10 Things.

Well 2009 is coming to a close.. I can't believe its almost over... I remember starting my Freshmen year of college and thinking 2009 is a so far- graduation seemed forever away! This year marked some big changes and accomplishments for me and Jonny. I graduated college, we moved back to Arlington, bought a house, started new jobs, and celebrated our 1 year anniversary together. This year had its troubles and hard times but it also came with many blessing. I learned so much in just one year. Here are some of the things I learned or discovered. Some are more serious than others!

1. Patience. My patience was definitely tested this year. Graduation was a scary time for me. Although, I was EXTREMELY excited to be done with school forever, graduating with no idea what I was going to do or where I needed to be was hard. Being unemployed for 3 months was definitely challenging. God stretched me so much, teaching me to rely and trust in His provision. His timing is perfect and He taught me just that! I finally got a job nannying and I love it.


2. God knows best. So simple, right? I graduated wanting to work in sports (still would like to) but I got a job nannying. And even though its not what I imagined after graduating, it has been awesome! I love it and that little boy has captured my heart. I love working with kids and God has given me a heart and spirit for it. Its just where I need to be AND I am content with it :)


3. Communication. I learned a lot in my first year of marriage, especially when it comes to communication. I am such a stubborn person and being married has taught me a lot about compromising and communicating in a positive way.


4. Humility. I have been humbled a lot this year. I have a hard time admitting when I am wrong. God has been breaking me of this and teaching me to admit my mistakes and ask for forgiveness when I am in the wrong. Its a long process but God is working on my heart!

5. Me and Jonny both have learned a lot about being homewoners! We were very blessed this year and bought our first home!! It is beautiful and we love it! We have learned a lot about finances, mortgages, upkeep, and so much more. We are enjoying every minute of being a home owner!


6. I learned that I suck at painting- haha. I am messy and not very good at paying attention to detail. Jonny is much better at it :)

7. Jonny is a lot more handy than I thought. He is a stud! He built a cabinet in our bathroom and is remodeling our kitchen!


8. Our parents are inspiring. I have always known this but this year they have been beyond amazing to me and Jonny. They have given so much to us this year and helped us with our home so much. They are the most giving people I know and I aspire to be like that. We are lucky to have such amazing parents!



9. I learned that I don't want any pets EVER. For the longest time I have wanted a dog. BUT I am cured of that. Me and Jonny have watched peoples dogs a lot this past year and we have decided that they are needy, costly, and too much work. Fun to watch but not to keep!


10. God is ALWAYS good. He is my joy and strength! I have fallen more in love with my savior and learn everyday what it means to have an intimate relationship with Him. He has given me an amazing husband, awesome friends, a beautiful home, good jobs, and great family!

Follow Through.

So.. Me and some friends of mine have decided to start training for a half marathon- thats right, a HALF MARATHON. I am really excited about it and pray that I will be able to keep up with the training so I will actually do it. I always tell myself I am gonna do thins like this (things involving exercise and eating right) but never follow through. I get really pumped for about it for a week or two and then it fades. BUT hopefully with some friends encouraging me and going along side me- I will follow through! I am also gonna pay for it up front so I won't back out :) I start my training tomorrow! We are gonna run in the Cowtown Half Marathon on February 27! So get excited!

Christmas.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Our Christmas was so much fun and filled with family and great memories. I am sad its already over. We enjoyed our much needed break and it even snowed :) Thank-you Jesus for the white Christmas! Well here is a breakdown of what we did:

Christmas Eve Eve- We celebrated Christmas with the Van Hoy's in Red Oak, TX. Jonny's family on his dads side came over and we ate a huge and delicious dinner and opened gifts. Tracey (Jonnys sister in-law) and the kids made a surprise visit which was great. We missed Chris though- sad he had to work. Me and Jonny got lots of great things but mostly enjoyed the time with the family. We always have fun with them!

Christmas Eve- It snowed like crazy and it was AWESOME! We slept in and pretty much stayed in our Pjs all day. We were completely lazy and loved it! That night we went to the Christmas Eve service at the church and then it was off to Dallas to celebrate Christmas with my dads side of the family. My Aunt and Cousins came in from Montana. We haven't seen them in years so it was great to spend time with them! We ate another huge and delicious dinner and then opened some more gifts. It took us 2 hours to get from Dallas to Arlington (a trip that normally takes 40 minutes). We got stopped on a bridge for 45 minutes because of the weather. They eventually made us back up off the bridge and turn around. It was crazy but made for some great memories. The snow was beautiful and there was soo much of it!

