A Spontaneous 24 Hour Getaway

I am a sanguine at heart, but I've realized that every now and then I enjoy some alone time. I can only stand to be alone with me, myself and I before I really start needing someone to speak my words to, but I do enjoy the freedom I have when I can get away from everything.

When I realized I had two weeks off in between jobs, I didn't make plans to go anywhere or do anything. Honestly, the thought of getting on a plane or in a car made me want to curl into a fetal position. All I wanted was to be home and do nothing. My summers in student ministry tend to be crazy traveling all over the US of A, so to just be settled for two weeks straight sounded glorious to me.

Last week for the first three days I literally slept, went to the pool, ate lunch, took a nap, showered, made dinner, and went to bed. It. Was. Heaven. My week picked up towards the end, but it was so great and flew by. This week I didn't have any plans, either, and was just going to play it by ear.

Shane and Shane are by far my favorite Christian artists and when I learned they were going to be in Huntsville last night, I knew I had to go. I had no good reason not to! Since I knew I'd already be driving an hour north of Houston, I hopped on priceline.com real quick to see if I could snag a deal on a hotel and just call it a mini-vacay. Sure enough, it worked and within 30 minutes I had a hotel room reserved and was in the shower. I did this last year too and it was great! It wasn't so much that I wanted to be alone since I've had a pretty slow two weeks, but I just wanted a change of scenery and I knew this was my last chance, so I took it.

I then proceeded to do all manner of things that rejuvenate me. They went as follows:

First, I booked a room at the Woodlands Resort and Conference Center. Before you go thinking I have cash flowing out my ears, think again. You can thank priceline.com and it being "off" season. However, it is a very nice hotel that I thoroughly enjoyed. Once I checked in I headed to my room and immediately pictured myself in scary movie. Of course, my room had to be the one behind the staircase. Sweet mercy. My thoughts are awful. Fear, people. Flat out fear. I got settled and just kind of rested for a bit, and ate the dinner I picked up on the way in.

Once I was all ready, I drove my sweet little self to Huntsville! Do you know that I love Huntsville? Of course! I went to college there! I was so excited because not only was I going to see Shane and Shane, but the concert was at the church I attended while in school. It was also where my Bible study Truth was held. I have some very fond memories in that sanctuary. God did a lot in my little life there.

Nothing rejuvenates me like some worship and man oh man, can Shane and Shane bring it. The added bonus was that Bethany Dillon was there as well! Love her. Love her heart. There are multiple reasons why I would worship with them every night if I could, and among those reasons are their epic harmonies that are unexplainable, but also the fact that they never let their gifts distract from who we're truly worshiping. Jesus Christ alone. I always walk away from their concerts feeling nearer to God. And the nearness of God is our absolute good. I really appreciate that. I'd rather hear them live over one of their albums any day, but that's impossible. They never showcase themselves. Lord, I pray I always showcase you over myself. You are bigger and so much better!

If you don't have their new album The One You Need, be sure to pre-order it so you'll have it the day it comes out. You don't want to miss The One You Need, Without You or Future Version. Really, the whole album is legit. Just get it. They have yet to disappoint me.

Another added bonus was the fact that I got to hug some old friends and people who poured into my life while I was in college which is always sweet. It was a wonderful night.

(P.S. Yes, I went alone. Can I just say, sitting alone at the concert was the sweetest thing? Truly. I loved soaking up every minute with no distractions. I highly recommend it.)

I headed back just in time to meet my friend Jen back at the resort. I asked her to spend the night with me since she lives in the woodlands and she happily accepted my offer. I was so excited! Nothing rejuvenates me like a good sleepover. Jen and I were queens of sleepovers in college and this one was our best yet. We literally talked our mouths off until the early morning and laughed till we cried. In between talking and laughing we also killed a few bugs. You can thank the heat and wooded area for our bug friends. Ew. Unlike me, she had to get up and work the next morning so I'm just hoping she got a nap in.

This morning I woke up to this view.

Can you say rejuvenating? Very peaceful. I tried to journal out there but that only lasted two minutes thanks to the very muggy air. I didn't want to risk having to wash my hair two days in a row. That is not rejuvenating.

Once I got all packed and ready, I headed out to first grab a coffee and chocolate croissant from La Madeleine and then I shopped til I dropped. Not really, but that sounds like fun. However, I did use a little bit of a gift card I was given to get a few new things. It is much more fun to shop with a gift card as opposed to using your own pennies. I may or may not have gotten the cutest dress from Anthropologie. But that's neither here nor there. I'll have you know that besides the fact that no one can vouch for cute or not cute, I actually really like shopping by myself. I am rack by rack, hanger by hanger kind of girl and that typically annoys people unless you're my mom. I think I visited three stores today in a matter of four hours? No lie, folks. I am the poky little shopper.

