Embracing Fall

This weekend was one of those weekends where it really felt like fall. You know what I mean? Typically in Houston we get a tease of the fall weather, it disappears for a few weeks and then comes back. I think we're finally getting into the stages of weather where it's here to stay. I cannot contain my excitement! After months of heat, I'm soaking up every minute of this God-given weather. Jesus loves us, this I know.

It all started out Friday evening when I enjoyed a little Friday Night Lights. My boss's daughter is a senior cheerleader and this past Friday night was her last home game to cheer in, so a few of us from Living Proof went to cheer her on. The best part about the evening, besides the wonderful company, was the chilly weather! It was cold enough to wear a coat, carry a blanket and drink hot chocolate. What other way would you want to watch a football game? It was perfection and Kelli was adorable. We had an absolute blast!

Can you see the moon in the picture? It's that little dot in the sky. Besides that, this picture is un-edited. The sunset was beautiful!

With our favorite cheerleader, Kelli!

KMac caught this little football during the game. She worked hard to get this and was so proud!

Me, KMac, Beth and Sabrina. I love these ladies!

Saturday was a FULL day! I left my apartment at 11:30 a.m. and returned at 11:30 p.m. BUT, it was fabulous.

It started out at my parents house where I got to have a little jam session with my BFF, Jen. We used to sing together all the time growing up, but rarely get a chance to sing together these days. Ironically, there are two weddings we were asked to sing in together both in November, but I can only do one, so we practiced a little bit of that while my mom played the piano. I loved every minute of it.

After that we went over to our friend Missy's house for fall baking day! Can you smell the aroma of all things pumpkin? No one puts on a baking day like Missy. She is the ultimate hostess with the mostess. Before we arrived she already had pumpkin loaves and cookies baked and ready to go, then we helped make Carmel apples, cake pops and tons of other goodies. My roomies love baking days because they get to enjoy the fruit of our labor. Thank you, Missy, for such a fun day!

I ripped this picture off facebook from Amanda. Just needed to give credit where credit is due! Y'all, LOOK at the table of delightfulness. Yum.

Right after that I ran to the salon to get my haircut. Praise the Lord! It was past due. Words cannot express how much I love my stylist. She loves the Lord and I always leave there feeling like I just had a counseling session. She is awesome!

Don't you love it when you get your haircut and then you have to be somewhere? Oh, I sure do. I always feel so fancy. Thankfully, that was exactly my situation last night.

Next on my agenda was a fun girls night with some sweet new friends. It has been fun getting to know new people from church. I'm not going to lie, it takes work and I'm not always up for that, but it's so worth it in the end. I think the toughest thing about this transition has been learning to balance old friendships and new ones. I wish I could merge all of my friends and life together.

Angela, Alicia and I were determined to go somewhere new, so we drove to mid-town and got to eat outside at this little Italian restaurant. It was an interesting experience, but tasty. I was about to eat my fist I was so hungry, so I of course enjoyed every bite of my margarita pizza. After that we carved pumpkins. This was only the third time I've carved a pumpkin in my life, but we had the best time. A lot of laughs were exchanged and in the end we had the cutest family of pumpkins. And I even did it all by myself. That's success, folks! I am loving getting to know these girls!

First you take the pumpkin and you carve it.

Danger!

Then you take the pumpkin and you pull out all the mushy stuff. I don't do well with textures like that.

Last you take the pumpkin and you admire it.

Isn't he cute?

Our little pumpkin family.

Me, Alicia, Angela and Kim. So fun!

More than anything, this weekend I felt so settled. Two months in, I can honestly tell you I'm falling in love with this new season. I'm finally figuring out the rhythm, absolutely loving my new church and enjoying these new friends, while I am of course still keeping up with my old ones. Transition isn't always easy, and I'm still learning what it's like to do all things new, but the Lord was really sweet to me this weekend. I am beyond thankful for His sweet blessings and reminders that He still knows what He's doing.

