This is the season

What can I share about my Christmas that may be different from your own? 

Maybe this. Last year, I talked about my church group's caroling antics. This year, I actually have video so I can prove it to you. And they put it better than I ever could. 

CELEBRATE! Your Lord, Jesus Christ was born today to save YOUR life. 

Do you know?

Mary, did you know

that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know

that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

Do you know? 

Do you recognize the Great Purpose of this child, our God?  It is worth remembering and rejoicing every year--every day! 

The Office: Not what you expected

Note: The quarter-life crisis comes even earlier than you think. At 21, college students graduate with a life plan written out and expecting it to turn out all the same. Sometimes, it doesn't. Today's post is written by Meredith Lockhart. She blogs at www.meredithlockhart.blogspot.com. Enjoy her post! -Nincy
___________________________________________________________________________________
I’m so thrilled to write on the post-grad life. If you would shown me a little video on my post grad job, I would have laughed in your face and said “yeah right, that’s me?” 

Unlike most college seniors, I knew what I wanted in a job. I wanted to work in marketing for a natural food company and live among the beach bums, hippies, and sun-tanned babes in California.

Long story short, I spent a whole year searching for the "perfect job.” 

I wanted independence. I wanted to do something sporadic. I wanted to follow my dream and move to sunny California. I wanted to choose my career path. 

I wish the Lord would have taken a big gavel and bonked me on the head. 

Because of the enormous focus on ME, the dead ends, closed doors, and rejection letters really broke my heart. Even in writing this now, I feel a stab of sadness. 

I wish I could tell you I’m writing this on the beach in California, but I’m not. The Lord closed my California dream (for now) and sent me down a different path. 

Ready for it…I work in the marketing department at Neiman Marcus. Yup, a pretty big leap from the natural food thing. I would have never ever in my wildest dreams picked this as my job. But you know what…I love it! The Lord provided an excellent job where I am surrounded by innovative and passionate people, where there is numerous opportunity for ministry, and where I work for a reputable company. 

Yes, I’m on information overload from starting this new job. Most nights I’m too tired to do anything. Some days I feel like a dummy and totally helpless. And other mornings I stare at my closet and think…what the heck do I wear for my job at Neimans?! But one things certain…I have the favor of the Lord. And whatever the Lord has in store for my life, I’m running with it. His plan is THE plan. So I will just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Swiping that Visa never felt so good.

With a job (and money), I've had the pleasure of picking, buying, and wrapping gifts for my family this year and it's put me in a cheery mood.
Is there anything better than giving when you don't have to? Giving out of choice, not obligation? It's one of the best rewards from having a salary this past year--no joke!
It hasn't been all great. Here's the not so fun parts.
1. Getting to the check out counter and finding out it's the cashier's first day.
2. Thinking that I'm all done shopping and ready to head home when I remember that I forgot to get a gift receipt.
3. Buying a toy, getting in the car, then realizing I didn't get the sale price.

Don't forget to give this Christmas. To your family, strangers and those in most need. You were also given a great Gift, and not because He had to.

The Office: When it isn't enough

Nine months of working in the real world and I've only written one post about it. Doesn't seem right.

Especially since I spend 8+ hours each day either at work, getting to it or leaving it. It's been interesting, to say the least. I appreciate the fact that no day is the same, a paper no longer means a 10-page report, and I have co-workers that I can more than exist with.

But I didn't realize how much of a priority I placed on what I did for a living until...well, I started doing something for a living. When I spend the majority of my day somewhere, I want to know that I've made a difference. Unfortunately, my job cannot fulfill this need for me. Perhaps, yours can't either.
So what do you do? There's the option of quitting your job and finding another one which is out of the question when you have student loans to pay off and a non-profit job just isn't feasible financially.

Here's the option I've discovered: find something else. Though you're spending 8 hours a day at work, you still have your evenings and your weekends. It may be tempting to spend those precious free hours glued to the television because you're too tired to do anything else but trust me, you'll have more energy to do your job well if you invest in other people outside of work.

God has impeccable timing, I know this because after working for a couple of months, he called a group of us to lead young women to Him through bible study and fellowship. When work is going awry and days get longer and longer, I can think on this and find joy and know that His purpose is greater than I can see.

I know none of our efforts, either at work or outside it go unnoticed. Our God sees all good and rewards all good. But if you need this void filled and filling it through work is not a current choice, giving your talents and time to others can meet that need.

Fighter

This is Ricky. He's a 6 month old min pin/chihuahua mix. A loveable and sweet, big-eared, the-size-of-your-lap kind of creature.

At the vet this morning, Ricky was growling at a dog that looked more or less like this-

Yep, that's a husky. And I'm pretty sure the one I saw this morning was bigger. The brother and I were amused that our 5 pound puppy thought he could take on this huge canine but even more so, I was impressed that Ricky was even bold enough to dare!

Bold enough to even make himself aware to the dog, that he was ready to defend whatever he was defending.

Ricky set a great example for the intimidated and fearful of sin. Who cares if I'm a tiny human of normal strength and potential? I have a God that will set me on his shoulders and fight.

Often times, we think God's choice to fight for us means we can back down. That we need to stand behind to let God take front and center. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's the other way around. Because God is standing with us, ready to win the battle, we must stand tall. We have no reason to quiver in our boots. His power shows THROUGH us, not in spite of us.

Take God's presence that you can trust and plow through the sin that tempts, sneers and shows it teeth. Take a lesson from my pup; don't back down today!

 Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. (Deuteronomy 20:3-4)

In Joyful Expectancy

First off, I'm thankful to have friends that keep me honest, accountable to them and God and convict me of simple yet Godly truths. I'm thankful to have people to struggle and seek answers with! Like this one...

When was the last time I truly trusted the Lord with something? Something big, I mean. Something that I had no control over and no idea how it would turn out. I can tell you what I'm not fully entrusting in my God's hands--my future. I say I am in my prayers but as we know actions speak louder than words and for God--I'm sure they are coming in loud and clear. I can't trust you!

Now why am I scared of trusting God? As far as I can recall, He's been more than good to me, providing for me abundantly, giving me shelter from the rain and showering grace and mercy like it grew on trees.