Christmas Day- I was kindly awaken by a present striking me across the head- haha. Jonny wanted to open our gifts to each other so bad but I wanted to sleep lol. He kept hitting me over the head with it! So I finally got up- we exchanged gifts and then headed to my parents house. I gave him some things for his xbox and I got a new phone and a beautiful nativity set! We ate breakfast at my parents and then headed to Arlington Life Shelter. This year for Christmas, my family decided not to exchange gifts but instead to volunteer somewhere. It was such a neat experience. Nothing like it. There were lots of kids in the shelter. These kids and adults had no home and no where to go. We showed up with playdough, coloring books, games, and lots of toys. Those kids had nothing for Christmas and were soo excited about the simple things we brought them. It was truly the best Christmas ever. God showed me so much and although it wasn't the Christmas I was used to- I was more satisfied than ever! Those kids were amazing and I loved sharing my Christmas with them! After that we came back to the house and ate another huge but delicious dinner! I am pretty sure I gained ten pounds this week- lol!

Day After Christmas- Nathan and Jenny (brother and sis) came over and me and my mom made some Chicken and Dumplings- they were delicious!! Then we played some games all day! It was great fun. That night we went and saw Sherlock Holmes- LOVED it. I highly recommend going to see it!

It was a GREAT Christmas and another great reminder of how blessed I am. I am so thankful for what God has given me and for loving me so. God sent His son and thats only the beginning! Glory to God in the highest!

Happy Birthday Jesus.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!! I pray that everyone has a wonderful and safe Christmas filled with friends, family, and great memories. May we not forget the reason we celebrate! God bless!


"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register.So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:1-20

Its a new day.

Last night I worked my last night at Bjs Restaurant! I gave my two weeks notice to them last night and asked off for the next two weeks so I am officially DONE working there. It was a lot sadder than I thought it was going to be. I have worked there since July and have enjoyed getting to know all the hosts that work there. There are A LOT of things that I won't miss but I will miss the friendships that I have developed. There were a lot of opportunities there to share my faith and what God has done in my life. I definitely was a light in the dark. So I pray that although I will no longer see those people as much, I will still be able to keep in touch and minister to them. I am glad that I will have my weekends completely free now :) I can already feel the weight being lifted off my shoulders! I am so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to work there and have a job but I feel He is moving me to something better!

On another note... This weekend was fun! On Friday, I went with some good friends to see the Nutcracker Ballet. One of our friends was performing and so our bible study went to see her! It was fun- even though I am not much of a musical person. Jonny spent Friday night hanging with his cousin! Saturday me and Jonny finished/started our Christmas Shopping. We went after helping out at the Salvation Army for a couple of hours. We split the list in half, braved the mall, and knocked out everything in less than 2 hours! Now I just have to wrap them :) We only had to buy for his side because my family is not exchanging gifts this year. We are going to volunteer Christmas day instead. I don't like fighting the crowds or driving around parking lots forever trying to get a spot but I DO love giving. I would so much rather buy a gift for someone else than for me! That night I babysit and Jonny went and saw Avatar with friends. Sunday, we went to church and I worked! So it was a very good weekend full of lots of fun. Only 2 more days of work and then I get a 10 day vacation :) SOOOO EXCITED!!! Thats all for now. GOD BLESS and have a great break!



"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:4-10

Costly Faith.

To be a disciple of the Lord, it costs EVERYTHING! I am doing a bible study with some girls and we are going through a book called Experiencing God. Its been really good and has impacted me so much. It has been a great reminder of the foundational truths that I so often forget. It has challenged me to look at what my faith looks like and how my life is suppose to be a living testimony of the God I serve. It has challenged me to a deeper, intimate love relationship with my savior. I have been convicted over and over again about the sin in my life and God has been telling me to lay it all down... Over the past weeks- thats what I have been doing. Before I can join God in the work He is doing- I have to be right with Him. Lay down my flesh and take up the cross. I need to Know Him before I can tell others who He is. This weeks lessons was all about the cost of following Him and how you can't stay where you are and go with God. Its gonna cost you and others around you something. It requires total dependence and obedience to God. The cost, honestly, scares me. But I am trusting in His provision and saying YES to what He has called of me. I might not know what the costs are yet but I am saying yes- "Lord, whatever you may ask of me today or in the future, my answer is yes!". Below is a prayer by David Livingstone (was a missionary in Africa) and I pray that it would be the cry of my heart. God has a plan and His purposes will prevail. He wants to use us- all we have to do is say Yes and sacrifice our lives.

