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.

Pain Free?

No matter what it costs, it's always best to be on the Lord's side...

Sunday morning our Pastor brought an incredible and convicting message on choices. Specifically, he focused on choosing to suffer. We looked at Hebrews 11:24-27 that says, "By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible." Our Pastor reminded us that our world is bent on pleasure and buried in problems. Unfortunately, many believers are as well. We think that if it feels good, surely we should do it. And if it hurts, surely we must stop. Most of us feel that we haven't got time for pain. Why is that? Do we think that we are exceptions to what Scripture clearly indicates? 1 Peter 4:12 says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." 2 Timothy 3: 12 says, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Paul goes on to say that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Do we desire to be thoroughly equipped? We must embrace the pain, Christ, and His Word in order to be thoroughly equipped. It's a hard thing to want to suffer. It requires complete surrender and obedience. Remember that no servant is greater than his master. Think of Jesus in the garden. He asked the Lord if there were any other way than the cross. He prayed so hard he sweated drops of blood. Ultimately, He surrendered to what He knew was God's will for His life. When there is no pain, there is no gain. Surrendering has been and continues to be a process for me. I know there will be more that I must lay down to follow Him. I know there will be more times I must choose suffering rather than pleasure. But it will be for His name, His glory, His renown. It will not be in vain. We must trust Him. The more we know Him, the more we understand that it is a privilege to suffer for His sake. The permanent joys of God are far better than the passing pleasures of sin. It's about deferred gratification. Are we willing to give up some things now for what may be God's best later? Psalm 34:19 says, "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." As hard as it can be to endure suffering, nothing compares to the cross. "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12). 

Dreaming!

He knows my heart, and I am dreaming. Will my dreams become a reality? I want to dream His dreams, and I believe I might be. My passion and sole occupation in life is to love Him with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Each and every day, I learn a little bit more about what that looks like. I have many things that I enjoy, but few things that I would spend hours doing. My Dad always asked me, "If you could do anything and not get paid for it, what would you do?" My response has always been that I would sing and take pictures. I don't see anyone ever paying me to sing for them and that is okay. I am not even sure anyone would ever pay me to take pictures for them either. However, I see both dreams as another way to love people, minister to people, and display the glory of God. All I want is to do what I love for Him. I love having the privilege of capturing what God is doing in the lives of different people. This has been a burning desire for some time. I am not sure what He will allow, but I am submitting and surrendering my dreams.

Taming The Tongue!

"Words are the vehicle through which we communicate our thoughts; the tongue is the driver. Moving in spiritual maturity requires that we learn to speak the right words in the right season and for the right reason." -Deborah Smith Pegues

"The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." Isaiah 50:4 

Poppy!

Well, most of you will never believe this, but I got a dog! Yes, you are reading right...a dog! I am not sure what I was thinking, but I did it. As my Dad tried to sit and warn me of what I was getting myself into, I was signing the papers to adopt "Poppy." Poppy was just one of many puppies that needed to be adopted. However, as I went around to each one, I found that she and I connected. I loved her from the beginning, mainly because she was the only one who didn't bother my allergies. It was a miracle! Another reason I loved her was because she sat quiet while all the others barked incessantly. Of course, if I were in a cage and knew I didn't have a home, I would bark too. She was the perfect size, had the perfect face, and I wanted her to be mine. I couldn't imagine her going back to the pound and being put down. Now, you may be asking how I named her. Well, she came with the name "Poppy." I thought it was sweet. I looked up the meaning and besides it being a wildflower...it also means a wandering female pet. Since she was a stray, I thought it fit her perfectly!

24!

Last Wednesday, November 12, I turned 24 years old! I didn't have time to write about my day, but it was wonderful. I woke up to my roommate, Regan, making breakfast for me. She had all of my favorite things...pigs in a blanket, chocolate chip muffins, eggs, and orange juice! Calories don't count on your birthday, right? She gave me a sweet card, a book about friendship, flowers, a birthday balloon, and a sign she decorated herself! As soon as my feet hit the floor, I was receiving phone calls from the ones I love the most. It was awesome. I felt so loved. I got to work and my supervisor had also gotten me a gift. She bought me the cutest journal that I can't wait to use! I had a great day with some of my favorite patients, and then it was time for lunch. I sat down to eat, and there was a knock at the door. It was Chris! He brought me the most beautiful Gerber daisies. It was so good to see him, and that made my day even better. When I got home from work, Regan had two red velvet cupcakes for me and Chris. Again, calories don't count on your birthday! Right? I quickly got dressed, because Chris had a surprise date for me. He picked me up about six, and he looked so handsome. We got all dressed up, and went to the steakhouse. Again, the calories don't count on your birthday, right? Ha. It was delicious. After that, he surprised me with tickets to see "Stomp" at Bass Performance Hall downtown. It was so entertaining. He did a great job keeping a secret. I received the sweetest cards and gifts in the mail, and I could not have felt more blessed. Thank you to everyone who remembered me on my birthday! Thank You Lord for another birthday and year filled with Your love and kindness. Thank You for my health and another breath. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning! Thank You for Your many blessings. You are good.

