Basically, I looked like a crazy person this morning when I tried to take my dogs on a walk.
Seriously.
Here's the story:
I really wanted to take a walk this morning. And it's been my goal for a little while now to start taking my dogs on a walk a few times a week. So, I thought that we should take a little walk.
So I put on their leashes, and we walked out the front door to begin our adventure in our neighborhood.
*Here's a little bit of background info before I continue.
My dogs may be big, but they are little babies. They are scared of everything in the outside world. I really should have socialized them better when they were puppies, but I didn't.*
So as we were walking down one of the streets a little while away from the house, two little white poodles started chasing us down.
Jake and Homer started freaking out.
And little did I know that I didn't put their choke chains on correctly.
Homer escaped first, then Jake followed suit.
Oh. My. Word.
Talk about chaos.
These two little poodles were freaking my dogs out.
Jake and Homer were dancing awfully close to a busy street.
So naturally,
I was yelling at J&H to sit and stay.
Did they listen?
No.
So I chased them down. And after a little bit of struggle, I got their choke chains on correctly.
And I shooed away the little poodles.
My gracious.
It was nuts.
So we continued our walk.
And Jake decided to be Houdini and escape from his choke chain again.
I just don't know how that dog does it.
So I caught up with him again, and got it back on.
Thankfully, we were able to walk all the way back home without another incident.
I'm telling you, it was so crazy.
But, it was such a joy getting to go on a walk with them again.
Blessings.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Blessed by Community
This morning was my last morning at IDC.
And it was so bittersweet.
As I glanced around the room while on stage,
I was just awed by the grace that God has shown me
for the last year and a half while I've been at IDC.
His grace was personified by so many people who have
loved me and pushed me to Christ through the gospel.
This morning I was reminded of when I first moved to Raleigh.
I was begging the Father to bring me into a community of believers--
to show me what it was really like to live selflessly
and to love the Body well.
And He was faithful in answering that request.
I also have asked many times that our hearts
would be knit together in love.
And there are quite a few ladies that I know
the Lord has woven pieces of my heart to theirs.
Which is why,
my heart is broken by the fact that I have to leave.
It truly is.
But I wouldn't have it any other way.
This pain that I feel now is an evidence of the Lord's grace in my life.
I genuinely love this community.
And it's never easy to say goodbye to people you love.
But even in all this pain and sadness,
I still have fullness of joy in the Savior.
As I was doing some reading this afternoon,
I came across Psalm 40. Verses 16-17 resonated with my heart:
"Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation say continually, 'The Lord be magnified!' Since I am afflicted and needy, let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God."
I can be glad and rejoice in Him.
I can continue to thank Him for the blessing this Body has been in my life--and I'm sure will continue to be as I keep in contact with people.
I can still praise Him for who He is and His faithfulness.
And I can trust Him for what will happen in the future.
I can trust that as I cry out to Him now to lead me to a community back in NM, that He will be faithful to do so.
I can trust Him.
What grace!
Anyway, this morning was a blessing.
And I'm looking forward to/dreading Tuesday night.
It'll be my last night with my Growth Group (small group).
Tears shall fall.
But I'm glad it'll be hard to say goodbye...because that means the Lord really did build us up in love.
Blessings.
And it was so bittersweet.
As I glanced around the room while on stage,
I was just awed by the grace that God has shown me
for the last year and a half while I've been at IDC.
His grace was personified by so many people who have
loved me and pushed me to Christ through the gospel.
This morning I was reminded of when I first moved to Raleigh.
I was begging the Father to bring me into a community of believers--
to show me what it was really like to live selflessly
and to love the Body well.
And He was faithful in answering that request.
I also have asked many times that our hearts
would be knit together in love.
And there are quite a few ladies that I know
the Lord has woven pieces of my heart to theirs.
Which is why,
my heart is broken by the fact that I have to leave.
It truly is.
But I wouldn't have it any other way.
This pain that I feel now is an evidence of the Lord's grace in my life.
I genuinely love this community.
And it's never easy to say goodbye to people you love.
But even in all this pain and sadness,
I still have fullness of joy in the Savior.
As I was doing some reading this afternoon,
I came across Psalm 40. Verses 16-17 resonated with my heart:
"Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation say continually, 'The Lord be magnified!' Since I am afflicted and needy, let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God."
I can be glad and rejoice in Him.
I can continue to thank Him for the blessing this Body has been in my life--and I'm sure will continue to be as I keep in contact with people.