Lately

Lately I have had a tough time blogging. Every time I open up blogger I stare at the blank canvas until I shut the computer and walk away. Nothing, I repeat nothing, comes to mind.

Lately I have seen three movies. It went from zero to three in a matter of two weeks. Footloose, Moneyball and The Mighty Macs. I was entertained by all three! Take your pic and enjoy a movie out. (However, if you're into a good sports movie, then choose one of the last two.)

Lately I have wished I was a good dancer. I think that was a seed planted by seeing Footloose.

Lately I've been obsessed the new Shane & Shane CD, The One You Need. It might be my favorite album of theirs yet. After two months of owning it and listening to it on repeat, I'm not even slightly tired of it. Straight truth. I love it! If you're looking for some good worship music, this would not disappoint.

Lately my allergies have been irritating me. This always happens when the weather changes and it starts to get pretty out.

Lately I've been annoyed by Houston drivers. I often wonder how some of them got their license. Sweet mercy.

Lately dinner has been the least important meal of the day. By the time I get home everyday, I feel like I've eaten enough to last me until morning. Typically, a bowl of cereal, some broccoli, or an apple will do. Crazy, I know!

Lately I've been enjoying my new iPhone 4S. It is beyond fun. Siri has provided endless entertainment for me and my peeps.

Lately I've had a few fun girls nights. This particular evening was spent in City Centre celebrating two of my guy friends birthdays. Five girls and two guys. They were lucky!

Lately I've laughed over my mother's ridiculous (and by ridiculous I mean hilarious) emoticon text messages. If she's learned anything on her iPhone, she's learned the appropriate use of emoticons.

Lately I've been able to do some sweet high school girls make-up for homecoming. Does it get any sweeter than that? So fun!

Lately I've spent some quality time in College Station visiting the little brother.

Lately I've spent some time tailgating with some of my favorite peeps. This was at the A&M vs. Baylor game in College Station.

Lately I've spent (quite literally) the entire month of October celebrating three of the best men in my life. Happy birthday to Kev, my dad and Bri. I am such a lucky girl!

Lately with the humidity levels down, it has been easier to run, which I am trying to get back on a consistent schedule of doing.

Lately I have been on Pinterest more than I've been on blogs.

Lately I've realized my need for Christ to take over my life more and more. I have nothing to offer without Him. Nothing. He is good, y'all. And He is everything.

How have you been lately?

It's so bad I can't even think of a title.

Houston, we have a problem.

I cannot for the life of me think of one thing to blog, tweet or facebook about. Seriously? The lack of words, ideas and thoughts has me all anxious. To be honest, I’ve actually written two posts and then decided they weren’t blog worthy. Does anyone else do that? All of the sudden putting myself out there seems very daunting. I’m feeling a little handicapped because after all, this is part of my job. I know Satan loves that. All of that to say, I’ve had this really silly post sitting in my drafts for at least a month and decided it’s all I’ve got for now.

So here goes nothing. A riveting list of 11 random things about me. Yes, please forgive me. I’m already so over this post.

1. I like to say parched and famished instead of thirsty and hungry.

2. Sometimes my brain is moving so fast my mouth can't keep up. I talk so fast. Typically, Jen can translate. It's unfortunate when she's not around. Sometimes I even think so fast that I think I've said something and really haven't. That's when sentences get split and it's really unfortunate.

3. I like to make up words. For instance, instead of saying I'm "allergic" to something, I typically say I'm feeling allergetic. Hey, it works.

4. I oftentimes say to myself while I'm running, "Lindsee, you could be walking faster than you're running." It's pretty pitiful.

5. I cannot, I repeat, cannot go to bed without having a sip of water and keeping that glass of water right by my bed all night. I never drink out of it again, but it has to be there in order for me to get a good night's sleep. OCD anyone?

6. I took Spanish for three years. You know what came of it? One sentence. Want to hear it? Lindsee esta muy consada. Translation: Lindsee is very tired. (Please note, I'm not always tired, I just don't know how to say anything else.)