Unlike other short term problems that had a vague shadow about them so I could somewhat make them out, this future issue just looks like a deep, dark hole.

 Really, I don't know understand how each mid-20 year old is not in therapy right now.

But I want to turn my cringing thoughts about the things unseen into joyful ones. I want to be able to genuinely say that I anticipate the work of the Lord in my life! This takes work but with much discipline and accountability, this will be a reality. Not because I'm saying it will but because God has made it very clear that this is His will. For all of us!

My life is on the ups right now but that only means that a storm is up ahead. I'm ready to see what he has for me as I have no greater want than to see his purpose to completion.

I wait in joyful expectation.

"For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

In Nincy fashion, I'm writing about something before I do it. I'm sitting down (with my dog) about to begin writing my first bible study.

This is exciting. Since Youth Retreat (which you can read about here), I've felt the call to invest in the young girls of my community. After praying, stalling, and overcoming some obstacles, it's finally happening and I am so excited.

My life thus far has culminated to this moment. I have never been a "star" Christian but I think that's the point. My God has pruned me for 23 years and though I am no where near finished, He has equipped me for this. If you were sitting with me right now, it would be obvious.

I've come downstairs into my "reading room." It's actually the formal living room that no one uses and thus no one can find me here. Well, it's not the first place they look. I gathered books I've read, bible studies I've used and past bibles I've written in for the past ten years. It's more than a backpack full and I just have to stop and think--He's done all this work in me FOR A REASON. This bible study may not be the only reason but it's definitely one of them.

Pray for me. I'm on a high right now, very encouraged by the feedback I've received so far. But I know it's going to be difficult and may not be exactly what I'm expecting.
...have I mentioned that I am so excited?

What I'm reading.

I bought myself a Kindle Touch for my birthday. It's not here yet but in anticipation, I'm already using my cloud reader. I started with a free one--Pride and Prejudice. My friend was watching the movie that I intentionally avoid. What's the big deal about it anyway? Who in the world is Mr. Darcy? She mentioned that I should at least read it. So now I am. I'm in Chapter 13--Mr. Darcy is falling in love with Elizabeth and she may or may not have any idea.

I'm also reading The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller. Now, this is a book I highly encourage everyone I know to read. Please, don't be intimidated that I'm a single woman reading a book about marriage. It's really more than that. It's about life and what kind of approach you're meant to take toward all relationships for them to bring glory to God and joy to yours and their lives. I also like to be prepared. I'm on chapter three in that one.

I'll let you know how these bad boys end. Or you could pick it up yourselves.

Mixed Blessings

I saw this picture on my Facebook news feed yesterday.



Photo courtesy of National Geographic

 
You may ask the same question I did: is this real? It may also induce some nausea and dry tongue.
With the recent floods in Pakistan, areas received 8 to 16 inches of rain in four days--the amount of precipitation the country usually sees in a year. As the rivers rose, spiders sought refuge in the trees, spinning these intricate and giant webs.

What we may catergorize as disgusting and repulsive, Pakistan has received it as a blessing.
Many trees have died because the webs keep sunlight from reaching the leaves. But the webs have also helped trap more mosquitos in the region, reducing the risk of malaria, a usual by-product of such downpour.

"Normally after a flood, the remaining stagnant water provides more opportunities for mosquitoes to breed. But people in Sindh reported far fewer mosquitoes than expected following the recent crisis" (National Geographic).

What an ugly and beautiful blessing for the people of Sindh!

Exercise

I don't do much of it. Don't get me wrong, i always try! There was that weight training class where I didn't push myself too hard and the moment I did (darn you short circuit training), I threw up. Somehow, I earned a B in that class.

Then there was my attempt at Spinning. I think I made it through two sessions and almost passed out through half of that.

Yoga wasn't too bad. I love Zumba. But now, I'm running.

I hated running for 22 years but now in my 23rd, I'm learning to enjoy it. There's a goal in mind: a 5K in March benefitting the Human Rights Inititative (HRI). There's also a free t-shirt involved.

With the assistance of a training schedule (if you're looking for one, try Couch to 5K) and three other ladies for moral support, I will be ready to run and able to do it with no huffing and puffing!

...hopefully, I won't give up.

Trading in strength for love.

Last week, my accident took my car with it (thank God, not my life) and this weekend, I spontaneously bought a new car. It's fun, shiny, and happens to be the same make I had before. Before you scoff, it's different yet familiar. Not "the same." OK, to the story...

Yesterday after work, I continued to fiddle with my audio player like I've done for several days now. This time I was in a sermon mood so I put on my podcasts and not knowing how to work my audio player yet...the car picked its own. It was Barry Camp speaking at Highland (my home church in Waco) about yes answers to prayer. The topic wasn't exactly thrilling but listening to him was a lesson in itself.


For 22 years, I've yelled and thrown angry slurs at God for allowing certain "sucky" things to happen. The situations would throw me into confusion, causing me to brood over what has happened and what I did to deserve it. Though I've accepted (more like, in the process of accepting) that God's favor does not equal smooth, sailing life, I didn't want to overcome it.

Why? Because it would make me stronger and I'm not interested in being stronger. In my mind, stronger means more distant from others, more guarded and more hesitant to trust. That's what its meant for years now and I'm done with it.

Barry showed me another side, perhaps unintentionally. He shared his own sucky things. His mother was an alcoholic and he had 7 stepdads by the time he was 20, including one who at one time was only 2 years older than him, just to name a few.

My problems don't compare but that's not the point. Barry is this big teddy bear. He blubbers just at the thought of the Gospel. His heart is bigger than anyone else I know or hear. His problems made him into this big ball of sweet compassion and empathy.
There's one word you can summarize him in and that's love. And to my knowledge, the moment you turn into a person who can only love, you exemplify the very image of God.

The very image of God! I want to be there. What's the point of life if people can't look at you and see love?
Hold me to it, friends. I'm giving up strength for love. It's a testament to our faith if we can allow our sucky life stories to transform us into Christ. It isn't an overnight miracle (Barry's old) but it is His will.

Under His Wings AKA: All for some cake balls.

