Lock Down

Yesterday was quite the eventful day! As most of you know I live in Huntsville, Texas. Sometimes I like to call it "The Prison City!" I know you may not think that's funny, but when you live in a city full of prisoners and death row inmates, you sometimes have to make things positive so you don't freak yourself out. I've always felt safe here, but there are definitely times my mind goes crazy and I think of all the crazy things that COULD happen. On occasion I do think of inmates escaping. It's happened once or twice while I've lived here and the atmosphere of the town does change a bit, we're all a little on edge, but most of the time we're just extra cautious and move on with our day.

Yesterday was different, though. Two inmates escaped early yesterday morning while doing yard work on the highway. Obviously, if they were doing yard work, outside, they've been given the privilege to do so and they're trusted. They lost that trust yesterday after escaping and killing a guard. My heart is sad for that family. What a risky job. They are better people than I am for working at a prison! And for that matter, being a guard.

Normally when there are escapees, Huntsville goes on lock down. All the schools stay locked, and then it's up to the businesses and the college (Sam Houston) to make a decision as to whether we'll be on lock down or not. Most of the time, everything is on lock down for a bit, and then they re-open. Sam Houston, however, seems to NEVER go on lock down. We are simply all sent an email (as if we check our email in class) telling us to stay safe. Yes, they send us updates, but seriously. Wal-Mart was even on lock down for a bit. Now that, my friends, is RARE!

As I left school yesterday, very cautiously, I had heard I couldn't get to my apartment because that side of I-45 had been closed off for the time being. My roommate told me to come to her friends house until we could go home and I was OK with that. I'd much rather be with people than by myself anyway. After I picked up some lunch, I decided I would just try and go to our apartment to see if we could get in yet. Well, low and behold, I could. But, upon my arrival I decided NOT to stay because I wasn't sure about the 3 helicopters circling our apartments. Umm, no thank you! So, I went to the friends apartment. That's when I realized that the reason my side of 45 was closed was because that's where all the drama took place. And, not only did it take place on my side of 45, but it took place basically in the parking lot of my apartment.

You see, there is a bank literally right in front of my apartment. It sits in our entry way. The 2 escapees, after killing and taking the weapons from the prison guard, ran to the bank where they hijacked a ladies truck, while shooting, and throwing her in the back seat while they sped off. My apartment manager saw it all happen. Scary. Luckily, they were caught of few blocks away. They abandoned the truck, and the lady, then one was caught and one ran off on foot. That's when the search began. He not only escaped, but he was armed and dangerous. Thankfully, late afternoon they caught him, and now the 2 are back in prison, with no privileges and more charges against them. They have no remorse and told the public that they have "nothing to loose." So sad. My heart hurts for the guard who was killed and her family. Her husband is an HPD officer and when interviewed last night said that "she was everything he had."

Pray for that family, would you?

When Megan and I returned to our apartment, after a little scare of our own, we had our own "lock down." You better believe that ALL of the locks on our door were secure and LOCKED. They may have been caught, but we were on edge.

And that, sweet friends, is an exciting day in Huntsville, Texas. We get to experience the joy's of TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) that no one else experiences.

Hello From the Lake!

Hi friends!!

So, I'm writing from the lake, for the second weekend in a row. I am so spoiled!

My mom called me to let me know that "the group" a.k.a the bible study would be spending the day out at the lake house on Saturday and that I should meet them. My response: the lake, 2 weekends in a row?! You better believe I'll be there! I mean, it is just so darn relaxin'. I've thoroughly enjoyed the day. The Lord knows that I need the peace out here!

I hope you've all had a great weekend. My has been great! I've seen my girls, visited the Lambert's in Aggieland, and now I'm at the lake!

Anyway, I'll update later, but just thought I'd say hello!!

Hope you're getting some rest this weekend.

Lots of love,

And There Was ONE

I just wanted to tell everyone who prayed for TRUTH Tuesday night thank you, thank you, thank you.

From the worship, to the special music, to the wonderful message, and to the amazing drama, everything went perfectly. The Lord showed up in a mighty way and low and behold ONE got it. ONE came to know HIM as her personal Lord and Savior. PTL! (I do know that 2 others are meeting with our pastor to talk more about it and they seem ready!!) There were also many others who rededicated their lives, or made commitments or changes, and we are so grateful.

The truth of the matter is is that we all need to examine our lives. In this life that we like to call "the dance", who are we dancing with? What is taking control over our lives? What is tempting us? How can we flee from temptation? What grave clothes are we still wearing? (See John 11:44)

HE longs to strip the clothes of death off of you, but you have to be willing to LET HIM take them off. You have to COME OUT of the darkness. Stop hiding. Sometimes we want the process of sanctification to happen in private, you know, just between you and Him so no one else knows. So know one else "figures you out!" So you're not embarrassed. So, maybe, just maybe, your pride won't be shot down. Well, folks, it doesn't work like that. We NEED a Savior to come pick us up and dust us off. We NEED other people around us to hold us accountable. To ask us the hard questions. To know us better than we know ourselves.

