Psalm 138:8

Have you ever had a scripture that was your scripture? You know what I mean?  It points directly to the situation you are dealing with.  It immediately quiets your fears, and stirs your heart.  It is God's little post-it note just for you...What about attending the church service and feeling like the pastor read your journal while preparing the message?  I must admit, I love when that happens.  It's like God knows the concerns of my heart, wants me to know that He hears me, and He cares about what I care about.

Psalm 138:8 has been that for me lately.

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, 

O Lord, endureth forever: 

forsake not the works of thine on hands.

When I start to panic because I feel that I am not where I should be, I quote Psalm 138:8, when I have despair because a situation looks totally unfixable, I quote Psalm 138:8.  And do you know what happens?  I instantly feel at peace, because I know that God's got it.

But I must tell you a secret.  I have been so wishy-washy with God's plans for my life lately.  I'm not proud of it, but it's the truth.  It seems like in the same minute, I can be so resolved, so hell bent (I'm not cussing..lol), on staying the course, and seeing this thing through to the end, and poof, just like that...I'm over it...full blown temper tantrum; kicking and screaming...I don't want to do it!

Yep!  Wish I were lying to you, but I'm not...here's the story...

A couple of months ago, I was approached by my church to work on a couple of projects; namely a Youth Discipleship Program, and a Purity Program.  Now, as I sat in this meeting, my hands wrote the notes to capture the moment, but my heart and thoughts were racing...I had a smile on my face, but on the inside all of the sirens were blaring!  (Gotta love the English teacher in me..lol)

I mean on one hand, I was super excited...and by the time I had made it to my car, I was totally unconvinced.

The original deadline to have a timeline and plan of action in place was October 10th...a couple of days before SPARK, and I'll just be honest, even though something came up and my deadline was extended; I wasn't ready to do it, because I didn't want to do it...even though I know I was supposed to do it.

And I know exactly why.  I know exactly the plan I want for my life, and this little excursion, isn't in my blueprint.  Now, some of you as you read this are rolling your eyes and judging me, because you know that I will not win this battle.  I may delay the blessings that await me, I may even travel off course, but I won't win.  I know this....trust me I know, but it doesn't make it any easier.

I'd much rather be married, having my own kids, and prepping my own babies with hearts for Jesus.  I mean really Jesus, when can we move on?!  I don't want to be that girl that turns into a grown woman (even though technically I am grown, but sometimes even I question it), and never gets married because she's so wrapped up in the Kingdom business.  Does that sound just as horrible as it reads?

But seriously peeps... God love David, and his heart for Jesus, his total life committment to the things of God, but I am NO DAVID!!!

And then those words creep in...'the Lord will perfect that which concerns me...'  Even though it's not my ideal perfection...even if we take a plane instead of the nice train ride I had planned...He will take care of it.  And that is good enough...even when I don't feel it all the way to the soles of my feet, it is good enough.  It is. Yes Lord...

Thanksgiving 2012

Hey y'all!  I hope you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I must admit, it was very difficult for me to get a lot of work done on Monday and Tuesday of last week because I was so anxious to get to my family, but I managed to plow through, and before I knew it, I was headed north on I-45!

This year we did a little something different for Thanksgiving...we had breakfast at my cousin's new house, and then headed to the Dallas Cowboys stadium to see them take on the Washington Redskins!!!!  (We had Thanksgiving dinner on Friday...)

I'll be honest, I was totally going for the Redskins!  Many of you know that RGIII and I grew up together in the very same church, and such!  He is also a Baylor Bear!  So, there was no way I could NOT root for my homie...regardless of where I was...lol.

During the National Anthem...I LOVE that part of games...

This was during the coin toss!

My entire family came to the game, but we pretty much split once we made it into the gate!  LOL!  I sat by my sweet Granny!!!  This is my cousin Eboni!

Before I left to head to the farm, I put up my Christmas tree.  I wanted it to be up so that I wouldn't have to do it when I got home.  I know that most people wait until after Thanksgiving, and I will do that after I have my family...right now, it's all about convenience.  Every year I have the thought/prayer that it is the LAST tree that I put up as a single gal.  Only God knows right?! LOL..  Here she is in the flesh!

