So today was kind of a weird day. I mean, if I was in Texas, this would have been a weird dya, but maybe because I'm not, it's actually a normal day. I don't know. You decide.
Things were fin this morning, I slept in and took things slow while my brother was at work. Around 11 it started to rain. A lot. This would have been fine if I hadn't had a dream a few days ago about a tornado. I'm not kidding. Before I even decided to come on this trip I had a dream I was here and a tornado came out of no where. So weird.
When my brother got home, we headed for The Landing to have dinner. We were driving along when we looked over and on the side of the street there was a huge ornament rolling along. I mean, it was the size of a medicine ball! We both laughed and Jay said that it must have come off of a show's outdoor displays.
After dinner, we made our way to WalMart to pick up a couple movies. We got all the way to the entertainment section and the lights began to flicker. We ignored it and went on. A minute later, the lights flickered again and then went off completely. The whole store was powerless. We laughed and stood in the "main aisle" like we were instructed. When we finally got to the car, we noticed that the lights all along the way were out. Strange.
Anyways, we had a good evening and it was definitely not boring. Can't wait to see what the rest of the week has in store....
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Thankful
I got to spend the evening with my cousin, Collin. I hadn't seen him in about a week and a half and he looked better today than he did the last time I saw him. His eyes are still sewn shut, but he seemed to be in a good mood while my brother and I entertained him with stories. I am just amazed that he has come so far in such a short time. I know to him it seems like forever.
Collin told us about all the surgeries and showed us where he had been stitched up on his leg and arm. He said that when they did the surgery on his face the doctors couldn't find all the facial bones. Great. And in a few months they will have to go back in and reconstruct his right eye socket.
I was sitting there wondering how he could have so much patience to deal with all he is having to deal with right now. At one point tonight, he dropped a pill and the nurse spent a good 5 minutes digging around his bed for it. And he told us later that it was frustrating to have her do that. He also tols us about overhearing some nurses complain about working, and he got on to them about it.
He has so many reasons to complain, and he didn't at all. Maybe it was just because we weren't around ling enought to hear him say anything, but I wouldn't have blamed him if he felt inclined to do so. I am thankful every day that God spared his life, and I know his family and friends feel the same way. It was definitely a humbling experience tonight. Hope you all have a blessed Christmas.
Collin told us about all the surgeries and showed us where he had been stitched up on his leg and arm. He said that when they did the surgery on his face the doctors couldn't find all the facial bones. Great. And in a few months they will have to go back in and reconstruct his right eye socket.
I was sitting there wondering how he could have so much patience to deal with all he is having to deal with right now. At one point tonight, he dropped a pill and the nurse spent a good 5 minutes digging around his bed for it. And he told us later that it was frustrating to have her do that. He also tols us about overhearing some nurses complain about working, and he got on to them about it.
He has so many reasons to complain, and he didn't at all. Maybe it was just because we weren't around ling enought to hear him say anything, but I wouldn't have blamed him if he felt inclined to do so. I am thankful every day that God spared his life, and I know his family and friends feel the same way. It was definitely a humbling experience tonight. Hope you all have a blessed Christmas.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
How Far We've Come
So this is the time of year when I usually sit around and think about how life didn't turn out exactly like I thought it would. When I was growing up, I thought "Hey, I'm totally gonna be married by the time I'm 21. And have 1 kid, and etc." And every year God shows me that's just not how it's gonna go.
To be frank, last year I thought my life was going places. I thought I was with the guy who I might end up with, and to me- that was really all that mattered. However, God has shown me that I was really off base. And I'll be the first to admit, that I needed this year to happen.
I needed to have my heart broken. I renewed me relationship with God when someone just up and walked away from me. I needed to be in a classroom for 8 hours a day with some really hateful people. God to showed me that I can witness even when I don't say a word. I needed to work with the youth at my church. I found that just being there for those kids is so important.
God really did show me so much. And I am still learning. But when I look back at this year, and how far I have come in my faith, I am proud. And I am glad, nay- blessed, for all the things God brought me through. Just thought I would share that with everyone. Have a blessed Christmas!
To be frank, last year I thought my life was going places. I thought I was with the guy who I might end up with, and to me- that was really all that mattered. However, God has shown me that I was really off base. And I'll be the first to admit, that I needed this year to happen.
I needed to have my heart broken. I renewed me relationship with God when someone just up and walked away from me. I needed to be in a classroom for 8 hours a day with some really hateful people. God to showed me that I can witness even when I don't say a word. I needed to work with the youth at my church. I found that just being there for those kids is so important.
God really did show me so much. And I am still learning. But when I look back at this year, and how far I have come in my faith, I am proud. And I am glad, nay- blessed, for all the things God brought me through. Just thought I would share that with everyone. Have a blessed Christmas!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Best Time of Year?
