Who am I??
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Time I can never get back
So, I just did something completely out of character. I went to a website called simpsonizeme.com and uploaded a picture to see what I would look like on the Simpsons. Yes, I just wasted 10 minutes of my life doing this. It is actually pretty funny...
Who am I??
Who am I??
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Life Snapshots
Two deep posts in a row, time for a fun one!!
These first pictures are of the Albertson's Garage Sale. I have never been apart of anything this disorganized in my entire life, but God knows how to work in chaos. Everything was sold for less than $10, but made over $600. All glory to Him!
Next, a snapshot of our fun girl's night at On the Border. I am so thankful for the girls in my life.
Finally, a random shot of a guy that stands on the corner of Josey and Keller Springs singing into a flashlight. It wasn't easy to capture these photos, Brittain and I had to pretend we were getting gas just to get close enough. I don't know why he does it, I don't know what he is singing, but I do admire his boldness!
Meet Addison, my niece. She is sassy, cute, and full of personality! She has tons of toys, but what does she spend her time playing with? A box. This is me above her pushing her around in her "car".
And a preview of her Halloween costume. Meet the new Wonder Woman!
Let me know if anyone wants to join me singing a ballad on a corner anytime soon! :) Oh, and sorry for the off-centeredness of some of these pictures, I think I did something wrong. I am not a very savvy blogger.
These first pictures are of the Albertson's Garage Sale. I have never been apart of anything this disorganized in my entire life, but God knows how to work in chaos. Everything was sold for less than $10, but made over $600. All glory to Him!
Next, a snapshot of our fun girl's night at On the Border. I am so thankful for the girls in my life.
Finally, a random shot of a guy that stands on the corner of Josey and Keller Springs singing into a flashlight. It wasn't easy to capture these photos, Brittain and I had to pretend we were getting gas just to get close enough. I don't know why he does it, I don't know what he is singing, but I do admire his boldness!
Meet Addison, my niece. She is sassy, cute, and full of personality! She has tons of toys, but what does she spend her time playing with? A box. This is me above her pushing her around in her "car".
And a preview of her Halloween costume. Meet the new Wonder Woman!
Let me know if anyone wants to join me singing a ballad on a corner anytime soon! :) Oh, and sorry for the off-centeredness of some of these pictures, I think I did something wrong. I am not a very savvy blogger.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Thoughts from the day
Last night I put blankets over the windows in my room so that my body wouldn't be woken up with the sunrise. I wanted to sleep as long as my body would allow. I naturally woke up a little before 9 and layed in bed contemplating going to the gym. Suddenly I was reminded of coolness from the night before and jumped out of bed so that I could go for a run in the 75 degree weather. The sun was so inviting that I decided to grab Starbucks and go for a drive to one of my favorite spots in Highland Shores to spend time with Jesus near the water. I sat outside and the sweetness of God filled the air. So, all that to say, the first 2 hours of my day were euphoric. Then a picture fell out of my journal. Meet Promise (left) and Louise (right), my favorite two little girls from my first trip to the Daniel Hoover Children's Village in Liberia, Africa.
Every time I look at their little faces my heart leaps and aches all at the same time. It leaps at the fact that they both have been adopted by American families and that they are no longer intimately acquainted with a lack of food and parental guidance. It leaps that I was able to hug and kiss on them for 2 weeks straight. My heart leaps as it remembers Louise climbing in my lap one night without saying a word, just wanting to be held. It aches knowing it will most likely never see these two little faces again this side of heaven. It aches thinking of their experiences of war during their first 4 years of life and that they will never know their biological parents. Seeing this picture for the millionth time this morning made my mind go into a tailspin...
