this quick trip finds me back in LBK...my future home.
i had to make a quick run-thru my new apt and finish up the last minute paperwork. i got to see the actual apartment and i think i'm going to be very comfortable there.
also..the bigger news...i'd gotten a pretty important phone call a few weeks and had been playing phone tag before finally setting up an interview for a job! yes..that's right. a job and not a part-time oh how nice you work job. its a you need a degree/experience job. so, i'm also here for an interview.
my interview is at 2pm..so if you are reading this around then, say a prayer for me! will travel back to san angelo this afternoon in an effort to make it to a funeral service tonight (the cousin of an old friend of mine). will be going with my dad as he also knows the family.
ok...hope you're having a great day!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
my life...a willie nelson song...
a friend of mine said my life is like a willie nelson song..i'm assuming its "on the road again."
i haven't blogged in a few days but lots has gone on. i left Lubbock and was a little scared about the weeks to come. i mean, the move finally upon on us...it is here...its happening..there's no turning back. at the same time, i also realized that everything is going to be ok. i left Lubbock with a soon-to-be peaceful feeling. i knew i needed to pray through some stuff and just sit and listen...be still and wait to receive whatever it was i was looking for.
the drives have been long but they've been what i needed. moments to reflect and moments to come to necessary understandings. i've written that nothing about this year has been normal and i suspect that it will be more of the same this coming year.
i left lubbock to dallas where i stayed with one of my close friends from college and who is also one of my best friends, Ginia. it was great to visit with her and her husband and just sit and talk. we got to spend some time together fri morning (ginia and I) and did some shopping together. something happens when girls shop....can't explain it but its a strange sort of female bonding ritual. so it was good to reconnect...we had lunch and just got to share and i think it was good for both of us.
i reconnected with a friend from jr high and really enjoyed that conversation. its amazing how God can provide information and comfort in some of the most unexpected ways but more importantly it was good to hear how well she was doing and to hear her talk about her incredible family. i know she's got a tight-knit family and that was a blessing to hear all about the great things happening to and for them.
i then met up with my other best friend, Smange, and had dinner with her and two other good friends. then we watched silly movies that totally cracked me up. sometimes you need some silliness in your life. i mean...i laughed and totally felt at peace. i didnt get to spend much time visiting with Smange, made me a bit sad.
this morning i made the drive to austin. it was crazy, well traffic was crazy! but i got to austin and met another friend from jr high. had lunch with anthony and his wife Crystal and their daughter Zaria who is just adorable. i was so glad to visit with them and catch up on what was going on. we'd been playing visit tag for about a year! lol. i was glad to meet Zaria! she's the cutest thing...completely adorable and sooo a daddy's girl. so for me it was great to see my friends in parent-mode.
i then made the trek to my cousin's apt. it was awesome cause my cousin is attending Standford Law and is here working for the summer and her sister is also here visiting! so i got to visit with both my cousins that i dont get to see very often. so we made plans for later in the evening and i left to visit another friend from my past for coffee. coffee was great and conversation was even better...glad for the time with this friend. i think our visit was long over due.
so then i left to meet my cousins for dinner. we made our way to baby a's and dinner was good. i enjoyed visiting with the fam and my cousin's kids are adorable. they cracked me up. after we made our way to Amy's for ice cream i seriously did not need to eat. so i feel that KOA is in my immediate future (running). lol... i'm staying with my cousin so that's allowed us more time to visit which is awesome.
...that's a basic run through of the last few days.
all that to say that i've had some of the most amazing conversations. just encouraging in so many different ways. i can say that i've been extremely blessed with fellowship and have sensed alot of affirmation regarding the path and journey i've been on. it's done my heart alot of good.
my sis has also been on my heart. my mom left indiana and is on a train to texas. austin texas. so i'm waiting her for her arrival. i know she was a great comfort to my sis and now they are moving forward on their own.
so i.m praying for her constantly. and praying for the health of my bro-in-law. prayin they find the right person to care for their children...just praying for every aspect of their lives right now. so many changes...so many things to deal with.
the travel is not over with this trip. no...there's still next week and for part of that travel, i'll be accompanied by family. so i'm looking forward to it. i have not taken any pics though! i need and hopefully will remember to take some tomorrow!
the plans for tomorrow is to go to church with some close friends, Lori and Milton. i played (piano) in their wedding and just love them both so much. so it will be good to see them. i'll have lunch with them and then probably back to my cousins for a bit. will travel home after picking up my mom. my cousin is awesome with directions so she's really helped me alot!
i also do a walk through of my apt next week in lbk and have a JOB interview...yes that's right peoples...its time for me to go back to work. i know some of you are like huh?
well i've had the last year and some months off on account of school. how i managed without a job (cause im a workaholic at times) has been only the grace of Jesus...but i hear the steady grind of work calling my name! at least until law school...working would be a very good thing and help me stave off any student loans for my MBA.
as for law school...im at peace with going with the flow for now. so no clue what's going to happen or where i'm gonna end up...which could be just about anywhere. just to say - i'm completely open to whatever comes my way and where ever i'm led to. its a good feeling and a nice place to be.
so very excited about the next couple of weeks...life may be crazy and at times intense but as always God is good an as promised He's always faithful.
grateful for the amazing blessings of yesterday, today, and to come.
i haven't blogged in a few days but lots has gone on. i left Lubbock and was a little scared about the weeks to come. i mean, the move finally upon on us...it is here...its happening..there's no turning back. at the same time, i also realized that everything is going to be ok. i left Lubbock with a soon-to-be peaceful feeling. i knew i needed to pray through some stuff and just sit and listen...be still and wait to receive whatever it was i was looking for.
the drives have been long but they've been what i needed. moments to reflect and moments to come to necessary understandings. i've written that nothing about this year has been normal and i suspect that it will be more of the same this coming year.
i left lubbock to dallas where i stayed with one of my close friends from college and who is also one of my best friends, Ginia. it was great to visit with her and her husband and just sit and talk. we got to spend some time together fri morning (ginia and I) and did some shopping together. something happens when girls shop....can't explain it but its a strange sort of female bonding ritual. so it was good to reconnect...we had lunch and just got to share and i think it was good for both of us.
i reconnected with a friend from jr high and really enjoyed that conversation. its amazing how God can provide information and comfort in some of the most unexpected ways but more importantly it was good to hear how well she was doing and to hear her talk about her incredible family. i know she's got a tight-knit family and that was a blessing to hear all about the great things happening to and for them.
i then met up with my other best friend, Smange, and had dinner with her and two other good friends. then we watched silly movies that totally cracked me up. sometimes you need some silliness in your life. i mean...i laughed and totally felt at peace. i didnt get to spend much time visiting with Smange, made me a bit sad.
this morning i made the drive to austin. it was crazy, well traffic was crazy! but i got to austin and met another friend from jr high. had lunch with anthony and his wife Crystal and their daughter Zaria who is just adorable. i was so glad to visit with them and catch up on what was going on. we'd been playing visit tag for about a year! lol. i was glad to meet Zaria! she's the cutest thing...completely adorable and sooo a daddy's girl. so for me it was great to see my friends in parent-mode.
i then made the trek to my cousin's apt. it was awesome cause my cousin is attending Standford Law and is here working for the summer and her sister is also here visiting! so i got to visit with both my cousins that i dont get to see very often. so we made plans for later in the evening and i left to visit another friend from my past for coffee. coffee was great and conversation was even better...glad for the time with this friend. i think our visit was long over due.
so then i left to meet my cousins for dinner. we made our way to baby a's and dinner was good. i enjoyed visiting with the fam and my cousin's kids are adorable. they cracked me up. after we made our way to Amy's for ice cream i seriously did not need to eat. so i feel that KOA is in my immediate future (running). lol... i'm staying with my cousin so that's allowed us more time to visit which is awesome.