When I had done all the shopping I could do, I headed out to use my Groupon for a manicure and pedicure at the Posh Nail Studio. Y'all, oh my word, the cutest nail salon you've ever seen. And the ladies who treated me were the sweetest things. One look at their website and I know you'll be hooked, too. So fun! It's going to be hard going anywhere else now simply because of the environment. But then again, I only went there because of my Groupon. I'm keeping an eye on that deal more often! And I bet you guessed it, nothing rejuvenates me like a good mani and pedi.

Currently I am back at home on my comfy couch taking in the aroma of the banana bread that is currently baking in my oven. It is the best banana bread you'll ever put in your mouth. If I told you it was straight from the Disneyland recipe book would you believe it's the best ever? It's also the happiest banana bread on earth. Swap those walnuts for a cut of mini-chocolate chips and you've got yourself a winning loaf.

Don't believe me? Try it for yourself. You're welcome. And yes, I just took a picture of the recipe, emailed it to myself and put it on the blog. Is that illegal? Oh well. Welcome to 2011 where smart phones are the handiest thing invented.

If you've not one for a spontaneous getaway to rejuvenate, I dare you to try it and tell me how you feel. It was the best 24 hours.

Also, since when did September arrive? Sweet nation. Six days until I'm a working woman again.

A New Journey: A New Church

*I wrote this Sunday evening but am just now posting it.

Leaving a place you dearly love is never easy, but sometimes necessary. If I strongly disliked my church of 26 years, then I wouldn’t have had tears streaming down my face today, but that’s not the case. Quite the opposite, actually, I love Cypress Bible Church. Not everyone can say they’ve grown up in the same church, known the same people and had lifelong relationships that won’t soon go away. It is a blessing I realized when I left for college, and now an even bigger blessing as I look back and ponder the ways that church has poured into me for an entire lifetime. The investment they’ve made in me has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated by me for one second. No, leaving is not easy. But Jesus is better and He is worth following. He is worth the tears on my cheeks and the lump in my throat.

God is so into details and has not left me to wander for one second. To say He’s been faithful the past four months is a huge understatement. Yes, He’s always faithful, no doubt, but I’ve seen Him move more mightily in these few months than I’ve ever seen Him move in my life. It has been very sweet.

As I was praying through this transition, I really wrestled with my decision to actually leave this church body for another in this new season. I felt that the Lord was calling me to go, but as I’ve said time and time again, leaving for good is so much easier said than done.

What most people don't know is that in March I had a few significant conversations that still stand out to me. Looking back, I see now how the Lord was preparing me to leave this church body. When Curtis and Amanda had the initial core team meeting to share their vision of planting Bayou City Fellowship with their close friends and family, they asked if I would be willing to watch their kids and few others that night. Of course, I willingly said yes and was happy to help them in any way that I could as they stepped out on a limb to build something from the ground up. It was huge and I knew that. At the time, I was on staff at a church, so I knew my part in their faith journey would be to support them through love and prayer. I was happy to do just that and be a part in that small way.

A few days after their meeting, Curtis and I exchanged a couple of emails in which I told him I was undoubtedly praying for them, excited for them and that if the Lord allowed, maybe one day I'd get to be a part of their church.

Around that same time was when I began struggling and really wrestling with what was next for me. I remember eating frozen yogurt one night with my parents and we were chatting about all manner of things when my dad simply said to me, Lindsee, you know you can leave Cypress. No one expects you to be there forever. He may not remember that, but for whatever reason that really hit home with me. No one had ever said that to me before and in my mind, I was going to be there for the rest of my life. I left that night with a new perspective. If the Lord called me elsewhere, I had the blessing to go, at least from my parents.

Soon after I was offered the job at LPM, I was talking to Amanda and she so graciously offered that if I wanted, I was welcome to attend Bayou City Fellowship, but that there was absolutely no pressure. I told her I’d been praying about it, but that was one of the two churches I’d been praying about. I really don’t want to hop right into a church just because I love the people there, but because I know that’s where God wants me. However, now that I think about it, why would I not attend a church where I know I already love the people and the vision there? Sounds silly if you ask me.

This is where being single becomes such a blessing; all I have to worry about is me. I realize now that finding a home church for you and your family is so tough. For that, I am so thankful. And for all of you big families searching for a new church, I have much respect for you.