I was in my first car accident on Thursday. It was pretty bad-- the airbags deployed and my car door barely opened. I was shocked and shaking. I feel bad for the policemen who had to make out words through my tears. I definitely do not wish this experience on anyone. You know those moments that people call milestones...this isn't one of them. No sir. What's even worse is the accident wasn't worth the trip! I was out to go pick up cake balls. CAKE BALLS.

I will never look at that dessert the same again.

Physically, I managed to get away with just a couple of nicks and a fat lip (the airbag suckerpunched me).
But emotionally, I was (am) a wreck. I immediately jumped into guilty mode, little things have overwhelmed me and it's taken some time to get out of it. Until yesterday, I was completely down on myself, longing to hide from everything in some dark hole. Until yesterday, I realized that I didn't need a hole. I have His wings.

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge;in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. (Psalm 57:1)

Hope you can find shelter in His wings, whether its because of cake balls or something else.

Change really is good. Always.

A couple months ago, I attended Women of Faith and one of my favorite speakers at the conference was Patsy Clairmont. first off, she's a model woman for any one over 50. Let's just say, she had sass.
Patsy told a story about one her sons being ill. Her mantra was "change is good." Though his disease was getting worse, she told herself, "change is good." When the hospital he was staying at told her that they could no longer treat him and he had to be moved, she told herself,"change is good." As she was telling her story, I couldn't imagine having the same attitude that she had. I know I wouldn't be that way.

As things are now changing in my life (for the better), I'm definitely telling myself, "change is good." I just want to remember this moment...make a mental note for the future.
Sooner or later, something is going to change and I'm going to be as stubborn as an ox about it. But who am I to be happy one minute and angry the next? It's all change.

And as I've stated before, change is good.

Who doesn't love Autumn?

It's September 1. Finally.
Though I'm a Texas girl, I've never been a fan of the sweltering summer heat that always seems to draaaaag.
Certainly thankful that seasons only last for about 3 months.

Fall means football, television shows, cardigans and scarves (though I never really stop wearing them), BOOTS (!!), turning on the heat in the car and pumpkin.

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, yum yum pumpkin.

It also means googling images of places where the leaves change color. (The leaves here have been dead since July. Really, how is not all of Texas on fire?)

The fall always means a birthday is around the corner so that helps, too.

Surely no human in their right mind doesn't like autumn. Surely.

Pinterest!

Took a bit of hiatus but now I'm back! I want to take the next couple days to recap my August since I've been gone for the last two weeks.

Today, it's Pinterest! I only discovered it this weekend but I must say it has enabled me to do what I've already do--surf the web and actually save and store what I find! Once a day at least, I find my self on google images, looking up pictures of things. Now I can just pinterest! They also do a great job in laying out the site and the ideas/things you "pin". Here's my board so far! Mind you, it's only been a couple of hours.

If you don't have one, you may be better off...it's basically a distractor tool :)
If you want to join on the fun, let me know and I'll invite you! If you're on, let me follow!

www.pinterest.com

Stranger Danger

My bestie Maizeanne will be taking off to Haiti early tomorrow morning for a week-long mission trip with a group of friends.

I'm excited (and jealous) for her. She has always had a heart for missions in Africa and abroad, specifically in French-speaking countries.

She's going to touch lives there, make a difference and come back with a new appreciation for her life, her blessings and possibly a refreshed perspective on life. The perspective of Christ, I hope.

At the same time, the week before has been one of anxiety and... well, it's just been plain scary.

Most recently, several storms have hit Haiti, increasing the outbreak of cholera and making it very hard ot maintain infrastructure there.

This report came out from the U.S Embassy and it scared her (us) even more.

If that wasn't enough, the weather is predicted to be stormy all of next week, making the purpose of Maize's trip (building houses) nearly impossible.

I'm so glad this information is out there. It keeps us aware about what's going on and ensures that groups who are willing to make that trip to a broken country take the necessary precautions before traveling.

At the same time, it either allows doubt to creep in or faith to grow stronger and deeper in Christ. It means that either you think this trip is going to suck and nothing is going to get done or you believe that God is going to surpass all human limitations to do something bigger and better than any one of us could fathom.

You know what's funny is I'll ask God for a burden, He gives me one and then I question whether or not I should do it, whether or not I'm capable, worthy...I become discouraged by the smallest things and forget... GOD GAVE ME THIS. Why am I questioning?

Every day is a new opportunity to do something in His name. Do we take it or do we run?

Bert and Ernie are just friends, Love and Children

Today has been an ear to the ground kinda day.

Here's what I've been reading.

Bert and Ernie are not gay, says Sesame Street
I'm glad they cleared this one up.








Donald Miller on How to Live a Great Love Story
A long read but pretty insightful. He writes on for guys and girls (the link goes to the girls' post). He's very candid so it's easy to make a call one way or another.

NYTimes Lens: Where Children Sleep
Yes the title sounds creepy, but the images speak stories louder than words.

If you read any of these, let me know what you think.
They all sparked something in me, hope the same for you.

WISDOM!!

Can you discern it when it slaps you in the face?!


I was reading Ecclesiastes last night when I came across these words from Solomon.


What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.
I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.
-Ecclesiastes 3:9-15


Rick Warren, did you steal this from King Solomon?!
Just kidding.

80's movies. Close your eyes.

I've been learning more and more about the decade that I lived in for 2 years especially since my boss has been lending me DVDs of the "classics." From the likes of Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, The Breakfast Club, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...and as I'm watching them, I cannot believe how crass they are. PG-13 movies with nudity and profanity?

I'm not a prude (or am I?) but I just wasn't expecting little Molly Ringwald to say that! Or her grandmother to DO that...

And really? Monsters raid the house after Gary and whatshisname try to make another woman?

I wonder if John Hughes was just trying to see how far he could push it and still make money...ha.

Planning=no fun.

Now that my friends and I have all graduated and live in "real world" and in four different cities, we have to PLAN to see each other.

Not a big deal, IF you're not a spontaneous person.

The kind of person who makes a trip to Waco on a Wednesday night because your friend is bored.
The kind of person who makes a trip to Missouri for a wedding and has to get there and back in three days.
The kind of person who has no idea what she's doing that weekend until... Friday.

The non-committal kind of person who'd rather not make plans in case something else comes up.
that's me.

And I have to make plans to see my friends...in SEPTEMBER? Really? It's going to be a whole different season by then.