...that's a basic run through of the last few days.
all that to say that i've had some of the most amazing conversations. just encouraging in so many different ways. i can say that i've been extremely blessed with fellowship and have sensed alot of affirmation regarding the path and journey i've been on. it's done my heart alot of good.
my sis has also been on my heart. my mom left indiana and is on a train to texas. austin texas. so i'm waiting her for her arrival. i know she was a great comfort to my sis and now they are moving forward on their own.
so i.m praying for her constantly. and praying for the health of my bro-in-law. prayin they find the right person to care for their children...just praying for every aspect of their lives right now. so many changes...so many things to deal with.
the travel is not over with this trip. no...there's still next week and for part of that travel, i'll be accompanied by family. so i'm looking forward to it. i have not taken any pics though! i need and hopefully will remember to take some tomorrow!
the plans for tomorrow is to go to church with some close friends, Lori and Milton. i played (piano) in their wedding and just love them both so much. so it will be good to see them. i'll have lunch with them and then probably back to my cousins for a bit. will travel home after picking up my mom. my cousin is awesome with directions so she's really helped me alot!
i also do a walk through of my apt next week in lbk and have a JOB interview...yes that's right peoples...its time for me to go back to work. i know some of you are like huh?
well i've had the last year and some months off on account of school. how i managed without a job (cause im a workaholic at times) has been only the grace of Jesus...but i hear the steady grind of work calling my name! at least until law school...working would be a very good thing and help me stave off any student loans for my MBA.
as for law school...im at peace with going with the flow for now. so no clue what's going to happen or where i'm gonna end up...which could be just about anywhere. just to say - i'm completely open to whatever comes my way and where ever i'm led to. its a good feeling and a nice place to be.
so very excited about the next couple of weeks...life may be crazy and at times intense but as always God is good an as promised He's always faithful.
grateful for the amazing blessings of yesterday, today, and to come.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
crazy times
today my baby bro turned 30. the big 3-0...i was like, "where has time gone?" i remember just like it was yesterday playing in the backyard riding our bikes or eating holiday cookies. now, he's grown folk with a house of his very own. i have to say that i'm super proud of this kid. he's done quite well for himself and not just in the material sense but spiritually - i've seen alot of growth in him and am glad for the time we got to share together to celebrate this occassion.
so the drama of the day kept mounting...and culminated in some drastic actions. i cant get into details and it would not be very nice of me to do so - just to say that i became very angry by some things that were done and said. not angry for myself but angry for the injustices done to people i love. i'm a bit territorial that way.
had to pray more than once to keep from doing what my heart really wanted to do and keep my tongue from saying what it really wanted to say. i totally get what paul said about the things "he wants to do he does not do and the things he does not want to do, he does...'
i'll be glad for the drive tomorrow as it gives me an opportunity to sort through some things and pray heavily for some situations. one of those would include my mom's travel back to texas. i'll leave it at that - even though i'd really like to say more. oh jesus help me! no....
my mom will arrive in austin sun evening and i'll gladly collect her and return her home. i've missed her these last few weeks but i know my sister has needed her more during this time. i'm glad my mom took the initiative to travel to be with her. i think we've all learned the importance of family and what it means to us throughout this summer: its a beautifully painful lesson.
but you know to me, being family goes back to:
Philippians 2:3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
placing the interests of those you love above yourself... and not just those you love but others...all others. sometimes hard to do.
i've recently engaged in a stark reminder of my past and have had to face head-on situations i'd been avoided for a really long time. but now is the time to face them...and its the perfect time.
that's how God works...everything in His perfect timing.
over the last couple of weeks, i've had some pretty significant conversations that made me realize how desperate in need we are of God and of fellowship with one another - not janky, flaky, "sure i'll be there then nothing kinda fellowship - but genuine i love you as my brother/sister and want to share this with you" kinda fellowship.
i've been avoiding that connection for a while. not with the people currently in my life but in terms of adding people to my life. i've wanted to be safe and comfortable and selective in whom i chose to be close to me in my life.
i realize that's not an option now and really never was...i only thought it was. no...we are all connected and in need of seeing that love is genuine, its real, and its unconditional. it takes such different forms and is extended in different ways. from praying for someone to just smiling and giving a genuine greeting. hard to believe that something as small as that could turn someone's day around but i can say from personal experience that it is sometimes the most powerful thing.
my attempts to shelter myself from the "fakers" of familiar circles was inept and i found myself being sucked away by a negativism that continually drained me of any optimism i managed to muster.
however, all it took was an invitation, an opportunity, and a yes to turn it all around. i found myself surrounded by real people facing real struggles but very much determined to love and be genuine. yes they have faults, yes they are imperfect...but they are striving and reaching towards a goal of eternity. dont each of us deserve to be given grace because grace was given to us? that's my question to my inner-self.
from that moment, the hardness i've carried with me has slowly deteriorated. i cant say its completely gone but i can say that as it dissolves there is a new resolve and a new hope that replaces it.
it is only fitting given being on the brink and cusp of something new. there are alot of variables still unresolved regarding my future and my path. i'm not unnerved by those questions, i know it will all work out in the perfect timing...
my job is to keep forging ahead listening to the voice that beckons. it is a fine hour to be in. sometimes scary and sometimes uncertain...but i trust in what cannot be seen.
i realize this may all be a bit heavy but given the context of life in the last few days it is so very appropriate. i realize i've not made you privy to all the sorted details but lets say that its not been pretty for some of the closest people in my life. i dont understand why these loved ones are going through what they are going through...but i trust that there's something more to their experience and through it God would be God.
from my own life tragedies and triumphs i can say i know that He is who He promises to be and no matter where we go or what we do, He will always be there because His love is never failing.
people will fail us...churches will fail us...loved ones will fail us...but His love is perfect and never failing. i''m so completely grateful.
i managed to get things squared away with my apt complex to be..though i will need to make a trip back on tues. so much traveling! i'm sad to be leaving my bro but know i will soon be here more permanently. i am so very much looking forward to seeing old friends and best friends.
definitely a time to celebrate so many wonderful things happening in so many peoples lives.
tomorrow or today rather, i drive to dallas. i get to see two of my best friends....so very excited about that...but will write more about those details tomorrow.
just to say that when you think you cant possible grow anymore...life has way of surprising you.
i had the greatest conversation with my bro today. he was telling me how on a drive he realized that God was the living water and how often times you can tell when an area has lots of rain because the grass will grow rampantly and will be green and lush. that when the rain comes we need to give thanks because with it comes new growth. its appropriate that we will face storms and God will see us through but through them...God gives us nourishment we need to grow as people. so no matter the weather tomorrow...i'm determined to thank God for His nourishment and growth.
so the drama of the day kept mounting...and culminated in some drastic actions. i cant get into details and it would not be very nice of me to do so - just to say that i became very angry by some things that were done and said. not angry for myself but angry for the injustices done to people i love. i'm a bit territorial that way.
had to pray more than once to keep from doing what my heart really wanted to do and keep my tongue from saying what it really wanted to say. i totally get what paul said about the things "he wants to do he does not do and the things he does not want to do, he does...'
