Conversations Part 2

Clearly, I am one who loves talking to girls. Hello, it is my job! One of my favorite parts about my job is when we travel, whether it be out of state, or just to the other side of the city for dinner. (And yes, that would be traveling because Houston is HUGE!) The reason I love this is because inevitably a good conversation is always started. And I love me a good conversation!

At this point in my job, the conversation is normally started by the girls simply asking me questions. Anything and everything! I am totally okay with that and really I love answering their questions, and then asking the same questions right back to them! :)

After the normal everyday questions, I can always expect and am prepared for this question:

"So, do you have a boyfriend?"

And then immediately following that question, before I can even answer it they ask:

"How many boyfriends have you had?"

I love answering this question for a few reasons:

1) Because most of the reactions I get are absolutely priceless when I answer those questions "No!" and "None!"

2) I love sharing with them that even though the answers to those questions are an absolute "No!" I am OK.

It's in telling them "No!" that I can tell them that their worth is not found in a dating relationship, or boyfriend and nor should it ever be. Your worth is found in God. I mean, honestly and truly, there have been MANY a times when I wished my worth was found in guys. I thought it would validate who I was. That I was pretty enough, smart enough, funny enough and what not. And still to this day I struggle and wrestle with finding my worth solely in the Lord.

Every now and then the enemy likes to whisper to me "Lindsee, what is wrong with you? You're 23 and have never even been asked on a date!" That's when I have to trade the lies for truth. That the Lord calls me beautiful. (Psalm 45:11) That HIS thoughts are not my thoughts, nor my ways His ways. (Isaiah 55:8) That HE has a plan to give me a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) and that ultimately even though I may not understand His timing or ways, HE can do more than I can imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)

When I tell the girls "No!" to these questions, they always have the funniest responses. Truly they make me giggle.

Last summer when talking with group of girls one of the girls, who I guess was in complete shock, said, "Ugh, I thought you had had like 23!" Really, 23 boyfriends? I mean, I'm not saying it's impossible, but that's one for every year of my life!

Then, this past week in Mississippi when this conversation came up, we were actually talking about some of their high school fears. (They are about to be freshman!) One of them stated that she was afraid she would be the only girl left out and never have a boyfriend. I looked at her and smiled and told her that, indeed I was that girl, but I am still alive. Yes, it stunk hugely at times, and yes, I was lonely at times, but I made it. She was floored. Honestly! Her response:

"Well, they're just all scared of you!"

Then, she came back the next night and was just sure that I had had plenty of opportunity, but I had turned all of the offers down.

Sorry, sweet one. Not even one date opportunity! (Besides the annual homecoming dance and of course prom!)

She again had the funniest look on her face. I wish you could have seen it.

Another response I always love is:

"Have you ever liked a guy?"

Every time I am asked this I literally fall over laughing. Ladies and gentlemen, I am human. I have not only like a guy, I am pretty sure I have had MANY obsessions. Let's just get honest here.

After I tell them that I am indeed human and have liked more guys than I could ever count they always ask, "Well, did you tell them? Did you go after them?"

Once again, the answer is "No!" I am SO not that bold, plus, it isn't supposed to happen that way.

As Bethany Dillon puts it in her song For My Love "I want to be pursued..."

And I still do want to be pursued...

Well friends, if you made it to the end of this post. I applaud you. It is long and quite uneventful, but I love me some girl conversations and I love encouraging them.

No, I don't have it all figured out. And no, I haven't stopped wishing, hoping and praying for my man. I think about it everyday of my life.

It's just that in this time, I know the Lord has called me to encourage these sweet girls, and help them understand who they are in Christ! So I will do just that. And hopefully with much humility and joy!

Love you, friends!

Lindsee (Lou)

The Travels Are Almost Over

I'm back! I spent all of last week in Mississippi with our Jr. High students and had an absolute blast. Normally, for our Jr. High camp we hook up with Student Life. If you've never experienced Student Life you are missing out. It is put on by LifeWay and it is always an amazing time! But, this year we wanted to try something new. So, we hooked up with CentriFUGE in Mississippi, which is also put on by LifeWay and we had an equally amazing time.

