My Daddy

I don't think I have ever said that my Daddy is my hero, he is! I love him to the moon and back. He loves me even though I may make him a little mad at times. I love that he gave me so much independence when I was young. I love that he disciplined/spanked me. I love that he has made a home for me to come back too, along with Momma. I love that he checks my oil and all the other stuff in my car. I love that he keeps track of when my oil needs changing. I love that he calls me while I'm at school just to check in and say hey. I love that on Fridays me and him go out to eat for a late lunch together. I love that he protects me and always has my best interest in mind. I love that I'm his "baby girl." I love that he wants to support his family. He gets up every morning at 530 to go to work. I love that he asks me to go with him to Josh's baseball practice to keep him company. I love that he tells me he wants me to stay home until Sunday on Spring Break because he hasn't seen me that much. I love that he is my "protector."

Now let me tell you a little story about him being my "protector."

Last night, I couldn't get to sleep and at about 1:30 I heard a noise outside. It sounded like someone was at our door. If freaked me out a little but I stayed in bed and said one of those quick, I'm scared to death prayers. It went something like, "Jesus, please keep me safe and let there not be someone outside our house!" haha! Then I waited approximately 2 seconds after I said that and my sweet dog, Lady Bug, started barking I was like, "Oh no! She heard it too." Then she walked into my room and started barking at me. At this point I was shaking, I got up, peeked my head out the bedroom door (you know, in case the robber was in the house) and went and got my parents. Lady followed me. Now picture this I go into their room and tap them and whisper " I think someone is at our door trying to get in." Daddy rolled over, gave me those eyes, and said, "You want me to go outside and check don't you?" You know my reply. :) He got some shoes on, meanwhile me and Momma peeked through the blinds to see the garage was left open. Now I'm really thinking someone was out there. Daddy went out shut the garage door and came in a said, "No one out there to get you, we're safe." We all lay back down and I'm a little scared but eventually go to sleep.

This is why I love my Daddy because he protects his family. He will do what he needs to, to make us all feel safe. And I love that about him. I wouldn't trade my Daddy for the world!

Baja, Mexico

To go or not to go?

I wish I knew what I was supposed to do but I don't.

Ever since last year I have known I would go somewhere, sometime to do missions. But when? Where? What? I was really in deep prayer about it last year around Campus Harvest and I feel like at CH I was told "wait, listen, keep praying, I'm preparing you and your heart." Since last year God has done AMAZING work in me. I have come so very far since last year around this time. I can't even describe the feeling I get when I look back at where I was in my walk last year. It is truly amazing, to me. All this to say I still don't know if now is the time or not. I'm praying about it, that's all I know to do.

Baja has been on my mind constantly. I have had dreams about Baja and being there doing mission work. A couple of people from VCM were there with me and then there were so many people I didn't know from Adam. I got a little side tracked there.. sorry.

I have told Momma and Daddy about Baja and Momma was all for it and told me to go ahead a get a passport and Daddy was a little more hesitant. You have to realize Daddy is the more rational, protective, and logical parent. He is worried about me flying for the first time without one of them (I can't say I'm not scared to death to get on a plane for the first time without my family, because I am but at this point that isn't holding me back), he is worried about my safety, apparently an American got killed in Mexico recently and a Texas legislature advised all Americans not to travel to Mexico, he doesn't think I could raised the money, etc. I felt like saying blah, blah, blah but that would be disrespectful to his opinions and I try not to do that. I mean he is my Daddy and always has my best interest in mind and a lot of times he does know best...

All of this to say I really have no clue what to do, I know what I want to do. But sometimes it's hard to separate my thoughts and the Lord's plans for me. :) I would appreciate if y'all would say a little prayer for discernment and confirmation either way, to go or not. I just want a clear answer. Thanks!

Spring Break

Yes! It is officially spring break. I'm one day in and loving it. I have absolutely nothing planned to do, other than a few things. You know, getting my hair cut (should I cut like 2-3 inches off or just a trim or a whole new style? any suggestions?), going to the dentist, taking Josh to the ENT for his allergy shot and to get a new vile of "whatever the heck that stuff is" (fun stuff, I get to sit in the waiting room with a really impatient 13 year old boy whose arm happens to be violently itching! poor thing!). That's all the major stuff.

