Until You Try...

Oh happy day

2012-01-24T09:59:00.002-06:00

There's too much good new music floating around the internet today and I couldn't keep it all to myself.

First of all, Williams Fitzsimmons is a guy who I saw a long time ago in Nashville, and it was by far one of the best little unplugged shows I saw. Noisetrade has one of his songs as a free download and you should get it immediately.

Also, Ingrid's new cd is free to listen to on aol music today, which just makes me happy.

Happy Music to you today!

Dreaming

2012-01-19T06:36:00.004-06:00

I want to write a song. I want to be behind a guitar and a mic, writing folk music. I want to go back to Italy and maybe even Greece. I want to seepeople come to know Jesus and walk with God and encounter the Holy Spirit over and over again. I want to go to Napa Valley and Seattle - those are the next places to visit in the US. I want to see people and things here on earth through Gods eyes, not my own. I want to pray for people and hear God for people, and be a part of the many miraculous things that God does through prayer and intercession. I want people to know that they have been given gifts from God and I want them to discover what they are and WALK in it. Not just hope that God is working and moving on their behalf, but actually take part in His work in their lives. I want to write a book.. Who knows what about... Just want to write. I want to open up an even better store than Anthropologie.

That's what I want. At least for today. Wonder what God wants today….

Reading List

2011-08-18T05:55:00.003-05:00

I had to blog late last night for the GB blog today and thought I would just share it with you. It's not quite as I hoped it would turn out, but thought I would show it to you regardless.

We've had a lot of fun things going on for the ministry blog, so if you don't read it, you should especially read it every Friday, as Priscilla has been sharing her new book that is releasing September 1, The Resolution For Women. I'm so excited about the book and want everyone I know to read it, female of course. She's doing all kinds of giveaways and stuff, so that's kind of fun.

Other reads: Is God To Blame by Greg Boyd. I will have many postings about this book I think, and I'm only on chapter 5, but if you are looking for a new read right now, I highly recommend it. Thanks to Michael for the suggestion.

My Day Off

2011-08-11T16:16:00.006-05:00

I took the day off today. Well, really I was just hoping for a day to work from home, but my boss told me to just take the day off.

It's been fantastic. I still woke up super early to run and read and what not. For some reason I enjoy getting up at the butt crack of dawn. It makes me feel productive. Anyway, I got my oil changed this morning which took way too long, and then after that the fun began.

Bought some super fantastic pants and a shirt at Anthropologie today with a gift card I had. The pants look somewhat like these, except mine are way cuter….

here's the shirt - they look fantastic together, by the way

Then, I popped into Whole Earth Provision Co in hopes to find the TOMS that I like, but came out with a North Face jacket that was super on sale (thanks to Margie - she was the one who got the jacket first; i totally copied her). It's perfect for winter in Texas, and I'm pumped.

I guess my whole day revolved around shopping. And I'm ok with that. And I guess it's been filled with much reading and contemplating, which is better than all these other things.

I talked with a girl at the coffee shop today. I could tell she was a runner because she had all of her Lululemon gear on. She started to tell me how her knee has been hurting her for about a year now. The more we talked, the more I just wanted to pray for healing for her. But I didn't. I started thinking that it would be silly for me to do that, and that I have no experience in it and so why would I do that? And who says that she would've wanted it? She could think that would be incredibly ridiculous.

Fear of man. That's what that is. When I was driving away I realized that I missed a huge opportunity. And I didn't go back. I know her healing doesn't depend on me, but I also wonder if it WAS an opportunity for her knee to get better - just because God is motivated by love, and I felt that for her in that moment. It's unfortunate. Maybe I'll get another chance?

Oh, the things that can happen on your day off!

Starbucks

2011-08-05T08:34:00.004-05:00

This morning I went to get us some Starbucks. Jerry and I are somewhat coffee snobs. Ok, we are coffee snobs. I blame it on myself, though. I think I've made him that way. The coffee here at the hotel is quite disgusting and I don't want to bear it if I don't have to. So last night I told him I would get us an americano in the morning since Starbucks is pretty close to where we are staying.

I was putting creme and stevia in my coffee at the little "bar" area and a man came up beside me to prep his coffee, and right away said: "Hello! How are you today?". I responded quickly with a "I'm doing well, how are you?". He responded with "good" or something like that. I don't really remember. Right after all of this happened, something triggered in my spirit. Sort of like a . . . "I think that man really wanted to know how I was doing". He was one of those men that has that dad smell. I don't know what it is, but it's just a very distinct cologne smell, that you smell all the time. Do you know what I'm talking about?

Anyway, as we were both standing there I just wondered if there was something more to that conversation. Like, did I need to keep talking to him? There really wasn't anything else left to say. I knew we had about 10 seconds left of fixing our coffee and then I would head out the door. Then I started to think about how much his little question kind of made me in a good mood. Not that I wasn't already in a good mood, but it made me in a better one. And then I thought, this is crazy that I'm thinking so much about a little question some random stranger asked me at the coffee bar, and that millions of people say each and every day at least twice a day to someone.

AND THEN I thought about how words are so impactful and powerful. I can chose to speak life or death today. I can speak death over myself by my lack of faith and lack of feeling like I am pursuing God as I really should. Or, I can speak life over myself today by claiming who I really am in Christ, how I am being led from glory to glory as I seek to pursue Jesus whole heartedly. That there is nothing that I CAN or CANT do to earn more righteousness, but that righteousness only comes by faith.

It's this big spiral that has occurred in my mind by one mans 5 words. He'll never know, either. I wonder what opportunities are going to present themselves to me today, and I wonder the words that are going to come out of my mouth and how they are going to effect people.

This is why I love Starbucks.

Memphis

2011-08-04T07:45:00.004-05:00

I arrived in Memphis last night with the Shirer clan. Jerry and I and the three boys got here around 5:00pm and Priscilla met us late last night because she was finishing up a project she had been working on for 3 days. We are going to be here all weekend with Life Church - I actually took the boys to a Mega Worship and Prayer event last night that they had at the church so they could play with all their friends, and I got to go to the service. It is always so good reconnecting with these people - they are our friends now. We come here at least 3 times a year, and I've so grown to love so many of them.

Today my day will be spent with the 3 little rascals - probably a lot of swimming and playing.

I was just thinking about all of the opportunities that are out there for us today. I'm in a place lately of desperately wanting God to move in every part of my life. I know that all it really takes is a mindset switch for me, and continual pursuit of God. I'm working on it, and believing for that in my life today.

Today I'm believing for: the chance to share the love of Jesus with someone who has never heard it, to bless and serve those I'm with today, and that I will know in my gut the love of God and operate out of that instead of my own thoughts and feelings.

Today, is a good day!

the THING

2011-07-21T10:00:00.002-05:00

Do you ever have those days, where something is on your mind and you can't stop thinking about that one certain thing? And It's a big thing. At least it's big thing to you. Something that effects your whole day. Your job, a person, a conversation you had the day before, something that happened that really did something to your heart. . .

I woke up that way today. What's hard about this thing, is that sometimes you don't know if you should be feeling the way you do, or you don't know what to do about HOW you feel. It's just there. Like a big blockade that won't go away. And you read, and pray, and think about it some more, trying to figure out what you are going to do, how you are going to change this thing. In some ways you feel guilty for feeling the way you do. Am I being selfish? Am I not being grateful? How come I haven't felt this way in the past? Is it God that is igniting something in my heart? Or am I just frustrated and don't know what to do about it?

We are reading through Jeremiah right now, and we happened to be in chapter 17 today.

The heart is deceitful above all thing and beyond cure

Who can understand it?

I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind,

to reward a man according to his conduct,

according to what his deeds deserve

How am I supposed to know how to process things if my own heart deceives me? Does that mean that everything I'm feeling and thinking has no value? Doesn't God live in our hearts . . . I mean, He is supposed to give us a clean heart . . . right?

This thing is driving me nuts.

I started to think about my life. The fact that God knew me before I even existed on this earth. He knew I would grow up in Chicago, move to Memphis, lose my dad, date someone for 7 years only for it to end, would get to live in Nashville, and then give me a dream job in Dallas without even looking for it. I remembered . . . that my life has been good. Those things are just the big details, but all the little details, they've been incredible. They've fit in perfectly with the big things. And I didn't do anything to create ANY of them. They just happened. Because God is really really good. He always has been to me, and I know He always will be to me. I would not change one part of my life, because I know they have gotten me where I am today.

So I'm thankful that God can and does search my heart and examine my mind. He knows how I'm going to feel about this thing one month from now, or a year from now. He knows whether or not it needs to happen or fade away. Because He has my best in mind.

So I have the option, not to necessarily forget how I'm thinking and feeling about this thing, but I do need to focus on something else. Because otherwise I will go crazy. And so I remember my life, and all that has happened, and choose the truth, and act on the truth. That God is good. He always has been, and He always will be. I don't sit on this thing anymore, but just remember His goodness and faithfulness. And . . . that's really it.

Something will probably shift or change, because He's good like that, and everything will be just fine.

So, God . . . about this thing . . . you can let it happen, or make it go away . . . or just sit there for a while. But I'm not going to worry about it all day today. Because either way, you're going to allow it to change me. And you will graciously act. And I will think about the greater picture. Which is me knowing You, and allowing that to be my heartbeat for today.

My friends

2011-07-17T09:38:00.003-05:00

Margie: one day I hope you get to have your own cooking show.

Kendall: one day I hope you are part of your own church, seeing the lost have radical life changes, all the while doing stand up comedy every now and then

Dara: one day I hope you are hanging out with the famous, praying for them and seeing them come to know God

Kristin: one day I hope you are traveling and leading worship

Jenny: one day I hope you own your own bakery in a beautiful house with beautiful things inside

Sarah: one day I hope you own your own stationery store, that probably sells coffee as well

Sara: one day I hope you have your own yoga studio, and it will also sell the stationery that you make

*perhaps you should sell your stationery in Sarah's store as well

Laura: one day I hope you are running some fabulous business that provides funds for people all around the world, and you will be a pilot as well

just sayin…….

Helllooooo Colorado

2011-07-17T09:16:00.003-05:00

Why is it that when we are removed from our normal environments, we can see things a lot clearer?

I got to Colorado Springs last night. I'm here hanging out with my sister and brother-in-law. She just had some surgery and I'm here to help where I can. (honestly, it's just a really great excuse to be with them and also get out of the Texas heat) And the mountains? Please! I could stare at them all day every day.

This morning I've been pondering a few things I'm praying about and believing for. And for some reason, I feel like I can see a lot more clearly on these things being away. I see change that needs to happen in my life, and I'm just not sure how to make it all happen. I know that when I return, it will be challenging. The tendency will be to NOT change and fall into my normal patterns.

But not this time. I will pray, think, pray some more, hold myself accountable to others and let the change take place.

Why is this? Why do we have to remove ourselves from environments to see things?

"Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." Mark 6:31

Come away . . . . to see a new perspective, to get out of routine, and let God speak.

DO IT

Never Giving Up

2011-07-11T06:30:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I have no words. Like tonight. I've felt every kind of emotion I can feel today. All I want to do is sit and listen to and watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D__FhynL7k&feature=youtube_gdata_player

And then I rest. And find peace in the midst of chaos. And I know everything is taken care of.

Your Father Knows what you Need

2011-06-12T06:54:00.002-05:00

I was listening to a podcast this morning while I was running by Eric Johnson from Bethel Church called God of this City and it brought so much joy and revelation to my heart this morning.

I love those subtle moments when God speaks to me. It's just a thought that comes to my mind, and as the statement is created in my head, it's not that big of a deal. And then the progression begins…. I start to think about the statement and I realize that I probably didn't come up with it on my own. And then I ponder it and realize that God was so gracious to allow me to see what it is that He is saying…. and then I start to think about why He would want me to hear it… and then begins the life change. It's a beautiful thing!

For part of the podcast Eric was talking about our prayer lives from Matthew 6 and how we ought to have this secret prayer life with God. This little thing that I feel like God spoke to me about was from the verse that you have probably heard….

. . . For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him….

Eric kept reading but my mind stopped right there. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. My prayer life consists mainly of me telling God about my situations, thoughts, problems, etc. and it pretty much stops there. Sure, I pray for other people a little and other things that may be going on, but seriously, much of my prayers are asking for breakthrough in areas of my life and for things that I need.

But why am I doing that if He already knows what I need? In my heart it just know that my prayer life needs to be altered a little bit. I think it's such a good thing to ask God for things, for breakthrough, for the desires of our hearts, but my heart is stirred today to be more engaged with blessing Him and just being with Him.

I think that this little verse has given me peace to know that God IS going to give me what I need while I'm abiding in Him. And I can be confident that as I'm with Him, so He is with me. And when He is with me, He gives me what I need.

Nothing new, just a different perspective and hope that my prayer life will be strengthened and that my heart will be changed.

Psalm 68

2011-05-23T08:36:00.002-05:00

The LORD . . .

Is a father to the fatherless

A defender to the widow

In His holy dwelling

Rides on the clouds

Sets the lonely in families

Leads forth prisoners with singing

Gives abundant showers

Refreshes the weary inheritance

Provides for the poor

Reigns at a mountain

Daily bears our burdens

Saves

Thunders with a mighty voice

Gives strength and power to His power

Do you fit into one of these? There are many promises for you today

Praise be to God who is worthy of our praise

May the righteous be glad and rejoice; may they be HAPPY and JOYFUL

fought for

2011-02-27T20:37:00.002-06:00

i've realized that there is something really powerful in knowing you are being fought for. knowing that there is a battle going on that you can't see and that someone else is vying for your attention and affection.

i'm not sure if guys feel the same way as girls do about this. i was talking to a guy friend today about relationships . . . timing . . . trying to make relationships happen vs waiting on God's timing. you have this group of single friends who are all amazing; you're really not "young anymore". how is it that all these people are friends and don't end up together?

will any of them end up together?

will we all still be hanging out, single 5 years from now?

do you pray your heart will change towards them?

do you pray for them to open up to you?

if the girl is fought for, will she change her mind?

thankfully, there is the unknown. we are called to walk by faith, not by sight. it'll make the end so much more worth it.

talking to God

2011-01-21T17:18:00.002-06:00

I'm sitting at a coffee shop, at a small table, with a guy and a girl sitting beside me. We are in close proximities. They are students at SMU, talking… and talking… and talking.

The dude actually won't shut up. Talking 90 miles per hour about the world we live in, the things wrong with it, how to solve these problems, other students in their class you aren't intelligent and ask stupid questions in class… you get the point.

It's not that I'm trying to listen to them, but his voice is so loud that I can't help but try not to be annoyed, and hear every single thing they are saying. I'm trying to focus on Leviticus 1-3, which is the reading we have today because our church as a group is reading through the bible. I'm reading about offering burnt sacrifices to the Lord, and they are talking about evolution.

I kind of wonder if this is what we sound like to God sometimes…. talking, and talking, and talking. Noise, noise, more noise. 100 million words per minute without even taking a breathe. Mercy!

Do I do this? Do I talk so much that God can't get a word in otherwise?

Last night at Life Group we talked about hearing God. Listening to God. We sat and just let Him speak to us, for about 10 minutes. It was wonderful. I didn't say a word. I just let Him speak to me, and everyone else did too. It was pure. Lovely. He spoke many things to us. He didn't say 100 million words per minute. In fact, He really just spoke maybe one or two words. But they had huge impact. They encouraged us. They made us happy. They changed how we will live… perhaps even effected the rest of our lives.

I think I'll let Him do most of the talking. I think I'll keep reading about burnt sacrifices, and wait in expectancy for the next two or three words I hear from Him.

To the dude sitting next to me at the coffee shop: I hope you are able to talk with God this much. I hope you know that God wants to talk to you, and would sit there and listen to you talk 100 million words per minute, and love every second of it. Perhaps you could even let him have a word in as well.

the BOD

2011-01-15T15:35:00.002-06:00

I feel it necessary for you to meet the BOD (board of directors). They are my peeps here in Dallas. Since I have been inspired to dream and think and write again, I know you will be hearing about them a lot, so it's only fitting for you to be introduced.

Kendall summed us all up pretty well on her blog. It's really quite hilarious. Unfortunately, she didn't do one for herself. But, the way she writes gives you a pretty good idea of her personality anyway.

here it goes…. enjoy

http://web.me.com/kendallgayle/Site/Blog/Entries/2011/1/4_BOD.html

Jon Acuff

2010-12-06T08:29:00.001-06:00

I don't know if you know who this is, but this guy can be pretty darn funny. He attended Deeper Still this weekend and wrote about his thoughts from the women's conference. Check it out. I think you'll enjoy

http://stuffchristianslike.net/2010/12/4115/

curve ball

2010-12-03T06:37:00.002-06:00

why is it that our emotions can throw us so many curve balls? one day you feel excited and hopeful, the next you feel like you've forgotten everything you've learned in life thus far. one day you really like someone, the next you don't. one day you really feel the presence of God, the next day you wonder if your prayers are being heard. one day you're confident of the season of life God has you in, the next you are wishing this season away.

the heart is deceitful above all things.

it's a month of breakthrough. i know it. i believe it. grab hold of it. join me if you'd like. He's speaking this to many people. we've got 4 weeks left in December. now is the time.

¹ My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
² turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
³ indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
⁵ then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God

Proverbs 2: 1-5

dear future spouse

2010-10-14T12:26:00.002-05:00

Dear future spouse of mine,

I'm not quite sure if we have met yet or not. Your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea when you will come around, but I'm starting to hope that it is sooner than later. It would be nice if you would show your face. I should probably let you know ahead of time that I'm a little nervous for you. I may not have a dad, but I have a brother… and a boss by the name of Jerry Shirer… and 2 brother-in-laws… they are quite protective of me. However, if I know you like I think I do, you'll handle it all just fine.

Until then, I hope you are well my friend. Don't be shy.

and the ingredients are…..

2010-09-29T09:53:00.001-05:00

so, no one was all that close on the smoothie. but the ingredients were…….

Spinach (way to go Lu), Collared Greens, Kale, Swiss Chard, Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, and some protein.

I know, it sounds disgusting, but seriously, it tastes amazing!

greens and fruits

2010-09-28T08:57:00.003-05:00

So, my boss is great, as you all know. Not only does he bring me Almond Butter, apples, and Nutella from Costco in HUGE amounts, but he also sometimes surprises me in the mornings with this….

This, my friends, is one of Jerry's special concoctions. He has some kind of "vitamix" blender or something or another that makes all kinds of surprises.

I will give you some kind of big prize if you can guess what's in this smoothie.

Ready, set, go…….

my new life

2010-08-31T06:41:00.001-05:00

just stopping for a minute to take a break from the craziness of my life. it's been so great ever since i've moved. however, my schedule has definitely changed in so many ways.

wake up at 4:50am

out the door by 5:00am to go on a run

shower

spend time with God

get dressed very quickly

out the door by 7:15am for work

work until 6:00pm

home by 6:30/7:00pm

and then the second part of my life begins:

having neighbors over for dinner, or

hanging out with friends, or

life group, or

discipleship

and then before I know it it's 10:00pm and I'm wondering where the day went. so I have to learn my boundaries. what can be cut out and what can't. and while I feel like I'm going hard all day long, I am loving every minute of it. i love my new house. i love my new roommate. i love my job and the people i get to spend all day with. i love figuring out how to navigate my life with God while trying to live in the supernatural. to be honest, i really have nothing figured out and lots to learn, but I'm grateful. and I'm committed to seeking God through it all . . . loving Him and loving others.

i know it's just a season. and the next season is going to look very different from this season. so… for now, I'll probably blog less and read more, spend less time on facebook and twitter and more time working, spend the time i'm not working with people... in discipleship and discipling others, going to concerts, exercising, eating delicious food, and enjoy being single for as long as it lasts.

what does your season look like?

my book list

2010-08-19T16:06:00.002-05:00

So at the beginning of the year I set a goal for myself. I told myself i would read 1 book every 2 months, to read a total of 6 books in a year. I know that doesn't sound like a lot to most people out there, but for me, this was a very practical goal to set for myself.

Well, so far so good. Here's what I've read: Forgotten God, So Long Insecurity, Secrets of the Secret Place, Chasing the Dragons, and The Shack. Recommend all of them to you. All fantastic books!

I've been trying to get into Captivating, Stasi Eldredge, but I just can't do it. For some reason I'm just not digging it. So I ordered myself two new books today: Come to Papa, by Gary Wiens and then Radical by David Platt. I cannot wait read these and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to have any trouble getting into them.

I'm actually quite proud of myself of being ahead of my goal. I figured I'd give myself some space this year, and then next year I can try and read a book a month or every 1.5 months. We'll see. But for now, I've got two more books to read before December. I think I can make that happen.

What should I add to my reading list?!

I moved!

2010-08-16T12:42:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm finally living in Dallas. I moved this past Tuesday and have been spending every extra minute I have unpacking and trying to decorate. We will have a long way to go, but everything is really coming together.

I am so happy in my new place. I feel like I have more structure to my life and am honestly able to accomplish more at work now. I'm so excited for what God wants to do on our little street and in our community.

pictures to come soon. In the meantime, get excited for all the new music coming out tomorrow, specifically David Gray and Ray Lamontagne's new albums!

75206

2010-08-09T22:54:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe that tonight is my last night at 612 Bent Creek Drive. So many things have happened in my life since I've moved here.

