Wednesdays in the Word

Times when I get to come home are so refreshing. It lets me wind down from the craziness of school and catch a breathe. One of the things that I love to do most when I am home is to play the piano when no one is around. I have played everyday since I've been home for at least 3 hours. Its a time set aside, with no distractions to really focus in on God and who He is. Don't you think He deserves our time? Every second of our day should be lived in accordance to Him, but I especially crave these moments with God where it is just me and Him. No distractions. No busyness. It is a time for replenishing. Replenishing means to fill or make complete again; to inspire or nourish. We need to nourish ourselves with God's word and place it in our hearts. 

One of my favorite verses, James 1:2-4, says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. And let perseverance finish its work so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." As I have been playing the piano, a certain song has been penetrating my heart. Its called Arms Open Wide by Hillsong. I just love the lyrics to it.

Take my life, I lay it down>

At the cross where I am found>

All I have I give to you, oh God.

Take my hands and make them clean.

Keep my heart in purity.

That I may walk in all You have for me.

Here I stand arms open wide

I am Yours,

and You are mine.

Take my moments and my days.

Let each breathe that I take

Be ever only for You, oh God.

My whole life is Yours.

I give it all surrendered to Your name.

And forever I will say, "Have Your way,

Have Your way!" 

Arms Open Wide Video 

Read more...

And She's Back!!!

Hi everyone!! Looks like I'm back again! Its Spring Break and the loads of school have been lifted for a short time, so I've decided to use this as a catalyst to get me back on the blog! I don't even know where to begin. My life on a usual weekly basis consists of Children's Choir, Meetings, Homework loads like you wouldn't believe (including projects, writing lesson plans, and teaching), keeping up with my 3 amazing roommates, keeping up with other great girl friends, Youth Group, Small Group during the week, Worship Practice, and church on Sunday mornings. On top of that I throw on the three important things of keeping up with my family both in California and Washington (and Mississippi!), growing in a healthy relationship with Stephen, and most importantly, keeping in close relationship with the Great Lord Almighty.

Although my life is almost insanely busy, I love every minute of every day. I love what I do in school (even my homework, yes). Each day I become more and more excited about my future. And every day I become closer and closer to God. Its amazing to have a man in my life that strengthens my walk with God every single day and keeps me sane during my crazy Thursdays. The Lord has filled this semester with so many blessings. I am so grateful.

Tomorrow and all this week, I will be giving you updates on what's going on here in the land of good 'ol Turlock (including pictures). Also! Tomorrow is Wednesday, so I'll bring a small word from the Lord to my blog as well. When I get back from Spring Break next Sunday, then I will go into more detail of all that I listed above and what's been happening this semester at school. For now, I'd just like to focus on where I'm at now, and that's with my family at home, sweet home.

PS- HAPPY BIRTHDAY SETH!

Read more...

Hot Chocolate and Roof Tops

Hi all! Christmas is approaching quickly, and I don't know if I could be more excited! Don't forget to remember Jesus on Christmas. Its easy to get caught up in presents and things, but as you spend time with your family, remember that Jesus is the greatest gift of all. :) Happy birthday Jesus.

The last few days at home have been so wonderful, as always. There has been a lot of time spent with family, with friends, and with the piano. On Friday I got to hang out with my bestie, Bianca Sanchez. We went up to the grand Vintage Fair Mall in good ol Modesto to get a present for Tess' wedding. Later that night, after having fried shrimp with my dad and brother for dinner (I know you're bummed you missed that Linds), Bianca and I got back together and headed out to hear her boyfriend play in a jazz band at Galletos Restaurant. We decided to pick up our good friend Glenn on the way so that we could all catch up. We had a blast singing Taylor Swift songs at the top of our lungs. I love spending time with Bianca... she's an incredible woman of God. What an encouragement it is to have her in my life.

My days are all sort of blurring together so I'll just list a few things that I've done lately:
  -Wrapped presents and mailed them out to family all over the US.
  -Walked around the block yet again with dad and brother to see all the perty lights.
  -Played soccer in the hallway with little brother Seth... shh...
  -Sat on the roof with dad, sipping hot chocolate, looking at the Christmas lights, and waving to people that walked by surprised to see us sitting on top of the roof.
  -Enjoyed sleeping in! Having no agenda for a few days is quite alright with me :)
  -Went out to dinner tonight with mama and Kenny at Cool Hand Luke's. Steak and potatoes!!! Yummy! I don't get those luxuries at college.
  -Enjoyed fellowship at church on Sunday, catching up with friends and family, and hearing a sermon that spoke right to my heart.

Meet Bianca

Read more...

Making Memories

These past couple days at home, once again, have been more than I could ask for! Its such a blessing to be home. Yesterday I played "Dinosaur basketball" with dad and brother. What is dinosaur basketball you ask?... I'm not exactly sure how it all came about. While we were out shootin around, we came up with a silly idea to play basketball with your elbows attached to your side. Try it sometime.. its great fun :) and very very hard to do. It takes quite a bit of skill to bend down and pick up the ball, having no arm extension; not to mention the fact that you have to shoot, also with no arm extension. I'll never forget those laughs we shared. Then when it got dark, the three of us took a walk down Christmas tree lane to see what this year's street would look like. There are a couple newbies on the street, so this year, it looks a bit different. What a great walk :) And quite a difference in temperature from Washington. Then the second we got back, I was headed straight toward the food pantry. This is another reason why I love to be home. The house is always stocked with my favorite food! Here are some pictures from the night:

Where's Seth?

Soldados

The Newbies :)

Seth and I built a house of dominos

Today was another great day. I'll just share some highlights like I did yesterday so as to not bore you guys :) Today Seth had an assembly because he was chosen as a Star Student! I'm so proud of him! It was weird being back at my old elementary school. Even the smell of that cafeteria was still familiar and quite distinct. I remembered the cafeteria being much bigger... but I suppose that's because I was much smaller the last time I was in there. Then I headed up to Modesto with mama for a doctor's appointment and some last minute Christmas shopping. I found a dress for Tess' wedding that was originally $80 and I got it for $12!! What a steal! I absolutely love the dress. Its so gorgeous. Here are some pictures from today's festivities:

Proud of you buddy.

The grandparents :)

Well that will be all for tonight! More to come soon. Over and out friends and family. Love you all :)

Read more...

Home, Sweet Home.

Today probably couldn't have come more quickly. I get impatient the closer it gets to the time when I come home to see my family. The escalator down into the terminal of the Sacramento airport doesn't move fast enough when I see my daddy standing at the bottom waiting for me. Nothing beats the hugs I got today from little brother Seth... who likes to squeeze me so tight that my "head pops off." Silly little guy; or the hug from dad at the airport, from papa and grandma, from Kenny, or most of all the hug from mama. I am so blessed to have such a family that loves me and carries me close to their heart. Its good to be home. Actually, its great to be home. :) I can't wait to have yet another coffee time with papa and grandma to update them on my life and to hear more of their lives. They are both so wise. I cherish every visit with them. I can't wait to be tackled down my brother tomorrow in a tickle race... and yes he seems to tackle me already even though he's only 6 years old. I can't wait to spend time with Bianca taking walks around the block, laughing and talking about life.

There are so many other things I am excited about, and I will do my best to share with you these precious moments of Christmas Break 2009. So with that being said, there are more updates to come... sorry I haven't written in so long. But tune in for more T-town adventures.

Read more...