As I sat there surrounded by $500,000+ homes enjoying my morning, some little girl was most likely orphaned or sold into prostituition. As I sipped on my $3.00 Americano a little boy in the Sudan will walk for days without shoes, drinking his own urine to stay hydrated. As I hold my $20 dollar bible freely, someone in the East is memorizing scripture so they don't lose their life for owning a bible. As I savored the moments of my sabbath, a mom in this neighborhood will change the diaper of her 11 year old son with Cerebal Palsy. Another mother in the area will monitor her daughter's brain activity to be sure she isn't having another seizure or stroke. Someone will grieve the loss of a husband and be forced to raise their child alone. Somewhere a man will attempt to comfort his bride as she writhes in pain from a miscarriage. On Sunday, churches around the United States will be filled with broken hearts, lost dreams, and lifeless marriages. Guilt will be covered up with expensive clothing and strategically placed makeup. Shame will whisper in ears, and in attempt to drown it out the music will be turned up. People will insist they are fine while they are lugging around thousands of invisible chains. A girl will hate the decision she made last night that seemed so right at the time. Men will cross their arms along their chest as images of pornography dance in their head. Someone will tell a lie in order to cover up sin and then add a smile to ensure the listener he is telling the truth. A parent will stay quiet as their teenager numbs himself to life through his drug addiction. A man will seek death of another as revenge. Someone will grieve the loss of their grown child serving in Iraq. And the list of the broken continues on and on...
It is not getting any better. Government strategies and education are not working. Satan, the Prince of Darkness, lurks and convinces that our pain will be satisfied by the things of this world. He lies.
How do I reconcile my day with these heavy thoughts? Return to the gospel. Pray. Cling to hope.
"My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame! I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart." Psalm 119:25-32
Trust. Know that He is returning.
"For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:53-58.
The wrestle and the search for the line of being present with where the Lord has me, while being keenly aware of the hurting surrounding the world continues. All I know is that God is still good despite brokeness and sin, and that though suffering may last for a moment joy will indeed follow. The Gospel must remain central. I must remember that Jesus died for this broken place. I must remember the hope that is offered through God's grace. I must point to the cross, cling to the cross, and never move on from the cross. To God be the glory, please come quickly sweet Jesus!!
Every time I look at their little faces my heart leaps and aches all at the same time. It leaps at the fact that they both have been adopted by American families and that they are no longer intimately acquainted with a lack of food and parental guidance. It leaps that I was able to hug and kiss on them for 2 weeks straight. My heart leaps as it remembers Louise climbing in my lap one night without saying a word, just wanting to be held. It aches knowing it will most likely never see these two little faces again this side of heaven. It aches thinking of their experiences of war during their first 4 years of life and that they will never know their biological parents. Seeing this picture for the millionth time this morning made my mind go into a tailspin...
As I sat there surrounded by $500,000+ homes enjoying my morning, some little girl was most likely orphaned or sold into prostituition. As I sipped on my $3.00 Americano a little boy in the Sudan will walk for days without shoes, drinking his own urine to stay hydrated. As I hold my $20 dollar bible freely, someone in the East is memorizing scripture so they don't lose their life for owning a bible. As I savored the moments of my sabbath, a mom in this neighborhood will change the diaper of her 11 year old son with Cerebal Palsy. Another mother in the area will monitor her daughter's brain activity to be sure she isn't having another seizure or stroke. Someone will grieve the loss of a husband and be forced to raise their child alone. Somewhere a man will attempt to comfort his bride as she writhes in pain from a miscarriage. On Sunday, churches around the United States will be filled with broken hearts, lost dreams, and lifeless marriages. Guilt will be covered up with expensive clothing and strategically placed makeup. Shame will whisper in ears, and in attempt to drown it out the music will be turned up. People will insist they are fine while they are lugging around thousands of invisible chains. A girl will hate the decision she made last night that seemed so right at the time. Men will cross their arms along their chest as images of pornography dance in their head. Someone will tell a lie in order to cover up sin and then add a smile to ensure the listener he is telling the truth. A parent will stay quiet as their teenager numbs himself to life through his drug addiction. A man will seek death of another as revenge. Someone will grieve the loss of their grown child serving in Iraq. And the list of the broken continues on and on...
