FiFtEeN Things in 2015!!

I have thought about writing so many times.....even opened the app, and attempted to start a new post....

But the thing is.....I have so much to say, yet nothing flows!  So.....what's a girl to do??

I am really good at making lists.....so, that's what I'll do.....I'll make a bucket list for 2015!  And I hope, one day soon...you can stop here with your cup of coffee....kick up your feet, and stay a while...but in the meantime...

15 Things I Want to do in 2015: (in no particular order)

1.  Make it through an entire Pandora rotation without skipping songs.

2.  Cook 10 different recipes from Pinterest....seriously, I have some awesome stuff pinned!

3.  Go on a trip by myself...and not pick up my phone!!!!

4.  Get over all of my 'its'....

5.  Find that waistline from 12th grade....(OK...maybe not that exact one....but come pretty close)

6.  Lie in a truck bed on a summer night, and chat it up with him (I will always be a hopeless romantic)

7.  Promote to Triple Diamond!

8.  Pay off the last of my consumer debt with the exception of my dang student loans!

9.  Be more present. Slow down. Live in the moment. Take it all in. Listen more!

10.  Go to Taste of Texas Restaurant....how have I lived in Houston all this time, and haven't gone yet?!

11.  Get my gun license...

12.  Really try to see everyone the way God sees them....not just the ones I like, and not just the ones that don't get on my nerves...Love folks....afterall, it is what the world needs now...#cheeseball

13.  Be open....open heart, open arms, just let Jesus do His thing in my life, and chill the heck out!

14.  Blog more!  And be real on the blog, (not that I'm ever fake), I just let the fact that folks are up to no good stop me from doing it more often and freely...but I can't control that now can I.....and folks out there need to hear what I have to say (or do they....over analyzing....this is ALL the time....and could probably be a blog post).

15.   Be a better Jarvis! And wear shorts! (I hate my thighs <<< add finding those HS thighs to #5 too!!)

I have loved this little activity....I'm going to print this list, and report back hopefully, having accomplished most or all of them!

Peace...all over the world.....seriously!  <><  ~J

Beauty for Ashes

Have you ever felt like something was coming?  Heart racing....eye twitching....kind of anxious...like prom night..butterflies in your tummy...seeing your favorite person on the planet walk through the door something was coming?

I have had this feeling all week, and I can't shake it.  I have no rhyme or reason to feel this way.  My quiet time is still riddled with unanswered prayers, but this time it just feels different.  Something.is.coming!

And I hope it's good.

I read the final sessions of my James bible study this week.....I started January 1st, but when I cracked open that book for the first time, I knew that I would take my time.  I would really meditate on the lessons, and if I knew I wasn't in a place to really inhale and ingest the lessons, I wouldn't force the issue.  You can do that when you are studying alone.  I loved every bit of it.  Every in your face, uncomfortable, love for the poor, love for the weak, love for the sinner, examine your heart, examine your motives minute of it.

However, about the last couple of lessons in James, I could feel God asking me what I would do next.  Which lesson I would embark upon....what I would slough off of myself for the next ...6 months....ha!

I started feeling like getting my house in order...cleaning out closets, drawers, organizing, really taking a good look at my finances, and cutting off the fat, saving more (seriously, who am I), and just getting free.....

So I set out to find the perfect bible study for me.  But more importantly, I asked God to show me what He wanted me to do.  And in true Saviour fashion...He did not disappoint.

I've never really had a scripture that I lived by, read all of the time, have everywhere in my home, but in late 2013, God started showing me that everything that I thought I had lost, He would give it back to me.  It was in my dreams, thoughts, the theme of most scriptures I read...it was a real word that I needed, and still need.

Isaiah 61:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor

61 

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

    because the Lord has anointed me

    to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

    to proclaim freedom for the captives

    and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]

2 

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

    and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

3 

    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

    instead of ashes,

the oil of joy

    instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

    instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

    a planting of the Lord

    for the display of his splendor.