i'll be glad for the drive tomorrow as it gives me an opportunity to sort through some things and pray heavily for some situations. one of those would include my mom's travel back to texas. i'll leave it at that - even though i'd really like to say more. oh jesus help me! no....
my mom will arrive in austin sun evening and i'll gladly collect her and return her home. i've missed her these last few weeks but i know my sister has needed her more during this time. i'm glad my mom took the initiative to travel to be with her. i think we've all learned the importance of family and what it means to us throughout this summer: its a beautifully painful lesson.
but you know to me, being family goes back to:
Philippians 2:3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
placing the interests of those you love above yourself... and not just those you love but others...all others. sometimes hard to do.
i've recently engaged in a stark reminder of my past and have had to face head-on situations i'd been avoided for a really long time. but now is the time to face them...and its the perfect time.
that's how God works...everything in His perfect timing.
over the last couple of weeks, i've had some pretty significant conversations that made me realize how desperate in need we are of God and of fellowship with one another - not janky, flaky, "sure i'll be there then nothing kinda fellowship - but genuine i love you as my brother/sister and want to share this with you" kinda fellowship.
i've been avoiding that connection for a while. not with the people currently in my life but in terms of adding people to my life. i've wanted to be safe and comfortable and selective in whom i chose to be close to me in my life.
i realize that's not an option now and really never was...i only thought it was. no...we are all connected and in need of seeing that love is genuine, its real, and its unconditional. it takes such different forms and is extended in different ways. from praying for someone to just smiling and giving a genuine greeting. hard to believe that something as small as that could turn someone's day around but i can say from personal experience that it is sometimes the most powerful thing.
my attempts to shelter myself from the "fakers" of familiar circles was inept and i found myself being sucked away by a negativism that continually drained me of any optimism i managed to muster.
however, all it took was an invitation, an opportunity, and a yes to turn it all around. i found myself surrounded by real people facing real struggles but very much determined to love and be genuine. yes they have faults, yes they are imperfect...but they are striving and reaching towards a goal of eternity. dont each of us deserve to be given grace because grace was given to us? that's my question to my inner-self.
from that moment, the hardness i've carried with me has slowly deteriorated. i cant say its completely gone but i can say that as it dissolves there is a new resolve and a new hope that replaces it.
it is only fitting given being on the brink and cusp of something new. there are alot of variables still unresolved regarding my future and my path. i'm not unnerved by those questions, i know it will all work out in the perfect timing...
my job is to keep forging ahead listening to the voice that beckons. it is a fine hour to be in. sometimes scary and sometimes uncertain...but i trust in what cannot be seen.
i realize this may all be a bit heavy but given the context of life in the last few days it is so very appropriate. i realize i've not made you privy to all the sorted details but lets say that its not been pretty for some of the closest people in my life. i dont understand why these loved ones are going through what they are going through...but i trust that there's something more to their experience and through it God would be God.
from my own life tragedies and triumphs i can say i know that He is who He promises to be and no matter where we go or what we do, He will always be there because His love is never failing.
people will fail us...churches will fail us...loved ones will fail us...but His love is perfect and never failing. i''m so completely grateful.
i managed to get things squared away with my apt complex to be..though i will need to make a trip back on tues. so much traveling! i'm sad to be leaving my bro but know i will soon be here more permanently. i am so very much looking forward to seeing old friends and best friends.
definitely a time to celebrate so many wonderful things happening in so many peoples lives.
tomorrow or today rather, i drive to dallas. i get to see two of my best friends....so very excited about that...but will write more about those details tomorrow.
just to say that when you think you cant possible grow anymore...life has way of surprising you.
i had the greatest conversation with my bro today. he was telling me how on a drive he realized that God was the living water and how often times you can tell when an area has lots of rain because the grass will grow rampantly and will be green and lush. that when the rain comes we need to give thanks because with it comes new growth. its appropriate that we will face storms and God will see us through but through them...God gives us nourishment we need to grow as people. so no matter the weather tomorrow...i'm determined to thank God for His nourishment and growth.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
cucuy weather
the drive up went much faster than i thought it was going to. before i knew it i was in Tahoka! needless to say, i did not get on the open road at the hour i was hoping for. for some reason, i just couldnt get going today. i dont know if it was the whole i-need-to-pack or because i had so many errands that needed to be run but either way, i just didnt feel very productive today.
not to mention, my suitcase is a bag stuffed with cloths. i'm not even really sure what i brought...just chunked it in the bag! its apathy! lol. i'd like to believe its because of all the traveling i've done so far this summer. dont get me wrong, i'm sooo looking forward to seeing friends and spending time with people i love dearly...but packing and putting gasoline in the vehicle are not my favorite things to do.
not to mention that this trip is a trip with a mission. the mission part gets taken care of first so that i can enjoy the rest of the travels. maybe, i'd enjoy it more if someone was along with me...but this trip i'm flying solo. ok so the plan is to stay in lbk till thurs then drive to dallas - staying with friends there, then driving to austin - visiting some friends - picking up my mom in austin and driving back home. i should be gone about a week.
the next round of trips starts the following friday with a drive down to san antonio. my extended family with join me sat night and we'll follow each other down to galveston/kemah on sun morning. i'll be in the houston area until tues morning and we'll drive back to west texas via round rock and a short stop at the outlet mall....we shall see just how short that stop is!
i'm trying to convince my mom to make that trip with us cause she seriously needs a vacation. i know she's got lots to do when she gets back but she's not had a real, real vacation and i think she deserves a chance to sit and relax. so we'll see....i get back tues night and leave to lubbock that friday morning as in moving into my new apt travel.
bittersweet.
i didnt expect the summer to go so quickly. but here we are nearing my bday! oh yeah..throw that in for good measure. i'm here in LBK to celebrate my bro's 30th bday. not sure how we're gonna do it up...but i'm here to insure he has a great one. you only turn 30 once.
i thought i was going to encounter some cucuy weather driving down but thank you Jesus i missed it all. just had some water on the road way outside of Tahoka...had to slow it down to get through that part of the road but other than that...it was a nice overcast kinda drive.
i'm waiting on my bro to get dressed and then we're headed out for either dinner and a movie or a movie then dinner...or just dinner...no idea what. i'm glad to be here.
tomorrow's order of business. i have to drop by the grad school to take care of some stuff. other than that, its celebration city! Lol. hope you are all having a great summer. i managed to break out the ole skool summer jams. definitely brought back some great summer memories!
not to mention, my suitcase is a bag stuffed with cloths. i'm not even really sure what i brought...just chunked it in the bag! its apathy! lol. i'd like to believe its because of all the traveling i've done so far this summer. dont get me wrong, i'm sooo looking forward to seeing friends and spending time with people i love dearly...but packing and putting gasoline in the vehicle are not my favorite things to do.
not to mention that this trip is a trip with a mission. the mission part gets taken care of first so that i can enjoy the rest of the travels. maybe, i'd enjoy it more if someone was along with me...but this trip i'm flying solo. ok so the plan is to stay in lbk till thurs then drive to dallas - staying with friends there, then driving to austin - visiting some friends - picking up my mom in austin and driving back home. i should be gone about a week.
the next round of trips starts the following friday with a drive down to san antonio. my extended family with join me sat night and we'll follow each other down to galveston/kemah on sun morning. i'll be in the houston area until tues morning and we'll drive back to west texas via round rock and a short stop at the outlet mall....we shall see just how short that stop is!
i'm trying to convince my mom to make that trip with us cause she seriously needs a vacation. i know she's got lots to do when she gets back but she's not had a real, real vacation and i think she deserves a chance to sit and relax. so we'll see....i get back tues night and leave to lubbock that friday morning as in moving into my new apt travel.
bittersweet.
i didnt expect the summer to go so quickly. but here we are nearing my bday! oh yeah..throw that in for good measure. i'm here in LBK to celebrate my bro's 30th bday. not sure how we're gonna do it up...but i'm here to insure he has a great one. you only turn 30 once.
i thought i was going to encounter some cucuy weather driving down but thank you Jesus i missed it all. just had some water on the road way outside of Tahoka...had to slow it down to get through that part of the road but other than that...it was a nice overcast kinda drive.
i'm waiting on my bro to get dressed and then we're headed out for either dinner and a movie or a movie then dinner...or just dinner...no idea what. i'm glad to be here.
tomorrow's order of business. i have to drop by the grad school to take care of some stuff. other than that, its celebration city! Lol. hope you are all having a great summer. i managed to break out the ole skool summer jams. definitely brought back some great summer memories!