A few weeks later Amanda invited me to attend their core team meeting. It happened to be on my last official day of work, which was really good for my heart, and maybe a good distraction as well. After telling Amanda that their church was the “first” one I was going to visit anyway and that I'd be so happy and honored to come, she and Curtis both joked that it would be the “first and last” and to please bring my membership papers. Ha!

Although a bit intimidating at first, it was a wonderful fit. What you need to know is that it wasn't intimidating because the people weren't inviting or accepting, quite the opposite, actually, but because you have to remember that I come from a very comfortable church. One I've been at for 26 years. I can immediately walk in the doors at CBC and say hi to at least ten people.

I hesitated being all in at first for fear that I was making a irrational quick decision out of my emotional state, but I decided to go back this week, making that two consecutive weeks, and as I explained to everyone during a time of sharing, I think I'm in. There is no un-biblical reason not to be. No good reason to say no. And I don't hear the Lord telling me to wait. I hear Him say go! Why wait? Why hesitate?

So, as I said goodbye to my church of 26 years today, with a very bittersweet heart, I say hello to a new church. A new season. For now, I am honored to attend and serve at Bayou City Fellowship. No church will ever replace Cypress Bible Church and what it’s meant to me over the years, but I pray for sweet relationships and a desire to serve and love Houston like I’ve never had before. I pray with great anticipation and expectation that God will blow up in this city, not because we have awesome skills or hearts, because without Jesus we’re all ugly, but because Jesus loves Houston and our hearts are willing and open.

I'm very new to this church, so I can't give you a lot of details. But what you need to know is that BCF will open the doors to the public on September 11th at Houston Christian High School at 10:00 a.m. It would be our greatest pleasure for you to come and join us as we celebrate and get involved with what God is doing in Houston. And I say that as a girl who's been praying for this church, and not been involved month to month putting in the hard work. But I assure you, it's a God-sized ordeal and they've been working very hard.

I'm very grateful He led me here so quickly. It's hard to explain how much of a blessing that is to me. It doesn't mean I won't still grieve my church family of 26 years, or that in any way they'll be forgotten, but I see now how it wasn't a rash decision, but one only the Lord could have woven together these past five months for His glory alone.

Again, the Lord is doing something good and new. All glory to Him.

A Cypress Bible Farewell

Yesterday was my last official day at my church, Cypress Bible Church. It was a very bittersweet day, but I tried to focus more on the sweet part of it as opposed to the bitter. My last day on staff was actually the previous Sunday, but they wanted to honor me in all of this services yesterday. In all honesty, I would have been perfectly fine if they wouldn't have done anything, but I left that church yesterday feeling more loved by that body than I've ever felt before.

I knew it would be a day of tears, especially since I'd held them all in until yesterday, which is partly why I would have been okay without anything, but the words, prayers, support and blessing they sent me out on made leaving a tiny bit easier. Well, that and the fact that I'm very excited about this new journey I'm about to embark on.

There is an entire mushy post about where the Lord is planting me next as far as churches go, but before I post that, I wanted to post some sweet pictures from yesterday.

I was told to be in every service. That meant all three main services and then both the middle school and high school services. It was funny because before JJ and I went on stage for the 8:15 service I whispered to him that that would be the easiest service as far as tears were concerned. My was I wrong. JJ tends to be a crier (he has a sensitive heart, gotta love it) and the minute he started talking he lost it, which meant I was an absolute puddle.

Needless to say, the 8:15 service was the hardest. It all hit me right then and there that this was actually happening. It was very official.

Once that service was over, I made my way over to the middle school service, shed some tears there, then visited with the high school students for a while, then finished off the day at the last two main services. Such a whirlwind. When church was over, they had a reception for me with some goodies. I didn't eat one thing, but I got my fair share of hugs which filled me love tank to the brim.

To say I'm thankful for this church body would be a vast understatement. By the way, I feel like I've been using the term vast understatement way too much as of late, but I feel it's the only term to appropriately convey what my heart is feeling. Anyway, I love them dearly. I've been a part of this church in some way, shape or form for my entire life. All 26 years of it. With that said, the Lord was very sweet to me and they released me yesterday with much blessing and love. I am so grateful.

Here I am saying goodbye to our high school students. Unfortunately, I didn't get one picture in the main service. I'm hoping someone else did.

Opening a gift from all the students and their parents.

Saying thank you, giving some words of wisdom (hopefully) and probably on the verge of huge tears.