Wash Me!

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving kindness blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly (and repeatedly) from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin. For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in Your judgement. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; my mother was sinful who conceived me (and I too am sinful). Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my guilt and iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted and return to You..." -Psalm 51

Lord, 

Deliver me. You are the God of my salvation. Open my lips, and my mouth shall flow forth with Your praise. I will sing aloud of Your righteousness. Thank You Lord that You delight in a broken and contrite heart. Thank You for continuing to break me down with sorrow for my sin. I confess the lack of self-control and discipline You desire. I confess my lust for things that are not of You. I confess my need to justify everything I do instead of allowing You to be my Justifier. I confess saying one thing and doing another. I confess my exaggerating or not telling the whole truth. I confess my need to buy things I don't need in order to feel like I am in control. I confess my attitude and laziness. I confess my bitterness and envy. I confess my insecurities and fear about the future. Forgive me for not trusting You. I know who You are. I am so sorry Lord Jesus. Show me Your ways. Guide me in Your truth and teach me. Thank You for never giving up on me. Your grace is enough!

Life!

Where Do I Begin?

Life in Fort Worth has been fast and furious! So much has been happening. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed to sit down and write about it all. However, I am going to attempt a summary since my last post to present day. Let's see...three of my closest friends have gotten engaged in the last month. Congratulations to Tim and Brittany, Brad and Laura, and Bryan and Chelsey! Chris and I were actually able to be apart of Bryan and Chelsey's engagement night. It was so special for us. I actually introduced Bryan and Chelsey in February of last year. Bryan and I grew up together. We met in Mrs.Dubose's first grade class. He tried to kiss me at the water fountain, and I slapped him. We've been best friends ever since! Bryan and I went to school together from the beginning of elementary until the end of high school. We parted ways for college. I can remember taking pictures with Bryan at my high school graduation and wondering what in the world I was going to do without that boy! Of course, our Mom's were crying and taking pictures. It was bittersweet. Nevertheless, Bryan and I stayed in touch through college. He even came to visit me a couple of times. Every once in awhile we would catch up on the phone. Of course, when we would talk I would always ask if there was anyone special. We always joked about how there was no need for him to date anyone until I found the right one for him. We laughed, and he loved the idea of me picking out his future wife. Hmm...Little did we know what the Lord had in store. Fast forward. I meet Chris. We begin a friendship. Two years later we begin dating, and he introduces me to Chelsey. One night just the three of us went to see the movie "We are Marshall." We had a great time and ended up talking forever in the parking lot after the movie ended. It wasn't long before Chelsey became one of my good friends. The more we talked and the more we got to know one another, the more I liked her. Last December, I was talking to Chelsey about Bryan. I came across some old pictures of us, and I thought....I could see this working. Chelsey wasn't sure at first, but she was open to the idea. I raved about Bryan, but it wasn't hard to do. A month or so later, I called Bryan and told him he better live up to all I claimed that he is. Ha! Poor thing. Well, before I knew it, we had a date on the calendar for them to come to Waco. You see, Chelsey lives in Rockwall, Texas and Bryan lives in Shreveport, Louisiana. So, all of this was kind of a big deal. I was a little nervous. I had never done this before. The weekend went great, and they have been friends and more than that ever since! Naturally, Bryan wanted Chris and me to be apart of the night he proposed. We were thrilled to be there. It was a perfect night filled with so much love and laughter. The two become one on June 27, 2009. God is good. In the midst of everyone getting engaged, I've been searching for an apartment and job, celebrating birthdays of dear friends and family, working hard at the hospital, meeting new friends, and doing my best to stay in touch with my old friends. With Chris working full time at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse as well as going to school and being in a time of transition myself, it has been difficult. However, Chris and I have been able to spend time with our friends we love the most here and there. Just not as much as we would like. We did get to be with Matt and Courtney for dinner and a concert. It was so good to be with them even just for a night. I lived with Court for four years, so she and Matt are family. We ate at Mi Cocina and saw