"Lord, send me anywhere, only go with me.
Lay any burden on me, only sustain me.
Server any tie but the tie that binds me to thyself." -David Livingstone


"Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.

I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.

From the east I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that will I bring about;
what I have planned, that will I do."
-Isaiah 46:9-11

Update.

While Graham was sleeping for 3 hours today- this is what I did. Spent countless hours on my blog- updating and adding cool features to it! Hope you enjoy! It will probably change often haha... There are a few new post over the past couple of days so make sure you keep reading!! Love yall!

Friends are a Blessing.

This weekend was great! We got to spend most of the weekend with friends and family. Friday, I got to eat dinner with my family and babysit sweet Graham. Jonny and Billy did a bonfire for the Fusion small group out in Grandview. They teach 9th and 10th grade small groups for the church and they decided to have a get together outside of church. Jonny said they had a good number of people show up and it was lots of fun. I got to have the house to myself Friday night because Jonny stayed out in Grandview with Billy. I really enjoy having the house to myself every once in awhile. I played my music really loud and cleaned- haha! I do like to clean though- relieves stress! Saturday, Jonny helped Pantego Bible Church in their Christmas Day of Fun for the youth. He drove kids around all day while they went ice skating and did a canned food drive. He was gone from 11am-10pm. I got to spend the day with my dear friend Hilary Smith (my roommate in college). She lives in College Station and was in town for the weekend. We met up with Ashley and Callie in Dallas later that day (friends from A&M). It was lots of fun! We went to North Park mall and went out to eat! I had an enormously horrible headache all day but it was still great to spend time with sweet friends. We laughed a lot (probably didn't help my head much). Hilary stayed with me and Jonny Saturday night- our first house guest :) Saturday night, me, Hils, Stephanie, and Jonny stayed up till like 1:30 talking- really enjoyed it! Sunday, we went to church and then went out to eat with my family. Maddie was in town for the weekend so we spent the afternoon with her. I worked @Bjs Sunday night! It was a busy weekend and me and Jonny didn't really see a lot of each other but it was fun. Great to spend time with dear friends! I can't believe Christmas is only 10 days away!!!!! Its going by sooo fast. I haven't even begun to Christmas shop BUT I plan to this week- we will see how that goes! I love this time of year and I am sad its almost over :( I am gonna try and make the days go by as slow as they can! Well thats all right now! Hope your holiday is going well!! God bless!!

Verse of the Day.

I love the holidays. The creator of the Universe- my Savior. My stud of a husband. Family. My job- that little boy has my heart. Friends. Christmas lights. Fudge. Movie nights. My new home. Fire in fireplaces. Bible Study on Tuesdays. Naps. the month of December. Snow. Praise Jesus I get to/got to experience all these this break!!


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Our Christmas Tree!!! I have been meaning to post pictures but haven't got around to it yet. Isn't it beautiful? It makes our whole house smell like Christmas and I LOVE it :)

"Everyday, the Choices you make. Say what you are and who your heart beats for!"

Lately, I have been feeling extremely exhausted and completely drained. This past week I worked almost 72 hours and that's pretty much the story of my life right now. Working 7 days a week at 2 jobs is exhausting and tiring. Honestly, I feel like my faith and insanity is all but gone. I have been keeping it all together pretty well but today I hit a wall. I just broke down- wanting to give up and crawl into my bed and never get up. So, while Graham was sleeping I just let it all go. I got on my knees before my Lord and gave my burdens to Him. I have been dwelling in the negative and continually been relying on my own strength. The Lord has been tugging at my heart these last couple of weeks and I have been ignoring it- and we all know what happens when we don't give it all to Him- we fail. Its something I am constantly having to remind myself of. I am someone who likes to control things. I am organized and want to know whats going to happen. Surrendering my strength and energy to Him is something I daily have to pray about. I opened my bible and began to think about how the way that I live my life is a testimony of what I believe about God. If believe in Psalm 73:26 ("My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.") then I am called to live like that. God has been convicting me about this in all areas of my life. "Do everything without complaining or arguing"- a verse we hear often but something I struggle with so much at home. I ask myself, is my life a living testimony of the Creator of the Universe? Can people obviously see Christ in my life? Am I living a life worthy of the calling? I am blessed to have 2 jobs- there are so many people who are unemployed, so why am I complaining? I desire and I am trying to pursue a relationship like this. An intimate love relationship with my Savior. Not to say that I am never gonna struggle but God is definitely changing me and challenging my faith. He has given me an AMAZING husband who encourages me daily. Always reminding me of how much he loves and appreciates me. He brings so much joy into my life and is always serving me. He is a great reminder and example of God love! Anyways... That's whats been on my heart lately.

