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!
WARNING!! This post will be all over the place. I've been wanting to post for a few days, but things have been a little crazy, and it seems as though I always have some meeting to attend after work.
First things first....we have had some BEAUTIFUL days. While it rained all day Friday and Saturday, today was gorgeous. When I walked out of church today, it took my breath away!!! Weather that beautiful makes me want to stay outside all day long.
Strange thing that I want to chronicle right here on my blog....6 weeks ago, I woke up with my left eye swollen. I'm talking, quasi-moto...UGLY!!! I went to the doctor, and she told me it was an eye infection, gave me 2 antibiotics, and sent me on my way.
Fast forward to last Thursday. I woke up with the SAME issue, on the SAME eye, only this time it was much, much worse. Here's proof:
I went back to the doctor, and got back on meds, and hopefully this issue won't happen again. It's kind of scary, because I really don't like eye issues...but I guess who does?! My eye looks almost normal now...still a little swelling below the eye, but thanks to some Mary Kay eye mask, it went down a lot!
I mentioned earlier that I found a church in Houston, and God has exceeded ALL of my expectations. I wanted a place where I could serve, fellowship, and grow in my relationship with Christ, and Higer D is a place where that is taking place. Today during the sermon, I was overcome with so much emotion, because I felt like I was in the right place at the right time, and I am where God wants me to be for now. What I mean by this is that there are some things that I'm not thrilled about that are happening, and for the most part, it's out of my hands. I'm grieved, I feel misunderstood, I feel ostracized for my beliefs, and my hands are tied. But God's aren't. I seek your prayers. Specifically for wisdom, peace, and for me to be slow to anger. I want God to be glorified in all that I do, and sadly, when I'm upset and lose my temper, that is rarely the case. It's all about me being heard, my point received, and those are selfish ambitions. So please pray for me. One of my MOST FAVORITE worship songs EVER is "Made me Glad" by Hillsong! This song is so amazing, and it has ministered to me during so many seasons of my life. I've included it below for your enjoyment. (Make sure you pause the music on the right.)
I was having quiet time last week, seeking, no, begging God to show me His face, have mercy on my soul, and give me the answers I so desperately need. I didn't really hear anything that night, but the next morning, God told me two things as clear as day: 1. LOVE, don't judge, and 2. When I least expect it. I'm not quite sure I know what "it" He's talking about, I mean, I can offer an educated guess, but I suppose I'll just wait and see.
I want you all to know that Satan is SO BUSY, and sadly some people have no clue. Satan is so good at knowing what our hot buttons are, that we don't even stop to question the origin of our encounters. My heart literally cries out for those people that think God is a joke, and that He does not exist. My heart cries out even more for those who know Him,, but don't give Him the time of day. Who think that He knows their hearts, and excuses our behaviors. I shudder at the thought of one day having to account for EVERY sin...have mercy on me Lord! Two weeks ago, Pastor shared in his sermon that "God's delay of dealing with our transgressions should not be taken as Him letting us slide." WOW! I immediately thought of all the times I "got by" with something.
The funny thing is, it's the same today as it was when Christ walked the earth. This Easter, I watched "The Passion of the Christ," with my Dad, and I weeped through entire film. People who walked the earth with Christ, sat with Him, spoke to Him, SAW His miracles firsthand were those same people who chose for Him to die over the most evil criminal in the land. They were the same people who nailed Him to a cross between 2 criminals, and sadly, God revealed to me that when I choose my desires, my wishes, and myself over His will, I'm in essence playing for the other team. WOW!!
I love it when God speaks directly to the issues of my heart, corrects me, and convicts me. And if no one on the earth ever thinks that my beliefs are worth copying, I'm OK with that, as long as the Father is well pleased. That's all I really care about, I just wish that I always acted like that!
So, friends, that's been my life lately, hearing, waiting, learning, being pruned, expecting, and loving! Oh, and a few pedicures stuck in between...HA!
Oh yeah! One more thing before I leave, and I do promise to write more. Remember about two posts ago that I shared that God called me to minister to young ladies on the issue if sexual purity? Well, I was approached at church the other day about a ministry opportunity, and let me just say this....it is WAY BIGGER than I EVER DREAMED....but isn't that just like God?! I'm not sharing details because frankly, I don't know them just yet, but I promise you my faithful readers will be the first to know!
Hello! How I've missed blogging, but a whirlwind my life has been! Yesterday, my Junior League Provisional Class held our Literacy Carnival. It was a HUGE success! I couldn't have had a better time, but today, my body aches...I feel like an old woman, but it was so worth it seeing the looks on those kids' faces. It reminded me of my days at MCYC, and the summer events we used to have!
If you remember my last post, I was telling you to seek God with me for an arena to minister to teenage girls concerning sexual purity. Well, I don't know for sure, but I hope that I've found a place, and if it's for me, IT'S A PERFECT FIT...just like I knew it would be! I can't wait to tell you all about it when I find out if I was selected, but as excited as I am about it, if it's not for me, that's OK as well.
Can I just tell you how much I love this weather?! I know that hotter, more humid days are just around the corner, but we have had some beautiful days here in Houston. Just gorgeous! My favorite part has to be showing off my pedicures in cute sandals, and buying my yearly pair of sunglasses. And WOW, this year's pair is HOT HOT HOT!!! What do you like best about this weather? I want to know!
Drastic title I know, but follow me. Let's see, where do I begin? I've been complacent, lackadaisical, indifferent...BLAH! I don't know if you've ever felt like your life was good, but you were just sitting idle..not going backwards, but not moving forwards?! Well, this was me up until yesterday.
