Monday, April 6, 2009

Back On My High Horse

Recently, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” is taking on a whole new significance for me. I am learning a few things about myself. None of which, unfortunately, are good. Some of which, I never knew before. Some of which, I thought were dealt with and gone, but apparently were only lying dormant.

I find it unfair that it is in the face of persecution, injustice, accusation, and trial that the depth of our character is shown most clearly. It is unfair because isn’t it only natural for people to respond defensively or angrily in such circumstances? After all, how else are we to survive? Is it right that a person be judged based on how they respond when they are wronged? Shouldn’t it be the person who is doing the wrong that should be judged? Yet, I know that life isn’t fair, and the world isn’t a perfect place. I know that we are held accountable for our actions even if it is simply retaliation. (Not to mention that we would all be in heap of trouble if we got everything we deserved! Thank goodness for grace!) Thus, I have chosen the “high road.”

Yes, right now, I am finding myself in a position where I feel I would be justified in verbally lashing out at someone. I am finding myself in a position where I think I would be justified in simply walking away and leaving people to clean up their own mess. I am finding myself in a position where I feel I would be justified in throwing a punch or twelve. Yet, I am refraining. I am taking the high road.

…Except for that tiny fact that Jesus doesn’t care about my so called “high road.” The issue is, my heart is bitter and angry and frustrated, and I suppose that some teeny tiny amount of credit should be given to me for refraining from a physical or verbal reaction, but the truth is…it doesn’t really matter. Remember that whole Sermon on the Mount thing where Jesus’ major point is…yeah so what. I don’t care if you do everything right on the outside. You’re missing the point. The important thing is what your heart looks like…? Yeah, unfortunately, I’m remembering that all too well today. I’m being smacked upside the head with it every time my holier than thou, self-righteousness kicks into gear.

So today, as I am struggling through being like Christ from the inside out, I am realizing how impatient I actually am. I am seeing how selfish and prideful I can actually be. I am seeing that when things aren’t how I think they should be I become stubborn and unmotivated. And, I am quite honestly irritated that this injust circumstance, is pointing out my character flaws. Go figure. I have always prided (there’s my first problem) myself in the fact that I “worship the Lord through whatever position he has placed me in, by working my hardest and giving my best.” HA! Not today, my friends. Today I am learning how hard it is to follow not only the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, but I am finding it difficult to look past the “working for men” part to remember that I need to be focused on the “working for the Lord” part. So let me try, once more, to dismount from my high horse and actually be like Jesus.

Sometimes this is all a bit harder than it seems.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Lately

Lately we have had a lot of decisions to make. With my various health issues surfacing, we have had to weigh the options regarding our move to Portland. Ultimately, with much prayer and debate, it has been decided (by the whole team) that the best solution is to stay put for now. There are no changes in the ultimate plan, and the goal is still the same. But, instead of getting all of our church/ministry experience in Portland, we are going to be getting as much as we can in Dallas.
There are times when I feel like all these planning alterations are my fault, but then I remember that God is the one who is ulimately in control. He has set all of this in motion, and we are all at peace in trusting Him to complete the work He started. For now we will be staying at the church we are currently serving in.
One of the things that has come up as a result of my "medical issues" and of our ultimate decision to stay here, is when we should start having kids. Originally it would have been poor timing and financially unwise to attempt to have a child before we moved, or just as we were moving to Portland, but now things have changed. We are by no means making any sort of announcement. There are many health factors that could very well interfere with any plans we may wish to make. Still, we would like to begin our family on this side of the move. We have such a great church and support system here, and if God allows it, we would like to make that step. We are just patiently waiting on the Lord for whatever He has in store...and we are trying to make sure that we do not get discouraged in the process.
So...once again we are in a new place. It seems like things are always changing, but we are blessed that one thing remains the same. God is in control.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

A not so timely post...

I am really slacking on keeping up with my blogging! There really is plenty to report on what has been going on lately, but if I may make an excuse for myself, these last two weeks of work have been exhausting in every way! I have really just come home and crashed every day!
Anyway, today I am posting the pictures I promised.