7. My British accent sounds more like I have lock-jaw.

8. I like to sing-song things I'm doing. Imagine me making a cup of tea and singing, I'm making a cup of tea. It will be so hot, it will be so good…

9. If I get really tickled (read: cannot stop laughing), all hope is gone of me regaining composure. Once I'm gone, I'm gone.

10. I shave. Every single day.

11. I'm not blonde, don't even pay to be, but at heart I'm truly blonde. For instance, about a month ago I washed my sheets. When putting them back on my bed, I realized that for nine months I had been sleeping on the wrong side of my pillow top mattress topper. It was very comfortable, but the minute I turned it over, I realized I was missing out on a heavenly bed. I laughed about it for at least ten minutes then finally put it on facebook. Why? Because no one was home and I needed someone to laugh with me.

Whew, glad we got that over with.

Y’all have the best Tuesday. And please feel free to share with me something random about you. I’d honestly love to hear it.

In Which I'm Easily Entertained

The other night I was browsing pinterest and happened to come across all things hilarious. I was literally laughing out loud and each time I busted out, my sweet roommate, who was also on pinterest, needed to know what in the world I was seeing that she wasn't.

Truth be told, I could spend a lot more time on pinterest if I wanted, but I try to limit myself. I try not to get all caught up in what I don't have, what I want, things I covet, and just enjoy the easy recipes and wardrobe inspiration. And of course, occasionally, a hysterical laugh.

I know most of you aren't on pinterest, so I felt the need to share the love.

Need a definition for pinterest? Look no further. Truth, folks.

This also can certainly be true of pinterest if you let it.

Does this happen to anybody else? I have found that this is typical when I am reading a Karen Kingsbury series. Her stories suck me right in.

This isn't as funny as it is absolutely adorable. Looks like somebody is ready for a walk.

Okay, here's where the hysterical laughter comes in. When I read this I almost fell of the couch. If you knew me, you know the truth behind this statement. I may have done this a few times as a child. If I'm anything, I'm great at being a huge chicken. Admit it, you've done it, too. : )

There is nothing like a funny text. I recently saw a website with some really funny accidental auto-corrected texts. It was some of the funniest things I've read. This, however, is not auto-corrected, but upon first glance, I immediately thought of my mom. She would totally be one to send this to me. Hilarious!

A few years ago I decided I wanted to run. I started out doing more walking than anything, but then last year really started running. I actually really enjoy it. Because of that, I almost had to excuse myself after reading this. Although I wish I looked like a professional when I run, I know for a fact I look more like the little girl below flailing all over the place. That's more my style.

Happy Friday, peeps!

A Weekend Report

This weekend was excellent.

Let me count the ways…

1) Do you want to hear about our weather? I know you are on the edge of your seat. Starting on Friday morning, fall decided to makes its way into town. By Saturday morning it was beautiful here. The birds were chirping, the sun was shining, the wind was blowing and all was right in the world. I went for a run and I was so euphoric that I didn't even remember I was running. It felt like the wind was carrying me and I was giddy. Now, before I go all crazy on you, I am fearful there are still a few hot days left in the system, but for now, we Houstonians soaked up every bit of the crisp air. It was a gorgeous weather weekend to say the least. In fact, my feelings of giddiness have carried me into today so much so that the minute I publish the post, I am going for another run.

2) Friday evening my phone rang and it was my friend Dana telling me she had some free extra tickets to theDavid Crowder concert that night at the House of Blues and they were mine if I said the word. Truth be told, I told her no before I said yes. But that was only because I didn't want to drive down there alone. It took a little convincing, but after much sweet talk, I wooed my roommate into driving down there with me. Y'all, it was so good. If you've not heard, the David Crowder Band announced they were "breaking up" this fall and this would be their last tour. I have a few memories with them, the main one being them leading worship for camp my senior year of high school in Colorado, but Friday night stands out now as my new favorite memory with them.