Friday, July 17, 2009
peculiar place part 2
ok so i'm back from devo.
actually, i packed up most of my stuff as we're leaving no later than 7:15 am. hard to believe that the week has come and gone but a successful one it was. i'm glad my dad invited me. i've been blessed beyond measure by fellowship and learned more than i could imagine possible from these folks.
the group is a mix of 40 older, mid, and young adults along with a small child. so i got to interact with folks in a wide range of age. i can say that i have met some really amazing people who just blessed me in different ways each.
i'm also glad for the time i've gotten to spend with my dad. i love that man dearly...
we drive home tomorrow which is about a 7-8 hr drive for us. didnt realize that we were that far away from home!
i'm glad for our devotional times. i've heard God speak loudly and clearly as moments and conversations i've had in my life over the last few months are being tied to a purpose. utterly profound is all i can say about the whole thing because it really is indescribable.
it is a new season. one that i'm both glad and terrified of. i say terrified in the most positive manner possible! but i know that this is what i've been waiting for. so i embrace it even with trembling arms.
it has been a journey for sure and i'm certain that this mission trip has been a necessary part of that journey.
the next part of this journey includes the big move to LBK!
given the other set of news i received this week which threw me for a loop...i wasnt quite sure what i was going to do. everything has gone according to plan with the exception of law school and a scholarship which i was told i was virtually guaranteed to receive. uhmmmm yeah, didnt happen and that threw my plans into overdrive.
"not your plans, my plans..." - i was reminded. i realized in that moment that i'd surrendered those dreams and plans and that i very well couldnt just take them back. so i responded, "i know you've got only the very best planned for me and that what is meant to be will as it was destined before time began."
i can't say i wasnt disappointed because i was and i fear that some choices i made in the past are creeping back to haunt me (you reap what you sow). i thought to myself, "am i ever going to get over past decisions?" but here's the deal, that's part of adulthood - dealing with the choices we make the consequences that follow. i knew what i was facing, knew the challenges that lay ahead. the difference is that now i'm at that place where rubber meets the road.
i talked with my dad about it while we were driving back to our "lodging" yesterday. he reminded me that nothing is in vain and there were other solutions to the problem and i just had to trust that God would work them out. doesnt mean there isnt work (and alot of hard work at that) to do on my part and so next week will find me Lubbock exploring some possiblities.
since i didnt get the scholarship I was hoping for....i now need to work at least part-time. if i dont work part-time, it makes my budget for the next year really,really tight. i trusted and continue to trust these things would work themselves out.
i've applied for several jobs in LBK but have not had any success and even in that i thought, Jesus has this under His control too. so i told my dad (jokingly) if no other type job opportunities pan out in lubbock at the very least, i could possibly work in sheet rocking! however, that might not be necessary! thank you JESUS! i got a call today to set up a time for an interview. my bro forwarded my resume to one of his contacts and there we are!
I had reasoned if i got the scholarship then i'd have to go to school full-time (its a requirement) and then could only work part-time but now i'm not "required" to go full-time - so i could potential go part-time which would allow me to stay under the max hour limit in order to matriculate into the joint JD/MBA program next fall.
brings me to the next part....i re-take the LSAT in Sept and am applying for early admissions to Tech law in hopes to marticulate into the joint program in the fall of 2010. if i dont get early acceptence, then i'll finish up my MBA at Tech and look at other options for law school.
the whole issue is dealing with finances which is really dumb. because if i believe God to be who i profess Him to be then i should fully trust that He'll provide all the resources i need. but that's been the question for me. is this really what God wants for me or has planned for my life? i was so completely certain months ago and now it seems like maybe not?
i want to be smart about financing my education as there's a long road ahead of me. i've done extensive research regarding the costs of varying law schools and have a list of top schools that are both reputable, have great bar passing rates, and won't be so damaging to my pocket book upon graduation. the main point is the longer i'm in school, the more costly it becomes....so i've been looking at how can i get through this process as quickly as possible?
at this point, i have no clue how long i'll be in lubbock other than at least a year per my apt lease. for the moment, the focus is an MBA for grad school...that's all i know and won't know much more until sometime around Dec (when I receive an acceptance or rejection letter).
i need to visit with a law school admissions counselor to talk in depth about the strength of my application and also visit with an MBA advisor regarding some waivers that i need to register for class...so i'll be spending a few days in lubbock this coming week.
there's also the stuff going on with my sister and her family. her husband is really sick and of course that would affect the family. my mom is with her now in Indiana and we're not sure when she's coming back. there have been a slew of events occur there...so please just pray for them...they're on my heart 24-7. i really miss my nephews and my sister!it would be nice if they lived closer.
i decided to write about our devo's for the last few days in a separate blog. working on them and will post sometime tomorrow evening. will be glad to be home and not living out of a suitcase! however, with the last few trips on the books...i have a bit more suitcase time coming.
my thoughts for the moment..
uncertainty definitely puts your faith to the test. while there is alot of uncertainty, i can say that i'm at peace. sure the wrench thrown into the plans kinda jolt me and sometimes move me into overdrive...but it would not be my life if it happened any other way. trials and problems have a way of testing and refining us as people and as believers.
but more importantly the what, when, where, and how's aren't as important as the FOR WHO
actually, i packed up most of my stuff as we're leaving no later than 7:15 am. hard to believe that the week has come and gone but a successful one it was. i'm glad my dad invited me. i've been blessed beyond measure by fellowship and learned more than i could imagine possible from these folks.
the group is a mix of 40 older, mid, and young adults along with a small child. so i got to interact with folks in a wide range of age. i can say that i have met some really amazing people who just blessed me in different ways each.
i'm also glad for the time i've gotten to spend with my dad. i love that man dearly...
we drive home tomorrow which is about a 7-8 hr drive for us. didnt realize that we were that far away from home!
i'm glad for our devotional times. i've heard God speak loudly and clearly as moments and conversations i've had in my life over the last few months are being tied to a purpose. utterly profound is all i can say about the whole thing because it really is indescribable.
it is a new season. one that i'm both glad and terrified of. i say terrified in the most positive manner possible! but i know that this is what i've been waiting for. so i embrace it even with trembling arms.
it has been a journey for sure and i'm certain that this mission trip has been a necessary part of that journey.
the next part of this journey includes the big move to LBK!
given the other set of news i received this week which threw me for a loop...i wasnt quite sure what i was going to do. everything has gone according to plan with the exception of law school and a scholarship which i was told i was virtually guaranteed to receive. uhmmmm yeah, didnt happen and that threw my plans into overdrive.
