1 Down, 2 to go!

So, today was my first interview of 3 with Spring ISD. I have to be honest and tell you that it went REALLY well. I felt very comfortable, everyone I came into contact with was very nice, and I have an overall good feeling about it. Let me not forget to mention that it is 4.8 miles away from my house!!! Praise Him with me now! I was SO EXCITED...However, what God has for me is for me, and it's all in His hands. I have my final two tomorrow, and it will be a well orchestrated event by the time those two are over...I'll do my best though..

I really don't have much to report. My life is pretty much counting down these last few days of school! YAY! I have to say that I will miss some of my kids so much, and I'm looking for ideas to keep me busy during the summer....I'm sure I'll find something!

Have a great night, and tonight, I'm thankful for God's timing, it really is perfect!

Today and Finally, Date Night!

I just have to share my excitement over what's happening on the prayer blog. I'm so thrilled about the requests I've been getting, and I can't wait to get the answers/praises to these requests to post.

As I was praying for all of the women on the list this morning, I truly felt honored to go before the Lord on their behalf. God is so faithful, and I know that He cares about every single concern, request, and issue we have. We just have to let go so that He can do His work! And believe me, I know that's a lot easier said than done!!!

OK--so you want to hear about my date night?! It didn't happen last night...long story for another time! So today, I woke up, and I have to admit that I was a little down. I miss my family today, and I had no plans, so I had a moment, but I quickly snapped out of it.

Deep down, I'd still like to have had the perfect day in the life I hope to have one day, but being the reality of the situation, I can only live the life that I am given TODAY, so I got to it.

I started to morning at a women's prayer brunch that was awesome, then in true Houston fashion, it rained HARD for about an hour which delayed my trip to the outdoor outlet with my friend and college buddy Kim...(who is starting a blog by the way...YAY!)

Date night still hasn't started yet....went shopping with Kim, after grabbing a quick bite to eat, then came back and hung out with her and her roommates. By the way...I bought a really cute black shirt from The Gap for $5...regularly $27!!! Steal of the day for sure!

DATE NIGHT: So afterwards, I told myself that instead of going home, I would go see a townhouse that I really want to rent. It's beautiful...according to the pics, but a little out of my price range. So, if you can pray with me that the owner decides to bring it down a couple hundred...that would be nice....I think I'll had that to the PB! I then went for a drive around town, just drove with my thoughts, and had some good "me time conversation," and decided to head to Barnes and Noble! I could stay in that store for hours....literally, but I limited myself.

I've started just going there to "look" for books, and then I come home and order them off of Amazon.com! I buy books way to often to pay full price...believe that! However, today, I did buy a pretty new planner because my current one is about to run out. I used my handy dandy educator's discount, and walked away a happy camper! Check it out!



After B&N, I headed over to Jason's Deli for some take-out, and then to Ben & Jerry's for dessert that is chilling in the freezer as we speak. I hope I don't forget that I have a huge scoop of Strawberry and Cheesecake ice cream waiting for me...yummy! So, while I'm sure I could have done a ton more eventful things for myself today, it was a great date nevertheless....



Oh yeah, and you know how I wanted to buy a new bible? Well, I found one. I have too many bibles for one person, but I wanted a new one to stick in my purse, work bag, etc. I found this really cute black and pink one....it's the perfect size, and I love it....here it is:



I realize this has been a LONG post, and if you're still with me...you're bored...HA! But until next time...~Jarvis

New Prayer Blog Launch!

Hello!!! I am so excited...I'be been wanting to start a prayer blog for a while now, and I did it tonight! The address is: www.healtheirland.blogspot.com, and I would love for you to visit, and leave your prayer requests in the comments section so that we, the readers, can pray for you!

I can't imagine where this will end up going...I'm totally psyched about it!!! I hope you will be as well!

That's really my good news for tonight!!! I think I'm actually going to go to bed early tonight!

Sleep tight! ~J

Weekend Recap!

This has been a whirlwind of a weekend! On Friday, Danni, Malitta, and I hit the road headed to Waco, TX for Baylor's graduation...

Once we got there, we headed straight to Liz and Cherry's house! We were trying to figure out what to do with ourselves for the rest of the night, and we ended up playing Guitar Hero, which I WRECKED!! It was SO much fun! I played the guitar, Danni the drums, and Liz sang solo. She also kick booty on the drums...she's pretty much amazing!!!! It was so much fun!

