Odds and Ends

Okay okay, I know I have been neglecting this blog, but the past few weeks have been a whirlwind! Which basically just means I'm going to do an obligatory "update" post instead of something more interesting. Sue me.


5. Honduras was awesome! So thankful that the Lord allowed me to participate in His work there. Trip highlights include: teaching VBS, serving with Jeremy and getting to watch him do what he does best, getting to talk and play with some of the cutest kiddos ever, phase 10 tourney and watching other team members serve and have their giftedness used for His glory.

4. I'm officially registered for Summer classes! Right now I'm signed up for Topics in Latin American History, Spanish, Biographies of Outstanding Missionaries and Philosophy and Principles of Christian Education.

3. I may or may not have ran over a gallon of white paint with my dark gray car. I was on a dark highway and I didn't see it in time to swerve, so I ended up with a sweet custom paint job. Thankfully, my friend's husband has a wealth of random knowledge and knew to use lighter fluid to clean it off! So, word to the wise, if you ever get paint all over your car, use lighter fluid and then wash with soap. Works like a charm.

2. I visited my BFFAE in Oklahoma a couple weekends ago! I loved getting to spend time with her and meet all her Okla-homies (I couldn't help myself). Even though the weather wasn't ideal, I really enjoyed getting to fellowship and do life with her for a weekend.

1. On Monday, I turned twenty-one! This week has been full of celebration and I can't wait to fly home tomorrow (best birthday present ever, Yerms) to celebrate with my awesome boyfriend and family. I have felt so special and loved these past few days. I am so grateful for the people in my life that have made it a great birthday and I am beyond excited to see what the Lord has in store for this next year.


Alright, that about covers it! Over and out, bloggies.

Salvation Belongs to the Lord

In preparing my heart for Honduras the Lord has been so faithful to renew, encourage and sustain me. This morning I was reminded of something that I think is so vital for Believers to understand: Salvation Belongs to the Lord. Here are just a few of the scriptures that reiterate this truth:

• Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Psalm 3:8

• The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. Psalm 37:39

• On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Psalm 62:7

• I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. Isaiah 43:11

• Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. Isaiah 45:21

• But I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and besides me there is no savior. Hosea 13:4

• But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord! Jonah 2:9

• and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:10

• After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God... Revelation 19:1

I am so thankful for this truth and for the freedom and comfort that comes from it! I can't wait to see what the Lord does in Honduras. I don't know what this trip will look like, but I am rejoicing in the knowledge that God has the power to save, heal, redeem and restore. May He be glorified and known among all people.

"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him."
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Mission Statement

In one of my classes we were told to create a personal mission statement by which we would live our lives. So, after thinking about it for a while (and completing the 15 page booklet that was meant to help guide us...), this is what I came up with:

My mission is to live a life marked by a heart that longs to serve and worship the Lord. Regardless of circumstances, trials, or the cost; I will seek to daily live a life worthy of the Gospel. My efforts will be driven by grace and my motives driven by love, and I will view myself and others in light of the Cross. In all things, I will remember the reason I have been created, to delight in and worship God alone. In my dealings with people my words will be seasoned with grace and joy, and in every realm of life I will continually pursue God’s will with zeal, faithfulness and humility.

Now I'm just praying my life will resemble my mission. Soli Deo gloria.

Snow Day Essentials

In honor of our FIFTH snow day, I've decided to compile a list of my 10 snow day essentials... you know, since I'm pretty much an expert at this point ;)

10. Warm, water-proof clothes. If nothing else, Snowpocalypse 2011 has made me realize that I wouldn't make it a week in the north with my current wardrobe! I usually end up just throwing on layer after layer to stay warm and create that oh-so-chic, hobo look.

9. Homemade hot cocoa. One of my roommates makes THE best hot chocolate this side of North Dakota. Throw a little sea salt on the top and BAM, best cold weather drink ever.

8. Playing cards. During snow day 2, my roommates introduced me to a little game called Nertz, and even though there were some frustrating first rounds, I think I finally got the hang of it! I even "nertzed" for the first time during snow day 4! Haha.

