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...

I have learned to SIT!

If I had a dollar for every time I've said that I love to be on the run...with task after task, and errand after errand to complete.  I think I used to wear it like a badge of honor.  BUT, this last week that I have had off from work, I have learned to sit...and it feels so good.

I think I will attribute this to lots of praying (still on the 100 day mission), and just being content.

So..what have I been up to lately?  Well, I was officially finished with school last week, and I left the following day for our family reunion at my grandparent's farm.  Saturday night I headed to Grand Prairie to spend a couple of days with my cousin's family.  It was relaxing, and just fun to be on a different schedule.

Since I'v been home I've just been going to cheer practice, and spending a lot of time getting my home organized, praying, and seeing the fella.

Now, the twin sheets and other bedding have been pulled out of the closet, which can only mean one thing...CHEER CAMP!  We leave tomorrow.  I have a bittersweet relationship with cheer camp...but the time has come!!

I have a couple of pics that I'll post from my phone.  I hope you are enjoying your summer...and I mean really enjoying them, not rushing through them, or wishing you were further along in this journey that you miss the moment you're in...

Until next time...

100 Days: Weekend Edition

Please excuse me from my absence. This weekend was super busy, but I have also been battling my allergies, and unfortunately when my allergies start acting up, so does my asthma. My lung has been in rare form lately, and to be honest, it just hurts. I actually toyed with the idea of going to the emergency room, but I'm going to see what I feel like in the morning after my inhaler kicks in.

Church was so amazing today. Psalm 57 was our scripture reference, and what sticks out the most from the sermon was how David praised while in the midst of his crisis. Sometimes I'm not so good at that because I'm kind of just holding my breath, waiting until its over. It definitely helped me, and I took a lot of notes over it. I should make a mental note to go back and read them...you know so it's actually beneficial...

The hardest part of walking by faith is hoping that everything will be ok when you finally get there...it's enough to take your sanity sometimes.

I fear that this post is not one of encouragement. My apologies...it is however real..and that's all I can promise...!

Off Kilter...

Another post from my phone...

Today was hard...I had a cruel dream, and it kind of through my entire day off. It was a busy day all around, and to be honest, I didn't devote all of the time that I wanted to for prayer.

That dream really did me in because it was so beautiful yet will probably never happen that way with those specific details...not being pessimistic, just realistic!

One little nugget I left bible study with was conviction brings about change...if that isn't good teaching I don't know what is...

On to day four...


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A Rainbow for your Trouble...

I'm posting late but I had a busy day today!

Let me say this...I knew when I started this that a whole lot of 'stuff' would transpire as a result. You know who doesn't like when you start praying...

With that being said today was a doozy...it's funny how situations and people that need an ear or an encouraging word come near you when you're sensitive to it. My day was filled with tears from others...my heart aches for them because so many really have no clue...

My scripture for today was Psalm 138:8 and it'll probably be mine for tomorrow as well...I could write an entire post on that scripture alone...read it!

This is a short post but I survived...this will not be easy...but I'm sure worth it!

I'll leave you with this...it's a pic of a rainbow I saw while driving Monday. My Dad says rainbows are a sign of God's promises. I'll take it!

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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!