I have been helping Daddy with the deck lately. It's no fun but I feel the need to do it and help him. Plus its good bonding time and I enjoy being out there with him. I will post pictures of the new and improved deck. It's lots bigger and nicer and I love it! I'm so thankful my Daddy is so handy and can build just about anything and if he doesn't know how to he will try his best to figure it out. Another thing I love about my Daddy is that he doesn't undertake something that he knows is above his ability.

One thing I'm really looking forward to is watching Josh play middle school ball. They have already had one game and I missed it, which unfortunately I'll miss all his games except the two this week. I enjoy watching him play and being a part of the family and going to his baseball games. I am exited though because after I get out of school he will be starting up playing travel ball and those games are on the weekends so I will get to watch all the baseball I want. I may regret saying I'm looking forward to travel ball about July, when it's hot as the blazes, but right now I am! My brother is so talented, I may be a little biased but still I think he is pretty awesome back there behind the plate.

Change of subject, isn't it funny that when you are in high school you think man if only I could just be in college already. They get spring break early, they don't have school work, they are so free. You know what, I wish I could be back in high school sometimes! I just write this to say I have a whole lot of studying that has to get done over spring break because my professors decided to give me four tests/quizzes within the first two weeks of being back. But that's okay because after college there is no spring break, unless I worked for a school or something like that, but I'm not. :) So today I'm thankful that I can attend college, learn my material, and be at home while doing it!

So yes, spring break is here, and the MOST important thing that is happening soon is the nursing letters will be mailed out in 10 whole days! It has come so fast! I'm excited! I'm nervous! I'm anxious! I'm scared to death! I want to scream! I have to have a camera ready in 10 days to document good or bad! I know what ever happens, life will go on and I will live and I will get into nursing school at some point, hopefully sooner than later. :) Please say an extra prayer for me, that I don't go crazy in these last few days of waiting. Thanks! I know thats petty but I'm serious. haha!

Okay that's all folks! I can't believe I just said that but have a wonderful spring break if you are on one, if not, I hope yours comes fast and if you aren't in school at all, have a good week!

C25K

Couch to 5K. I have officially embarked on a "journey." I have started running, or more like jogging. But whatev. I am on week 5 of 9. Let me to you something, this program ain't no joke! It has had me thinking I couldn't jog another step. I hit a wall when it jumped from running 8 minutes to 20 minutes. Whew, that's a lot for someone who has never in their life run before but I'm determined and I will do this! I'm amazed when I look back to a couple of weeks ago and I thought that running those few minutes were tiring now I can tackle 8 minutes like it's nothing. I guess more than anything I'm proud of myself. I really need to run consistently. It's good for me. I'm excited and I will update as I continue on my running journey. :)

I got some new running shoes today. My old tennis shoes made the arches of my feet hurt so hopefully this will make it all better. I think tomorrow Momma is going to take me to get some capris and shirts to run in. I'm excited for all this new gear. I really want an arm band thingy to hold my iPod and such but that may just have to wait a little while. :)

Anyway, I hope all 2 of you have had a wonderful week! and have an even better weekend!

A Book To Live By

About 3 weeks ago I started reading Proverbs. I started with one chapter a night and then bumped it up to two a night. I really enjoyed reading this book of the Bible. Before this I have read verses, sometimes whole chapters but never the whole book. I truly loved it! There are some awesome verses that we all need to live by, I know I need to at least. I could be doing much better than I am now. I love the verses where they tell you straight up how we need to live. I love that it is a well rounded book, it covers many areas of life. Below are my favorite verses just for my reference in the future. I loved some and wish I didn't have to hear the others because they "called me out."

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:11-12

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:21-26

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Proverbs 4:23-24

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16-19

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Proverbs 11:16

Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it. Proverbs 11:27

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. Proverbs 12:4

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.Proverbs 13:24

The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.Proverbs 15:3

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. Proverbs 15:18

Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16: 9

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. Proverbs 17:1

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. Proverbs 17:14

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines. Proverbs 18:17

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. Proverbs 18:22

A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof. Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry. Proverbs 19:13-15

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. Proverbs 20:15

A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way? Proverbs 20:24

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD. Proverbs 21:30-31

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. Proverbs 23:17

My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.. Proverbs 23:26

The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. Proverbs 28:14

A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:20

The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper. Proverbs 28:25

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire. Proverbs 29:17

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:10-31

Now I'm reading Ephesians and learning lots about Gods grace and love for us. Maybe I will do another post like this for Ephesians. Have a wonderful week!