A new job - one that I still can't believe that I have
New depth and intimacy with Jesus
Being part of a church that really is the church - people who love God desperately and really live by faith
I've traveled all over the US
Gained two nieces

Was baptized at this house

My whole family has stayed here at one time and have had so many visitors

The list could go on forever

It's always interesting to look back on things. I've been here for 1.5 yrs. I really feel like I can say I'm not the same person I was when I moved here. I have a long way to go, but God is so faithful to bring me into a deeper relationship with Him. I could never, nor would I ever want to, go backwards…. go back to how things used to be. Yes, I miss some people dearly, but thankfully those relationships don't change

So tonight is my last time to sleep here. To sleep where I work. To sleep alone (without a roommate), to be able to walk downstairs in the morning to go to work, to wake up and spend time with the Lord however I want without anyone hearing or seeing me, to live 10 minutes away from Jerry and Priscilla..

But I'm gaining such an amazing roommate, and amazing place to live, a place that is within 5 miles of my friends and church, not to mention half a mile to my favorite coffee shop.

I'm gaining deeper community, a more balanced schedule, and whatever else the Lord has planned.

So here's to a new season… a shift in my life… it's yours, Lord. have Your way!

The Shreve

2010-08-03T12:13:00.002-05:00

This past weekend I went to visit Margie and Aaron and let me tell you, it was an amazing weekend. Margie could not have wrapped up the weekend any more perfectly, so I will just send you over to her blog to take a ganter.

It was just what my soul needed. Can I also add that 4 times I was told that we look like sisters. I cannot tell you how many times we got that comment in college. Huge compliment for me if I look like a beautiful, petite girl with the prettiest blue eyes you've ever seen.

Marg, I love you like crazy!

go to the lost

2010-07-28T08:28:00.002-05:00

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

go to the lost. get your friends, start in your community. love people. let God show you His heart for them. pray for them. cry with them. feel their pain. feel their excitement. dream with them. find out what they like. do it with them. show them Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. pray again. and again. and ask God to give you His heart for them... again. and do it all over again.

to cheer you up

2010-07-24T20:39:00.003-05:00

just in case you need some cheering up. or even if you don't, this can only make you happier

(gracie lynn and allie jewel - my nieces)

Jesus would be weird.

2010-07-23T07:56:00.001-05:00

MATTHEW 8

07.23.2010

I’m convinced that Jesus would be taken as a very strange human being if He were here on this earth at this day.

Instead of people being demon - possessed (at least here in America for the most part), they’d go to Him with their cancer, broken hearts, aids, faithlessness, and ask Him for healing.

I do not understand why we are OK with reading the Word of God, seeing how Jesus was a healer - that was one of His main ministries, and yet we hear about churches/people in America who are experiencing healing, who are going out and praying for people, and we think they are way too “charasmatic” and “weird” and “have messed up theology”. I don’t understand why, and I’m guilty of this too, we think that Jesus would come to earth and love people and free them from all their burdens/diseases, and then just not let that be possible for us today. Didn’t He say that it is better that He goes back to heaven and gives us His Spirit so that we can bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth?

I’m torn. I’m torn because I want so badly to just live as Jesus lived. I want that so badly for my life. I want to serve, I want to love people unrelentlessly, I want to bring Heaven to earth. And here I am, every day, not really feeling like I am anywhere near that. Spending time with God (some days more than others), but every day with a yearning and desire to be close to Him and there is a deep connection there. But I feel like there is no fruit. At least the kind of fruit that I’d like to see.

But is it really up to me what kind of fruit I’m producing? Because if it was up to me, I think I’d be in trouble. Because then I would be in control. Because then I would start to think that the more I did - the more I prayed, the more I read my Bible, the more I told people about Jesus, the more results I would see. Doing, doing, doing, doing... for some reason it’s just not getting me anywhere right now. I can’t pray enough, try hard enough, to get the results I’m going for.

I.am.not.in.control. I’ve got to quit trying so hard. I’ve got to just believe. I can feel my heart instantly being drawn to Him every day. Should’ve that just usher me into a deeper relationship with Him as I spend time with Him, rather than thinking about.. “ok my time with God is from 7:00-8:00 every morning; I will read my Bible for 30 minutes, pray for 15, and then listen to God for 15 minutes”. What happens if my morning doesn’t go like that and I only have 5 minutes with Him? Will I experience less of His presence that day than the day before? Wouldn’t that all be based on my performance?

I guess I just want to know Him - all of Him - and what He has for me, for my friends, and those that I love, and even those that I don’t know but get to encounter in my days on earth. I want ALL of Him. His heart, his mind, his gifts, the Spirit - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I want it all.

I can’t read enough, pray enough, to obtain it all. But I sure love being in His presence, and I love reading His word. And I love when He speaks to me when I’m listening to Him. So I will keep doing it, every chance that I have. I will keep thinking of Him through the day; feeding my Spirit with things of the kingdom rather than things of this world. Because in the end, the only thing that matters is Him.

Lord, may You continually give me a deeper desire to know You more, and may You use me to bring heaven to earth. May I not live as the world lives, but as you did while you were here.

today.. Memphis

2010-07-16T09:52:00.003-05:00

i cannot even remember the last time i've been to memphis, which is really rather crazy.

my family is in memphis, i grew up in memphis, and yet since i've moved to Texas i've rarely been there. the main reason is because now my family keeps coming to Dallas to visit.. and i LOVE it!

it's actually been sort of refreshing for me to have a break from memphis. and it's not because i don't like the city, but really just because of some personal reasons.

but this time, i'm so excited to be going! i'm going to connect with college friends, see my family a bit, Priscilla is speaking at Life Church which is one of my favorite places to be, and the staff and people there are incredible.

i feel like God has done so much in my life since i've moved to Dallas, and part of it is just healing from past times/memories from Memphis. i'm a new person, different and yet the same. it's going to be a good weekend.

hope yours is good as well. and if you are in or near memphis, you should come hear Priscilla.

Birthday and July 4

2010-07-08T12:03:00.004-05:00

It's been quite the busy few weeks. I've had a niece, a birthday, and fourth of July super fun weekend.

My friends threw me a surprise party and it was AWESOME! I was completely surprised.

mom came into town a day early to be at my party and also make me blueberry pancakes in the morning.. yummmmmmmmmm

everything we do always turns into a dance party.. and hats were necessary

July 4th is my friend Julie's birthday, so we spent the whole day at Belmont Hotel at the pool and rented a room and spent the night there. it was SO much fun! You've got to go there if you haven't been before. And also try out their restaurant Smoke. so good!

Hope you all had a lovely 4th of July weekend!

my life is fake

2010-06-30T23:37:00.002-05:00

ok, seriously. is my life fake?

i headed to my new roomies house tonight because i thought we were having girls night. opened the door and 30 of my closest friends were there to surprise me for my birthday!

no. idea. that. was. happening.

i feel overwhelmed. extremely happy. i've only lived here 1.5 yrs and i know people well enough that they would want to throw me a SURPRISE birthday party. incredible.

i'm determined my life is fake. i have the most ridiculous awesome job in the entire world. my mom drives to dallas to be at my surprise party. i have friends that love me well, ones in dallas and around the entire country. i'm healthy. the list could go on and on.

all that to say i'm spoiled rotten. i've already had the most incredible birthday and it hasn't even begun.

thank you Lord for these past 48 hrs. they have been a true gift. i do not know what tomorrow holds, but i will remember Your goodness always. Your love makes it worth it all!

06.29.2010

2010-06-29T22:15:00.003-05:00

my heart is so full. what an amazing 24 hours it has been.

a new niece was born. Lily Kate Hoppe. 7 lbs 7 oz 20 inches. the most beautiful little brown baby you have ever seen. theres something so prophetic about that sweet girl. Psalm 29 is her own chapter:

Ascribe to the Lord O might ones, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful, the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;The voice of the Lord shakes the desert; The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry "Glory!" The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

this little one is going to know the voice of the Lord. she is going to ascribe Him the Glory and honor due His name. she will be a silent warrior that hears the voice of God in a powerful way.

not only was my niece born today, but God was so near to me today. more than usual. it's like He was going out of His way to show me His presence.

i woke up with the feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off of me. you know when you are struggling with something for a while and it just feels heavy on your mind, heart, and almost literally on your body? well, it was gone today. what did i do? nothing. God just decided it was time to remove it.

then i get the most encouraging email from a friend. speechless after reading it.

then God just kept speaking little things to me throughout the day that He knew i needed. He was literally showing off today.

not because i deserved it. not because i did anything super special. just because He loves me. as Priscilla would say, He goes out of His way to confirm what concerns us most.

06.29.2010 - you were a good day to me. i think i'll remember this one for a while.

cheers to God being a stud, and Lily Kate Hoppe!

weekend wrap up

2010-06-27T22:31:00.004-05:00

i don't think I could've crammed more things into this weekend. but, then again, that's what I do best!

Friday night I made the most DELICIOUS black bean burgers you've ever put in your mouth. I made them from this cookbook. My sister got me into this stuff and everything in here is amazingly delicious and healthy. I also made some chocolate chip cookies that the guys devoured. If you are interested in cooking gluten free, you should check out this cookbook. The main ingredient is almond flour, which is super expensive if you just buy in a store, so I buy it in bulk from a website.

I made all of this food because we went over to a friends house to watch Troll 2.( If you don't know the story behind this movie: basically it was voted the worst movie of all time. And let me tell you, it's the truth. They just did a documentary on this movie recently which was hilarious. All that to say, don't waste two hours of your life watching Troll 2. ) Casey and Erin set up a screen outside so we ate and watch the movie on a screen in their backyard. It was actually really fun.

Saturday I got to pick up my sweet friend Jenny Pang from the airport. She has been away from us for 6 weeks touring Europe. I know, jealous right? I certainly was. I had the most amazing time catching up with her at dinner and of course dessert at PinkBerry - the love of my life!

Sundays are always my favorite. I love being able to lead worship, I love seeking God with my community at church, and I love Sunday afternoons. Half of my friends have been in Detroit for the past 8 days and they got home last night as well. Thankfully, everyone is home now!

This week is packed with lots of work, and most importantly, my sister-in-law is being induced tomorrow! yay!! Lily Kate, we can't wait to meet you!! Praying for them tomorrow if you think about it.

Hope you had a fantastic weekend!

uncle lala

2010-06-23T08:36:00.004-05:00

Last night I got to have dinner with my Uncle Keith who was in town for business from Chicago. I can't begin to tell you what a treat it was to go out to dinner with him, for so many different reasons. "Uncle Lala" is one of those uncles that everyone wishes they had. He is seriously one of the most loving, funniest, most kind human beings ever. I have no idea what we would do without this man in our family.

I was talking to my sister about going to dinner with him before I got to the restaurant, and she said something that totally stuck in my mind. She said "it's so fun that you get to go out to dinner with an older man. you and I don't really get to do that ever."

Let me explain that sentence a little bit more. If you know me, you know that I have lost a lot of influential men in my lifetime. My dad passed away when I was 11 (from cancer) , my moms dad just a few years after that, and my dad's dad passed away when I was about 1 yrs old. If you think about it, those are the main men in ones life, for the most part.