It is not getting any better. Government strategies and education are not working. Satan, the Prince of Darkness, lurks and convinces that our pain will be satisfied by the things of this world. He lies.
How do I reconcile my day with these heavy thoughts? Return to the gospel. Pray. Cling to hope.
"My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame! I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart." Psalm 119:25-32
Trust. Know that He is returning.
"For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:53-58.
The wrestle and the search for the line of being present with where the Lord has me, while being keenly aware of the hurting surrounding the world continues. All I know is that God is still good despite brokeness and sin, and that though suffering may last for a moment joy will indeed follow. The Gospel must remain central. I must remember that Jesus died for this broken place. I must remember the hope that is offered through God's grace. I must point to the cross, cling to the cross, and never move on from the cross. To God be the glory, please come quickly sweet Jesus!!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Addict
After Matt's sermon last week I realized that Narcissism is indeed something that plagues us all. His words sparked my memory of an old journal entry that I thought I would share.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i am an addict,
an addict of self.
i nurse my flesh and walk in comfort.
i am an addict of self.
i am intimately acquainted with all that i think i need
and make every attempt to see those met.
i am an addict,
an addict of self.
i feed my desires the choicest of luxuries, comforts, and delicacies;
anything that will curb my satisfaction pangs.
i am an addict of self.
eat, drink, and be merry is what my flesh screams out,
and there is no fight or even resistance from within.
i am an addict of self.
deserver of comfort, earner of rights,
happiness found within my own hand.
i am addicted to self.
i will steal, lie, conquer, twist, ignore,
project, hold back, exalt, humor, massage, insult
all to protect and glorify myself.
i am an addict of self.
i beg you to tear down this monstrous idol.
demolish it and carry me away from the rubble.
consume me, break me, open my eyes, protect
me from reconstructing another idol in my own image.
i am an addict,
an addict of self.
Jesus, you wooed and awakened me with a touch of your grace.
my soul was stirred and reactive.
you imparted love and mercy,
you know my filth and stench,
but still you chose to sacrifice, wash, clothe me in white.
i am an addict,
an addict of self saved by the blood of Jesus.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i am an addict,
an addict of self.
i nurse my flesh and walk in comfort.
i am an addict of self.
i am intimately acquainted with all that i think i need
and make every attempt to see those met.
i am an addict,
an addict of self.
i feed my desires the choicest of luxuries, comforts, and delicacies;
anything that will curb my satisfaction pangs.
i am an addict of self.
eat, drink, and be merry is what my flesh screams out,
and there is no fight or even resistance from within.
i am an addict of self.
deserver of comfort, earner of rights,
happiness found within my own hand.
i am addicted to self.
i will steal, lie, conquer, twist, ignore,
project, hold back, exalt, humor, massage, insult
all to protect and glorify myself.
i am an addict of self.
i beg you to tear down this monstrous idol.
demolish it and carry me away from the rubble.
consume me, break me, open my eyes, protect
me from reconstructing another idol in my own image.
i am an addict,
an addict of self.
Jesus, you wooed and awakened me with a touch of your grace.
my soul was stirred and reactive.
you imparted love and mercy,
you know my filth and stench,
but still you chose to sacrifice, wash, clothe me in white.
i am an addict,
an addict of self saved by the blood of Jesus.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Watermelons, Sushi, Shopping and Jazz
I TURNED 26!! My sweet God knows my favorite things and gave me a little taste of each of them to celebrate my entry into a new year. Enjoy the fun pictures.
The celebration began a few weeks early with a fun pool party at Summer's house. It was complete with volley ball, cannon balls, and wiffle ball. The watermelon ended up in the pool at least 100 times, prank calling was somehow involved, and Kevin Bailey ripped a phone book in half. It was truly a great day!
The girls...
The following Sunday I went with two of my favorite people to an Etta James, Al Green, and BB King concert. The show was awesome and we had a great time!! Just know that if you ever see this group of amazing singers the show will be OVER 5 HOURS LONG!