Afterwards, we headed to Tasha's house for her graduation party! The laughs we shared that night will NEVER be forgotten...I can honestly say that I have not laughed that hard in a LONG time!!! Seriously guys, if I could even form the words to tell the story, I would, but you just had to be there!!!

The next day, Saturday, I got to sleep in a little bit, but I spent time with Tracy since I spent the night at her house. Then, we all headed to the 2:30 graduation. I never really realized how boring graduations are, but we always try to sit away from the crowd so we can chat and take pics...today was no different.

After the graduation, we took a ton more pics, and sang the AKA hymn, which is one of my favorite parts of graduation! Then Malitta and I headed to BUSH'S CHICKEN before coming back to Houston. What can I say? Tenders and sweet tea...it doesn't get any better than that! Oh how I miss Bush's.

One last little nugget of the trip happened on 290 heading back into town when we realized we were right behind Caryn and Lisa. What are the odds? So we pulled over at Friday's and had dinner, and caught up with them since I didn't get a chance to talk to them much this weekend.

Today, I went to church...which needless to say I love, and headed home to cook dinner before the Lakers beat down the Rockets..YAY for victory!

It was an awesome awesome weekend, and I'm glad to be home! I'll post pics later, but I've got to pack my lunch, and get ready for tomorrow! Goodnight, and if I didn't say it, I'm thankful for my friends, and the flexibility of my life!

Roadtrip!

Tomorrow I go to Waco for Baylor's graduation, and I couldn't be happier! I'm going to see some friends, that I haven't seen since November! YAY!!!

I'll have fun pics and video to share with you because it'll be just that fun!!!

So, I'm thankful for that. A time to get away, and be with friends....and take pictures, and laugh until I cry, or pee myself...

So, I got my placement for Junior League for next year, and I'm estatic. I will be the Assistant Holiday Market Ticket Chair, as well as the North Harris County Chamber of Commerce rep...I'm pumped! It's going to be a great year!

JL has really turned out to be a blessing in my life!

Well, the Lakers are getting BEAT right now, so I'm not too happy, but, it's not over yet!!! Goodnight, and I'll post from WACO!!!!

A New Do!

Happy night! I can barely keep my eyes open tonight! Bible study was so good! A message that was right on time. We studied Acts 16:7-8, about what happens when a door is closed. Believe me when I tell you that this message was so appropriate for me.

I know I'm not giving the message justice, but it was good. I'm excited because this weekend is Baylor's graduation, and I'm going to see my sorority sisters, and Waco friends!!! YAY! I've missed them so much, and I can't wait to hug their necks!

Today, I'm thankful for a God that still speaks to His people. Here's to living a life full-out...taking risks, and staying in the will!

Goodnight!

Oh yeah--I got a new haircut...and I LOVE IT! With Houston being so humid, I needed a style I could wear bone straight, and the stylist delivered! I'll post a pic!!! As soon as I get a cute one!

Still

I know I didn't post yesterday, but I really felt like I needed to sit and be still...I'm still sitting, and I'm still!

Yesterday was Mother's Day, and I called my Mom, she's in Korea, and just loved on her. Prayerfully this will be her last major holiday out of the country...with the exception of Thanksgiving, but she will be back in the US shortly thereafter!

Tonight, I'm peaceful, and for that...I'm thankful....I need to focus on me for a moment...get myself together.

I was talking to a friend tonight about where I wanted to be in a year, and the answer wasn't in place. THAT IS UNLIKE ME!!! So, I'm getting before God so that He can direct my path...order these steps of mine...Goodnight...friends, I'll be back tomorrow with pics of my Junior League Provisional Class graduation...IT IS FINALLY HERE!

...

Today was not a good day. It seems as if I'm either 1) totally barking up the wrong tree, or 2) the only person with some sense....sometimes, I really can't tell the difference.

There's a song that says my praise will confuse the enemy...guys...I'm digging so deep to find some praise right now...deeper than I ever have, and I have to say I'm tired...tired, tired, tired! I'm sorry for complaining...I just feel like I'm pounding my head on a brick wall....I'm still thankful for the Lord in my life...I know He's there...

TGIF!!!

Today was a great day! It's FRIDAY, the weekend is here, and I had dinner with an old friend. It was so much fun sitting and talking with Kim...

Kim and I met in college, and since we both live in Houston now, we try to get together regularly. Gotta thank God for old friends...She also has a book club that I attend, and we just got our new book...Speak to my Heart. I'm very excited to start reading it. I love to read, and I love to fellowship with others...great outlet!