I LOVE my tree.  I love the holidays.  I love Christmas music, and how people just tend to be a little nicer during this time of year.  I DO NOT like the food comas I encounter, but the food is so good! I'll be at the gym tomorrow morning...I can feel the dressing, mac and cheese, and sweet potatoes in my thighs...lol

I came back Saturday and was home for about an hour before heading to Marcus and Malitta's gender reveal party.  I am happy to announce that my little bundle of love NEPHEW will be here in April!  I love him so much already...I can't wait to kiss his little cheeks and feet! 

Danni came down for the party, and IT WAS SO GOOD seeing her.  We hadn't seen each other since M&M's wedding in January, and we had a lot of catching up to do.  I love my sweet friends, and I love my little nephew!  I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have amazing friends in my life.  Not everyone can say that, and I am truly blessed.

I'll leave you with a little video I took during the big reveal moment.  It is so precious and captures just how excited we all are!  I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

A paint my nails kind of day...

I don't like when people cry..it breaks my heart.  I hate when people I love have crappy things happen to them.  Life can really give you a kick in the gut sometimes...

Many times I don't know how to separate praying for someone, and not being completely paralyzed by what they have to endure.  I am a fixer.  I like to think that there is a solution to each and every problem, but I'm learning here lately that there isn't, and sometimes you just have to pray...and try not to worry.  I am a worrier.  You often won't even know, but most days I have worried myself sick over everything from the grocery list-to writing grants-to what other people think-to am I pleasing my parents...it's a MESS!  But I'm digressing....

I joked to a friend the other day that I'm in a season where random people will just want to talk to me at the most inconvenient times.  Normally when I'm rushing (which is daily), or preoccupied, (when am I not), or just because I am in my head, and trying to find a solution to some problem, and having an internal battle of paying attention to them or myself!  As you can see, I wear myself OUT!

Anyway, back to what I was saying....I've been trying to be more in the moment, and attentive to what is going on right then and there.  I feel like most of my life is spent in the future....what I have to do, didn't do, need to do, can't wait to do...don't want to do...I think you get the picture.  Sometimes I can have entire conversations with people, walk away, and have no clue what we just said.  Isn't that sad?  I apologize if you've ever had to encounter that.  I am truly trying to get better.

I know I'm not alone in thinking that if I just knew the end, I could quite possibly behave better in the middle...if only it worked liked that!  But alas! I have no clue.  I don't know how it will end when I pray for my people.  I don't know what God has in store, and I can't begin to tell you why sometimes it sucks to be a good guy...oh yes, I said it!  Nope, it doesn't always feel worth it, and NO, rarely will you not go through the fire....but I can tell you one thing...you won't smell like smoke!

I just wish I remembered that all of the time.  Because on a day like today, when I truly feel like I'm being pulled in so many directions, and worrying (yeah I know it's a sin, but I'm a sinner) about the next big whatever, I can't help but be anxious.  And today, I am anxious.  I don't know why...is something coming, will I be tested in something, or maybe it's just that I know of some heavy hearts out there, and there's nothing I can do about it...I don't know.  But I do know that Jesus is higher...and, I will paint my nails today (I do that when I'm nervous/anxious...lol!  (and drink sweet tea)!  AND PRAY!  LOL...just keeping it real peeps!

Anyway...I've got to head out...I've got a Pink meeting at the crib today, so that means I'm cooking and folding the laundry that I've ignored on the love seat for a week...later gators!

How Deep the Father's LOVE for us...

I remember when I used to feel sorry for myself because I felt I didn't have a 'testimony.'  Did you just spit out your coffee?  I mean, the simple fact that I'm still above ground is a testimony, but you see, I thought I wanted triumph over troubles, periods of darkness in my life that only God could illuminate.  All of course resulting in a Beth Moore bible study that would move the mountains of doubt from anyone's mind...or so I thought...

How foolish could I be?

I am positive that there have been moments that my silly prayers have literally stopped God in His tracks, and caused Him to pause at the work HE has created...and shake His head.  I mean, praying for a testimony is like praying for patience.  No one does that!

I thought that my then current state wasn't sufficient enough to move others toward God, or allow them to see the work of His hand in my life.  I'm sure I sound completely foolish, but this is the truth nonetheless.

I've mentioned before that when most people look at me, they see a 'good girl,' someone who doesn't struggle, want for much, dare I even say, have it easy.  I'm sure I get judged, not necessarily in a bad way, but in a you don't know what I'm going through way.

