Friday, November 22, 2013

RaNDomNeSs

I believe that just about every one of us knows how powerful our prayers can be.  I remember in high school, and in early college, I did NOT know how to pray.  They were more awkward, choppy monologues that I stumbled through.  I'm certain God still heard them, and honored them, but I'm sure He was glad when I got better...lol!

Today, I pray all of the time...sometimes it's just a quick three word prayer, sometimes, I write them down most of the time.  I am way more eloquent with a pen and paper, or keyboard than I am speaking.  And it's not that I'm trying to sound smart, and important...I just flow better when I'm writing.

In my college campus ministry, Lori shared with us a way to memorize scripture.  It was an incredible tool that we used during discipleship meetings and such to hide God's word in our hearts.  That was back in the day when you had way more hard copies of things than electronic copies, and I lost my master copy in my move from Waco to Houston.

Well, at dinner the other night, I asked Lori if she had a copy, and she told me who created it.  I did a quick Google search, and voila...it popped up!   This is hands down, the BEST way to really commit to memory.

Here is a link to the Thomas Frost method of scripture memorization:

http://riverhillsonline.org/file.php/1/documents/Ministry_Documents/Memory%20Verses_All_v2.pdf

I know I haven't written in a couple of days...I've started a couple of different posts, and just didn't feel 'it' to publish them.  Since we've last spoken, I've turned 33!  Seriously y'all, I can CLEARLY remember when my Mom turned 33!!!  I think I may have been in a funk...nothing major...nothing going on, just getting antsy...I feel like I am in a life rut.  I go to work, hang out with friends, love on Coco, worship, sleep, repeat. 

There are not many times that I am without passion...that something doesn't have my attention...does that make sense?  Well, I am lacking passion.  I find it rather ironic...I am closer to Jesus now probably more than I have ever been, I spend more time in the word than ever, and I'm yet there's something that I can't shake that causes me to not feel at rest.  And I'm still not sure that these words are the best to describe it.  But that's the best I can do! HA!  (Speaking of irony...one of my kiddos asked me what irony meant, and I sang the line from Alanis Morrisett's song....needless to say, the connection was LOST).  LOL...these kids don't know good music!

I've been listening to this song today, because it kind of sums up what I'm feeling....that even though it's quiet, yet chaotic, still, and at the same time stormy, there is still 'None but Jesus.'  I sure do love Him.


None But Jesus


In the quiet
In the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos in confusion
I know You're sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won't delay
This my song through all my days

All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope
All of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forever more

Monday, November 4, 2013

Magnificent

This song just about did me in today!!  Seriously...so beautiful!  I listen to the Hillsong channel on YouTube while at work, and most days, I can barely get my work done...just wanna throw my hands up and worship...and sing REALLY, REALLY loud...and I really can't sing!


I must walk down the aisle to this on my wedding day...what a celebration that will be!  Sidenote:  I remember when we were in college, Malitta and I went to the wedding of one of my Mom's childhood friends, and she just happened to be a 40 year old virgin.  Her wedding was beautfiul, and long, but that's besides the point.  While I don't think I'll be 40 when I marry, you couldn't tell that 20 year old that I'd be single at almost 33....and it's still all good!

Enjoy this song...

 
 
Who compares to You
Who set the stars in their place
You who calmed the raging seas
That came crashing over me

Who compares to You
You who bring the morning light
The hope of all the earth
Is rest assured in Your great love

You are magnificent, Eternally
Wonderful, Glorious
Jesus, No one ever will compare
To You Jesus

When the evening fades
You call forth songs of joy
As the morning wakes
We Your children give You praise

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Weekend Recap!

This weekend was super fun, but it went by super fast!  I got a lot of rest, the clocks went back an hour (a personal early birthday present to me from the world), and I got to see some friends that I don't get to see very often!

I mentioned in my last post that I was meeting some girls from my college bible study for dinner at our leader's house.  We had a blast.  We laughed until we cried, and kind of went around the table and got caught up on one another.  Did I mention the laughs?  Lori is hilarious...and the best part is she's just normally that way.  She just tells her stories with a passion and hand gestures that make it hilarious.  LOVE HER!!

We had salad and homemade chicken pot pie for dinner, and cookies and chocolate covered pretzels for dessert.  So so so fun!