So tonight, when I got home, I sprayed the apartment with flying bug spray. The misquitoes here are BRUTAL, and they are eating us alive! So, I'm doing what my Mom and Grandmother do...Oh NO! and spraying down the house every night before bed. It really works...try it for yourself!

I'll be back later this weekend with pics from whatever my adventures bring...until next time!

Breakthrough...

Gray's Anatomy was SO GOOD! I don't get a chance to watch TV like I used to, but I can't miss Gray's! The season finale is next Thursday...so sad!

I had to miss church last night because of a Junior League meeting, and I was/am so bummed. I love my weekly Bible Study...but I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend at home, working on business stuff, and I will be at church on Sunday! Bright and early!

I've been looking to buy a new Bible...any suggestions? I really like the NIV translation, so keep that in mind if you'd like to offer suggestions...

Tonight, I'm thankful for being on the brink of a breakthrough...I can feel it?! Will you pray with me? That God will give me the wisdom, strength, and that I will rest in His timing, even though I want to rush it! I feel like this has been the longest journey of my life, but I know I will be the better for it...so please pray with me friends!



Goodnight....tomorrow is FRIDAY!!! YEAH!

Crash Course!

I have a lot of different thoughts going on, and I'm having a hard time channeling them into coherent pieces of information. Nothing bad, just a lot of decisions to give to God, lots of things to go to Him about....lots, lots, lots!!!

I'm still in a crash course of "His perfect timing"...hoping to drop the "God's way or miserable" class....

At church we've been studying how God will allow us to experience pain so that we have to rely on Him to see us through. Pain often times precedes your blessings, and God will use our pains to get us to focus on His will if we aren't getting the memo otherwise...Bottom line: God's will WILL be accomplished, so the sooner we commit, the better for us!

I hope this encourages someone that if you are going through some pain, that you take a moment to ask God what He will have you to glean from the situation...then take the time to listen for His voice...you'll hear Him!

Froggie has a brand new shoe!

I'm still tired! When I went to the doctor for my "special appointment," she told me that I was anemic, and I should start taking iron pills. She told me that anemia causes fatigue, etc, and I think I need to be more diligent in taking the iron pills. I mean, I'm exhausted...so, tonight...I'm taking those pills, and praying for tons of energy!

Today, I have something very tangible to be thankful for. It turns out that I had 3, yes 3 nails in my tire, and I had to get a new one....BUT, praise the Lord, my tires were still under warranty, and I got it FOR FREE!!! Woohoo! I got to keep that $114 in my pocket...YES! That is definitely something to be thankful for...!

What are you thankful for? Does He know it? Goodnight friends!

Simply Put!

HI! Tonight, I am TIRED!!! It's very difficult for me to keep my eyes open...geesh!

I'm thankful for many things tonight...namely that I just simply love Jesus...in Him I am everything, apart from Him, I am nothing. I pray that anyone who reads my blog will strengthen their relationship with God, and be a light for others. That's really what it is all about.

I'm going to share another one of my favorite worship songs with you. It's by Fred Hammond, and it's called "Simply Put."



I love Fred Hammond. His worship is amazing, and I really love the simplicity of this song. I hope you enjoy it! Goodnight!

I go to the ROCK!

Nights like these, when I'm speechless, not because of a lack of things to say, but because I can't make the connection from heart to hand...I go to the word. Christ is the solid rock on which I stand. Even as I type, I'm fumbling because I just can't get all systems to point towards 'go.' So tonight, I'll just leave you with the scripture God is using to speak to me right now...

Psalm 139
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Steadfast

It's in the wee hours of the morning, but I was determined to post today. I'm in Waco conducting some business, and visiting friends!!!

Today was a little rough in the steadfast faith department for me, but I stayed prayerful, and made it through. I solicit your prayers!!!

I can't wait to take pictures of my impromptu trip and share them with you! Goodnight, my friends whom I'm thankful for being in my life...even if from a distance!

Just another ordinary day?????

Today was an unusual day. It took me 2 1/2 hours to get to work...I think God is trying to tell me something here, and longer than usual to get home. Needless to say, I was not in the best of moods. In fact, I think I irritated my mother with my less than happy attitude.