I was never the child that had to actually participate in the wild, wayward activities that my friends did to learn the hard lessons.  I was totally fine learning from them.  I calculate EVERY decision that I make, seriously, I lie awake for hours wondering if I've made the right choice.  I won't do it if I think I will fail. I hate failure...I hate to hurt, and I hate to put my love and affections in things that end up not deserving it.

But, I have learned that not moving for fear of failure, not loving for fear of rejection is NOT the Jesus way.

A couple of months ago I was at my grandparent's farm, and my grandmother dropped the most prolific, profound, and life changing words on me.  Seriously, I repeat those words to myself every day.  I had just asked her how she got her sweet spirit, what causes her to still have faith in people when I know she has personally encountered so much heartache and pain at the expense of jerks people.

Her response was simple, and I haven't been the same since.  She said she tries to see people how God sees them.

So simple right?  But so hard to do.  Especially when they don't love you back, or they have hurt you, or you feel like they don't deserve love...especially your love.

But what if God treated us, like we treat others?  What if His love was conditional.  Based on our past performance, and deserve level.  Where would we be?

I'm telling you, those words will set you free, and catch you up, all in the same breath.  I love to love people.  But what I found, was that it was only when they loved me back.

I do not want to sound like I have this thing all figured out.  But the last couple of months have caused me to have to love some hard to love people.  My eyes have been opened to just how powerful love is. And I'm not just talking about the romantic love, but the people love.  The love you can show towards those no matter what they are doing, because quite frankly friends, that's how God loves us.

Lovin' Life!

It is October....OCTOBER!  Seriously, where did the time go?  These past few months have been interesting to say the least.  Wanna hear about it?  I'm in a place that I feel like talking.

I believe the last time we spoke, I was coming off of my 100 days of life changing, knock your socks off, Jarvis you'll never see life the same again prayer.  I know this may sound totally dramatic, and if you know me in real life, then you get it, but yes folks...I will yell from the rooftops that UNLESS you are really, really, really, really READY to lose all control, question your sanity, then 100 days of soul searching prayer is not for you...just keeping it real.

But enough about that.  What I didn't tell you was that I resigned from teaching!  Yep! I.quit.my.job!  With no income to speak of.  I officially resigned in June..but my principal and I went back and forth literally all summer about whether or not I would come back.  (I should have followed my first mind...God had already spoken...but you know me!)

Anywho...a super long story short God closed, locked, and boarded the door to me returning to teaching.  Yay right?!  This is what I wanted.  What I had talked about for a year.  But fear is a bad mamma jamma, and I panicked.  I had no job...which mean I had no money!  Sweet Jesus, what was I going to do now?

All I can say is that God has provided.  I am in a very good place, and if I have learned nothing else, I have learned to trust God at His word.  Y'all, to get up and be able to leisurely sip coffee, listen to music, and spend time with Jesus...it doesn't get any better than that.  If you ask me what's the best part of working from home, I'll tell you my quiet time.

My relationship with the Lord has deepened in a way that I never thought I could (or really wanted to) reach.  I thought those relationships were for other people...more spiritual people.  Do you have hope...?  LOL!  I am so not worthy of the favor and love, and just joy that I have.  Like, this is my life y'all!  Gym in the middle of the day...business and not so business lunches...somebody pinch me!

I love that I have time to help my family and friends, and be there when they need me.  That has been another favorite.  I can tell someone I'll pray for them, and actually get a chance to do it!  Even the bad moments are worth it knowing that I am truly in the will of God!  That's peace right there!

I have this devotional book, Jesus Calling...have you heard of it?  It's a sweet, sweet book.  Get it!  It'll knock your socks off!  The author is Sarah Young!

Well, I have written a book!  Sorry about that.  If you're still with me, bless you!  Would you do me a favor?  I have a friend (God knows exactly who she is), and her family has a long road of healing ahead of them.  Will you pray?  It takes a million years for me to share on this blog, so I dare not overstep someone else's boundaries.  The beauty in this request is that God knows who she is and what she needs.  Gotta love that!

Until next time sweet blogger friends!  (P.S.  I'll be 32 in 2 weeks...say what?!  Seriously y'all...I feel 16..HA!)