7. Friends DVDs seasons 1-10. Okay okay, we don't have all 10 seasons, but we have managed to watch at least 4 of the seasons in record time!

6. Podcasts. So far I haven't had to miss church, but it's nice knowing I can still access sermons online. And the extra time has meant I've gotten to listen to some I probably wouldn't have had time for before!

5. Plenty of soup and Ritz crackers. There is just something so right about a big bowl of hot soup when it's 20 degrees outside. These past two weeks I've been eating taco soup like it's my job.

4. Fleece blankets. If it was socially acceptable I would carry a huge, fleece blanket with me at all times. So cozy.

3. Ice. I know this may sound a little strange, but my townhome has had to nurse more bangs and bruises since the ice came than ever before. I know I don't normally exude grace and balance, but I fell at least 5 times one day!

2. Friends. My friends have been my lifeline these past few days... being stuck on campus would have been a LOT worse without them.

1. Boyce Avenue (or whatever music strikes your fancy). This version of this song is my current obsession.

Spring 2011

Hey, blogsters! It's hard to believe it has been so long since my last post... I guess I didn't realize how busy this winter break was going to be, and with the Spring semester already in full force I doubt it's going to get any easier at this point! It's okay though, I'm excited for all that this next semester/year has in store :)


Here's how my classes* are shaping up thus far:

- Applied Hermeneutics: This will definitely be my hardest class this semester, but I'm hoping to learn a lot. It's one of my grad classes, so I'm really hoping to start out on a high note!

- Spanish: Last year this was my best grade of the semester (ironic considering I'm terrible at conversational Spanish), but I'm still hoping for a repeat! Oh, and my professor is beyond precious. Love her.

- Biblical Servant Leadership: I haven't actually done anything in this class yet (we meet for the first time tomorrow), but I'm super excited about it! It's my other grad class, so it'll probably have a heavier course load, but it should still be good.

- Psychology of Abnormal Behaviors: Okay, I know it might be weird but I'm super excited about this class. It was originally supposed to fill the coveted blow-off spot in my schedule, but I'm starting to think it's actually going to require some effort on my part... which is okay considering in a couple months I will finally be able to diagnose all the weirdos in my life ;)

*Honorable Mention = Local Church on Mission: I took this as a two week mini in January (I really do LOVE me some mini-mesters!) and it ended up being one of my best decisions ever. This was definitely one of my favorite classes of all time and I learned SO MUCH during our two weeks together. Not to mention getting to learn so much about the missional church movement made me so proud of my church! I am beyond blessed to sit under the leadership of the Village staff and elders and I'm so grateful I get to serve and worship with the men and women there.


Well that about does it for Spring 2011... see ya in May! Just kidding. Hopefully I'll be able to post more once I settle in to a routine this semester. Hasta luego, amigos.

Soon

Yesterday morning marked another Celebration Sunday for my church, where we gather as a body for a time of testimonies, baptisms and worship. Now even though I love every Sunday at my church, I really love Celebration Sundays. There is just something so special about hearing how the Gospel is transforming the hearts of people and listening, firsthand, as people share how God rescued them from their unfulfilling, sinful lives. I imagine Heaven is like one big Celebration Sunday, where God's children freely rejoice in the glory and love of the Father that saw past our inequities and made us heirs to His throne. I can't even wrap my mind around it, all I know is that today I'm grateful, humbled and I'm celebrating life in Him. Continuing in that spirit of thankfulness, I wanted to share one of the songs we sang yesterday, it's called Soon by Hillsong United:

Soon and very soon
My King is coming
Robed in righteousness
And crowned with love
When I see Him, I shall be made like Him
Soon and very soon

Soon and very soon
I'll be going to the place He has prepared for me
Then my sin erased, my shame forgotten
Soon and very soon

I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul with be satisfied
Soon and very soon

Soon and very soon
See the procession
The angels and the elders round the throne
At His feet I'll lay
My crowns, my worship
Soon and very soon

I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul with be satisfied
Soon and very soon

Though I have not seen Him
My heart knows Him well
Jesus Christ the Lamb, the Lord of heaven

I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul with be satisfied
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon

Friday Facts

10. Food always tastes better when it's free. Especially when it's free Chick-fil-A for breakfast. YUM.

9. Cooking a big meal can be therapeutic. It can also be nostalgic... hence the copious amounts of taco soup in my fridge/freezer right now.