How is it that it's only December 18th and I'm already tired of Christmas? Maybe it's because I just don't enjoy seeing the nation think we need to buy tons of stuff for our family and friends to make it a "good one." I mean, really.... that's kinda sad. When I think about past Christmases, I never really remember what gifts I got. Especially as a kid. What I remember is the moments.
Ok, one year we were all in the middle of opening presents and my dad started acting weird and tickling our dog. So then we all went over and started tickling my dad. And it was hilarious. Do I remember what I got that year? Nope.
And one year I was running around the house and somehow managed to knock the tree over. Of course, a bunch of ornaments were broken, but that is something we always talk about every year.
I don't remember what I got for gifts last year, even. Mostly because it's what happens between the gifts that is more important. And I'm not saying those moments are perfect either. But it's great when we are able to sit around and remenisce about past holidays and have a good laugh. That means more to me than having tons of gifts under the tree.
I really loved hearing a sermon about overgifting. One of the leaders at our church did an amazing job really showing us how we, as a nation, love to spend spend spend and forget about the rest of the world, who are trying to survive, not just "survive the holidays." It really was a humbling event to hear that, and I was pleased for someone to step up and say "Hey, we can help others out instead of buying stuff that we don't need."
One thing I really hate is how we can't offend anyone with the really meaning of Christmas, either. We have to say "happy holidays." Ok, that's just silly. The only reason we have this holiday is because of Christ. Hello. The fact that Christians won't stand up and demand we keep Him where He belongs, especially when we are celebrating His birth, is ridiculous. So.... I'm gonna say it and you can get mad or say it with me.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!
Ok, one year we were all in the middle of opening presents and my dad started acting weird and tickling our dog. So then we all went over and started tickling my dad. And it was hilarious. Do I remember what I got that year? Nope.
And one year I was running around the house and somehow managed to knock the tree over. Of course, a bunch of ornaments were broken, but that is something we always talk about every year.
I don't remember what I got for gifts last year, even. Mostly because it's what happens between the gifts that is more important. And I'm not saying those moments are perfect either. But it's great when we are able to sit around and remenisce about past holidays and have a good laugh. That means more to me than having tons of gifts under the tree.
I really loved hearing a sermon about overgifting. One of the leaders at our church did an amazing job really showing us how we, as a nation, love to spend spend spend and forget about the rest of the world, who are trying to survive, not just "survive the holidays." It really was a humbling event to hear that, and I was pleased for someone to step up and say "Hey, we can help others out instead of buying stuff that we don't need."
One thing I really hate is how we can't offend anyone with the really meaning of Christmas, either. We have to say "happy holidays." Ok, that's just silly. The only reason we have this holiday is because of Christ. Hello. The fact that Christians won't stand up and demand we keep Him where He belongs, especially when we are celebrating His birth, is ridiculous. So.... I'm gonna say it and you can get mad or say it with me.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
A Day With My Friends
Today had some pretty perfect weather. I wish that it could be 78 degrees all year round. Maybe I should move to San Diego. Nevermind, that is way to expensive. So instead, I'll just take the good weather where I can. Anyways... my friend, Jess, and I made plans to visit Six Flags today and then we roped her Life Coach, Phil, into coming as well. It was great fun. The only downside to the day was finding out that some of our favorite rides were closed. But we didn't let that get us down. We enjoyed ourselves, and even waited in line at the ShockWave an extra 20 minutes because someone threw up, and we had to wait for the workers to clean up the mess. Gross. But really, we had a great time!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
Have you ever thought a fresh start would be the answer? I have. And about a year ago I started going to a new church, and I not trying to put it down. But I am saying there is something wrong with how things are done in mainstream churches these days. And maybe this topic is totally taboo. But whatever.
My whole life I felt like an outsider. At my old church (one of Dallas' most recognized mega-churches) my brother was in every select choir the church offered high school students. And I'm not saying he didn't deserve it, because he did. He has an amazing voice and has worked hard to develope it. But this church was really good at playing favorites. And as the sister of a favorite, it was very hard to live in his shadow. I never had a chance. I never got a solo, a lead in a play or got picked for a select choir. It was tough and I hated it. I hated church, I hated the leadership and eventually I left.
I started going to a new church. And no one knew me, save a few people. But it was great to be around people who didn't know my family. I wasn't in a shadow anymore. After a while I started working with the youth and it was great. Eventually I even made some friends. But recently things haven felt different. Maybe the longer you're exposed to something the more disenchanted you become.
I started noticing the same things that I had battled at my old church. On a smaller scale, of course, but they were still there. And it's hard to see this. It's hard to feel like an outcast in a place where God is supposed to be. Ok, maybe outcast is too big of a word. But you get the drift. Socially unacceptable might be the better term.