I can still praise Him for who He is and His faithfulness.
And I can trust Him for what will happen in the future.
I can trust that as I cry out to Him now to lead me to a community back in NM, that He will be faithful to do so.
I can trust Him.
What grace!
Anyway, this morning was a blessing.
And I'm looking forward to/dreading Tuesday night.
It'll be my last night with my Growth Group (small group).
Tears shall fall.
But I'm glad it'll be hard to say goodbye...because that means the Lord really did build us up in love.
Blessings.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Anxiety
Y'all, I've been having a harder time here recently. The past week or so I've been having mini anxiety attacks. And I know I shouldn't be having them and that I shouldn't be anxious about anything, but try just keep coming. I just don't know what to do. My heart starts beating faster, and my chest hurts like it's about to explode. But beyond that nothing is wrong.
In those moments, I have to remind myself of the Gospel. I have to walk myself through the Lord's abundant grace that He's shown me over the years. I have to constantly preach to myself so that I can push through this anxiety attacks and remember that He is sovereign over all.
I know that I'm supposed to go home.
I know I am.
But that isn't making this whole moving process any easier.
This past Saturday I went to Kings Dominion with a bunch of my friends, people who I consider my family. And getting to spend the whole day with them just hanging out and having fun was what my heart needed, but it was also a huge reminder of what I'll be leaving behind. Saturday was a huge evidence of God's grace. They were encouraging and loving. And it was wonderful to spend the day with them.
You see, the very thing I begged God to give me while I was here--true biblical community--He's now taking away. I know that He will be faithful in providing community in NM as well. But I feel established with them. I feel like I can be myself and share my life with them. I've grown to love them all, and I deeply desire to see them grow deeper into Christ. I don't know of I could ever describe how hard it's going to be to say goodbye to them in a couple of weeks.
I am o so grateful to The Lord for the time He has given me with this group of believers. And I'm just so sad to see it come to an end.
My heart breaks every time I think of leaving.
But at the same time, I rejoice when I think that I only have two weeks left in NC.
Because that means that I get to go home. I get to see my parents and be there for them. I get to hang out with my sister and the rest of my family. And I get to see what The Lord has in store for me next. I think that could also be a contributing factor to my anxiety...I have no idea what to really expect in moving back home. I don't know where I'm doing to work. I don't really have a long term plan. I don't really know what in doing with my life...and that freaks me out a bit. But again, The Lord is faithful, and if He is taking me back home, then there is most definitely a reason for it.
So anyway, though I may be anxious about moving and everything, I am bringing those anxieties to the foot of the cross where I can lay them down before the One who is sovereign over them. I know I can trust Him. And I am so thankful that I can go before Him in prayer when I feel overwhelmed and anxious about this future that I am so uncertain about. He is good. He is faithful. He will carry me and guide me through
In those moments, I have to remind myself of the Gospel. I have to walk myself through the Lord's abundant grace that He's shown me over the years. I have to constantly preach to myself so that I can push through this anxiety attacks and remember that He is sovereign over all.
I know that I'm supposed to go home.
I know I am.
But that isn't making this whole moving process any easier.
This past Saturday I went to Kings Dominion with a bunch of my friends, people who I consider my family. And getting to spend the whole day with them just hanging out and having fun was what my heart needed, but it was also a huge reminder of what I'll be leaving behind. Saturday was a huge evidence of God's grace. They were encouraging and loving. And it was wonderful to spend the day with them.
You see, the very thing I begged God to give me while I was here--true biblical community--He's now taking away. I know that He will be faithful in providing community in NM as well. But I feel established with them. I feel like I can be myself and share my life with them. I've grown to love them all, and I deeply desire to see them grow deeper into Christ. I don't know of I could ever describe how hard it's going to be to say goodbye to them in a couple of weeks.
I am o so grateful to The Lord for the time He has given me with this group of believers. And I'm just so sad to see it come to an end.
My heart breaks every time I think of leaving.
But at the same time, I rejoice when I think that I only have two weeks left in NC.
Because that means that I get to go home. I get to see my parents and be there for them. I get to hang out with my sister and the rest of my family. And I get to see what The Lord has in store for me next. I think that could also be a contributing factor to my anxiety...I have no idea what to really expect in moving back home. I don't know where I'm doing to work. I don't really have a long term plan. I don't really know what in doing with my life...and that freaks me out a bit. But again, The Lord is faithful, and if He is taking me back home, then there is most definitely a reason for it.