8. I woke up this morning craving Garth Brooks like pregnant women crave pickles.

7. Cold weather is proving to be an inhibitor for all things school related. Let me explain, cold weather = warm blankets = zero productivity.

6. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

5. I'm super excited about seeing the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows! But what I'm even more excited about is catching up with one of my favorite people in the world. I can't wait, Danica!

4. I've been camped out in Romans 8 the past few days and it has been SO good. "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." Romans 8:29-10

3. I am beyond excited about Thanksgiving and Christmas break. It's time for some much needed quality time with my favorite people. And sweet potato casserole. But mostly the quality time.

2. The other day I bought a shirt that reminds me of Christmas. Every time I look at it I get warm-fuzzies. Also, I started listening to Christmas music last week. This is getting out of hand...

1. This is definitely worth a listen... but you have to listen to the whole thing to see why. Enjoy!

This Just In...

This afternoon, I officially got accepted into the Gary Cook School of Leadership at DBU! Can I get an AMEN?! This winter I'll start integrating grad courses with my remaining undergrad until I graduate with both degrees (Lord willin') in August of 2012. When I graduate I'll have an BA in Christian Studies with a minor in Sociology and a MA in Global Leadership*. Oh, and for the record, I am so excited to be starting this new chapter in my life (side note: I feel like everything is moving so fast that this might as well be a subheading. Or maybe a paragraph in my "college chapter". You know, something short and sweet).





* Yes, I realize that sounds made up. I promise it's a real degree. It focuses on equipping ministers to reach (and minister to) people on a global scale, beyond cultural/religious/racial barriers, etc.

The Gospel and Discipline

This week in KV we talked about the promise that God will discipline His children. Originally, I thought this would be a pretty straight forward lesson... right? Wrong. I didn't realize just how difficult it would be for the girls to grasp the concept of loving discipline. But as I asked them about the discipline they received from their earthly fathers it became clear why their vision was so skewed. So many of the girls that I teach are just flat out not disciplined. In fact, when I asked what they thought discipline means, I (literally) got the response "my Daddy never disciplines me because I'm his little princess!". Straight up. An 11 year old girl. She even did a little head-cocked-smile. Of course she's going to have a difficult time understanding why God's promise to discipline His children is a good thing! But Hebrews 12:7-11 says...

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Though it's hard to communicate this to kids that have grown up in a world where their parents made excuses and looked the other way, it is so important for them to understand this because (once again) it points to the beauty of the Gospel! The reason we receive discipline and not wrath is because Christ absorbed that wrath on the Cross. The reason we can be counted as sons and daughters of the King is because He grants us grace to believe through the blood of His Son. And even in His discipline He is gracious, omniscient and holy.

This week, my prayer for my girls is that as they grow in their understanding of the Lord and His promises, they will know more fully the beauty of grace and the gift of discipline. I pray that they would see discipline as a necessary step in God's promise to make us look more like Jesus. And most importantly, I pray that their hearts would understand the beauty and the magnitude of the Gospel.

Chicken Soup for the Blogging Soul

Hey there, blog friends! I realize I've really been slacking on the whole posting-anything-besides-another-boring-update-or-video thing, but this semester has been kind of, shall we say, JAM PACKED. But in a good, totally bringing it upon myself type of way ;)

Oh, and fyi, this post will have absolutely nothing to do with Chicken Soup... or my blogging soul.