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Isaiah 7:9

11.18.99

"There's a spirit that can ne'er be told..."

Ten years ago a tragedy struck in Aggieland. Twelve Aggies died while putting together the bonfire. We will always remember those who died and will continue to pray for the families and friends of those who lost a loved one. Its definitely times like these that I am proud to be an Aggie. I miss being in College Station and being around so many Aggies. I am very thankful for attending a school like A&M and it will always be close to my heart!

Travel.

Just got home from a weekend with the girls in Branson, MO. It was a great time of fellowship and fun! I went with my mother-in-law, her sisters, grandmother-in-law, and Jonnys cousins! We left Friday afternoon and stayed till Sunday night. It was soo much fun spending time with his family- I adore them! They are precious! We pretty much ate and shopped the whole time :) I probably gained like 10 pounds lol! I was soo proud of myself- I only bought 2 things :) I didn't get any of my Christmas shopping done but I did get some good ideas! We did see a musical Saturday about Christ's birth and it was pretty good. My first musical! I am extremely exhausted from the weekend but it was worth it! Jonny spent the weekend hunting with his dad and brother. Jonny killed a buck and now we have meat! We both had great weekends but definitely are glad to be home again!

I only have to work this week and then I get a week off of work! I am soo excited! Hopefully I will get most of my Christmas shopping done. Saturday, we are having a house warming party @ 12:30 and everyone is invited! We will have tons of food and snacks! We will also be playing any football games on the TV!! Come and go type thing! So you should come :) Thats all for now... Good night!

Fall.

Its finally starting to feel like fall!! Its been beautiful- I love it!! We have completely finished our house- WHOOP! And once we get our Obama money then we can start working on remodeling our kitchen! It is soo nice to just come home and relax and not have a million things to do. Well.. This past weekend was Halloween and for me it was not so exciting. I had to work! Jonny spent the weekend in Louisiana visiting his brother and sister... he went to their costume party (see below). He had fun but I am glad to have him back! So... my weekend was pretty boring and lame- work and no husband! Sunday night was great fun though. Me and JV went to dinner and a movie. We ate some yummy fish at Rockfish and then went and saw Where the Wild Things Are- I LOVED it! Jonny thought it was weird but he had never heard of the book before so I can see where he comes from! It was good spending the night having fun and just being with each other- we don't do it often. Well thats about all for now... Have a great week! God bless!

Verse of the week: "But in all things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loves us."

Update.

Well.. We finally have our feet on the ground. We have been working soo much on our house that I have not been on the internet in soo long. We are pretty much finished with the house- just a few things here and there. We still have work to do in our bedroom and study room but its nice to come home and enjoy things instead of working until we go to bed! For the past few weeks all our lives have consisted of is work and working on the house. And if it weren't for all the people in our lives who helped us out we wouldn't be done. We are soo very blessed and thankful for all our friends and family who have helped us out! Its nice to be almost done. Well here are some pictures of our house and of the sweet boy I nanny (there is more on fb)! Enjoy!

Busy Busy Busy.

So I haven't updated in a little while... Our life has been super crazy/busy these past couple of weeks. We are moved into our house and have almost everything painted. We just have to paint our guest room. Me and Jonny work all day and so when we come home we are exhausted. We work on the house for a few hours and then crash! So the house is coming together really slowly! I usually work all weekend and Jonny has school work to do so its hard to get stuff done then too. Also, I have bible study Tuesday and Wednesday nights. All this to say our time is very limited and we are super busy all the time! BUT we have completely finished our living room and kitchen. The rest of the house is a wreck but it will come together soon. We are so excited about owning our own home and can't wait to build memories here! This past weekend we got to watch some of my moms friends kids. We stayed at their house in Colleyville. They have three kids ages 14, 12, and 8. It was super fun but not much of a relaxing weekend. We did take them to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs- it was really cute and they loved it. Other than that we just played video games, board games, and jumped on the trampoline! It was a great weekend. Good to be a kid again!

God has been sooo good to us and we have been really seeing Him work in our marriage. Reminding us daily that He is our provider and that any energy and strength we have comes from above. We are soo very blessed. Thats all I got for now. Its off to bed! Goodnight!

Painting.

