This year has brought many different things in my life. From watching my best friend go through the most painful and tragic event in her life to assuming myself into a relationship that was never in the cards, relationships seems to be the center of my year. I see the quality of my grandpa and grandma go down everyday. I laugh and joke about things with them to not cry. I treasure their love and their memories. Things have been different this year but the year has taught me alot.

So, here starts the list of things I have learned.

1. I think the number one thing that I have learned this year is that there are still people in the world that care for those that are hurting. There may be a lot of immoral, high profile people in the world, but when it counts, and tragic things happen, you find out who has what it takes to be a friend. When David died, Sarah went through a wave of emotions that no one will ever be able to comprehend. I saw and felt the love of people that had no clue who Sarah, or David was. The love and outpouring of emotion was wonderful!

2. The second thing that I learned is that assuming things lead to a few tears and ruined friendships. Unfortunately, I had to learn this one the hard way. I went through a few months of stupid, pointless emotional trash that was completely unnecessary and completely avoidable. I hope to use this lesson in the future.

3. On that note, the third thing I learned this year is that although you may think that something is wonderful and exactly what you want, what God has in store in so much better.

4. I am where I am supposed to be right now. Although life is sometimes difficult, I really feel that I am doing what I am supposed to do. It is hard sometimes to see my friends get married and have kids, living their life, their dream. But I find comfort in knowing that the harder something is to achieve, the greater the reward is.

5. I am constantly amazed and in awe of the ways that God takes care of me. Through all the late nights, empty bank accounts, negative thoughts and tears (oh, there were many, many tears!), I made it through the year stronger and more confident in my abilities.

"Life's a journey, not a destination" Steven Tyler

Make 2010 count!

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God "has not given you your children and the means to support them simply so that you may do with them as you please, or train them just to get ahead in the world. You have been earnestly commanded to raise them for God's service."

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Posted via email from Miranda's Dailies

I just finished doing a bulletin board for my mom's classroom... She teaches 2 year olds...
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I am going to dinner soon with my "monkey" girls!!! I love this group of special lovely ladies!! Chili's, here we come :)
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This past weekend, I went to a junior high workcamp called BIGHOUSE, or Believing in God and Helping Others Understand Through Service Everywhere. 90 youth and adults hauled themselves and tools up to De Soto, Tx to help local churches with painting, yard work, general cleaning and other jobs. This year the youth cleaned up a park, helped a shelter, painted a church, did yard work and the list goes on... :) It was great to see these 7-9 graders pay to come help people. They truly showed God's love through their actions this weekend. I got the privilege of helping Doug on the programs. I helped him in worship, playing games at night and making sure the slide show was a success. We were also able to go visit all of the site on Friday and pass out some candy. The students faith and wilingness to serve was truly a blessing. I can only hope and pray that my children will have that same king of willingness to selflessly serve others through God's Love.

WOW! It sure has been a while since I have been on here. Few things have really happened since I last posted.
To catch you up on the last month: I have been working a whole lot. I have been helping out a family with triplet 3 month olds. The mom is there with me. I make bottles, feed, change, play with the babies, fold laundry...generally what ever she needs to make her life just a little bit easier. I have also been working on weekends and nights with other families to make a few extra bucks for the school year.

I did just get back from the river, where I had a great time with friends. We rode the river and had a great time sitting around the camp. It was really, really hot!!

I have learned some things over the past month. Kind of a "random 25 things about me" list :) A little peek into my brain.
1. I am not into the party scene anymore- This weekend, I went to the river. I really had a blast, just couldn't believe how many adult beverages were flowing through the campground and the river.
2. I feel that I am seen as the "little sister" in a lot of situations-
3. I get annoyed when people try to speak for me, especially when it isn't remotely close to what I want. Please don't speak for me. I have a voice.
4.Getting left at a restaurant or group setting so that someone can smoke really irks me. Although I am grateful for the thoughtfulness of not smoking in the car, it was really annoying to have to stop every hour so that they could smoke
5. I am not spiritually where I want to be. I am not putting enough of the good stuff in. But the bible study is helping.
6. 2 little boys have become my conscience and help me to keep staying on the straight path. I think about what they would say if they saw or heard me. Would they drop their jaw and go, "ummmm, you said a bad word!" Or worse, be in a situation in 5 years and think "well, I saw Miss Miranda do it, so I guess it is okay." That scares the crud out of me.
7.I have a love/hate relationship with being a little sister. I love my brothers whole heartedly, but I have 2 brothers and 1 that is like a brother to me, and then a lot of guy friends. It takes a lot for someone to gain the title, the one that has has known me since we were both in diapers. I can easily slip into the little sister role and will let someone take care of me. It, however, causes confusion and blurring of boundaries
8. My view of how someone should act in mixed company and other's views are quite different.
9. Peer pressure does not just affect teenagers....