Michael Buble at the Fort Worth Convention Center. It was great fun! I love his music. He is a very talented artist and performer. Ryan gave Regan a surprise birthday party at a great restaurant downtown and bought all of our dinners. We had a blast celebrating with Regan and catching up with the whole crew. A few friends were able to come in for Christopher's birthday, and we had lunch at Joe T. Garcia's! Chris was really surprised. He thought it was going to just be the two of us. After lunch, Chris and I celebrated his birthday by going to see the Impressionists exhibit from Chicago at the Kimbell Art Museum, watching some football, going to church, cake and ice cream with the Redwine family and Dr.Shirley, as well as seeing the movie "Fireproof." What a wonderful movie! There is so much trash these days that I love seeing clean movies with powerful messages. If you haven't seen it, you need too. What else? I have been doing some baby sitting for a couple of families. They are awesome. Their children are absolutely adorable in every way, and bless me so much. My parents have been down to visit a couple of times. In fact, they passed through on my Dad and sister's birthday. By the way, it has been way too long since I have seen my sister. I am missing her more than anyone! I will get to see her for Thanksgiving though! Thank goodness! The last time my parents were here, I made a decision on an apartment. I must have looked at 20+ apartments. Whew! I kept coming back to this particular one that I have chosen, and I am super excited about having a place of my own. It's so cute. Thank You Lord that You are my Home, but for providing a physical roof over my head. I know I am forgetting stuff. Oh! Yes! Chris got into practicum for counseling! Yay! We are so excited. This is a big deal, because not everyone gets in. We are so grateful to God for pouring out His grace on our lives. We are so undeserving. We recognize that every good and perfect gift is from Him. Another awesome thing God did was provide a place for me to work, and it is right across the street from where I am living! I was offered the job a couple of weeks ago and recently accepted. It seems like a great fit, and I start January 5th. My prayer is that I will continue to work with all of my heart for the Lord and not for men. Up until this point, I have been working for free finishing up my internship for my last semester of graduate school. My parents have so graciously and generously supported me through my schooling, and now the Lord has provided a way for me to support myself. There's so much to do in the coming days, especially with trying to move, graduating, holidays, and starting a new job. Wow! Maybe I should just stop here for now. I have so many pictures I could post, but it would take forever. For now, I will just post these two of Bryan and Chelsey on their engagement night and me and Chris on the balcony of my apartment I am living in now. I really needed to do this tonight. Even though I have a million other things I could and should be doing, it feels so good to sit down and write and share...Thank You Lord for the ability to do so!

Rise & Shine! Give God The Glory!

I love the morning when all is still and quiet. Sometimes, I just want to get back in my bed for a few more minutes. However, it is so worth it to get up! My prayer is that from the time my feet hit the floor in the morning until my head hits the pillow at night that I would bring Him glory. 

"To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed...In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps...How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver....Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall....Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord." (Proverbs 16)

Lord Jesus, 

    I am trying not to make too many plans, but there are some plans in my heart. I am waiting for Your reply. Weigh my motives. I commit to you all my plans of a career, a place to live, a marriage, a family, etc. Plant me where You want me that I may be on display for the glory of Your splendor. I am so thankful that You determine my steps. Lord, I ask for wisdom. I need Your wisdom more than I need a great paycheck or anything else in this world. By Your Spirit, help me to choose understanding. I know that pride goes before destruction. If there is any haughty spirit within me, get it out! I receive Your instruction and the instruction of the authority You have placed over me. Thank You for Your promise that he who trusts in You will be blessed. I love you Jesus. You are so good. 

No Time To Catch Up!

Everything that I haven't written a post about, but I want too...

1. Regan's Birthday!

2. Christopher's Birthday!

3. Tim proposing to Brittany!

4. Dad and Meredith's Birthday!

5. My parents coming in town!

6. Bryan proposing to Chelsey!

7. Seeing Matt and Courtney!

8. Going to the Michael Buble concert!

9. The new movie "Fireproof!"

10. What God is doing!

Well, we are eleven days into October and things are busy! Hopefully, I will get to write at least a little something about all that is above. However, I am currently headed out the door! Hope to write soon.

