Who is Ever Ready?

I have never read any of the Lemony Snicket books. I always blew them off as too silly for me. I saw one of the movies once when I was around 15, and well... it didn't leave a lasting impression. Recently though, I came across this quote and fell in love with it. The truth of it just echoes throughout my whole being! What am I waiting for? Some things I'll never be ready for, until I do them!

The evidence of this truth can be seen throughout my whole life.

I wasn't ready to ride a bike, until I figured out how to do it after many painful falls. Then I was a 6 year old biker chick cruising around the park.

I wasn't ready to go on my first field trip without my mom, but when I did I had so much fun.

I wasn't ready to play my first volleyball game in 7th grade. I was so nervous I would be terrible in front of a whole gym of people. Volleyball became my favorite sport!

I wasn't ready for my family to drive away 3 1/2 years ago when they helped me move to San Marcos for college. Yet, God used these past years to grow me and help me become who I am and find my identity solely in Jesus.

I wasn't ready to lead a small group or share my testimony until I JUST DID IT. Now, I trust God to speak through me.

I wasn't ready to get in a relationship, because I was convinced that eventually I would hurt the other person. There were so many times even in my mind I would play out a whole scenario of how something wouldn't work out before it ever even started! But God has taught me so much about faith, commitment, and communication with my boyfriend of ONE YEAR this month, Evan! And I'm so thankful and happy.

I don't want to wait the rest of my life and look back to see all things I could have done. So here I am, inspired by a quote from a book I didn't give the time of day. Maybe I'll visit half price and books and check it out. Or maybe I'll start writing my own book one day. I don't feel ready, but who ever is?

The charm of a ten-year-old. You almost had me.

So, tonight I had the sweet privilege of speaking to some of the youth at Old Gospel Lighthouse, a church I just adore in Clifton, Texas. Sadly, a lot of the kids couldn't make it because of a play practice they were in... But, let me tell you, the ones who showed up were show stoppers.

I talked about Jeremiah 29. Basically, God has the plans, we don't.

It went pretty well. Mostly it was older kids... but the kiddos in the front row were all around the very mature age of ...10 :) and super fidgity. The youth in the next two rows were older and I found that I had to for the most part look at them, because the young ones in the front would have had me laughing. I had some great questions asked about the sermon, but these were some of my favorites from the little guys up front.

"Do you talk to a lot of churches? You speak very good. How many churches have you been to?" This little guy was all business. (He said he wanted to be a missionary one day too)

"What do you want to do when you grow up? (After I said I was so excited about Campus Ministry... I repeated, ummm campus ministry)

"What is your favorite Christian song?" In the moment, I went blank and gave him the name of my little brother Levi's favorite, "Our God is Greater" (which I also love).

"What is the best question you've ever been asked?" (I had no idea, so I told him he just won that one)

and my favorite:

"Can I have your phone number?" Umm... he may have been 10, but I'm pretty sure I blushed.

Life with the Roomies- Post Grad

The ceilings are a bit higher here. The kitchen gadgets are sharper and sleeker. There are twinkle lights and iron chairs on the porch.

Here, people wear aprons. Walk dogs. And we get excited over carpet cleanings. My first weekend here we painted our walls teal zeal and some other minty color.

 I am now a college grad and I live with college grads that were grads before me. I feel like I'm such an adult even though it was only a few months ago I was studying all night, eating Ramen, and sleeping on a plastic mattress.

I love my new roomies, Kristin and Elissa. Though we've been friends for a few years, living with them is such a sweet, endearing transition. I feel like they are really helping me transition from a college lifestyle to the next level: basically being a 21 year old college grad who needs to learn a lot! I'm becoming more "adultish".

For instance, I've bought my own mattress (which feels like a huge feat- it took me like a month!) and have been endlessly searching for a dresser with the help of my awesome boyfriend, Evan.

 I haven't exactly embarked on huge cooking successes (I made a pretty decent soup, but that's about it)... Though, I have partaken in a lot of good food and received some great cooking tips.

I have learned how to successfully walk a dog, or at least Kristin's sweet dog, Leela. Before this year, I have never, in my life, done that.

My favorite times here are on free days. When all three of our schedules come together and we sleep in, make some good coffee (mine black, Elissa and Kristin's with cream, whip cream, and sometimes pumpkin spice). Or when we pull out the beautiful tea pot and tea set that makes me feel artsy and whimsical. This is a time of inspiration! We spread out across the living room with our Bibles, journals, and eager hearts. Sometimes we talk about blogging, and what a victory it is when we actually write! These moments of comrade re are so precious, and even though I'm aware I'm getting older and life seems more serious, in these moments I am a little girl, coming before my Father, thanking Him for His precious gifts.

Also, I thank Elissa and Kristin for taking me in and expanding my mind intellectually, encouraging me to learn basic things that are enjoyable in life like cooking and writing, and I especially thank them for always being ready with a heart of prayer and wisdom when I need them.

 As iron sharpens iron,

so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,

and the sweetness of a friend is better than self counsel.

Proverbs 27:9

Painting that wall! FIERCE!

An Irish Summer

I was just telling my friend, Nikki, earlier today that ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of going to Ireland.  In fact, in high school, one of my dear friends, Ashley, bought me a book about Ireland, because she knew how close it was to my heart. I never imagined I would make it here. This verse came to mind today, as I finally realized my old, child-like dream had come to fruition. 

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

In light of the recentness of Christmas and the holidays, I want to send out a praise report to Jesus, the One who makes life happen. I've been praying for my family a lot lately, my brother in particular. As an older sister, I so tend to have a certain mom-ness that my two younger brothers cannot stand, and that I cannot seem to shake; this invariably ends up with me emotionally crazy. I've been so worried about what my brothers "should" or "should not" be doing that I have really missed out on some precious time with them because of my tenacity to preach at them incessantly. (Okay, I'm not quite as crazy as I'm making myself sound but this is to get my point across). This Christmas break I have spent some time with them and come to realize that yes flawed they are, as I also am, but a loving heart and caring disposition is not something they lack. They really take care of my mom, in a very selfless way. Also, when I got upset Christmas night over something that didn't matter, in my own moment of selfishness, I found my brother, Tate, encouraging me.  He reminded me of the Lord's goodness and provision for our family and all of the blessings that fill our lives. I will always remember that moment because I felt the release of a false burden I was holding on to; trying to be my brother's way to God when that spot remains solely for Jesus alone. I also again realized that God always works in ways I cannot fathom or predict... He knows all, while I can barely grasp the tiny bit of knowledge I have thus far attained in life.


So yes, I will continue praying for my brother, but I rejoice in the Lord because there is no doubt in my mind He is at work and does all things for our good! Also, He remains faithful even when I am not (meaning in my falters and mess ups, doubts, insecurities). Praise the Lord, He is good. His love endures forever. 

                                   Me and Tate, Christmas Night 2011! I love my lil bro.