Saturdays being a child.

I love sleeping in and it really doesn't matter which day of the week it is...but on the Saturdays when nothing is planned and I can stay in bed to relax is great.  This morning though I had a thought...I miss Saturdays at home.  Growing up Mom and I would sleep late then I would go get in bed with her and we would decide what we would do for the day.  It ALWAYS had ChickfilA for lunch and it was spent with my family. 

I miss those days of being a child and knowing everything was going to be ok because the ones who loved me most were right by my side.  Still today though I am out of the house and have my own routine on Saturdays, I still remember those mornings of knowing my parents and ChickfilA were apart of them.

So no matter how crazy your life is today and you are running around with your kids...or maybe you are kid running your parents around.  Remember those days won't last forever...one day they will move out and make memories on Saturdays of their own...so what do you do today to impact your child so that one day He/She will remember those precious Saturdays.  Make them count. Make them memorable.  Leave a legacy.

Lately in devotion time and in my life I have been challenged with Proverbs 31 and with a math problem. GO FIGURE! It has to do with being a lady of character/lady of virtue. Are you standing for one of these or are you standing on your own or something else?


In Proverbs 31 chapter there is 1/20 of the verses that talks about outward appearances. (how we act, what we wear, what we look like) Then there are 19/20 of the verses talks about dealings with the heart, being of good character, being virtueous in our actions.

character: who you are when noone is watching

virtue: something honorable
 
What kind of lady are you being?  What would your three closest friends say you REALLY are?  What about those that watch you and you have no idea they are?
 
Strive to be...take care of the heart...it matters the most.

It was just an ordinary day...Unexpected events

Tonight as I heard heart-breaking news all I wanted to do was yell. Death this week has been very visable to me, as my sister if still alive would have been 17, another close friend death's anniversary was this week and now hearing of another student's passing. But as I was making scarves...I was reminded of my teachings on Wednesday night.  It is like that night that God left a note in my mailbox on Wednesday night as I was teaching but never knew I would reep/remember His words.

This summer, we are studying Esther in the Girls' ministry at First West.  This past Wednesday night we got thru chapter 3 of Esther where Mordecai's life changed and even more than that so did Esther's.  They never got the choice to choose that day that their lives would change.  Just like the day in my life when I heard of Emily's death, Jason's death, and now this one.  Esther had to choose to trust God knew what He was doing when she didn't understand and was confused.

So at this time in my life once again...I don't understand Why.  I don't understand now.  I don't understand and am quite confused  I have to choose, just like Esther, to believe.  to trust.  to love.  Most of all go with HIM.

So to all who are reading this...God has a plan we can't see now...but let's not lose the sight of the  forrest because of the trees in front of us.

Crazy life...lately

I really don't know what to write on here right now except how priveledged I am.  This week we went to junior high camp at Student Life.  I felt as if I was living in a glass box as 25 girls were watching my every move and I was there for them whenever they came running.  These girls look up to me in so many ways that I have never realized until this week.  As I was sharing with them the HOPE of my salvation and WHY I believe what I believe.  Then one day I shared of my quiet times with the Lord and why they are so important to me.  Other times we were just diving into scripture and discussing it together.  Sometimes I even had to be mean (yeah i know hard to imagine) and make them go to bed.  Other times I had to teach them/guide them about some different behaviors.  I explained to them the love I have for each of them doesn't even compare to the LOVE our heavenly Father has for them...

but you know once again...these young ladies...taught me more than I could ever teach them...To some of them they want to be just like me...they want what I have...but you know...May I direct them only to the one who has made me, molded me, pruned me into the lady I am today.  I am nothing without my Savior.  I am who I am because HE is my Hero and my Everything.  He doesn't fail me.  He doesn't leave me.  He shows me the next step.  So may I be faithful to HIM to show/minister to these girls as others have done with me...and most of all may these girls see HIS love shine thru me. 

Jesus, Thank you for teaching me.  Thank you for using me.  May I continue to LOVE others BIG with a faithful FAITH.

Lately...

I have so much going through my head and am being taught.  I still enjoy these times of being the clay and He the Pottter

but tonight I am just going to comment that I am blessed more than I can imagine. 

Sometimes I wonder why God chooses to use me as His vessell but you know what...He's still working on me.  He's still working with me.  He's still using me.

I continue to try to LOVE BIGGER that ever...always seeing/believing with FAITH.

It's a matter of the Heart...

This week I have been challenged so much.  STarted with the reading of this week's high school devos and preparing for Sunday...then the week just exploded on me. 

This week I was able to serve my girls as a celebration.  I heard so many heart felt stories...so many life changes.  So much good...no greatness from this study.  I heard heartbreaks that the study was over...but you know...this study opened up so many girls' hearts. 

Then I had the privelege of serving with our church staff for the funeral of a deputy that lost his life while protecting us.  So many heart moments there just to sit back and watch this band of brothers...love each other in blue.  People who don't know each other..hugging and weeping...knowing they carried a bond...that is straight from the heart.

But what about serving my family...everyone of us seem to think we have the best family and parents...but I am here to tell you my peoples can rank any of yours.  I love the heart of my mother who always wants to know her baby girl is ok and serves others in the same way.  The heart of my stepdad who wants to make sure I have everything that I should or you know he is ALWAYS available to give me the hug that I need.  The heart of a best friend who knows some days are longer than others and is there with a simple, heartfelt...How are you? 

But more than any of this...it is always a matter of my heart...Does it feel?  Does it break?  Does it weep?  Does it hurt?  Does it long for the relationship?  Does it long to be healed?  After weeks like this...I am thankful that there is a God who is bigger than me that can take all of this...and make it ok.  YOu see...without him...we are nothing.  Without Him in our life...these people can't serve, these people can't feel.

 With HIM though...I am able to serve and believe.

Don't Stop Believing

Today my heart is very full.   My heart is full...of beautiful friendships,beautiful family,  beautiful days, beautiful God.

But today...I was thankful for being home in Louisiana.  I loved seeing the magnolia trees all around...getting ready for the dogwoods to bloom...and you know...even having crawfish on every corner.  YES...this all means...I am HOME.  I am back to the land I took forgranted.

I am thankful for friendships that I have no clue where they came from...but know that I am so blessed.  The people I am friends with today are all different but all challenge me in some way.  I learned how special friendships were when I lived in Dallas...but coming home...La friendships seem to be stronger and more special.  Just to be with each other...nothing planned...or just calling to say hi.  or you know that friend...that you can just call/text to pray and they ask no questions.  Friends who love you when you do not love yourself.  Friends that you can share your heart with and they listen.  Friends who you can disagree with and it is ok.

Also...tonight I am thankful for a family who loves me the most.  A family who has been with me through so many hard times....but held my hand and taught me the way. They believed me when I didn't and encouraged me when I needed it the most.  They were never too busy for me and always an ear to listen or a hug to give. 

I am thankful for a God who has led me back home...gave me a GREAT family...and is with me when I do not understand the next step.  Today I realized just how much God is in the small things.  I am still learning.  I am still growing.  I am still his child. 

So with that I am still loving BIG with faith.