Your Grace Still Amazes Me

Engagement Pics :)

2011-06-19T23:38:00.001-04:00

*Photography by Lindsey Wilson*

Our Engagement Story :)

2011-04-18T14:31:00.000-04:00

Talk about being slack the past few months! Shortly afte rmy last blog, was Christmas Eve/Christmas, .. you now "THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!"... I never would have imagined for Christmas getting the second greatest gift of all ( the first being Christ :)).. and that gift was the man I plan to spend the rest of my life with ( Lord wiling ) :). I never woudl have thought in a millinon years that after dating over the course of 10 years that it would come down to my family ( aunt, uncle, cousins) to invite their Youth pastor over to our family function! Neither one of us saw it coming, which was how I alwasy heard it was suppose to be :). People woudl always tell me, when you're seeking Christ with all of your heart and the last thing you're thinking about is finding Mr. Right or for guy's sake's, Ms. Right. Jeremy and I both still laugh at how God orchestrated it all :). To keep this blog from being three months too long, I will jsut cut right down to the chase .... The engagement story :)....

April 8th marked our three month anniversary. Jeremy and I both knew VERY EARLY on that we were going to get married. Neither of us knew what people meant when they'd reply, " When you know, you know", but now we do. :) He's the most amazing man of God! He loves me so much and that just makes me love him even more!

We had decided a week or so ago that the weekend of April 8-9, we would have a surprise filled weekend for one another; I would surprise him Friday and he would surprise me Saturday with various things to do.
Friday night was my night to surprise him with our date night so I first took him to the airport in charlotte overlooking the airplanes as they took off and landed... we ate dinner (picnic) on a blanket :) Afterwards, we went to a place in Huntersville, where you can paint your own pottery. We both had a lot of fun. I made him a tumbler cup for him to drink out of decorated in his favorite verses Psalm 119: 9-12 and he made us a "change bowl" for our new house when we marry to put our change, keys and cellphones in.
Saturday night, he took me on a surpirse night out.. we first went to Outback Steakhouse, then for dessert had "Fresh Berry Frozen Yogurt.( this by the way, I later found out was a "stall" due to inclement weather). After we ate our yogurt, he had me blindfold myself to our next destination... I didn't have a clue where he was taking me. When we arrived, I thought he had me out in the woods somewhere.. when I took the blindfold off, he had taken me to his bestfriend's grandparent's lake house (no one was there) with a blanket covering the swing, candles lit everywhere lining the walkway and picnic table where I then found a bottle of sparkling grapejuice :), our favorite candies ( hershey's chocolate and sour patch kids), red roses/rose petals and an additional dozen roses in my favorite color, yellow with orange tips, BEAUTIFUL.. we sat on the swing and read our book we've been reading (100 questions to ask before you say "I Do")- we went through the remaining questions, ... and he then asked me to read the last two pages (there was only one page to my surprise), the "last page" was the back part of the book and on the inside read, " Question 101: Will you marry me?" He got down on one knee with the ring box opened, I said yes without thinking, since I already read it.. lol.. his reply was, " I haven't asked you yet!", I then said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, go ahead, go ahead, hahah" He then said, " I can't live my life without you, will you marry me?" He had tears of joy in his eyes, ... precious.. :) He slipped the ring on my finger after I told him, YES!! ( for the second time) and we hugged telling each other we loved one another... it was really romantic :)

The End :)

We haven't set a date yet, .. but planning for a fall wedding ( this year).

Childhood Songs Are the Greatest!

2010-12-21T20:54:00.000-05:00

Tonight as I'm at work, I have the song, "I've got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, ... where?!, .. down in my heart!, ... where?!, .. down in my heart, ...I've got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart......down in my heart to sttaaayyy, .. and I'm so happy, so very happy, I've got the love of Jesus in my heart!, .. and I'm so happy, so very happy!, I've got the love of Jesus in my heart!" Man, what a great and fun song!

Another childhood song I love to have in my head is, .... "He's still working on me, to make me what I ought to be.... It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars, the sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars... How lovely and patient He must be, ...He's still workin' on me". So TRUE! Talk about patience. Whenever I complain about my timeline not lining up with God's, he's by far patient with my spats and complaints and if only I were more faithful and patient, I'd realize just how perfect His timing always is :)

"Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, Oh for grace to trust Him more..."

Love God, Love Others, Serving the World

2010-12-13T16:48:00.000-05:00

The title to today's blog is one that holds dear to my heart. "Love God, Love Others, Serving the World." This is the mission statement to the church I attended while in Fort Worth, Texas, Hallmark Baptist Church.

This is what they have to say about this phrase, ...

1. Love God

"Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind'

Matthew 22:37

2. Love Others

'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

Matthew 22:39

3. Serve the World

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20

Above all else, each day I wake, I pray I am able to show my love to others through my love for the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). Without the Trinity, there is no life as Paul says it in Philippians 1:21.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, andsin which clings so closely, and let us runwith endurance the race that is set before us, ²looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Prayer:To not be hindered by the things around me but to press on running with endurance to what God has set before me in order to love him more each day through both word/praise and deed/service.

"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you."
~Psalm 63:3

Amen.

Hebrews 12:1-2:

No Joke!

2010-10-29T12:53:00.000-04:00

I can't believe someone actually would BUY this!... HILARIOUSLY GROSS!

This is the day the Lord has made... I will rejoice.. and be GLAD in it!! :)

2010-10-19T14:32:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful day it is... Fall is by far my favorite time of year. The leaves changing, falling,...what's not to love?! The warm crisp air that preps you for the cooler weather. Sunday the youth and "young at heart" went to Julian Price Park. It was a great time of fellowship with hotdogs, chips, cupcakes and good ol' SUNDROP.. which I still have a hard time realizing I went without in Texas.

In of my earlier blogs I mentioned my struggle with control. Well, God definitely has a sense of humor to say the least. Recently He has shown me that when I feel the most out of control, he is the most in control and at work. What a wonderful feeling! My small perception and view of life is nothing in comparison to God's awesome power and work. My prayer is to continue giving God all power and control over every part of my life so he can rock my world into His. :) He is so amazing!

Praise Him today!!

Heather

Humbly I bow

2010-09-16T14:43:00.002-04:00

Humbly I bow, to the one who knows me inside out.

"Open my wounds and walk in them with me Lord."

Amen.

Time in L-Town

2010-07-13T22:20:00.000-04:00

Tonight a friend of mine from CharlotteONE came to visit me in my hometown. It doesn't much compare to the big city of Charlotte so not many people are ever much interested in seeing where I call home, not for my friend, Cathy though :). Cathy drove about an hour away to come spend the evening with me, just because. We met at a local bakery/coffee shop downtown, went for a walk and dilly-dallied through shops along the square. After all that, we headed to the famous "Bar-B-Q-King" restaurant in town. We both got the half plate of bbq which came with NC BBQ, fries, hushpuppies, and cole slaw. We made sure to also grab a nice cold sweet tea to go with our meals:) Having her come to my town, was a neat treat . I love the big cities don't get me wrong but I also love having connections with peoplein a small town. Investing time into people brings me happiness. Throughout our short-lived events along the night, there was someone at almost every stop I knew. I'm serious. The cashier at the bakery attended my church, the cashier at a local shop downtown was my elementary school art teacher, another couple at the restaurant I saw attended my church and on my way home my dad honked at me while he passed by, haha. Gotta love a small town. I didn't always like it and still at times don't but over the years, I've learned more so how much I appreciate seeing familiar, friendly faces. Oh, and before I met up with her, the cashier at CVS asked me how my mom was.

All in all, it was nice having a friend of mine from CharlotteONE come to visit my small town roots and actually enjoy it.

She even liked swinging on my front porch swing at my house:) If only the main road weren't so close, it'd be close to perfect.

Well, just wanted to share the fun-filled night with my friend, Cathy.

Take time to count the small blessings in your life whether it's a friend who drove to see you, a familiar face or a hot meal. They're all great gifts from God :)

Be blessed.

Pslam 34

2010-07-09T10:48:00.001-04:00

My heart is broken knowing my Savior,the Creator of the Universe, is jealous for me. He wants my attention, not just in the easy times, the convienent times or hard times, but 24/7, God wants my attention. The more I seek Him, the filthier I realize I am. I'm filthy.

My heart longs for His touch. He shows me daily how much He loves me. He does!:) Through the sunshine, through people I encounter, through food on my plate and a warm shower I get to take. He loves me so much!

I'm broken just tasting His love. (Psalm 34:) It's more than I can bare just to have a taste!

One of my favorite chapters below reminds me of my spirit's longing to know Father more.

Psalm 63:1-11~
"O God, You are my God ; I shall seek You earnestly ; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live ; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. But those who seek my life to destroy it, Will go into the depths of the earth. They will be delivered over to the power of the sword ; They will be a prey for foxes. But the king will rejoice in God ; Everyone who swears by Him will glory, For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped."

I'm blessed to get to read His word daily! I am restored by his grace and mercy.

Again as I look around me I see so much of God's outpouring of love.

Through my friend, Shanda who is doing missions overseas indefinitley!

Through my brothers and sisters in Christ who secretly pray before their almighty Father for others who so often go unnoticed.

To my brother who seeks the Lord in so many ways. I love seeing God at work molding this clay pot of His :)

Give God a chance to love you like no other.. HE already does, He's just waiting on you to TASTE HIS LOVE :)

Be filled!,

Overjoyed

2010-07-07T09:04:00.002-04:00

It's great to see God at work in the lives of so many people. I want to take a few moments to share with you what all the Holy Spirit has been up to in the lives of His people.

Rachel: Serving in Honduras sharing the gospel with Deaf people (and hearing people).
Her talents and passion for the Lord is defintiely with the people in Honduras. Her love for the Lord shines brighter there than I've ever seen. She's beauitful.

Check out her blog! click here

Bradley, my brother- Just returned home form East Asia. One guy he became friends with over the 6 week trip accepted Christ the day before he left.

Andrew and Simi- Called to Honduras to do missions (full-time) They will be working with an orphanage.

Anna- Teaching English at a Christian School in Argentina for two years. Leaving this week. SHe's super excited!:) (so am I) Click here to see her blog

Ryan and Mike-local missions with Prison Ministries.

Kristy- just returned from Mexico working on houses.

World Changers- Lives were changed with material possessions but even more so through the Holy Spirit shining in and through people who not only didn't get paid to work but paid to get to work ( in 100+ degrees). All for God's glory:)Pretty sweet!

And hopefully soon I will be going to different places to sell bracelets through the organization, Threads of Hope. For more information check out their website.

Threads Of Hope

Remember to Shine Christ brightly in all that you do.

If you're at work remember: Colossians 3:23.

If you're weak, remember: 2 Corinthians 12:10

..........Tired?: Matthew 11:29

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”-Matthew 9:37-38

Joyfully His,

Heather

World Changers 2010

2010-06-30T22:57:00.003-04:00

Things God showed/reminded me on this year's youth trip to Springfield, IL.

-Thank the Lord daily for things you take for granted.
examples: Family, a mattress (air mattresses do not count), schools without bull holes in their windows, Roofs that not only do not leak but ones that do not pour in water.

I am one of the youth leaders at my church in Lincolnton. We have quite a large youth group for the size of our church. We brought 75 people with us to WC ( World Changers) and three youth accepted Christ as their Savior on this trip!

We shared lots of "God- moments" each night with one another and some of the stories were just amazing. One of which was a buddist teen accepting Christ as her Savior. Praise the Lord!:) Another testimony talked about planting several seeds to a Jehovah's Witness. We're still praying for her but the holy spirit was definitely knocking.

The people in Springfield seem so hopeless and alone. I'm not sure if I've ever seen neighborhoods quite like it.

It reminded me of my trip to the Ninth Ward in college. Broken and stripped of joy.

As a Christian, the only true joy is found in Christ Jesus and it clearly was not very bright in the city of Springfield, at least the parts we visited.

As much as I would like to think "Springfield" type areas aren't nearby, I know that's just not true.

This trip has opened my eyes even more to the areas in need locally. I'm frustrated though on how to make my convictions become action. My biggest excuse on not evangelizing and serving more is that I don't want to do it alone.

In Texas, I had friends that would go out to random places with me to talk about Jesus. In fact it was somewhat of a game (a good one ofcourse). Our goal/challenge was to see how we could incorporate Christ into an everyday conversation with someone. Often times we were challeneged with our own theology and grew from it. I miss those moments and challenges. I like not knowing all the answers but knowing the ONE who does :). It's nice to know I dont have it all together but that I can put my trust and hope in the ONE who does.

My prayer if I can be transparent for a minute is to seek Christ out in every direction to see how I can further His Kingdom. I want to be blazingly bright for Him without fear. As a pretty petite woman, I feel like that's one thing that often hinders my journey to telling others about Him. Maybe I'm too paranoid and scared of "what ifs". WIth news stories today of murders and such, I have a hard time thinking how smart it is to go out alone and talk to random strangers. Maybe I'm overreacting. In some cases I know I am. In those cases, I pray to be more bold. To make the time to take the time to tell others about my awesome Father in Heaven.

Well, lots on my mind.. it's late.. thanks for reading.

Prayers:

Springfield, IL

New Christians

Youth and Youth leaders to use the knowledge given to grow in Christ

My Focus- To seek Christ out with His plan in my life.

Romans 10:14

My Friend Chris- in Iraq-US Air Force

Rachel- Honduras Trip

Simi and Andrew- Honduras- Relocating

Praise:

My Brother made it back into the states from East Asia (for 6 weeks)

A great job knowing so many who are unemployed.

Parents who aren't drunkards or drug users. Ones who care when I am home and where I am. Knowing many parents could care less where their children are.

