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!

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...

Pray with me...

Hey there!!! It's lovely May, and I couldn't be happier....the end of the school year is near! Hallelujah!!! I'm just posting really quickly to ask for prayer. I've got a lot of decisions to make, and I want to be sure that they are decisions that glorify God, and are what He wants, not what I would like to see happen.

Of course this has to do with the non-profit. I feel like this is such a HUGE mountain, and at times, I'm feeling very ill equipped, but I know that is not of God. I'll post an update later...but until then, will you just pray!

Later gators! ~J

Amy Beth!

One of the greatest things about having a blog is that readers whom you don't even know stumble across your pages, and hopefully grab something they can call their own, and learn from.
One of my friends Amy Beth has a blog, owns her own business, touches the lives of probably 400+ girls, gives of herself freely, seriously...I could go on, and she's only 25. But today, I read a post from her that no one wants to see someone they care for go through. You can read that post here, but just know that it's the sucky of all suckiest (excuse my poor choice of words) situation.

Tomorrow, those that know her, and those that don't are banding together to pray for her....literally from all over the country, and quite possibly the world. Oh yes...she's that much of a big deal, and when you read her blog...you'll understand! If you feel so inclined, say a prayer for her. The Bible says "where two or three are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst of them." He's needed...to show up in a mighty way!

I ask that you pray specifically for: peace, her doctors, comfort, strength, healing, and whatever else the spirit leads you to pray. While the situation looks grim right now, we know whom we serve, and God is able...without a doubt we know that!

Have a great night friends, and I hope you'll join me in prayer!

~J

I don't know what to do...

Hello Friends!
I'm here today with a decision to make. First of all...let me say this...it's nothing life threatening... and I'm looking more specifically for your prayers than advice....does that sound good?!

Because of my school schedule and work responsibilities...I really need guidance on what my role in the Youth ministry at my church is going to look like. The desire to serve and lead is still there...the desire to work on curriculum is still there...but I'm running into the problem of not being able to 'be all things to everyone.'

If you know me in real life, then you know that I hate not being able to do something...to give up responsibilities....to admit that I really can't 'do it all.' However....I am at this point.

Allow me to back up.

Back in the Fall, I began praying for a few things in particular. Specifically how God would use my time/talents, etc in this season of singleness. I started feeling like I spent too much time wondering 'when,' and not operating in a 'now' spirit. I think I actually believed that if I just waited out my days...God would alter His plans and send him sooner....um, yeah...not so much! Thanks to a lady who poured into my life so much at Baylor...I received a little deliverance!

Right around that time...a position for Assistant Cheer Coach became open at my school. (I know I don't really mention the cheerleaders a lot...however, my blog is essentially open for anyone in the world to read, and I have to keep their security and privacy my #1 concern), however...my reluctance to mention them is no indication of the affection I have for these girls. Simply stated...they ROCK!

I digress. I immediately wanted to take this job if given the oportunity, but at that time I already feared that I was over committed. My prayer became that God would have His way...that He would either open or close the door, and that I would be good with that.

Obviously, He opened the door, and I haven't looked back since. My goal from the beginning would be that those girls would see God in me...that I could be someone they could look up to...(in a non-prideful way). I can only hope.pray.cross my fingers that I am being a good role model...sometimes I truly feel like I've missed the mark with these kids...you know, when you have all the patience in the world until they actually force you to use it! Can I get an AMEN parents?

Because of the responsibilities I have with the Cheerleaders, I became less and less available for the youth ministry. However, my heart always remained torn, because I really wanted to do both...technically...I couldn't because I have yet to figure out how to cut myself in half without making a mess.

So much guilt surrounded this time in my life. The relationships I left in suspense with the youth...was I being effective in any area of my life?! Just a mess!

So here's where I need prayer. My responsibilities aren't getting any smaller. I'm wrapping up the process to become a school administrator, and with that...comes major time restraints and long days. But what do I do? Do I continue to sit where I am, which is not really involved with the youth ministry on a day to day basis, or do I dive back in?

I realized a couple of months ago that I'm guilty of over working myself so that I don't feel the sting of not being where I want to be. That's not healthy...godly...or good! I want to be intentional in everything that I do. More importantly, I want to be in the will of God.