Here's the highlight reel:

1. I joined a multi-generational homegroup!
The group meets on Wednesday nights and consists of married and single people between the ages of 1.5 and 60! We've got a great mix of people at all different stages of life. Surprisingly enough, I'm the youngest one there (excluding the chil'ren and babies), and my roommate and I are the only traditional age college students. It has been an added bonus to meet and talk with people that aren't in college any more. Much needed. Much appreciated.

I can't say enough how much of a blessing it has been to get to interact with and be poured into by people that are serious about pursuing the Lord and honoring Him with their lives. I can't wait to dive in deeper and experience real community with these people, and get to know them on a more personal level. Oh, and if I don't say it enough, I love my church and am so blessed that I get to be a part of worship, fellowship and service with these people.

2. I got my first flat tire...
While I realize this may not count as breaking news, it was still a first for me, and what's a highlight reel without some bloopers?! The summed up version of this story involves me breaking down, in the GHETTO, in the dark of night, with a full bladder, and sending my rescuers on a wild goose chase all across Dallas because I am terrible at giving directions. It's funny in retrospect... ya know, kinda.

3. I'm on an intramural softball team.
I almost forgot how much I enjoy playing team sports! I don't know many people on my team (let's be real, I only know ONE person on my team), but it's been pretty fun so far. If nothing else, it gives me an excuse to get out and be active and meet some new people. So far this season I've realized a few things about my softball strategy 1) I always swing at the first pitch 2) I usually connect with the ball if I swing and 3) I have an uncanny ability to get hit in the shin with baseball bats.

4. I've attended/hosted 1 Gazillion Bridal Showers.
And yes, that's an exact number. This coming weekend (October 2nd) is the wedding of one of my former roommates and sweetest friends, Kayla Dare! I am so excited for her and Steven, and considering how long the engagement was, I know I'm not the only one excited that the wedding day is inching closer! So far this process has consisted of: eating sweets, doing as I'm told, listening to unnecessary drama (because girls will be girls), lots and lots of shopping, being crafty, doing as I'm told, planning, clearing my schedule, dancing and doing as I'm told. It's been quite a ride.

5. I am loving my current living arrangement!
I cannot say enough how grateful I am that the Lord has given me such awesome roommates this year. After my living situation last year, this year has been so good and so needed. Sometimes I feel like it's too good to be true... then I hear my roommate snoring and I remember to keep things in perspective ;) It has been such a blessing to live with other girls that love the Lord and are completely hilarious! Having people to relax and laugh with is a pretty big deal to me, so these girls have been just what the doctor ordered. I love coming home to them :)


Well I think that about wraps it up! Stay tuned, I may (or may not, let's be honest) post in the coming days/weeks!

Favorite. Family. Ever.

Hallelujah all I have is Christ, Hallelujah, Jesus is my life

((I cannot get over these lyrics.))

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way.
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave.
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will.
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still.

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross.
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose.
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin

All I Have Is Christ from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

[H/T Justin Taylor]

Friday Favorites

10. Dark chocolate brownies with peanut butter chips. (Thanks for the tip/ingredients, Marie! They were a hit!)

9. The fact that the weather has been significantly cooler here the past few days. The other morning it was 75 degrees outside! IN AUGUST!!!

8. Headstand contests with my roommates. As of right now, I'm the reigning champ. Please, no autographs...

7. My girls in Kids' Village. I'm so grateful I've been able to be a small part of what's happening in KV. I could write blog post after blog post about how wonderful it has been to teach those girls while serving alongside some of the most humble, Gospel-fixated people I've ever met.

6. Getting to go to GroupConnect in a few weeks so I can join a multi-gen homegroup! I've already started praying for discernment and decisiveness... So. Many. Options. So. Little. Time.

5. Pregnant women. They're everywhere, and I like it.

4. Finding that perfect backpack that had alluded me for so long.

3. Getting to spend some sweet time with a freshman girl here on campus. I loved getting to hear her heart for Christ and His Bride.