Lame work schedules and limited vacation days. In one of the first interviews I had, the boss told me, "When you have money, you don't have time and when you have time, you don't have money."

Ain't that the gosh darn truth.

P.S--Maize and I (others are invited) will be backpacking through Europe in a couple of years...once we can afford it and have the vacation days. LOOK OUT FOR THAT BLOG JOURNEY.

Go ahead and plan ahead for that one. ;)

Telling time.

My brother and I picked up my parents from the airport last night. They are finally back from the motherland after a three-week vacation there. It was good to see them again, hear their stories, imagine what they saw while they were there (since they didn't take many pictures).

Though that was all great, the funny part was getting to the airport. You see, my father emailed the brother ahead of time with the detailed itinerary. He also checked the flight time on the website before we left for church that morning.

The flight was coming in at 10:45 AM which was late enough that we could go to church, skip out a little early and head to the airport.

So we did and when we got to the baggage claim, it was empty. We look at the arrival times screen and flight 479 arriving from NY wasn't on the list...my brother checks his browser once again, totally confused.
He asks someone at the information desk for help and so it turns out...

The flight was only coming in at 10:45 PM.

Wow. WOW. My brother cannot tell time.
It always priceless when my brother makes a mistake. That sounds mean but I speak from a big sister perspective.

In high school, my senior English teacher always said that the superior race would be those who could read an analog clock. Those who couldn't would eventually become extinct.

So long, bro.

The Versatile Blogger?

Sweetness! My fellow Baylor PR alum and soon to be bride (!!) Amanda Molleur nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award. Thanks Amanda for the hat-tip-- you can read her blog right over here at "The Next Chapter: Blog of a Baylor Graduate and Bride-to-be". And thanks for reading my blog!

Official Rules:
•Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.

•Tell your readers seven 7 things about yourself.

•Give this award to up to 15 recently discovered bloggers.

•Contact those bloggers and let them in on the exciting news.

Here we go:

1. I think of most of my blog ideas while brushing my teeth. Only if I could type them out while foaming at the mouth; there would be more to read here.

2. I'm enamored by HOW mysteriously God works. The way he specifically answers prayers in perfect timing specifically with the friends He's provided for me in college and since. I seriously have NO WANTS. Well. maybe one but I absolutely sure God will provide :)

3. I used to be obsessed with chocolate. As in eating it. As in I would lock myself in the bathroom and eat Ovaltine out of the can. It was a low point in my life.

4. I've kept a journal/diary since I was 12. Oh, you would LOVE to know what was in there. To keep with the writer/bookworm theme, I also have a library card and YES, I'm proud to say I still use it. I also vote. Haha.

5. I like yellow. I mention this because my parents bought me a highlighter yellow salwar (indian suit-dress thing). I'll look like a yield sign on Sunday but a very happy yield sign.

6. I don't like shoes all that much. It's probably the most frustrating part of getting dressed in the morning. Flip-flops go with everything anyway.

7. I have two dogs that I'm in love with. I may love them more than my family...
A close second, at least.

And now I nominate my writer friends!

Bindu and her friends- FemmeFuel
Brice (this guy actually has no idea that I read his blog. I'm such a creep.)- irresistibly graced.
Lisa - with reckless abandon
Caroline - the yellow backpack
Sarah - Blondie

Awestruck.

Just finished reading "Heaven is for Real." I heard about this book a few months ago and knew I wanted to read it. Thanks to my friend Christabelle, I finally got the chance.

I thought I was opening up a book that was going to humor and entertain with a couple of short stories and glimpses into a kid's "trip to heaven." Instead, the book had me reeling, crying, laughing and now just absolutely awestruck with what little Colton saw and experienced when he was four.

I don't want to give away all of the stories from this book, but I want to share this one thing.

http://www.artakiane.com/

This is a portrait, "Prince of Peace" painted by Akiane Kramarik. She was 8 years old when she painted it. Akiane also had visions of God and heaven at the age of four. Her parents were atheists and she had no external influences in her life at that age; television or preschool to guide her in any way.

Todd, Colton's dad, recalls in the book that his family often ask Colton what Jesus looks like...


"Still, of the literally dozens of portraits of Jesus we'd seen, Colton had still never seen one he thought was right." 

"Take a look at this," I said nodding toward [Akiane's painting on] the computer monitor. "What's wrong with this one?" 
He turned to the screen and for a long moment said nothing.
"Colton?"
But he just stood there, studying. I couldn't read his expression. 
"What's wrong with this one, Colton?" I said again. 
Utter silence.
I nudged him in the arm. "Colton?"
My seven-year-old turned to look at me and said, "Dad, that's one's right." 


And now I can't stop looking at this painting of my King.

Stop blaming the President.

Unless you live under a rock, you know that the country is about to be halted from borrowing and spending any more money since we've reached our debt ceiling. After President Obama's speech, many responded by blaming the him for the crisis we are now in and have ~4 days to resolve.


I just have one thing to say: stop blaming the president. Stop reiterating about how you didn't vote for him in 2008 and you're not voting for him in 2012. The question is who did you vote for in 2010?

I myself only learned last year how limited his role is. We pay so much of our attention and efforts to electing our executive leader when in reality, society needs to be more concerned with who we place in the House and Senate.

Do you know who your representatives are? Do you know if they have the leadership skills and experience necessary to make and push policies you and I are willing to foot the check for?

This is the real problem and the reason why right now, we have a House [and Senate] that is so broken and polarized that they can't pass a bill to save us from another economic catastrophe.

I can't say that when I fill out my ballot I know without a doubt that the person I'm voting for has the qualifications to lead my district/state/country. But after watching this mess for the past week, I'm going to start caring now and you should, too.

Keith.

 In exactly one month I will be attending my first legit concert and I am stoked.

My favorite country singer, Keith Urban is performing at the American Airlines Center. My sweetest friend and fellow country lover, Caroline will be witnessing this greatness beside me.

For those who have never heard of Keith, let me tell you that he's the epitome of man in many ways.

First, he's an Aussie which means he has that distinct "it's on the barbie" accent.

Second, he plays guitar. I wish he'd play me like that. <--I may regret this sentence later.