We Fall Down!

"We fall down

We lay our crown

At the feet of Jesus

The greatness of Your mercy and love

At the feet of Jesus

We cry Holy, Holy, Holy

We cry Holy, Holy, Holy

We cry Holy, Holy, Holy

Is the Lamb"

"But You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy..." 1 Peter 2:9-10

Pursuit!

"WE DON'T ACHIEVE VICTORY ONCE, THEN NEVER HAVE TO BOTHER WITH IT AGAIN. DESIRING TO BE GODLY IS THE WORK OF A LIFETIME." -BETH MOORE

LORD JESUS, HELP ME TO FLEE THE THINGS THAT ARE NOT OF YOU. YOU ARE THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. HELP ME TO PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, LOVE, AND PEACE. MAY MY AIM BE FOR ALL THAT IS VIRTUOUS AND GOOD, RIGHT LIVING, CONFORMING TO YOUR WILL IN THOUGHT, WORD, AND DEED. SHUT MY MIND AND MY HEART TO ALL OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NOT OF YOU. OH JESUS, HELP ME TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, HOLDING ON TO FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE. MAY I NOT BE ONE WHO SHIPWRECKS THEIR FAITH. 

THE WORD PURSUE IS A VERB. TO PURSUE MEANS TO CONTINUE, TO CARRY ON, TO FOLLOW, TO GO ON WITH ONE'S COURSE OR JOURNEY. PURSUIT IS THE ACT OF PURSUING. IT IS AN EFFORT TO SECURE OR ATTAIN. IT IS A QUEST. IT IS ANY OCCUPATION, PASTIME, OR THE LIKE, IN WHICH A PERSON IS ENGAGED REGULARLY. IT IS CHASING. IT IS SEEKING A GOAL. LATELY, I HAVE REALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS CONCEPT IN MY LIFE. OF COURSE, THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MY MIND IS CHRIST. HE IS THE LOVER OF MY SOUL. I FAIL HIM TIME AND TIME AGAIN, BUT STILL HE WOOS ME AND PURSUES ME. I CAN RUN ALL DAY LONG, BUT STILL HE REACHES FOR ME. STILL, HE CHOOSES ME EACH AND EVERY DAY. HE BLOCKS MY WAY AND TURNS ME BACK AROUND. TRULY, IT IS HIS KINDNESS THAT LEADS ME TO REPENTANCE. IT'S HIS PURSUIT WITHOUT BEING PUSHY THAT PULLS ME TO HIM. I THINK ABOUT THAT WHICH I HAVE PURSUED AND CONTINUE TO PURSUE. I THINK ABOUT THE ETERNAL, AND I THINK ABOUT THE TEMPORARY. I THINK ABOUT WHAT IS WORTH MY LIFE. TO PURSUE SOMETHING OR SOMEONE, IT MUST BE OF VALUE. IT MUST BE WORTH PURSUING. MY FIRST LOVE, ALTHOUGH NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS, IS CHRIST. I AM WORKING ON MY PURSUIT OF HIM. AT TIMES, I FIND MYSELF CHOOSING OTHER THINGS. THEN, I FEEL THIS TUG IN MY HEART. I FEEL HIS PURSUIT OF ME. SUDDENLY, I AM REMINDED THAT WHATEVER I AM CHOOSING AT THAT MOMENT IS FLEETING. I DESIRE TO BE LIKE PAUL WHEN HE SAYS, "WHAT IS MORE, I CONSIDER EVERYTHING A LOSS COMPARED TO THE SURPASSING GREATNESS OF KNOWING CHRIST JESUS MY LORD, FOR WHOSE SAKE I HAVE LOST ALL THINGS." I LOVE THE OLD WORSHIP SONG THAT SAYS, "KNOWING YOU, JESUS, KNOWING YOU, THERE IS NO GREATER THING. YOU'RE MY ALL, YOU'RE THE BEST, YOU'RE MY JOY, MY RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND I LOVE YOU LORD." I LONG TO POSSESS A FAITH THAT I KNOW I COULD NEVER EARN. IT'S MOST DEFINITELY A JOURNEY, BUT I AM LEARNING. EVEN IN THE MIDST OF FAILURE AND SET BACKS, I AM CONTINUING ON IN MY JOURNEY WITH JESUS. SOMETIMES, I GET DISCOURAGED. SOMETIMES, I FEEL AS THOUGH I SHOULD BE IN A DIFFERENT PLACE, FRUSTRATED WITH MY MATURITY OR LACK THEREOF. YET, I AM COMFORTED WHEN I REMEMBER THAT MY GOD IS WITH ME, ALWAYS PURSUING ME. HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. HE CONTINUALLY TAKES GREAT DELIGHT IN ME. HE QUIETS ME WITH HIS LOVE. HE REJOICES OVER ME WITH SINGING. THERE IS NOT ONE THAT KNOWS NOR DEMONSTRATES WHAT IT MEANS TO PURSUE BETTER THAN CHRIST HIMSELF. EVERY HEART DESIRES TO BE PURSUED. SINCE THE LORD BROUGHT CHRISTOPHER IN MY LIFE, I HAVE SEEN MORE OF CHRIST'S HEART FOR ME THAN EVER BEFORE. HIS CHARACTER AND RELENTLESS LOVE HAS OVERTAKEN MY SOUL. I AM OVERWHELMED. THANK YOU LORD FOR THE PRECIOUS WAYS YOU CHOOSE TO LOVE YOUR CHILDREN. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING CHRIS AND I TO CONTINUE TO CHOOSE YOU FIRST AND ONE ANOTHER SECOND. IT KEEPS ME PURSUING YOU AS YOU PURSUE ME. MAY IT ALWAYS BE THIS WAY. UNTO YOU BE ALL THE GLORY. 