I love how we are all just sitting around engulfed in what Lori is saying in the top pic...and don't think she was tired in that shot....she was acting out some part of her story...lol, because that's how she rolls!

So today, I enjoyed sleeping in...the extra hour was just icing on the cake, and I got a chance to wake up leisurely, walk Coco, and just clean a bit.

Church was amazing, and this series is over Joy, and comes from the book of Philippians.  The funny thing is I was JUST telling the girls last night about some things God has been showing me about Joy, in regards to some people that I've met along the way.  It is so important that the 'joy of the Lord be your strength.'  Happiness and joy should not be based on your circumstances.  If that's the case, you will suffer from a horrible roller coaster of emotions.

I could really park my car here because I have so much to say on joy, but I'll keep it moving!

Tonight, for dinner, I made something new!  I've been wanting to experiment with brussel sprouts.  And, the other day when I was at HEB grabbing a couple of things, it was bacon week in the sampling stations.  Yes folks, I said BACON WEEK!  I'm not a big sampler, but I found myself walking from station to station, each one outdoing the one before.  Until, I came to the bacon jam station.  Be still my heart.

Yes, y'all, bacon jam!!!  Now, this isn't jam like you put on toast.  It's more savory with a hint of sweet. I have tried it on shrimp, but tonight, I roasted the brussel sprouts and then poured about two tablespoons over them once they were completely cooked and roasted.  SO GOOD!!!

I used this recipe from Pinterest for the brussel sprouts, BUT, instead of using 5 cloves of garlic, I used about 1 teaspoon of finely minced garlic.

http://www.theliveinkitchen.com/2013/10/24/balsamic-roasted-brussels-sprouts-garlic/


Here's what the Bacon Jam looks like:


So, all in all, this weekend was the bomb(dot)com!!!  And now it's over....tomorrow, another day, another dolla dolla bill y'all!!!  BUT!  It is my Birthday Week, so where the party at!!!  LOL...OK, I need to go to bed...my silliness is starting to show!!!

Have a great Monday!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Seasons Change

Today is November 2nd, and after a short stint outside earlier today, I can finally feel the nip in the air, the crispness, and that WONDERFUL feeling that fall brings.  I LOVE, LOVE,  LOVE this time of year.  Plus, it means that we are a few steps closer to Christmas!!!!  In fact, I noticed them putting up the city Christmas decorations, on Halloween...before a trick was even treated!  LOL

Nevertheless, one can't deny that the seasons are changing, and in more ways than one in this house.

I know I've mentioned this before, but 2012 was an interesting year for me to say the least.  Until recently, I've viewed it as a setback, a year of wandering and confusion, with little professional growth, but I could NEVER deny the personal and spiritual growth that I experienced.  In fact, that's what I cherish the most about that time....JESUS!!!!  Do you know Him...?  LOL!

But anyway, that's not what this post is about...dredging up the past...this post is about the future; like my birthday that's in 5 days....or my cousin's wedding...speaking of weddings....when is MINE?  HA!

I was driving the other day, feeling a bit overwhelmed by my to-do list; the garbage, grocery shopping, my new car registration sticker, the car needs an oil change, going to the pet store, 1st of the month obligations....can a sister get a Boaz to pay some bills...lol, driving out of town for the third time in four weeks, and just not feeling like it...you know...those moments when you find yourself needing a helpmate?!  Anyway, a couple of months ago, these thoughts would have put me in a sour mood, but that particular day, I blasted my praise music, and thanked God for the super awesome man he MUST be preparing for me because it's taking so dang long!  Like, he must be amazing...seriously y'all!  LOL

Anyway, I am hopeful with no real evidence other than the promise I have from Him that my time will come...even if it's taking forever to me.  Which in actuality is the only evidence I need.

PLUS, I'm praying about two huge things right now...seeking His will for me in regards to them, because I've been there before, and just don't want to move ahead of time...I'll share more when I have a direction from Him...new seasons!

So...here's to new seasons, and new fun stuff happening!!!  Have a GREAT day you guys!

Jarvis

P.S.  Tonight, I'm headed to my former college ministry leader's house to hang out with some dear friends from Baylor!  I'm SO excited...this is our second year doing this!  I'll be sure to post pictures later!!