, 

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is cleansing and full of power! Wash me in the water of Your Word. You are able! Help me, Lord, not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time I will reap a harvest if I do not give up (Galatians 6:9)! I believe in Your power and ability within me. Therefore, all things are possible for me. I desire to be a woman of faith. I reject all fear and anxiety in my life! Keep Your Word on my lips that covers and protects me in every situation. Grant me a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You. Flood the eyes of my heart with light, so that I can know and understand the hope to which You have called me. Thank You that I am a work in progress and it is all for Your good pleasure, satisfaction, and delight! Help me to get on board with the process as slow as it may seem at times. Remove all doubt from my heart. Thank You that even when I am faithless, You remain faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). You have set my feet on solid ground! You are worthy of all glory and honor!  Thank You for giving me a garment of praise for my heaviness. I delight myself in You alone. You are the greatest. 

Thankful!

So, I am trying something new! Thank you for joining me in this journey of being thankful. God is doing good things, and I feel like they need to be shared. Scripture says that a grateful heart prepares the way for the Lord! Let's prepare the way for Him to come! My goal is to post something everyday. Hopefully, this little journal will accomplish three things: 1) Help me keep my eyes on Jesus and what He is doing, 2) Be a blessing, spurring others on in love and good deeds, 3) Give all glory and praise to Jesus, because He is worth it! If I am a day or two behind, remember I am in graduate school! Ha! But don't hesitate to keep me accountable! Truly, out of the overflow of our hearts our mouths should speak. My prayer is that as my fingers do the typing, you will see my heart...but more importantly God's goodness! 

P.S. Feel free to share what God is doing in your life too! 

For All You've Done!

"You lived. You died. You rose again on high. You opened the way for the world to live again! Hallelujah, for all You've done!" 

"The Light of God surrounds me.

The Love of God enfolds me.

The Power of God protects me.

The Presence of God watches over me.

Wherever I am, God is."

Goals: 

1) To be the fragrance of Jesus that has the power to change the atmosphere around me and the influence that makes Christ real to others.

2) To put more into life than I take out.

3) Whole-hearted obedience.

"Obedience is not arriving at a perpetual state of Godliness, but perpetually following hard after God." 

Jesus, help me to follow hard after You. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Help me to abide. It has been Your kindness that has constantly led me to repentance. Thank You for what You are doing in my life. Thank You for Your provision. Thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning. You are good, and Your love endures forever. Unless You are central, life doesn't work. You bring simplicity into complexity. Thank You for Your Spirit that enables me to understand what You have for me and gives me power to live the life You have set out for me. I am tired of looking to what I think I should have or where I think I should be at this point in my life. I trust You. Thank You that Your power and action do not depend on my efforts. You don' t need me, but You choose me. Thank You. I desire to partner with You and be a lump of clay in the Potter's hands. Mold me and make me. I have many interests, but I long for You to be my only passion! Thank You Jesus that You foreknew me and all my struggles, and yet You also predestined me to be conformed to Your likeness. Thank You that I can confidently claim that if You are for me, who can be against me? What I feel are my present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in me! I will not let my heart be troubled, but I will trust in You.