So anyway, though I may be anxious about moving and everything, I am bringing those anxieties to the foot of the cross where I can lay them down before the One who is sovereign over them. I know I can trust Him. And I am so thankful that I can go before Him in prayer when I feel overwhelmed and anxious about this future that I am so uncertain about. He is good. He is faithful. He will carry me and guide me through
Friday, May 31, 2013
Tis the Last
Day of May, that is.
I can't believe that tomorrow will be the first day of June.
It's just so crazy.
So crazy.
This year is just flying by.
Rach left on Monday to go on vacation with her mom and sister.
And I know that she's having a blast.
But I miss her.
It's been so weird being alone in the mornings.
I'm not used to it anymore.
So, this is just another thing for me to
trust the Lord through.
Today at work, we're going on a field trip....
to Jubala!!
It's going to be the greatest field trip ever!!
I mean, going to get coffee and waffles with my kids?!
It's going to be awesome.
And it'll make for a great Friday!
Also, I'm going to Kings Dominion tomorrow!!
Holla!
We're gonna have a blast. :)
I'm so excited! I can't wait to ride some roller coasters.
Ah!
Anyway, it's going to be a few exciting days!
Blessings.
Monday, May 20, 2013
[Random]
I've become a really bad blogger this year.
I just can't keep up.
And I guess a lot of it has to do with how busy I have been
over the past month or so.
I've just been on the go.
But it's been so wonderful.
My sister came for a visit a couple of weeks ago.
And we had a blast.
We went up to DC.
(Let me tell you,
it was beautiful.
I wish we could have stayed longer to
explore more.
But I guess I'll just hope to go there
again one day.)
We also just hung out around
Raleigh
and did some random things.
But I think she enjoyed it,
and I know I loved having her here.
And this past weekend my friend
came up from the SC.
We went to see Star Trek into Darkness.
My. Word.
That. Movie.
I want to buy it.
I want to watch it over and over again.
It. Was. Wonderful.
Oh so wonderful.
No kidding.
You should see it,
even if you're not a Trekie...
you'd like this movie.
We also watched Grey's Anatomy's
season finale.
We were yelling at the screen together...
at the same parts.
Because we're cool like that.
And we were quoting Star Trek to one another
for the remainder of the weekend.
Ah.
So good.
We also went to the beach for a short little get away.
And we all got a little burned by the sun.
But mine has turned to a lovely tan.
yesssss.
It was wonderful to have her come.
Even if it was so short.
And it's good that I'm going to get to see her
in a month!
We'll get to continue our tradition of watching
at least one episode of
Harper's Island and Sherlock together.
Can't wait!!
I think another reason why I've turned into a terrible blogger this year,
is because I feel like I just repeat myself over and over.
I don't really have any new stories, or anything like that.
My heart is still broken.
And the Lord is still teaching me how to live with it and trust Him through it.
It's the same thing.
So I guess it's just easier for me to not write about it over and over.
But just to write about it maybe once a month.
So...
time is flying.
There's only 11 more days in May...
it's just cray cray.
I just don't understand how it's going by so fast.
But at the same time I'm thankful it's flying.
Because I am ready to be home.
Rach leaves in about a week.
I don't think I'm ready for that.
At all.
But I'll learn how to be, I guess.
The Lord is good.
He is faithful.
Even in this.
So, yeah.
I'm a little all over the place.
I'm starting to pack...sorta.
Mainly, I'm just starting to go through what I want to take with me,
and what I can leave behind/get rid of/give to Rach or others.
It's a rather big process.
But, I shall make it. Ha.
I kinda have to.
Blessings.
I just can't keep up.
And I guess a lot of it has to do with how busy I have been
over the past month or so.
I've just been on the go.
But it's been so wonderful.
My sister came for a visit a couple of weeks ago.
And we had a blast.
We went up to DC.
(Let me tell you,
it was beautiful.
I wish we could have stayed longer to
explore more.
But I guess I'll just hope to go there
again one day.)
We also just hung out around
Raleigh
and did some random things.
But I think she enjoyed it,
and I know I loved having her here.
And this past weekend my friend
came up from the SC.
We went to see Star Trek into Darkness.
My. Word.
That. Movie.
I want to buy it.
I want to watch it over and over again.
It. Was. Wonderful.
Oh so wonderful.
No kidding.
You should see it,
even if you're not a Trekie...
you'd like this movie.