I Have Nothing Without You!

Well, Mom and Dad keep asking me to post pictures. However, my computer is not wanting to let me post them at the moment. I can't say I have pictures of anything too exciting, but I do have a few cute ones that I could post whenever it chooses to let me do so. Agh! Technology. I have a love/hate relationship with it. Today was a great day. God continues to be so good to me. I had a few rough days last week, but He pulled me through. A friend of mine sent me a text message in the middle of a hard day that said, "Not even a sparrow worth only half a penny can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to Him than a whole flock of sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31). It's exactly what I needed in that moment. I love how He uses people in our lives to speak His truth so clearly. Here are a few Scriptures on truth that I have been thinking about...

"Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long." Psalm 25:4-5

"Do not withhold Your mercy from me, O Lord; may Your love and Your truth always protect me." Psalm 40:11

"Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell." Psalm 43:3

"Surely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place." 

Psalm 51:6

"Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever. For great is Your love toward me; You have delivered me from the depths of the grave." Psalm 86:11-13

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." 

Psalm 145:18

"I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right." 

Isaiah 45:19

Truly, You are good to all. You have compassion on all that You have made. Thank You for always being slow to anger and rich in love. I will exalt You my God. You are most worthy of my praise! No one can fathom Your greatness. Thank You that You are near to all who call on You, to all who call on You in truth. Thank You for the places You have led me so far. Each place has expressed Your heart for me. I am comforted when I meditate on Your promises, for You are faithful. Thank You for always going before me and preparing a place for me. I am so excited to be where You have me. You are home. Thank You for Wedgwood Baptist Church. Thank You for the opportunity to be an intern at Baylor All Saints Hospital. Thank You for providing a roof over my head and family within the walls. Thank You for each friendship You have led me to and the relationship You have so perfectly created for me. My first calling is to be an Ambassador for You. I know that, apart from You, I can do nothing! Thank You for that! Keep me forever abiding in You. It's going to be worth it all! 

"In humble adoration, I kneel before Your throne

In brokenness, I seek Your face alone

Above You, there's no other who's able to restore my soul

Come and make me whole...

Breathe on me, power of God

Come in and change me

Change me, Lord

You are all that I need

Holy Spirit, Breathe on me"

- "Breathe on Me" Lyrics

Labor Day!

So, right now I am watching "Jon & Kate Plus Eight." I love it! They are such a sweet family, and they crack me up. There has been a marathon running of all their episodes in honor of "Labor Day." Don't worry. I haven't been sitting here all day. Chris and I were able to spend time with our friends Tim and Brittany. They invited us to join them at their family's country club. It was a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures from our day! Thank You Lord for a day off! 

God Is In It!

"There are two roads

How will I know?