All in all, God has shown me red flags in my emotions towards certain situations and I am thankful for that. He has brought my faults to light and I am able to work on them, getting closer to that intimate relationship with HIM that I desire. Through others, songs and talking to HIM while looking at the stars through a tent, I know that He will be there. I know that He has put the people and situations into my life so that I could learn these lessons, however small they may be.

Pictures from the No Doubt concert, before I ran out of batteries.... :)

Last Saturday, the elevate class had a crawfish boil! It was YUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYY!!! I ate, and ate, and ate, and ate a little more! The seasoning was just right. There was crawfish, corn, artichoke, garlic, spinach salad, cookies, fruit, and lots of friends! The weather was perfect and we cannot wait to have another one. Shawn, our pastor, his wife, Christine, and little Brenna even showed up to eat some food!

For the past 2 years, Sarah and I have taken our moms out to dinner for Mother's Day. This year, we went to Kemah and ate at Landry's. It was great to have time with the girls and talk about the upcoming wedding, school, life, etc. Sarah and I lived at each others houses through out high school but our moms never really saw each other. Having them at dinner gave them a chance to talk and get to know one another a little better. We really had a lot of fun and are looking forward to next year. Sarah and I surprise our moms every year with the restaurant!

Sarah, Mrs. Lindsey, Mom, and me at Kemah Boardwalk.

Does helping a neighbor out mean to pay off their debt, or buy them a pantry full of groceries? How about taking them to a beloved baseball game or treating them to a day at the spa? Being a neighbor does not take a lot of money. I have always thought that I couldn't do much to help a neighbor. I only make enough money right now to cover my bills (barely). In this time of financial need, I do realize that there is a lot more needed than just more money. I began to think of ways that I could help a neighbor with my gifts that God has given me. After looking at different ways, I came up with an idea that doesn't cost a thing, only time.

So I ask you, fellow bloggers and facebookers, to help me out. Do you know someone, a single mom, a grandparent raising their grandkids, or a family who has lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet? Could that person(s) use a night out, even if it is to walk the track and go to a matinee movie? I would like to help!!

I would like to help someone(s) in need. Life is hard and no one wants hand outs, so i have not quite figured out how to go about telling someone, " Leave your children and go do something for yourself for 4 hours... I have your kids."

Is there anyone that knows a family in need? Are you financially stable, and able to spend a few dollars on someone else? Would you be willing to "go in" with me by offering movie tickets, gift card to dinner, or any other special "treat"?

Let's think on this, and let me know your thoughts... :)

I have been talking about doing a marathon, and some 5K's for a while. Although I have participated in a 5K and had all intention of doing the marathon, that is all that it turned out to be...good intentions. My question is, why shouldn't I?? Why shouldn't I be able to run and train for the big goal? Why shouldn't I take charge and get things done? Am I lazy? More than anyone will ever know. Am I scared? Heck yes! Of what? I am actually not sure. All I know is that I am tired of talking about things and not being able to complete it.

Today at church, my dear friend talked about the barren woman. We all are barren women (guys too!) We all stand around, waiting on that "thing", trying to do things about it. Why try tricks and spend all of this energy on something that will come in God's timing? Instead of wasting years on things that will NEVER work, use that energy to do something productful. For me, I am going to run 3 times a week, and get into shape. I am waiting on God to bring me what I desire and I know that when HIS time is right, it will be wonderful! But in the mean time, I am going to work on me. To be happier, less stressed, and more in tune with HIM.