2. Impromptu story time with my roommates. We've had some *ahem* interesting stories thus far.

1. A Mighty Fortress- Christy Nockels

Fall 2010: Let's Do This

I realize everyone probably quit caring about my classes a few semesters ago, but to be honest, your lack of caring hasn't phased me :) so I'm gonna post them anyway! You know, cause I'm all about pleasing people.

Fall 2010

• Practicum in Personal Evangelism
• Christianity in the Pluralistic World
• Research Methods
• Elementary Spanish
• Marriage and Family
  

I'm pretty excited about Christianity in the Pluralistic World, Practicum in Personal Evangelism and Marriage and Family. But since we're being honest, I think any religion class would have been a welcomed change after the train wreck that was my spring schedule (let's just say there was weeping and gnashing of teeth).

P.S. Not gonna lie, the best part of this schedule is that I don't have class on Monday or Friday :) If only I didn't have to work! Don't worry though, I'm determined to squeeze some 4-day weekends out of this deal.

Straining Toward the Goal

I feel like a reoccurring theme I've seen in my life these past few weeks has been that of "pressing forward". In dry seasons, in joy, in sadness and in providence, the Lord has been continually teaching me the importance of pressing forward, in to Him. In Philippians 3, Paul touches on this topic after talking about the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord:

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Philippians 3:12-16

I love what Paul says in verse 12, "I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own". So good. I think one of the most important things I'm learning in all of this is that my efforts must be grace-driven, or they're inevitably fruitless. We don't press in to Christ for our own gratification or purposes, but rather, we press in to Him for His glory and purposes (and as a result we are gratified). When we continually press in to Christ for all that He is, as opposed to all that we are/aren't, we find true contentment and joy in Him alone. It takes a certain amount of discipline on our part, but it is only through the grace of God that we are able to know and experience the surpassing worth of Christ.

And finally, I'll leave you with this: Sara Groves has a song called "Painting Pictures of Egypt" that I thought fit pretty perfectly (actually, my friend Maridith was the one that suggested I look up the lyrics when I was talking to her about all this, but whatevs). Groves' lyrics echo Paul's sentiments in verse 13 when he says that he is "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead".

I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt
Leaving out what it lacked
The future seems so hard
And I want to go back
But the places that used to fit me
Cannot hold the things I've learned
And those roads closed off to me
While my back was turned

The past is so tangible
I know it by heart
Familiar things are never easy to discard
I was dying for some freedom
But now I hesitate to go
Caught between the promise
And the things I know

Oh and P.S. The wedding was great and I have the cutest niece ever...

Love Where You Live

Earlier today I stumbled across this article, which got me thinking about if/why/how I have been loving my city. I'll be honest, when I first moved to Dallas, I hated it... mostly because it wasn't Houston. But now that I'm going on two years in the Big D, I can honestly say I've grown rather fond of it... all the way down to the inconsiderate drivers, ridiculously hard to navigate highways and big hair (and trust me, just cause it ain't the 80s doesn't mean there isn't some big hair here). One of the most important lessons I've learned since being here is to find contentment and joy in all circumstances and seasons of life. Though I still mourn the loss of good Tex-Mex and being in close proximity to family/friends, I have found that the Lord is faithful to provide in all areas (literally and figuratively). I've grown to really appreciate His plans for my life, and I've learned that regardless of where I am, I am called to love my neighbors, my city, my church and my God. After all, Psalm 24:1 says that "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein"!

So without further ado, here are some of the things I love most about Dallas:

1. My church. I know I probably drone on and on about it a lot, but I really do love my church. I can't wait to join a multi-gen homegroup in the fall so I can plug in with some non-DBU Village goers!

2. Cafe Brazil. My restaurant of choice simply because it's a DFW staple. It's a little trendy/eccentric, but I'm in college... isn't that what it's all about?!

3. The people. I've met some great people since moving here, and I know that if it wasn't for the Big D, our paths might never have crossed.

4. My school/job. Sometimes loving these two has to be a conscious choice, but they have provided me with some great opportunities and I have learned a TON of stuff since being here.