Sometimes the right direction is something I can't see

I hear the wind blow

And I can feel it

But I know my emotions can play a trick on me

My heart wants to tell me

Your heart wants to tell me

If it's got love

It it's got peace

That's the only way that I can believe it 

If it leads me to the light

If it's got joy

If it's got truth

Something that's gonna take a little faith to do

To make the pieces fit

God is in it

God is in it

What I'm hearing

Sounds convincing

It's hard to decipher if all the words are real

I am learning

To be discerning

Is this conversation something He's revealed?

We need to define

If it's something divine

Whatever's lovely

Whatever's pure

Whatever's from His Word will endure

You'll know it's right

You'll see the signs"

-Point of Grace 

Day By Day!

"We have little defense against the destructive nature of the enemy without the power of God working in our favor." -Beth Moore

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for helping me to understand that I have no power of restraint or self-control without Your Word made alive in me by Your Holy Spirit. Search my heart. Examine me. If there is any way that is not of You in me, get it out! You have been working on me for some time, and I am so grateful for Your patience. Truly, Your loving kindness leads me to repentance. Thank You Lord. You're my God and my Father. I no longer want to turn Your glory into shame. I have no desire to seek after false gods. Expose any that I might have. Your Word says, "Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God), the people perish; but he who keeps the law (of God, which includes that of man) - blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he" (Proverbs 29:18). I want Your vision for my life.

"Vision of You" (Shane and Shane)

"Come meet us, King Jesus

O wind of change, blow through this temple

Sweet Spirit of God, come mend our hearts

For all we have are songs, unless You come

Awaken what's inside of me

Tune my heart to all You are in me

Even though You are here

God, come

May the vision of You be the death of me

And even though You've given everything

Jesus, come

Come free us, King Jesus

It's the only way that freedom's given

For You and You alone

And the work You've already done

For all we have are songs 

Unless You come

Here we are in this place

Crying out for Your embrace

To hear Your voice

More than songs

Oh, please come

Jesus, come

Awaken what's inside of me

Tune my heart to all You are inside of me

Even though You're here, God come

May the vision of You be the death of me

And even though You've given everything,

Jesus, come"

Update!

Recently, there have been a lot of changes. I keep wanting to sit down and write, but I have not had a lot of extra time to do so. The last few weeks have flown by! There were so many that I was not able to say "goodbye" to in Waco. I am so thankful that I am not too far away. I will be visiting soon! I absolutely love Fort Worth. I have been here less than a week, and I am beginning to find my way around. Thank you Mom and Dad for the GPS! I had a quick break after finishing my final course work and before my internship began. It was wonderful. I was able to spend some much needed time with my family. I didn't get near enough, but it was refreshing to be with them. I was able to see my cousin Kelsey before she left for college. My Dad's side of the family is from Arkansas, so we all met at Lake Claiborne for some fried catfish! It was great being able to see everyone and take a lot of pictures. I also had the opportunity to see my Mom's side of the family as well. Mamaw and Papaw cooked tons of boiled shrimp, potatoes, corn, green beans...etc. You name it; we had it! Aunt Jill and Jordan came over, and we all sat around the table catching up! We also celebrated Mom's 50th birthday! She just gets more beautiful every year. What a blessing to be home with my family! Such a sweet time of sharing, laughing, remembering, praying, and enjoying every minute! I have been trying to post pictures, but I am having some difficulties. I'll keep trying. After spending time with my family, I came straight to Fort Worth. I had so much to do, but eventually everything was completed. I started my internship at Baylor All Saints Medical Center on Monday. My first three days have been amazing. Because of confidentiality laws, that is all I can say - though I wish I could share more. I was a little nervous about going into the hospital setting, but so far it has been a smooth transition. Everyone is genuinely kind and helpful. I know that I will learn so much, and I am just there to take it all in. I realize it is only the third day, and I have no idea what is in store. However, I just really feel confident that Speech Language Pathology is exactly where God has called me. Apart from Him, I can do nothing. He has been my greatest Resource, my Answer, my Confidence. From little things like recalling all that I have studied to helping me find my way around the hospital, He alone continues to meet my every need according to His glorious riches! Well, I am off to a fondue party! I promise I won't wait as long to post. Keep checking back! 

Family Time!

Last Sunday!

So, yesterday was my last Sunday at Antioch Community Church. I didn't get to say goodbye to  all of my precious friends (like I had hoped), but I know that I will be back. I am so thankful for the time the Lord allowed me to be apart of this community. So many have invested their time and talents in helping me know Christ in a deeper, more intimate way. I have been given so much by being apart of this church, and I will forever be grateful. Thank You Lord for Your church! 