"not your plans, my plans..." - i was reminded. i realized in that moment that i'd surrendered those dreams and plans and that i very well couldnt just take them back. so i responded, "i know you've got only the very best planned for me and that what is meant to be will as it was destined before time began."
i can't say i wasnt disappointed because i was and i fear that some choices i made in the past are creeping back to haunt me (you reap what you sow). i thought to myself, "am i ever going to get over past decisions?" but here's the deal, that's part of adulthood - dealing with the choices we make the consequences that follow. i knew what i was facing, knew the challenges that lay ahead. the difference is that now i'm at that place where rubber meets the road.
i talked with my dad about it while we were driving back to our "lodging" yesterday. he reminded me that nothing is in vain and there were other solutions to the problem and i just had to trust that God would work them out. doesnt mean there isnt work (and alot of hard work at that) to do on my part and so next week will find me Lubbock exploring some possiblities.
since i didnt get the scholarship I was hoping for....i now need to work at least part-time. if i dont work part-time, it makes my budget for the next year really,really tight. i trusted and continue to trust these things would work themselves out.
i've applied for several jobs in LBK but have not had any success and even in that i thought, Jesus has this under His control too. so i told my dad (jokingly) if no other type job opportunities pan out in lubbock at the very least, i could possibly work in sheet rocking! however, that might not be necessary! thank you JESUS! i got a call today to set up a time for an interview. my bro forwarded my resume to one of his contacts and there we are!
I had reasoned if i got the scholarship then i'd have to go to school full-time (its a requirement) and then could only work part-time but now i'm not "required" to go full-time - so i could potential go part-time which would allow me to stay under the max hour limit in order to matriculate into the joint JD/MBA program next fall.
brings me to the next part....i re-take the LSAT in Sept and am applying for early admissions to Tech law in hopes to marticulate into the joint program in the fall of 2010. if i dont get early acceptence, then i'll finish up my MBA at Tech and look at other options for law school.
the whole issue is dealing with finances which is really dumb. because if i believe God to be who i profess Him to be then i should fully trust that He'll provide all the resources i need. but that's been the question for me. is this really what God wants for me or has planned for my life? i was so completely certain months ago and now it seems like maybe not?
i want to be smart about financing my education as there's a long road ahead of me. i've done extensive research regarding the costs of varying law schools and have a list of top schools that are both reputable, have great bar passing rates, and won't be so damaging to my pocket book upon graduation. the main point is the longer i'm in school, the more costly it becomes....so i've been looking at how can i get through this process as quickly as possible?
at this point, i have no clue how long i'll be in lubbock other than at least a year per my apt lease. for the moment, the focus is an MBA for grad school...that's all i know and won't know much more until sometime around Dec (when I receive an acceptance or rejection letter).
i need to visit with a law school admissions counselor to talk in depth about the strength of my application and also visit with an MBA advisor regarding some waivers that i need to register for class...so i'll be spending a few days in lubbock this coming week.
there's also the stuff going on with my sister and her family. her husband is really sick and of course that would affect the family. my mom is with her now in Indiana and we're not sure when she's coming back. there have been a slew of events occur there...so please just pray for them...they're on my heart 24-7. i really miss my nephews and my sister!it would be nice if they lived closer.
i decided to write about our devo's for the last few days in a separate blog. working on them and will post sometime tomorrow evening. will be glad to be home and not living out of a suitcase! however, with the last few trips on the books...i have a bit more suitcase time coming.
my thoughts for the moment..
uncertainty definitely puts your faith to the test. while there is alot of uncertainty, i can say that i'm at peace. sure the wrench thrown into the plans kinda jolt me and sometimes move me into overdrive...but it would not be my life if it happened any other way. trials and problems have a way of testing and refining us as people and as believers.
but more importantly the what, when, where, and how's aren't as important as the FOR WHO
peculiar place
i thought i'd write this blog before i go lead worship. an odd activity to do but i feel the need to get this out there...so here we go.
this week has been an odd mixture of hard work, pain and suffering (from heat and dehydration!), to beautiful fellowship, unexpected disappointments, strange phone calls, change in plans, and sudden emergencies.
it has been all over the place.
despite all the obvious distrations...we came here on a mission and we've accomplished it. something to be celebrated tonight.
so leading worship, you may ask? yes i know. a bit surprised myself and i'm working out the internal conflict about it. lol. long long long story there (for another time and another place). music hasnt been something really prevalent in my life as of late. for lots of reasons and none that are terrible or scandalous as some might assume.
no...i've been focused on finishing and completing goals and tasks...so that means less time for the things i love so much like music. but its good to be back to what i love. seriously...
ok gonna have to finish this another time...
i need to spend some time with the Master...will finish this when devo is over....lots to share.
this week has been an odd mixture of hard work, pain and suffering (from heat and dehydration!), to beautiful fellowship, unexpected disappointments, strange phone calls, change in plans, and sudden emergencies.
it has been all over the place.
despite all the obvious distrations...we came here on a mission and we've accomplished it. something to be celebrated tonight.
so leading worship, you may ask? yes i know. a bit surprised myself and i'm working out the internal conflict about it. lol. long long long story there (for another time and another place). music hasnt been something really prevalent in my life as of late. for lots of reasons and none that are terrible or scandalous as some might assume.
no...i've been focused on finishing and completing goals and tasks...so that means less time for the things i love so much like music. but its good to be back to what i love. seriously...
ok gonna have to finish this another time...
i need to spend some time with the Master...will finish this when devo is over....lots to share.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
when my heart cires out all it can say
Jesus (the way) Jaci Velasquez
Often, I am taken by the World
It sneaks up on me
But, eventually, You draw me back
To form this clay into a masterpiece
Oh, in spite of meYou see beauty
(Chorus)
And Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Your mercy’s new every day
When my heart cries out
All it can say is
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
You direct the path that seems astray
Assuring us that we will find the way
Help us find the way
Often I am shaken by your love
Oh it releases me
From the bondage of my sin
And through the crossadopted by your grace
You’ll never turn your face
Never turn your face
that's kinda where my heart is today.
won't go into alot of detail but lots going on with our group. all i can say is that i'm praying for God to be God. i know what He's capable of, know who He is and know that He can make possible the impossible because that's who He is. i wont go into alot of detail but i have to say that despite all the things going on there are some really great things happening to.
tomorrow we sheet rock a house. we took a visit this evening and i was completely shocked by the amount of debris outside the front door. really spoke to my heart that people are still displaced a year later. i'm glad that we are able to be a part of this and just feeling really blessed by the whole summer's experience.
i'm up early tomorrow so i'll post about our devotionals then. my thoughts might be a bit clearer by then too!
so blessed to be here now...
Often, I am taken by the World
It sneaks up on me
But, eventually, You draw me back
To form this clay into a masterpiece
Oh, in spite of meYou see beauty
(Chorus)
And Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Your mercy’s new every day
When my heart cries out
All it can say is
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
You direct the path that seems astray
Assuring us that we will find the way
Help us find the way
Often I am shaken by your love
Oh it releases me
From the bondage of my sin
And through the crossadopted by your grace
You’ll never turn your face
Never turn your face
that's kinda where my heart is today.
won't go into alot of detail but lots going on with our group. all i can say is that i'm praying for God to be God. i know what He's capable of, know who He is and know that He can make possible the impossible because that's who He is. i wont go into alot of detail but i have to say that despite all the things going on there are some really great things happening to.
tomorrow we sheet rock a house. we took a visit this evening and i was completely shocked by the amount of debris outside the front door. really spoke to my heart that people are still displaced a year later. i'm glad that we are able to be a part of this and just feeling really blessed by the whole summer's experience.
i'm up early tomorrow so i'll post about our devotionals then. my thoughts might be a bit clearer by then too!
so blessed to be here now...