We have begun painting our house!! We have moved all our furniture into our garage and started working on our home. We have finished the kitchen and living room. We are starting the hallway and our bedroom tomorrow. Hopefully we will finish painting by the end of this week and move in this weekend! YAY! We are so ready to be in a place of our own. Owning a home is a lot of work and fixing it up is not so easy either. I have learned a few things in the past couple of days:

1. I can't tape

2. I am pretty sure that I am color blind when it comes to wall colors (I can't tell shades of color apart)

3. I am sooo indecisive about EVERYTHING

4. I can't paint without making a mess and getting it everywhere

5. I really can't paint at all

6. I could never be a decorator like my mamma

7. Jonny is pretty handy and very much so a perfectionist about things

8. And peeling off wallpaper SUCKS!!!

I will keep yall updated and post pictures soon!!!

Keys to our house.

We got the keys to our house today!! YAY!!! We went and looked at our beautiful home today and started to make a list of things we need to get done. We are gonna clean it tomorrow and start painting! We want to move into our house sooo bad so we are trying to get all the painting and stuff done. So hopefully we will be moved in completely by the middle of the week! We are super pumped and can't wait to get all moved in :) We will post pictures as we go and have a housewarming party when its all done. We are very grateful and thankful for everyones support. Love yall! Our Realtor gave us gift- the door knocker!! We love it! We are blessed!

"I Thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy." Philippians 1:3-4

We closed on our house today!!! WHOOP!! We get to move in the house on Wednesday- this week is gonna go by soo slowwwww! I can't believe we are homeowners- crazy! We are so pumped and kinda nervous. Being grown is definitely not easy. There is soo much to learn! We are soo blessed by what the Lord has provided for us and we know that He is faithful! Me and Jonny are so ready for a place of our own and to NOT be living out of a suitcase. However, we are very grateful for our parents and all they have provided and given us. We owe them sooo much and we would not be where we are or who we are without them. Words can't express our thankfulness and gratitude towards them. We can't wait to move and start our little family in our first home! Thanks for all yalls prayers and support through this whole process. I will post pictures once we get in. We are going to paint so I will post before and after pictures :) Have a great day!!

Comment.

Ok this is gonna be short. I just changed my settings so now anyone can comment on my posts- you don't have to have an account. So do it :) Have a blessed day!

We Remember.

Well I meant to post something yesterday but was never on the computer long enough to do so. I wanted to reflect about 9/11. I can't believe its been 8 years! I remember exactly where I was and how I felt. It was a Tuesday and I was at home. I didn't have school Tuesday or Thursday so I was sleeping. My mom came and woke me. She told me to come down stairs- that our lives would never be the same. We watched the news for days and days. I was in the 9th grade but I feel like it just happened. I remember looking up at the sky that day and my heart breaking for what our world has become. Our country lost 2,993 people that day. We need to remember those lives that were lost and those who lost someone they loved. Also, remember to thank those who are serving today for our freedom. We take for granted the freedom we share. So many have given their lives to serve and protect! BUT in the mist of all the evil and terror in the world, we still serve a good and faithful God! And that will NEVER changed. There is hope for those who put their trust in Him. I wanted to end my post with the speech president Bush made on that awful day of September 11, 2001. I find it moving and a good reminder of the feelings that were expressed that day. May we never forget the tragedy that occurred that day and may we often take time and remember those that were lost.

-------------------------------------------------------

Good evening.

Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge -- huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong.

A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature -- and we responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.

Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington D.C. to help with local rescue efforts. Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well.

The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.

I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance. America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism.

Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.

Thank you. Good night. And God bless America.

Update.

"But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:16




Just a little update... I have started my nanny job! I am watching Graham (see above)- he is 6 months and absolutely adorable! He sleeps a lot and is super easy! I am still working at Bj's on the weekends. Its good but super exhausting! I pretty much work Monday to Monday. Its hard not being able to do or go anywhere on the weekends but I do love my jobs. It makes it harder for me and Jonny to have time together but we know that there is a season for everything and in future it will be different. We are closing on our house in a week- WHOOP!! We are getting so excited. All our paper work is completed, inspections and appraisals are done, and we are ready to go! God has blessed us beyond what we deserve! Pictures to come!!

Also... please be praying for the Hunt family. They are a family at our church. Patti (the mom) just had brain surgery. She has had brain cancer before and just recovered from a stroke. She has been through so much. Her surgery was yesterday and it went great. The doctors said they think they got it all and they think its benign. They won't know for a couple of days. She is recovering great- they think she will be moved from icu to a regular room tomorrow! The Hunts have been such a blessing to so many people and their faith is incredible!! Praise Jesus for using them for His glory. Please say a little prayer for them if you think of it! Thanks! God bless!