I'm not gonna lie, I am exhausted beyond belief. Our schedule literally started at 6:45 for breakfast every morning, and ended at 11 at night. We weren't in bed at 11, we had to be back in our room by 11! So, today my eyelids are heavy and every bit of my physical body is sore, thanks to adult recreation! :) BUT, we did have an amazing time!

I was so encouraged yesterday in Jr. High when about 6 of our students got up to share what God did in their lives while at camp. Really, I should say shocked! Their hearts are so tender, real and precious and the Lord did do some amazing things in them. For them to get up in front of their peers and share how they were challenged is a hard thing to do, but they did it and truly gave God the glory! I love that He moves in the hearts of young ones and I can absolutely NOT look down on them because they are young. (I would be lying if I said I never did this!)

Anyway, we left VERY early last Monday morning and camp ended on Saturday. I had one problem: I was supposed top be in a wedding on Saturday! So, we ended up working everything out in that I flew out of Mississippi that morning instead of riding back on the bus with them. I literally got home around 2ish, hopped in the shower, got all ready and went straight to the church. To say I was exhausted is an understatement. When Jen and I were practicing our song, I was so tired I could barely get a good breath to get a note out. It was bad. So, after practicing a few times, I just went and sat down to catch my breath! I just needed to breathe!

Our precious family and lifelong friend Kelly Snow got married and it was a gorgeous wedding! I was so grateful that I even made it to the wedding, let alone be apart of it. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. She was a stunning bride, and her sweet husband was so cute all night. He couldn't stop looking at her! Love it!

Enjoy some pictures of the wedding! I'm off to take care of a dog and house that I am house sitting this week, and then I'm off to dinner with my girls. Jen and Joanna that is! Woo Hoo!

Then later this week I'm off to Fort Worth to see my other girls, Jen and Raven! YEA! So excited!

Love you all!!

Not only was it Kelly's wedding day...it was also her 25th birthday! Happy Birthday, Kelly!

Me and the Beautiful Bride!
Mr. and Mrs. New
Me and my Jen! We were thrilled and honored to sing in the wedding!
They were sweet to each other!
First dance!
Mr. and Mrs. Isaminger! Love them!
Get it!
My sweet Dad!
Mom and brother! Cute!
Me and my precious Mom!
The last dance! CUTE!

The fam...minus one! Kevyn is in Mexico for a Mission Trip!
Off they go...

Batman, Bond and Babies

The past 48 hours have been nothing short of an adventure. And all sorts of adventures that is!

Friday morning, I saw the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight. Okay, so this movie was amazing. Yes it was. Disturbing? Absolutely! Very well done? Yes ma'am! Entertaining? That is an understatement. Still mourning that Heath Ledger is no longer with us? You've got it.

In all seriousness though, it was a VERY well done movie. I think seeing it one time in the theatres was enough for me, though! I can't tell you how many times I jumped or how many times I covered my eyes! I'll be glad to watch it again when it comes out on video!

If your into that kind of movie, go see it for yourself. I hope you will not be disappointed! But, I also don't want to give too much away!


Now, I know you are thinking, "Lindsee, Casino Royale is SO not new!" Yes, I know. But during the previews for Batman, they played the trailer for the NEW Bond movie, Quantum of Solace! Folks, I am indeed a Bond fan. But, I had not yet seen Casino Royale so I felt obligated to rent it on Friday night since I was already so excited about the next one! Normally I do see this in the theatres, but somehow I missed this one!

Once again, I was not disappointed. (Not that I thought I would be!) VERY good and well done! And different from the rest of them in that in this one he doesn't have a TON of nifty little gadgets! I liked that. He was just himself, fighting off everyone with he, himself, and him. (Just for the record, I KNOW that is not correct grammar. I just felt like saying that!)