Thankfully, the card sang to me when I opened it and I really enjoyed it. Thank you, TSMAC, for the beautiful bracelet and generous gift card. Y'all are too much.

Sweet prayers as I left.

At the reception with Anna and Lauri. Love them.

A small portion of my freshman girls. I heart them. Like, a lot.

This is my pastor Dave. I actually refer to him as Uncle Dave. I love and respect this man.

These girls are JUNIORS! Where did the time go?!

All of these girls are our volunteers girls. Even in elementary school, they've won my heart over.

Dana and Keeley!

Three of my favorite pastors wives on the planet. How much do I love them? SO much.

My staff.

Then we added Greg. I will seriously miss these funny people. Such wonderful friends!

You really want each of these ladies prayer for you. What mighty warriors they are. I love them.

My parents. Of course I love them.

My favorite Sophie Girl. She's one of a kind.

Thank you, CBC, for all you are to me, for all you've given me and for letting me serve you all. Words could never express how much I love you. You will always be home to me. Keep serving and loving Jesus well. So much love to each and everyone of you.

iPhone Dump: I love Babies

The other day I told someone that my phone has been running really slow. I think it's due to the fact that I haven't updated it in a sweet forever, but then someone was looking through my pictures and not so gently exclaimed, "Lindsee, you're phone is running slow because you have 1,616 pictures on it!" That. Is. Ridiculous. Yet true. I am ashamed. That fact that I have enough pictures to categorize them into blog posts is enough evidence that I'm too addicted to that little camera. I guess it's time for another picture dump.

I am not close to becoming a mother, but one glance at the pictures on my phone and I think you'd realize quickly that I love children, especially babies. They fill my love tank the minute I look at them. There is just something about that tiny little human body that absolutely fascinates me. They are just a mini version of us. Sometimes my thoughts are very profound.

Lately, the babies have come in multitudes. They're everywhere! And I do everything I can to get my hands on them. I've been very successful.

Our friends, Becky and Daniel, went to serve on the mission field last year overseas. Upon arriving, they realized they were pregnant. With twins, nonetheless! So exciting! They prayed about different options as to what to do, and it was in their best interest, and the babies interest, to deliver in the US. Plus, they have two other kids already and although the thought of traveling wasn't fun, it just seemed like the wisest option to come back. They came home to do just that which made all of us very happy because that meant we got to love on them. And love on them we did. A few weeks ago the roomie and I headed over to their house to hold them. The best part about twins is there is more love to go around! We soaked up every minute with them. I'm secretly hoping I can hold them again before they head back overseas. I know they'd appreciate your prayers as they transition back to a foreign land with four kids! Becky is my hero.


Shortly after that, sweet Callie had baby Cami. Also her fourth child! Seriously, I need to hop on this bandwagon soon. It was my greatest delight to go visit Callie in the hospital and meet Baby Cami as she was only two days old. I hogged that baby. Sorry, Kelli! Callie makes me laugh so much and I love her to pieces. She is also supermom in my eyes.


Y'all might remember last year when I was living with my friend, Claire. Her husband was serving in Iraq so Mandy and I moved in with her to keep her company for that year. Well, Russell has been home safe and sound for a year (praise the Lord!) and surprise, baby Bradley is here safe and sound as well! He is six days old today and has stolen my heart. I had every intention of meeting him at the hospital, but I unfortunately left for San Antonio the day he entered the world and wasn't back in time before they went home. However, this morning I spent some much needed quality time with Mr. Bradley. I love his mommy, too, but Bradley won my heart over quickly.

It was love at first sight.

I imagine I'll be spending a lot of time with this little bundle of joy.

How could you NOT love that face? I'm in love.


Next up, baby number four for Ashley and crew. Can't wait!

Welcome to the world, little loves. We're SO glad y'all are here.

We Conquered Sea World

I can't remember the last time I actually did a weekend re-cap, but I feel like it's only appropriate. I had such a fun, busy, whirlwind of a weekend!

Sometime this summer my sweet friend Raven asked if I wanted to go to Sea World one weekend. I was totally up for it, but didn't commit because I have commitment issues when it comes to weekend plans because typically my weekends are very busy, especially in the summer. So when she mentioned that we might go in August, I was all about it. So, this past weekend it happened! When I realized I was actually able to sneak away for a few days, I was so excited. And to spend it with my first love, Shamu, made it all the better.

You see, for who knows how long, I've had an odd obsession with Shamu. Secretly, or not so secretly, I always wanted to be Shamu's trainer. Of course, I am actually to scared to to even step foot in that tank, let alone swim with that huge creature, so it's actually all just a dream. But a girl can dream, can't she?