Touring with them was John Mark McMillan (Who, by the way, wrote How He Loves), Chris August and Gungor. I've not heard any of those guys live, nor did I own any of their music prior to the tour, but they were all fantastic. Especially Gungor. Homedude blew me away with his musical talent. He kept apologizing for having just an acoustic set, but I was in acoustic heaven. My favorite part of the night was when DCB broke out in a bluegrass set. So amazing. I would like to put it in my pocket and take it with me everywhere I go. Anyway, I came in that evening with zero expectation and left amazed. I am so glad I went and so grateful Dana graciously offered us her tickets. I don't think they are traveling to too many cities, but if they come near you, you shouldn't miss it.

As we were leaving, we ran into Gungor by the elevator and he so graciously took a picture with us. By this point it was midnight and I know we were all so ready to get home, but it was fun.

3) Saturday evening I had the super fun privilege of speaking at a modesty fashion show at my old church. (I hate calling it a modesty fashion show, but I'm not sure how else to refer to it.) We did this event four years ago and it was a blast. The girls decided this year they wanted to put it on again and they did such a wonderful job. I was so impressed. Basically, they had girls model clothes that were inappropriate and then came back in wearing it in a modified way. Good stuff. Honestly, I feel like I beat the dead horse when it comes to modesty, but our girls are in such a fierce battle. Modest is not hottest these days and it's so tough. Props to Princess Katherine who is bringing modest back. Instead of telling them, however, what they should and shouldn't wear, we talked about the heart of the matter. All girls desire to be desired but all of us are called to honor God with our bodies. But how in the world do you do that? We don't want just behavior change, we want heart change. I had such a blast and loved being with some familiar faces.

4) Oh, sweet Sunday church. Have I told y'all how much I am loving my new church, Bayou City Fellowship? Because I am. Someone asked me recently how my transition was going, and although it's not perfect and there are bumps in the road, and Satan likes to play mind games with me, I am loving every minute. Truth be told very easily, I am so happy. It's not that I wasn't happy before, but I am in a sweet spot with the Lord and I know that I know that I know He has me where He wants me. I love my church. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter, God-loving, God-honorig, God-serving church to walk into. It is good. So good. I am excited to see relationships blossom and can't wait to see how God allows us to serve our city in the coming weeks, months and hopefully years.

After a mighty word from Curtis today, I got to have lunch with my sweet friend Dana and her daughter Megan. I introduced them to Ruggles on the Green in City Centre and it was love at first sight. I could eat their margarita pizza daily. After lunch, we went to Sweet, a cupcake shop right next door and I indulged in the best chocolate cupcake ever. Then I took a nap. And it was heavenly.

Megan and I enjoying our cupcakes.

The past three years of my life I've spent my Sundays running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Honestly, this has beenone of the hardest transitions. Sundays are truly a rest day for me now and although I am resting, I feel guilty for doing it. I am so used to doing, doing, doing and not just being. But, I am learning what it is to just be and it is sweet.

So, how was your weekend? I hope it was just as delightful.

We welcome you, fall, with open arms. Please stay awhile.

Help bring Baby Sienna home from China

During my senior year of high school when I decided to get serious about the Lord, I quickly realized that in order to grow, I needed those slightly ahead of me to help guide me into a deeper relationship with Christ. I needed mentors that would show me the way and teach me, through their life, what it looked like to live a God-centered life.

Because of that realization, since my freshman year of college, I have thrown myself under those spiritually more mature than me. If you were willing to take me under your wing, I was happy to latch on and go for a ride. Of course, in a healthy, non-creepy kind of way.

The Lord has been really sweet in every season of life to place a handful of people just like this in my life. To say I’m thankful for them would be the biggest understatement of the year. It is so biblical (according to Titus 2) to not only take someone under your own wing, but to also learn from someone a few steps ahead of you. The Lord hasn’t left us hanging. Not only has He given us His Word, but He’s also designed us for relationships.

When I graduated from college and moved back home, I was delighted when three months later I learned that my old youth pastor was also moving back to now become the missions pastor at our church. We were both in different seasons of life and I knew it would be fun to get to work and serve together. On top of that, I adored his wife Allison and wanted to be her friend.