To the Park...

2010-06-03T02:04:00.004-04:00

They see fish! To be politically correct, they see brim ;)

Sandy Hands and Silly Bands!!

Ready, Set, GO!!

Just Hanging Around...

You would think by the looks of this picture that I'm torturing my cousins at the Park. haha. No worries, it's just the bright sun in their eyes:)

Sitting, Thinking,...

2010-05-15T16:33:00.004-04:00

I'm amazed at the thought of how great God is to think so much of me before I take my first breath into the world. I'm amazed to have a Father who pours His love out constantly without ever changing based on my actions. His ultimate sacrifice , His son,showing his love in action by dying on the cross to take my place and to pay for all of my sins. "His grace still amazes me."

My father and mother are not perfect people but one thing I know for sure is their constant love and sacrifice to ensure my brother and I always are cared for, even over things I don't recognize.. As much as they give to my brother and I, it in no way compares how great the love of my Heavenly Father's is!

This verse has really been useful for me to be reminded that in the midst of sorrow, anxiety, joy, the unknown, work, friendships, everything, that God really does work everthing out for our Good, whether we see it that way or not. I love being able to rest in this verse especially when I don't have the answers to those tough questions, one thing I can know of is that He has great plans for me!

God Bless!

(pictures are from www.bibleencyclopedia.com)

Compassion International Child

2010-04-22T18:17:00.004-04:00

I sponsored a beautiful little girl who lives in Tanzania and is the same age as my cubbie bears (preschoolers) at church. Check out her bio! Her birthday is the same day as mine and the country she is from reminds me over and over of the song by Alli Rogers, Tanzania.

If you haven't sponsored a child through organizations like Compassion International or World Vision, I strongly encourage you to look into it. You can find little girls and boys who have the same birthday as yours or your mother or father or son or daughter. So many children are in need physically, emotionally and most of all spiritually. You may be their hope/ answered prayer. Help spread the love of Christ!

You CAN make a difference with one act at a time.

God bless,

Heather

Pouring out...

2010-04-13T22:48:00.006-04:00

In a quiet place where your spirit surrounds me. Fill me with your love oh Lord. May you drench me in your passion for others to know you as their personal Lord and Savior. In a dry and weary land, I want to thirst for you Lord (Psalm 63:1). May I never grow numb to your neverfailing love and mercy. May I shout from the rooftops how glorious and marvelous you are. Lord I need you, my heart breaks for you but it still isn't enough, I want my heart to explode into a thousand pieces just so your hands can shape and mold it into something only made by you.

My life is like a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow. Make my life be worthy of your praise. Remove anything complacent and fill it with sacrifice, selflessness and joy. To live from the inside out is my heart's desire. Without you I am nothing. Without you Jesus I have no reason to live. As Paul even says, to live is Christ. If it were not for your death on the cross, I would not have the choice to go to Heaven. Only through your blood shed on the cross can I now accept the free gift of salvation. I cling to it as if it were my last breath, but Lord create a forever hunger in my heart and soul to "feed" others your word.

As John 21:15-19 says, "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Reading this passage breaks my heart and reminds me that just like Peter, I tell the Lord, "Yes, Father I Love You." but in reality I'm not showing it through my lifestyle, through my walk. I must walk in the light as He is in the light. You see as Children of God and as Christ followers, we are called to reach the lost. To me, the lambs are those who are lost (without Christ) and also those who are "baby" Christians. It is up to the Christ followers to train them and love them as Christ did for His disciples. We are to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. So many times we leave those who accept Christ to fend for themselves when in reality, their new life has just begun and they need help understanding this new road map of life so that is where the "Tend my Sheep" come in. We are to encourage, disciple, hold accountable our fellow believers. As for the last part, Jesus tells Peter to "Feed my Sheep", this here is a cycle. Feeding Jesus' Sheep is another way of saying, tell people about Me (Jesus) so they can be in Heaven one day with their Father.

You see friends, it's not about us, it's all about Him. We have to be bold in our faith and take a chance at being rejected, because if we are afraid of getting rejected or afraid of offending someone, we'll offend them right into Hell.

Be bold, Be Strong!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

Ephesians 6:10-11

80's Skate Night

2010-04-11T15:26:00.005-04:00

With sequence style fabric to 80's candy and video games, it was a night to remember last night as Freedom youth and the "young at heart" rose to the occasion to dress in their 80's best. We had a ball as we skated the night away with our "stylish" roller skates. Students and young adults enjoyed the walk down memory lane whether it was just a few years ago or decade or so ago, it was still fun to see if we still could do it or not, that is skate without falling. Some succeeded in their own challenges while others were a bit more daring as they showed their stuff with a hard blow soon after on the hard floor.

Nonetheless, it was a night of 80's throwback and laughter with fun and games. Many of us are ready to go back, so next time we may make it a 70's theme night or just go in our regular gear. Spring time is here and Summer is right around the corner. Lots of fun things ahead! Bowling, Putt-Putt, water parks, and roller coasters! Let the good times ... ROLL :)

It's All The Rave...

2010-04-06T16:05:00.003-04:00

My new favorite place to go that I recently found is Freedom Park. It's so amazing! It is a huge park with beach volleyball courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, tennis courts, swings and a playground for the little ones, even a box car from a train to take pictures in. It has plenty of grassy areas to set up a nice blanket for a cozy nap or just a nice place to read. So many people bring their dogs and one of the cutest things I saw was Dads taking pictures of their princesses ( aka daughters)as they smiled their babydoll smile. Some friends and youth from church went with me last Saturday and we made sure to throw in a game or two of "Easter Egg Toss" while we had the chance for "Easter Weekend" sake ofcourse, haha. After all the eggs were cracked, we decided to throw the frisbee around a little or until it landed in the nearby pond. Good times good times! If you are ever in the area, be sure to check out this free and fun-filled place :)... because it's all the rave!

Spring Break

2010-03-13T20:48:00.004-05:00

Time goes so fast! Over the past few days of my Spring Break I have been catching up with friends and family that I normally do not get to spend much time with. I've gotten to go to my cousin's elemntary schools and eat lunch with all four of them. It's been a fun adventure to say the least. I've also gotten to hang out with "my peeps" at CharlotteOne. Last night I stayed with my friend, Stephanie in Charlotte. She's a Georgia peach :) My goals this week has been to get my car cleaned, CHECK:)... and to get my Taxes at least started on! That is on the list for today. I need to clean up more around the house but time has been short with working and catchiing up with everything else. So for tomorrow, I will visit my Great Aunt Dorothy and then catch up with cleaning. I know many of you dont really care much about my routine, haha, but I thought I would tell you all anyways just for kicks so thanks for listening to my "interesting" life.

My time with the Lord has been good but I still want more. Today at Family Dollar I found an awesome notecard/notebook to keep track of memory verses. I'm pretty siked about it. It's like a folder, rubber band, and it's spiral bond. You know that's cool! :) It's all about the small things in life.

Oh and can anyone tell me why we interchange St. Patrick's Day and St. Patty's Day? Did I miss something? Man to woman? I dont' get it. Please help me understand, afterall I should know since I'm Irish.

Ready to Rest in Him...

2010-03-11T21:15:00.005-05:00

My fear lately if I can be brutally honest with you is that the things God has brought me through to get closer to Him will be forgotten or rather not applied. I'm not sure if any of you know what I'm talking about although I have reason to beleive most of you may. I don't want to be complacent in my upbringing but rather unsettled for seeing the world much bigger than through my mere eyes. I want to see,ache, experience and reach the world for Christ. I want to think past my own desires and seek His desires so through His desires they will become my desires. Pslam 37:4 I'm off of work next week since it's Spring Break and to be honest, I'm looking forward to a great retreat to get more time with my Father,God.

Being back home is great! I'm so blessed to have a family like I do. It's funny though that no matter where I/You am/are, I'm/you're always going to have something to complain about. The truth about it all is, life isn't perfect. People definitley aren't perfect and there's only so much one person can do. The older you/I get, the most demands we have put on us. Do this, do that, the list(s) go on and on.

I am emotionally and physically tired. I want to Seek the Lord. Pray and love Him. I miss my Father. My Savior. My life has been more out of balance than I have wanted and my focus isn't in focus like I pray it to be.

I blog all of this out in hopes I'm not alone. I also blog it all out to just filter my thoughts out onto something visual.

So much on my mind...

Praying for a rested, humble spirit.

Happy Birthday Rachel :)

2010-03-09T11:35:00.003-05:00

Today is my great friend and co-worker, Rachel's Birthday! Her brother is in town for a bit and she's been showing him what her life consists of. Her smile can light up a room! I'm very thankful for her friendship and look forward to many more moments to share with her:). In Ecclesiastes 3: It talks about "To everything there is a season,and a time to every purpose under the heaven.." Even if Rachel and I are only coworkers for a "season", I'm still thankful for the here and now, sharing the times and laughs together while we can.

Here is a pic of Rachel and I and our two wonderful friends, Sandi and Ezelis.

Good times!:)

Recap of the week

2010-02-27T11:09:00.003-05:00

This week has been quite busy for my family. My grandparents went on their first cruise and while they were away their kids and grandkids went to town on their home acting like "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" only instead, "mini makeover". The floors were replaced with berber carpet and laminate flooring. The "sewing/fabric room" was converted into a spare bedroom and the "junk room" was converted into storage/pool table (kid size) room. As excited as i was to see my grandparents faces as they walked through the rooms, I must say I completely forgot to take the first picture to document this special occasion. How nice it must have been to come home to your family ready to greet you with a smile and hug, and what a bonus to have the fireplace a glow, and the house "spic and span". Pretty cool! With all that now accomplished, it's time for a good 'ol day of rest! Praise the Lord for the weekend!:)

Thanks for listening.

LOL

2010-02-20T16:51:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favorite authors... his blog post is hilarious!

"..like Joel Osteen with testosterone"-Matthew Paul Turner

Snowball Fight

2010-02-18T11:32:00.002-05:00

Seriously?!

A shoe?! A beer can?... haha come on people

Talk about having a little too much fun...

Check this out.

Blessed!

2010-02-16T17:36:00.003-05:00

The latest thing I would like to exclaim my praises to God for are the continuous outpouring of new Christian friends through CharlotteOne. I love being apart of the body of Christ. Last night was the Shane and Shane concert!! As always it was amazing. I think my new favorite song of theirs is burn us up. Check it out!

I almost forgot!.. so, I'm a greeter at CharlotteOne each week and since last night was the concert, I was one of the peeps taking the tickets to get in. While I'm taking tickets,this guy trys getting in without a ticket and says, " I'm with the band, I'm with the band." My skeptic self is like, yea whatever go ahead. It wasn't until my friend Daniel told me, the guy I tried to keep out of the place was the guy I had came to see! Talk about hilariously embarrassing!In case you are aching to know who it was, it was Shane Everett. It just goes to show you how ordinary "famous" people look. It was a neat reminder to me that we all fall short, and no matter how "famous" we are, we all will bow down to the FAMOUS ONE.

Here's to Change..

2010-02-13T17:29:00.002-05:00

It's so easy to do the norm..wake up, work, eat, hang out with family, friends, sleep, repeat... but seriously... BLAH!! I love my friends and family, don't get me wrong, but I want to Seek the Lord daily.. I want to have a real personal relationship. Yes I read my bible, yes I pray, yes I sing in the shower and car my favorite praise songs, but it's not enough. I want more of Him, my Jesus. I dont' want to just live life my way day in and day out. He blessed me with hands to interpret, to have a job, to pay my bills, to have shelter, to have a car, .. the least I can do is give him credit for all He has done. I'm disgusted with myself so often for watching television programs mindlessly when I have yet to see what my Savior, Father, Creator has to tell me. I'm NOT a morning person but if the Lord had no place to lay His head when on earth, the least I can do is give up a little bit of comfort (literally) to enjoy what my Savior has instore for me. He makes each day new for me to enjoy. He brings me sunshine and rain, he brings me rainbows and butterflies, dogs to pet and children to hold. What a mighty God I get to serve!

To my readers: Please pray that I will add more time to my days by waking up earlier or locking my self in my room sooner (before bed) so I can seek His face and have that "date time" with my Heavenly Father. My friend gave me a 90 day plan for reading the Bible all the way through. I'm definitely interested. I want to read His word like a Karen Kingsbury Novel, not that I've ever read one, although I hear they are quite the read!

Father remind me of your great love minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. I want more of you Jesus. Make me uncomfortable so I seek your face more and more. When I'm weak, you make me strong. Your love is better than life Lord. Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice so that I can live for you and be with you in Heaven.

I love you Lord.
Amen.

Celebrity Look-A-Like

2010-02-12T15:55:00.004-05:00

This would be me...

Starting from Top L-R:

Nicole Kidman, and Marg Helgenberger

Bottom:Isla Fisher

Out of the three, which one do you think I look most like?

CharlotteONE

2010-02-09T10:35:00.011-05:00

I am so thankful for CharlotteONE. In case you haven't heard, CharlotteONE is a place of worship held on tuesday nights where hundreds of young adults come together to praise the Almighty Father. I'm so blessed to be a part of CharlotteONE! Instead of looking forward to the weekend, I find myself moreso looking forward to Tuesdays! The Lord has brought so many amazing men and women in my life with different gifts and talents. It's encouraging to see people my age, without a husband/wife, without kids, without anything but themself and the Holy Spirit. It's easy to lose your focus in our world; forgetting our sole purpose for life, to SERVE Him, Jesus Christ!