I drove up to San Antonio after leaving work a little early on Thursday afternoon. I made awesome time getting up there. The rest of the crew was coming from Fort Worth. Upon arriving, I freshened up a bit and we all headed to eat on the Riverwalk, and more specifically, the Iron Cactus. Can you say yum? I literally eat there every time I'm in San Antonio. It was so much fun because our hotel was on the Riverwalk, so we got to take the boat taxi to dinner. Have I mentioned that I love the Riverwalk at night? It's just so neat.

After dinner we walked back to our hotel and crashed early for our big day on Friday.

The Fort Worth crew waiting for the boat taxi.

Raven and I on the Riverwalk.

Riding the boat taxi to dinner.

Fun times. Windy times.

These phones were in the lobby of our hotel. The colors were too fun to pass up!

Friday morning we were up and at 'em to get to Sea World when it opened. We didn't want to miss anything! I was just giddy that Shamu and I were about to reunite. It had been too long. Because we wanted to do everything Sea World offered and get our money's worth, we knew we'd be staying for a good portion of the day. But, IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! Yes, it was so hot it was stupid, but I am thankful for water rides and refreshing lemonade. If it weren't for those two things, I think I would have cratered that morning.

Headed to Sea World. I'm not sure the guys were as enthused as we were, but we had enough excitement for the entire park!

We love Shamu.

Katie took this pic of all of us waiting for "One Ocean", the new Shamu show to start. I was like a little girl on Christmas morning.

Hi, Shamu! The show was spectacular and he did not disappoint. It made my day! I am a sucker for all things cheesy. And by golly, the Shamu show is pure cheese.

Then we headed to watch the feedings for the sharks and stingrays. Those dudes were cracking us up! Can you imagine if that was your job? So fun.

The Sea Lions were adorable.

Especially the babies. Oh my word, so cute. Apparently they are three months old and don't do much but sleep. Every now and then they go in the water for a little "swim lesson", but they spend most of their time sleeping on the rocks. The lady explained to us that the water is almost too cold for them because they don't have a lot of their flubber yet. Love it.

The penguins were up next but unfortunately, we couldn't see anything. They try and make it identical to their real habitat, and apparently we got there at night time. Seriously, I wasn't even sure there were even any penguins there.

Katie and I in the aquarium. Besides the sharks, I was loving the air conditioning.

Of course, we saw every show that was offered. The dolphin show is another favorite, but I didn't get any good pictures. It's just so tough when you're so enthralled with all that's going on.

Here the girls are leaving the park. Sea World was very good to us.

The group headed out. So much fun! We loved you, Sea World!

But of course, we were exhausted.

However, that didn't stop us from getting all showered and heading to the market. Mi Tierra's was calling our name and we were starving! Even though we got there at 9:00 that night, there was still an hour wait. I think it was well worth it.

It always looks like the Garden Ridge Christmas sale blew up in Mi Tierra's. So funny.

I love this girl. I've been able to see her THREE times in two weeks which is a record since she lives in Fort Worth.

Raven, Katie and I after stuffing our faces with fajitas.

Nick and Raven.

We all crashed that night and then the next morning headed out to do a few more fun things before we had to hit the road back home.

We started out by going through the Guinness World Record museum. So fascinating. I only got to spend about 30 minutes there, but what I did get to see blew me away. Some things just flat out freaked me out, but most of it was so intriguing.

Here we are with the world's tallest man. All of the sudden I felt very short. Whoa.

Here I am with the world's shortest girl. I kind of don't even believe it. Crazy.

And the fact that I can stand inside of the world's tallest man, blow my mind.

This is the world's heaviest man. If I ever look like this, it will be because I have eaten too much Nutella.

Then we remembered the Alamo. It's only appropriate. Love these girls.

Loved our super fun time together.

The rest of the weekend went as follows:

I drove home. Stopped at Bucee's. Drove the Jen's house. Said happy birthday to her. Went to Feed a Friend downtown with a bunch of my favorite people. Ate dinner at Rudy's with a bunch of my favorite people. Drove home. Went to get dessert with more of my favorite people at Cheddar's. Crashed. Went to church. Went to lunch at Firehouse Subs. Went to see The Help with Jen. Deemed it the best movie ever. Cried. Laughed. Loved it. Went to Anthropologie and bought the cutest mug ever. Came home. Watched Craiglist Killer. Blogged. Slept.

Thank you, Shamu and friends, for being so good to me this weekend. It was epic.

I hope you had a great weekend too, friends.