My New Normal!

Hey there!
So, the 100 days of prayer is over, and I must admit, I thought that there would be a harp playing when I awoke that morning, or something else celestial in nature, but nope...not a thing.

Dare I say that I also thought that every prayer, issue, and tender space that concerned my heart would automatically make sense, and 'fix itself.'  Yeah...that didn't happen either.

Remember when I told you that my life looks nothing like it did 100 days ago?  Well, I wasn't exaggerating.  I am no longer a teacher by paid profession.  It is so weird to even type those words.  Someone who fought tooth and nail to NOT become a teacher because I never really wanted to teach, to become someone who truly loved and enjoyed interacting with students, being a light, and loving God in the process...to starting a non-profit that has taken off, to now working said non-profit full time...totally trusting God in the process, believing for bigger and better, and sitting on a TON OF FEAR!

This is new for me.  I don't mind working.  I am the person that goes to work sick.  I used the majority of my sick days as travel days...shhhh!!  I consider myself to have a strong work ethic.  I give 100000000% of myself to my job.  I'm a saint...lol...just kidding, but you get the picture!  So this last week and a half has been filled with tons of questions, like what the heck do I do now?!

Theoretically speaking I write grants and plan our programming, but it has been a learning curve going from 12-13 hour days to working from home.  I am so out of my league.

While sometimes I forget, I know that at the end of each day I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and I am working towards the new normal that the Lord has called me to.  As scary as this time is, a new story will definitely become mine.

Two more days...

Back in May, I blogged about starting 100 days of prayer.  (If you'd like to go back and read that first post, click here).  It was there that I told you that I would journal openly on my blog about what that time would be like, sort of like you walking the road with me.

Well, as you can see from my lack of daily postings, I didn't quite meet that goal.  There were many days that I sat down to write, to tell you all what was going on, but it never felt right...I couldn't see my way out of it.  A new day has come, and I'd like to share nonetheless.  

I can vividly remember writing that first post.  I was at work.  I was terrified as I typed what I knew God was calling me to do.  I knew that the project would be one to bring about immense change, and I knew without a doubt that it would put a huge bulls eye on my back with new roadblocks from our supportive friend satan.  I just knew it.  I promise that it was like he was sitting on top of my computer screen daring me to hit publish, daring me to try him because he promised he'd pull out all of the stops with this one and try to knock me off of my feet for good.  I was so aware of it, that it almost kept me from embarking on this journey...but I've never been one to change course because of fear.

Let me tell you...he (little h, satan) didn't disappoint.  My life looks NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING like it did 98 days ago.  Every cliche' that you've ever heard can be applicable to the past few months; I've walked through the fire, been to hell and back, the you know what has hit the fan, learned who of my friends just like to hear themselves talk, and who really goes to the Father on my behalf, cried more tears than I thought possible, and just when I thought surely this is it, was challenged in a way that seriously had me shaking my proverbial fist at God.

So...what have the past 98 days been like you ask?  I can sum it all up in a few words...

LIFE CHANGING

DIVINE INTERRUPTIONS

DETOURS

UNBELIEVABLE

THE DISCOVERY OF THE LIFE OF JONAH

And quite possibly the most life altering, heart changing 98 days that I have ever lived.  EVER.

I promise you that if I sat here to write all that has happened, you wouldn't believe it.  Heck, I don't either, and I had a front row seat.  I have learned so much about forgiveness, God's grace, and having the heart of Christ...but instead of getting to read about it all, I was given the once in a lifetime opportunity to have the starring role.  (God knew that I wanted to be an actress...what a dream come true..ha!)

Can I just say again how I have learned who to seek wise counsel from, and who to stop talking to?!  Y'all, that is so important...some people have THE BEST intentions, but not a lick of prayer is in their answers.  Around the day 60-65 mark, I really stopped talking to a bunch of people and opted for the audience of ONE!  (I could seriously write a BOOK here...or at least devote an entire post to it).

I'll write more about this conversation on another day, but if I could pick a theme for these past few months, it would be to see people like God sees them.  Have you ever set out to accomplish that in a day?  I'll be honest, it is easy peasy with some people, and like climbing Mount Everest for others.  Lucky for me, the past 98 days were filled with Mt. Everest folk..lol!