Below is one of my favorite poems. Some of you might know it from a little movie called In Her Shoes. I think this poem is beautiful and wanted to share it with you! Michael Hedges put a tune to the poem. It is a 1990 video of him performing it. Enjoy!

i carry your heart with me by E. E. Cummings

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

I am sitting here, at 1:03am wondering why I am writing this instead of finishing up my homework and getting to bed. I have something to say, and can't do anything else till it is off my chest. Since my friends would KILL me if I called any of them right now, dear blog, you are my late night friend, so I confide in you. (wow, i must be loopy, talking to my blog...geez)
I feel run down, and broken. I feel fearful of the future and whether or not I will make it. I feel alone sometimes in this big world. I feel like I am standing still, just waiting, stuck in mud of financial burdens and living up to worldly expectations, not being able to move. I feel the love of family and friends, encouraging me, but maybe not understanding me fully. I feel sadness for the one's I miss and the one's I have driven away. I feel mad at the broken promises and the words I couldn't keep.

However, I see the ray of light, God standing there with his arms open wide, taking away my sickness, fear, loneliness, discontentment, misunderstanding, brokenness, jealousy, and hate. Giving his son up for me, so that I may feel joy for the best friend that eats chocolate chip pancakes with me, love for the family that helps me when times are tough, peace in HIS will, contentment in my place, and patience for the many blessings that lay ahead. I see God waiting with an umbrella to shelter me from the storm. I see the cross, and fall to my knees, gasping for breath while praying. I hear the angels, singing soft hymns of praise in my ear. I feel fatherly arms, covering me with love. I hear the soft whisper of I love you in my ear, letting me know that it is not He that has left. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, ready to face a new day, taking it step by step, minute by minute.

 

During Spring Break, my mom and I had a day to be on our own. One place that we went to was the San Xavier Mission, a working (with monks and everything) mission just south of Tucson. It was amazing!!

As many know, I am the director for the singles bible study, Elevate, at my church~ Second Baptist- Pearland Campus. We meet at the Pearland Cinemark Theater. I have decided that with all of this technology and tools to reach people, why not use it for a good cause, to reach singles and put out a positive message. The blog will have event details for the month, summaries of our lessons, pictures of past events, and devotionals. Hope to see you there! Click here to see blog.

On February 28, I walked the 5K rodeo race downtown Houston. I loved it! It was so much fun!!! I made new friends and did something that I didn't think I could do!! Here are a couple of pictures!


Before the race

Crossing the finish line ( I am in the pink)


My time plus a few seconds...

I have had a lot of friends come and go in my life. Many of them have stayed more than gone :) Throughout my life, I have found friends that have helped me through the different stages of my life. They have encouraged me, loved me, laughed and cried with me, and stuck with me when the going got tough. I would give anything to help any one of my girls that needed me, anytime, anywhere. Sarah, Heidi, Melodye, Michelle(s), Tanya, Rachel(s), Dru, Shannon, Meagan, Sarah, Kelly, Aeriel, my mom, my cousins, my aunts and all of the other women that have made an impact on my life, I thank everyone of them!
I love you, girls!
**I can't put a pic of everyone up, so these are just a few of my "girls"

So, in the past few weeks I have been reading a book called Lady in Waiting. I love this book! It talks about how you should be fulfilled through a relationship with Christ, not through a man, job, house, etc. The chapter I am on is called the Lady of Diligence. It talks about all the things that you can do during this time of waiting. Being a single woman, I can do things now, that I would never be able to if I had family responsibilities. So I decided to make a list.

I want to:
1) write a series of devotionals based on my life experiences as a single Christian girl
2) spend a summer in a 3rd world country helping new mothers learn the importance of early child development
3) work as a counselor at various youth and children events
4) Travel on Route 66 across America

These are just a few things that I want to do...
If you are just waiting for things to happen, what are some things that you want to do for God and his glory while you wait?

Every once in a while, I decide to do artwork as baby gifts. I love being able to paint and draw. I love using my talent to brighten someone's day. My friend Christine is having a baby in the next few weeks and decided to do her nursery in The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I wanted to do something special for her, and below is what I came up with. Not to brag, but I think they came out better than I expected and Christine and Shawn were really happy! In the caterpillar picture, I wrote Jer 29:11 at the top of the log.. For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord is written as part of the picture.

It was done on canvas with acrylic paint.