It's official! I am a Texas driver. (actually I prefer to think of myself as an Indiana driver with a Texas license... if you have ever had to drive in Dallas, I sure you understand why).
These pictures were in our wedding, and they were made to match it. They used to match our bedroom, but since we have gotten new bedding they needed updated. Nothing too thrilling, but a goal accomplished, none the less!


And finally... I have started working on a baby blanket! Now I just need someone to have a baby!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Good News!

After a bunch of Dr.'s appointments and poking and prodding...whatever was on my left ovary is gone! Hooray! God answers prayer for sure!

In other news...I am in the midst of working on my reading list, and have completed one book. I will make sure to post when it is finished. I now have #23, a Texas Driver's License...check! I have started #41, crocheting a blanket...check! My friend Zach needed some vocals on a song he recorded, so, #46, I did that!...Check! And... #44, the hedges have been trimmed (although, I cannot take credit...Amber did it while I was gone)...so sort of check! And finally... #38 I redid the pictures in my bedroom. Check! It's coming along. I'll post pictures soon. So far...I am also keeping up on journaling, blogging (mostly), and date nights! (not doing so well on the working out...I'll get better though!)

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Believe it or not...

they selected one of my pictures! They didn't have thousands of entry's or anything, but today I was surpised to hear that the City of Carrollton selected one of my photos for 2nd prize. Not too shabby. Plus, I get $100. And the winner is....

Saturday, February 7, 2009

# 20

Good news! I have accomplished a goal! Actually...I have accomplished more than one, but I will wait and post about those when I get a picture.

First, let me apologize for not being particularly timely with this post. I wrote this big long post about goals, and then I didn't post for over a week.
This has been a really crazy week for me, though. In fact, I could really use all of your prayers. I have been having some health issues, and the doctors found a large growth, among other things, on one of my ovaries. Over the next few weeks I am going to be having a lot of tests done to see what we do from here. At this point we do not know if the growth is cancerous or not, but given my age, we are optimistic that it is not. So, will all the Dr.'s appointments and such, it has been a fairly busy and stressful time.
I am doing great though! I really am sure that God has this whole thing in his hands! So, on to the good part!

The city that we live in, Carrollton, TX is rebuilding its website. So, they had a contest where people could submit photos of the city. This was a perfect opportunity to accomplish something on my list! I have absolutely no expectations of winning anything, but it was definitely fun. You could submit 10 photos, so I figured I needed all the chances I could get!




Monday, January 26, 2009

50 Things for 2009

My cousin Shannon has inspired me. She decided to make a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. I have lately realized that I spend much of my time without any purpose. So, in an attempt to live intentionally, to live with more purpose, and to accomplish some goals both serious and fun, I have adapted Shannon's idea for myself. I made a list of 50 things to accomplish by the end of 2009. In fact, after I decided to make a list, the rest of the people in my house made lists! We posted the lists in our "office" so we can keep track and help each other along.

I have also decided, again from the inspiration of Shannon, to blog about my goals as I accomplish them. Lucky you. :)

The List

  1. Start graduate school
  2. Keep up with my journal
  3. Go to Disney World
  4. Eat an oyster
  5. See my best friend get married
  6. Lose five pounds
  7. Have a date night at least once a month
  8. Go white water rafting
  9. Take a cooking class
  10. Make and complete a new reading list of 25 books
  11. Start working out on a regular basis
  12. Go camping (I haven’t been in five years!)
  13. Go to an Indian restaurant
  14. Cook a Thai meal
  15. Go skiing
  16. Pay off all non-school debt
  17. Finish memorizing Hebrews
  18. Go golfing
  19. Have a garage sale
  20. Enter a photo contest
  21. Take a photography class
  22. Get my name changed on all of my documents
  23. Get a Texas drivers license
  24. Get Owen obedience training
  25. Grow my hair out to the bottom of my neck (super long for me!)
  26. Go to the symphony
  27. Visit Portland
  28. Build up my collection of Disney movies
  29. Get new glasses
  30. Finish a jig-saw puzzle with Amber
  31. Have a girls night
  32. Write a song with Chris and Zach
  33. Stick my feet in the Pacific Ocean
  34. Go on a weekend retreat with my “Family”
  35. With my D-group, create plaster molds of our faces.
  36. Keep up with my blogs
  37. Go to the dentist
  38. Re-do my framed pictures to match my bedroom
  39. Blow up and frame some of my best pictures
  40. Sell Blanch (the Lumina)
  41. Start crocheting again
  42. Organize/re-organize a filing system for important documents, receipts, bills, etc.
  43. Make a quilt
  44. Trim the hedges
  45. Paint pottery
  46. Record with Zach
  47. Get enough money for three months worth of expenses in savings
  48. Read the Old Testament
  49. Learn to drive a standard
  50. Go to five states I have never been to.