Anyway, I started to think about what my sister said, and how neat it was that I was getting to spend some time with an influential male in my life. The other thing that was so cool to me about last night was that Uncle Keith lost his daughter (my cousin) to cancer as well a few years ago, and so here we are.... a girl who doesn't get to have dinner with her dad, and a dad who doesnt get to have dinner with his daughter....

And let me tell you it was so fun. I see Uncle Keith a few times a year, but this has been one of my favorite moments with him. Nothing spectacular happened. We just talked, shared amazing Italian food, and caught up on life. I felt like it was a gift from God. There was something so sweet about last night that I can't really explain. But I'm forever grateful for it. It made me feel like a little girl again, when dad used to take us out to eat, make us laugh, encourage us in our season of life, and make us feel special and love.

Thank you Uncle LaLa for making time in your schedule to hang out with your niece. It was a moment I will remember forever. I love you!

favorites from the weekend

2010-06-20T22:39:00.002-05:00

and in no particular order...

1. pinkberry

2. 13.2 mile run on Saturday

3. laying out by the pool

4. lots of fuji apples and almond butter (duh!)

5. church this morning = faith stirring and thought provoking

6. whipping out my flute... yes, i used to play the flute, and yes it was really fun to play tonight

so excited about this

2010-06-18T10:45:00.000-05:00

love

2010-06-17T08:24:00.002-05:00

Last night some friends and I got to talking about l-o-v-e. Relationships, fears, dating, etc. etc.

It got my head spinning last night, so much so that I didn't fall asleep until 1:00am. I was thinking about my past relationships, what I learned from them, why they didn't work out, the fears that I carry into relationships because of the hurt has been caused in the past.... one thing I do know: I've learned A LOT and still have a lot to learn.

I love when God does this: He awakened me this morning to talk to me about... love. His love. His high, wide, deep and long love for me. And for you.

Just a few things that I'm pondering today

1. It is better to love than not have loved at all... true? false?

What if God didn't chose to love us? What if he didn't decide to give us his reckless, hopeless, abandon love? I'd say this is a pretty valid statement.

"Love is the great equalizer in the Kingdom.. no one has an advantage over another in giving and receiving love." - Bob Sorge

2. Give love and receive love today

3. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.

Because I haven't experienced crazy love here in earth physically, I think there is something so profound about letting God show me how deep and high and wide and long is His love for me today. I can't love others well if I don't know how high and wide and deep and long His love is.

I want to be someone who loves people recklessly, and not only that, but more importantly, I want to KNOW His love.. I mean really know His love for me.

I put up walls with loving people. Because I put my heart out there and because ____ isn't going to give me anything back, I don't want to love _____ well. God I can't pray for ____, I can't honor _____, because it's not fair and it's not safe for my heart. But if I'm only willing to love to the extent that I am loved back, then I have it all wrong, and I'm in trouble. You know?

So what would it look like if we let God SHOW us His high and wide and deep and long love today? And loved people out of the place?

Deeper Still, Denver

2010-06-10T08:24:00.003-05:00

Today we leave for Denver for our first Deeper Still of this year. I can't believe it's been half a year since I've been with everyone. So many things to look forward to this year.... new schedule, can't WAIT to hear what the gals are going to teach on, lots of birthdays going on... it's a party.

praying that this will be a transformational weekend for myself and everyone else invovled and attending the conference.

did i mention i get to stay and hang out with my sister and brother-in-law for a few days after the conference? SO EXCITED!

oh and Happy 30th Birthday to my brother Brian! whoop!

not waco

2010-06-08T08:49:00.002-05:00

Well, turns out that Lily Kate was not ready to come last night. Luci's contractions leveled off and the doctor ended up sending them home around 2:00am. So, I'm back to work plugging away today getting ready for Denver this weekend.

Hope you have an awesome Tuesday!

Waco?

2010-06-07T23:34:00.003-05:00

By the time you read this I may or may not be in Waco. Got a call from my brother and sis in law just now and they think she is going into labor.... 3 weeks early. She was supposed to be induced on June 29 so this is totally unexpected.

So.... Super excited that the baby could be here very soon! I can't go back to sleep so I'm just trying to delay time until I hear back from them. Yay for Lily Kate arriving soon!

Pray for Luci and the baby!

it.is.hot

2010-06-05T17:10:00.002-05:00

i woke up this morning to go on a long run, and i didn't make it out to the lake until 8:30. bad idea. I should've started about 3 hours earlier. it is so incredibly hot already in Texas. not cool.

our forecast for the week:

Sunday - 99

Monday - 97

Tuesday - 95

Seriously Dallas? It's only June. I'm wondering how in the world my brother and I trained for a marathon over the summer last night? Not sure what we were thinking, but I'm just glad I'm not doing it right now.

I will say, though, that I totally have the bug again. I've been looking and looking for a marathon that I can run this year. It seems like they are all on dates that I can't do. Hoping to find one soon though. I'll keep you posted.

Just a little remembrance from the Chicago marathon....

Saaaaaaaaaaaaaan Diego

2010-06-03T08:47:00.010-05:00

About a month ago mom and I were planning on taking a vacation to Orange Beach, until all the oil spill stuff was "supposed" to hit the gulf coast. So, we decided to randomly go to San Diego. And what an amazing decision that was! I swear, San Diego, is one of my FAVORITE places in the world. Seriously. It is the perfection beach destination place. Never again do I want to go to Florida. That really says a lot coming from me, but it's the truth. You have GOT to go to this place if you are looking for a beach vacation spot. Not to mention there is about one million things to do in this city.

Mom and I left last Monday from Dallas, and my two sisters came and met us Wednesday and we all stayed until Sunday. We vacation so well together.

We slept. We ate delicious food. We sat on the beach all day long. WE DIDN'T SWEAT ONE BIT. We exercised. And did all of these things all over again.

It.was.perfect!

Here are some pictures from the trip. Enjoy!

La Jolla (pronounced la-hoya)... you HAVE to stay here if you go to the SD

We stayed in Oceanside. This is the Harbor of the city

Sara teaching yoga....

our "hike" we went on

SD has the most beautiful flowers EVERYWHERE. this amazing home was on Coronado Island

you know I love food and have to take pictures of what I eat. this was banana bread french toast. soooo yummy

our first night in Oceanside. ate a great dinner!

So... GO TO SAN DIEGO!

more in singleness . . .

2010-05-17T09:46:00.002-05:00

we've been dialoging a lot on our ministry website about singleness, and Priscilla asked me to do a video with her for today so I wanted to share it with you.

check it out here

we're going to ask some guys/men questions, and would love to know if you have any. you can post a comment on our blog with your questions. anything at all, we would LOVE to know your thoughts.

to whom much is given, much is received

2010-05-13T08:00:00.003-05:00

I've been reading this book called Secrets of the Secret Place in the mornings. I'd encourage everyone to go through this book. The chapters are about only 3 pages long. It's designed that way so that you can use it sort of like a devotional I guess. Well, at least that's how I've been using it. It's totally challenging me and God is speaking so many things to me through it

(P.S. I just have the paperback book, but there is a study guide and DVDs that are also available)

This morning he talks about the "Secret of Journaling". Not just journaling things such as "Sally came over today and we had tea and it was a lot of fun..." But journaling the things that God has spoken to us or is teaching us. He points us to this verse:

"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more." Mark 4:24

Consider carefully what you hear, because how you respond/receive it will matter. The more you respond, the more God responds to you. The more God can trust us with what He gives us and speaks to us, the more he will speak.

This sparked something in my heart this morning. What are the last things God told me to? Did I do them? How quickly?

I can tell you that there is one thing pending that I haven't done that I felt God tell me to do last week. I doubted myself and doubted that God would ask me to do such a thing, but this morning God was so faithful to bring me back into His presence and encourage me that I do hear from Him and that it was Him speaking to me and asking me to do this certain thing.

So today, I'm going to do it. And trust that He will take care of the rest. Obedience.

To whom much is given, much is received....

been a long time gone

2010-05-11T07:44:00.003-05:00

Blogging is a funny thing for me. You can always tell when I've been super busy because blogging is the very last thing I put on my to-do list. Of course, I can always make time for it if I really wanted to. But for some reason I neglect it. When actually it's something I really enjoy. There's been a million things I could've shared with you over these past few weeks because so much has happened. Like . . . .

Ellen Balducci having her sweet little baby, Etta Catherine

Planned a vacation to SAN DIEGO! super excited! going May 24-30

I went to Nashville for my cousins CD release party- buy his album here - and to see friends

(the trip was so great, but also changed the course of history for Nash b/c of the flood)

I had the women from our church over Saturday night for a cookout - so fun!

God has done some awesome things through community and church

I'm reminded once again that God is so faithful to me. That I'm spoiled like crazy. That I've been given much and just want to give it all back to Him. I desire His Presence more than ever in my life. I am searching for it with all of my heart and am sure that He will continue to teach me and show His love more and more. This month I'm just praying for more - more of His Presence, more dreams, more miracles, more direction with our ministry, more for my family, more for my community, more lives being radically changed by God, more purpose for the city of Dallas... MORE!

What are you praying/believing for in the month of May? Would love to hear....

The Heart is Deceiptful

2010-04-22T18:17:00.004-05:00

the heart is deceitful above all thing and beyond cure. who can understand it?

Ugh.... such a hard verse to read for me. My heart is deceitful? That's not cool. I can't trust my feelings? Nope. Not a lot of times anyway. The more I think about it though, the more I realize how true this really is. My heart feels so many different things through even just one day. I'm happy, then I'm discouraged, then I'm content, then I'm left in wanting, then I get stressed, then a song relaxes me.... my heart.... it's deceitful.. and untrustworthy.

wisdom.... wisdom can be trusted. wisdom should be desired. i'm actually rather encouraged to not depend on my feelings. you know a lot of days I don't FEEL like God is near; I don't FEEL like I'm drawing near to go. But I live by faith and not by feelings. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

So today, even though I can't trust my heart, I can trust God.. and I can be encouraged to know wisdom over feelings. Truth over heart. It's a good day!

Pink Impact Round 1

2010-04-14T13:59:00.003-05:00

This week has been amazing! Priscilla is speaking at Gateway Church's women's conference... and seriously, this has been so incredible. God's Spirit and presence has been so tangible and evident it's just awesome. It's like He kept on interrupting our plans just to show us His love and how much he cares about every single person in the room.

I could go on about Priscilla and how awesome her messages have been; Jan Greenwood, director of women's ministry shared yesterday afternoon and it was INCREDIBLE! you need to have her speak at your church; and then Chris Caine of course has been amazing as well; oh yea and Dr Leaf is this incredible woman who shares about how important it is to train our minds/brains and feed it with the Word of God and positive thoughts; not to mention Miriam Webster and Kari Jobe leading worship. How many amazing people can you fit in one room?