Three years later, they have been those people to me. Allison is most definitely one of my favorite people on this earth and I don’t just say that about everybody. I have thrown myself under their leadership and tried to learn everything I can about ministry. I really don’t think they know how much I adore, love and appreciate them. They are such dear friends to me.

Allison has taught me a lot of things, but I think the thing that stands out to me the most is the prayer warrior that she is. I don’t ever leave her house (let alone her sight) without her praying for me right on the spot. Sometimes we’ve even prayed more than once. Gasp! Y’all, I don’t know why we as believers tend to shy away from prayer, and if we admitted it, we don’t pray near enough. What Greg has always preached rings loud and true in their home; Prayer is the work! I want to be like Allison in that way. In fact, I have started doing that myself and y’all, it is revolutionary. I don’t let a girl leave my sight without me praying for her. It has been the sweetest thing.

So, why do I tell you all of this? Because I love my friends and desire to serve them as well.

They have a house full of four wonderful children that I love dearly, and there’s one on the way…from CHINA! Yes, they are adopting a little girl and she is so close to being home with her family. I am so excited for them and can’t wait to meet little Sienna. She doesn’t know how blessed she’s about to be.

As a single girl I’m limited in the ways I can help, besides prayer and the giving of my time, but I can tell you that they’re selling t-shirts to raise money to bring her home and I’d love it if you bought one as well. I know you don’t know them personally, but I can’t express to you enough how much you would love this family if you knew them too. Plus, the shirts are pretty cute.

So, if you’re interested in blessing them here’s what you can do:

1. First, you can visit their blog to learn all about their family. That is if you don’t trust me. But either way, it’s great. You can read their story here.

2. If you don’t want a t-shirt, Lifesong for Orphans, where financial gifts are tax deductible, is also an option. Simply go to Lifesong For Orphans. Click on the DONATE button and type- DESPRES 2133 in the purpose line.

3. Lastly, if you do want a shirt and are a lady (sorry to the two guys that read this blog), you can visit the Wild Olive Trees website. I had never heard of them before they told me about this, but it’s pretty neat. Click and type Despres0805 for their adoption fund. I know we don’t need anything in return, but it’s fun to receive a shirt. It’s also a reminder to pray for those families that are adopting when you wear it.

You, my sweet blog friends, are the best. Let’s help get sweet Sienna home in time to spend Christmas with her new family. I know it would mean the world to the Depres family. I love y’all!

The Despres family. Love them!


Sweet Sienna.

The ABC MeMe

I saw this floating around and it looked fun. Especially since I am having bloggers block. Forgive the random, yet fun post. And please, play along if you feel led. : )

A. Age: 26

B. Bed size: A queen. I’ve always had a queen or a full because of my long legs. They tend to hang off if I have anything smaller.

C. Chore that you hate: Hanging up clothes. Not washing or ironing, but hanging them up. I loathe it. I have been known to have neat piles of folded clothes around my room because I hate doing that so much.

D. Dogs: Oh, the puppies. I’ve only “owned” those that my roommates have had. Which have been Macy, we had a special bond, Cohen and Cupcake. Three of the most different dogs you’ll ever meet. Growing up I only had a turtle that unfortunately ran away.

E. Essential start to your day: Waking up. That is essential. Seriously, though? I cannot get ready without listening to worship music. Ask my roommates.

F. Favorite color: It’s constantly changing, but is currently yellow. Or coral. And maybe navy. See, I’m very fickle with my colors.

G. Gold or Silver: Both. I used to think Gold looked terrible on my skin tone, but currently gold is the “in thing” so I own a lot of gold costume jewelry which I wear often. However, silver is my go-to choice.