HE IS fighting on YOUR behalf. HE wants you to CHOOSE Him. Choose the spirit over the flesh!

I have been really struggling having a morning quiet time. I mean, let's face it, I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON. But, I have come to realize the importance of spending time with HIM first thing. Just asking that he would fill me with his spirit so that my choices through out the day would be pleasing to him. That I would choose the spirit over my flesh. That HE would be the DELIGHT in my life. So, I started the devotional, David: 90 Days with a Heart Like His by Beth Moore. It's been sitting in my room since June, and as sad as I am that I didn't start it when I got it, I think this is the perfect time to start it. It gives me structure. I am proud to announce that so far (meaning the past and first 2 days!) I have done it in the morning, and y'all, can I just tell you what a difference it makes. Seriously. I love it. Clearly, I praise HIM for kicking me out of bed each morning because it is everything in me to snooze my alarm for 15 more minutes, or 30 more minutes. So, praise HIM for his faithfulness.

But, since I am telling y'all this, y'all can keep me accountable. Ask me if I've done it that day. I'm so serious. My plan is that I CANNOT get on the computer that day until I've spent time with Him. I don't want to make it routine, or legalistic, but I just need that routine and that discipline. Since I've enjoyed HIM so much lately, and the book, I really can't even wait to get up and spend time with Him. It's a new adventure every day and I love it. Now, ask me next week if I'm loving it and you may get a totally different answer, but my prayer is that my JOY and SATISFACTION would only GROW for Him. So, join me in loving Him and for praying for discipline, would you? I would GREATLY appreciate it! And, I'll for sure keep y'all updated!

Anyway, thank you for praying for TRUTH. We GOT IT! How awesome is HE?! I pray you GET IT this week!

Love y'all!

Please Pray!

Hey Folks!

I am writing this short post to ask all who read this to please pray for TRUTH, our college bible study, tonight! I mean, we always could use prayer, but tonight seems to be special. Afshin won't be joining us tonight so our "college pastor", Bert, will be bringing a special word instead.

Tonight our topic is "Who are you dancing with?" and we are performing this skit at TRUTH. The skit alone is enough to move us all, but we want all who come to UNDERSTAND the skit. That what our Jesus did for us, he did for them too. That he has already "overcome this world." That he is on our side and that he took our place. That all the other things we chase after are meaningless. And mostly, that HE is chasing after us. Oh, that we would be free!

The other thing I would ask is that you pray for the TRUTH volunteers (myself included). We need to understand, too, that we are not past this message. That this message pertains to us just like it pertains to everyone else that walks in those doors. I think sometimes we too easily forget that and are so quick to help someone else and not ourselves. If that makes any sense!

Who knows, there may only be ONE person that gets the message tonight, but please join me in praying for that ONE person. But, I do hope we all GET IT!

Thank you, prayer warriors, in advance for praying. I'll update you, no doubt!

Anticipating HIM tonight,

Houston Girl

Hi Blog Friends!!

So, I have been reading a lot of blogs lately about Deeper Still, the conference, last weekend! As most of you know many of the "siestas" met up, hugged necks, took pictures and had a grand ole' time! The pictures are just precious and I can't wait for Siesta Fiesta to do the same thing.

A lot of ladies have also been re-capping what they learned through Beth, Priscilla, and Kay and we, as bloggers, have been blessed to gain some wisdom also by reading what they've learned. I have loved reading every one of them.

Anyway, since I am a "Houston Girl" I thought I would share some wisdom I gained last semester during the one "Wising Up" series night that I got to go to. You see, I am a "Houston Girl" but for the past 3 years, I've had to live vicariously through my mom, Jen, or Joanna because I've been in Huntsville at Sam Houston going to school.

Every semester I've been able to make it to at least one or two of them, but I definitely miss the consistency, and being able to go every Tuesday to bible study. But alas, I'll be back next Spring.
This is my last semester in Huntsville because I'll be moving back home to student teach. So, until next semester when I can update you all EVERY Tuesday night, go HERE to read about "Wising Up" with your tounge. I got to go during spring break and it was everything I needed to hear!!

I can't wait to be back with all my other Houston Girls!!

MANY Hugs,

El Casa Del Lago

Yesterday, I got to have an unexpected day at the Lake. It was grand!