Third, he's a bad boy romantic. He sings about love better than any other singer I know. And he knows EXACTLY what a girl wants to hear.

The bad boy image comes from his tattoos, long, unwashed hair and earrings. We must not judge by the cover, friends.

Fourth, he's a family man. He sings about his wife and daughters all the time.

He's a great artist and underrated in the country music industry.

You wanna listen to him!? Here you go.

 

Playlist.

The first time I heard that music was chemical, I was unemployed and watching Hoda and Kathie Lee on the Today show. Side note: If Hoda and Kathie Lee didn't show up every day at 10 AM, I would only wake up for lunch.


Hoda has a "Hoda's Playlist" segment where she previews and usually sings her favorite song of the week and Kathie Lee usually has something critical to say. She plays fast songs, slow songs, rap, hip hop, pop, country... and each time she had a dramatically different reaction to the music. It could be a sway, nod, a smile, laugh, or the intense shake. This segment had only entertainment value UNTIL I started working.
Being hyper-sensitive to external circumstances, music is my therapy and below, I give all my readers a free session.
Stressed?
Hold Me, Jamie Grance ft. TobyMac
How to Love, Lil' Wayne
Good Life, OneRepublic
Never Gonna Leave This Bed, Maroon5

Need to focus?
The Show Goes on, Lupe Fiasco
Dirt Road Anthem, Jason Aldean
Livin' on a Prayer, Bon Jovi

Jam Session:Distant Places, Penn Masala
Because of You/Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai, Penn Masala
Everyday People, The Sly Family Stone
Do You Remember, Jay Sean ft. Lil' Wayne
Tonight, Tonight- Hot Chelle Rae
The Edge of Glory, Lady Gaga
Put You In A Love Song, Keith Urban
Super Bass, Nicki Minaj
Barefoot Blue Jean Night, Jake Owen
It Feels So Good, Steven Tyler

Feelin' the Love?
Colder Weather, Zac Brown Band
For The First Time, The Script
Oh, It Is Love, hellogoodbye

HAPPINESS:
Made in America, Toby Keith
When I Think About The Lord, Shane & Shane (anything Shane & Shane, really)

How's that for eclectic? Btdubs, if you want my Grooveshark playlist, let me know. ;)

Share your favorites below!

My cup spills over. --Retreat 2011

There is so much to write about.

First, let me tell you about my anxiety before retreat. I wasn't sure why I was going except I knew that I needed to go. My brother was co-convener and spent countless days and nights preparing, praying and fundraising for this weekend. I've seen his bedroom light on past 10 pm and until recently that was unheard of in the Mathew household. But other than a genuine obligation to support my brother, I can't say I wanted to go to retreat for any other reason. I had not been to one since I was 16 and other than fellowship with my brothers and sisters, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.

After this weekend, I can say that the fellowship is enough. It's been pounded through my head for the past couple years that Christianity is just as much about your own personal relationship with Christ as it is about investing in your community-believers and unbelievers. I'll even say you can't have one without the other.

There is an encouragement and conviction that comes from standing next to your sister and singing praises to our only King. There is strength that comes from sharing your needs and weaknesses in a small group. We need to know we are not alone.

On a lighter note!

  THINGS I DON'T WANT TO FORGET

Riding to retreat in the car that oinked.

Not checking the clock all weekend. (It's probably after midnight anyway.)

PTJ and TPN. Those who don't know wish they did. Those who don't which they didn't.

Feeling like a freshman again each time we went through the cafeteria to get food.

Having a spirit that lines up with my 12 year old friends more than my 22 year old ones. I've accepted that.

FOOSBALL CHAMPION and our victory dance.

Taking a thousand pictures with all the same people.

Each day was better than the last.



LU

My dad is into texting now. You could say it's my fault. I made it clear that I respond better to texts than voicemail messages or calls, especially when I'm out. So now he will randomly text me to ask me how I am, what I'm doing....if he needs something (like today he wanted my work address for the insurance company), he'll text me his question and expect me to respond. Right away.

But one thing stays the same. At the end of each text there's an LU.
Lu? Was this a mistake? Did his swollen fingers press down on the most random buttons on his BlackBerry? Was this short for some word in Malayalam that he just expected me to know!?!

Then I thought about it. Love you. It's sweet, right? That's kind of the way he talks, too.

He scolds me and then he hugs me and says he loves me. He tells me I'm skin and bones and I need to eat something and then he tells me he loves me. He makes fun of me for being lazy and messy and then he tells me he loves me.

I'm not very good at saying it back but today I sent a reply.

LU2. Chances are he got it.

Fourth of July

Time is so limited nowadays!
I want to quickly talk about my 4th of July weekend.
First off, I had high expectations. Mostly, because I wanted it to somewhat be like my Fourth of July last year which I spent in Washington, DC. You can read about it here. Yes, I know. What was I thinking? Obviously, my experience in Dallas was not going to rival that of the nation's capital! But still, I had the expectations and I was guaranteed to be disappointed IF I wasn't going to be at all flexible and open-minded.

Do you feel a lesson coming on?

My weekend was great. A friend from Waco was able to randomly join me in Dallas and we partook in the American past time of eating dessert before dinner and watching fireworks-- evidently the best fireworks in the nation?-- from the service road of the Dallas North Tollway along with many other fellow Americans who were too lazy to drive through traffic and get to the park.

The fireworks were beautiful AND better than the ones in DC. The company also made the night sweeter.
But it was nothing like my holiday last year and that's ok. Isn't that what makes days special anyway? That none of them are ever the same? There I go being optimistic again...

Survival kit for the newly working.

The work week is hard and it's easy to get stressed and overwhelmed.
These are just a couple of awesome things that keep me from going crazy.

1.) Twitter.
Now I'm not the best tweeterer, but twitter is where I learn most of my breaking news and necessary as well as unnecessary information. And seeing that a quick 2 minute glance down your feed is all you need to be up to date, it saves time as well. No need to isolate yourself from the world just because you're working. (Image link)


2.) Dresses.
You're reading the most of a very ungirly girl. I would never wear dresses but in this TX heat, I don't know how I survived. And if you're the low maintenance type, I ask you, what is more low maintenance than a dress?! Pull it on and go.