Don't get me wrong...I'm not depressed, sad, or unhappy...quite the contrary...I'm joyful! I'm expectant, and I'm excited. God has been drawing me, and calling me for a LONG time to let it all go, and for so long, I couldn't/wouldn't...partly out of disobedience, but mostly out of fear, and not really knowing what to let go....until TODAY!!!
I was literally going all around town to find this devotional that the singles are studying at my church, A Call to Die, and I couldn't find it. I was talking to a friend while looking, and it dawned on me that God has been persistently pursuing me, and I've listened, and not really answered. I mean, we've communed, but I haven't laid it all down...if you will.
I know this is scattered, but do your best to follow me. I have a desire that I feel comes from the Lord to minister to young girls about sexual purity. Not because I feel like an expert on the subject, and definitely not because I feel that I am worthy, but because I feel that God has called me, and my heart can do nothing but answer him. If you want the truth, I really hesitated because I feel as though I can't add anything else to my already full plate. BUT GOD! He's not concerned with my plans for my life...only HIS plan! Let me tell you how God works...a few days ago, I posted a verse as my Facebook status, and I had NO IDEA the implications that would follow. The verse was: Psalm 27:8 "my heart has heard you say, 'come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" This is the NLT version if you're wondering....I've pondered over this verse since reading this translation, and I feel that God was preparing my heart to receive His agenda, and not my own.
To be honest, I was about to start some projects that I felt a release to start, but as of now, I'm waiting on the Lord for His response. So back to the conversation...I'm feeling like I've on skimmed the surface of the power of God that I hold. I use my prayer and faith as though it's a rationed item, sparingly, and as needed, but that's not God's ideal will. He wants me to seek His face, speak with Him, run it by Him, cry out to Him! I can't do anything but stand in awe...that little 'ole me would be called to disciple His people. I am so undeserving, and under equipped, but with God, I am powerful, and mighty.
So friends, I need your prayers. I don't know the ins and outs, I don't know the logistics, but I know that I've answered the call, and that I'm more than willing to pour into lives just as mine own life was molded into His likeness by women of the church who cared enough to share. Please seek His face with me on specifically: wisdom, maturity, and the place to serve. I can't wait to share this journey with you, and to see where God takes me! Goodnight!
Hello Friends!! I'm posting this from my phone and I'm so excited! It's been a crazy time but things are good. Spring Break is around the corner. I'll post more soon. Hope all is well with you all.
What a time I am having! I'm really living a blessed life. These last couple of weeks have been great! I started the second semester fast and furious, and we are not slowing down. My students never cease to amaze me...they are so funny! I don't think they realize how much they add to my life...so fun!
So let's see...last night I met a couple of friends for dinner and drinks. To say I had a good time is an understatement. It was just like being in college again...hanging out and talking for hours. (Minus the karaoke performance by Chelsea and I...) As soon as I figure out how to upload a video, I'll let you guys see for yourselves...it is hilarious! So, I'm watching the Grammy's as I blog, and I am so pumped! ADELE, my new favorite artist won a Grammy, AND performed! I'm sure my neighbors thought I'd lost my mind when I screamed....if you've never heard of Adele, PLEASE go buy her album. You will not be disappointed. It's AMAZING. She's from across the pond, and can I just say that the UK is kicking booty! Did I mention that I got tickets to her concert next month! For $17....a Grammy award winning artist for less than a tank of gas! I can't tell you how excited I am...
And Jennifer Hudson, such class, and strength...to face what she has faced in these last few months...God's strength is so real. Her performance was awesome, and I'm so glad she won! What a role model!
Today, I spent some time with a great friend Becca. Her family just moved from Waco to Houston, and they live so close! It was so fun seeing you and little Levi Becca...
Wow you guys! Life ROCKS! I'm joining a bible study on the book Lady in Waiting! I studied this book in college, and it was awesome...I can't wait to see what I get out of it 8 years later...YIKES...8 years...I can't believe it! Update!: I figured out how to upload the video, so please enjoy! We had a blast! I guess I need to make the next post just pics to catch up on all that I've missed! Whew!
Oh my goodness! I can't believe that 2009 is here, my one year blog anniversary has come and gone, and I'm just updating my blog. I feel like such a slacker, but I have been really busy.
Let's go down memory lane shall we?! I mentioned earlier that I spent Christmas in Mississippi with my Mom's side of the family. It was so much fun. I ate more than I've probably eaten all year, and comsumed more calories in days than I normally consume in a week, but hey...it was SO WORTH IT! Surprisingly, I didn't gain a pound, and I'm still on track! It feels so good to feel better about my body...so good!
I have pictures of Christmas, but to be completely honest, I'm just too lazy to upload them. They're coming though..I mean, you have to see how Karmen has grown!
I spent New year's at church with my parents, and then went to my Godmother's house to watch movies and just hang out. It was a great night!
My thoughts on 2008 are all over the place. I mean, I experienced a lot of joys, and some sadness, but through it all, I'm a better person for the journey! God is so good, and His mercies are new every morning...great is His faithfulness...! And now that 2009 is here...woo...bring it on! I'm expecting this to be my best year ever, and I can't wait to experience the journey! I started a new journal at the beginning of this year. Journaling is something that I do to process my thoughts. It's so relaxing for me, and felt that I needed a "fresh start" so to speak for the new year. I can't wait to see what joys, sorrows, funny stories, successes, and random thoughts these pages will bring. If you think about it, it's really exciting!
Have you seen Bride Wars? If not, I urge you to grab a couple of your girlfriends, and go...it's so worth it! I've seen it twice; with Danni and Taviea, and then with Malitta. It's been a while since I've laughed so hard at a movie, and I did shed a tear or two. My advice: grab your best friend, and go see the movie...you won't regret it!
I have more to share, but I need to go put a new load of laundry in...I'll write more later! ~J