5. More seasons! I know I'm still not fully experiencing all four seasons, but since being in Dallas I've seen acres of red/orange/yellow trees in the fall, my first snow (like legit, "snow up to my knees" snow!) in the winter, tons of blooming flowers and green trees in the springtime (DBU basically puts 85% of our total revenue into our landscaping department), and of course the typical Texas summers...

6. Two words: STATE FAIR. I know gluttony is a sin, but there is something so right about fried PB&J.

7. Location, location, location. It has all the comforts of the big city, suburbs, country and ghetto all within a 30-45 minute drive!


And since seven is the number of completion, I'll leave it at that! At the end of the day, Dallas is a lot easier to love than I originally thought it would be. In fact, I'd completely understand if you wanted to move here after reading my super convincing list ;)

Because You Asked...

A quick list* of some things I would change, given the opportunity :)

1. Everyone would taste and see the beauty of the Gospel. (Psalm 34:8)

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Titus 2:11-14

2. Tex-Mex would be given to all those who are in need**... and lets be honest, who doesn't need Tex-Mex?!

3. The Church would look more like this and less like this.

4. Sunburns wouldn't exist. So far I've made it all summer without one. Plus I've already purchased the SPF 50 for J-High camp... Camp Tejas, I'm ready for you!

5. I would already be home with CYP peeps :)

* I promise I'm going to post a regular blog one day! Keep hope alive.
** Can you tell I haven't been home in a while? Craving Tex-Mex is one of the tell tale signs!

Picky Schmicky

So I've realized that there are a few things that I am, ahem, rather particular about. As a tribute to my middle class snobbery, I decided to compile a list.

1. Ozarka bottled water. Clearly (no pun intended), the best bottled water I've ever tasted. Even if I hate the new "eco-friendly" bottles...
2. The ESV translation. It's not that the other translations aren't great... the ESV just so happens to be my most favoritist. Favoration? Exactly.
3. Houston/San Antonio Tex-Mex. Everything else might as well be Taco Cabana.
4. Hair cuts. Hence my current lack of one.
5. Crest toothpaste. The Manu Ginobili of all toothpastes.
6. The San Antonio Spurs. The only basketball team that could single-handedly bring about world peace and end global warming. Hey, it could happen.
7. A&W rootbeer. My beverage of choice when I decide to splurge.
8. Female recording artists. My itunes library is 98% male.
9. Unsweet Iced Tea. FYI: the best iced tea is usually served with good Tex-Mex (see #3), or by my Mama.
10. Body/Sleep positions. I'm almost always moving around trying to readjust and get more comfortable.

That's all I could come up with for now. So tell me, what are you "particular" about?

Belated Fathers Day

This made me giggle (with a capital G). Enjoy!

Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

Resting in His Promises

This week in KV (Kids Village) we talked about the parable of the lost sheep, which is probably one of my fave parables (side note: I'm not totally sure it's kosher to have a fave parable, but just go with me on this... I'm also not sure it's okay to use "kosher" and "parable" in that context, but whatevs ;)). This past week had such a clear Gospel-tie-in, that my girls finally started to ask some questions with substance. Which, thankfully, gave me even more of an opportunity to talk explicitly about the Gospel with them, and for some of them to start to finally get it... to understand the beauty, the wonder and the mystery of Jesus' death and resurrection.

So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Luke 15: 3-7

We talked about The Good Shepard that goes after each one of us and pursues us relentlessly. How he rejoices over each of us, the one sinner that repents. We talked about man's sinful nature, and God's perfect Son. We discussed God's unfailing love and our rebellious nature. All of it culminating in the beautiful picture of the cross.

I am so grateful for these girls and the opportunity I have to share Truth with them every week. But more than that, I'm thankful for the Gospel. For God coming after me, the sheep that was lost, and leading me to repentance.

How deep the Father's love for us/ How vast beyond all measure/ That He should give His only Son/ To make a wretch His treasure...
How Deep the Father's Love for Us- Stuart Townend