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
a hot mess!
one of my roommates (while Italy) would say "hot mess" all the time.
that's completely how i felt today.
we could really feel the heat. also made quite a bit of progress yesterday. an amazing to see..
however, today, everyone was runnin a bit slower! after giving our 110% yesterday the fuel tanks had little time to recooperate and refuel! in fact my alarm went off at 5:30 and i thought to myself...it can't be, I just barely closed my eyes!
oh but it was 5:30 and i decided to sleep till 6:15. then i laid there before deciding to get up and get dressed. breakfast was at 7am and thank goodness i took a bath last night! planning on doing the same tonight. mostly cause i'm a stinky hot mess for real, for real...
more rooms are enclosed in the building with all our sheet rock progress so the building was way hotter! we were all pouring sweat. though i dont feel that we labored as hard today as yesterday. we did however, make good progress.
i realize i'm rambling but its cause i'm trying not to fall asleep before our devotional tonight and i'm waiting for the shower. did i mention there is one shower for all twenty something of us girls...yeah, dont ask me how that's working cause i've yet to figure it out.
the only rule applicable to this situation is 15 minute showers and as far as i can tell everyone is adhering to that rule. so hence...no purposefully stinky people.
ok, so i should talk about our morning devotionals. every morning at breakfast when you finish going through the line getting what you're going to eat that morning, you get a devitional. its a one-pager and written by our fearless leader, Emmett Corker.
i've known Emmett for a very, very, very long time and he's just a stand up guy who really loves Jesus. he's about my parents age and when i met him was a youth pastor but now is pastoring a church. i love listening to him cause he's very real and down to earth so there's no wonder his devotionals speaking to you in a practical way.
our day one devotional focused on four verses.
Psalm 86:11 ..."give me an undivided heart that I might fear Your name."
Psalm 119:18 ..."open the yes that I may see the wonderful things in Your law."
Psalm 119:36..."Incline my heart towards Your statutes and not toward selfish gain."
Psalm 90:14..."Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we be glad and sing for joy all our days.:
It was aimed at helping us keep focused throughout the day.
Day 2 morning devotion
Emmett shared a story about some birds that built a nest in his house and how the birds had baby birds. His focus here was about how when the mama bird went to get food for her babies, she'd come back to the nest and she didnt have to coax her babies to eat. no, there they were waiting with their mouths wide open waiting for the food their mama had for them.
his connection for us was that God is that we should be the same way with God...waiting eager and with mouths wide open for him to fullfill what we need.
Psalm 81:10 "I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."
God's reminding us that He is the great Deliverer and that He provides in abundance. The little birds in Emmett's story needed nourishment and it was critical to their lives. The nourishment that was provided eventually led to their first flights! Emmett stated that we need the same nourishment to "fly" into what we were created to be.
The most interesting part for me was the "open wide your mouth." Its that point of eager expectation and anticipation that i'm going to receive exactly what i need and i'm ready to receive everything i'm supposed to receive. i've felt that i've been participating as a spectator recently and that the season of "sit and listen" was coming to a close.
not real sure where that will lead but i can say that i'm ready to be called into the game. i think being here and part of this experience has been about that. i definitely have some different views about alot of things but i think its all with purpose.
i'm so very glad to be here with my dad. he lead our devotional last night, out of John 6 where Jesus fed the multitude. he talked about how it may seem like we have little but how God can multiply our efforts.
i can see what he meant in his words (my dad) as i reflected on everyone's efforts for the day! man...talk about team work and just getting things done. it was powerful.
also quickly a prayer request for my bro-in-law. some of you know he was hospitalized again in the last week or so. he's been in and out of the hospital some 11 times in 2 years. its beginning to take its toll on my sister. his condition is getting worse and worse as his pancreas deteriorates. he has chronic pancreatitis (if i'm not mistaken). well they put in a g-tube and are trying to put off a feeding tube as long as possible. my mom is with my sister now as are my sisters-in-laws. so just pray for that situation.
ok so i'm gonna get out my guitar for a while. i might be leading worship in the next few nights due to our designated worship leader having to leave early. been a while...especially going solo on guitar.
that's completely how i felt today.
we could really feel the heat. also made quite a bit of progress yesterday. an amazing to see..
however, today, everyone was runnin a bit slower! after giving our 110% yesterday the fuel tanks had little time to recooperate and refuel! in fact my alarm went off at 5:30 and i thought to myself...it can't be, I just barely closed my eyes!
oh but it was 5:30 and i decided to sleep till 6:15. then i laid there before deciding to get up and get dressed. breakfast was at 7am and thank goodness i took a bath last night! planning on doing the same tonight. mostly cause i'm a stinky hot mess for real, for real...
more rooms are enclosed in the building with all our sheet rock progress so the building was way hotter! we were all pouring sweat. though i dont feel that we labored as hard today as yesterday. we did however, make good progress.
i realize i'm rambling but its cause i'm trying not to fall asleep before our devotional tonight and i'm waiting for the shower. did i mention there is one shower for all twenty something of us girls...yeah, dont ask me how that's working cause i've yet to figure it out.
the only rule applicable to this situation is 15 minute showers and as far as i can tell everyone is adhering to that rule. so hence...no purposefully stinky people.
ok, so i should talk about our morning devotionals. every morning at breakfast when you finish going through the line getting what you're going to eat that morning, you get a devitional. its a one-pager and written by our fearless leader, Emmett Corker.
i've known Emmett for a very, very, very long time and he's just a stand up guy who really loves Jesus. he's about my parents age and when i met him was a youth pastor but now is pastoring a church. i love listening to him cause he's very real and down to earth so there's no wonder his devotionals speaking to you in a practical way.
our day one devotional focused on four verses.
Psalm 86:11 ..."give me an undivided heart that I might fear Your name."
Psalm 119:18 ..."open the yes that I may see the wonderful things in Your law."
Psalm 119:36..."Incline my heart towards Your statutes and not toward selfish gain."
Psalm 90:14..."Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we be glad and sing for joy all our days.:
It was aimed at helping us keep focused throughout the day.
Day 2 morning devotion
Emmett shared a story about some birds that built a nest in his house and how the birds had baby birds. His focus here was about how when the mama bird went to get food for her babies, she'd come back to the nest and she didnt have to coax her babies to eat. no, there they were waiting with their mouths wide open waiting for the food their mama had for them.
his connection for us was that God is that we should be the same way with God...waiting eager and with mouths wide open for him to fullfill what we need.
Psalm 81:10 "I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."
God's reminding us that He is the great Deliverer and that He provides in abundance. The little birds in Emmett's story needed nourishment and it was critical to their lives. The nourishment that was provided eventually led to their first flights! Emmett stated that we need the same nourishment to "fly" into what we were created to be.