After two of those kinds of movies in one day, I was pretty much good to go for a while! So, to get my girlyness back, I got to watch these two precious ones while my BFF and her family went to the Astros game tonight. It was just what I needed to feel like I belonged to the female species again. These are Jen's nieces who are an absolute hoot and a half! They cracked me up and boy did we play a lot. We even played outside so that my hair could take in all the humidity possible. It looked gorgeous!

Of course, when I got home from babysitting, I immediately went to clean the bathroom and my bedroom since it is expecting company this week! My Aunt and Uncle just got in town late tonight to visit for the week. Unfortunately, I am leaving EARLY Monday morning to go to Mississippi with the Jr. High kids so I will only get to see the tonight and tomorrow! But, hey, I guess it's better than nothing, right? In the mean time, they will be enjoying my oh-so-comfy bed for the week!

Well folks, I am off to bed myself. I've got sleep to get, church to be at, and family to enjoy tomorrow!

Have a WONDERFUL Sunday and remember Jesus on this sabbath day!

Love you all!

Prayer Requests

*Update: As of right now my Gramps and Barb are flying back home to Boulder! They released him this morning and put him on a normal flight with a doctor of some sort flying along with them should anything else happen! Once they land in Denver, they will immediately transfer him to his hospital where his doctors can take a good look at him! Thank you so much for praying! I will keep you updated...

Hi friends!

I keep meaning to post this and time keeps getting the best of me.

This past Wednesday my Gramps (my Dad's dad) was having chest pains. He took himself to the hospital where they realized that he was indeed having a heart attack. They admitted him and put a stint in his heart and then put him in ICU.

The main problem here, besides the fact that he had a heart attack, is that my grandparents are in Belgium. They were supposed to be flying back to Colorado on Wednesday, but this has clearly put a hold on things.

Since Wednesday things have progressed and he is feeling and looking much better. Currently they are running more tests and they are hoping to be released soon. They are thinking about taking a Med Jet home because that is the safest and wisest thing to do, so they are working out all of those details.

Of course it is always scary when a heart attack is involved, let alone that they are in another country. So, if you could just pray that the doctors are catching everything and are making right decisions with my Gramps, we would all be most grateful! Also, that my Gramps continues to get better and can make it home safely to Colorado and go see his doctor!

Thank you in advance for praying, sweet friends! It means so much to our family!

Conversations

Thursdays are our days off at the office. As you can imagine I use this day to get all my errands done and what not! During the year I am THINKING about subbing on my days off to bring in a little extra money (you know I do have a car payment now!) so I am thoroughly enjoying these days this summer.

Today as I was out running around, I heard/was apart of some conversations that I felt the need to share with you!

One of my first stops today happened to be the nail salon. (Anjela Johnson, anyone?!) Go here if you have no idea what I am talking about! Anyway, as I was getting my nails did, I was eavesdropping in on the conversation taking place in the two oh-so-comfy chairs right behind me. Here's how conversation #1 went:

Nail Lady: "How has your summer been?"

Tan Girl with high pitched voice: "It's been really good. I just got back from the Bahamas with my best friend. We were so busy there that we didn't even have time to get a pedicure! We got back yesterday so we immediately came here this morning, because we needed one so bad! And now I'm all stressed today because we are floating the river this weekend and I have no idea what to pack, or what I'm wearing!"

I'm so sorry, precious one, with your cute little Louis Vuitton, that you had no time in the Bahamas with your BFF to get a pedicure. That is a tragedy indeed. Although, I had no idea that the Bahamas could cause such havoc on your feet! Must be tough! Way to be wise and get that taken care of ASAP! And as for the river floating this weekend, no need to stress, most people just pack swimsuits!

So, I know I sound ridiculously mean and judgemental here. But, I promise you I am not. I really just got a kick out of the whole conversation. I'd be lying to you if I said I have never acted like that, or still do act like that! Really, I wish you could have been there to hear it, too. It was quite amusing!