3.) Slatkin & Co. Candles

Currently, I burn tropical spice and citrus flower during my showers. I just have the tealights but they're strong candles and there are millions of scents. Buy here: Bath & Body Works

4.) Wedges.

Corporate America looks down upon flip-flops --the ultimate shoe in my (college kid) mind-- so I've had to upgrade to a shoe that makes it seem like I'm trying but is still comfortable for an 8 (or 10) hour workday. Again, if you're a low maintenance girl who has claustrophobic feet, buy a wedge. (Image link)

5.) Grooveshark.
I don't know how they do it, but this website allows to listen to as much music as you want with NO ADS. Yes, no ads. I stopped listening to Pandora a loooonng time ago. You should to. The website has virtually every song you can think of. Not much Keith Urban though. I try not to hold it against them.

I thought I was going to keep it to 5 but I just thought of one more.

6.) Nestle/ Carnation Breakfast Essentials
This breakfast drink saves my life. Before work, I do not have the time to make and eat a complete breakfast. It takes me 30 minutes to pick out my outfit for goodness sake. < I'm working on it.
This drink is packed with proteins and vitamins; you put 1/3 cup of powder into a cold glass of milk and stir. That's it! It's the perfect breakfast that you can drink on your commute and it holds your over till lunch. (Image link)



So you should get a twitter account, buy a dress (or two), a pair of wedges (or two), smelly candles, a grooveshark account and a breakfast drink.

A relatively cheap post, eh? What helps you survive your work week? 
P.S--Happy long weekend!

Full of it.

I just ate dinner and it's 11:00 at night. It's the only time I had to eat so I did. My belly will burst if I even attempt to lay on my bed and/or I will start feeling that horrible acid eroding my esophagus (darn you acid reflux and WebMD) so instead I'm writing.

Tonight was bible study night which means I'm full of the Word and epiphanies...there are just many truths running through my head right now. Truths that I don't want to forget and I want to be able to reflect on when life is much more difficult and challenging than it is right now.

Both of the above types of "full" are good. But what about when you're full of...pride? Selfishness? Anger? Bitterness? Lord knows I've felt all of these, probably once or twice just today. ;)
Our emotions come from God and that's not something we need to detach ourselves from. Instead, think about how full you are of that emotion.

Does it make you feel heavy? Does it creep up like stomach acid in your throat? Is it like garlic where the taste just doesn't go away?

Solutions? Chew a piece of gum. Cleanse your heart of that emotion. Forgive the person who wronged you. Forgive yourself. Turn to the Word and He will cleanse your palate.

Wash it out. Confess your sin/your emotions to someone else who can hold you accountable and give you advice if necessary.

Don't eat it again. If you know that something you eat gives you heartburn, you avoid it. The same goes for the sin/person/thing that causes your heart to burn in the wrong way.

Well, this was cheesy enough. I'll leave this stuff to Beth Moore.

It's simple: hard work pays off.

Though I'm new to the "real" working world, I've already learned and reaped the rewards of a couple important lessons.
1. Actions speak louder than words.
2. Do the right things the right way and people notice.

Now, I'm sure things don't always work out this way. I'm sure that I will not always get the appreciation deserved for every little thing done. But right now, I'm going to immerse myself in this overly justified feeling!

To the newly employed and those aspiring: You want to move up? You want more responsibility? Show your boss that you can do the little things first. Show them that you believe in teamwork but you're also capable on your own. Be honest but don't complain. And be flexible! Take things as they come. Be a problem solver! Don't just solve your own problems but take a bit of your time to help your co-workers out, too. They'll love you for it.
I'm talking to you, my fellow Generation Y-ers. Put your google skills to the test. We have been bred for finding the answers to questions no one else can find.

Most of all, BE GENUINE. Don't look for a gold sticker. Be humble and just do the work you know you're good at. The commendation (promotion or raise) will come soon enough.

Sideblog: My passion is writing. I could write all the day long. God knows this and eventhough I've been worried that I would not be able to live out this dream in my career, it looks like things may work out after all. This reminds me of what I heard in a recent Matt Chandler sermon: Imagine yourself turning on the television to watch an hour long show. Now, imagine only watching a minute of it and then God watching the rest. Now, imagine arguing with God about what happened in the show.


Yeah. WOMP. WOMP.
We know who's going to win this one. And I just got the reminder I needed.

So my birthday isn't for another 121 days and 11 hours BUT I'm accepting gifts now.
Specifically, this one.

Yep, that's a candle that smells like The New York Times. Just 65 big ones, peeps.
Evidently, “the scent of the candle is newsy, with hints of guaiacwood, cedar, musk, and spice. Characterized by ‘a powdery note and velvet nuance,’ the scent is meant to mimic the aroma of black ink on newsprint.”

Thank you PRDaily for this one.

Really, can we put a price on this friendship? Take my word, I'm worth it.

Married...with Children

Have you ever seen this show? This is one area where I can learn from my parents' "mistakes." My brother and I always had our own TV, our own TV room and taught ourselves how to change the channel all by our little toddler selves. Even with basic cable, I was still able to do some damage.
My after-school schedule went like this:
Barney
Baywatch
The Simpsons
Married...with Children
Nash Bridges

And I can hum all of the theme songs for you, too.
Yes, a corrupted kid I was. Lesson: Do not give your child their own television! Especially in their own room. Tsk, tsk.  But I digress.

I'm actually talking about my parents. Today is the 26th anniversary of my parents' marriage. YAY! I've seen their marriage evolve and mature over the years and I'd say their relationship is the best its ever been. I've learned a lot just by watching them.

With college ending, I have more friends getting married and somehow, I'm attracting more and more married friends (am I there already!?). Listening to their stories and experiences, I gotta admit...I'm freakin' scared.

It seems very hard. So why do people do it? (Yes, I do still do things eventhough they might be difficult...theme of my life.) I'd do it for the companionship, the happiness...there is happiness involved right? BLAH. I need to read a book on this...

Growth.

Every spring, I accompany my dad to Lowe's and lend my eyes to find the most aesthetically pleasing group of perennials acceptable for plantation in our front yard. On the outside, I act like (a child) I really loathe going on this trip EVERY SINGLE year, but I'd be quite offended if I wasn't invited.