H. Height: 6’0. Though my license says 5’11. I’m confused.

I. Instruments you play: Since my mom has been a piano teacher my entire life, I play the piano. Not quite like her, though. She’s the best of the best. : )

J. Job title: Media Assistant and Youth Specialist. If you’re going to friend the youth, you must know the media. ; )

K. Kids: Nada. Though I'd claim many as my own.

L. Live: Texas! I’m a proud Texan through and through. First family member born and raised here.

M. Mother’s name: Kristy Kay. Love her!

N. Nicknames: The most obvious one is Lindsee Lou. (Lou is not my middle name contrary to popular belief!) Lou. Loupers. Leddy. Lindslepie. (Thank you, Grandma, for that last one.)

O. Overnight hospital stays: Besides when I was born, to date this hasn’t happened.

P. Pet peeves: When people drive crazy. It drive me nutty.

Q. Quote from a movie: “Hence the boat!” from The Proposal. For some reason, I get tickled every time I hear it. If you’ve not seen it, well, you should. It's funny. Of course, I also love me some Madea lines. “Heller? How u durnin?”, “Um, ner.” ,“Halleu-yer.” So funny.

R. Right or left handed: Right hand all the way!

S. Siblings: Two brothers. One older and one younger. I’m smack dan in the middle and the only girl. It’s not the worst gig in the world.

U. Ultimate Vacation: Currently, that would have to be the Seychelles. Oh, to dream.

V. Vegetable you hate: Peas. Gross.

W. What makes you run late: The fact that I am really slow at everything I do makes me late. I enjoy taking my time and hate to be rushed. Therefore, I seem to never give myself enough time. Other than that, probably applying my mascara. It takes a sweet forever.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Do my teeth count? Oh, and I think in the third grade I had my ankle x-rayed because I hurt it in P.E. That was unfortunate since I'm not sure I actually DID anything in P.E.

Y. Yummy food that you make: I really don’t make much yummy food. My roommates could testify to that. However, I can make a mean Taco Ring. And I also have mastered the are of Nutella Rice Krispie Treats.

Z. Zoo animal: I’m gonna have to go with anything “baby” here. That might be cheating, but that’s okay.

With Nothing in Sight

For the longest time, I was the girl whose testimony lent itself to never having gone on a date with a boy. I am sure people got tired of hearing my story, but it was mine to tell and I had no power of changing it on my own.

What always stood out to me as I told my story were the responses I received from people. The best response was when girls would ask if I ever liked anybody, to which I always replied, and probably not so gently, “Um, duh!” Or in the words of Madea, “Um, der!” Of course I’ve liked guys! I’m a girl with feelings after all. And I’ve not just liked them. I’ve had major crushes. When I fall, I fall hard. Yes, I may or may not have had a few obsessions. What you need to know about me, though, is that I’m not very fickle. When I like a guy, I tend to like him for a long time. Like, really long. I could easily have one crush for two years. I wish I were lying.

Over time, though, I have learned a lot about crushes. Allow me to share one take-away: they waste so much of your time.

I know that sounds funny because they probably don’t even realize you exist, or have the slightest clue you’re interested, but they do, they really do.

Shall I list why?

Daydreams. Oh, the daydreams. In one day I could have gone on our first date. Gone on a second date. Decided we were going to be official. Kissed him. Dated for approximately 12 months. Gotten engaged and gotten married. All in one day. It was exhausting.

Stalking. Oh, the stalking. These days stalking means “friending” them on facebook or “following” them on twitter. Let’s just admit it, we’ve all done it, and maybe we’re currently doing it. And I’m not talking about just checking their facebook once a day; I’m talking once an hour. Or every 30 minutes depending on how smitten you are.

Shall I even get started on trying to take our thoughts captive? Attempting to do that while daydreaming and stalking is nearly impossible. I can’t intentionally go stalk a guy on facebook and then try to take thoughts towards him captive. I think we’re all aware that what we really need is a major dose of self-control to not even go there. To fill our minds with the Truth of God’s word as opposed to a silly little status update telling us where He just ate lunch.

The most humbling thing, however, I’ve learned about crushes that the Lord has had to knock out of me is my feelings of control over the situation. Do you know what I mean?

