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...

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?

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

Just in case you wanted to know...

What I've been up to...read along!
1. I've been busy planning the PINK! Young Women's Leadership Conference! I know you haven't heard much about this, and perhaps I should devote an entire post to it...but for now, here's a tidbit. It's a conference hosted by my school, put on by my non-profit targeted towards girls in grades 6-12.

What I envisioned as an audience of 50-100...maybe 200, has quickly grown to 500!!! Humbling to say the least! It's in April by the way, and I'm hoping to catch you up to speed before then!

2. Doing projects for my principal as an intern.

3. Schoolwork...yuck!

4. Cheer practice...when will it end?!

5. Traveling

6. Preparing to present at the AP Conference in Philly next month. About that: I seriously DO NOT belong in a league with the other presenters. So unqualified...pray for me!

7. Answering phone calls from my cousin using the Tango app...she's obssessed, and apparently she thinks I'm cool because she calls almost daily...but it's so cute!

8. Pre-planning for Malitta's bridal shower and bachelorette part in NOLA!

9. Eating tuna and taco soup...LOL!

10. Cutting back on sweet tea.

11. Working on holding my tongue...this is SO hard!

12. Getting excited about the warmer temps! Cut sandals and wedges, skirts and dresses, and a really great tan!

13. Balancing my life a little more. I'm still working hard on this one because I am really SO busy. I know I say that a lot, and I actually thrive off of the busyness, but a little lull would be nice!

So...now you know what I know!!!

What if.....

I never get married????? There I said it....I've written it in print for all of the world to see....now you, yes YOU can say that you know the burning question that burdens my thoughts at least a squillion times a day...Don't believe me...really, it's just that many. And, I've found those thoughts to be sneaky suckers too. They pop up into the most random places.

I have to offer this disclaimer....I'm not waiting for a man to come rescue me. My life is not on hold, and yes, I am fully aware that when the timing is right, God will send him to me...I GET THAT! If I were honest, I'd tell you that my life is quite the opposite. I work my fingers to the bone, clocking sometimes 14 hour work days, am juggling a very active social life, and a Master's program, gearing up for my Ed.D program, filling out a charter school app (more on that later), and still focused on creating my non-profit, but well you know the rest. With all of that being said, it doesn't stop my mind from going there. Especially when I'm getting a little older each year, if you catch my drift. Oh, and by the way, I have happened to have read the story of Sarah, and how God blessed her with a baby in her 80s....really people, do you think that makes it better that my singleness is being compared to a biblical miracle....I'm laughing just as I type this! Oh the things people say~!

I guess my purpose of this post is in the last few months, I have encountered many Christian, beautiful, successful, sweet women, from ALL different races who are single, and ready to mingle...sorry, I had to do it! And I want to know why?! Not necessarily from Him, but just why. Why is it that it happens for some, and not for others? I guess the answer to this question is right along side the cure for the common cold.

I'd also be lying to you if I didn't admit that being single at this age makes me ask myself what's wrong with me? I can already hear my good hearted friends yelling at your computers that this is a trick of the enemy, and I am inclined to agree with you, but I am human, and I am/have been guilty of wondering if I am the issue.

You should see the poor look in my mother's eyes when she says, do you have any prospects? Poor thing...she wants grandbabies so badly...and I guess she doesn't get it either...

Oh, and I've heard all of the 'advice', but how about we re-visit for a good laugh:
-you need to get out more (I'm at home to sleep and shower)
-use this time to get closer to God (as if there is a measurement, and everyone knows it but me)
-allow Jesus to be your man (this one puzzles me the most)
-when you're least expecting it, it'll happen (tried that...still single)
-there is so much for you to accomplish as a single... (YES! using this to my advantage)
-you're so pretty...I don't see why you aren't dating (uhh...thanks)
-you're just too picky (maybe, but I'm picky with my fruit too...what can I say?!)
-and my all time favorite from the person who knows me best...J, I really have no clue... (sigh)

I have sincere joy for each person in my life that has found their personal love story...honest to goodness truth here...I'd just like to double date sometimes too! Now before you order my straight jacket...I don't need it...just sharing what's on the heart...no need to panic!

So...here's to a hopeful (or maybe I shouldn't be hopeful for fear of ruining the 'least expecting it' element) 2011. Lots of great stuff going on already, and so much to be thankful for..and truly I am...but again, there are those times...

Happy Friday friends!

November 7, 2016

I am behind on posting....if I were honest with myself, and you, I'd tell you that I have a partially written post dating back to February of this year. It just so happens to be the Junior League ODI post....then there's my trip to New Orleans complete with pictures that still needs to be written, my photo shoot from September, life in general, Junior League Super Saturday, and I really could go on....but I won't, because today, I have another post in mind.

The other day, I had to order a new driver's liscense because my current one will expire soon. It was a very surreal moment for me...

Rewind 9 years ago....November 7, 2001. I had just turned 21, and I celebrated in a very typical way that one celebrates, but I digress. I remember picking up that liscense, and seeing the date, November 7, 2010. My immediate thought is that I would be 30 the next time I'd need a new liscense. (I can really remember where I was at that moment, and everything...so weird)

30 seemed like such a long way from where I was at the time. I imagined what life would be like, (reality lends a very different picture btw), and where I'd live....it was just so weird to think of myself as ever being 30.....but, what a difference 9 years make....NINE YEARS!!!

In about a week and a half, I'll be 30 years old!!!!! THIRTY!!!!! I don't feel 30...if 30 feels like something. Heck, I still feel 21. I live a busy, active life. In fact, I love my life. Sure I have my bad moments, but overall, at the end of the day, I can count my blessings, and see God's hand. I don't think I look 30...I am still carded...which by the way, I'm becoming more and more thankful for! I don't even know if life changes much for me because I am about to be 30.

Sure, I wonder when 'it' will happen, but that's another topic for another day....

I have many hopes for this 30th year of life..and I'm working on a post entitled, "If I knew then what I know now..."

Oh, and for the record...yes, I will be 36 by the time I need a new liscense....we won't even go there...I've learned that it's easier to be ready for everything...you never know what's headed your way!

Have a great hump day folks...2 more days, and I'm with my family in Mississippi....I can't wait!!