And every year I dig out the dead flowers, pull out the weeds, "till" the best way I know how, try to ignore the worms coming up from the ground, and plant the new flowers. Then, I overload with Miracle-Gro because my society has taught me that I should not wait for anything! (ha. ha.)

It's been three months, and now I'm up early on a Sunday morning with my curtains drawn and sunlight pouring into my room. Luckily, I have the best view of our front yard.

In the stillness,
before the television turns on,
before my dad starts making his tea,
before our dog Lucy realizes that she's hungry again,
before cars starts racing past our street,
before I have to open my door and let people know that I'm awake,
I am enjoying the scene that is before me. My flowers are in bloom and continue to grow (thank you Miracle-Gro). And so do I (thank you God).

Find the time to enjoy the quiet and reflect upon your own growth.
And he said,"Peace! Be still!" 

Pages.

As I sit on my bed and look around I can see books sitting everywhere; one on my dresser, 3 on my night stand, and another one right next to me. All these books have been opened, read, pages are marked with an occasional pencil scribble in the margin. These books really want to be finished, I'm sure. They want to be read cover to cover and then put in my bookcase where the rest of their friends are. I hope to get to all of them...eventually. 

My mind is so open to learning whatever the literature has to teach me. Whether it's a news article, non-fiction, or the latest Sophie Kinsella, a piece of the book is engraved in my brain.  

But the novel that is my life... oh, it does not compare to any Jennifer Weiner or even Jhumpa Lahiri. I am absolutely dependent on God's grace and provision. I must ask Him for bread daily and in result, I am the most blessed and broken I have ever been. 

This is one lesson from my book I don't want to forget. In fact, I don't mind if God leaves my book open on this page for a while. 

Internal optimism.

I think an overwhelming majority would agree with me when I say that I am hopelessly optimistic (a romantic, too, but that is for another blog, another day). When people are open enough to share their struggles, complaints and insecurities, I subconsciously turn their situation upside down and try to share a positive perspective on the whole thing.

Now, my question is, is this comforting or annoying?

I'm guessing that the rays of sunshine that burst forth from my platinum smile and overly perky voice puts a damper on whatever raincloud they have over their heads. Because sometimes we want to be upset and whiny. I TOTALLY GET THAT. My friends can tell you that I gots to rant when I gots to rant.

If my positive and useless remarks rained on your rainy parade, I'm sorry. I'm going to try the more understanding, "dude, that sucks" attitude and see how that works.

I'll try to hide my sunshine, but no promises peeps.

(After rereading, I realize that this post sounds a bit sarcastic...oh well.)

My brother.

My brother cooks.
My brother bakes.
My brother thinks he's got looks.

He sings alright.
He reads a lot.
He'll beat me up for this poem,
Oh yes, he might.

His room is always clean.
His bed is always made.
I watch TV with him if he's not being mean.

My brother's younger than me.
Sometimes I can't tell either.
He's rubbed off in many ways,
Because of him, I'm a techie.

He makes fun of our mom.
He loves our dog.
He often compares her to a baby, which is SO wrong.

My brother, he puts up with lots.
My brother, he's so weird.
My brother, I love him.
NOT.

To pursue or not to pursue.

Ohhh, how this question beats my brain into soggy cereal mush to the point where I cannot think about anything else. (That's the point where I blog about it.)

I must be vague about this certain thing I want to pursue but shouldn't. I'm trying to sit here and not pursue but of course, that just means that I want pursue even MORE.

PLEASE, I'll give anything to be able to pursue!
Yet I must wait. Do y'all get me!?
So here I am, frustrated and impatient, wanting exactly what I can't have.

I've heard good things come to those who wait. I searched for the word "wait" in the Bible (ESV) and found it 132 times! FYI: Love shows up 632 times and faith 474 times-- in case you needed a scale.

As I glance through the mentions, I remember Ruth's story as Naomi told her to wait for Boaz, knowing that he would settle their family matters and marry her. There was Hannah who prayed for a son, promising to dedicated him to the Lord and was assured by Elkanah to wait, she would know the right time to send Samuel away. Then, there's Job.

Oh, Job. He waited and waited and waited and things definitely got worse for him before it got better.

If these people waited and received what they needed from the Lord, then surely we can as well.

Lead me in your truth and teach me,for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the (darn) day long.
-Psalm 25:5

Repost: First night of summer

My friend Caroline, posted this yesterday and it's just too good, so I wanted to share:
Read below or here.

First Night of Summer

It’s summer.

Finally.

I jumped into a May-mester two days after graduation so tonight is my first Waco summer night. I’m sitting outside common grounds and an inkling of boredom is almost creeping up, but then the feeling gets me so excited about the possibilities that summer will bring. Such a freeing feeling.

Therapeutic.

We haven’t set up internet at our house, which has been one of the best things to happen. It’s amazing how productive you are when your browser isn’t taunting you with cool blogs and other pointless diversions. Having no internet has pulled me out of the house and thus I’ve spent hours here in front of Common Grounds. During the summer it’s so quiet and calm and tonight there’s the perfect breeze (um, here in Texas a breeze is a gift from God).

However, without internet I have tons of built up ah-HA moments that are welling up inside. My Maymester class covered the gospels of Luke & John, and the class came at such a pivotal transition in my world.


To be gut honest, the 3 weeks of the class were some of the hardest weeks I’ve had in a while. Within days most of my closest friends left Waco for… forever amidst a massive move and renovation of a “boy house” and all while still trying to do well at work. Plus, Clayton was gone (that was a kicker *wink*).


The class- like none other- kept me glued to the Word. Several hours a night I spent wrestling with parables with some of the most pointed and devotional homework questions. I treasure the notes I have written down. Our professor guided the class through discovering the text for ourselves with an aim to see it applied to the church. Somehow my other classes haven’t quite made that leap– the leap that calls for action.

Repeatedly through the class I was reminded that it’s not Baylor that makes me me. It’s not friends. It’s not Clayton. It’s not even learning. I exist to know & worship my Creator. I quickly learned that the hours of homework can be daunting, OR it can be a priceless time of an entire morning dedicated to the Book I claim to live by and desire to understand.