My thought process went something like this: If I liked a guy and stalked him enough, then eventually he would realize my love for him and chase after me and we’d live happily ever after. In other words, I was in complete control of the entire situation. Except I wasn’t in control at all.

In hindsight, I see how completely ridiculous and insane that sounds, but that’s how I was living and that was certainly the lie I believed. On top of that, what I always failed to realize was that although I thought I had complete control over the entire situation, it really had so much more control over me.

I’m sure you wouldn’t be surprised to hear that it took a toll on my heart and my emotions. When you let a feeling have that much control over you, it is hard to focus, let alone get much sleep and rest.

Towards the beginning of February I was seriously so fed up with myself. I started to realize that I was being flat out stupid and at that time, I had a come to Jesus meeting. It was really good.

One night in particular I had been journaling and I just heard the Lord ask me, Lindsee, do you trust me with zero prospects?

In other words, if the Lord took every eligible young single guy out of the picture could I trust Him enough to provide a husband in His time without my help? Without my obsessing? Without my stalking?

For the first time in a long time I was legitimately able to answer with a simple yes.

All my worrying, all my stressing, all my desires to be in control were disobedience because essentially, I wasn’t trusting the Lord to provide that particular desire of my heart. I honestly remember that night sleeping really well and woke up feeling like I hadn’t just run a marathon.

I don’t want you to get the impression that I am boy crazy, because if you asked any of my friends or family, I don’t think they would tell you I was, but I just needed to trust the Lord to provide for me in His own way and His own time.

In the midst of all of this was when the Lord really started stirring in my heart about what was next for me. I had no idea what was ahead but I sought Him constantly until May when He started opening up doors for a job change. And more so, a life change. (I wasn’t just changing jobs; I was changing churches as well. What you may not know is that my church was my job.)

I can honestly say that these months have been the sweetest months of my relationship with the Lord yet. I stepped out on a limb not knowing what the Lord had in store, and He blew me away. My faith deepened.

You know what else happened? I forgot all about boys. I forgot all about the fact that I was single. Maybe forgot isn’t the most appropriate term, but I was so content where the Lord had me in my singleness. It was so refreshing and really, really good for me to not be caught up in some type of crush that would eventually go nowhere.

Today, I am no longer the girl that has never been on a date. In July I went on my very first, and wonderful, I might add, date. I felt so special and will remember it always. Don’t get any ideas thinking that I’m engaged and getting married tomorrow, but to have been noticed and treated like a girl should be treated on a date was the best thing I could have ever experienced.

This summer was proof to me that there are Godly men out there searching for Godly wives. There are guys out there doing it right. This I know for sure, the bar has been raised.

I can’t tell you how thankful I am the Lord allowed me to experience what it’s like to be pursued. And what did I do to be pursued? Absolutely nothing. Nada. I just responded.

What I'm not saying is that the minute you stop thinking about being single is the minute the Lord brings a man into your life. I'm not too fond of that saying because I think if the Lord placed that desire on your heart, you'll always be mindful of it. What I am saying, though, is that the Lord, I believe, teaches us different things through different circumstances. For a while I think I doubted the Lord was ever going to let me experience the pursuit of a man for myself and not just vicariously. He clearly thought otherwise.

So, do I trust Him with no prospect? Do I trust Him when the single men around me aren’t outnumbering the single ladies? Yes, yes I do.

I don’t want to be known as the girl who begged and pleaded for God to bring my man and waste my singleness. I want to be known as the girl who believed God and served Him while I was waiting. After all, is it really about me? My comfort? My wants? That’s a simple no. It’s about Christ being honored and glorified in everything.

Very recently I heard someone say that God can do more in our waiting than we can do in our doing. Let’s stop doing and start waiting. Start bringing your requests and being still before the Lord. Trusting Him for His best for us. He really can do more in our waiting, expecting and anticipating Him.

I don’t know what you’re waiting for, but I promise He’s working out the details.

You can trust Him even with nothing in sight. We have hope because He is our hope.

Oh, that we would anticipate the Lord to move in our midst. He will. I know He will.