But I think it's just been that these women WANT God to interrupt their plans.. they give Him permission to interrupt the program for something better, and that's exactly what He has done these past few days.

The thing I will walk away with is this:

1. We have to choose to renew our minds ever day, pray, and BELIEVE God

2. We have to let Him do what He wants to do as we submit our daily life and schedule to Him

3. Pray

Three simple things, but yet for some reason I need to be reminded of over and over again lately. I wake up and choose life and choose to believe God no matter what my MIND or my CIRCUMSTANCES tell me.

Good stuff. Wish you could be there with us! Next up . . . round two all over again!

April Desktop Background

2010-04-06T22:34:00.002-05:00

Ok, I'm so sad that I've missed 6 days on this, but Martha created the new April desktop and you should get it and use it too! She's amazing. . . you already know this.

Enjoy!

can't get enough

2010-04-06T22:09:00.004-05:00

I can't get enough of my new kicks! It was time for some new ones, since I bought my last pair last August and trained for a marathon in them.

I bought them Friday afternoon, and I've been running every day since I got them. What is it about new shoes that just makes you want to run all the time? I've been 23 miles in these shoes in 4 days. Not that that's a ton, but it's still more than I usually run in that amount of time.

It's amazing what some new running gear can do for your training. My feet and my knees are happy =)

Cheers to new shoes!

Good Friday

2010-04-02T09:24:00.002-05:00

I posted this morning on the ministry website. Contemplating Good Friday.....

http://www.goingbeyond.com/blog/good-friday

stop trying to work things out

2010-03-29T07:53:00.002-05:00

Stop trying to work things out before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life; a time for everything, and everything in its time.

A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, John 16:33

Jesus Calling, March 29

it is indeed a miracle

2010-03-25T16:20:00.003-05:00

i haven't told you guys yet from my last post, God came through with my huge miracle!!

guess what? He does care about every single detail in our lives. He will fight for us, we need only to be still.

just wanted you to know that God still performs miracles =)

dinner with Jenni

2010-03-24T07:51:00.003-05:00

Last night I had the privilege of having dinner with Jenni Catron , executive director of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN. Going into dinner I already had a few questions I was dying to ask her. I'm sure she doesn't know that, but it's true =)

My main thing lately has been trying to figure out how to better manage my schedule. I'm SUCH a schedule oriented person, that if I'm not on a schedule, I feel out of place. I feel unproductive, unsatisfied, and just flat out frustrated. It's not a good place to be in.

Because of my job, I really have to be intentional with my time. I want to make sure I'm getting adequate time to work, to be with friends, to be with Jesus, and to READ. This is my thing: I want to read more. I shared with you before how most top entrepreneurs and leaders READ. And they read a lot.

So I wanted to know from Jenni when she reads, because I look up to her as a leader, and I know she does it a lot. Let's just say, she definitely reads a lot more than I do. hah! But, I also know my schedule is very different than her. So she had the brilliant idea to suggest to me to get audio books. Bam! That's what I'm going to do. I'm in the car so stinking much that it would be a perfect time for me to get some reading done.

So cheers to you Jenni! Thank you for encouraging me and supporting me. And I will let you know how successful this audio book idea turns out to be for me.

a huge miracle

2010-03-23T07:40:00.002-05:00

I'm believing God for a huge miracle today. I'll spare you the details, but I'm going to claim this over my life today:

I am a God of both intricate detail and overflowing abundance. When you entrust the dtails of your life to Me, you are surprised by how thoroughly I answer your petitions. I take pleasure in hearing your prayers, so feel free to bring Me all your requests. The more you pray, the more answers you can receive. Best of all, your faith is strengthened as you see how precisely I respond to your specific prayers.

Because I am infinite in all My ways, you need not fear that I will run out of resources. Abundance is at the very heart of who I am. Come to me in joyful expectation of receiving all you need - and sometimes much more! I delight in showering blessings on My beloved children. Come to Me with open hands and heart, ready to receive all I have for you.

Psalm 36:7-9; Psalm 132:15; John 6:12-13

(Jesus Calling, Sarah Young, March 23)

I'm excited about being able to share with you tomorrow that God answered my prayers!! Until then.........

a call to persevere

2010-03-22T07:39:00.002-05:00

Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

"He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him."

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved!

I haven't read anything more life giving than this. God frees us of our guilty conscience and makes our bodies clean! Why do I carry around a guilty conscience? Do you know what I'm talking about? That thing you think about as you enter into God's presence, or even when you pray, and it creates a barrier between you and God because you feel unworthy and that He's not even there or listening? That thing that you've carried around for like 10 years and you always think about as your "deepest sin issue".

Get rid of "it" today. Put it to death once and for all. Claim these scriptures over your life. Walk in freedom and "do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with Him."

just a little dreaming

2010-03-19T08:10:00.003-05:00

Last night our Life Group decided to go out into the neighborhood that our church is in and go around and pray for people and just see how we could be a blessing to our community. We split up into pairs and went out.......

Frightening? A little bit, yea. I think a better word would be awkward. We sometimes feel awkward, don't we? As if loving people is a weird and uncommon thing? Unfortunately, for me and my stubborn self, yes. But gosh, it's amazing what can happen when you just obey God and let Him lead you!

My friend Hunter and I headed into this one apartment complex and I can't even tell you how awesome it was. The main things that happened last night:

1. The people are so nice and welcoming. They wanted us to pray for them, they invited us into their homes, and they WANTED to hear about God. There was definitely a language barrier as a lot of them didn't speak English, but God provided us ways to communicate.

2. The more you share Christ, the easier it gets. That's another given as well, but until you actually do it, then you start to have revelations of God's heart for people.

3. Loving people and putting others needs before your own might be one of the best feelings in the world.

I'm already dreaming this morning of having a big play day in this apartment complex in the courtyard, having games for the kids, food for everyone, and then just sharing the gospel, seeing lives transformed, and then discipling them so they can know and experience Jesus in a radical way and then tell all their other friends about Jesus! That would be amazing wouldn't it?

Just dreaming......

what's on my mind today

2010-03-18T15:54:00.002-05:00

1. It's Luci's Birthday!! Happy 30th to my sweet sissy!

2. I need a to-do list manager for my computer. Any recommendations?! My life is managed by my to-do every day that I write down. My brother makes fun of me, and says I need to do it all on my computer. So have at it.. what's good that will work with Macs?

3. David Gray concert was a-amazing! Pics to come later.

4. Last night I tried CHICKEN AND WAFFLES. Did you hear me? There is such thing as fried chicken, on top of a waffle, with grave, and then you pour syrup over it... and it's all done in a fancy sort of way. So interesting. Apparently this started in California, but I don't believe that for one second.. I think it started right here in Texas! I tried it... wasn't my favorite. But at least I tried.

5. My mom and I need a place to stay in Seaside. HELP!

Dave Ramsey

2010-03-14T07:59:00.004-05:00

On Thursday I had the privilege of going to Dave Ramsey's one day EntreLeadership event here in Dallas with my brother. Not only that, yesterday I went to the Total Money Makeover Live! taping in Dallas. For two days I got flooded with leadership, money, and life lessons/practicals. I loved every minute of it.

Who doesn't like learning from some of the most successful people, anyway?

I'm still trying to process a lot of it in my mind, and the action steps I will actually implement into my life (there are several by the way; if you don't listen to Dave, you need to). But here are just a few

1. Actually use my budgeting system. Clever, huh? But seriously, Mvelopes.com. Check it out (Dave doesn't necessarily enforce this specific system, but it's great. Thanks Brino)

2. Read, read, read, read, read. The most successful and wealthy people read a book a month. You need to be reading a lot of non-fiction by the way. This is good news for me b/c it is rare that I pick up a fiction book and actually get through it.

3. Set goals! This one is really hard for me. I don't do it. I'm not a visionary.. at least not right now. Set goals financially, spiritually, socially, physically, for family... am I missing one?!

4. Go through the "Baby Steps". If you want to know more, just ask.

There are a lot of things I'm going to implement in my job as well. So basically, I'm so glad I spent two days in a room listening to Dave. Super pumped about how God will use it in my life. Download Dave's podcasts, or listen to him on the radio. Promise it will put you in a better position not only financially but spiritually as well.

allergies

2010-03-10T10:17:00.002-06:00

This is what I feel like today. Apparently I have allergies. Woke up yesterday morning, couldn't stop sneezing, nose running CONSTANTLY, and it hasn't stopped ever since. Someone told me that in order to get out allergies, you can just go exercise outside to sweat it out of your system. Thats a myth. Not true. I went running yesterday afternoon because it was 74 degrees and sunny and perfect outside. However, it was not beneficial for me. Today.. still can't breath, eyes itch, throat hurts, and I can't drink enough liquid.

Oh well, such in life in Dallas. Hope you are feeling better than I am.

Happy Birthday Martha

2010-03-09T09:21:00.002-06:00

Today is Martha's 24th Birthday and I wanted to celebrate her life today. Martha and I are both from Memphis but actually didn't meet until college and we were in the same sorority. I love this girl for many reasons. She and her hubby now live in Memphis with the cutest house and little pup. Martha is extremely gifted and crafty and I love using the desktop backgrounds she creates for my computer.

Martha, I'm thankful for your friendship and all the memories we have together. Running, yogurt, walks around Oxford, LSU road trip.. just to name a few. You are a blessing to my life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

my weekend

2010-03-04T07:57:00.004-06:00

mom flies in tonight…..

so we can drive to Waco to see my brother…

and my favorite sister-in-law

so that we can celebrate little Ana's birthday!

i cannot wait to hang out with my family!

well hey there

2010-03-02T11:49:00.006-06:00

I think these past two weeks were the busiest weeks I have had since I moved to Dallas. They were incredible, life changing, difficult, challenging, but so worth every second of it. It's really rather incredible all the things I was able to accomplish in two weeks. Seriously, I learned what this means:

He will keep him in total peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee

All that to say, and not really going in to too much detail, God is good! Duh, right? Well, He is. He is good and faithful. And I needed Him to show me that.. again. And He did.

Here are some pics to show you what I've been up to:

(Going Beyond Event in McLean,VA - sold out to 2,400 women - one of my favorite things about this particular event is all the praying we get to do! )

(celebrated Ana's birthday with dinner at Mi Cocina and then had a concert - yes, we had our own concert. it was amazing)

(getting Priscilla's mic on and ready to speak at our first event of the year, Going Beyond in Forth Worth - sold out with 2,000 women = awesome!)