I'll also share how Jonah and I met, and what the body of the 2012 fish looks like, because I've visited his place a time or two..I have so much to share...so bear with me as I find my new normal, and get back in the swing of things.

Two more days...

I have learned to SIT!

If I had a dollar for every time I've said that I love to be on the run...with task after task, and errand after errand to complete.  I think I used to wear it like a badge of honor.  BUT, this last week that I have had off from work, I have learned to sit...and it feels so good.

I think I will attribute this to lots of praying (still on the 100 day mission), and just being content.

So..what have I been up to lately?  Well, I was officially finished with school last week, and I left the following day for our family reunion at my grandparent's farm.  Saturday night I headed to Grand Prairie to spend a couple of days with my cousin's family.  It was relaxing, and just fun to be on a different schedule.

Since I'v been home I've just been going to cheer practice, and spending a lot of time getting my home organized, praying, and seeing the fella.

Now, the twin sheets and other bedding have been pulled out of the closet, which can only mean one thing...CHEER CAMP!  We leave tomorrow.  I have a bittersweet relationship with cheer camp...but the time has come!!

I have a couple of pics that I'll post from my phone.  I hope you are enjoying your summer...and I mean really enjoying them, not rushing through them, or wishing you were further along in this journey that you miss the moment you're in...

Until next time...

100 Days: Weekend Edition

Please excuse me from my absence. This weekend was super busy, but I have also been battling my allergies, and unfortunately when my allergies start acting up, so does my asthma. My lung has been in rare form lately, and to be honest, it just hurts. I actually toyed with the idea of going to the emergency room, but I'm going to see what I feel like in the morning after my inhaler kicks in.

Church was so amazing today. Psalm 57 was our scripture reference, and what sticks out the most from the sermon was how David praised while in the midst of his crisis. Sometimes I'm not so good at that because I'm kind of just holding my breath, waiting until its over. It definitely helped me, and I took a lot of notes over it. I should make a mental note to go back and read them...you know so it's actually beneficial...

The hardest part of walking by faith is hoping that everything will be ok when you finally get there...it's enough to take your sanity sometimes.

I fear that this post is not one of encouragement. My apologies...it is however real..and that's all I can promise...!

Off Kilter...

Another post from my phone...

Today was hard...I had a cruel dream, and it kind of through my entire day off. It was a busy day all around, and to be honest, I didn't devote all of the time that I wanted to for prayer.

That dream really did me in because it was so beautiful yet will probably never happen that way with those specific details...not being pessimistic, just realistic!

One little nugget I left bible study with was conviction brings about change...if that isn't good teaching I don't know what is...

On to day four...


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A Rainbow for your Trouble...

I'm posting late but I had a busy day today!

Let me say this...I knew when I started this that a whole lot of 'stuff' would transpire as a result. You know who doesn't like when you start praying...

With that being said today was a doozy...it's funny how situations and people that need an ear or an encouraging word come near you when you're sensitive to it. My day was filled with tears from others...my heart aches for them because so many really have no clue...

My scripture for today was Psalm 138:8 and it'll probably be mine for tomorrow as well...I could write an entire post on that scripture alone...read it!

This is a short post but I survived...this will not be easy...but I'm sure worth it!

I'll leave you with this...it's a pic of a rainbow I saw while driving Monday. My Dad says rainbows are a sign of God's promises. I'll take it!

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100 Days Will Change your Life!

Exactly 100 days from now is August 22, 2012.  (I hope my math is correct...if I goofed, just let me know--you know I teach English and not Math smile...)

Have you ever had an idea come to you over and over again, and it finally hits you in the head that MAYBE you should do something with it?  For the past few years, I have toyed with the notion of 100 Days of Prayer.  In the past my prayer life has been very reactionary (is that even a word), instead of proactive.  I talk to God all day long, here and there, but it has been a very long time since I have sought out His presence, carved time out of my schedule to REALLY get on my knees, and go to Him purposefully. I mean really just prayed.

One of the most beautiful things I left Baylor with was being taught how to pray.  How to go to God on behalf of myself and others, and HOW to wait and listen.  I have said this a million times, but I am FOREVER grateful for the life lessons Baylor taught me.  Way more than handing me my degree; and so much more about developing my life as a Christian and a person.  The Baylor way is real...if you are seeking Him.  I can remember the day I sat in Chapel, and really got it.  Sure I sat in Chapel many more times and rolled my eyes at the length of time I had to spend in there, but that day...Jesus and I had an exchange, and it was real!