The last stop of my day was at my Kroger store. I had to pick up some items to make Puppy Chow tonight. Maybe you call them Muddy Buddies. Anyway, as I was headed out I realized that I wanted some Clementines, too. So I headed over to the produce section to be apart of conversation #2:

Me: Walking to the produce section with hands full of random items.

Two boys: "Ma'am, we have a random question. Do you know how to pick out a head of lettuce? Could you please show us or help us?"

Me: "I'm so sorry, I honestly have no idea how to do that. If I did I promise I would help you!"

Two boys: "Oh okay, thanks anyway!" (At this point they were on to the next lady and I was tickled!)

Boys, the reason why I have no idea how to pick out a head of lettuce is because I am one of those girls that inevitably buys bagged lettuce every time I need it. Sometimes it's shredded, sometimes it's not. I promise it is much easier that way! But, if you ever figure out how too, would you let me know? Thanks!

On that note, instead of blogging I should be reading about how to pick the best head of lettuce...

Toothbrush Fiasco

The other night while I was eating at Chuy's (Because yes, we have one near our home now...Praise the Lord!) I told this story to our friends and totally deemed it blog worthy. I mean, why I haven't shared it before is just astonishing to me. So, here goes nothin'!

My freshman year of college, instead of going to a University right away, I stayed at home and went to a community college. My oldest brother had just moved back home, so we were back to sharing a bathroom again. Oh, but not only were the big brother and I sharing a bathroom, the little brother also got to share it with us, too. Yes, you can cry for me now. I am more prepared for marriage than any girl should be in this area. Sharing a bathroom with two boys is what I grew up doing. Sharing a bathroom with one boy when married?! Piece of cake!

Anyway, back to story...

So, my little brother has had more dental issues than a kid his age should ever be aloud to have. Oh my goodness, that boy has been to the dentist and orthodontist more times than I could ever count. (Little known fact: When Kev was little he liked the dentist MORE than he liked getting his hair cut. Weird. I personally try to avoid the dentist at all costs!)

During one of his MANY trips to the teeth Nazis (sorry, dentists out there, it's truly nothing personal) his dentist advised my mom that he should start using an electric toothbrush. So, my mom took the advice and bought an electric toothbrush for Kevyn. When she brought it home, Kevyn refused to use it. Since my mom spent money, and Kevyn wanted nothing to do with it, she told me I could use it. Because really, what could be more fun than an electric toothbrush? So, I took it upon myself to open it and start using it. Oh, it was glorious. I was convinced that my teeth had never looked better.

Fast forward two weeks. I was getting in bed and heard Brien, my older brother, in the bathroom getting ready for bed, accompanied by a strange noise. My curiosity and concern led me to the bathroom to see what was going on. As I approached, all I could see was that he was brushing his teeth. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal at all. It would actually calm the curiosity because that IS a normal occurrence. That is, until I looked to see what toothbrush he was using! You guessed it. Excuse yourself if need be at this point.

HE WAS USING THE ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH...

THAT I OPENED...

THAT I HAD BEEN USING FOR TWO WEEKS!!!!

Sick. Barf. Gross. Are you kidding me?!

Immediately I started laughing and could barely get a word out of my mouth. I was dumbfounded. 

I mean, y'all, we had been SHARING a TOOTHBRUSH for TWO stinkin' weeks.

He just stared at me and wondered why I was laughing so hard. When I finally told him that I too had been using the toothbrush, he went into immediate gag reflex mode. I asked him why in the world he would use a toothbrush that was already open. You want to know his answer?

"I just figured someone opened it for me!"

Yes, Brien, we love you so much that we don't want you to have to work, especially at opening a toothbrush. Oh. My. Gosh.

I still to this day get WAY tickled at this story. Five years later, all is well. We have no disease. In reality, we just built up our immunity I guess. Oh, it just tickles my buttons.