I don't take the fact that I can come here and ask you for prayer lightly. I know that not everyone girl is as lucky as I, and for that, I'm truly thankful! However, I so want to make the best choice...God's choice. I'm not giving up the Cheerleaders...I truly feel that God has a plan there, and I can't begin to telly ou what I've gotten out of it already...such an amazing friend in the Head Coach. I digress...AGAIN!

Anywho...it saddens me to think that I may think the youth at my church are dispensible. They are not, but I simply cannot do everything, and if God can work it out so that I can do it all, then I'm all ears. Prayers. PLEASE!

Thanks friends!

Ramblings and Such on a Wednesday Morning!

I need a vacation! I know that I am just coming off from a week long Spring Break, but I have some things on my to-do list that need my immediate attention, and I honestly don't know when I'll have to cross them off! It's nothing major, just things that I know need to be done!

Today is kind of a big day for me. I mentioned this vaguely a couple of weeks ago, and while I know I haven't taken the time to blog about it....know that I will. I guess I don't feel the release yet to post it on my blog....but I do covet your prayers...trust that God knows what I need, and He will provide. Thanks bf's (blog friends)!

Tomorrow I am flying to Virginia to visit my Momma! I am so excited!!! Of course to see her, but she told me that there's an HM!!! Be still my little 'ole heart! I LOVE LOVE LOVE HM!!!! I don't know what to do with myself...besides seriously to STOP SHOPPING!!!

Maybe while I am visiting her, I can get some work done. We are both in school for our Master's, so I know I will have some downtime!

Have a great hump day peeps!! The weekend is almost here!

Oh the places you'll go!

I know, I know...I've been a little MIA, but I have a couple of things to share. First of all, I'll be updating the prayer blog tonight, so e-mail me your requests, and I'll be sure to post them.

OK, so here's some news. Many of you know that I drive anywhere from 1 hr and 15 minutes to 1 and a half hours EACH way to work EVERYDAY, AND I spend roughly $300 a month on GAS!!! Needless to say, it's a lot, so I've been praying for months on what God would have me to do next year. I LOVE MY SCHOOL! I love my kids...most days, so I really didn't want to leave, but I refuse to move. I have my reasons, and if you scroll back, you can read them!!! So, I made my requests known to God, and put it into His hands.

I'm happy to report that I have three interviews next week in Spring ISD. Now, this scares me because if I get the job, I'll have to resign and....oh the stress!!! BUT, I do believe that this is the best move for me right now. I don't need to be on the road like that, and I desire to work in the community in which I live! So, it seems as though I may have the pick of the litter when it comes to schools, so say a prayer for me that God will lead me in the right direction. Also, that the resignation process will go smoothly.

Don't get me wrong, I'm excited, just nervous and anxious, but I'm reminded who's in control.

In other news, school will be out in 9 days!!! PTL!!! I can't wait to wave goodbye to the little sweethearts! I need a break, and it's time to send them home to their parents! LOL!

Well, I'll be back this weekend. I'm taking myself on a date tomorrow night...finalizing the details as we speak. For sure I'm going to get my nails done, and after that, I'm pretty clueless...any ideas?

I promise to post pics next time..maybe even a video if you're lucky! HA! Goodnight! Don't forget to check out the prayer blog... www.healtheirland.blogspot.com

Prayer Circle!

I know, I know...my Mom came last night, and I wasn't feeling well at all...the pleurisy is back..., so I hopped in the bed at 10:15 last night! It was a much needed rest. Therefore, I didn't get a chance to post last night!

Tonight, I want to solicit your prayers. I'm not totally ready to expose ALL of my business to who knows who on this blog, but the prayers of the righteous man availeth much. I would like for you all to stand in agreement with me as I continue to seek God's face for His timing, and my contentment with where I am right now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being ungrateful, I just don't want to put my cart before the horse. God has certainly bestowed tons of blessings on me, and if He doesn't do another thing in my life, I'm still thankful...again, I just want to be totally in His will!

So tonight, and yesterday...smile, I'm thankful for those I can call on for prayer! Until tomorrow...~J