This is my list, in no particular order. I'll keep you posted!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Welcome 2009!

Well, things are starting to get back to normal in our house...if you could ever refer to our house as "normal." Everyone is back from the holidays, we are done with parties and guests, and we are all back to work. I have to say, I actually glad to be back to work, but I certainly enjoyed every bit of the Christmas/New Year season. It was a whirlwind, but here is the quick rundown... be prepared for a LOT of pictures!
First, some of our very dearest friends, Caleb and Alison, tied the knot. We all (our entire house and many of our friends from Dallas) traveled down to Houston for the weekend and had a blast. I can honestly say that I do not believe I have been to a sweeter more beautiful wedding. The entire weekend was a just a joy from start to finish.

The Bride and Groom at their Western themed rehearsal
Caleb goofing around with his groomsmen
Our housemates dancing around afterwards...they are too cute.

Justin, our other housemate, and his beautiful girlfriend, Lauren, at the dinner. Amber and me at the bachelorette party.Alison and me.
I made all the bouquets! Not too bad for my first time. :)
Alison's beautiful dress.

Justin and Lauren

Our wonderful friends John and Tyese

Don't we all clean up so nice!?

Amber and Nathan

The beautiful Vicki and me...love my old roomie!
First dance...so sweet!

Immediately after Caleb and Alison's wedding was over, Chris and I drove the four and a half hours back to Dallas so we could sleep for a few hours before we got on the road for Indy. Christmas was absolutely wonderful, and it was just so nice to be able to see my family after 6 months! It was a visit filled with lots of card playing, lots of wii, and TONS of laughing till you cry! It was awesome!

Tommy's gift to Jessica
Jessica's reaction to Tommy's gift
My cousin Austin got new wrestling shoes...he's so cute!
Haha...
Tommy LOVES Celine!
My uncle Kevin and me being artsy with our cameras
We got Dad the first season of 24, but from what I hear, its my mom who has developed and addiction.
This is my favorite set...Jessica's attempt to be subtle in her reaction to grandma giving Chris the Kelly Pickler CD.
Hmmm...do you think anyone noticed that she found it humorous?
Yep, she lost it. There's no hiding it.
Love them!

Brothers
The girls
Hahaha...the boys
Jess in her Santa hat

Like mother like daughter
I love my papaw! Such blue eyes!
See any resemblance???
Love my Daddy


After Christmas Jessica came and spent the week with us. I'm a slacker and I don't really have any pictures of that. :( It was wonderful! We had a blast!

And finally, last but not least, we ended the holidays with another wedding. Chris performed his first wedding ceremony for some wonderful friends, John and Tyese.  It was simply beautiful!

2nd attempt at flowers...I think I'm getting better!




The bride getting ready


Beautiful dress

My lovely Vicki
Bridesmaids
She's so gorgeous!

Chris and Jess enjoying the reception.
It was so nice to have my baby sis around.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. John and Tyese Little!
Overall, it was a fabulous way to end 2008 and begin 2009.  Its hard to believe all the changes that are going to come in this year alone.  Before the end of this year Chris and I, along with some of our wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ, will have left behind everything that is familiar and comfortable to embark on the mission the Lord has set before us.  Its going to be a crazy year, and I can't wait!