During Rush Brunch (post soon to come!) I missed 2 phone calls from my lovely bestie Jennifer. I couldn't check my voice mail during brunch but I was dying to know what was going on. Sometimes I get nervous when someone calls me more than once.

As soon as I got in my car you better know that I busted out the phone. When I was confused as to what her voice mail was stating, I called her back. Come to find out, she and the parentals were on their way to their Lake House in Lake Conroe and she wanted me to meet them there! I was so excited I could have peed. You see, Jen was in town this past week for her Aunt Donna's funeral. I was so sad when I knew that even though she was an hour away, I probably wasn't gonna get to see her. This kills me because she lives in Louisiana. So, every chance I get to see her is a time well spent. Anyway, Huntsville is only about 25 miles from Conroe so of course I ran home, changed and headed to the Lake.

The Lake is probably the most relaxing place. It was our youth. We spent so much time there with "the group." Such great memories! The trips there are so few and far between now, so I was excited to spend the day like old times. Just ridin' around in the boat and chillin'.

We had a wonderful time. When I got there we packed up the boat, headed to Pappa's on the Lake for some grub, and then drove around for about 2 hours...no joke. I love the boat. I love going fast. I love the wind in my hair (even though it's a hott mess when I get off!) I love the time spent with one of my favorite families. They are family to me!

All in all I had a wonderful, relaxing and refreshing Saturday! There's nothin' like being with your favorite people on a wonderful fall day, on the lake, in the boat, cruisin' around with no cares in the world. So, thank you Jack, Cheryl, Jen, and MaMa for inviting me. I love y'all!!

Me and my Jen!

Pappa's on the Lake!

Jennifer Dawn enjoying the ride!

Ginormous House #1

Ginormous House #2

Obedience

"Woe to the obstinate (dis-obedient) children," declares the Lord, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; who go down to Egypt without consulting me; who look for help to Pharaoh's protection, to Egypt's shade for refuge. But Pharaoh's protection will be your shame." Isaiah 30:1-3

I have been hearing a lot about obedience lately. Seriously. Every where I turn, every verse I read, seems to correlate with obedience. The thing that struck me more than anything was when I heard that obedience is more important than sacrifice. When I thought about that, though, I realized that in all reality, the two go hand in hand. When you are being obedient to the Lord, you are most likely sacrificing something. It may be big or little, but something. So therefore, I can see where God would want our obedience over our sacrifice.

The next question that was presented was inevitably "are you being obedient to the Lord?" And, how so?

Ummmm, good question.

Y'all, I've asked myself a thousand times if I'm being obedient. Not in really any specific area, but just in general. Am I keeping my ear attentive to Him? Am I getting to know Him? Am I making my own plans without consulting Him? (See Isaiah 30) When I really thought about it, I really had to pray. My prayer was that the Lord would show me the areas of my life that I am being obstinate. It's hard, sometimes. I feel like sometimes I live in a cloud, or dream, and I just don't really know what to do with my life. But then other times I feel as though I've got my life figured out. Confused? I am. Sometimes his voice seems so distant, and others it sounds so near.

Am I being obedient? Where, Lord, do I need to be obedient to you RIGHT NOW?

I saw this quote and absolutely loved it. Of course, the theme was obedience. Coincidence? I think not.

"I will love God because He first loved me. I will obey God because I love God. But if I cannot accept God's love, I cannot love Him in return, and I cannot obey Him. Self-discipline will never make us feel righteous or clean; accepting God's love will. The ability to accept God's unconditional grace and ferocious love is all the fuel we need to obey Him in return..." - Blue Like Jazz

To obey Him is to love Him. First, we have to accept that love. Oh, how hard that is sometimes and how undeserving we are of that love. But, I have to accept it to obey Him. And I long to do that.

This may be mumble jumble to some of you but, it's been my main thought process for the past week. How can I, right now, obey YOU, Lord?

Wake Up

Hey y'all!! I just wanted to thank all of you who prayed for me this past weekend. It was great! And, I've still got energy for the week!

Despite the 3 hour drive to Galveston from Houston (it is normally an hour and a half drive!) everything went great and very smooth. As most of you know I was in charge of child care for the family retreat. Our youth group tried something different this year, and instead of having a retreat for just Jr. High and High Schoolers, we had a family retreat for the whole family. We were all blessed and very encouraged as a staff when about 31 families signed up for the shin dig. We were expecting about 20. Since it was a first time deal, we just weren't to sure how things would span out, but y'all, it was great and SUCH a success.

I am so thankful to the Lambert's (newlyweds of 3 weeks!) and to Jen for helping me out with the child care, I absolutely COULD NOT have done it without them. Giving up a weekend to watch kiddos was a blessing to me because of the help I got and a huge blessing to the parents who were able to spend time with their older children during the worship sessions. So, thank you SO much to my faithful helpers! I appreciate you more than you know.