So, there you have it folks. I shared a toothbrush with my brother for two whole stinkin' weeks and actually lived to tell about it. 

Saturdays, Surprise and Signing

This morning, on this oh so precious Saturday, I woke up to Jen climbing in bed with me! She was over on this side of town and when she got to her parents house no one was there, so she decided to surprise me at my house! In my bed, nonetheless! It was a happy time, and a nice surprise. I knew I would see her today, but I had no idea I'd be waking up to that precious face of hers. After we laid in bed talking for a bit, I decided I should take me a shower and get ready for the day. While I showered she sat and talked to my parents downstairs. Some things never change! :)

You see, in two weeks we are singing in our dear friends wedding, (Insert huge excitement scream here!!!!) and we have yet to practice anything! So, after I was all showered up my dad got out one of his ten million guitars, and we practiced. Oh, how I love singing with my Jen. There is seriously nothing like it, and NO ONE I would rather sing with. This may sound so big headed of me, but Jen and I blend like no one else, and we can read each other like no one else. When together, you may find us busting out in song at any given moment. Inevitably, I will sing melody and she will sing harmony! This is because we were taught to sing the same way, which always helps when you are trying to blend with somebody.

At one point during the song, we looked at each other and she did her look of "I am about to do the harmony" and I gave her the look of "Here's where your should do harmony!" Laughter immediately followed, and we had to start over. Oh, I love it! I am so excited about singing with her again (because it has been FAR too long) that I could wet myself. Sorry for the visual. But it really is exciting!

Once we finished practicing, we headed over to her parents house where we got to see The Parker. Oh, that girl. She gets cuter and cuter by the minute! And boy, is she smart. She entertained us all. Especially with the leg lift during she and Jaclyn's rendition of "If your happy and you know it...stomp your feet!" Her version of stomping your feet is stomping her left leg in such a graceful way. Oh, it is precious!

Jen and I then had ourselves some WONDERFUL China Inn Cafe. Chinese food is our thing. It's been our thing our whole life. It's what we eat when we're together. Especially if we are together in Houston! It was the best Chinese food meal I've had with her in a while.

Needless to say, I love this girl. I love that she lives in Houston...again. Even though we may not see each other everyday, it warms my heart to know that IF I wanted to see her, I could drive 30 minutes to her precious apartment and have me a fabulous time, with some laughter included. We could possibly even bust out in song during that time. Which I know is inevitable, not just possible.

I love you, Jen. Thank you for making this Saturday one of surprises and singing!

Cactus Cuties

Y'all, as a singer when I hear a good song with some good harmonies, I am automatically in love. With that said, you HAVE to watch these precious girls, who range from 6 to 11 years old sing the National Anthem. For being so young they can bust it. And not only that, they are from TEXAS! Yes, I've got that Texas pride that is unexplainable. Enjoy

Venom Red

What is Venom Red and goes vroom, vroom?!

MY NEW CAR!!!!

(And really, it doesn't look as morbid as it sounds!)

Yup, folks, I did it. I took the plunge.

Today I said goodbye to my faithful Saturn that I have driven since I was fifteen, and bought a brand spankin' new car!! I am so excited and boy do I love it.

You know what I love the most about it? The new car smell! Oh, it is glorious.

And do you know what I love the least about it? Oh yes, that would be my new car payment.

So, what did I buy, you ask?

A new Nissan Rogue. I am so in love. And floating on cloud nine.

I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking!

The last picture of my very first car!

I'll miss you, sweet car! Adios!
Signing my life away... (at least I had my Diet Coke!)
Oh, look at it. :)
Me and sweet Gabriel (or Gabe as I like to call him!) when everything was officially mine!
The back of my new cute car! (I had to show you all of the sides, didn't I?!)

Yes, Eddy it is. Oh my gosh...did I really just buy this?
About to pull it off the lot!!!
It now has a whopping 24 miles on it.

Excuse the hot mess that was my hair, and the tired smiles. It was a long day!

