Weekend Update

Sometimes I sit down to write with nothing to write about but just a desire to write. Other times, I have a ton to write and no time to sit and write it all down. Well, this is more of the latter. This weekend was a wonderful weekend. I don't want to forget all that happened because it was very special indeed.

Friday: We had a full house. It was wonderful. We told Justin's parents that we wanted to spend the evening with Lizzy and Caitlin. Everyone was in on the birthday surprise for J's parents except for Lizzy. We had a wonderful Chick Fil A dinner with Lizzy and then Caitlin and Mark joined us. Before we knew it, it was time to pick up the biggest surprise... Eric and Amy! Lizzy had no idea! Everyone came back to our house to spend the night.

Saturday: the day of the big, surprise party for J's parent's 50th!

The girls woke up and began running errands picking up last minute items for the party. We had a wonderful lunch at none other than Chick Fil A. I really love J's family. After this we ran up to the Cypress area and began decorating.

The centerpieces: tissue paper flowers, dove chocolates (Julie's favorite), Maple Nut Goodies and twizzlers (Vince's favorites).

We had a few close calls with J's parents, but they remained completely out of the loop. The anxiety was building in the 5 to 6 o'clock hour. Finally, they arrived... boy, were they surprised!

SIDENOTE: Lizzy made the birthday banner in the back and did a great job! A few of my favorite thoughts on it are: "Your an old cupel.", "Your old geezzers!", "Were Selabating!", "Your old really fifty years old.", and "Your weird." So cute... I love it!

After the party, we went to the Elder household and spent time together as a family. It felt like Christmas all over again which made Monday came WAY too soon.

Sunday: We went to RCF and had leftovers from the party with the family.

Overall, the weekend was beautiful, refreshing, and encouraging. I loved every minute of it! Happy birthday Julie and Vince!

Saturday Reflections

This morning I read a friend's blog. This woman was my mentor my sophomore year of college. When I think of her, I think intentional, wise, discerning, adventurous, content, free.

Even though it has been years since I have seen Liza Sharp, she still encourages me.

After reflecting on who Liza is in my life, I thought back to my sophomore year of college when she mentored me. That year was one of the most beautiful years of my life... there was healing, wisdom, contentedness, joy, celebration, community, prayer, and so much more.

At the time, I was single and loving being single. I shared life closely and openly with a dear group of girlfriends who I still consider some of my closest friends. My room was ALWAYS a mess and I NEVER watched TV. I was only in my room to sleep and I had a ton on my plate. But... I prayed and studied more than I ever have. If I look back, I know I was walking with God.

The past couple of weeks, my husband and I have been hungry to hear from the Lord. We desperately need guidance and discernment. We are calling on Him but don't know if it is His voice or our emotions. After reflecting on that beautiful year in college, I think my answer for today is to live the questions. To live intentionally, quietly, celebratory, and wait upon the Lord. I need to hold the future with open hands and just live today for that is all that I have really been given.

Thank you Lord for new perspective.

celebrations of late...

The past couple of days have been full of celebrations.

On Friday night, I got a call from one of my best girl friends saying that she was engaged. Congrats Ashley!!!

On Sunday, my family gathered at Dave and Busters to celebrate my mom's 50th birthday, my brother's 32nd birthday, and my brother-in-law's 40th birthday! I love every opportunity that I get to spend with my family. They are a gift that I never want to take advantage of. I got to play a horse racing game with Addie... she can be SO much fun! I love that little girl. She also has a sassy side. On Sunday, she was asking her Doda (my mom) a question, and I asked, "What do you want?" Her response was, "I am not talking to you, I was talking to Doda." And Brody... he is growing so much! His personality is really starting to shine... I can't wait to watch him grow up!

Then, it was Valentine's Day. My hubby and I have never really fallen into the commercial aspect of the day. He might buy me a potted tulip (which usually dies because of my brown thumb) and write me some sweet notes.

Yesterday, we decided that gifts were not important but spending time intentionally together was. I woke early and surprised him with breakfast taquitos in bed. Then, I made him a yummy steak with mashed potatoes, mac 'n cheese, and green beans. It sure was yummy. While I made dinner, my hubby got my a diet coke with vanilla which I rarely let myself have, but I was really craving one. The hubby also surprised with some chocolate covered strawberries and a little plant that he said was very hardy (I hope for the best). We took a long walk and talked and just enjoyed one another's company. I really love that man; he is my best friend. He is good for me. Happy Valentine's Day beloved!