All I've wanted to eat lately

2010-02-17T12:59:00.007-06:00

All I've wanted to eat lately is

this:

(Ok, I know that's not surprising)

and this

with this

(my favorite yogurt)

and for dessert:

(suicide bowl of Kashi Cereal)

A Valentines Days Special

2010-02-14T17:36:00.002-06:00

Today I have so much to be thankful for! I don't wish for anything to be different in my life - I love it just the way that it is - God is teaching me how to be content in every situation - to not wish myself on to the next season of life but FULLY engage ALL that He has for me in THIS season and soak in my life right now, just as it is

I have an incredible family and relationship with them

I am part of a church who loves God and pursues all that He has for us

I already have a great group of friends in Dallas

I am still connected with my friends in Nashville - my second home!

Waking up to a quiet home, and spending as much time with God as I want w/o interruption (depending on how early I wake up ;) )

Not have to be responsible for anyone else but myself

Being able to travel

Being able to fully give my all to my job

I am part of an amazing Life Group of people who pursue God and love Him with their whole heart

Being a nomad on the weekends and sleeping on friends couches so I don't have to drive back to Desoto (huge blessing and so fun to have sleepovers)

Not having to study

Freedom of working at home and in my pjs if I so desire

LOVE my job

Working with amazing people

Meeting incredible people

Training for marathons

The list goes on and on… but in case you didn't notice, i'm SPOILED! and I thank God for it all! Thank you God for the many blessings in my life. Happy Valentines Day!

Snow Day!

2010-02-12T08:21:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Dallas got what might be the most snow it has ever seen. It started snowing around 2:00am Thursday morning and didn't stop until about 7:00pm. I had the second best run of my life yesterday, treading through about 6-8 inches of snow. The neighborhood has never looked so beautiful.

Do you know what one of my favorite things is about snow? When you are the first person to put a footprint on the sidewalk. Actually, there was so much snow yesterday that you couldn't tell where the sidewalk was as opposed to the grass, which made it even better. I probably ran through most peoples' yards rather than on the sidewalk. It was like I was 8 years old. I was grinning from ear to ear on my little three mile run. Let me just say, though, that it was a lot of work to run in. I had my soloman's on, which helped tremendously (p.s. i forget how incredible those shoes are for trail running). Put it's somewhat like running through the sand… you just have to work extra hard with each step.

Anyway, I had a blast playing in the snow by myself. I wish I would have had someone to enjoy it with, but alas, it was a relaxing night and I probably need some time alone anyway.

This morning, there are about 3 huge branches in the driveway, and in my neighbors driveway as well. I don't think I will be going anywhere today. The snow is packed in tight as everything froze over night. I guess I'll have to drink coffee and sit by the fireplace and work today. BUMMER! =)

(me taking a retarded picture of myself after my run)

You Know You Are Old When…..

2010-02-11T09:02:00.003-06:00

1. You wake up every night because you have to go to the bathroom

2. You can't tell how old anyone is anymore; college students look like they are 10; and you keep saying that 30s are the new 40s

3. You like to go to bed at 9:30

4. A relaxing day is sitting in a coffee shop reading a book, or reading a book at home

5. You'd rather get presents for decorating your home than clothes

6. You blog and use Twitter

Meet My Bosses

2010-02-05T08:55:00.004-06:00

We FINALLY captured Jerry on camera. Jerry likes to stay behind the scenes, but Priscilla managed to get a few sentences out of him on our flip.

Yesterday we finished the video taping and were talking, while we were waiting on the cameras, inside the car because it was freezing and raining outside, about how each of us are so different, but yet none of yesterday could not have happened without all of us being there, using the different gifts God has given us. If we weren't aware of them, or comfortable with them, then it would be pointless.

So anyway, check out this short video. (P.S. I guest posted today)

Ticia is hilarious, isn't she? My favorite part, though, is when Jerry chimes in. That's the boss man (Priscilla is boss #2 of course). You finally get to meet him!

Hope you have a great day!

Phew!

2010-02-04T17:28:00.003-06:00

Can you tell that things have been back in full swing? These past two weeks have been full, but they have been so much fun! Have I told you lately that I love my job? I feel like I need to remind you of that at least once a week =) You… meaning the 5 people that will actually read this.

These past two days we have been shooting a short film for our Going Beyond events this year. Have you ever seen the Nooma videos with Rob Bell? They will be sort of similar to those, except better ;)

Priscilla is SO incredibly gifted on camera.. she is such a natural, so it made these past two days so much fun. She is a trooper. It, of course, has been nasty weather the two days we decided to film, and every other day this week is supposed to be clear. But, have no fear, the guys did an amazing job and I CANNOT wait to see what the videos will turn out to look like. Seriously, it's going to be amazing. I can see many more videos in our future….

Check out the blog from today to meet the team and see a little bit of what occured yesterday. I took everyone to my all time favorite coffee shop (Pearl Cup of course) after we were finished. I've been wanting Priscilla and Jerry to go there for forever, so they finally saw one of my hang out spots. Hope you enjoy!

I operate on my own strength

2010-01-29T10:32:00.003-06:00

I have to tell you something that I am so embarrassed to admit. This morning I dried my hair in my bathroom for the first time in a year! What in the world are you talking about, you say? Well, the plug in my bathroom has officially not worked since I moved into this house, exactly 1 year and 5 days ago.

Yes, I've gone that long without telling Jerry that it's been broken. It totally was not intentional, but I just kept forgetting to tell him. I would always think about it super early in the morning or late at night, and just never could get myself around to telling him.. until yesterday. You see my toilet was broken, which led me to tell Jerry, which led him to ask me if anything else was broken.. and I FINALLY remembered to tell him about the plug. Of course it turned in to a huge fiasco and the plumber and electrician were at the house fixing things all.day.long. yesterday. What a mess!

He couldn't believe it took me a year to tell him that the plugs haven't worked. Going without electricity in my bathroom for a year is silly. Why did I do that?

I've been studying Deuteronomy for the past 5 weeks. This morning in Deuteronomy 27 Moses wraps up everything he's been saying for the past 26 chapters, which reiterates over and over again "love the Lord with all your heart, follow his commands, walk in His ways.." It got my thinking about my life, and how I desire to follow God in every aspect of my life. But here's the deal:

i've been trying to do it in my own strength

God sets all these commands for the children of Israel, but none of them could fulfill them all. No one was perfect. Except Jesus. He was the only person who completely fulfilled the law. And then it hit me.. " Linnae, your heart and your desires are starting to match up with mine, but you cannot do this on your own strength. You've got to let me do it for you… operate through you…."

What a relief! I finally feel like this is a new beginning for me. Cliche? Maybe. But so new to me today.

Why didn't I tell Jerry a long time ago about the plug in my bathroom? Because I operate on my own strength. I want to be independent and fix things myself. I don't want to rely on others. And I especially don't want to rely on God at times (yikes!).

Trust in Him

2010-01-22T08:07:00.002-06:00

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

I need this verse to reign over my mind, emotions, and actions today…..

I Want You

2010-01-21T08:16:00.003-06:00

I WANT YOU TO BE ALL MINE. I am weaning you from other dependencies. Your security rests in Me alone - not in other people, not in circumstances. Depending only on Me may feel like walking on a tightrope, but there is a safety net underneath: the everlasting arms. So don't be afraid of falling. Instead, look ahead to Me. I am always before you, beckoning you on - one step at a time. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate you from My loving Presence.

Deuteronomy 33:27; Romans 8:39

Jesus Calling - Sarah Young

Discipleship

2010-01-20T08:32:00.002-06:00

God's really been doing a lot in my life this past year. I can't really explain it or put it to words, but I'm thankful for this process that He is taking me through. It's been very hard at times, but the things I'm learning I feel will only bring Him glory in my life and bring more freedom to me.

I'm part of a Life Group with our church that has been one of the most wonderful and favorites parts of my life here in Dallas. My church (really what God is doing in the church and the people) has been the most incredible part of my journey. It's real… these people really love Jesus, desire to live holy lives according to the Word, and love people. It's not a movement, it's not the cool thing to do, actually at times I think people have thought I'm weird, but I don't care. Because I encounter God! It's not a feel good, tell me what I want to hear place.. it's people living for Jesus.

Anyway, I could go on and on and on… but back to my Life Group =) This morning one of our leaders asked us to answer some questions, and they are still running through my head, and will be over this week. And I'm curious to know what your answers would be? The church wants us to be poured into, feel covered, initiated with, encouraged, challenged, rebuked, and loved well as a people, and go after everything God has for us. Part of that has to do with discipleship. So I'm wondering if you would answer these questions and be honest? It would be cool to hear what you have to say….

Are you being discipled right now?

If so, by who?

If not , would you like to be? Concerns, questions, thoughts regarding this?

Are you discipling anyone at the moment? If so, who?

What are your thoughts on a discipleship group?

Do you feel spiritually covered right now? If not, how could that improve?

Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Miss Beth Moore and Priscilla

2010-01-19T08:40:00.002-06:00

You've got to see this video too! Hah.. sorry, I never post two blogs at one time, but I love this. Miss Beth and Priscilla on motherhood…..

Going Beyond Ministries Blog

can't stop watching this…..

2010-01-19T08:27:00.002-06:00

Some of you have probably already seen this, but I thought this video of Matt Chandler is so interesting. He's is right in the middle of his chemo treatment for brain cancer and I think it's great to watch.

Hop on over here to watch the short video. And continue to remember to pray for he and his family.

We have a lot to be thankful for, don't we?

The Poor

2010-01-14T07:42:00.004-06:00

Last night our church had a last minute prayer and worship meeting for the people of Haiti. There's so many facebook messages, tweets, emails, etc. going around for Haiti. I think that now more than ever we are concerned about the well-being of those less fortunate than us (sort of). At least in my little bubble I feel that way, not necessarily a country as a whole.

Last night we just wanted to pray and worship God on behalf of Haiti. We believe and know that Gods heart is for the brokenhearted and the poor, and a lot of times we need people to intercede on behalf of us when we are in those situations. Our hearts broke as we prayed, but I also believe that because of our prayers, God is going to do miracles among these people this very minute.

All over scripture God refers to the brokenhearted, the poor, the fatherless, the widows. It was no surprise to me that this morning I read, yet again, about the poor, and what we are to do as a blessed nation and a people belonging to God.

If you look at Deuteronomy 15: 7-11, Moses shares with the Children of Israel how they are to handle the poor. Verse 4 says this:

However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you

Wait, there should be no poor among them? Can you imagine America without any homeless? I can't. Why shouldn't there have been any poor when the Israelites enter the promised land? Because God was going to richly bless them, if they were obedient.

Obedient, how? By being openhanded and freely lend to the poor whatever they need. They were to be careful not to be hardhearted and tightfisted. They were to give them what they needed, knowing that they wouldn't be paid back.

Idealistically there was the possibility that poverty would be eradicated in the Land(Canaan) "for the Lord would bless them in this Land." The fullness of this blessing, however, is based on Israel's obedience. Verses 4-6 are an encouragement to strive for reduction of poverty.

If you hop on over to Verse 11, it says "There will always be poor among you. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in you land."

Realistically, the disobedience toward the Lord on Israel's part meant that there would always be poor people in the Land. So.. there were poor because of Israel's disobedience? Yikes!