Numbers.

Well I can't sleep so I am writing another entry. I just finished spending some time with my sweet Jesus and so I decided I would share what I am learning :). So I am starting a study in the book of Numbers. I have always kind of been scared of the first five books of the bible. Well.. Not literally afraid but they are hard for me to grasp. They deal with so many laws and history. I have been praying a lot about what God wants me to study and He keeps leading me to the old testament, specifically Numbers. The book of Numbers is such a beautiful book about when the Saints, God's holy people, go marching out from Sinai to the land promised to them as an everlasting possession. The book is all about the journeys of Israel but there is so much that can be applied to our lives today. The first week of study was a little rough and hard to get through but starting in Chapter 10- it is amazing! I am not too far into the study but God is teaching me soo much and opening my eyes to things I didn't know before. After this study, I want to read Leviticus and Deuteronomy. I have read these books before but never dug deep and studied them before. There is soo much meaning in these books and so many beautiful pictures of our heavenly father. I have been reminded that God is restoring, just, holy, redemptive, and fulfills His promises! Thank-you Jesus!

Colors.

So me and my mom have begun searching for colors to paint our house! We are going to paint our bedroom, the living room and the kitchen. We are thinking some kind of yellow/golden color for the kitchen. A brown/tan color for the living room and a green color for the bedroom!! It has been fun but also very tiring. Looking at all those colors and shades is overwhelming! Me and Jonny pretty much have all the furniture we need so not a lot of money will be needed when we first get in! We are sooo excited about the house.. ONLY 15 more days till we close :)

On another not so exciting note... I went to the dentist today. I really don't like going to the dentist. My appointment was at 12 and I didn't get seen until 12:20. It took all about 5 minutes to tell me that he didn't really know and that I had to go to a oral surgeon. So I had to pay the dentist $65 to tell me to go somewhere else. So I go to the oral surgeon and waited another 30 minutes to be seen for 5 minutes. They did take some xrays though! This trip cost me $165. After the day was done I spent over $200 and over 2 hours to find out that I have to get my wisdom teeth taken out within the next couple of months (which cost another thousand dollars) :( My bottom right wisdom tooth is infected real bad so hopefully I can last a few months without taking them out. Be praying that it will be ok until we can save the money for it! Anyways... It was not much of a fun day. BUT the weather was beautiful and God has given so much... so in perspective life is goood!!!!!!!

Answered Prayers.

Today me and Jonny found out that out house appraised for more than we offered... which means that nothing can stand in our way (well almost nothing)!!  We are set to close September 18 and then move in 5 days after!  WHOOP!  The house is 3 bedroom and 1 bath...  It is pretty small but sooo cute.  It has an awesome backyard that has been landscaped!!  Its the perfect home for us to begin our little family :)  We are so excited and so ready to be in a place of our own.  Being between two houses has been rough on us all around.  BUT we are soo incredibly blessed to be living in those two places rent fee.  Our parents are amazing and we can't thank them enough for helping us out sooo much!  They are four incredible people and we owe them so much!  And we are excited for this next journey ahead in our marriage!!  Thanks for yalls prayers and support through this whole process.  It is neat to see how God works things out to those who trust in His provision!  God Bless!  

"It may be a simple life, but that's okay. If you ask me baby, I think I've got it made."

Just wanted to update about what is going on!  Well... JE has finished his first week of school.  He is working during the day and then going to school at night.  I am sooo proud of him.  He works soo hard.  Please pray for him to have energy and strength to get through the week and do well in his school work.  He did great the first week but I know it will become more and more trying on him as the weeks go by!   I am still working like crazy.  Tomorrow, I start to Nanny for a family in Ft. Worth.  They have a 5 month old- Grahm.  He is soo stinkin cute!  I am excited.  I am still working at Bjs on the weekends.  My mom told me about this opportunity with the Mavericks so be praying for that.  I am going to call the guy tomorrow to see what it is all about!  Wednesday night small groups start this week and we are both super pumped about getting plugged in and investing in these teenagers.  As far as the house goes.. We have ordered the Appraisal!!  So we are just waiting to hear from all that.  We are set to close September 18th and we couldn't be more excited.  The Lord has blessed so far beyond what we deserve!  We are so ready to NOT be living out of a suitcase.  Anyways... Thats all that is new!  We are just living life and loving life!  Please be praying for us in this busy time of our lives!  Have a blessed day!   