Root For The Home Team!

Well, Friday I finished my last day of clinic at Baylor University! I can't believe it! My final semester of graduate school will begin August 25th in Fort Worth, Texas! It's so weird that I am finally leaving Waco. Now that my time of tests, projects, and papers are coming to a close, I will actually have some free time. Thank You Lord for seeing me through! All I have left is one project and two finals! I just wanted to write and catch everyone up on all that is happening! I am planning on leaving Waco on Wednesday afternoon and heading to Shreveport for a few days to spend time with my family. My sister comes home from Europe on Wednesday as well! Pray for her safety! She has had a wonderful time! I can't wait to see all of her amazing pictures and hear all of her fun stories. On Thursday, my family and I are meeting Kelsey, Aunt JB, Tracy, and Boo at our favorite fish restaurant on the lake! We will be saying our goodbyes as Kelsey makes her way to the U of A (University of Arkansas)! We are so proud of her! I will probably spend the rest of the weekend with my family and just enjoy being home. It will be so good to see Mamaw, Papaw, Aunt Jill, and Jordie. Mom's birthday is coming up, August 19th! So, it will be great that everyone will get to be together! I am also hoping to see a few friends before heading back to Fort Worth! I am really looking forward to the days ahead! God is so good. Above are a few pictures of a night out at the ballpark! Paul, Karen, Chris, Me, Ashton, and my Dad all went to see the Rangers play the Yankees. Unfortunately, the Yankees won three to zero! Last but not least, I would like to leave you with a quote that challenged me today. 

"Ordinarily, the primary hindrance to satisfaction in our lives is refusing Him access to our empty places." -Beth Moore

I Choose You!

"And I choose You

All my attention, affection

And all my devotion for You

If everybody's worshipping something

I choose You..."

-Point Of Grace ("I Choose You")

"I will waste my life

And I'll be tested and tried

With no regrets inside of me

Just to find I'm at Your feet

Just let me find I'm at Your feet

For I am in love with You

There is no cost

I am in love with You

There is no loss

I am in love with You

I want to take Your name

I am in love with You

I want to cling to You, Jesus

Just let me cling to You, Jesus"

-Misty Edwards ("I Am In Love With You")

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you but (reverently) to fear the Lord your God, (that is) to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your (mind and) heart and with your entire being." Deuteronomy 10:12

"Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand)." Jeremiah 33:3

Time Flies!

Time flies when you are having fun and when you have a lot to do! Some days I thought I would never see the end of paper work, studying, tests, projects, etc. However, I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I thought I had seen it before, but it was a little dim. Today, it is shining bright! I am so thankful for the opportunity God has given me to be a Speech-Language Pathologist! I am still waiting to see if I passed my National Comprehensive Exam (PRAXIS), but I did find out that I passed my Baylor Comprehensive Exam! Thank You Lord! He is so faithful! I have less than ten days of class and four days of clinic. Crazy! There is so much to do in the little time I have left. Pray that I would make every minute count and bring Him glory in the process. I have three tests and one project to complete in my last two weeks! I have to go study now. I want to finish well! Here's what I have been living on lately...

"If you continue in My Word, then you are My disciples." 

John 8:31

"I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight." Isaiah 45:2

"Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21

"Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things." 

Matthew 25:23

"He gives grace to the humble." James 4:6

"Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Galatians 6:9

"He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases their strength."

Isaiah 40:29

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." 

Matthew 5:8

I Put My Hope In Things Not Seen!

"Lord of all the Earth

How You care for me

You have made me

You will save and 

Carry me always

You are Faithful

You are Faithful

You are Faithful

Your joy is my strength

Lord, You are my God

I rely on You

I put my hope in things not seen

Your promises are true

You are Faithful

You are Faithful

You are Faithful

Your joy is my strength

You are Faithful

You are Faithful

You are Faithful

Your joy is my strength

Always You're with me

Your hand will lead me

My trust is in Your name

Always You're with me

Your hand will lead me

My trust is in Your name

You are Faithful

You are Faithful

You are Faithful

Your joy is my strength"

-Hillsong ("You Are Faithful")