I'm curious to know how you think this relates to us.. now.. America? How do you handle a statement like this? Do we have tons of poor people because of our tons of disobedience? I'd love to hear your thoughts…...

French Press

2010-01-13T11:38:00.002-06:00

So, I'm starting to do some research because I want to buy a french press. I honestly do not know the first thing about french presses, what the best kinds are, what the best deal is, how do use them, etc. but I'm realizing that because I'm the only one in my house, I don't need to use my big coffee pot to make coffee in the mornings. My boss used to drink coffee when he comes in to the office (aka my house), but he's not really drinking it anymore, so it's just lonely ole' me.

So, my question for you is, do you have a french press? What are the best kinds? What do you think I should buy?

Any suggestions!??!

How much do we love our God?

2010-01-09T11:00:00.003-06:00

If you want or have some time this weekend of extra reading, I want to encourage you to read over Deuteronomy 6. And read it again… and then again some. It is so rich and full and I think it will bless you and encourage you this weekend.

Write verse 5 on a notecard and take it around with you this weekend.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Some things to think about:

1. What would be the danger to the children of Israel once they entered the promised land?

2. Do you see this same possibility in the life of a Christian today?

3. Why is it danger?

4. How could the children of Israel fall into such a trap? What were their specific instructions?

5. Why didn't God want them to have any other Gods besides Him? What do you learn about God from this statement? Do you live accordingly? Has God changed? Can He change?

Things which happened to Israel were to be an example for us, and were written for our instruction. How much do we love our God? How diligent are we about learning His Word so we can keep it before our eyes at all times? What is the most important thing we can teach our children, and how diligent are we in this respect? Are we so busy that we are giving ourselves to that which is temporal and ignoring that which has eternal ramifications?

Watch yourself lest you forget your God…..

We Bid You Farewell, Mason

2010-01-07T08:38:00.002-06:00

Join me in saying "au revoir" to Mason as he leaves today for Kenya with his dad on a medical mission trip. They are going to be gone for two weeks, accompanying a few doctors trying to figure out what the needs are in the city they will be.

Mason is one of those people who lives simply. I've always loved that about him. He's intelligent, cares for people, and loves to serve those less fortunate. One of the things you might not think about Mason is that he is a "fashion designer." Yes, the most un-steriotypical fashion designer you've ever met. Check out his website.

Mason has helped me out so much since we launched our new website, helping me figure out what everything means in Google Analytics. And let me tell you, it has revolutionized my website skills! Thanks Mason for who you are and sharing all the intelligence with me that's in that brain of yours.

Have a great trip! We are praying for you...

Deuteronomy

2010-01-06T07:58:00.003-06:00

Over these past two weeks I have completely fallen in love with Deuteronomy. I'm finally (a year later) through studying the first four book of the Bible, and now finishing the Pentateuch. I'm going through Kay Arthur's "Teach Me Your Ways" inductive study. It has been perfect for this season of life that I am in and I love studying the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy is such a beautiful thing - it is tying in everything that I have studied thus far so perfectly - such rich text and words full of life. This morning I am completely ruined and in awe of chapter 10 and just keep reading it over and over, begging God that these words would define who I am and what I live by…..

And now, (Linnae), what does the Lord your God as of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

To the Lord belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the Lord set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, above all nations, as it is today. Circumcise your hearts and do not be stiff-necked any longer.

For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

And YOU are to love those who are aliens, for your yourselves were aliens… Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. He is your praise, he is your God…

Deuteronomy, thus far, keeps saying the same thing over and over again. It's as if God is trying to ingrain something in our hearts?! Duh!

Fear God… Love Him…. Love the aliens - those differing in nature or character from you (those you don't feel natural loving) YIKES! … Serve Him…. with what? … all your heart and all your soul… walk in all His ways…..

Why? Because He loves US... He saved US from death... and He loved those who weren't loved and accepted... and He is the Lord our God… He is God… Lord… awesome… mighty… owns and created the heavens and the earth and everything in it… and yet He chose US!

Jesus help me this day… open our eyes and our hearts to these words.. make them living and active… penetrating our souls. This is what I'm attempting today… Love God, serve Him, love His people…..

70 to 20

2009-12-23T08:44:00.003-06:00

Today I'm going to go from 70 degree weather to 20 degrees. And yes, I'm SO excited about it! My family and I are all meeting in Chicago for Christmas this year. Up until I was in junior high we spent every Christmas in Chicago (I lived there until I was 10 and then 3 or 4 years after that we continued to go).

I'm so excited about this trip for many reasons: 1. My siblings, nieces, and mom and I will all be there, which is in itself a huge accomplishment considering we live so far away from each other 2. We are staying in a condo downtown 3. I'll most likely have a snowy Christmas considering the forecast for every day is "snow" 4. It's Chicago - who wouldn't be excited about that? 5. I get to run in 20 degree weather =) Yes, I'm serious. I LOVE it!

I'm so ready to be there. I feel like I should start making bets on how delayed we are going to be tonight BUT I'm going to be hopeful and say that we will be on time =/

I encourage you, in this busy week as you are with family and waking up to little kiddos running around, that you get away to be with Jesus for 15 minutes alone each day. Just 15. Our pastor encouraged us with this on Sunday - that we will press into Jesus and what He wants to say to us and how He wants to use us for the rest of this week.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty. I will say of the Lord "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."

Merry Christmas to me…..

2009-12-21T08:28:00.004-06:00

One of the things that I wish I could change is my bed. For some reason I can't seem to get my bed to be as comfortable and pretty as I hope and imagine it to be. I bought my quilt (from Anthropolgie) right after graduation, and I'm totally in love with it. It was the one thing I bought for myself for graduating college…. and of course all of the other money went into a deposit for my first months rent to my condo in Nashville.

Anyway, it's been super frustrating trying to get this bed to be what I want it to be. I've had to just kind of let it go, b/c for some reason I just don't want to spend a bunch of money on trying to make it look right. I always talk to my super creative mother about how I can change it, and she always has such great ideas. Well, on Saturday I get the most beautiful thing in the mail: A BOX FROM ANTHROPOLOGIE. If you know me at all, you know that I am completely in love with that store. I know there are a lot of people who are, but seriously, I feel like I love it the most. I never get sick of frolicking around in that magical place. I don't even have to buy anything. I just love looking. If I could have my home look like a store, it would be Anthropologie. I have to admit as well that if there is a time that I covet, it is also in that place. Lord help me!

So……… guess what was in the box? A bedskirt that matches my quilt! FANTASTIC. My mom is so incredible to get this for me. Such a wonderful Christmas present! My bed is one step closer to looking put together. I took some pictures so you can see. Pardon the totally unprofessional pictures…..

Cute, huh? I think so. Thanks Marmee! I love it!

My seeester

2009-12-16T08:40:00.002-06:00

So I wanted to introduce you to my sister's blog this morning. I think she is one of the best writers and I'm so excited that she has FINALLY started her long overdue blog. Her post this morning was just what I needed today.. memories of my parents. I will never get tired of reading about them. So hop on over and check out her blog for today…...

Going to my homeland…..

2009-12-11T07:49:00.003-06:00

Well, today is the last trip of the year.. for work at least. We are headed to Memphis today and will be there until Monday morning. Pray for Priscilla.. she is speaking 6 times. Yes, 6. Twice on Saturday and 4 times on Sunday. mercy! It will be great though. We will be with Life Church all weekend - I'm excited about meeting these people. I've actually never even been to their church before, so it will be fun to be worshipping with different people than I normally do back home.

My boss gives me a hard time b/c he says I see my family more now that I live in Dallas rather than when I lived in Nashville. Which is true. But I LOVE it! I'm going to hang out with Nicole and Jay and my sweet little nieces tonight and hopefully my mom as well.

Have a great weekend!

Pics from OKC

2009-12-10T08:27:00.008-06:00

I wanted to show you some pictures from this past weekend. It was our last Lifeway event for the year, and probably my favorite of them all. It was just really fun, and incredible teaching. I'm sad that I'm not going to see my friends for a long time, but at least we got some good

pics….

best part of the weekend: Michelle and Miss Beth gave me TONS of honey packets (long story)

can you tell how excited I am?

(eating breakfast Saturday morning)

(top row: left-right, Michelle, Miss Kay, Miss Beth, Priscilla, Paige

bottom row: left-right, Stella, Pam, and me)

(Michelle, Paige, and I being ridiculous at the photo shoot)

(I love my boss)

Ooooooooooooooooooooooklahoma

2009-12-04T09:12:00.002-06:00

We are about to hop in the rental car and head straight up 35 to Oklahoma City, all 7 of us. Jerry, Priscilla, the two older boys, Karis who is taking care of the boys, and Rachel and I.

We are expecting about 9,000 women at this Deeper Still event. I feel like God has given me the word "interrupt" for this event. When you are planning large events such as this one, you have a very detailed schedule, you know exactly what will happen at every single minute of the program, and everything is very organized. It's really at nightmare when things don't go according to schedule. However, I feel like God wants to somehow interrupt our plans for this weekend. (I'm definitely not telling the Lifeway team that ;) ) But seriously, I do hope that God has full reign on our schedule this weekend - that He will come in all of His glory and amaze us by His presence. I need a revelation from Him this weekend, and I'm praying the same for the speakers, as well as every single women, and the few brave males, we are in attendance.

I'm sad that this is the last Deeper Still for the year, so I plan to soak it all in. You can go here to see how to keep up with us this weekend.

have an awesome Friday!

Welcome to December

2009-12-03T13:38:00.003-06:00

I have to say that December is by far one of my favorite months. I love it for several reasons, but mostly because it means fireplaces, hot coffee and tea drinks, good family time, and pumpkin cookies!

I love to focus on what this season REALLY means and how we can celebrate the birth of our sweet Savior. My sister sent this to me and I wanted to share it with you. I hope you can join in the reading for the Advent and Christmas season. I'm a few days late, but if you start today, you will start with First Thursday of Advent.

Enjoy! And let me know if you do the readings and what you learn from them.

(sorry it's so small)

Austin

2009-12-01T10:40:00.005-06:00

Mom and I had a blast in Austin this weekend! Such a cool city. Here are some of my favorites from the weekend:

1. Just hanging out with my mom - we talked and walked and ate. It was so great just being with her

2. Kerby Lane Cafe - can I say "yummmmmmmmmmmmm"? The pancakes at this place are incredible! not to mention the Migas. We went to the original one on Kerby Lane, obviously, and it was so cute. It's a little house and has such a great atmosphere. I liked it better than Magnolia =/ shhhhhhhhhh

3. All the trails/greenbelts. This is an outdoor city and I love that! tons of places to go running!

4. The stars EVERYWHERE - I don't believe there is a building in this city that doesn't have a star somewhere on it. Mom and I were just laughing at how much Texas pride they have there. And they should. But it just makes me laugh.