Lord,
Grant me the wisdom and peace that only you can bring. I want to be the friend that _____ needs right now. I want to be what you want me to be. Help me to cast aside my selfish thoughts, my plan does not matter. Your will, your plan, is the greatest plan that anyone could hope for. Help _____ to understand your will and that you have a plan for them also. Surround _____ with your love and help them to feel you with them, everyday, in every situation. Lord, I pray that you will help to calm fears, and ease the pain. I pray that _____ understands that everyone stumbles and that there are those that love them ready to catch them and lift them up. You have something amazing in store for them. Help the anxiety and worry disappear so that they are able to worship and serve you.

Miranda

I am attracted to music. I find comfort in various songs and am moved by many. I just watched the movie Fireproof. The song While I'm Waiting by John Waller, caught my attention. In fact, I just bought it off iTunes. It puts words to what I have been feeling lately. There are things that I have not been able to describe. This song has a great beat and wonderful lyrics. Take a look:

8. While I’m Waiting
Psalm 5:3, 27:14, 33:20, 37:7, 38:15, 40:1, Isaiah 30:18, Lamentations 3:24
John Waller

"The explanation for this song is simple, I was waiting on God and I was hurting when I wrote the lyrics. I probably wouldn’t have written
a song if my friend, Mike, hadn’t encouraged me to document what I was going through during that time. I’m sure there are few people
who can’t relate to this song, but the important thing to remember while we’re waiting on God is to not just wait but to actively wait.
Serve, worship and be faithful with what you have, where you are… “even while (you) wait.”

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

© 2007 Travelin’ Zoo Music (ASCAP) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

I am giving my testimony at church soon. I am sooo nervous about doing this. I am not one to talk about my faith very openly, so doing this in front of a bunch of my peers freaks me out TOTALLY!!
I wanted to put some prayer requests up today that are affecting me and some of my family and friends:

1. My testimony
2. A friend at school is dealing with her father having cancer and she is going through tests herself.
3. Continued healing to Joni's mom
4. 4 of my family/friends have recently gotten engaged...prayers for them as they continue to plan. Blessings on their new marriages.
5. Me- peace, understanding, strength, and wisdom to handle whatever situation may arise
6. Friend at PFUMC has received news that treatments are not working. Strength for her family and comfort for her.
7. My cousin, Kamala, is going through some health issues
8. Christine's baby girl should be gracing us with her presence in the coming month. Prayers for a continued smooth pregnancy and delivery.
9. Elevate Bible Study- wisdom, enthusiasm, and cooperation.

As I become older, I am starting to rely on prayer, and love the comfort it brings me when I know that someone else is praying for me too.

1 Thessalonian 5:16-18 "Always be joyful. Never Stop praying. Whatever happens give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this."

Being at the race and seeing all the cars was a pretty cool experience. I enjoyed it a whole lot more than I thought and met a lot of incredibly nice people. I learned some racing terms and saw some cars that cost more than I would EVER dream of making in a year. But, I also met and watched a group of extremely passionate people do something that they absolutely loved! It was great to see so much enthusiasm. The kids that were able to come seemed to have a GREAT time :)
The Ferrari (insert a bunch of car specifications here) that all the boys were drooling over. I have to admit... it was a pretty cool car!
watching the racers go by

#22 is Ross' friend Jeremy (I think)
I personally like this car!

I spent the majority of my day today at the race track, down close to Angelton,Tx. I had no clue that it was even there! It is pretty cool. My friend Ross invited me down to see some of his racing buddies race. A lady from our bible study also brought a small group of kids out to see everything. We first raced go-karts on the track next to the big track. It was so much fun :) Here is us getting the safety talk Gentlemen, err...ladies... START YOUR ENGINES I am the speck of bright pink going down the track
All done and styling in the race helmet

REDO!!! As I was reading everyone else's 25 list, I realized that half of my stuff was not random... everyone knows about my school stuff... so I thought I would try again. I think I succeeded in being random this time.