We also watched Grey's Anatomy's
season finale.
We were yelling at the screen together...
at the same parts.
Because we're cool like that.
And we were quoting Star Trek to one another
for the remainder of the weekend.
Ah.
So good.
We also went to the beach for a short little get away.
And we all got a little burned by the sun.
But mine has turned to a lovely tan.
yesssss.
It was wonderful to have her come.
Even if it was so short.
And it's good that I'm going to get to see her
in a month!
We'll get to continue our tradition of watching
at least one episode of
Harper's Island and Sherlock together.
Can't wait!!
I think another reason why I've turned into a terrible blogger this year,
is because I feel like I just repeat myself over and over.
I don't really have any new stories, or anything like that.
My heart is still broken.
And the Lord is still teaching me how to live with it and trust Him through it.
It's the same thing.
So I guess it's just easier for me to not write about it over and over.
But just to write about it maybe once a month.
So...
time is flying.
There's only 11 more days in May...
it's just cray cray.
I just don't understand how it's going by so fast.
But at the same time I'm thankful it's flying.
Because I am ready to be home.
Rach leaves in about a week.
I don't think I'm ready for that.
At all.
But I'll learn how to be, I guess.
The Lord is good.
He is faithful.
Even in this.
So, yeah.
I'm a little all over the place.
I'm starting to pack...sorta.
Mainly, I'm just starting to go through what I want to take with me,
and what I can leave behind/get rid of/give to Rach or others.
It's a rather big process.
But, I shall make it. Ha.
I kinda have to.
Blessings.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Two Months
Well, tomorrow will officially be two months left in Raleigh! I can't even believe how quickly time has gone by! And it just keeps flying.
But the Lord has been faithful through it all.
I don't think I can even begin to describe how bittersweet this whole situation is. I'm so ready to be back with my parents. I'm ready to be there to support them and love them. I'm ready to do what I can to take some of the stress off both of my parents. I'm excited that I'll get to spend some time with them one-on-one everyday. But I'm also excited to do things with them--especially little projects with my mom. (We're going to try our hand at making our own pickles. And I think we're going to take a cake decorating class together.) I'm excited about getting to watch a tv show with my dad and go on walks with him. I'm excited about getting to spend some time with my sister--go shopping, maybe start working out with her. I'm excited about hopefully building a closer relationship with my cousins (especially Phoebe). I want to be able to love them and have opportunities to speak the gospel into their lives.
But on the other hand, it's going to be so hard to leave. The Lord has truly blessed my time here in Raleigh. I'm going to miss my job at Ravenscroft. The people I work with are some of the greatest. And the kids, though they can drive me crazy, are a great source of joy in my life. I know I'm not directly able to tell them the gospel, but there have been times I've been able to share my faith and everyday I'm given the opportunity to show them the love and grace Christ has shown me.
This might sound a little silly, but I'm going to miss the coffee here. There just aren't any good coffee shops in the 505. So when I'm just wanting a good almond latte, what will this girl do?? Jubala won't be there! Ah! So. June 27th, the search for a good coffee shop will begin.
And, here's another silly one: I'm going to miss a grocery store. (I know, I'm wierd.) But I'm really going to miss having an Aldi. I love that place! It's so wonderful!
I'm going to desperately miss my church. This Body has surrounded me with love and grace through this whole situation with my dad. They've supported me in so many ways, and I'm going to miss them greatly...especially those who are in my Growth (small) group. These men and women have spoken the gospel and truth into my life week in and week out. They have been one of the greatest blessings the Lord has given me. Within my small group, there are the ladies, and my heart has grown to love them more and more. With every passing week, my heart grows ever fonder of them, and the walls I have built up to protect myself continue to come down. I am blessed with grace and love when they surround me.
And most of all, I'm really going to miss having Rachel around. She's been my closest friend while I've been in WaFo/Raleigh. She's been a great support, and she has pushed me toward Christ. And it's going to be so very weird to not have her around. So weird.
But, even though it's going to be hard to leave, there is a greater joy to be had back home.
I still have no idea what's going to happen with my dad, but I do know I want to be there to support him and love him through the next steps.
So.
Two Months left.
Craziness.
Oh,
and my sister's coming for a visit in 8 days!!!!!!!
It's going to be a blast!
Blessings.
But the Lord has been faithful through it all.