If you are between the ages of 18-35 and are looking for a place to plug in and serve the Lord, CharlotteONE is a great place to be. There are tons of ways to volunteer; making coffee, set up and tear down team, "greeters", connecting, hospitality, technology. All of these groups are in need of willing volunteers to be the hands and feet. This Monday, February 15th, Shane and Shane and John Mark Mcmillan will be in concert! Tickets will be sold at the door for $15 each.

2009-09-28T16:50:00.000-04:00

My friend,Rachel, found this video and I thought it was too cute not to share! haha!

http://www.todaysbigthing.com/2009/09/22

check it out!

Struggling to Praise

2009-09-24T13:12:00.000-04:00

I hear songs on the radio playing... " I don't wanna go through the motions.. "and I sing it loudly as my prayer to Christ Jesus that as I live my life daily living some type of motion, that it will be a mustard seed size of satisfaction in His eyes. I must say, "It's hard to be a woman in America, and at the same time, it's hard to be a woman in Africa"(singer-Alli Rogers,"Tanzania"). I feel my sword becoming dull and my armor beaten from all that life "gives". I see the world with all of it's desperation and disappointment with people wondering, "How'd I get here?" What steps did I take? I often see so much at once that in return I feel suffocation sinking in wondering if I'll ever feel release from all of life's "offerings". I seek to serve in a world full of "needs", where routine is the norm and going with the flow is waking up, getting yourself (and your kids) ready,"quiet time"/if any, hitting rushhour to get to work;Loving your job or possibly hating it, I don't know your situation, only to finish a days worth of routine and motions only to start it all over again. I can't help but ask the Lord if this is really what Life is all about. Is this the greatness of the Lord? I see yes, .. and I see no. Work is good! It says in His word!, Genesis 2:2, 2:15, ... But I am in search of what the word,WORK means to God and what the word, WORK means to the world. I don't type this to talk bad about working, like I said work is good and if you( and I) can work serving the Lord then that much more to praise Him! I often forget my importance and am bogged down with the future, the what if's, the "yet to be done" and am struggling with the "Praise Him!" part. I want to praise Him when I'm happy and when I'm stressed ,when I'm sick and when I'm scared. As Matt Chandler put it very well in one of his sermons, I want to come to my Heavenly Father looking up, not out, with arms open wide saying, as a child ( of God), I'm hungry, I'm tired, I'm scared. I don't have it all together and honestly I know never will but praise Jesus I know who does and forever will. My prayer today is to rest in his mercy and goodness. For Him to owe nothing to me but His presence, knowing when I'm scared, He's right there, when I'm lonely, His word told me, He'd never leave me. Thank you Lord for your comfort through the sunshine and the rain. You pour down your love and the least I can do is offer you Praise..

-Your broken Child.

As I carry on..

2009-09-01T22:08:00.000-04:00

I'm back to my ol' stomping ground and I must say I am feeling much more like myself:). Being in Texas was a wonderful journey God took me on and with that in mind, I have no regrets. I have often referenced Texas in several conversations while back home in NC. I somewhat feel like "Texas" is my ex boyfriend's name. I've said the word Texas so much that even I am tired of hearing, "In Texas....". I can't help but laugh though knowing the memories in Texas are still with me even if I'm not with Texas. I guess the Texans were right, "I can leave Texas, but Texas won't leave me".

Since I've been home, I've been busy working. In a new place, with a new office, new co-workers and pretty much everything around me is... well.. new. I'm enjoying my time with my family and recognizing how much more I appreciate them than before. I now am clearly aware that I must accept all people as Christ does, just as they are. Counting others better than myself with constant humility towards my Savior(Philippians 2:3). Have I mastered this? By no means! Will I ever?probably not. Should I just quit while ahead? No way. If that were the case, Christ should have given up on me a long time ago!

My pastor at my church here in NC preached two days ago on how Jesus is Savior but how it is up to us to make Him LORD. That really hit home for me. Making Him LORD ,to me, meant submiting everything to Him. I must confess, here lately it's not been the case as much in my life. My mind has been so preoccupied with work that I've barely had a chance to catch my breath leaving my "quiet time" with God slim to none. It's made me question my motives as I adjust to being back home. I literally fear slipping back into an old routine or away from my heavenly Father. He knows I'm exhausted from my new job but I know as His child that not making time for Him is not an acceptable excuse. If I am to put Him first in everything I do, then whether I'm in the shower, car or in my office, I am to praise Him, talk to Him and submit to His will every step of the way.

As I come before you as a child saved by grace, broken and weary, I pray that I lead my life from this day forward completely SOLD OUT in all I do for my Savior and LORD, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Craigslist Junkie

2009-06-02T19:38:00.000-04:00

I'm beginning to have an obsession with craigslist (to say the least).. I particularly love the "free" section. While looking for one person's junk and my "treasure" I have ran across some rather interesting ads. I'm convinced that if I continue in my obsession i'll find even more "interesting" ads such as the ones below that I assume will make you laugh out loud. Don't get me wrong I think it's great to think of others before throwing something "of value" away. I think the funniest part in all of it is actually taking time out to take a picture and then to post and add comments along with these free things.. I can definitely see how selfish I am in regards to thinking that much of someone else to give something (at times so senesless) away for free instead of just trashing it. Through these funny comments and pics.. I'm also humbled and come more and more to the reality of how bad our economy is and how honestly the entire world is. May we seek to be resourceful with the things we count as senseless and petty so recycling and thinking of others will in turn make our world a better place. But still.. as we do these things.. laughter may come! I know a few of people that laugh at me when I make trash into treasure and I know a few who are like that as well but for their sake will not mention names, haha.

Enjoy!

Craigslist Advertiser posts:

"About 6 or so, still in the bag, but bag is, of course, opened. Boy colors. If you would like to leave a Dr pepper, that would ROCK!"

and no lie.. I found this pic in with an assortment of things for sale..

HAHAHAHAHA!!!

A journal entry...

2009-05-03T21:03:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you've heard the saying, ... " Time flys when you're having fun".. the thing is, time is consistent,forever,never changing, never ending. Time was created by God and through time came the sun and moon. I never worry about the sunrising or setting so the moon can light up the sky because I know it will always be there, even if one of the two are hard to find. There's no doubt in my mind they are there. The sun and the moon are a lot like the God of the Universe. He is always there, he's consistent, never changing, never ending. I may not see him as easily as other times but that doesn't mean he's not there for me. Through the sun, warmth and light is given and by the moon a light glow and coolnessi s given. Both can be appreciated. The moon is so neat to me, it gives off this " nightlight" effect across the entire world. God created a " nightlight" for his child. How cool is that?" As an adult I often think of a nightlight as something weak, childlike, and for people who are scared. I never stopped to think of a nightlight as something of importance. In the darkness I can stumble over things and hurt myselfbut if the nightlight is lighting my way I can dodge those " stumbling blocks" because the "nightlight" (Jesus) is guiding me and revealing me the places to go to avoid the hurt.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14

May Already?!?...

2009-04-30T21:11:00.000-04:00

Lots has been going on while out here in Texas for the 2009 year.

I have taken a break from seminary for the semester in order to take care of some finances but my plans are to continue in the fall. Due to bills "LIFE"... I will be attending part time until graduation. As of now, it looks like I could be out here as late as August 2011 or even December 2011!

I've been working for three different companies since the new year and been very blessed with one job let alone three. I'm living in an on-campus apartment with a friend of mine from Tennessee. She is getting married in June so I will soon be without a roommate. As of today, I have a roomate for when I'm roommateless!! Such an answered prayer! The Lord's timing is so perfect:)

Lately, I've gotten some great opportunities despite my busy-ness with work to witness to people I've seen out and about. A "nail tech" I met about a month ago, anthony, from vietnam, came to church with me on Easter Sunday and my friend Karis ( Asian) came with us out to lunch, we were able to share with him the gospel in more depth. When I met him while getting my nails done, I found out that he had never heard of the name of Jesus before. I felt like I had stepped into a third world country but no, it was just my " back door". Boy did God show me what was up that day!

There are two other people/women that I have had great opportunity to share Christ with, one waitress, Maria, from Steak and Shake (frequently go there on tuesday nights late with groups of friends) and then on wednesday night "bowling night",with some friends, I've gotten the chance to witness to a woman by the name, Fati (pronouned Fa-tee), she works at the snack bar. She is from Algeria. Both are wonderful women who just need the love of Christ poured out on them:).Please pray that God will allow more doors to be opened in order for relationships to grow and for not myself or any other person but Jesus Christ glorified.

Some of you know about my church experiences while being out here. They have all been quite unexpected but great nonetheless, however due to differing situations, I felt the Lord leading me to find a different home church as of January of this year. I visited this one church a few months and as of March decided after researching their background and beliefs to become a member. The name of the church is Hallmark Baptist Church. I can't say enough wonderful things about them. If any of you ever want to take a trip out to Texas, I'd love for you to visit:). Their website is www.hbcfw.org . I've never experienced such a missions minded church. It's really neat to be so plugged into helping people locally, nationally and throughout the world. This church has become my family, I guess you'd say. Everyone is so friendly. I think I meet around five new people or more each week!

Mother's Day is just around the corner... and I can't wait! I get to see my MOMMA!!:) Yippee! I miss her so much!

Update

2009-04-02T22:44:00.000-04:00

New News since I last blogged....

Went to two concerts... Soul Stash and Tyrone Wells/Jason Reeves/Chris August/The Autumn Film. I heard about Soul Stash through my friend, Chad. His brother is actually the lead vocalist in the band. They're really good. Tyrone Wells was the main person I went to see at the other concert. He is one of my favorite singers. I enjoy his style. While I was there, I was able to find a new favorite, Chris August. He has a lot of potential and will go far in his career I believe. You should check all three of them out. Good stuff. www.soulstashmusic.com , www.tyronewells.com , and www.myspace.com/chrisaugustmusic .

I've joined the church I've been visiting...Hallmark baptist Church www.hbcfw.org ..This church is the most geuinely God-centered churches I have ever known. The pasotr has been serving there for 15 years and with his zeal and excitement for telling others about Jesus, you would have thought he came straight out of Seminary or something. He is definitley plugged into the light source. I'm looking forward to growing and learning and serving within the church body at Hallmark.

The usual.. work... and work.. and work a little more.. but Praise Jesus I have a job!..

Lots to be thankful for..

Prayer Request:

Karis (baby girl stil in the womb).- she doesn't have a skull. She is alive in her mother's womb however as soon as she is born she won't survive unelss a miracle happens, which can happen if God wants that to happen, if not, please pray that through this precious baby girl's death family members and others will be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Friend, Sarah- Traveling ( driving from Georgia to DFW.

Dad-Salvation

Lindsey Jo-Kenya and those she is in contact with. May her love for Christ shine brightly.

Friend, Robert/Shanda- each of them have a parent who they have lost. (Mother's Day and Father's Day will be here soon).

Soldiers-safety, peace, salvation

DNOW...

2009-03-05T20:29:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I will be leading a group of juniors (high school girls) for a DiscipleNow retreat. Please pray for Christ to be seen through my words and actions. I love doing DiscipleNow's, I carry something with me each time I lead one. I can't wait to see what all God has planned for this weekend! I'm ready for him to rock my world as well as the youth, the leaders and host families all involved!

A breakfast date with Jesus....

2009-02-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had a "date" with Jesus. You may be asking yourself... "Heather, what are you talking about?! Did you meet a mexican guy out in Texas?"

Nope, .. Gee-sus not Hey-suece :)

I guess before I dive in, I need to fill you in with a little bit of background. Here goes,..a friend of mine the other day came over and we caught up on our week as we so often do, girl talk. We got to talking about telling people about Jesus, our Savior, and how us girls are so good at talking about guys(prospects) or if in a relationship then either our boyfriend or husband, yet we rarely brag on our Savior(1 John 4:14)/Husband (Isaiah 54:5)...

Another girl friend of mine came to hang out with me later that night and told me of her "date night with Christ" from the night before. She told me she got dressed up, packed up her Bible and journal and went out to a restaurant. She wrote to her heavenly husband telling him all of her thanks and joys and her enjoyment with his presence. I had had a date with Jesus before but it had been awhile. After she had reminded me of what I was missing out on, I decided to have a little breakfast date with Him myself, yesterday morning! It was so fun! I poured myself a bowl of cereal and then milk, nothing fancy and just starting "babbling" as I so often do to people (especially my family) and said, " God ... you're a pretty busy guy, .. and I'm a pretty busy girl but you are WAY busier than I'll ever be in a lifetime but God.. you choose to spend EVERY MOMENT with ME!!.. Really??!" I thought! and.. that's about the time my " ah hah!" moment hit me.

You see my past reminds me of a guy that in the end doubtfully was the best influence in my life but the thing was, he knew me inside and out and if I ever called him... he was right there. Selfishly enough, I haven't found anyone like that to take his place, per say except when finally realizing.. HELLOO!!! Heather?! Your Father!, your Maker!, . your King of Kings, ... spends every moment with you!

When I don't have a grocery buddy or when I don't have a church buddy or when I dont' have a " FILL IN THE BLANK"... God is my FILL IN THE BLANK!You may be thinking to yourself. duh Heather.. how long have you been a Christian now?? Seriously! You are just now putting two and two together? Sad to say but yes, I guess I am. I have heard it said SO SO SO SO SOOOOO MANY TIMES.. " Heather, find your satisfaction in Christ, if you don't you'll never be satisfied." To be honest, I prayed to see it , prayed to understand it but it wasn't until yesterday through joyful tears that I cried knowing the God of creation, knows me inside and out.

I never have to worry about aqkward dates or " interviews" to see if I fit the idea of someone else or really anything! My father knows when I am selfish, He knows when I have bad breath or what I look like right when I "rise and shine" and even knows how hideous my nails look after biting them.. He knows it all and He accepts it all!