So..here's my plan, and bear with me because I'm developing as I type:
1.  I will set aside the same time (or come very close to the same time) daily to go to God.
2.  I have very specific things I am praying about (I may not get the answer I want, but He says to ask, so hey...I'm asking)
3.  I'm taking requests...for 100 days, I won't be selfish and just pray for myself, and my list.  I want to pray for you too..
4.  I will journal openly on my blog for those 100 days.  Rest easy that if you share a private request with me, I won't use your name, or anything that could let others know it's you...trust me..what you say is in the vault.
5.  I believe with all of my heart that something will happen.  After 100 days of talking to God, spending on purpose time with Him, I'm going to change, and some things will change...isn't that exciting?! 

One of my most favorite scriptures is Exodus 14:14, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."  I can't tell you how many times I can sleep soundly knowing I've done everything right, and it still doesn't click the way I think it should....the Lord has my back...and yours too! 

So...welcome to my 100 day journey.  I really am excited about this...because I'm sure that 100 Days of Prayer can Change your Life!

~J

P.S.  If you'd like to send me a prayer request, e-mail me at noelle.daughrity@gmail.com  And remember, it's in the vault!

90 to Nothing...

Life.is.crazy!  I mean really...it never ceases to amaze me how much one can stuff into 24 hours.  This last week has been pretty full.  Monday, we had to come to school, but the kids got the day off.  The girls had a basketball playoff game that night, and now, they have progressed to the regional tournaments in Waco!!!  I am SO EXCITED to get a chance to take my girls to Waco.  I have so much planned for us, I hope we get to do most of it. 

THEN, the boys basketball team played a game last night, AND THEY WON!!!  So now we have two basketball teams in the playoffs, and BOTH of them are playing their next game on Friday night...anyone know how to split oneself in half?  I could sure use that right now.

Meanwhile, on the Pink front, things are just as busy as usual.  The Junior League of North Harris, South Montgomery Counties voted PDG in as a community program for the next FIVE YEARS!!!!  This is HUGE for us!  I mean really big!  God is so faithful, and good.  Basically, this means that beginning with our next fall conference, we will receive volunteers and some funding to offset the costs...for the next 5 years.

We have a fundraiser on March 18th, and I'm pretty excited about it.  It's called Vino Artino, and you paint a custom picture while an artist teaches you.  I have never done this before, so I am excited to get a chance to do this, and help out my organization. 

BUT, the most exciting thing this week was attending Great Day Houston, and getting a chance to talk to the host, Debra Duncan.  She invited us on the show in the summer, and said she would host a session this April if the date doesn't conflict....HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!  I have pictures that I will post.  They are on my camera, so I will do it!  Promise!  We looked so cute in our Pink Army tees, and EVERYONE kept asking us about PDG, so that was great to get our mission out there! 

Random, but this morning I awoke at 5 a.m.  Now, I'm going to be honest here and tell you that I knew I should have gotten up and had quiet time, but I just lay in the bed to get a game plan for today together.  It is not very often that I get time to just sit and think quietly, so I hope next time I'll actually get up and crack open my Bible.  Today begins the first day of Lent, and I am giving up fried foods and making sure that for the next 40 days my words are edifying.  I also want to spend more time with the Lord. 

This area is always lacking...I never feel as though I do a good job at deliberately opening my Bible.  I talk to Jesus all day, but I need to get in the word more.  I want to do a better job at this.

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, I do manage to spend time with a certain 6'2'' fella...he definitely makes long days better...it's so good to be in love!!! Did I just write that?!  Who am I?!

I hope I haven't bored you to death with all of these details, but it feels good getting them out!  How was your weekend?

A Request

You have NO IDEA how happy I am that today is Friday.  This week has been so long.  In case you didn't know, I'm a teacher, and while I love my students, I am secretly counting down the very weeks until summer break...can I get an AMEN?!

I also moonlight (literally because most of the work is done when the moon is out...lol), as the Founder and Executive Director of my non profit organization, Pink Defying Gravity, Inc.  Pink was born out of a need I saw in the classroom and while walking the hallways.  In a nutshell, we wish to help each girl that encounters our organization realize their uniqueness, and help them discover their potential.  You can click on the link above to learn more about our organization.