1. I love to sing Disney songs from all the different movies throughout the years.
2. It takes me a while, until I know you well, to tell you what I am really thinking about a subject. I am working on this, though
3. I have recently become a fan of Taylor Swift
4. I will choose sweet tea over any other choice of drink
5. I generally don't mind still living with my parents...although I have my moments
6. I cry at one Hallmark Christmas card commercial...the one where the girl is spending her first Christmas with her husband's family... *sniff*
7. I am addicted to my blackberry and have had to take programs off of it so that I don't check it constantly
8. I graduated in the lower half of my class in high school (I was super lazy and barely went to class) and have only recently cared about my grades.
9. I raised 2 pigs and 2 cows in high school. woohoo, FFA!!
10.I don't like driving with other people in the car. I would rather be a passenger. But I like to drive when I am the only one.
11.I hit a funeral procession (funeral directors car)- in my defense, I did not get a ticket and if the police man had been where he should have been, I would have killed him.
12.I was ticked at my older brother for 6 wks when he left for college. It took a while for him to figure it out.
13.I will generally not tell you when I am mad at you. (hence the reason for number 12)
14.I have a hard time talking about my faith with you until I know about yours. Something else I am working on.
15.I have a hard time taking a compliment.
16.I am not a perfectionist in most areas.
17.My car is always messy
18.If you can get me talking about my personal life, you might want to cancel your evening plans
19.I love eating raw dough (cookie, biscuit,pie)
20.I do not like my things to touch on my plate and will only eat one item on my plate at a time
21.I have a texture issue with food... thick, smooth and creamy is not good for me
22. The only vegetable I would eat when I was little was green beans. It has only been since high school that I have expanded to salads, broccoli, peas, etc...
23.I have a fear of the unknown (I like to know what is going on:))
24.My family and friends are my life. I love going to family Christmas, weddings, and parties.
25.I have never thought of myself as a leader, and if you tell me I am, I will laugh and get embarrassed.
... and one more, just because...
26. I am very afraid of speaking in a group of adolescents and adults. Give me a room full of elementary kids, I am fine. Put me in front of my peers and have me talk about something? have a trash can ready :) This is the problem I am having with taking mass communications this semester...2 speeches AUGHHHHHHHH

Yes...two blogs in one night!

I have a hard time with taking compliments. Earlier this week, I had a horrible day with many self-doubting thoughts running through my head. Some were that I couldn't do what God had laid down for me, wondering why God chose me for certain tasks. I have never, ever had a day like that. After a little coercion from a friend, I started talking about things. It seemed to all boil down to one thing, lack of confidence in my abilities.
I tend to think of myself as still being 12. Although it helps me to youthful and fun with young ones, thinking that way can severely hinder my self image. I have a hard time taking on leadership positions, not only for fear of FAILURE(that dirty 7 letter word) but I seem to not get over the " I am too young" thought. I will tell myself that no one will listen to me and that I haven't had near enough experience with whatever topic it is. It doesn't really matter if it is true or not. I seem to lose sight of the fact that God wouldn't give it to me if he didn't think I was the best person for it.
A great example... I am the director of the Elevate bible study at my church. This group is a mixed group of single people from 20's to 60's. We have the BEST time in class and outside of church too! I have received compliments of how great the group is going. It has been hard for me to say thank you, not because I am rude, but because I see things that could be changed and done better. Are there things we could be doing differently? Definitely. Are there things that we are doing really well? Most definitely!
As I have been trying to walk more in God's light, I decided to see what the bible said about confidence. Here is what it had to say:

Psalm 71:4-6 (New International Version)

4 Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of evil and cruel men.

5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.

6 From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you.

God has been there for me through my youth. It is only through His grace that I have been able to get to where I am.

I am beginning to get really excited! I cannot rightly describe how awesome it is to know that in a year and a half, I will be out of school (yeah!) and on to a great job. I can't begin to even describe what I feel when I think about what I will be doing and experiencing in my job. To see a child learn how to count the correct change or how to mail a letter. Little things that we, living a "normal" life, take for granted everyday. I cannot wait to help a girl learn to use a bus pass or make a sandwich. I want to teach my students functional academics that will help them to become productive citizens, but help teach the social skills that are needed to maintain lasting relationships. Even the simple task of voting. Do I sound incredibly optimistic? Probably, but to even think that I may have to chance to help one child have a better education and life makes me swell with pride. I cannot wait for the chance to get into a room that is "mine" with "my students". I cannot wait to help mold my students into a team that builds people up, and accomplishes great things, things beyond anyone's (including mine) imagination. Too many times, students that are different or have difficulties get left in the cold. They have great ideas and feel the same emotions that you and I do. I believe that they deserve the same things. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "...to know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded." How amazing to leave that kind of imprint on the world!

"Why, oh God, do I worry about things when I know that your plan is so much better than anything I could imagine? Why do I give my problems up to you, only to turn around and take them back, thinking that I can do a much better job. What things could I possibly do better than you, Father. Prepare my heart for your will and help me to have a submissive mind and soul. For you know the plans that you have laid before me. You know what is best. You have laid out a life for me, with all the blessings you have prepared for me. I give it all to you Lord. I give you my future, all the dreams I have can be accomplished only with your help. I give you my family and friends, Lord. I give you my issue of marriage and relationships. For you know the guy that is perfect for me. Whether I am not ready or it is he, I know that when the time is right, he will walk through the door and everything will be right. It is all in your timing, Lord. I am so thankful for the many blessings you have given me. For the my friends and family, for my education and school, for my new friendships and the chance to make many more. I thank you for the chance to lead a wonderful group of singles through the path that You have laid for them. I lift them up and pray that you will shower them with the many blessings they deserve. Lift my spirit today Lord, that I will see Your hand in all that crosses my path, no matter the tears or laughter. I lay down my worries, Lord, and pick up the cross. I pick up my cross and follow you, the one that brings everlasting life."

I have had a crappy day today. I woke up with my brain full of things that I have decided are important enough to worry about....wrong! There is nothing that is actually important enough to worry about. A lot of the things that I am worrying about I have NO control over, so why should I worry about it. I have given things up to God, and then have decided to take them back, thinking that He is not doing the job that I want. He wasn't being fast enough, or getting the results that I wanted...I want...I want. That is all that I have been talking about. Why are things not going my way, what i want to happen, who i want to date, what i want or don't want to do... It is not about me, at all. Have you ever had one of those days? Where you just know that you could do a better job than anyone else in your own life? Has it ever turned out for the best? Do you ever wonder if it could be better if God has been in control? I am the director of a wonderful group of singles. I wonder what God was thinking, putting me in charge. Did he know that I don't have everything worked out? That when ones asks a question, I may not answer the way they need it? Self doubt is creeping in and putting a blanket over my light.

I like to learn random things about people, so i thought you might like to learn some thins about me.

1. I like to procrastinate
2. I love being with my family
3. I attend HBU
4. I am getting my special education degree
5. I want to get my Master's in Educational Diagnostics
6. I am the director of my bible study at church
7. I bite my nails, but am trying to stop
8. I could watch movies all day, 24/7
9. I have never lived in a house with cable TV
10. I can sing
11. Painting/drawing calms me down and helps me to deal with stress
12. I love to drive with the windows down and the radio up
13. My dog is like my child....couldn't live without him
14. I am really bad at finances
15. I would like to have my doctorate in something
16. I only want to stay home with my kids when they are really little, then I would still like to work, even if it is part time.,
17. Can not stand people that make fun of other one's hobbies
18. Would rather have potato chips or bread over dessert (unless it is chocolate cookies :))
19. Miss fishing in the creek with my Bappaw
20. am very loyal to my friends
21. have not missed more than a handful of Christmas Eve candlelight services through the years
22. Listens to Christmas music, even in June :)
23. cannot stand reality tv
24. knows way more about the holocaust than a normal person should :)
25. God is Number 1 in my life!

I love World War 2. I enjoy reading about the Holocaust and the war. Weird, huh? I have been told a number of times how strange, "interesting", weird, gruesome.... you get the point :) I have never really been able to understand my own intrigue with this topic. It is something that I have always been really interested in it. I remember being mad about at my parents when they went to see Schindler's List and did not allow me to go. I was eleven. After I saw the movie in 1997, on TV, I understood my parent's decision. I visit the history section first when I go to a bookstore. I look to see if there are any new books. I have one bookcase in my room completely devoted to books on WW2, the Holocaust and Germany during that time. I have seen as many documentaries that I can on it and am probably one of the only people that has been to the Houston Holocaust Museum more than once. i ask for movies and books on that time for Christmas. I want to learn about all aspects of it. My dream vacation is to take a tour of the different camps around Germany and Poland... I know, I know.
I was thinking the other day about why I like this subject. What, in my sick brain, is attracted to all of this. After watching Defiance yesterday, I figured it out.

It is the fact that through the severest adversity, this group of people stayed faithful to God, and survived. They survived the brutality and grief. They endured the unthinkable and at the end, got up, and started walking forward. I think that reading the stories of winning against all odds gives me inspiration. I could not imagine being sent from my house with nothing to a camp. Or being called names and being spat at by people that were my "friends". I can't imagine what it must be to see family members shot for walking on the wrong side of the street or because a soldier was doing target practice. Although many did not survive... their stories of what they went through have. Every year, biographers and historians shed a little more light on the heroic tales.
Many of the heroes in these stories refuse their famous status. They simply did what was necessary. Many deny the fame and choose to live their life humbly in the warmth and love of their families and friends. Defeat was not an option for them.

“Our hope is that the archive will be a resource so enduring that 10, or 50, or even 100 years from now, people around the world will learn directly from survivors and witnesses about the atrocities of the Holocaust.” Steven Spielberg

These shells are from when I went to Galveston

The other day, I got this poem in an email and thought it was cute. It reminded me of how we can find God in everything. He made all that we have and see everyday. May God bless you and your family throughout this week.

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

There’s a lovely little legend
that I would like to tell,
of the birth and death of Jesus,
found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely,
you’ll see that you find here,
four nail holes and a fifth one,
made by a Roman’s spear.

On one side the Easter lily,
its center is the star,
that appeared unto the shepherds
and led them from afar.

The Christmas Poinsettia
etched on the other side,
reminds us of His birthday,
our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open,
and here you will release,
the five white doves awaiting,
to spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me,
to help us spread His Gospel,
through all Eternity.

Author Unknown

Today began like any other day. I got up around 9, checked the status of everyone on facebook and went back to sleep. I officially got up at 10 and went to the park to run 3 miles. It was great to be able to walk/run straight for that length of time. I was able to listen to goofy music and enjoy the fresh air. I ran and walked to, as embarrassing as this is, the HSM 2 soundtrack... it may not be the best movie, but the soundtrack is fast paced and great to run to.

I finished my run and came back home to show and then it was off to run errands. We are having a birthday party in bible study tomorrow, so I was in charge of the decorations. Balloons- check, favors- check, noisemakers- check, candy- check, punch- check. I got everything on my list and started home. I got caught up in the crazy Pearland traffic! FRUSTRATING!! What is it that makes a perfectly normal human being absolutely crazy when they get behind a wheel! It seemed that the entire city of Pearland was rushing to get somewhere and felt that they were the only ones on the road. I finally got home and started to get ready for my night. Then, I got a message..."got tied up, have to reschedule" Although I am good friends with the writer of this message FRUSTRATION set in again. I don't think that I was upset at the fact that someone canceled on me, I was frustrated at the fact that I, all of a sudden, had no plans. I had been looking forward to dinner, too :)

It has ended up being a pretty okay night. I bought a $2.97 bottle of wine, and have enjoyed a quiet evening at home. Do I want an explanation? Not really, I don't feel that it was done out of malice. Will I remember it in a week? Probably not. Like getting caught in traffic, it was just another interruption in my day.

Today, I joined thousands of other people that read Living Proof Ministries blog in memorizing 2 scriptures a month. Together with these fellow bloggers, I have decided to learn a scripture every two weeks for the entire year.

Deut. 32:46-47 "he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. [47] They are not just idle words for you--they are your life. By them you will live long in theland you are crossing the Jordan to possess."

I think that it is important to keep God's word in your heart and to speak them daily. I have a hard time reading my bible. Not because I do not want to, but because I am fearful of not understanding it. Who wants to read something that they don't understand. I am realizing though, that to understand the Bible, and understand the plans that He has laid down for me, I have to read it, and to read it, I have to open it up. I am not one for new years resolutions, but i guess that in my desire to become closer to God, I will be trying to read my bible everyday and using the resources necessary to understand what He has written for me.

I will be writing my scriptures here. Please feel free to learn them with me, or learn your own! You can also follow the link to Living Proof blog (i have linked it in the beginning) and sign up with them.
January 1- Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."