Jonathan and Lindsey
On my actual birthday we headed to Denton to see Kimberly's new house and enjoy some sushi and ice cream (two of the greatest foods on earth). Bex had everyone write some kind of poem, cheer, etc as my gift. I couldn't have asked for anything better!!! Picture Sara Duran doing a cheer in the middle of the Square in Denton. She spelled T-I-M-E, because she gave me a subscription to Time Magazine (something I have been wanting for a long time). Bex and Lindsey wrote out poems that were sweet and hilarious. I was going to post them, but they are covered in inside jokes that wouldn't be interesting to anyone else. Thank you to all of you for your sincerity and your friendship.
Finally, last weekend Lindsey Brittain and I went to Chicago to see my best friend, Claude and go to a Chris Botti and Diana Krall concert. It was one of the greatest weekends ever. Ladies, Claude is a complete gentleman and a romancer...someone catch him! We dined a fancy restaurants, went shopping, and laughed a lot...but the best thing that happened was the concert. In the past year I have grown this intimate spot in my heart for jazz, so I couldn't have asked for a more perfect present! Download some of their songs, they are incredible!!! Claude, thank you for everything this weekend. For the past 13 years you have been there through all ups and downs of life and I couldn't ask for a better friend. Lindsey, you are my friend. My real friend. Someone who gets me and still loves me. Someone who sees through my perceptions into the heart of who I am..the good and bad. Thanks for making me laugh, praying for me, and letting me be an over-planner, controlling and uptight :P.
Claude and I
Lindsey and I
Diana Krall Concert
To all of my sweet friends who purchased gifts, treated me to lunch or dinner, wrote out cards, or called/emailed/text...THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
The celebration began a few weeks early with a fun pool party at Summer's house. It was complete with volley ball, cannon balls, and wiffle ball. The watermelon ended up in the pool at least 100 times, prank calling was somehow involved, and Kevin Bailey ripped a phone book in half. It was truly a great day!
The girls...
The following Sunday I went with two of my favorite people to an Etta James, Al Green, and BB King concert. The show was awesome and we had a great time!! Just know that if you ever see this group of amazing singers the show will be OVER 5 HOURS LONG!
Jonathan and Lindsey
On my actual birthday we headed to Denton to see Kimberly's new house and enjoy some sushi and ice cream (two of the greatest foods on earth). Bex had everyone write some kind of poem, cheer, etc as my gift. I couldn't have asked for anything better!!! Picture Sara Duran doing a cheer in the middle of the Square in Denton. She spelled T-I-M-E, because she gave me a subscription to Time Magazine (something I have been wanting for a long time). Bex and Lindsey wrote out poems that were sweet and hilarious. I was going to post them, but they are covered in inside jokes that wouldn't be interesting to anyone else. Thank you to all of you for your sincerity and your friendship.
Finally, last weekend Lindsey Brittain and I went to Chicago to see my best friend, Claude and go to a Chris Botti and Diana Krall concert. It was one of the greatest weekends ever. Ladies, Claude is a complete gentleman and a romancer...someone catch him! We dined a fancy restaurants, went shopping, and laughed a lot...but the best thing that happened was the concert. In the past year I have grown this intimate spot in my heart for jazz, so I couldn't have asked for a more perfect present! Download some of their songs, they are incredible!!! Claude, thank you for everything this weekend. For the past 13 years you have been there through all ups and downs of life and I couldn't ask for a better friend. Lindsey, you are my friend. My real friend. Someone who gets me and still loves me. Someone who sees through my perceptions into the heart of who I am..the good and bad. Thanks for making me laugh, praying for me, and letting me be an over-planner, controlling and uptight :P.
Claude and I
Lindsey and I
Diana Krall Concert
To all of my sweet friends who purchased gifts, treated me to lunch or dinner, wrote out cards, or called/emailed/text...THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
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