It would be a vast understatement to say that I LOVE pink.  I love our mission, I love when I plan PDG events, I love the people that love PDG, I love it!  So it is SO HARD to not focus on it 100% of the time while I work my 'day job.'  My prayer has been that God would open doors financially for us so that we can transition some of our present board members into full-time paid postitions.  Grants are currently being written, we are amping up our community presence and relevance, and we are waiting. 

This has to be the hardest part of the process, because in essence, it's as though I am working two full time jobs.  Of course it is worth it, but my heart is ready to commit to PDG full-time...so the waiting game is growing me..

I really have no idea who reads this blog...I imagine a lot of you are like me...you read silently, and never leave a comment...which is totally fine.  But, if you are reading this, I'd like for you to pray for our fundraising efforts.  I solicit your prayers, and while I'd love to give you a list..(and I just may in a couple of days), I'd rather you go before Him knowing that He knows every need that we have, and which ones He'd like to fulfill first...this journey is less about what I want, and far more importantly what He wants us to accomplish from this. 

Thank you in advance for going to God on PDG's behalf.  I do not take it lightly...not one bit!  I look forward to the move that will take place as a result of God's people going to Him...this brings a huge smile to my face! 

Enjoy your Friday people...

Valentine's Day 2012

I had such a great time yesterday for Valentine's Day.  It started off of course at work with my kiddos.  They were full of hugs and love, candy bags, cookies, SUGAR, SUGAR, SUGAR!!!!  I don't know if my sugar levels will return to normal this week, but I am definitely in detox. 

Then came the surprise that I really didn't expect...well, I guess that's why they call it a 'surprise.'  I had been called to the office to complete some paperwork, and while I was on my way back to the classroom, one of my students saw me in the hall and said, "Ms. D, you missed it..."  I was clearly confused as to what I missed, and she wouldn't tell me.  Meanwhile, my phone started ringing, and I saw that it was Levi.  I answered, and he asked me what I was doing. 

I always laugh at that question because he calls me at work...so you know, I'm working...lol!  I told him I was walking back to my classroom.  Then he said...oh ok..so you're talking in the hallway on your phone, and I replied, yes, so I need to get off now.  Then, I didn't catch this from the beginning, but he mentioned my principal being in the hallway, (and she was), but I was so focused on getting back to finish that power point presentation, that I didn't catch it. 

Well, when I returned to my room, I had flowers, a balloon, and a stuffed animal on my desk, and MY KIDS WERE GOING CRAZY!!!  They were talking all at once, I couldn't make out what they were saying.  Finally, they calmed down enough to tell me that L had come to my classroom to surprise me with my gift...SWOON!!!

I was so embarrassed because my kids were telling me that I was smiling and blushing, but I was so shocked and SAD that I missed him.  I really don't know what I would have done if I were in the room when he came in, but that was really the best surprise of the day.  Trust me, it wasn't the fact that he bought me anything...I'm not really materialistic, but when we discussed exchanging gifts, I just wanted it to mean something, and to be thoughtful...and he FAR exceeded my expectations. 

Plus, my students were so tickled that they got to witness that...I may never live this down...lol!

I managed to finish the rest of the day but it was so hard....I just wanted to head home to get started with our date night!  The cheerleaders and I had a little V-Day party, and that was filled with more hugs, and SUGAR!  I definitely have enough candy to last me a while. 

After work, I came home to get ready for my date.  It was my turn to take L out because Saturday was his V-Day celebration to me (not to mention his surprise visit).  We went to dinner and dancing...it was so much fun, and very funny...I think I laughed more people watching... I love to people watch!

We started off at The Cheesecake Factory, but I LOVE PF Changs, and he didn't mind going there since the wait was a tad shorter.  Well, I was at the CF, and he went to check out the wait, so when he came back, he said we can get seated right away.  I was a little apprehensive because EVERYWHERE was packed, but I trusted him and off we went. 

Little did I know, but he had worked it out with the hostess for us to get seated right away...I was so thankful because I hadn't eaten since lunch, and I was starving!  Wasn't that sweet?!

It was a wonderful day, and I can honestly say that it was better than I could have imagined!  I'm thankful for this season in my life, and just taking it day-by-day...and trying not to flee the state...but that's another post for another day...