Overall, it was a beautiful time of celebration! I am so excited about Vegas with my mom for her 50th! Let's continue to bring on the good times!

in need of grace.

i have tried to do it on my own. i have thought about how i will get through... how i will face my fears... how i will be open... on my own. i have not felt the stir of God in a while. i have felt a little alone; i have searched and all the while, i am sure He was right with me... waiting.

here i am again... realizing something.

I need grace. I need Christ.

instead of feeling, i have numbed myself with media... with teaching responsibilities... with chores... with my sin.

the past two days, i have been reminded how black my heart is (thank you Lord for your revelation). and standing at the stove tonight, i felt utter helplessness wondering how i was ever going to get close to God again. and then i realized something.

I need grace. I need Christ.

for surely, i cannot do this on my own. i cannot bring myself back into His presence, but he can... only by His grace.

and then, i knew that He had always been there.

"I have only one question to ask you. Think back over those times when you have talked with your friends, and with your family. Think back over the times you have accepted people who have come to argue. Have you felt My Presence during those visits?" "Yes, Lord. Yes, indeed I have." "My glory was there?" "Yes Lord." "Then that's all you need. It is so often this way with friends. And family. The results are not your problem. All you have to worry about is obedience. Seek My Presence, not results."

I perhaps should not even wonder about results. The only thing that did matter to me was obedience. If the Lord asked me to talk to these people, then that is what I should do...

I Dared to Call Him Father

a saturday in...

Well... it was technically not ALL in because we went to Chick Fil A. My husband and I enjoy going out to eat but I don't let us very often because it is too expensive. When we want to go we usually choose Chick Fil A. We are both creatures of habit and the employees at our Chick Fil A are realizing it too. I think we are crossing the bridge of becoming "regulars". That has never really happened to me before with maybe the exception of a Mexican food restaurant at home or the Whataburger after Sunday church in El Campo.

After Chick Fil A, we read some together. This book is beautifully written. I feel caught up in her words. It is a beautiful tale of the Spirit's movement so far.

Then, I challenged my hubby to a game of Scrabble. We played a lot over our second anniversary weekend, and I beat the hubs almost every game we played. Since he played the iPhone app awhile ago, he has gotten significantly better. I must admit, I thought I had the game in the bag at the beginning. I was really putting up some big numbers but Justin slowly started coming back. It came down to the last play. Justin got rid of all of his tiles. Had he not have found that last move, I would have won for sure because I had a big pointer left in my hand. Besides losing, it was a great game.

We settled in to watch 500 Days of Summer as I drifted off to sleep in my husband's arms. It was a great evening. We rarely get to relax like we did last night. I am a grateful woman for so many things... as I awoke this morning, I am especially grateful for my husband.

Financial Stewardship

Beginning in January, I really tried to crack down on our budget. I wanted to make sure that we were being good stewards of our money. Since I started working full time, we have had a lot of extra money with the intention of saving. We know that children (Lord willing) are in our future and we want to prepare for them, especially because I really don't want to work outside of the home when I become a mom.

So... I have been really proud of myself lately with how we are financially stewarding our money. I started a cash system for groceries and going out to eat. I allot about $60 a week in grocery money, but this week I only spend $45. Before I hit the grocery store, I look at what is on sale in the ads and what I have in my cabinets. I then find recipes that use those items (on sale and in my house.) Another must before hitting the store is syncing my schedule with my hubby's. If he is only going to be home two or three nights a week, then I know that I only need to make two or three larger meals and I can eat leftovers. Also, I usually cook for about four people with the exception of Tuesday night small group when I prepare for around 15-20. The extra food rarely goes to waste as it becomes our lunches or dinner.

So... this week on the menu, we have:
- Homemade Basil Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Baked Spaghetti (Tuesday night small group meal)
- Spicy Garlic Chinese Chicken with Broccoli
- Baked Potatoes with BBQ Chicken
- If I need another meal, I have everything here to make turkey burgers and homemade french fries.

The $45 not only bought the ingredients for these meals but also what I needed to make a seven layer dip and cookies for our church's Super Bowl party tomorrow!

Justin and I usually go out to Chick Fil A once during the week, and we have a brunch date on the weekend.

It takes a lot of work and at times can be difficult and confusing, but I feel really good about how we are choosing to steward what God has given us. Praise Him!

SO COLD!!!

It has been freezing all day... literally!

I made it outside during recess today, but I was really bundled. I wish I would have taken a picture thinking of it. While I hate the cold, I really felt like today was a bonding day with my students. They were so excited to find chunks of ice on the playground... and deep down inside, I was excited too. I don't know if I will be able to contain my excitement if it snows!

When I found out it was going to get cold again (and... really cold at that), I almost cried, but this cold weather has really been a blessing in many ways.

Happy Snow Day!