Man! I'm so amazed knowing my Lord! But the truth is I don't know him hardly at all in comparison to his knowledge of me and now my heart aches to know Him so much more.Thank you Jesus for the "achy breaky heart".

You know when you have "ah hah!" moments in life or steps to maturity or whatever you want to call it, and looking back you can see the outline of your growth in Christ? You know what I mean? Well, this is one of those for me. Through all of my bad breakups and not so "perfect" boyfriends, I finally realized that if I don't love my Lord first wholly and completely, how can I ever find joy in a husband who will leave the toilet seat up, leave dishes in the sink with food crusted to them only for me to pour every ounce of elbow grease that I have onto one stinkin' dish or the times when he says, Honey, did you really just leave that "smell" in the "powder room", .. you know what I'm talking about! and f it doesn't smell like roses!:P And if he asks me what's for dinner while watching the t.v or worse playing a video game I'm gonna have to pray so hard!! or I will for sure scream!

Seriously!

Through this quite simple yet profound (at least to me) revelation, it's helped me to embrace my flaws a little more seeing that I fall to his feet daily not because I'm good or beautiful but because he is my father, He is my King and as a princess I should respect my heavenly father as the Prince of Peace He is. I bow because I'm too weak to stand seeing my inner rugged self and finding someway to pick my pieces up but somehow blindedly it seems so impossible. However, my father knows where my pieces of fragility lie and exactly how to piece them back together again by his heart strings for his precious child.

My prayer for you is that you Seek Him with all of your heart (Matthew 6:33) and when you truly understnad His glorious presence you will fall head over heals for your comforter and creator!

May God bless you immensely as you serve Him!

To Roll with the Punches..

2009-02-20T23:02:00.000-05:00

Good friends are hard to find and one thing I have learned the hard way more than once is when those who call you "friend" are not truly really your friend. For me and the words I know in scripture," A friend loveth at all times." It's easy for me to be in the flesh and want to "spat off" but it's another to hold my tongue as scriptures say and to pray for my "enemies". The word enemy is a harsh word but I guess the ananym(spelling?) for friend is just that (more or less). I do my best to "Do to others as Iwould have them do to me."(Luke 6:31). I know we all fall short, meaning we all make mistakes, but I've never been able to swallow someone not liking me. Call me a people pleaser, I guess in a way I am but it still is tough for me to swallow when a person is not nice to me or chooses to be nice to me when it works for them. Patsy Clairmont says it best in her book "I Second That Emotion", one I would reccommend, by saying, "I mean, really, don't some folks just jitterbug all over your last nerve? They're so good at it that it makes one wonder if it's their gift."(chapter 1 pg. 2). I would have to agree with Patsy on that one. I know a few people I encounter at times that I can without a doubt say, it must be their "gift". In a way it saddens me to think that someone would pour so much energy into making another persons moment/day/life more difficult and at times rather miserable. Nonetheless, as a Christian, I am called to show the love of Christ to others even when it seems impossible and rather draining to even try. Although it seems ludicrous at times to be nice to someone who is so rude back to me, I pray that through my frustrations and inner flesh of defeat that I would somehow rise above the spite and instead bow the knee to someone much greater than anything I could ever say or do, so for me when times get tough and someone wants to hurt me with their actions and/or word, my prayer is that I would hide behind the cross and hold on so that bitterness, anger and vengence would not shine forth but my Heavenly Father through his son, Jesus Christ.Amen.

Becoming a Texas Resident...

2009-01-24T01:19:00.000-05:00

Seriously??... a sweet Carolina girl like myself..becoming a Texan? Can it be?!Yes.. I'm afraid so. At least through paperwork ( aka license and registration) Okay okay.. so the state really isn't that bad. If my family was here, I'm sure I wouldn't mind it quite so much but then again there nothing like the Carolinas! One good thing to being a registered driver in the state of Texas.. I now get an ILY ( I Love You) handshape/sign on my license plate! YIPPEE!!.. I remember wanting that before I ever came out here but I wasn't able to being a "first in flight" NC gal. One last thing to do.. Driver's License. How was I suppose to know they needed every stitch of information about me including my ss card ( not just the number) and my birth certificate! Geez.. why don't they just trust the NC drivers license! I mean it only has my face right there on it! Oh well.. gotta go back another day since time ran short. I'm now at work after midnight with an hour left to go. Tomorrow or rather "today" is Saturday and I'm off:). My off days are always my catch up days however meaning, "laundry day" or something else.. but at least I have time to do it and a great job to work at. My job is great ( most of the time). Occasionally I get rude customers or hard to deal with calls but that's just life. We all can't get what we want. Going back to the Texas residency thing.. maybe after I officially see my name on something that says Texas, maybe then I won't feel so "out of place" here and accept that I am in Texas in the here and now and that God is using me here whether I realize it or not. So many times I think ahead and at times worry myself to death over the future. If I don't learn how to stop worrying over the future now.. man I never will stop. There's always going to be something to worry over.

(Matthew 6:34).

As I live my life.. I am learning..

2009-01-15T20:10:00.000-05:00

I've been searching for a place to call "home" for quite sometime, wondering if I'll ever feel at home and what home even is to me anymore now that I'm half way across the nation away from my family "home". Life has had it's ups and downs as most people's lives do however 2008 was definitely one of the toughest years for me. Leaving all of that to be short and sweet in order to rejoice in the new year of 2009, I find myself understanding more of the importance to count my blessings. I am a busy woman who honestly feels at times, if only I could make a little more, maybe then I could have more control over my circumstances and life but the truth is whatever I think about the most will hold me captive, good or bad. The more I look to what my needs are instead of so many times to others, not saying that I don't have selfish moments, I most definitely do, but all the while realizing I desperately need time to rest and grow in Him. So if I must be held in bondage or enslaved, I choose to be a slave of Christ. To count it all joy when hard times come as James says. I want to smile in the hardest times knowing my Father has the whole world in His hands and that my small feeble self is right where it needs to be, in His hands. I am starting to learn how to commit my life to the unknown knowing my Father knows best and He knows my steps. So many times I worry and stress over things like finances, relationships, inner peace and forgetting how He is so much bigger than anything I could ever face and how he loves me so much more than I could ever understand.

I am beginning to grow into womanhood I feel like. Going from the "I'm not a teenager anymore" , to "I'm not married, or dating" stage to now, I'm a daughter of the King and whatever His plans are for me are just fine, is where I'm beginning to plant myself. I tell my Dad what I would like in my ilfe but over and over again he shows me that my plan is just not good enough and I'm learning how to submit to that idea. Being a woman of the 21st Century and out on my own (aka independent), it's hard applying submission to anything in my life. Not too long ago I heard a person say taht if they are unable to submit to their father in Heaven, how can they submit to their husband? It gave me something to think about. My heavenly father is perfect and knows me better than I know myself. Yet I over and over put my God away thinking I know what's best for me when I'm only able to see the present. No part of the future, not even a second is in my hands,it's all in His.

My prayer is to have faith the size of a mustard seed so I can move mountains!(Matthew 17:20)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-27T00:25:00.000-05:00

TOP TEN THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR...

1)JESUS CHRIST, MY SAVIOR.
2)MY FAMILY
-NO PLACE LIKE HOME
3)SOUTHERN FOOD!!
-CASSEROLES!, PIES!
4)DOGS
-GOOD MEDICINE
5)EDUCATION
-WELL ROUNDED PERSPECTIVE
6)GOD'S WORD
-MY SWORD
7)FORGIVENESS
-FOR ALL THE TIMES I'VE MESSED UP
8)FREEDOM
-WHERE OTHERS ONLY DREAM OF IT, I GET TO LIVE IT.
9)MUSIC
-SO I CAN HEAR PEOPLE LIKE JIMMY NEEDHAM, WARREN BARFIELD, MARC BROUSSARD..
10)FRIENDS
-WHO MAY COME AND GO BUT LEAVE THEIR MARK.

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE THANKSGIVING..

"GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD, HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER." -Psalm 118:1

BE BLESSED!!

Tomorrow's Election Day...

2008-11-03T23:50:00.000-05:00

Please pray for our country and the new President,for him to allow God to guide his steps in every decison. This world desperately needs to seek God in order to survive and with taht said, we need a Christian President to help make that happen.

May God Bless America!

Happy "Dress Up" Day!!

2008-10-31T20:46:00.000-04:00

Simple Pleasures in Life...

2008-10-27T00:03:00.000-04:00

Man.. reading my previous blogs.. sounds so drab.. so to turn things up a bit instead of down.. I wanted to share with you some simple pleasures in life I've found....
1) farmers markets!!
2)pumpkin pie!
3) running!
4)family phone calls
5)hot tamales cinnamon candy! ( my dentist wouldn't approve)

What about you .. what are your simple pleasures?

No place like Home..

2008-10-23T23:51:00.000-04:00

Quotes you've heard before, .. " there's no place like home", ... " Home is where the heart is"...these words couldn't be truer!(is that a word?). Today was a tough day... I haven't been myself lately and been struggilng to figure out why. I thought I had thyroid issues (and maybe still do), but while I called my doctor asking questions about my symptoms of sleepiness (even after long hours of rest) and why the lack of appetite... I without knowing was being questioned over other symtoms, while saying yes to many of them, the nurse proceeds to tell me that I just showed several symptoms of not tyroid problems but depression. Needless to say, I didn't take it very well. Me, Heather Morris?... depressed... yeah right! The girls who is (or was) always smiling and laughing?! It's been tough to admit it all to myself. To be frank, I felt like I was in an AA program going through my first step!( NOt that I've had experience first hand wtih that). So,I'm not writing this blog to shout my mentally ill state of mind persay but just to hope for some sort of normalcy. I'd like to say I'm normal (for the most part;)).. I've always been a little different, hehe. One thing is for sure, I want to old fun, carefree Heather back. I never unerstood how someone could be depressed, I thought to myself, " just snap out of it", but now going through it I now understand. My entire world in a way has been turned upside down (positively or negatively), it's not the same at all anymore. I'm not close to my old friends, my family, my roots, my anything.. for the past 2 years I've created my life to what it is today. When I came to Southwestern, it was my first trip ever to Texas. With my youthful spirit, I thought I could do anything. I still believe that just now with a little more thought behind my steps. Don't get me wrong, coming here was defintiely in God's plan and I fully feel like I'm suppose to be here (at least for now), I jsut never thought about the adjustments once I got here. Hopefully, my past and present can start to unwind as I talk my way out of my problems with a stranger. Maybe I should just go to NYC and take the subway, it may save me a little dough talking to a stranger that way;).. jk. My insurance believe it or not actually covers it. So, with free visits, mine as well jump on the bandwagon, right? Maybe thanksgiving dinner will be the remedy too to getting back to me, whoever and whatever that is.

Everyday we change, never knowing what we become until we look back on our lives. Hopefully, one day I'll look back and not cover my eyes in shame but in excitement for His names sake!

I have a few prayer requests tonight:

Manning family- lots of changes and sicknesses

Dad-closeness with Christ, his job, his role as a father and husband.

Friend-blood work

Other Friend- testing for graduation

Nick-marathon this saturday (not to be sore, pace,endurance, strength mentally and physically)

Friend-to come back to Christ and get His life straightened out for God's glory, not his own.

Lindsey Jo-MIssion work, orphans

My roomie-youth, classes, balance, rest

Robert- mother

ALl the Soldiers... thank you for your bravery, strength and love for your country.

I Want My Eyes To Shine..

2008-09-15T00:15:00.001-04:00

Have you ever met a person and just thought, wow their eyes shine!, you know what I"m talking about, the person full of excitement and you think to yourself, what's he/she on?! I want some of that! ;).. well, some things I've read this week have really got me thinking, .. you see in Psalm 63:1, it says,( verse 1), "Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my body longs for you; in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Also, in Matthew 6:22-23 it says,
"The eye is the lamp of your body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. (23)But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" SO, what that means to me is if we SEEK Him earnestly and if our body longs for you in a dry and weary land and if we seek to the point and finding peace through HIs assurance then how can we not start to have sparkling eyes for him?;)...

Well, that's my prayer.. I've not been myself for about 5 months or so and I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever be back to my old self again. The person who was free spirited, spontatneous and always smiling. My prayer is for my eyes to shine more for Him and to get past this "feeling" i have.

Thanks for "listening" and praying..

His,

A few big events have now come and gone...

2008-09-03T21:10:00.000-04:00

Well since I last blogged, I started classes, passed my written exam for national certification and coordinated the Southwestern Savvy women's event so needless to say I've been just a LITTLE busy but no sweat, life is grand and I'm thankful for getting those things accomplished and behind me.. well for the most part. More than just those things have got myself busy, I've now moved in and decorated the house to look "homey", well my roommate, Skye, and I did. We recently had a back to school party at our place and had over 40 of out friends come, it was a lot of fun:). I'm attending a bilingual church (spanish/english) and helping out with the youth. I'm nervous but looking forward to seeing what God has in store.

My Brother Came To Town!...

2008-08-06T23:48:00.000-04:00

Since my last post, I've had plenty of hugs from my "little" brother who came to see me out in Texas which by the way was his first flight ever! I don't think he minded it much either. He has a big help with me moving into my new apartment. I didn't slave him the entire time, we did go out to eat quite a bit, to the water gardens, wildcats game, working out/played tennis, pool, and believe it or not watched a few movies-good chill time. I didn't get to finish his blanket as I had planned which was kind of a bummer but it will get done at some point.

This morning was the best weather, the clouds were out and it was just great. I sat out on my "porch" like a retired old lady soaking up some reading. A verse I want to share with you taht I read is Psalm 56:3, it reads, " When I am afraid, I will trust in you." I dont' like to admit much that I'm afraid of things because it shows weakeness but the truth is I'm afraid of a lot more things that I many times care to admit, so reading this verse was a weight off my shoulders.

I found a church home... big blessing.. looking forward to seeing God do His thang with my weakling self. " When I am weak, he is strong".

Take care and God bless!,

Heather

My Love language...

2008-07-27T23:34:00.000-04:00

Many of you I'm sure have read or heard of the book/workbook " The Five Love Languages".In case you want to take the survey too.. Well, just in case you needed a refresher of what they are.. here goes: Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts, Words of Affirmation, and Physical Touch. Most men from what I've heard are typically physical touch. Women tend to be acts of service, well... I guess I'm a "dude" because my top love language is physical touch according to the survey I completed a few weeks ago. I think that is why it's been so hard for me for awhile no,here in Texas, without someone who I can count on to live with, check on me, hug me, you know. I'm not trying to throw a pity party, to be frank, I'm just trying my best to figure out what my deal is with my lack of personality lately. The funny thing is most people are typically one love language or another but for me, . I was pretty "needy" all across the board so I guess sleeping, eating and working all the time is just starting to wear on me. I'm hoping once classes begin again it wil take my mind off of myself so much and more on other people like it should be anyway. I know I'm not here in this world to be catered to but to cater others. Once again I just need to remind myself that there are people way worse off than myself and to look on the bright side. Thinking of all the kids in Africa and how many are literally dying due to lack of touch. Crazy! Not that I'm going to die, but it just shows how serious/needed it is for humankind to be physically touched.

Let me know your love langauge if you google "love language surveys" to see or if you already know. I didn't expect mine to be physical touch but after doing the survey I completely agree with it. Have fun with it.

Summer's Almost Gone...

2008-07-25T01:33:00.000-04:00

"Time flys by when your having fun".. Classes are coming up fast. At Southwestern they begin August 21st. I have a big test coming up August 25th I'm preparing for and trying my best not to freak myself out over my brother coming to see me in less than a week without his blanket complete! Eek! I'll be ready when it's complete not that I havent' enjoyed doing it, I'm just ready to see the end project. I guess it's much like life, huh. We hurry through life only because we are so anxious at paying off debt, completing our degree to be out in the "real world" only to find out that the real world can be a very scary place all the while wondering if or when you'll be married or if already married when you'll have a baby or whatver the case may be you get my drift. There seems to be more and more people as days go by bringing up the topic of choice, Recession, and following along with the words,"well if we're not in it I'd hate to see what it's like". While driving to work today as I drank a starbucks drink merely because I was driving by and felt like having a caffeine/coffee rush before work. As I drove to work with gas in my tank, the ac on, radio blaring, cellphone by my side, starbucks drink in my hand I realized just how spoiled I was. How many people can just grab a starbucks drink just because they feel like it or even have a car to go through the drive thru for it? I once heard the percentage of people who own a car in the world and well I dont' remember the exact number but know that it was a VERY low percentage. I complain about so many things hourly, daily, weekly that when it comes down to what I'm complaining about, it clearly DOESN'T MATTER. Who cares if I'm single? Just because I think i'm " behind" doesn't mean I am. Who cares if I don't have kids? Who says having these things makes life any less complicated anyway? Life is waht it is and I firmly believe it's what you make of it. A goal I'm going to do my best at before this year is up is to work hard at what I do but make time for things that maybe I dont' have to make time for but want to, to help others in need or to put a smile on someone elese face other than my own. Have you ever heard someone say that the harder you work at not becoming what you don't want to become.. the more likely you become it anyways if not careful? Well, if you haven't, . maybe I made it up? but the point is I think I've become so closeminded with my own priorities that I've neglected everything else I ever or aspired to did/do.

I'm moving in an apartment soon ( next week) in fact, maybe I can start through hospitality and being a listening ear. I talk enough for two people at times, it's time for me to take a back seat.

A Different Perspective

2008-07-06T22:11:00.000-04:00

http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh289/Impish_Dragon/?action=view¤t=Untitled.flv

Check this out.

What a great day... considering..

2008-06-23T19:50:00.000-04:00

Nothing like a day with the sunshine pearing through my blinds waking me up this morning only as a gentle alarm clock instead of the blaring radio or loud beeping noise I swear someone invented that out of pure spite. I mentally prepared myself to work today from 3pm-12am which is a longer shift than I normally take so when I realized i didn't have to be in until 5pm well... it felt really nice! My plans instead of heading straight to work now became a trip to Chipotles for my regular chicken burrito. While I was at Chipotle I got my food and proceeded to get my drink and such and once I sat down I had a man hastily run to me enough to scare me only to tell me I left my car keys behind. I couldn't help but think to myself, " Thank you for not stealing my car" but aloud I just poiltely said, " Thanks!"- with a sigh of relief. After I inhailed half of the burrito I headed to Albertson's for some fruit (balancing out the calories;) )haha but I guess I spoiled that thought when I found the starbucks coffee drinks on sale!

I arrived to work in enough time to read a free newpaper catching myself on music concerts and events in the Forth Worth area but only to soon disappoint myself when realizing that the concert I've been wanting so badly to go to will be THIS Saturday at Billy Bobs!! HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH! Now if you don't understand my pain then you just don't know good music. Ever since I realized I will not be attending the awesomely "old school" band I've decided to sing, "Time" and "Let her Cry":( (in my head), nonetheless, now first on my list once I have enough "play money" is to buy their greatest hits c.d as well as thier cracked rear view c.d.:).

My friend, Sarah is still in town however I've been a workaholic lately all because Im going to Houston thursday for an interpreter's conference. It's actually not as boring as it sounds or at least not to me. I get to hang out with people that actually do the same thing I do on a daily basis with the same fun stories and can talk half way across the room if I want to because every one knows sign language. My favorite part is just hanging out with my co-workers, they are amazing people! Maybe we'll even have a "girl's night in" slumber party at the hotel:).

Random-I'm about to finish up a doubleshot Starbucks 15 oz. coffee after already drinking a Godiva mocha- I think this is the closest to on overdose that I'll ever get-but I sure feel good!

Guess that's about it...Hope you have an amazing rest of the week soaking up the sun and thanking God for all the awesome things He brings your way.

Came and Gone

2008-06-12T23:42:00.000-04:00

I went home to see my family and most of all to see my younger and only brother graduate from high school. He is so amazing! It's crazy to know how much you can learn from someone younger than yourself. The older I become the easier it is to take people more seriously than previous years. It really is true how egocentric you are as a young person but the older you become the more you realize how we all have experience, it's just in different ways, some learn faster than others and none of us are out of reach when it comes to hearing someone out, after all they may actually have a good point.

My brother and I went parasailing, it was quite a treat if I do say so myself however I started the morning off with a run on the beach, it was heavenly:). I wonder if I'll have cool running shoes in Heaven? Just a thought:)haha. We went parasailing at Myrtle Beach. We had a good time or at least I think we did despite my brother saying, " Man there's a lot of jellyfish down there, hope we don't fall." We got a few good pics taken of the first and possibly last time we went parasailing. My next thing to cross off on the list is skydiving!! Anyway I am pretty sure I'm getting off topic which is what I typically do best at.

Random thought #3?: My cousin is in Georgia right now doing more basic training. In a few weeks he is going to airborne school.

Random thought #4:I get bored easily, hence that's why I'm always doing something.

Random thought #5:I really like Matthew Paul Turner's books, I should buy a few more.

Random thought #6:You ever heard of the quote, " The more you know the more you realize how much you don't know?" well yeah I agree.

R.t.#7:I have some pretty cool friends.

R.t. #8: It's almost 3am and I'm still up.. time for bed.

Goodnight.

Deaf stuff..

2008-06-04T02:42:00.001-04:00

http://www.d-pan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=45

check this out....

Undo-Rush of Fools

2008-06-02T04:40:00.000-04:00

How many times have we felt this way? I know I sure have. I hope as you watch this video you are reminded of how awesome and graceous our Heavenly Father is! We aren't good enough and honestly never will be but he still chooses to love us and use us if only we'll let Him. My prayer is to be more and more like Him daily pressing on towards His greatness and not looking back at where I've been but to be encouraged and enthuiastic at becoming more like Him! It's easy to feel discouraged at the mistakes we've made against our Father but when it's all said and done, guess what? He still takes us as we are and sometimes is even carrying us through the toughest times, the thing is, we have to let Him. So many times we/I try taking control over our circumstances, work, finances, even lack of sleep forgetting He gives us rest and peace we just have to step back a little and let him take the lead. If any of you know me, you know I'm pretty stubborn and have a hard time taking the " back seat" to anything so God reminds me daily, or so it feels, to let him take charge and for me to just chill out. If you're going through some hard times right now, just remember, He knew you before you were ever born. He loves you and cares about you more than anyone ever can. Trust him to turn your life around and to "Undo" you to be more like Him. I hope that through this video you are also encouraged and humbled at His greatness!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_DMuahD5o

June 2nd.....

2008-06-02T03:48:00.000-04:00

I'm in the midst of making myself a tshirt quilt but have yet to complete it mainly because I need a sewing machine so I'm gonna use my Memaw's once I get home to the Carolina's! I also have plans to make my brother a tshirt blanket. Who knows when I will complete that?! Hopefully, sooner that I think:).

oh one more thing before I forget, .. I have some prayer requests if you wouldn't mind lifting up as you read this, I and others I know would greatly appreciate it.:) Thanks and God bless!:)

- Co-worker: daughter's pregnancy

-Co-worker:recent death of father in law and husband is leaving soon ( military).

-Friend-obedience to the Lord's plan in his life.

-cousin-U.S. Army training/keep his faith strong as he is surrounded by unbelievers daily.

-Brother-college prepartions/future roommate

-Parents-obedience to the Lord's plan for their life wherever He leads them.

-Sarah, friend-grad school decisions/living situations

-Brandon, friend- summer camp, kids and peers and others he will be shining Christ around.

- Adam, friend- continuing dependence on Christ.

-Anna Paige, friend- Hungary Missions and Preparations

- Lindsey, friend- Kenya missions ( in orphanages).

-Emma Lynn, friend- financial circumstances, pray God continues to provide as said He would.

-Joy, friend at Beautiful Feet-to realize her body is the temple of Christ and to not allow it to be abused and to fight to have a better life.

-Dennis, friend-continuous inner joy through Jesus.

-Me- sickness, contentment, rest, obedience to Christ.

I'm sure I'm missing some... I could probabaly go on and on but I won't. If there is a prayer request you would like to have prayed for please send me a comment/post and I wil be sure to lift it up. Thanks for reading my blog. Hope you have a great God-filled day!!

end of days or end of classes? could be both

2008-05-01T12:43:00.001-04:00

lots going on.. finals around the corner... when life slows down will write. no worries.. i'm still alive:)

Just a Follow up...

2008-04-23T00:07:00.001-04:00

I'm back to "the great state of Texas" and as crazy as my weekend was traveling, I still am convinced it was more relaxing than my usual days have been for the past weke or so... Southwestern Savvy ( women's event) is this friday and in case you dind't know already, I'm the coordinator of it all which aka mean A LOT OF WORK! All the logistics I get to take care of however I'm looking forward to an awesome night of worship with women of Southwestern! The outline of the night is going to be worship, games (nothing cheesy) along with giveaways and then settling down with a guest speaker with the focal passsages being in Matthew 14: ending with music, fun fellowship, food and ministry opportunities! We even have a tshirt made for the night to reminisce over later on down the road:). The picture below is the shirt available in the campus store ($10).

Back to the out of town trip, It was great seeing my friend, Cay. I met her whenever I interpreted/lived in DC a few summers back. She was very hospitable allowing me to be the "laid back" one, it was nice! ( Thanks Cay), that was wednesday, then thursday evening I went out with my friend from the church I attended previously there, Stephen. He took me out to a meditteraen restuarant. It was a first time experience for me, but definitely a memorable one, ( in a good way of course). .. then it was off to finally see my college grls!! ( 301b!)... right away it was awesome! junk food!, girl talk and even down to knowing which gingerale I prefer over another ( which by the way is NOT Canadra Dry). Ahh, .. the joys of close friends! The following day (friday) we went out on the town (DC!) and not really sure what all we did but nonetheless it didn't really matter because we were together again and that's what was important! Saturday, was when I woke up extra early to catch a plane to NC in order to take a shower and ready for an hour long drive ahead of me in order to make it to my other friend, Courtney's bridal luncheon. It was definitely worth it though, a home cooked meal!!, .. oh and seeing my friend COURTNEY of course haha!MUAH- Court;)! Afterwards, checking into a motel only to catch a cat nap and then off to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner for the wedding the following day... oh and the lingerie shower after that! Yeah that was fun!:).. sorry no details. :p

The wedding was Sunday at 3pm; my mom ( in the pic) came early,that was nice, and then after the wedding (which was beautiful!) I got to finally see my dad and brother along with the rest of my aunts and uncles and cousins! Seeing my brother was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip even though I saw him for maybe 2 hours or so, it was still a great 2 hours. The following day (Monday), I woke up extra early once again to catch a plane out from NC to Texas so I could be in my seat by 12pm for a three hour long class.. yippee!!.. Now, I'm here in the library ( taking a study break- choke choke)... on a paper that I am struggling to finish. I feel like I have a bad case of senioritis and the bad part is, I'm no where near close to being finished ( or so it feels)..well.. sorry to chat so much, so fast and with so many useless details but that's what I've been up to... What about you?:)...

Seminary Stride- 5k April 26th @8:30am

2008-04-16T21:31:00.000-04:00

To register to participate or to become a volunteer, check out the website below and follow the link to southwestern;).

http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/racefinderdetail/1,,s6-239-283-284-0-0-0-0-1882091,00.html

The Seminary Stride on campus made it to one of the largest ( f not the largest) website for runners, www.runnersworld.com ,pretty cool and it's a certified course ( whatever that means- sounds good). Go SWBTS!!

I'm in DC!!!... it's good to be back!:)

2008-04-16T14:16:00.000-04:00

I'm here in DC at a friend of mine's place. I'm here for a "college girl time" reunion! My girls are coming in tomorrow night so I'm here hanging out with one of my interpreter friends I met from when I use to work here in the Nation's Capitol. Today, the Pope came into town. I'm so out of the news scene though that my mom actually was the one to tell me about him coming. I'm not doing much of anything right now which is kind of uneasy for me in a strange way but at the same time super great. Dominick, I know you'd be proud as I sit here on the couch doing nothing but bogging in pj's while it's still light out... wow, that's a first I think ( unless I'm sick), howveer I am sleep deprived and instead of napping as I should be I have decided to still do "something" so my anxious self decided to blog! In a few days I'll be on my way to NC to be in one of my best friend's wedding, Ms. Courtney Eller, soon to be Mrs. Courtney Wilson:).

Not too much to say really, just been working a lot and trying to hold everything together. Southwestern Savvy is next friday. Southwestern Savvy is a women's event that is held at Southwestern Seminary for women of SWBTS to worship together while getting to know one another at the same time. There are shirts available for sale and they're only $10. They're pretty cool looking if I do say so myself. My friend, Erin Edwards was the one who made the design possible:), so thanks bunches Erin!!- you rock!

My friend, AJ posted a blog about a 101 year old man running a marathon and well I have to add the link to this blog post becasue it's just too cool not to see it for yourself. How awesome.. and man do I feel like the biggest loser ever!

http://ajayne.blogspot.com/2008/03/this-man-is-oldest-employee-in-britain.html#links

Well, ... lots to do, sure you'l hear a little about it.. until then!

Prayer Requests-

Anna Paige-IMB Conference
Emily and Lindsey- traveling
Sarah- big life decisions ( grad school, job, housing)
Keturah-job placement/summer plans
Michelle- traveling ( Nashville, Tn.)
Southwestern Savvy-for it to be a great success honoring Him!
Todd- my cousin serving for our country as well as the other men and women serving.
Brandon and Adam- trip to Africa, housing plans
Beautiful Feet- for all the hurting hearts and brokenness.- for the people to seek His face and His plan for their life.

Praises-

My co worker, Marci's little boy's blood count is back to normal!!
Stacy's grandfather is in heaven with Jesus!
( he accepted him into his heart and life just before passing)
My grandparents made it to California ( pray they make it back safely on Saturday)

Just another day....

2008-04-08T14:21:00.000-04:00

Today is April 8th, in two months I'm going to be 24! Wow! Time really flys! I'm here at work, my second home, interpreting and doing my best to take everything in one hour at a time. I have a lot on my plate this week, working over time plus two 10 page papers all before Tuesday. So with all that meanas absolutely no social life for me!.. Eat, Sleep, QT, Shower, Work, Paper, yep that's it... so for all my friends in Texas, .. see you when I get back April 22nd:). haha. I'll be on my way to Washington DC next week and then to Charlotte and then back again... busy busy haha..

alright enough about me...

Prayer Requests:

Woman at my church- raped multiple times recently
Daniel Rojos-daughter beaten to death by jealous ex husband.
Me- to finish my papers!
Courtney and jason- Wedding day coming up soon! ( April 20th)
Tax payers! ( April 15th is right around the corner!)
Stacy Manning and Family-grandfather's death recently/Praise- he accepted Christ into his life!
Adam Bostick and Brandon Stiko- upcoming trip to Africa
Sarah Moody- life transition/planning/new job/finances along with it

To anyone who wants to know....

2008-04-06T02:11:00.000-04:00

First off, I want to thank all of you who have been such an encouragement to me not only through words(prayer) but also in action (financially) as I have been training for this race. It means a lot to me and to the people who are benefitted by the words and actions of your efforts are even more thankful than I.

However, due to the lack of funds recieved and the crunch time that is ahead of me, I have chosen to withdraw myself from the "team in training" to prevent the risk of not meeting my fundraising quota and in regard reeping the consequences of it. With all of that said, all of the money raised at this point will go towards finding a cure which was the top reason for running to begin with.

I'm trying my best to not look at this as a losing effort but as a great learning experience. I was able to learn about blood cancers and how big of a need there is for finding a cure as well as learning how to train and run disciplining myself as well as enduring hardships in order to become stronger. Proving my mind that even when I am mentally fatigued I must press on. With taking a chance on team in training I have gained great long lasting friendships as well as a new found hobbie:).

As for my honored hero whom I was running for, she is still in remission and just two days ago went for a check up and everything came back normal, PRAISE God!:).

Even though I am not able to continue with team in training I have learned a lot about myself and what I can do if I put my mind to it. If you've been reading my other blog posts then you know what I mean by that:).

I still continue to run just not as "hard" at least until I have trained my knee to handle the impact of the cement landings every step I take.

I'm not sure what race I will be running at this point but you can be sure that I will race in one in the near future!

Thanks and God Bless!

Run Ugly- Coach Russell

2008-03-31T15:30:00.000-04:00

Check out my friend's blog...

http://chickchatwithgod.blogspot.com/2008/02/run-ugly.html

Just A Thought...

2008-03-31T02:56:00.000-04:00

Today is March 30th and I'm at a random person's house with my two guy friends that I haven't hung out with in FOREVER. Of all the things, I am watching Halo completely lost and wondering what in the world. Ha ha!.

I typically sleep pretty well but last night I had the worst night's sleep in a while, then to make it worse whenever I took a nap today to try and catch up on my ZZZZZZ's, I had an even worse "dream". Anyway so who knows what I'll feel like "tomorrow" whenever I wake up for two three hour classes yuck!...

I can't believe April's practically here already ,craziness. One of my best girl friends is getting married AND my brother's graduating from high school AND I'm turning 21!... JUST KIDDING!... 24. All this is going on within the next couple months. Wow!

I'm looking forward to my trip April 16-21st. Where am I going you may ask?... well... Washington DC for a few days and then heading to Charlotte, NC. I'm gonna get to see 4 of my favorite girls during this time. woo hoo!!

Alright, well guess that's all for now..

....... Running......Running... And More Running......

2008-03-22T23:47:00.000-04:00

I woke at my usual Saturday morning time, 6 AM!... and headed to trinity trails to meet my coach and team mates training along with me. As I drove there I prayed for God to help me keep a positive attitude about my distance running because I was suppose to run 7 miles to stay on target for my running, but you see, I didn't plan to run 7 miles, instead and at most,5.5 miles was my goal due to my knee hurting me within the past week or so. I went to the Physical Therapist last Monday and he told me it was my I.T. band, I wasn't stretching it enough. He gave me different stretching techniques and also advice on how to keep it conditioned properly, one being icing it ALOT! (after each run for sure!).

With all of that said, here comes the fun part:). I made my assumed goal and not only did I meet my 5.5 expected goal I passed my on target goal by one mile!I RAN 8 MILES!! I couldn't believe it. Running with at least one other person really made a difference. Along the way (while running) one of the mentor runners even gave me some advice on a specific breathing technique he learned from yoga, it did wonders!! However as soon as I finished my run my knee was KILLING me! I iced it almost right away and then icing it again before going to sleep. It hurts more now than it ever has but at least I know what stretches to do to speed up the recovery.

It's still crazy to me how much running is like my walk with Christ. Getting hurt or "injured" can really bring you down and even at times instill fear that normally would not be there if you/I were at your/my peak in physical health and well being. Same goes with our relationship with Christ, we at times are afraid of things and because of the fear never move ahead to see God's bigger plan. Instead we sit on the sidelines watching other people "Run hard" after a goal and wish it were us thinking it never could be. Just like running, I NEVER thought I'd run 3 miles, I never thought I'd run 5! But now I can say I've ran 8! I didn't get there overnight. It took a lot of work, just like following Christ does. No one ever said it would be easy, if anything it's tough and just like running if you get out of a routine then you have to start back where you USED to be because the pace you once were running so easily has now gotten harder.

Endurance, discipline and determination are great words that help a person achieve great things whenever you or I put our mind to it. Believing in yourself is the hardest part, after that you've got it in the bag ;)

Anyway, thanks for listening to me spill about my running sprees.

G-DUBB!!!

2008-03-19T01:53:00.000-04:00

Isn't my college mascot cool?!...

I attended Gardner-Webb University from 2002 until 2006 recieving my degree in American Sign Language with an emphasis in Interpreting:)...

Now I work for Sorenson Communications video interpreting:)
http://www.sorensonvrs.com/

An answered prayer

2008-03-17T16:40:00.001-04:00

I recently visited The Village church out in the middle of no where but at least 45 minutes or so from where I currently live. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to going back! You see I've been going to Beautiful Feet ministries for church for almost 4 months now and don't get me wrong I LOVE IT, however I felt like I was needing something more. I was needing a place to worship for my own spriritual growth not that I can't have it at Beautiful feet, Lord knows I do, the homeless people there teach me something new each week! Still, my heart's desire was to be around people who weren't necessarily from semianry but weren't necessarily nonbelievers, married people or near my parent's age. These people are great and all but I was just feeling this emptiness to be around people more who were out tof the "semainary bubble" persay. So with all of that said, I feel like God is answering my prayer to have a church that I can go to for me and be surrounded by people my age learning abou Him and that being all that matters anyway and then on to serving him in the rejuvenated capacity through the homeless ministry, Beautiful Feet. I'm pretty siked to see God at work through me. With this, brun out hopefully will not be a factor, I can sign during the service with out feeling drained and instead can be reminded the night before that it isn't about me in the first place, it's about HIM.

Also, God's been showing me a lot about how running and discipleship with him go hand in hand. But considering I'm out of time for what I have to do next, I'll save that "lesson learned" for another time.

Thanks for reading,

P.S.: my friend, Sarah- job situation, big life changes, my friends Christina and Katrina- God's plan for them ( to make it clearer than it is now), My friends, Adam and Brandon- they are hiking 60 miles and camping for 5 days in the Smokys ( pray for their safety), my friend, Dominick-direction and comfort from God, my brother's knee, .... okay I'll stop there for now:), thanks again.

My Days, ...

2008-02-24T03:07:00.001-05:00

This week has been quite busy to say the least. A great friend of mine came to visit me and it was fantastic! I'm so blessed to have great friends and I still have a hard time believing some are even willing to fly half way across the nation just to see ME. My days lately have been filled with quiet times ( not as much as I'd like), runs ( increasing mileage weekly for a half marathon I'm training for), working, classes, mentoring, Mary Kay, church, oh and somewhere maybe even a social life. ALthough, I'm busy I'm doing my best to work hard and be content with my blessed life. I have a lot to be so young and in fact some may even think spoiled but I prefer the word blessed haha.

I'm currently overcoming challenges in my life and being reminded over and over that I HAVE TO give mysefl over to CHrist DAILY, not weekly, not monthly, not every sunday or sunday night, but DAILY. I remember to pray, I remember to read my bible but I am still struggling with the idea of giving it up to Christ.

My prayer Requests:

-Submit to Him daily
-To not worry ( especially financially)
-My friend, Sarah- big life changes ( acceptance to masters program)
-My friend, Courtney-preparation for wedding, job placement
-My friend, Lindsey Jo-traveling to Kenya, fears, anxiety, preparation, finances.
-My friend, Amanda-job placement, career adjustments
-My friend, Emma Lynn-career, husband, baby, time out for her.
-My friends, Brandon and Adam-money for their trip to Africa.
-My goal of $3800 for the Half Marathon I'm running for to help find a cure for blood cancers
http://www.active.com/donate/tntntx/tntntxHMorris

-My friend, Shelley and family- parent in law passed away
-To all the people who do not know Jesus as his/her personal Lord and Savior.

Changes

2008-02-01T16:02:00.000-05:00

I for once decided not to make any "new year resolutions" and the crazy thing is I have done better just by balancing my life out more than I ever have with setting goals for myself. What I've figured out that works for me is actually not fearing a routine or even making plans. You see last year (which was only a little over a month ago), I feared committing to anything. In result I commited to so much (last minute) that I had no direction. Well, when you have no direction whether it is physically or spiritually you just can't see straight. I had no clue that I was so blinded from all of the junk I was allowing to filter into my daily routine. Long story short, I have been tring to unclog the drain in my "not so committed self" ever since. Surprisingly enough though I've been pretty happy with the way my days have been recently. I tend to work at night so my mornings are "ME/God time" and then lunches and afternoons are either friend time or catch up on chores and errands time except for today. Today I woke up around noon because I didn't get off work til 3am last night (working at Sorenson Comunications-NOT on the corner;)). Back to me waking up. Whenever I decided to actually get up I felt this horrible pain in my lower back. To make a boring story short, I think running on the treadmill is messing me up. You see, I am "training" my body to run a 13 mile/half marathon in San Diego in June. It's to help raise money for kids with Leukemia in the North Texas region. We'll see how it goes. If you would like to help support me in this race for the cure that would be awesome and many thanks in advance. If you can't spare some change then prayers are great too so whether or not you can pitch in prayers are always helpful! I'm still at The Feet:). I'm changing my schedule around at work soon so I can hopefuly get to The Feet earlier to help out. If you are in the area and are ever interested in coming to The Feet
(a homeless ministry) then let me know, we can carpool or something:). Well guess that's all I have to blab about for now. Have a great God-filled day!

-Heather

A new semester...:)

2008-01-30T18:44:00.000-05:00

Another semester has come and gone. It's hard to believe that around this time last year I was managing culture shock... NO TREES!!... no mountains... five lanes of traffic?? who would have thought?!:) It's been quite an adventure thus far being here in Texas in comparison to the good 'ol stat of North Carolina:) ( sweet carolina girls). As usual I have grown so much with all the things God has shown me. Showing me that even as a seminary student I am just as tempted by the things of this world as someone out of seminary, in fact I feel like I'm even more tempted by Satan by him knowing how I want to make a difference in the world by telling others about Jesus Christ,my Lord and Savior! He has been there for me through thick and thin, good times and bad. I've always had someone to disappoint me, my mom, or dad, my best friend, the list could go on and on but with Christ He's always been by my side. The words that come to my mind when I think about the Lord, Jesus Christ is comforter, protector, almighty father, prince of PEACE, loving, just, faithful! Not knowing from one day to the next what tomorrow brings can be tough but knowing Christ knew me before I was ever born as the scripture says and how he even knows the number of hairs on my head, wow!, my first thought is why? who cares?.. but guess waht.. He does! haha. Knowing he knows my future keeps me sane. I know though if I knew all the things God has planned for me, I'd flip out and probably be so overwhelmed I'd give myself a heart attack! haha. I'm such a fickle person. Last semester I dabbled in youth ministry which don't get me wrong was awesome but now curently I'm really interested in inner city missions!! I attend church each week where homeless people come and are fed soul food in more than one way:). Preaching is first, then lunch is provided. Beautiful Feet ministry is the name of the minstry. www.thefeet.org and there is another site you can check out too:) http://www.baptiststandard.com/1998/4_22/pages/soulfood.html .... the people here have blessed me more than I think I ever could them. Getting back to the basics of life is such a reviving experience. These people aren't worried about debt. They are worried about living from one day to the next. This got me thinking about that Tim McGraw song, "Live like you were dying". With that said, maybe this is why I stay busy so much cramming every second of every hour into something for me to do, however I am getting better at taking time out to actually rest, a new hobby I've found to enjoy more and more as I get older;). Speaking of working, I'm getting off work now and soon to be on my way "home" ( my dorm room) to rest. Take care and I pray God blesses you today and every day. Remember to take time out to read his word, if you don't then it's tough to hear what he has to say although it's not impossible it's still harder;). Much love:)

I'm growing closer in love:)......

2007-11-20T01:47:00.000-05:00

Today I spent the afternoon with the Holy Spirit, like a "date". I had such a blast! We first went to get myself an ever addicting Boba Tea from Moonstone and then went off for a trip to the Water Gardens. As I listened to music on my ipod ( Your grace still amazes me-Matt Boswell, The more I seek you-Kari Jobe, Grace Flows Down, and so on and so on)... I found joy in being alone with Holy Spirit/Jesus. Feeling the warmth of the sunshine on my back as I tranced myself into the constant flowing waters streaming down into a pit, I felt romanced by Him. I read Hebrews (picking up where I last left off) and just having such a love just being with my Heavenly father. I felt such a peace.

The song, " The more I seek you" has made a powerful mark in my heart and life over the past few days. It is a new song to me and just the words of it take me to a place with the Holy Spirit I've never quite felt before. The words amplify my heart and how I long to feel with Christ. This past weekend, I helped co-lead in a Disciple Now retreat and it seems to never fail that I think I learn more than the students I teach do. Brandon Cook spoke Saturday night (he was the guest speaker) and one of the things he used in his sermon was on love. I knew exactly what his parallel was going to be with the activity but still went a long with it. It was amazing to me to see that the teenagers answers were just like mine as a young adult. Some of the answers to what love was to them were: spending time with someone, feeling yourself thinking about this person often, serving them, etc. etc. I could relate to each one of these characterstics more than once and each time I related it to my own life, I realized how temporary and honestly in the end meaningless it all was IN COMPARISON to my relationship with Christ.

I asked myself, how many times do I yearn to spend time with Christ? How often do I jump at the chance to serve him like I do with other guys I take an interest in? Only in the end to feel disappointment and that extra part of me longing for more knowing even if the person I tried so hard to get to persue me actually ever did, thinking to myself, "would it still be enough?". It wasn't until having such an intimate time with the Holy Spirit today did I feel just how much He yearns to spend time with me. He loves seeing me happy even when it's over the smallest things like dogs swimming in water or squirrels running so fast away from me in fear that I may grab the pecan or nut straight out of their mouth. He loves spending time with me and is always thinking about me. He loves it when I ask him for advice and am willing to put His needs before my own selflessly.

For the first time today, I truly felt romanced by Him and a feeling of satisfaction I've never known before. It was quite amazing. It makes me only want to yearn to be with him more and talk with Him more. I am so thankful to have Him in my life especially at the hardest of times. I've recently had to give up a part of me that has been rather difficult but at the same time refreshing knowing no matter what happens in my life whether it goes my way or not, I am going to be okay. God loves me so much that he takes things away from me at times only to show me something even better. Can it be painful?, definitely! Is it worth it? definitely! I'm finally understanding the verse, Pslam 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord". This delight doesn't mean you/I will always be happy (delight) but that we will be delighted knowing the Lord's desires are better than our own and that you/I can rest knowing His way is so much better than our feeble, imperfect ideas/plans.

I hope that through you reading this long blog, the Holy Spirit spoke to your heart telling you that He wants that same relationship with you. He says to us, "I will never leave you or forsake you"(Deuteronomy 31:8). How awesome it is to know that he is always with you/I.

As spontaneous as I am, I'm so glad to know I can always count on Him to go with me wherever I go even if no one else (physically) will.

(By the way... the pics in this blog were taken at the Water Gardens:))

Prayers and Meditations

2007-11-02T17:28:00.000-04:00

Prayers and Meditation:

-housing situation
-roommate situation
-my aunt dorothy (in hospital)
-time management (not doing so hot)
-my cousin ( joining the army)
-budgeting
-friendships
-michelle's brother ( in marine's)
-Soldiers
-Finals approaching
-Youth Ministry Lab
-Friends- Gabby, Katrina, Rafa, Adam, Mandi, Courtney.>they've all got stuff going on, but don't we all....

Thanks for lifting these up as you read them.

Grace and Peace to You,
Heather

Almost Extinct

2007-09-30T19:09:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's been SOOO long since I've blogged. I guess it just goes to show either 1) how busy I've been or 2) how many different websites I can surf and how many different email accounts I have to check on a daily basis. I almost wish at times that life were just a little more simple back in the "good ol days".. I've never really understood why so many people see the "good ol days" as so good whenever the present days aren't always so hot. I guess the other phrase that comes to my mind is " dont' know what you got til it's gone"... which by the way is a great 80's song:).
So, another summer has past by and well my days become a little wiser yet some days "not so much". Have you ever wondered why you can be so smart one day and so dumb the next? I feel that way a lot more lately. I think I'm slowly gaining momentum with the smarter days though, haha.
Right now, I'm in Panera Bread, on my laptop in a room full of people whom I've never seen before in my life. All of which have their own lives, their own problems and their own "smart" days. However, I'm sure they each have had their share of "dumb" ones too.
I'm not really sure what this blog is suppose to tell you that I'm sure you don't already know but just typing out my thoughts as I guess you are "suppose" to with one of these things.
As for now, I'm going to get to my studies that I've been pushing to the side since I've been here in Panera so I can understand all of the material I need to for my test. so, ... ta ta for now.

-Heather Brooke

.............................yeah....................

2007-05-09T00:20:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is the last day of finals and the first day of a good night's sleep or at least that is the plan! I am flyin home thursday ( Lord willing!-stand by ticket) and then will be officially graduating from Gardner-Webb University:). I'm looking forward to the summer months ahead and times to get closer to God and finally get to enjoy a little more of Texas without all of the papers so often due.

I can't wait to get back to the Carolina's to see my family and my friends. I am startin to miss them all a little more than before. Who knows what my life will be like in five years! I sometimes see it far away from my family but then there are times where I see them pretty close to me as well, I'm just a little closer to the big city:)haha. Only God knows what tomorrow brings so I'm not going to worry about it.

I pulled an allnighter studyin and workin on papers last night so off to bed soon. Goodnight!

-Heather

Just Catchin' Up..

2007-04-24T01:13:00.000-04:00

It's been quite awhile since I last blogged so lots to catch up on. I know I won't remember it all so I'm not even going to try. I will start ( and end ) with what I remember:).

I went home with Bradley for Easter weekend to meet his family. It was alot of fun:). I was a little apprehensive at first just because the thought of "meeting the fam" but it turned out to be a great decision in the end.

Midterms and final projects ( and now finals) have been not only in my mind but everyone else around me so it has been a challenge to not feel the stress coming in all directions at times but God is still God and is seeing me through.

A week or so ago my friend, Katrina and I went to Downtown and planned to watch TMNT but instead we cancelled that idea and went towards Sundance Square. Much to our surprise and advantage, Tracy Byrd and Charlie Daniel's Band was playing for FREE:). We had a blast!!

Just a few days ago, Bradley and Brandon had a cookout at their apartment. I must admit they both surprised me with their cooking. It was great:). Afterwards, Charis and I went to the Water Gardens in Downtown Fort Worth and then headed over to check out the Arts Festival all at the last minute. I love living life that way:). Never a dull moment haha.

Oh, and I almost forgot, I started my new job working with Sorenson Video Relay Service. It has been quite a challenge but also a wonderful opportunity and experience. Daily God reminds me of how much I have still to learn and to be patient and humble with it all. It is difficult, I must admit but I am getting there, slowly but surely.

In only a matter of weeks, will be me graduating from my undergraduate school ( officially), Yes I am doing it a little backwards, but it is because my school back in NC is so small they just postpone the december graduates until then.

Well, guess that is about it for now. Just a quick catch up. Goodnight!

Just a recap of the week so far...

2007-03-24T12:07:00.000-04:00

This week has been better than most.

I have actually been more awake at 6:30am than usual ( to get ready for the day). This may not sound like a big deal to most but for me God definitely has interveined ( spelling?) with my motivation.

I recieved an ebay package in the mail. That is always nice.

God also reminded me in the midst of my busy agenda to just look around (on campus) and remember His beauty. So what'd I do?!... I headed to the small waterfall on campus and admired the fish. Did you know there are four small "baby" fish in there. Bet ya didn't! haha.

Oh! and my roomie, Rachel brought home a carton of "Chunky Monkey" Ben and Jerry's icecream, .. JUST FOR ME:). She knows the key to my heart:) haha... FOOD!

Overall, the week has been pretty great... there are other great things I didn't mention too just because there were lots... so .... yeah! God is good:)... ALL the time!:)

God Bless!-
Heather

How Great is Our God:)

2007-03-22T17:53:00.000-04:00

"Sing with me, .. How great is our God, .. and all will see how great, how great is our God:)"... having a song in my heart always makes me happy and well right now I am happy because I was able to go with two of my friends today, Katrina and Josh, to a coffee shop near TCU. We went hoping/praying that God was allow us to meet someone new, get to know them and tell them about our awesome Savior, .. well he did just that:). We got to meet an awesome girl and share with her Jesus. She was not a Christian but was open to what we had to say as we were to her own beliefs. We were able to get her phone number and well from this point I just pray that a friendship will bloom to where she will see Jesus the way we do, "the way, the truth and the life!"

I am constantly amazed to see God at work when I decide to just step out of the boat. The thing is I don't do it nearly enough. As much as I want to, I find myself spending my minutes/hours/days wasted away on things that are merely temporary.

When "stepping out of the boat" I find myself "spiritually drunk" with God's awesome power to share the gospel through my feeble efforts. I am amazed so often by his constant flowing grace ( Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, amazing grace, now flowing down, ... ( another song in my head)).

Different subject....

Last year I guess about this time, to be honest I can't remember the date exactly but I got the opportunity to interpret for my favorite author, Matthew Paul Turner. He is such a down to earth, genuine guy. Posted to the left is a picture of him signing a recently bought book of mine. What a cool day that was:)

Back in Texas

2007-03-19T18:54:00.000-04:00

I never realized how much I really do like this state... for those of you from here. Don't get a "big head" about it though. I still don' t see it as the "texans" do around here, haha. However, I have come to appreciate the flat ground more so than I did before. But I think what I like the most is the fact that everything is within 5 to 15 minutes away! I have grown to be impatient with regular roads back home and slow people and trees covering up my sunsets. I was ready to be back and see the sunset on the horizon as well as seeing the city lights. These things is what I have grown to love since I have been here. Others things ofcourse too but as far as state to state comparison goes, that is it. On the other hand, I was not able to travel to the beach or the mountains while at home so those things definitely make my state a great one too:).

The highlights of my trip home to North Carolina...
-ofcourse seeing my family
-taking my cousin out for icecream and to a nearby school playground
-watching my brother's games
-seeing my other cousin practice tball for the first time
-sunday pot luck with all my family (approx. 30 of us)
-eating at all of the local restaurants with family and friends
-spending time with Courtney and going to Plato's Closet

So, I got a lot in as you can see, now i'm ready for a REAL break!:)

Court-jar,Court-Knee,Courtney!!!

2007-03-17T10:52:00.000-04:00

My brother's game was cancelled due to the rain here. It is now today ( Saturday). The good part about that though is I got to spend time with Courtney!! For those of you who do not know her yet, she is my other half. When God made her ( since she is older:)) he had a little left over and well, I think he use the rest of her to create me. We think so much a like and are just so goofy together, IT's GREAT!! haha.

Alright enough intro:), .. yesterday I meet up with Courtney in Gastonia ( half way point) to charlotte and before she could even drive to my (mom's) car I was already out of the car thrilled with excitement. We hugged each other to death as if we were married. So, after the long "oh I've missed you" speech was over and the "You look great" speech was over too haha, we headed to Charlotte!!, What for you may ask... Plato's Closet!! Now, to those of you who live within 5 minutes from a Plato's Closet ( Seminary students!), you may be thinking why are they driving (45minutes) so far to this place?! Well all I can say is that is my small town for ya and I guess my state too. There are only 5 or 6 Plato's in the entire state. If I had an extra $200, 000 on my hip I'd have to invest.

When we finally get there, you should have seen us! It was hilarious.. I should have taken a picture of Courtney, she was the funniest! I think she had 30 pairs of jeans hanging off of her one arm to try on and then whatver else she could lay on top of that without breaking her arm off or falling over ( whichever would have come first). As I make my way with all of my things to try on, these two high school girls ask me (without even knowing my name), are you buying all of those clothes? Do you have that much money? Being the girl that I am, I first thought, "I didn't think I had that much!, then I thought, wayy more than half of these things I have will not fit on me. Same went with courtney and her philiosophy. But man! I wish y'all could have seen those girl's faces when Courtney walked up to try on all of her clothes. I just busted out with laughter knowing Courtney was clueless of my recent conversation with these high school girls. haha.

We made it out of Plato's with fun things and reasonable prices so we were both happy:). After that we headed to RJ Gators but once I aw the sanitation grade (90.5) we didn't stay. For those of you who do not know me, I am the world's worst when it comes to a sanitation grade. Somehow God has helped me out a lot being in Texas, I haven't seen one yet and to be honest with you, that didn't stop me in DC. but that is another story.

To tie this up soon because most if not all of you probably are bored reading this long thing......

Courtney and I went to Applebees instead for dinner and then headed back to her nw apt for the night ( Last year we lived together in a different apt). It was so good just to sit back and have fun with her:). For lunch today we are going to BEEFY'S!! They have the best food an lemonade ever. AND they are a Christian owned company which makes it even better:)

Thanks for reading my ramblings:)

2007-03-15T23:54:00.000-04:00

Well ,.. I made it!:).. I sat beside of Brett Summers on the way to NC...(well sort of.. this woman was a "look a like"). My grandparents and uncle came to get me at the airport. For lunch we went to Bojangles.. for those of you who arn't from the southeast, you are missin' out on some great "chicken and biscuits"!. My grandmother, bless her! She stuffed BBQ sauce into my purse just so I could "savor the flavor" of Bojangles once I got back to Texas, haha. That afternoon I picked up my cousin and we went to get a hawaiian ice and a sundrop. Again this is a Carolina thing:). I've been to most all of the restaurants I have tried my best to eat at before the trip back. Court Street Grille ( my old waitressing job)-Steak and Ranch Pizza!, The Ranch House with the grandparents (breakfast-ordered livermush!),BBQ King (vinigar based bbq sauce!),Set up from ITs Drive In ( a set up is a cherry sundrop with two cherries and a lemon),tomorrow I'm eating lunch with my friend, Loy at Japan (Japanese restaurant). I'm not sure if I will make it up to Beefy's or not. I kind of hope I do, .. but it is "iffy". Courtney is driving to see me tomorrow. My brother has another ball game ( baseball). This will be the third one since I have been home so that has occupied a lot of my time. I think I have gained 4 or 5 pounds in only a matter of days. I'm ready to hit the gym when I get back! haha.well, enough yappin' just wanted to type out what's been goin' on with me lately.

I'm going to NC... that is if Jesus doesn't come back first:)

2007-03-12T14:07:00.000-04:00

yay!, .. so last night around 10pm I get a call from my "travel agent" (choke choke).. telling me he has a flight booked for me tuesday am and then arriving back monday. At that point, anything would have been fine... thursday friday, .. whatever... i just hated not knowing when i was leaving especially with my bags being packed for two days already... now three days. One thing I know for sure though is I have to leave at 6am tomorrow so I will be hitting up the starbucks for sure!

Oh and an update on my Interpreting job, .. the company lost my paper work so I have to go back up there this monday and fill it out again and then I won't be able to start until april 9th. Surprisingly though, I am not upset but just anxious to get started.

One more thing, not sure if I have mentioned this already or not but I got to drive a Chrysler Crossfire thursday night and I couldn't help but drool all the way home (even while I looked online to see if I could ever fathom actually buying this car.) My conclusion is this, .. if I live in Barnard Hall for the remainder of my years here then it is possible. I would be ddaving wuite a bit on rent and then that would also mean i would have to work 25 to 30 hours a week which is feasible for most but I am almost spoiled at being a full time college student haha. So still weighing my options, .. i may hold onto to Bessie ( my car's name) until she dies. I'm not sure how she would feel about me trading her in for a new model.

-Heather

March 11, 2007

2007-03-11T18:38:00.000-04:00

It's almost 6pm. Today has been a great day. I got to go to Fellowship Church again and this time my roomie, Yukki went with me.. she loved it just as much as I did so that ofcourse excited me:). Both of us are interested in serving with the children's department. More specifically for me, I am interested in the helping out with deaf kids!:). After church we went out to eat. It was a fun unexpected experience being able to just chat it up with her one on one about life. And God definitely kissed us with the sun rays as we sat out on the patio:).

After that, I topped it off with a very nice nap. Sundays are the best! As of now, who knows what I will get myself into. I want to hang out with some seminary peeps I don't normally get to hang out with so hopefully that:).

Then tomorrow praying for a flight to NORTH CAKALAKI!!( for those of you who do not understand... North Carolina:)) haha.

In His Service:),
Heather

March 10th, 2007

2007-03-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

As I wake up earlier than desired... ( 7am).. I proceed to get ready for the day in hopes to catch a flight to North Carolina to see my family. It is now 8:45pm and I am still in Fort Worth, in fact I am in Barnard Hall. The day was full of unexpected events but all of which were fun and spontaneous. Two words that ring in my ears like music(Fun and Spontaneous):). I went to IHop with a cool friend and then afterwards headed to the airport in hopes to fly out of here... four hours later no luck so then My friend and I went to a small airport, wendy's, and then to a cool castle place at Lake Worth. I saw parts of Texas I had never seen before,it was cool. Even though I am exhausted as I type this to you (BEFORE 9AM!!) The adventures of the day were much appreciated and longly awaited. So eventhough I was not able to see my family today, the agenda or lack there of was a good replacement to help carry me over.

I found Plato's Closet off of Hulen.. too bad I had NO money. haha. I didn't get to buy a thing.

Blessings:

Considerate and selfless people...

Things brought to my attn:

to be a better listener, to be more selfless, judge less!, to shine forth Jesus in a genuine and accepting way.

Praise!!

2007-03-05T00:48:00.000-05:00

I visited Fellowship Church of Grapevine today and it was sooo amazing!. I have never felt so pumped about church ever! I can't wait to go back and get involved with this awesome church doing God's work. If you odn't have a home church yet and live in the Fort Worth area, You have GOT TO check out Fellowship Church of Grapevine. Ed Young is the pastor. He didn't speak this morning, another woman filled in for him but the service was still just as great ( from what I heard from other people). It was so well organized and seemed like everything they could possibly get their hands on, they were doing it already. The message this morning was about Serving. The speaker mentioned Phillippians 2:. I really like this chapter. It was a good refresher:).

I know I don't serve enough, I'm not sure if I know anyone who would admit they do, but I know I enjoy doing it and really like seeing other people serve others ( the speaker mentioned this as well). It's fun to see people working together hand in hand and especially when the serving is not always the most favored job.

Overall, today was a great day:)...

Emily Woody's Birthday bash helped tie my great day all together into an even greater day:)

Happy 25th Emily!!

Friday/Saturday

2007-03-02T20:29:00.001-05:00

So yesterday morning I wake up for my first real test in Seminary. I realized in the middle of the test that I should have studied more than I did. Ofcourse! If anyone from Gardner-Webb is reading this right now you are probably laughing because you probably are well aware of my great procrastination abilities when it comes to "crunch time".

IHOP around here has free WIFI ( for those of you who live in the sticks this means free wireless internet). The other night I went out with one of my friends and well since it was after midnight you never know what to expect. This man comes in "drunk as a skunk" and on the verge of alcohol poisioning (in my opinion). This guy was beyond wasted and it was just sad. You see I live in seminary housing in a bubble.So as I was this man it reminded me that people over and over again head for the bottle when times get tough. I wanted to turn around (at the booth) and start talking to him right then about Jesus and just ask him why he chooses to drink but I knew it would not be the smartest idea for a girl my size to do especially with a drunkard so I didn't.

Today has been a pretty low key day, ... just kickin' back enjoying all the phone conversations, playing "catch up" with all my buddies back home and even the family so that was good. Now I am just kickin' back blogging to you guys/gals.

Tonight I am planning to go to an Upward Basketball Awards Ceremony and see a bunch of kids. I'm actually lookin' forward to it. I've been scared of kids quite honestly for the past few years or so just because I guess. So lately, God has been pushing events and activities involving kids so I'm just seein' what's next I guess. I just got back from a Disciple Now retreat ( last weekend). That was pretty great. I got to lead a group of 9th grade girls. It was my first one. I didn't expect to be as blessed as I was but then again God does/allows a lot of things that I don't always expect:)

After the game, I am going to meet up with two people I met recently and look forward to getting to know them better. It should be fun:) My prayer is to show GOd to them in a real way. They are not Christians, so prayer would be great:)

Well, I guess that is all I have to say for now. Thanks for "listening". Catch me lata!

I'm out!:)

Things To Know:)

2007-02-27T01:31:00.000-05:00

Things I am Passionate About:

1)Serving Jesus Christ
2)Seeing People Happy
3)Human Trafficking
4)Deaf people
5)Morals
6) Teaching parents how to be parents ( there should be a liscense for this!)
7)Seeing People accept Jesus into their heart
8)Signing

"Querks" and Pet Peeves

(P)1)When someone smacks their gum or chews food with their mouth open.
(P)2)When food is left on a plate/bowl and left in the sink to be washed (gross!)
(P)3)toilet seat left up ( I'm getting better at getting over this haha)
(Q)4)I use straws waayyy more than most people. I buy them at the grocery store.
(Q)5)I bite my nails (gross bad habit, I know)
(P)6)Overloaded trash cans ( but then I'm the one who is "disorganized" everywhere else.)
(Q)7)commitment ( I prefer last minute ideas)
(P)8)boring people ( I live for "Ceasing the Day")

Cool Points Recieved Lately:

1)Recieving Bluebell Icecream (A Surprise)

2)A card from a friend (encouraging words)

3)A friend went with me to witness

4)Friends sharing their testimony

5)Recieving mail

6)Encouraging phone calls

7)Words of wisdom

8)Manners

Your Grace Still Amazes Me

2007-02-26T03:28:00.000-05:00

Jesus places random songs in my heart that are like his love songs to me. I find myself singing songs I havn't heard in years but when certain words or situations are brought up, that is when God pullls them out of my "filing cabinet" (a.k.a. brain) and reminds me of his greatness. This song below is just one of the many that I have enjoyed playing over and over again in my head:)

"you traded glory for a manger
to redeem a dying world
and made friends with this sinner
so that i could be restored

... your grace still amazes me"-Written by Matt Boswell

It pains me to see lost people. I am finally beginning to feel a small part of how Jesus must have felt when he came to Earth. He died for me and you and how amazing is His grace?! It still amazes me I am so thankful for his constant forgiveness and mercy. Remember!......

Jesus Paid it All, All to Him I Owe.

(Check Out Matt Boswell on Itunes.)

~Heather Brooke

Your Grace Still Amazes Me

Engagement Pics :)

Our Engagement Story :)

Childhood Songs Are the Greatest!

Love God, Love Others, Serving the World

No Joke!

This is the day the Lord has made... I will rejoice.. and be GLAD in it!! :)

Humbly I bow

Time in L-Town

Pslam 34

*Overjoyed*

World Changers 2010

To the Park...

Sitting, Thinking,...

*Compassion International Child*

Pouring out...

80's Skate Night

It's All The Rave...

Spring Break

Ready to Rest in Him...

Happy Birthday Rachel :)

Recap of the week

LOL

Snowball Fight

Blessed!

Here's to Change..

*Celebrity Look-A-Like*

CharlotteONE

Struggling to Praise

As I carry on..

Craigslist Junkie

A journal entry...

May Already?!?...

Update

DNOW...

A breakfast date with Jesus....

To Roll with the Punches..

Becoming a Texas Resident...

As I live my life.. I am learning..

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Tomorrow's Election Day...

Happy "Dress Up" Day!!

Simple Pleasures in Life...

No place like Home..

I Want My Eyes To Shine..

A few big events have now come and gone...

My Brother Came To Town!...

My Love language...

Summer's Almost Gone...

A Different Perspective

What a great day... considering..

Came and Gone

Deaf stuff..

Undo-Rush of Fools

June 2nd.....

end of days or end of classes? could be both

Just a Follow up...

Seminary Stride- 5k April 26th @8:30am

I'm in DC!!!... it's good to be back!:)

Just another day....

To anyone who wants to know....

Run Ugly- Coach Russell

Just A Thought...

....... Running......Running... And More Running......

G-DUBB!!!

An answered prayer

My Days, ...

Changes

A new semester...:)

I'm growing closer in love:)......

Prayers and Meditations

Almost Extinct

.............................yeah....................

Just Catchin' Up..

Just a recap of the week so far...

How Great is Our God:)

Back in Texas

Court-jar,Court-Knee,Courtney!!!

I'm going to NC... that is if Jesus doesn't come back first:)

March 11, 2007

Overjoyed

Compassion International Child

Celebrity Look-A-Like