I hope all of you had a lovely V-Day full of LOVE and lots of SUGAR!!! 

~J

It's the little Things...

If I told you that I've thought about writing a million times, would you believe me?!  I partly blame the permanent residence of one iPad 2 making it into my home.  It makes it WAY too easy to not get on my laptop.  In fact, I can count on one hand how many times I've been on my laptop since August.  It's not that I can't post from my iPad, I just like to hash it all out on a conventional keyboard.

I haven't written in over 6 months.  SO MUCH has happened since then.  I hope you're my friend of Facebook, because memories are captured there.  

So let's see...how can I catch you up?  


September 2011
Pink Defying Gravity, my non profit organization hosted it's second leadership conference for girls.  It was AMAZING!!!  I wish I could put into words what it's like to have a vision from the Lord come to fruition... I can go back as far as I could dream in my journals and see written in the pages that I wanted to work with young women and help them realize their potential...that I knew God called me to a higher standard, and that I knew that He had a special plan for my life if I was just willing to submit and trust His timing.


October 2011
FOOTBALL, FOOTBALL, and more FOOTBALL!!!  


November 2011
MORE football, AND we advanced to the playoffs...  I also turned 31...which I.cannot.believe.  I still feel 20..seriously!  I also spent my last Thanksgiving with my grandfather.  


December 2011
The football games continued...BUT, it all paid off in the end because we won STATE!!!  Our team played against Cibolo Steele, at the brand new Cowboy Stadium!  It was such an awesome experience for me and the girls!  They were so excited to be there!
Also spent an amazing Christmas with my family in Mississippi.  Lots of laughs, gained pounds, gifts, and sweet family time!


January 2012
My grandfather passed away...that's how my family brought in the new year.  He was the most AWESOME man that I know.  I can say with much conviction and belief that He is rejoicing with Jesus.  I have no doubt.  


My BFF in the WORLD got married.  She was a BEAUTIFUL bride.  Her ceremony and reception was gorgeous too.  Everything about that day was her.  I remember waking up in the hotel room with her and the other girls, and we were all so excited.  We then went to breakfast in the hotel, and enjoyed a delicious buffet.  It was a perfect day!  Levi and I also caught the garter and bouquet respectively.  Well...at first I swatted the bouquet away, but we won't mention that...let's just say terror struck, and I got a little nervous...LOL!


I also started the Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course.  I was so nervous going into this.  I've always taken the laid back approach to saving and paying down debt, but this course makes you look at every penny.  I LOVE IT!  More importantly, it teaches me how to handle money.  So many people buy things on credit, going further into debt, and that is no way to live.  While I am not debt free (car and student loans), I gave up credit cards a while ago.  If I can't purchase it outright, I don't need it.  That's what Dave teaches, but to the infinity power.  


February 2012
Well, here we are...and let's see...what am I up to?  First of all, there is a budding relationship that I am excited about.  All I will say about this is NEVER say that it will take God to get you to do something...because with the sense of humor He has, He just may take you up on it.  This relationship has shown me God's grace, forgiveness, and just that sharing your life with someone just may be the hardest thing in life, yet the most sweetest.  


AND, if you know me at all, you know how stubborn, driven, and independent I am...which has taken some adjustments when you're..you know...dating a man who wants to...LEAD...eek!  Lord help me...AND him!!  We've fasted together, which totally rocks my world...to have a man FAST with me so that we can hear God, and shut out the noise...be still my giddy heart...smile!


My most favorite thing that happened today is a dear, dear friend read a little snippet of a prayer she wrote to God a couple of months ago...it touched my heart to have friends who go to the Father on my behalf...Jesus and His followers rock my world!  I ask myself daily how I got so blessed.  I do not deserve this life, but I will live it with passion and purpose!


Tonight...I started preparing the food for my board meeting tomorrow.  I made the cupcakes tonight...I'll ice them tomorrow, and I am also making homemade pizza rolls and Caesar salad.  I can't wait.  I got the recipe for the pizza rolls off of Pinterest...which by the way...I LOVE...but it's such a time zapper!  


I'll be sure to post pictures and yes, before summer...HA!  I've missed you guys...I've missed how soothing writing is!  
Have a happy Thursday!
J