However, as I logged on tonight, thinking of what I would blog about, my drive came to mind. Even though it was too long by my standards, I'm still thankful that I am gangfully employed. I'm thankful that I actually love my job, and that my kids make me smile EVERYDAY!!! I'm really thankful that tomorrow is Friday, and that I am one week closer to summer break...PTL!!!!

Goodnight blog friends...

I will not be MOVED!

Today, I'm thankful for so much, that I can barely put it into words. I drove to church today not wanting to go, but knowing that I couldn't miss it.

I've been so frustrated, praying/begging for God to reach right into my situation, and turn it around. I drove to church, listening to "Made Me Glad," (see below for the video...stop music on the right), and just hoping that He could hear my heart because the words wouldn't come. So many questions, impatience...patience is not my virtue, but I'm working on it, and just feeling like my faith was literally flying out of the window as I drove down 59 N because I was allowing the enemy to take me back....snap me right into a 'rerun' of my worst season of life if you will.

My struggle is not sex, it's not lying, my struggle is the battlefield called 'the mind.' I ward off thousands of unedifying thoughts a day...literally...most times, I have to take each day minute by minute, because satan is sneaky in his approach with me. It's exhausting, but I'm determined to win this war through Jesus. But with determination to press on with God, comes MUCH opposition from the devil.

In the past, it's always when I'm about to break through...about to burst through the barrier, and reach a new level in Christ that the past creeps in, and strangles my future. But not today...God interceded, and tonight, I stand in the presence of God, declaring just like Jacob did that I will not back down, and I won't leave until He blesses me. Do you hear that satan..? BRING IT ON!!!!!!

The floodgates of Heaven!

Day 3!!!!! Blog friends, God is MOVING!!! He is amazing, and His timing is always right on time...no matter what we think.

Remember I told you about the torrential rains we had yesterday? Well, they turned into flooding, and it was so bad, that I wasn't able to cross one of the main roads on my way to work this morning, so, I had an impromptu day off! How awesome was that?! I must admit that I was kind of annoyed in the beginning, because my mind was already in work mode, but I just asked the Lord to make this day about Him, and for it to be worth my while to stay home...it was!



Today, I'm thankful for glimmers of hope, and God's promises, for they do not return void. God is a god that cannot lie, but He is not concerned with our time schedules either. Sometimes, that is such a hard thing for me to remember. I kind of want what I want when I want it...smile!

My heart is so full right now, and there is such a spirit of expectancy around me, but with that comes opposition from the devil, so I'm asking for your prayers. For strength, wisdom, discernment, and to keep my eyes on the prize!

I hope you had a great Tuesday...tomorrow is Wednesday...hump day! Until tomorrow!

Countdown?!

Hello lovely blog readers! Day 2 is here, and today, I'm thankful for 5 more weeks left till Summer break! The drive is KILLING me, and it's almost over for a couple of months. Speaking of that, could you join me in prayer about what God will have me to do concerning my job next year? I LOVE this side of town, I feel that I've built a great life here, and quite frankly, I don't want to move!

When I first found out I was moving to Houston, this is the side of town I wanted to live on. It's close to the airport, my doctors are over here, and my placement for Junior League next year almost mandates me to be close to our HQ. What to do, what to do?! I know that it will all work out, and if I can be honest, I don't think I can handle learning a new area. Not so soon after just moving here....

Dream, ideal life....work for myself, from home, and do what I've always wanted to do! It's going to happen one day....it will!!!

It's back!

Right before Christmas, I started blogging everday about something that I was thankful for. Well, after visiting my Grandmother for 2 weeks, I stopped blogging because her internet connection is DIAL UP!

Well...I'm bringing it BACK! NaBloPoMo is HERE!! I want to finish what I started, and my month starts tonight. I truly feel that at the end of this, God will show Himself in a way that He never has before, and that the fact that I didn't finish the first time was a trick of the enemy.

I told you earlier that I LOVE Priscilla Shirer....my last 2 quiet time Bible studies have been accompanied by books that she has authored. Here is my latest endeavor. I so wish I could meet her one day and tell her how her stories, hurts, joys have helped me realize just how normal I am. The God in her allows her to be AWESOME! What a mentor, and she has no clue who I am...HA! If you're looking for a study aide to take you deeper into the word, and mature you no matter how many years you've been a Christian, allow me to introduce you to Priscilla Shirer.



So tonight, I'm thankful that God is a god of second chances, and that His mercies are new every morning. I'm thankful that He is in control, and I can rest in that assurance. I'm just so thankful! Until tomorrow, Goodnight!