The most interesting part for me was the "open wide your mouth." Its that point of eager expectation and anticipation that i'm going to receive exactly what i need and i'm ready to receive everything i'm supposed to receive. i've felt that i've been participating as a spectator recently and that the season of "sit and listen" was coming to a close.
not real sure where that will lead but i can say that i'm ready to be called into the game. i think being here and part of this experience has been about that. i definitely have some different views about alot of things but i think its all with purpose.
i'm so very glad to be here with my dad. he lead our devotional last night, out of John 6 where Jesus fed the multitude. he talked about how it may seem like we have little but how God can multiply our efforts.
i can see what he meant in his words (my dad) as i reflected on everyone's efforts for the day! man...talk about team work and just getting things done. it was powerful.
also quickly a prayer request for my bro-in-law. some of you know he was hospitalized again in the last week or so. he's been in and out of the hospital some 11 times in 2 years. its beginning to take its toll on my sister. his condition is getting worse and worse as his pancreas deteriorates. he has chronic pancreatitis (if i'm not mistaken). well they put in a g-tube and are trying to put off a feeding tube as long as possible. my mom is with my sister now as are my sisters-in-laws. so just pray for that situation.
ok so i'm gonna get out my guitar for a while. i might be leading worship in the next few nights due to our designated worship leader having to leave early. been a while...especially going solo on guitar.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
sheetrock 101
i got a fast and furious lesson in sheetrocking. i sooo completely respect the people who do this for a living. the day was hard and grueling but so completely worth the effort and work. we're sheet rocking a church that is recovering from last year's Hurricane Ike. They were recovering from Hurricane Rita when they were hit by Ike. so you can imagine....
we're working on their family center and are responsible for approx 3,000 sq feet of sheet rock. i know this only because i asked my dad. i saw alot of teamwork, patience, love, and dedication today. i saw a whole lot more but just to give you an idea.
took a while to get started but once we got rolling, man - we couldnt be stopped....well except for the fact that we ran out of "gas." we were runnin on fumes and at the end of the day, we were ready to come back to our makeshift quarters to eat some dinner and relax.
i'm headed to the shower to rinse off. that in itself is a blessing cause its a luxury. could be sleeping in a tent somewhere with no shower, not hot water, no soap. its all a luxury and its more real to be now post-study abroad more than ever.
as always, there's more to say and drum roll please! i have pictures...so i fully plan on posting those here. not to many but just to give you an idea of what we're working with. my dad's leading tonights devotion and after seeing him pour his heart and soul into this project, its an honor for me to hear the words he has to share with our group tonight.
its bit bittersweet for me because of the impending move to lubbock. things will change as they always do but i'm glad at the very least, we have these moments together. will definitely post my thoughts after tonight's devotion.
been a very silently powerful moment in my life.
btw - power drills totally rock my socks off...
CLARIFICATION
this was my first time using a power drill and now i see why men love power tools. it was like the heavens opened up and the hallelujah chorus played...it was glorious.
we're working on their family center and are responsible for approx 3,000 sq feet of sheet rock. i know this only because i asked my dad. i saw alot of teamwork, patience, love, and dedication today. i saw a whole lot more but just to give you an idea.
took a while to get started but once we got rolling, man - we couldnt be stopped....well except for the fact that we ran out of "gas." we were runnin on fumes and at the end of the day, we were ready to come back to our makeshift quarters to eat some dinner and relax.
i'm headed to the shower to rinse off. that in itself is a blessing cause its a luxury. could be sleeping in a tent somewhere with no shower, not hot water, no soap. its all a luxury and its more real to be now post-study abroad more than ever.
as always, there's more to say and drum roll please! i have pictures...so i fully plan on posting those here. not to many but just to give you an idea of what we're working with. my dad's leading tonights devotion and after seeing him pour his heart and soul into this project, its an honor for me to hear the words he has to share with our group tonight.
its bit bittersweet for me because of the impending move to lubbock. things will change as they always do but i'm glad at the very least, we have these moments together. will definitely post my thoughts after tonight's devotion.
been a very silently powerful moment in my life.
btw - power drills totally rock my socks off...
CLARIFICATION
this was my first time using a power drill and now i see why men love power tools. it was like the heavens opened up and the hallelujah chorus played...it was glorious.
Monday, July 13, 2009
let the crazy times begin!
the countdown has begun.
we went to our "work site" earlier this evening to see exactly what we have in store for us! i failed to get pictures but trust me, tomorrow i will definitely get a pic. i've gotten to meet most of our group and for the most part i've been a bit quiet.
don't know if that's because of Italy/Greece and my experience there or if its the whole getting older and knowing that its better to keep quiet in 99% of instances.
so i've been "observing" and so far its been good. i'm with a crazy fun loving bunch of people who genuinely want to be here. this is my dad's 4th project with the group and while the group has some new members, namely me, there are quite a few veterans who have returned.
in the last few hours, i've heard some of their experiences and why they've returned and i have to say that its been completely refreshing...refreshing in a way that i needed and didnt know. my dad is here but i'm rooming with complete strangers.
i can say that i've fully embracing summer even though i know it arrived before i realized it and before i returned from Italy/Greece. i still have both my online classes but they seem a bit minute for the moment. i say that until my homework is due. i'll be up early in the morning to try and get a jump start and ahead of the game. the text for Laws of Contracts is not an easy read.
ok so back to this trip. we are sheetrocking a church in Bridge City. its quite a drive from where we are staying. i'm most grateful for our quarters and even though i'm bunked on an army cot (thanks to my dad!): it is the most wonderful bed!
i've also realized just how blessed i am to have the two people in my life i call mom and dad. maybe i'm not appreciative enough or perhaps i just dont see it at times and though I call them crazies...i love them deeply and in a way that is completely beyond words.
many of these people have had the opportunity to get to know my mom and dad and the compliments i've received thus far have been flattering. what people say about who they are is because of how my parents live and what they speak. those are rarely contrary to each other and if so done in innocence without knowing. they try their very hardest to live what they speak. what i love about them most is that they aren't impressed with "fancy labels" or "fancy words" but can cut through false impressions and fascades. they see truth in its purest form.
i love them for that because so often they've encouraged me to keep the right people in my life. regardless of choices that i've made or paths i've not taken...they've loved me unconditionally and while i have no children of my own, i've only recently begun to understand the love of a parent through observing my sister with her own children. it is a unique love. one that i'm so glad abounds in my life.
so i'm not sure what tomorrow's post will be. just have to say that tonights devo spoke to my heart in a way that's been sorely missed. it makes perfect sense and being here right now in this time and place makes perfect sense. it may seem insanity to some and why the heck are you there...regardless of what i do or dont receive from this experience i have to believe that what i choose to give will bless those who need it most when given in the right context. that is my aim here...to give with pureness of heart not expecting anything in return and to walk along side my dad in servant leadership.
this trip is not about what i want or what i need...but about a need that exist and saying here's what i have its yours to use as you wish. to some of you this may make no sense at all and to others i know you feel completely what i've got to say. love you all and wishing you the very best week!
what comes most to heart is the following:
1 Chronicles 21:24 (Contemporary English Version)
24But David replied, "No! I want to pay you what they're worth. I can't just take something from you and then offer the LORD a sacrifice that cost me nothing."
we went to our "work site" earlier this evening to see exactly what we have in store for us! i failed to get pictures but trust me, tomorrow i will definitely get a pic. i've gotten to meet most of our group and for the most part i've been a bit quiet.
don't know if that's because of Italy/Greece and my experience there or if its the whole getting older and knowing that its better to keep quiet in 99% of instances.
so i've been "observing" and so far its been good. i'm with a crazy fun loving bunch of people who genuinely want to be here. this is my dad's 4th project with the group and while the group has some new members, namely me, there are quite a few veterans who have returned.