Over the next few weeks I’m going to dive into the notes I have in my notebook next to the massive stars that signal my ah-HA moments. First on the dock is Zechariah in Luke 1. That’s me. I see myself in the story for the first time.

Happy Summer friends. Dwell on your ah-HA moments. There are layers of lessons.

Things I don't want to forget: Missouri Roadtrip 2011

Singing Zac Brown Band's Chicken Fried as we crossed into OK

The peach stands every 10 miles...and never getting Josh to stop at them.

Playing the alphabet game in the middle of nowhere.

Cow poker?

The Oklahoma city names that you wonder if Okies can even pronounce.

Being the wrong kind of Indian in Indian nation. 

Going to McDonalds and exposing all the customers there to diversity. 

59 cent drinks at QT. 

Seeing hills for the first time in a VERY long time. 

Caroline's Christian goalpost instead of the bird. 

Big Indian/Tall chief (picture coming soon) 

Giggling under glow in the dark stars while the boys blockaded us in.

Trampoline.

Causing fires at our table at the wedding.

Missouri roadtrip 2011=BEST

 

My Mother

I did something mean today. My friend asked me what my mom's personality was like and I said she didn't have one. 

SO. RUDE. 

It was more for comedic relief, but still. I've now told myself that dedicating a post to her would somehow cancel out the act. Bear with me. 

My mother is...

funny. Blonde funny. 

hard-working. She's worked harder than I ever have/ever will. 

devoted to the Lord. My grandfather put some excellent values in her. 

blindly faithful. 

patient. In fact, it's been almost 23 years and she hasn't wrung my neck once. 

girly. Pink is her favorite color, roses are her favorite flower, she has A LOT of shoes and is never seen without wearing jewelry.

quiet. She's reserved. Most describe her as innocent, I think she can be pretty sneaky though. 

strong, but not dismissive. You know her love by her ways, her actions. Not by her tears or tantrums. 

Basically, she puts up with a lot with the most grace.

She's not perfect but she's a great example of a loving mother.  

 

Clutch

Like a good hometown fan would do, I watched the Mavericks/Heat game last night AND like a dedicated fan would do, I did not turn off my TV when the Heat had an 15 point lead with 6 minutes left in the 4th.
(I lower my head in shame and shake my finger at YOU, fairweather fan. Tsk tsk.)

The last 6 minutes could only be described as clutch. The Mavs understood that if they didn't deliver then, they could kiss that Larry O'Brien trophy good-bye.

My reasonable guess: Kidd and Nowitzki probably saw what all that they had worked for this season slipping through their fingers (like the ball, for much of the game) and reacted.

What Tyson Chandler said: After Wade made his 3-point shot right in front of the Mavericks bench, the team had to show them that the game wasn't over.

Way to go, team.

I'll be honest, I thought the game was over after Wade's shot. I was ready to go to bed but I hoped that my team could turn it around.

This week I've been pondering a similar story that ended sadly.
In 1 Samuel 13, War with the Philistines is about to break out and Saul is told to wait for seven days, for Samuel to come and make a sacrifice on the Israelites' behalf. On the seventh day, Saul gets impatient, sees his people scattering from him and decides to take matters in his own hands. Samuel, who shows up at the last minute but on time, catches Saul in the act. The unlawful sacrifice costs Saul the throne.

Samuel was clutch, but Saul was ready to get it over with. How often are we too impatient to wait for God's immpeccable timing and plan?

Hey God, what are you doing?

Post grad life has me up and down. I'm constantly either

or

with some of this in between...

Alright, now I'm just getting funny here.

With all seriousness, life hasn't exactly turned out the way I wanted it to in the last 5 months. I trying to deal but I'm often defeated and lacking motivation.

I'm looking to the Book for help and found this nifty --not really nifty; more like RAW--book, Habakkuk.

Short and sweet, Habakkuk is like -WTH God?!? He's real and overtly genuine. He tells God that He doesn't like what He's doing and respectfully asks God to respond to Him. God faithfully responds (I'm still getting through Habakkuk so pardon my too brief summary) and Habakkuk ends with this:

Though the fig tree should not blossom,

nor fruit be on the vines,

the produce of the olive fail

and the fields yield no food,

the flock be cut off from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the LORD;

I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

GOD, the Lord, is my strength.

This is how I'm having to respond to my life situation right now. It's a challenge but I do find strength in remembering these words.

A great practice: Add your own words to this or any verse. It can make the verse easier to connect with and remember.



Manners

I've been a bit perturbed since last night.
NO, it's not because the Mavericks lost at home to Oklahoma City Thunder yesterday, tying the series at 1-1. Or because the season finale for The Office yesterday was a total cliffhanger...(just tell us that Jim Carrey's replacing Carrell already!).

Last night, a priest and his family made plans to come to my house for dinner. Now this wouldn't be a big deal if I didn't have the father I have. You see, most of his identity comes from food. He's the guy who's known for his cooking--indian and barbeque. Though it comes off as smothering at times, he prides himself on being the best host. Therefore, this visit was an EVENT.

My father made barbeque (chicken, pork and steak), salad, potatoes and fresh strawberries and grapes for dessert. Now this would all be fine and expected IF the priest showed up WITH his family.

Priest man apologized, said that daughter did not get home from school until late and still had homework to do; so the family stayed home.

This still would not have been so bad IF priest man stayed to have dinner.
That's right. He left with two take-out bags, it was almost 10 and I still had no food in my stomach.

Friends, let's remember, if you make dinner plans, keep them. If you can't, then have the decency to call and tell your host before they slave over a hot, smoky grill for 2 hours and marinate meat for you the night before. That way, you also won't have an angry girl writing about you and your ill-manners, eating charred meat for 3 nights in a row. 
Best.

"Sah-prise, sah-prise."

Gomer Pyle, anyone?

Trump is out. Who called it!? Evidently, he's announced he's running and bailed before. More than once. I never heard about it until this year. When did you know that it was over? I figured it was after that correspondence dinner Pres. Obama hosted. 

The one when Obama took jabs at FOX and Trump all the while he knew that he had Osama.

Can I say badass without being judged? 

Badass. 

I know it's been a sometime but let's recap that dinner, shall we? And pay our respects to dear old Trump. You may never be Commander in Chief but you still got your TV show.