Like I said, I'm not trying to bring down my church because there are tons of things I love about it, too. I just feel like the truth should be brought to light. Even if no one wants to hear it... or say it.
My whole life I felt like an outsider. At my old church (one of Dallas' most recognized mega-churches) my brother was in every select choir the church offered high school students. And I'm not saying he didn't deserve it, because he did. He has an amazing voice and has worked hard to develope it. But this church was really good at playing favorites. And as the sister of a favorite, it was very hard to live in his shadow. I never had a chance. I never got a solo, a lead in a play or got picked for a select choir. It was tough and I hated it. I hated church, I hated the leadership and eventually I left.
I started going to a new church. And no one knew me, save a few people. But it was great to be around people who didn't know my family. I wasn't in a shadow anymore. After a while I started working with the youth and it was great. Eventually I even made some friends. But recently things haven felt different. Maybe the longer you're exposed to something the more disenchanted you become.
I started noticing the same things that I had battled at my old church. On a smaller scale, of course, but they were still there. And it's hard to see this. It's hard to feel like an outcast in a place where God is supposed to be. Ok, maybe outcast is too big of a word. But you get the drift. Socially unacceptable might be the better term.
Like I said, I'm not trying to bring down my church because there are tons of things I love about it, too. I just feel like the truth should be brought to light. Even if no one wants to hear it... or say it.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Adventure Begins...
Ok, well, I'm not saying that I'm newly single because, well... I'm not. Definitely not. In fact, yesterday marked one year since I last saw the last guy I dated. So I've been doing this single thing for a while. And I have to say, it wasn't until recently, that I have realized what a blessing it truly can be. I have time to do things and not worry about making time for that significant other. I can decide to become active in a group with church, and not worry how it will affect my relationship. It is actually pretty nice not having to check with someone about everyday things all the time.
Here's the thing- I just recently came into a new thought process. Because I wasn't always thinking like this. I mean, there is no way that I was okay with this lifestyle all the time. And honestly, there are still days when it's a struggle. But I have learned so much in the last few months about God, His love, and about myself, that I'm really learning to be okay with how things are.
A few months ago my friend, Jess, and I were at a BarlowGirl concert and they touched a little bit on dating. And the girl who was speaking was saying that she wanted to date so so much when she was a teen, but God told her no. It wasn't to just keep her physically pure, but emotionally pure, as well. I had never even thought of that. I had never thought of dating as bad...and all of a sudden I realized why God was keeping me single. Because I clearly had a lot to learn.
Time went on, and I read a book called When God Writes Your Love Story. I think the best part was reading about how two close friends decided all they wanted was friendship. The guy even talked to the girl's dad about it because they spent so much time together. And just a few weeks later, they realized they wanted more than friendship. But they had waited on God's timing and with that, came the parent's blessing.
Now, I am in the middle of reading I Kissed Dating Goodbye. And I have to say, it's amazing. It has really touched my heart and I love how the author says that everyone has doubts about God's will for them and their love life. And I love that he is just so black and white with so many issues.
So here I am. 10:41Pm.... wondering to myself how God will put all of my experiences into a perfect love story. Of course, until then, I'm going to be on an awesome adventure of being single and seeing where He takes me.
Here's the thing- I just recently came into a new thought process. Because I wasn't always thinking like this. I mean, there is no way that I was okay with this lifestyle all the time. And honestly, there are still days when it's a struggle. But I have learned so much in the last few months about God, His love, and about myself, that I'm really learning to be okay with how things are.
A few months ago my friend, Jess, and I were at a BarlowGirl concert and they touched a little bit on dating. And the girl who was speaking was saying that she wanted to date so so much when she was a teen, but God told her no. It wasn't to just keep her physically pure, but emotionally pure, as well. I had never even thought of that. I had never thought of dating as bad...and all of a sudden I realized why God was keeping me single. Because I clearly had a lot to learn.
Time went on, and I read a book called When God Writes Your Love Story. I think the best part was reading about how two close friends decided all they wanted was friendship. The guy even talked to the girl's dad about it because they spent so much time together. And just a few weeks later, they realized they wanted more than friendship. But they had waited on God's timing and with that, came the parent's blessing.
Now, I am in the middle of reading I Kissed Dating Goodbye. And I have to say, it's amazing. It has really touched my heart and I love how the author says that everyone has doubts about God's will for them and their love life. And I love that he is just so black and white with so many issues.
So here I am. 10:41Pm.... wondering to myself how God will put all of my experiences into a perfect love story. Of course, until then, I'm going to be on an awesome adventure of being single and seeing where He takes me.
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