in the last few hours, i've heard some of their experiences and why they've returned and i have to say that its been completely refreshing...refreshing in a way that i needed and didnt know. my dad is here but i'm rooming with complete strangers.
i can say that i've fully embracing summer even though i know it arrived before i realized it and before i returned from Italy/Greece. i still have both my online classes but they seem a bit minute for the moment. i say that until my homework is due. i'll be up early in the morning to try and get a jump start and ahead of the game. the text for Laws of Contracts is not an easy read.
ok so back to this trip. we are sheetrocking a church in Bridge City. its quite a drive from where we are staying. i'm most grateful for our quarters and even though i'm bunked on an army cot (thanks to my dad!): it is the most wonderful bed!
i've also realized just how blessed i am to have the two people in my life i call mom and dad. maybe i'm not appreciative enough or perhaps i just dont see it at times and though I call them crazies...i love them deeply and in a way that is completely beyond words.
many of these people have had the opportunity to get to know my mom and dad and the compliments i've received thus far have been flattering. what people say about who they are is because of how my parents live and what they speak. those are rarely contrary to each other and if so done in innocence without knowing. they try their very hardest to live what they speak. what i love about them most is that they aren't impressed with "fancy labels" or "fancy words" but can cut through false impressions and fascades. they see truth in its purest form.
i love them for that because so often they've encouraged me to keep the right people in my life. regardless of choices that i've made or paths i've not taken...they've loved me unconditionally and while i have no children of my own, i've only recently begun to understand the love of a parent through observing my sister with her own children. it is a unique love. one that i'm so glad abounds in my life.
so i'm not sure what tomorrow's post will be. just have to say that tonights devo spoke to my heart in a way that's been sorely missed. it makes perfect sense and being here right now in this time and place makes perfect sense. it may seem insanity to some and why the heck are you there...regardless of what i do or dont receive from this experience i have to believe that what i choose to give will bless those who need it most when given in the right context. that is my aim here...to give with pureness of heart not expecting anything in return and to walk along side my dad in servant leadership.
this trip is not about what i want or what i need...but about a need that exist and saying here's what i have its yours to use as you wish. to some of you this may make no sense at all and to others i know you feel completely what i've got to say. love you all and wishing you the very best week!
what comes most to heart is the following:
1 Chronicles 21:24 (Contemporary English Version)
24But David replied, "No! I want to pay you what they're worth. I can't just take something from you and then offer the LORD a sacrifice that cost me nothing."
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Italy/Greece Grades
I realized that I completely forgot to post my course grades for my two course. So proud to say that I made "A's" in both History of Freedom and History of Trade! yips!
here's a slideshow of some of my pics from the trip!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21157493@N07/show/
here's a slideshow of some of my pics from the trip!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21157493@N07/show/
a travel of different sorts
another day of travel....another hotel room.
this trip is quite different. i'm on a mission trip with my dad...back from visiting my sister in Indiana for a week...we're now headed to the Houston area for a mission trip with our assocation (CVBA).
the week in chicago was about visiting my sister and nephews.
this trip is not about engaging in the self-indulgement. no...this trip is about others and supplying a need.
we arrived in Tomball this evening with a bit of drama regarding our reservation. I'm hoping it will be all sorted out tomorrow morning. If not, then not.
so tomorrow, we part ways with my mom. she will be heading to chicago to help my sister with my nephews. she's traveling with my sister's-in-laws. a long 18 hr drive! so pray for her and for their safe arrival.
my dad and I are meeting up with our group, Concho Valley Baptist Association (CVBA), sometime tomorrow. not sure exactly where or when as my dad has made all those arrangements. i'm not exactly sure what my job will be on this trip but i was told it was something between two options - lunch lady or dry walling! lol. ok so working in the kitchen or dry walling, i'm excited to be here with my dad.
i'm not gonna lie, i'm a bit exhausted but i know my dad wanted me to be here and so here i am. besides that this is the first time in a few years i've been able to join him because of my insane schedule. i'm not sure what this trip will bring but i know there are things to be learned and service to give. i have no expectations and no requirements. just here to work and to listen.
at the encouragement of my dad, i brought my guitar. i was excited about that. its nice to get back to the things i love. i stilll have school work to do while i'm here so every spare moment will be spent reading or working on homework. i have a couple of quizzes to complete so i'll hunt for an internet connection as i get the opportunity to. other than that, i'm not sure how frequent the posts will be. i have my camera in tow and hope to get some pics up. i actually remembered to bring all the cords to upload this time!
will update as i get more info. just know that we are staying in Beaumont and working on a church in Bridge City.
i can say that i've been blessed by the conversations thus far. just know that my parents are thinking about my sister and her situation with my bro-in-law. from what i know, he's doing better and might come home tomorrow...though again i'm not certain what they've done to him. my sis updates my mom but getting a correct translation from her is a bit tough! LOL.
so keep praying for them as they are far, far, far away from us. we love them and miss them but have to keep doing what we're supposed to be doing here. hope you all have a great week. hard to believe we're in mid-july!
oh yeah might get to meet up with some old friends tomorrow. hopefully plans will pan out. excited about that too!
this trip is quite different. i'm on a mission trip with my dad...back from visiting my sister in Indiana for a week...we're now headed to the Houston area for a mission trip with our assocation (CVBA).
the week in chicago was about visiting my sister and nephews.
this trip is not about engaging in the self-indulgement. no...this trip is about others and supplying a need.
we arrived in Tomball this evening with a bit of drama regarding our reservation. I'm hoping it will be all sorted out tomorrow morning. If not, then not.
so tomorrow, we part ways with my mom. she will be heading to chicago to help my sister with my nephews. she's traveling with my sister's-in-laws. a long 18 hr drive! so pray for her and for their safe arrival.
my dad and I are meeting up with our group, Concho Valley Baptist Association (CVBA), sometime tomorrow. not sure exactly where or when as my dad has made all those arrangements. i'm not exactly sure what my job will be on this trip but i was told it was something between two options - lunch lady or dry walling! lol. ok so working in the kitchen or dry walling, i'm excited to be here with my dad.
i'm not gonna lie, i'm a bit exhausted but i know my dad wanted me to be here and so here i am. besides that this is the first time in a few years i've been able to join him because of my insane schedule. i'm not sure what this trip will bring but i know there are things to be learned and service to give. i have no expectations and no requirements. just here to work and to listen.
at the encouragement of my dad, i brought my guitar. i was excited about that. its nice to get back to the things i love. i stilll have school work to do while i'm here so every spare moment will be spent reading or working on homework. i have a couple of quizzes to complete so i'll hunt for an internet connection as i get the opportunity to. other than that, i'm not sure how frequent the posts will be. i have my camera in tow and hope to get some pics up. i actually remembered to bring all the cords to upload this time!
will update as i get more info. just know that we are staying in Beaumont and working on a church in Bridge City.
i can say that i've been blessed by the conversations thus far. just know that my parents are thinking about my sister and her situation with my bro-in-law. from what i know, he's doing better and might come home tomorrow...though again i'm not certain what they've done to him. my sis updates my mom but getting a correct translation from her is a bit tough! LOL.
so keep praying for them as they are far, far, far away from us. we love them and miss them but have to keep doing what we're supposed to be doing here. hope you all have a great week. hard to believe we're in mid-july!
oh yeah might get to meet up with some old friends tomorrow. hopefully plans will pan out. excited about that too!
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