Little did I know that Beth Moore has an entire study on those very precious verses to me, Breaking Free.  I am so happy, and so excited to see what God will do through me as a result of what I learn.  So happy to get rid of some baggage, junk, mess, stuff, just ugh!  I can't wait to get rid of it!!!

So, I'm starting this new journey, with an expectant heart, knowing that something is around the corner. Whatever it is.....I know it will display His splendor.

2014!!!

Well guys….we made it!  2014 is here, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to have a fresh start, to turn the page, and start anew.

2012 and 2013 were valley years.  I learned a lot, enjoyed kicked and screamed through months of pruning, and prayed several prayers that I felt never made it past my ceiling fan.  But around September 2012, God laid a word on my heart, wrote it on anything that would stay still long enough for the ink to dry , and even had a dream about it over Thanksgiving…..RESTORATION!!!  Isn't that an awesome word!

While I haven't seen much restoration yet, I am faithful.  My faith is strong.  I know what it's like to pray and worry, and I choose to never venture that way again.  As I said goodbye to 2013, and hello to 2014 last night at church, Pastor J spoke on REBUILDING from the book of Nehemiah, which is where our first sermon series will come from.  What joy my little heart felt to know that what was on my heart was also on God's.  (As if He didn't give me the word to begin with).

I have spent so many years trying to juggle what I know God was calling me to do, and pleasing others, wondering if they approved of my actions.  But it doesn't matter to me anymore.  The only thing that matters to me is that I have a heart and life that pleases God.  That my steps are ordered by Him.  That souls come to know Him because I was obedient, and not playing it safe.  Even as I type these words, I know that there will be some things that happen, and people will judge me; sadly those that are the closest to me, but I have trusted that the Lord will perfect that which concerns me, and that is more than enough for me.

Jesus is real folks.  His love for us is real, and His commission for us is of great importance.

I love quiet times, and I love a good bible study to accompany my quiet times.  It's no secret that James is my favorite book in the Bible, and Beth Moore has a study on James!  So, guess what I'm starting 2014 off with…..yep!  JAMES!!!!  So excited!  Oh, and not to mention that it was time for a new journal….fresh starts all the way around!  I love it!!!  I have a little nook in my bedroom that I have made special just for my quiet times…I'm so proud of it.  I'll post more pictures when it's just right!  I can't wait to plaster the walls with scriptures….yes yes YES!!!

I posted in Instagram last night a little short video of highlights of 2013.  I cannot WAIT to see what 2014 holds for me.  I know that it will be exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or think, and that makes me SO HAPPY!!!

Happy New Year Friends!  May His perfect will be completed in all of us this year!

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...

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...

Me, My Tea, and My Tunes

Today...has been a day...well really, this week has been a week! I don't know about you all, but I am ready for the weekend! I need to think...do you know what I mean?

On a normal day, at a normal time, a lot is swimming around in this head of mine...so you can imagine the movie reel that is playing out right now. It's enough to keep my exhausted and napping...ha! Lucky for me, I've got a drive to Waco coming up (you know..to visit my vanilla family, and help Taylor with her PALS project), and long drives always help me clear my head. It's something about being on the open road, with my iTunes playing on my iPhone....talking to God, listening, worshipping....drinking sweet tea from Chick-Fil-A....notice how I slid that in there....told ya I was obsessed!

I am often so guilty of asking the opinion of my close friends, that I sometimes have too many opinions floating around in my head, and really don't know which way to go! Are you starting to see just how all over the place I can be?! It's ridiculous!

I digress..I should return from my trip to Waco refreshed, and with a gameplan...Lord knows I need one, and the quiet time alone...no kids, no husband...just kidding, but seriously, no 167 kids calling my name, and pulling me one hundred different directions.

Have a Happy Earth Day bf's! Give back to the Earth that gives so much to us!

HONEST SCRAP RECIPIENTS:
I want to award the following blogs with the honest scrap award! It's an honor to pass it on!

Jessica at From Marriage to Motherhood
Melissa at Stafford Moments
Corrie at Sea of Corrie
Nicki at Nicksterland
Ashley at Ashley's Avenue

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!

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!