And, just for the record, I am in no way, shape or form partial to red (or venom) cars, it just so happen that this one was the best deal, so I got it! And yes, Venom Red is the official color of the car. Scary, I know!

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July!

Sending hugs your way!

A Lily Among the Thorns

A Lily Among the Thorns. That is something that I so long to be. Not just a girl who loves Jesus, but a girl who stands out among the rest. A girl that is different. That I would TRULY be set apart. (Solomon 2:2)

But let me tell you, sweet friends. This takes work. Sweat. Tears. Laughter. Wrestling. Questioning. Studying. Meditating. Memorizing. Prayer. And so forth. It's not something that comes natural, especially in the flesh.

I'll be honest and say that this "revelation" of mine, if you will, is very recent. But it is honest and true.

In pursuing this for my own life, I have challenged "my girls" to do the same. That we, as a girls ministry, would be set apart. That they too would pursue this kind of lifestyle. Even at the age of 11 or 17.

I know I haven't given y'all a recent update on my job, but I hope you know that I am absolutely LOVING it. Yes, it has kept me as busy as a bumblebee, and yes, it has kept me on my knees for this generation of girls (that I am not much older than) that is SURROUNDED by lies. Oh, the lies. But it is worth every second.

But, I'll be honest and tell you that I have questioned this job. (Don't get me wrong, I haven't thought about quitting. No ma'am!) But, it is a bit overwhelming at times. Sometimes I don't even know where to start. I wonder if the Lord picked the right person by placing me here! (Because you know, I was confident in teaching. Girls Ministry Director? Not so much!) Especially with this whole ministry thing! You mean to tell me that I signed up for this?!

But then I am reminded by comments, posts, emails and conversations that encourage me to no end. That remind me why I am here, for such a time as this. That truly in my singleness there is NO other place I'd rather be. For real. Not to say I won't do this when I'm married, but I know without a shadow of a doubt I couldn't give it my all as much as I am now. And it is all worth it.

Which also reminds me that HE placed me here, instead of teaching, and that HE is working everything out through me. That if I give Him the Girls Ministry at Cypress Bible, and commit it to Him, then I just get to tag along. He reminds me that I cannot do this on my own, and if I even try to, it will without a doubt, flop. He keeps humbling me, and I keep asking Him to.

So instead of constantly (we're working on this) worrying about who I will marry, or when it will happen, I want to use this time of singleness to it's greatest potential. That I wouldn't look back on it and think I should have done more. That I would give my all to these girls. He has given me this responsibility, and I am accountable to Him for what I choose to do in this time.

I can throw myself a pity party. I can complain about my life all I want. I can want this or that all the time. Or I can embrace this time and truly glorify my wonderful God. The latter sounds so much better. I am tired of wallowing and worrying.

Y'all this is my constant prayer and my constant idol. Thank you, No Other Gods!

Serious, being married, or wanting to be married is an idol that I have to shake. It gets in the way of many things. No, it is not bad to want to be married. And it's not bad to think about it. But if I am thinking about THAT more than I am the Lord. Oh bless. Houston, we have a problem.

This is me, confessing to you, that I want to be a Lily Among the Thorns. That I want to pursue Jesus with all I have. That I want the girls ministry at Cypress to be a thriving one. Not because of me, but because God is amazing and can do more than we can imagine.

With that said, I just recenetly started a blog for the girls. I am so excited! Go HERE to check it out. I am SO excited for what the Lord has planned for my time here. I don't know how long it will be or what it will look like, but He does. I trust that He will work this thing out for His glory!

Lord, thank you for allowing me to have this opportunity in my life to pour into these girls, like I had girls pour into me. I pray that I would only be a vessel and that you would move me out of the way. That I would constantly be reminded of the need for you in my life and in the ministry. That if it truly is mine, that it would flop. Lord, I pray that you would richly bless this time of singleness and that I would embrace it. You know the plans you have for me Lord. I need only to trust you! I love you so much!