I don't think I can even begin to describe how bittersweet this whole situation is. I'm so ready to be back with my parents. I'm ready to be there to support them and love them. I'm ready to do what I can to take some of the stress off both of my parents. I'm excited that I'll get to spend some time with them one-on-one everyday. But I'm also excited to do things with them--especially little projects with my mom. (We're going to try our hand at making our own pickles. And I think we're going to take a cake decorating class together.) I'm excited about getting to watch a tv show with my dad and go on walks with him. I'm excited about getting to spend some time with my sister--go shopping, maybe start working out with her. I'm excited about hopefully building a closer relationship with my cousins (especially Phoebe). I want to be able to love them and have opportunities to speak the gospel into their lives.
But on the other hand, it's going to be so hard to leave. The Lord has truly blessed my time here in Raleigh. I'm going to miss my job at Ravenscroft. The people I work with are some of the greatest. And the kids, though they can drive me crazy, are a great source of joy in my life. I know I'm not directly able to tell them the gospel, but there have been times I've been able to share my faith and everyday I'm given the opportunity to show them the love and grace Christ has shown me.
This might sound a little silly, but I'm going to miss the coffee here. There just aren't any good coffee shops in the 505. So when I'm just wanting a good almond latte, what will this girl do?? Jubala won't be there! Ah! So. June 27th, the search for a good coffee shop will begin.
And, here's another silly one: I'm going to miss a grocery store. (I know, I'm wierd.) But I'm really going to miss having an Aldi. I love that place! It's so wonderful!
I'm going to desperately miss my church. This Body has surrounded me with love and grace through this whole situation with my dad. They've supported me in so many ways, and I'm going to miss them greatly...especially those who are in my Growth (small) group. These men and women have spoken the gospel and truth into my life week in and week out. They have been one of the greatest blessings the Lord has given me. Within my small group, there are the ladies, and my heart has grown to love them more and more. With every passing week, my heart grows ever fonder of them, and the walls I have built up to protect myself continue to come down. I am blessed with grace and love when they surround me.
And most of all, I'm really going to miss having Rachel around. She's been my closest friend while I've been in WaFo/Raleigh. She's been a great support, and she has pushed me toward Christ. And it's going to be so very weird to not have her around. So weird.
But, even though it's going to be hard to leave, there is a greater joy to be had back home.
I still have no idea what's going to happen with my dad, but I do know I want to be there to support him and love him through the next steps.
So.
Two Months left.
Craziness.
Oh,
and my sister's coming for a visit in 8 days!!!!!!!
It's going to be a blast!
Blessings.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Happy Easter
Today has been wonderful.
Absolutely wonderful.
Today, as many of you know, is Easter Sunday. Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Gathering with IDC this morning for worship was a glorious time of celebration. Eight people were baptized during the worship services, one of whom was my roommate Rachel. It was amazing to hear her share her story with our church family, and with great joy I watched her be symbolically buried with Christ and then raised to walk in newness of life. It was such a beautiful picture of the Gospel of Christ.
Later in the afternoon we went with a group from IDC to an apartment complex that has many international people, and we did an Easter Egg Hunt and passed out some food with the intention of building relationships and having Gospel-centered conversations. Rachel ended up meeting some ladies in high school. She's praying that shell have more opportunities to hang out with them and build relationships with them.
So, overall, it's been a grace filled day. The Lord has been so good and so faithful.
Blessings.
P.S.
My dad is home again. He was released from the rehab center on Thursday. So I know that it's exciting for him to be back home in a comfortable place. And I know my mom is thankful to have him back home with her.
Absolutely wonderful.
Today, as many of you know, is Easter Sunday. Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Gathering with IDC this morning for worship was a glorious time of celebration. Eight people were baptized during the worship services, one of whom was my roommate Rachel. It was amazing to hear her share her story with our church family, and with great joy I watched her be symbolically buried with Christ and then raised to walk in newness of life. It was such a beautiful picture of the Gospel of Christ.
Later in the afternoon we went with a group from IDC to an apartment complex that has many international people, and we did an Easter Egg Hunt and passed out some food with the intention of building relationships and having Gospel-centered conversations. Rachel ended up meeting some ladies in high school. She's praying that shell have more opportunities to hang out with them and build relationships with them.
So, overall, it's been a grace filled day. The Lord has been so good and so faithful.
Blessings.
P.S.
My dad is home again. He was released from the rehab center on Thursday. So I know that it's exciting for him to be back home in a comfortable place. And I know my mom is thankful to have him back home with her.
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