Fall is Coming!

I am getting really excited about the fall!  I love this time of year.  It feels weird not getting ready to go back to school and I am sure it will feel even weirder once school starts for everyone else.  I am kinda sad about not being in CS- I am gonna miss it.  BUT with every ending there is a new beginning- and I am excited ;)  Me and Jonny are going to be helping out with the youth group at our church!  We are going to be leading small groups- me 11th and 12th grade and Jonny 9th and 10th!  We are way excited to be getting involved with the church.  My youth leaders really helped me grow and become who I am today- so I want to give back what I have been given.  I am interviewing for a couple of nanny families still and still praying for direction- please continue to pray!  We had the house we put an offer on inspected the other day- it needs a new roof.  So we put in a new offer- telling them they had to pay for it.  So pray that they will except the offer because if they don't then we are gonna look for another house!  Jonny starts school next week!  Things are changing so much and I am so excited for the future.  I am really learning to trust God with the unknowns in my life- which there are many.  He is always so faithful and gooood!!  Anyways...  Thats all new here... We are just gearing up for the fall!  I will keep yall posted about the house and about the job searching.  Thanks for listening.  God bless!  

My verse for the week:  "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions."  Luke 14:33      

Houses.

Last night me and Maddie went and saw The Time Travelers Wife at midnight!  It was really sad but soo good!  I teared up a little.  I haven't read the book so I don't really know how it compares to the movie.  I heard the book is amazing!  I am really wanting to read the book now.  I think I am going to go buy it today.  Soo.... You should go see the movie- its pretty clean except you do see some butts a couple of times.   

Me and Jonny put an offer on this house and they accepted it!!  It is sooo cute.  It is in Arlington and it's 3 bedrooms.  I am not getting too excited about it because we haven't closed yet and things could still go wrong but we are definitely praying we get it.  We know that wherever God wants us to be, He will show us!  We have been looking at houses for awhile and put a couple of offers on some houses.  We are very excited about getting our first home.  We are ready to be living in a place of our own (even though we are beyond blessed to stay with our parents).  I have a couple of interviews with some potential families to Nanny for this week.  I am praying that one of them will work out so I can quit BJs!  Please be praying for that!  Things have been exciting around here and we are sooo excited for what the future holds!  Have a blessed day! 

One Year Down, 70 to go!

Yesterday was me and Jonny's one year anniversary!!  My parents treated us to an anniversary lunch and then we went and picked Maddie up from the airport (she is back from Africa).  We ate a huge dinner celebrating Maddie getting home and our anniversary!  That night we got a bunch a snacks, put in pride and prejudice (one of our favorites), snuggled into our bed, and enjoyed much needed time alone together.  Even though it wasn't much- it was perfect.  It was something we love to do!!!  Time has gone by so fast- I can't believe its been a whole year.  God has grown us sooo much in this past year and we are so excited for our future!  God is soo faithful and is molding us each day into the couple we are suppose to be!  Things are changing so much and it has been so exciting to see God work.  Jonny is about to start school again and I am still working full time.  We are loving life and loving each other!!  Thinking back to our wedding day reminds me of such a precious day!  It is crazy think it was soo long ago!  Here is to 70 more ;)    

"When you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything"

I have been reading crazy love by Francis Chan.  It is such a good book and if you haven't read it- you should definitely check it out.  I am almost done.  It is all about how God is love and how He is calling us to passionately love Him back.  It has really opened my eyes to some neat things.  God wants us to crave a relationship with Him.  God wants us not to serve or love Him out of fear or obligation but because we DESIRE a relationship with Him.  Thinking about how much I love my husband- I would do anything and everything for him!  Do I desire God like I do Jonny?  That I would give up everything to follow Him??  "Anyone who does not not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:33)  Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up HIS cross (Luke 16:24-25)!  Psalms writes, "Because YOUR love is better than life, my lips will glorify YOU."  Do I believe this??  I have been thinking a lot about this and if my life reflects someone who passionately pursues the God of the Universe.  You know when you meet those people and the love of God just can't help but burst out of them?  That they are so in love with Christ that it moves you?  I want to be a person who is genuine about the Love of God.  This book has been a great inspiration and has taught me a lot.  I have been praying for a love like that.  Because of our sinful nature- I need His help to love Him and others.  God has been moving so much in my heart lately- I am amazed by Him!!             