When we weren't with the children, we were out on the island having a grand ole' time! Saturday during free time, we ate, walked The Strand, and layed by the pool. Of course each night was a late night, simply because when you get 4 girls in a room, you know you are bound to stay up late talking. We're so bad. But, I would never trade the lack of sleep for anything. Girl time is simply priceless.

It was weird to be with the kids and not in the sessions, but I made the most out of it. Just a new experience.

I'll leave you with some fun pictures. No worries, though, I know you are thinking "Shouldn't you have been watching the kids instead of taking pictures?!" Hahahaha. Yes, we should have. But, I just couldn't resist the photo op moments. And besides, we only had a few accidents. ;)

Our bedding was saran wrapped. Is that normal?!
I don't understand.
Same shorts, same wristlet, same Diet Coke, same wavy hair, same camera...this would be Claire, my long legged twin.

Fun glasses on the strand!
We're so excited and we just can't hide it...
I love Mrs. Lambert!

Sleeping baby #1
Sleeping baby #2

Colorful tops!
The Newlyweds who gave up their weekend! Happy 3 week anniversary!
Okay, so we're not really twins...or sisters. But, people ask us that all the time!

I love my Jen!
Kyle, the most precious child ever!

Bringing Home Baby

I apologize for the lack of updating lately, but y'all, I feel like the theme of my life right now is just plain busy...especially at school.

On the other hand, Labor Day Weekend was GREAT. Non-stressful and relaxing. I enjoyed my time at home doing absolutely nothing. Yes, I had some school work, and did some productive things, but none of which stressed me out.

A few highlights from the weekend were Jude's 1st Birthday Party, which was absolutely adorable and fun. I can't believe this little booger is already ONE. I'll never forget the day when Sally went into labor. It was the day before Labor Day. I was at Schlitterbahn with my youth group and when I returned to my "table of stuff" I had about 10 missed phone calls from all the girls. I knew it. I knew she was either in labor or had the baby. I think I was in shock! It was such a great day and I couldn't wait to get my hands on that boy. Oh, what great memories. Now he's one and I am still in shock. But, also quite twitterpaited. :)

"Happy 1st Jude!"
On the floor dissecting the cake!
He just wasn't too sure...
The highchair was the lifesaver :)
"Yea, it's my birthday!"

"Here's my head..."
It's my party and I'll cry if I want too!
Do you see why I'm twitterpaited?!

Another highlight was seeing the ravishing musical of Hairspray with my Jennifer!! Y'all, it is just delightful! SO entertaining and funny. I am actually singing along to the soundtrack as my fingers type away!

We celebrated Labor Day on Sunday with the Snows and the Maney's! Oh, bless. We laughed so much and had a great time! I love these people, truly another family to us. If I could get a dollar for every holiday we have spent together, I am sure I would be a millionaire by now. But, every time is a time well spent!

Monday was just "get er' done" kinda day. I piddled around and then packed up to head back to Huntsville...in the rain. One of the many reasons I'm glad we celebrated on Sunday, simply because of the awful weather on Monday that hasn't ceased since then. It's been such a beautiful week in terms of weather! ;) Rain rain go away, come again another day....

That leads me to this week. The week of craziness...yet so much fun! Y'all, I know I am so busy and am ready to be out of school, but I am serious when I say I am enjoying this semester so much. My teachers are awesome. My classmates are a blessing. Our projects are more fun than a college student should be aloud to have. And, I was placed at THE BEST Elementary School in Willis. I love it.

Although I've enjoyed every class, I have to say that Science has been the most fun so far. We've created funky name tags, made "science eyes" and now have babies to take care of. Babies, being two meal worms. They are our project for the next few weeks. We prepared their home today in the nice plastic cup given to us with lots of wheat grain and were instructed to feed them potato slices every few days. WOW. I've brought home the babes and am ready to take this challenge of bringing home baby...including trying not to kill the twins. :)

Look at those science eyes!
We're so cool.
Oh, what fun education majors have!

Anyway, I hope you all have had a wonderful week and had a wonderful Labor Day weekend full of rest and relaxation!

If you think of me this weekend I would greatly appreciate a prayer for the retreat I'll be at. This weekend is the Family Wake-Up retreat in Galveston and I am heading up the childcare for kids under the ages of 6th grade. I'm very excited, but am hoping I'll have enough energy to give the kids the attention they need and then certainly energy upon my return as I start another crazy week. Thank you so much friends in advance for praying!

Well, I'm off to pack a bag...and finish laundry! Oh, and I better check on my babies.

The joys of responsibility! :)