5. And last but not least, we got to see my brother and sister-in-law and my sweet little Ana on our way back to Dallas. I couldn't leave seeing them out =) love you guys!

There were way too many things to do in such little time. Next time I go I want to go to the Alamo Drafthouse to have dinner and watch a movie, go to a museum, and go to a TEXAS football game. I think that would be so fun. Until next time Austin…..

Thanksgiving in Austin

2009-11-25T12:26:00.002-06:00

I cannot tell you how excited I am to go to Austin tomorrow with my momma for Thanksgiving. Just the two of us. I've been wanting to hang out in Austin all year and it never worked out, but now I finally get to go. I'm quite confident that I'm going to fall in love with this city.

We are staying at the Intercontinental downtown and it should be fabulous. We plan on hiking, walking, drinking good coffee, eating good food, relaxing, and hopefully seeing some good live music! And oh yea… shopping. How could I forget?

If you have any recommendations, let me know. We'll be there until Sunday morning.

I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving! We are so blessed, aren't we? Do something meaninful tomorrow that represents what you are thankful for. Whether thats just having a good conversation with someone you love, baking something for someone, etc. It's important to show our thankfulness.

I also want to give a shoutout to Margie who turns 25 today! Happy Bday Marg! I love you so much!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

i'm back and injured

2009-11-24T08:35:00.005-06:00

i can't even begin to tell you how much fun sarah and i had together last week and weekend. it was one of my favorite times here in dallas. it was fun having her here so she can see a little bit more of my life here in the big d.

our time together consisted of AMAZING food, seeing old friends, seeing the most amazing house in dallas and being invited inside their house gates, meeting woflgang puck, free food, eating at the top of the reunion tower, awesome worship service on sunday, and good shopping.

and oh yea…. my injured thumb. silly me hurt my thumb playing flag football on sunday. i went to the doctor yesterday and they put me in a splint, so it's actually really hard to type which is why i'm about done with this blog post =)

here are some pics of the weekend. hope you enjoy!

(coolest house in dallas)

(this is some of the free food we got - HAPPY BDAY SARAH!)

(the girls eating dessert at the top of the reunion tower)

Meet…. Me

2009-11-18T08:38:00.002-06:00

As you know, we've recently launched our new website for our ministry along with a blog that Priscilla is loving. It's been really fun to interact with all of her readers. Today, they decided to introduce me to the gals, so you can hope on over here and check it out. Kinda fun. I just love seeing my family on there.. and the Ole Miss stadium of course =)

Hope you enjoy!

Pics from the weekend

2009-11-17T09:25:00.002-06:00

Hop on over to Margie and Jillian's blog to see pictures from the weekend. Seriously, Oxford is one of my favorite places!

P.S. my friends are so cute

Only thing missing from the weekend, I didn't get to see Martha =(

Go Rebels

2009-11-16T15:10:00.005-06:00

Ok, so this weekend was just an incredible weekend. Loved being with my family, college friends, and new friends. I love being back in Oxford and going to the football game. Not to mention, the Rebels played INCREDIBLY! what a great game to be able to go to.

Listen, the weekend was great and everything, but seeing this video just puts everything into perspective. As much as I love seeing friends and being back in Oxford, this is what pumps me up. This is what I really care about in life. And I wanted to share it with you…..

Dexter McCluster. #22. Ole Miss Rebels. Rushed 282 yards vs UT on Saturday.

Nashville

2009-11-13T14:48:00.003-06:00

oh it's been so good to be here. i was thinking yesterday how it just does my heart good to get a little dose of nashville back in me. i feel so peaceful every time i'm here. i got here on wednesday night and my time here started with the perfect dinner - calypso - with some of my favorite people. that lucayan salad is so stinkin good. and the muffins. . . don't even get me started.

then some people came over to sarahs to hang out and watch the CMA awards. did you see them? it was the TSwift show. good for her. more power to ya girl.

thursday was so fantastic. slept in… until 8:00am. woohoo. spend the morning at Frothy Monkey with Mason, which is, of course, one of the best coffees in Nashville. topped off the rest of my salad from Calypso and then Mason and I hit the streets of nashy for a run. then came the hair cut - and the most perfect night ever: dinner with ssvirginia at PM and GILMORE GIRLS. yes, that is the perfect night, in case you were wondering. veggie burger from PM and gilmore girls is all you need on a thursday night. sarah - you might need to bring that with you when you come visit next week.

this morning was so great - priscilla spoke at the Lifeway Womens Leadership Forum - wow! so good. and now i'm waiting to hit the road to head to Memphis/Oxford. GO REBELS! it's going to be another one of those week/weekends that are perfect.

more to come about nashville and this weekend. i have much to say about these two things.

have a great weekend!

Meet Carla

2009-11-10T12:13:00.003-06:00

I want to introduce you to Carla, who has been with Going Beyond ministries for a long time now. Hop on over to our website to meet her - I absolutely love her! Some of my favorite things about Carla: her laugh, her sweet new baby girl, and her incredible gifting of research!

meet carla.

The Union

2009-11-09T13:26:00.004-06:00

(not a good picture. but left to right: Michelle, Sara, and me)

This weekend I got to hang out with a few friends I've made since I started working at Going Beyond. We've formed what we like to call…. The Union. We all have similar jobs (assistants to speakers) and it is SO much fun to hang out with them.

We were actually supposed to be in Jackson Hole, but due to some complications, they ended up coming to Fort Worth. We were missing one person, but we are hoping to go to Jackson Hole sometime in the Spring when we can all go.

I drove to Fort Worth and met the girls friday night. We had some good barb-b-que, went to the rodeo, and then Billy Bobs. Let me just tell you - I've never experienced anything quite like the rodeo and Billy Bobs before. All my sterotypes of Texas were confirmed Friday night. Quality people watching, and so fun.

Saturday we relaxed and hung out at Barnes and Noble, and then had an AMAZING dinner at Reata downtown on the rooftop. It was perfect.

My favorite part of the weekend: getting to encourage each other in our jobs and our walks with the Lord. I'm so grateful that the Lord has provided me with these friendships, and I look forward to getting to know these girls better over the years.

new stationary

2009-11-05T12:40:00.005-06:00

Ok so I have to brag about our new stationary that just got here yesterday. Leslie Jerkins was so kind to do it for us, and I.am.obsessed. I absolutely love it. If you ever need stationary made, or need a cool gift for someone, hop on over to her site and order you some stationary.

Ours turned out beautifully and I couldn't be happier! These pictures really don't do it justice,

so I apologize for that, but you can get the hint. My favorite part is probably the rounded corners, but I love that "Going Beyond Ministries" is in gold and love the font change from the top and bottom.

yay for new stationary!!

It's finally here!

2009-11-04T08:09:00.008-06:00

(from the photo shoot we did yesterday)

I have to say that I'm super excited that our new website has finally launched. I'm definitely pleased with how it looks. If you haven't seen it yet, you can hop on over there now. Let me know what you think.

One of my favorite things about our new site is that we have a blog! So, if you are wanting to get to know our ministry and Priscilla better, now you can! Read Priscilla's first blog from yesterday.

We could not have tried to fit more things into one week. We started taping Priscilla's next bible study on Monday night, launched the website Monday evening, did a photo shoot all day yesterday, taped last night, taping in Houston today, and then back at it on Thursday and Friday. Sheesh! But it's totally been worth it. Can't wait for the bible study to be released this summer.

(about to begin taping for Session 1 - Monday night)

It's been such a great week. Once again, I love my job. Still can't believe God would allow me to be part of such a cool ministry and team!

(this is Priscilla on the taping set from Monday night)

What do you think about the new website?! Thoughts?! Suggestions?!

Happy November!

2009-11-01T18:43:00.003-06:00

Margie and I had an amazing weekend! I can't even begin to tell you how much I love her and spending time with her.

I'm so proud of Margie and her friend Rebekah who ran 21 miles on Saturday!! They finished in amazing time. They are going to kick butt in the Dallas marathon. Margie got here Friday night and we went to Sam Moon to find Margie a purse and not only walked out with a great purse, some several accessories as well. That place was intense, yet so great. What did I walk out with? Something that looked super cute and a great idea, but when I got home, realized it wasn't as cool as I thought. Check this out:

What is that you say? Well, it's supposed to be a very cute ear warmer thingy, but it's just not. However, I will make use out of this in Chicago for Christmas no matter how retarded and not cute I look. It is warm, that's for sure.

Anyway, Margie and I got back from her run around noon on Friday, and watched the Ole Miss game (another sore subject). In order to cheer ourselves up we went to Northpark Mall where we got a few fabulous things. Ever heard of Martin + Osa? It's new to me. It's owned by the same people as American Eagle, but this place is more upscale and totally different. I got some awesome pants and a few shirts for cheap. Very excited!

Last night we encountered some of the cutest kids trick-or-treating, and made soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner and watched Bride Wars. It was a great night! Today Margie got to come to church with me, which was so great. That will be another blog for this week.

Hope you had a great weekend. I CANNOT believe it's already November!

something is terribly wrong

2009-10-27T08:39:00.003-05:00

Today marks the 8th day that I have not brewed coffee in the morning. Did you hear that? It's been 8 days since I haven't made coffee in the morning. What happened? I have no idea really.

I was sick last week, and you know how when you are sick, the only thing you want is tea? So I just drank tea a lot last week to help my throat, and for some reason I just can't bring myself to drink coffee now. I feel as though I am cheating on my boyfriend. The one thing that made me so happy every morning, has been absent from my life for 8 days.

In order to redeem myself let me just say that I will never turn against coffee. Coffee quite possibly could be one of the best things of this world. Afterall, if I'm not working, and I'm not running, probably the next place you will find me is at a coffeeshop. But.. I don't know. I still feel like I have energy, my body feels a little more pure, and I haven't really missed it. So, I'm kind of out of sorts this morning.

Do you know what else is wrong with me? I haven't had chocolate in 8 days either. It's like it just keeps getting worse. The two things I love the most, chocolate and coffee (and frozen yogurt of course), have been absent from my life for over a week.

How long will this last? I have no idea. I might wake up tomorrow and have a breakdown and drink 5 cups of coffee and have cocoa pebbles or something. But if it does end, then I will be able to say for the first time in like 8 years that I went 8 days without chocolate and coffee. A pretty big accomplishment if I do say so myself.

What are two things you wouldn't want to go 8 days without?

Indescribable

2009-10-26T08:25:00.003-05:00

Last night I watched the video Indescribable by Louis Giglio and I would say that it totally encouraged me in the Lord - to have more faith - to be reminded that my life is but a tiny little nothing compared to how big He is, and yet he still cares about each and every little detail of my life - and still has big and awesome plans for me!

You've GOT to watch this video. It's probably about 30 minutes long so you have to have some time. I've posted the first part of the video, and there are 5 more. It will encourage your faith. I hope you get a chance to watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewKtSKbWZUI