Is this real life?

By that I mean: am I seriously starting nursing school in the morning?! Where did the time go? Don't get me wrong, I am so glad that these past two years are over and done with. But let's face it, they went by fast! I am hoping that these next two years will go by fast as well. I am excited to get into my major and start learning very practical things, but I am also really intimidated. I have heard such awful horror stories of this year. My goal is to not get to into my head about it before class even starts. I want to be able to just focus and do what I need to do.

I am encouraged that through all the chaos and stress my Lord is my stronghold. He will lift me out of the miry clay and place my feet on solid ground. My prayer is that my focus remain on the Lord, regardless of what my emotions are doing. And let's be honest, lately my emotions are doing whatever the heck they want. But I do not want my emotions to lead me going into this semester. I am so grateful that the Lord is steadfast in His love and never changing. This semester will test me greatly, but my hope is that through it I will grow ten fold.

I have so many thoughts I would love to be able to write out, but I can't quite put it all into words. So, I will probably wait and just post after I get going with school. I will let you all know how it goes. If you would like, pray for me through this semester! It is going to be an interesting one. I am excited to see what the Lord does in me this year. Love you and miss you all. Texas is not far from my heart.

ps: 14 days. 20 hours. 47 minutes.

Baby Fever Time Ten

So I finally finished Coming Back Stronger today. It. Was. Wonderful. Seriously, I totally love reading stories like this. I just really enjoying hearing (or reading) peoples stories. Everyone has really had such different experiences, so it is really neat to me to see where people come from and how they get to where they are. Plus, I am just a huge Drew Brees fan, so naturally I am a little biased. Anyway, to get to the point, I was finishing up the book today and came to a part of the book in which Drew tells the story of when he found out about his wife's second pregnancy. Maybe it is just because I totally have baby fever, but I just started crying as I read this. So, naturally, I figured I would share with the rest of you! Enjoy ;)

"By the time I got home that night it was really late, but I wasn't about to sleep. My mind was whirling, trying to take in everything that had happened. Not long after nodding off, I woke to the sound of Brittany and Baylen enjoying a loud, music-filled breakfast. They like to play the sound track from Glee, with Brittany singing at the top of her lungs while Baylen throws food all over the floor and claps. Life is good. I came downstairs and held Brittany in my arms for a long time.

"We did it," I said.

" I know, baby. I am so proud of you. You are so blessed- do you know that?" Then after a

pause, she said, "How did you manage to win the Super Bowl and get your wife pregnant?"

I stared at her.

"That's right. I just took a pregnancy test. Baby Brees number two was there with us at the game."

I had no words. I held her as the tears gathered in my eyes. She was right-I am truly blessed."

Just retyping that made me tear up all over again. I just loved that. I mean, I loved all of the book... but specifically that part just warmed my heart. Simply beautiful.

and ps: 17 days. 21 hours. 34 minutes. It is almost here. ;)

Waiting in anticipation

Thanks to the New Orleans Saints website, I now have the official countdown for the kickoff of the 2010 season. 21 days. 8 hours. 48 minutes.

Football season is so close I can almost taste it. That is why (even though everyone judges me) I do love preseason. It is a small dose of the thing I am so eagerly awaiting. It helps to build the excitement. What is not to love? Plus, in preseason you get to see the guys who are truly fighting for their jobs. You see the nobody's who have been counted out work hard to reach their dream. It is awesome! Plus, that mentality that is seen in these players during the preseason can really lend itself to some pretty fantastic plays. And that, my friends, is inspiring.

To add to my football season anticipation, I have been reading Drew Brees's book, Coming Back Stronger. It has been an awesome read so far. You probably don't care, but I have loved it. And let's be honest, that's what matters. ;)

And now, I want to leave you with the last image I recall from the 2009 season. What a wonderful day. And let me tell you... it never gets old! :)

Good things come to those who wait

It is finally here! The ridiculously long overdue blog post I keep mentioning. Patience is a virtue, and I sure have tested yours. But don't fret, the wait is over my friend!

The Plunge 2010:

Camp was beyond wonderful. I am so blessed that I was able to take the week and be there for both junior high and high school. The Lord really did a lot that week and I am so grateful that I was able to witness all that I did. Let me begin with Junior High camp, and per usual, I will stick with the list format.

1. I was the camp nurse. It wasn't my favorite, but I was glad I could serve in a different way.

2. As the camp nurse, I got my own room. And my own bathroom. Victory (in Jesus). But, being the humble and kind hearted person that I am, I was more than willing to share my private bathroom with my two best friends that also happened to be there. You are welcome, LG and DG ;)

3. I discovered that junior high kids are really terrible about remembering to take there meds. Each night was a late night tracking these kids down.

4. I had one boy who had an asthma attack while at camp. He had to wait it out for an hour and half for his mom to drive up to bring him what he needed. The good thing about the whole experience is that I was able to talk with him a lot and get to know him pretty well.

5. There were a lot of junior highers that came to know the Lord at camp, and ultimately, that's what its all about! Praise Him! :)

Now for high school camp:

1. Being a team leader for high schoolers was absolutely wonderful! It was such a blessing to have this opportunity!

2. My team was Amazon River. We ended up getting 3rd in rec, which wasn't half bad if I do say so myself. Especially considering the fact that we didn't really win a lot of games. I was really proud of my team for their attitudes all week. They all had so much spirit. We even had a few boys take over and lead on team in cheers and excitement. It warmed my heart. We really were able to have a lot of fun.

3. My co-leader was also pretty tight. He came with Bay Area church. He was older (his daughter was actually a student at camp), but he was a really good balance for me. We were basically total opposites, which I think worked well for our team. It just seemed to work. I was a little hesitant being paired with someone I had never met or heard of, but it really was a good experience!

4. I was able to get to know one girl on my team really well. I had known her before camp, but the Lord really worked it out so that I could get to know her much better. It is funny how being able to talk with someone else, encourage them and pray with them always seems to bless us just as much. I was so grateful for that.

5. There were also 3 boys on my team who I got to kind of "call out" the last night. These 3 guys were great to be around all week. They were natural leaders within our group as well as outside of our team. I also was really encouraged by how insightful they were on spiritual things. All in all, I was really encouraged to be around them. I was able to talk to them specifically about what had been on my heart for them that week. They have such potential to be strong spiritual leaders and my heart just ached for them to step into that leadership role and recognize the call on their lives. They were all really receptive to what I had to say to them, which I was grateful for.

6. Luke Johnson was the speaker. If you have ever heard him, you know that it was wonderful. He is an absolutely fantastic preacher. I think we could all tell that though he was able to communicate so effectively, the Spirit had total control over everything he was saying. I know I certainly got a lot out of everything that he said. He was such a blessing to have at camp. I wish I could put into words all that I learned while I was there, but just take my word on it.

7. Lauren, Luke's wife, was able to come with him this year. Also such a blessing. She is so sweet! I got to talk with her a bit during the volleyball tournament. She is just so easy to talk to and be around. She just has a warm and welcoming spirit about her.

8. Camp was totally exhausting, but the Lord was faithful to provide us with the energy we needed for each day. There is part of me that loves being that gross and hot and tired. It makes you feel like you've accomplished something. With that being said, I loved getting home and taking a shower and a nap.

9. The best part of camp were all the salvations. I don't know the total number or anything... but we had 2 students on my team get saved! It was truly wonderful! :)

The Wedding:

1. Let me just say that after being IN a wedding, my wedding fever has probably quadrupled.

2. Being in a wedding is way more stressful than attending a wedding. For what thats worth.

3. The wedding planner was absolutely crazy. In fact, we referred to her drill sergeant Pam. That's pretty much the only way to describe her. She was so intense. But I will give her some credit. She was ver well prepared and organized.

4. The wedding went well. Only one minor thing went wrong in the ceremony, but even that was solved quickly. Things rand smoothly and I think Kelly and Ryan enjoyed the day.

5. After we left the wedding, me and DG were suddenly way more clear on what we want for our respective weddings. That is always fun.

6. We headed home right after the reception. That was a little rough because we were so exhausted and it was dark out, but thanks to caffeine and blaring music we were able to make it home safe and sound.

That is all for the update for now. I will try and blog a little more as the summer comes to an end. But, clearly I haven't been very reliable in that respect, so try not to hold your breathe. ;)

Sorry for the delay

I know I promised a blog update, and it will happen eventually, but not just yet.

I don't have excuses other than the fact that I have been lazy/tired/distracted.

I plan to update on the following:

1. Camp.

2. The wedding.

3. The many, many things I have been learning this summer.

4. My thoughts/feelings/attitudes/expectations of the coming year.

So for now, just enjoy the new background and wait in eager anticipation for the long overdue update.

Just a tease

It has been an incredibly long time since I have blogged. I guess I have just felt like I haven't had anything too significant to say. But, I just got back from j.high and high school camp, so I all of the sudden have tons to say! Unfortunately for now I am just too tired to process all that has happened at put it in to words. I promise I will post a legitimate blog about all things camp soon! I will leave you with this, though:

The Lord did some mighty things this past week. There were numerous salvations (hallelujah!). There was only one serious injury between both camps and even that ended up fine. Lives were radically changed by the power of the Gospel. This goes for both the people who came to camp already saved and those who received Christ while at camp. I am so blown away by all that the Lord did over these 8 days and my hearts cry is that all of these students continue to grow, even when they get home. I am praying against the "camp high." So many students were changed, but I have a feeling that many leaders were as well. Beautiful week. I am overflowing with joy.

More to come...

In Jesus I Will Find My Home

It has been a while, so let me just briefly recap the past few weeks with things I have experienced/learned:

1. This summer has not been what I expected at all. Things are different everywhere I look. HNW is different. I am living in a different house. The people I see regularly are different. I am different. It has been easy for me to get a little overwhelmed by all the change going on around me... BUT I am comforted that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

2. I went to Arlington yesterday (Monday) with the Junior High kids. Basically, I got to hang out with the student interns all day. Very fun indeed. I have been surprised by how easily I have hit it off with all three of them. It normally takes me quite a while to relax around people I don't know, but so far so good. That has certainly been a blessing so far this summer.

3. Things have been a little tough for me (and a few others I know) early on this summer. Through it all I am reminded that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The peace that provides has been astounding.

4. My uncle Sam and beautiful cousin Izzy come in tomorrow. I am SO excited. I saw Sam a few weeks ago, but I haven't seen my precious cousin since Thanksgiving. Ah! I can't wait. She is going to be 9 in a just a few short months... man, time flies! Love them. So pumped to see them.

5. Speaking of wonderful people coming in town, my bffae gets here Friday. There is no possible way I could put my excitement into words, so I won't even try. All I can say is that I am so ready for Friday!

6. I have been really slacking on my reading and my yoga. I feel like I have fairly legit excuses, but nonetheless I need to get back act together! ha.

7. Pen Pals are wonderful. I need to get some stationary so I can put it to good use with my dear roommate, Casie, and Amanda while she is at camp. Writing letters is great. I just need to be a little more disciplined about it.

8. I got to talk (I mean text) with both Casie and Lauren for a good amount of time today. Gosh, I miss them a lot. But, Casie is having a wonderful time in New Orleans and the Lord is really doing a great work in her and through her. Lauren has also been blessed with a pretty great job and some sweet time with her family. I couldn't be happier for them both.

9. I just want everyone to know how much I truly love Freeze Pops. Seriously. Possibly the greatest invention of all time. They have provided me with ridiculous amounts of joy lately. Simply wonderful.

10. I think the biggest thing I have been learning this summer is that Jesus, not hnw or my house or my friends, is my "safe place", my "home." I have spent much of summer thus far discouraged. I have felt out of place and lonely. It really caught me off guard because I always considered my church, my home and my friends to be my safe place... the one thing I could count on. And while none of those things are bad, the Lord has been breaking me down and showing me that HE is my constant. He is the one thing I can count on and turn to. It has been a tough lesson for me to learn (and I am still learning), but I have needed this. He has just been telling me over and over the past week or so that He is my safe place. In Jesus I will find my home.