Thank you Jesus! All glory, honor, and praise be to You! You are worthy of all my praise! Thank You Lord for seeing me through this year! Thank you for performing on my behalf! Thank You for continuing to pour out what I do not deserve. You alone are good! I love You Lord. I will worship You. I was lost and You found me. I was stuck in sin, and You made me holy Yours. I am eternally grateful for Your salvation. Thank You for the ways You continue to show Yourself to be Lord of Lords and King of Kings in my life! Thank You for the failures that allow me to keep my hand tightly clinched in Yours. Thank You for the successes that prove that You are still in the business of doing miracles! My confidence is in You. Apart from You, I am nothing. Apart from You, I can do nothing. Thank You for the strength of Your love. You are who I believe and will continue to believe for all my days! You are my Supply. Thank You that You love to meet Your children's needs according to Your most glorious riches. Thank You for caring about the smallest and biggest things in my life. May I use all that I have for Your service and Your glory. Love You Jesus!

Greatest Treasure!

"The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord receives my prayer." Psalm 6:9

"The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. (To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed). And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand." 

John 10:27-28

"But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)." Hebrews 11:6

"Be not afraid of them (their faces), for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." Jeremiah 1:8

Jesus, Forgive me for all the ways I continually fail You. Thank You that my greatest need is You. You alone are my greatest treasure. I pray that You would deliver me from the fear of what might happen. Help me to keep striving after what ought to be. I choose to believe You over what I see and how I feel. I choose You. Thank You that You have made us in Your image and we are not of those who shrink back. Thank You that we have received Your Spirit, that we may know the things freely given to us by God. Thank You that You tell us over and over again to ask! Help me each day to declare Your Word with a heart full of faith. 

Barrett & Jen's Wedding Pictures!

Worthy To Be Praised!

"Heart Of Worship" (Matt Redman)

"King of endless worth

No one could express

How much You deserve

Though I am weak and poor

All I have Yours

Every single breath

I'll bring You more than a song

For a song in itself

It's not what You have required

You search much deeper within

Through the way things appear

You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You

All about You, Jesus

I am sorry Lord for the thing I've made it

When it's all about You

It's all about You, Jesus

I'll bring You more than a song...

I'll bring You more than a song..."

"Cannot Say Enough" (Mercy Me)

"What can we say to describe just a glimpse of Your glory?

How can our words portray but a thread of Your majesty?

But still we praise our Savior in Spirit and in Truth...

For we cannot say enough about You!?"

I haven't posted in awhile, but He is worthy to be praised for so much! This weekend I took my PRAXIS exam, and I am so thankful that it is over! Thank you to all of you who sent me text messages or called. It meant so much. You have no idea! The Lord really gave me a peace that I am certain could only come from Him. I am choosing to believe that the Lord poured out His grace on me that day and answered all of our prayers! However, I won't know the results for four weeks. Whatever happens, He is good. I am so blessed to have the encouragement and support that I do. My parents came to Waco to pick me up and took me to Dallas for the test. I was so blessed to have them with me and help me through the big day. We had a lot going on this weekend. Not only did I take one of my comprehensives, but I was also in a wedding! It was challenging, but such a wonderful way to celebrate God's faithfulness to me and my precious friends who got married. My Dad was my date for the rehearsal dinner Friday night, and we had a lot of fun together! Chris had to work, but he drove in Saturday night for the wedding. We had a blast dancing, but even more so watching my Dad. He was hilarious! Anyway, it was great for the four of us to be together! The only problem was that we were missing Meredith! I can't wait for her to get back from Europe! So, back to my friends who got married! Jennifer has been one of my sweetest and closest friends since freshmen year of college. She and Barrett began dating the summer before our senior year, so I have had the privilege of knowing them together from the very beginning! They are a wonderful couple, who love the Lord and others so well. Their wedding will be one that I always remember. I felt that it captured so much of who they are and how much fun they like to have. I took quite a few pictures. They are all on facebook, but I have posted a few here as well. Right now, they are honeymooning in Hawaii! I am a little envious! But they have waited a long time for this, and I am genuinely happy for them! Well, as for me, I have to get back to studying! My last comprehensive is Friday morning! Pray! Pray! Pray!

"The reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it rests satisfied; he cannot be visited with (actual) evil." Proverbs 19:23

"He is my defense; I shall not be moved." Psalm 62:6

"Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you." 

Psalm 50:15

"He that cometh to me shall never hunger." John 6:35

"The Word of the Lord endureth forever." 1 Peter 1:25