Writer's Block?

Yeah, so I haven't blogged in a long while (over a week) and it's because I just don't have anything to say. I mean I could update you on all the little details of my life but I'm sure you would rather me not do that. ha!

Sarah is sitting beside me "blogging about deep stuff." I guess we will see what see has to say.

I changed my mind, I have decided to write all the little teeny tiny details of my life out right now. Bear with me for a second..

First off, I have been without my devotional book for about 3 weeks now. But I have benefited from it, I have been reading the Word a lot more without my devotional. It's amazing, I have read through Proverbs and am now reading Ephesians, per suggestion of Mrs. Rhonda, my bible study leader. It's good stuff. God is so full of grace and love for us. Last night I read Ephesians 5 and it got me thinking. About marriage, about how I live my life, where I feel God wants to go with my life, etc. It's fun. Then I got to thinking where do I see myself in 5 years? Sarah has talked about this a lot lately. Here's the thing I don't know. I know where I would want to be, but I sometimes don't see it happening. It's out of my hands I guess. Anyway, it's fun to dream and this is my dream. I want to be married right around the time I graduate from ECU, I want to attend a wonderful church with my husband standing beside me, I want to be living in NC, I want to be thinking about starting a family a little after 5 years from now, I want to be a nurse, I want to be in my first year of a nurse practitioner program, I want to be running 5ks, I want to have a warm, inviting home, I want to make dinner and clean up, I want to be able to go to bed happy with the way I'm living. Thats a lot but I think it is all very achievable and realistic. It's going to take some patience but I believe it will happen. With God! "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 This is the verse I'm believing.

Next detail, baseball, mmmmm. Baseball season is officially here and I'm loving every second of it. I think I have done pretty good at teaching Sarah all the basic rules of the game, so now I have a fun baseball buddy to go to the games with. There is nothing like sitting in a baseball stadium, with tons of other people, on a Saturday afternoon, in 70 degree weather in February. Doesn't it sound amazing?

Friday I'm getting my hair cut, I haven't had my hair cut since the beginning of October so it's long overdue. I love my hair stylist too. And I'm going home next weekend for my hair appointment. Double plus.

Now for the not so fun detail. My stomach has been acting up pretty bad lately. I haven't said anything on here about my stomach issues but I have acid reflux and gastroparesis. Basically I have to watch what I eat to prevent bad acid reflux problems and then on top of that I have to eat extremely small meals because of the gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is when my stomach doesn't contract on a regular basis or in a pattern. But when it does contract is doesn't release, so it's like one big cramp. It will make me feel super nauseous. Blah! I think I am going through a "bad spell" right now. I really don't know what I'm eating that doesn't agree with me or if I'm eating anything wrong at all. I never know I just have to fiddle around with my diet until I find something that works for me. It's a pain but I realize that I could have something WAY worse than this so I try to grin and bear it... at home, I refuse to be out in public with an awful stomach ache even though they happen often.

Enough about stomach problems. I get my letter from the nursing school in approximately 26 days. Not like I'm counting or anything.... :) I hope that's what I'm doing when I open that bad boy up. Ekk.. this wait is really testing my patience out.

I'm going to do a post with my favorite verses from Proverbs here soon. Get ready it's a lot!

Okay that's enough rambling for me, so I know it has to be for you. If you made it this far, major brownie points for you!

I'm Loving...

...going to basketball games with Sarah.

... that I get a little break from this book this weekend. I feel like my nose has been in it all week.

... that I learned the heart in the matter of 2 days. Or I guess I should say I think I did, I'll be getting the test back soon enough. :)

... a tall caramel apple spice. Oh my word! I'm not loving drinking my calories.

... rainy/snowy mornings at The B. I could sleep a little longer the morning I can hear the rain on my window.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Clark_LeClair_Stadium.jpg)

... last but not least, I'm loving that baseball season offically starts in exactly one week. Friday is the season opener at ECU and you can bet I will be there! I'm so excited, baseball season is the absoulte best!