"People who are OBSESSED with God have an intimate relationship with Him.  They are nourishing Gods word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages.  People who are obsessed with God are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures.  People who are obsessed with God have eternity on their minds." - Francis Chan  

Waiting.

Well God has been working so much lately- its incredible.  A lot has been on our hearts recently as this semester approaches us.  Jonny will be starting school again in the fall and I will be working full time.  I have an interview on Monday with the Texas Rangers- yay!  Please pray for me- I am super nervous and really want the job but I know whatever happens will be the Lord's will!  I want so bad to be in the will of God and the direction He wants me to go so I pray that whatever happens, I won't lose sight of that.  I also have another interview that day to be a nanny- which is also something that would be so fun to do!  I have all these opportunities in front of me and I would love some prayer.  Bj's is going great and I love the people there (I am definitely a light in the darkness).  I am also going to start reffing youth volleyball as well...  I am so excited to see where the Lord puts me this semester- trying not to be anxious.  Whether its right where I am or at another job.  Also, me and Jonny are currently praying over where we are going to live this next semester.  Its been hard because we don't have much money but thankfully we are blessed by wonderful parents who give us way more than we deserve.  We spent some sweet time in prayer tonight and it is so neat how God is growing us closer to Him as we seek His direction.  I am so blessed by such a wonderful man of God.  We have been definitely heavy in prayer and are way excited for what the future holds.  As long as we got each other- its gonna be great.  The Lord is good and does what He promises for those who believe!  I read in Luke a couple of nights ago and this verse has been heavy on my heart these past couple of days- "And blessed is she who believed that there would be fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord." (1:45)  I have been clinging to this promise.  I know that the Lord is going to provide and take care of me- I BELIEVE IT!!!  God is soo good!  Thats all thats on my mind right now!  Please continue to pray for us as we seek where God wants us!  God bless!     

Hope.

I have been feeling really drained lately!  Working, cleaning, taking care of dogs, and a husband can be very tiring.  I wouldn't trade my life for anything but I am struggling to get through the days lately... I have been reading a lot in Romans and been reminded that the JOY of the Lord will be my strength.  I have to spend time in prayer of everyday and remind myself to rely on the Lord's strength and NOT my own!  Its soo cool how much energy I have after giving my day to the Lord as opposed to when I don't.  God is good!  Here is what I read today (Romans 5:1-11)    

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Grace.

I woke this morning so excited- I was going to get my car- FINALLY!  For those who don't know or forgot because its been so long, my brand new Mazda 3 has been in shop for 2 months after some guy ran into it in front of my house!  Well me and my mom woke up and drove all the way down to good old College Station to pick it up.  Man, I miss that place :(  I forgot how much I loved it and as soon as I got down there all the wonderful memories started coming back!  We went and picked it up and then stopped by the Brookside house to check and make sure the lawn was still alive haha (it was for the most part)... After briefly being at the house we went and ate at Blue Baker (yummy!) then headed for our journey home!  As we got on highway 6 we noticed that my car was making some very funny noises- NOT good noises.  You would think $11,000 and 2 months later- the car would be better than new... Anyways... Something is definitely not right with it.  We ended up just driving home anyways and tomorrow we are gonna take it to a Mazda dealership to have them check it out.  I was pretty frustrated- I want my car soo bad!  

As me and my mom were driving home I got a text from Maddie!!  I was soo excited- I miss her so much.  She is doing great.  She is having some trouble sleeping at night and its making her exhausted during the day so please be praying for rest for her.  She said that all the kids stories are pretty heartbreaking and her eyes are being opened so much!  It brought much joy to my heart to hear from her!  As I was sitting there praying for her and thinking about my broken car (I know- don't really go together)- I was reminded how we are all so broken.  We live in such a broken world.  We are all in need of a Savior and Healer.  And no matter how hard we try we will never be perfect enough but only by the GRACE of God will we enter His Kingdom!  I know these are things we all know and such simple truths BUT I have been thinking a lot about missions lately... And I think God is calling me and Jonny to go on a summer long mission trip next year.  I don't know the details or what that means but God has been really putting it on my heart lately.  RIght now we are being still and trying to listen to God's direction!  We have been praying about it a lot and would appreciate prayers as well!  Thats about all I have tonight... Good night ;) 

Here Comes Goodbye.

Sending Maddie off!  We dropped her off at the Airport @3... She has a nine hour flight to London and then a ten hour lay over then its another ten hours to Africa!  I miss her already!!  Praying hard!!  We love you!!!