“In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3

The Village

As of today it's been a week since I've been a part of what they loving call "The Village". In other words, I've been at Living Proof Ministries for an entire week. I am certain that if I had a penny for every time I've heard the words "the village", whether referring to the LPM staff, or in the phrase "It takes a village!", I'd be one wealthy girl.

But if I've learned one thing this past week, I've learned that it certainly takes a village. And that the village is very easy to love.

I jumped into what I like to refer to as sanguine land.

I myself am quite the sanguine, but have noticed this week that I've really toned it down a bit. I have been a top notch observer, just taking everything in moment by moment. Quite honestly, the other night I sat down to journal and I couldn't think of one thing to write down. Not because I have a lack of words or thoughts, but because I didn't know where to start.

Even as I started this post, I uploaded pictures then decided I had nothing to say. Thankfully, I regained consciousness and came back to this post shortly after my loss of words and this is what you've got. What is it I've got, you ask? A list of observations from a week of working with the village.

1) This may disappoint, but my first observation? The phones never stop ringing. Ever. LPM is a hopping ministry. Praise God.

2) These ladies are hilarious.

3) They know how to pray. And they do it often.

4) A lot of laughter is heard all day long.

5) LPM knows how to eat. The workday pretty much revolves around lunch. I'm a-okay with that. I like food, too.

6) There is nothing you do alone at LPM. It really does take a village. For instance, it took four of us to connect my computer to another screen so I'd be double screening it. I don't know the technical term for that since I'm not technical, but let me tell you, it is a blessing.

7) You won't get to work or leave work without getting approximately ten hugs.

8) Personal? What is that? The village needs to know all personal matters. But at least you know they'll keep it to themselves. At least that's what I'm told.

9) Skype is a must. As is email. As is HeyTell. As is text messaging. Communication is flourishing.

10) They love Jesus. For real. I want to love Jesus more because of them.

11) With their forces combined, along with the prophetic dream Amanda had, I'm sure I'll be married in six months. Except I'm totally kidding. Maybe. ;)

12) You know your boss is legit when she sends you a picture text message of the yogurt you'd been discussing earlier. She wanted you to make sure you knew exactly what it was so you wouldn't have to go on a wild goose chase. I'm thankful.

In all seriousness, I've been there a week and I can say I sincerely love it already. I'm still slowly taking everything in, but really enjoying learning the ropes and getting to know everyone there. Yes, I'm tired and adjusting to a new job and bed time, but I feel beyond blessed to get to serve alongside these incredible ladies.

Here are some pictures from my first week.

My old boss JJ and his wife Anna sent me flowers my first day of work at the office. It was so sweet and they were beautiful. Thank you so much, JJ and Anna! It meant so much to me.

I have literally taken zero pictures with my real camera, but here are some of my office that I took with my phone. I share an office with Jenn, our Tuesday Night Bible study coordinator, but she is a mama of three youngins', so you can imagine that her office hours are more flexible and different than mine. We've only shared the office for two hours! The desk on the left is hers.

This is the view looking out to the balcony. Not too shabby, eh?

Just a cute corner of the office. Don't you love those pillows? At 3:00 everyday they tempt me with a nap.

This is my side/desk of the office. So far, I love it.

This is what the double screen looks like. It has been such a tremendous help when you stare at a computer all day long!

We hosted our volunteers at the ministry office on Saturday for the simulcast. It was really fun getting to know them and also getting to be with my co-workers soaking up God's Word. We had the best time! I am so glad I went. And boy did I get a Word! Amen.

In case you were wondering, yes, I still pinch myself every morning. Thank you, Lord, for this gift.

A New Job Description

I planned on writing a post about what my new job entails, but this video pretty much sums it up. If you've not seen it yet on the Living Proof Ministries blog, please feel free to watch it here! It was so fun to record, but I've realized now more than ever that I am a proffessional head nodder. It looks as if I know exactly what I'm talking about. Be blessed, friends. And please, for my sake, feel free to laugh as well.

Meet Lindsee! from LPV on Vimeo.