A lot of people have been praying for Britt and I as we make some “decisions”. The thing is that we could not tell anyone what that “decision” was…..until now. :)
Britt and I have been praying and meeting with John Kelsey who is the director of the OU Baptist Student Union (BSU) for quite some time now about the possibility of coming on as staff members. I am thrilled to announce that the decision has been made and we will be going on as staff with the BSU this coming fall! We are thrilled beyond words and really looking forward to all that God has in store for us. This is going to be a BIG change in our life but we are ready!
The logistical side (i.e. what we will be doing exactly) is still undecided because they have not made all of the “final” decisions as to the functionality and programs for the BSU next year. Once that is decided we will be told what area of the ministry we will be specifically helping with. Although we do not know the logistics we do know that we will have MANY opportunities to meet with and grow relationships with college students and be able to be a part of making disciples! This is Britt and my heart and we are so excited to be able to take part in this ministry!
If you could pray for us during this new season we would REALLY appreciate it. I think for right now the biggest prayer request is that we both have to find part-time jobs. We will be working part-time and raising the rest of our money through support. We are praying that God would provide the perfect job to help work with the BSU schedule and give us opportunities to minister to people who work with us.
We really are so excited and ready to see all that the Lord has in store!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
No title
I feel like I need to update more. Ever since dad and Justin's car accident I have really been out of the "flow" of things. There is a point when "normal life" has to set back in and I think that it is. I am grateful for "normal life" setting back in but at the same time it sucks. I feel like I should not move on with my life when my dad is lying in a hospital bed totally unconscious.
I got a text from mom that said dad's temperature was at 102.2 and was pretty high all night long. Please pray for that to go down.
There is the place... the place of not loosing hope for his full recovery but also at the same time preparing myself that he may not fully recover. It is not like I think he is going to die, although it could happen, I just don't know if he will ever be himself again which is so hard to wrap my mind around. Don't get me wrong, I am not loosing faith that God could totally heal my dad but the longer he is "out" the more and more difficult it becomes. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is in control and I trust Him but I cannot even begin to wrap my mind around this situation and understand Him. This is by far the most difficult thing I have ever done.
When I think about mom and what she must be going through I cannot help but have tears fill my eyes. Then, if I start to put myself in her situation I loose it. My heart hurts so bad for her. I am praying with every fiber in my being that God would restore my dad to his original health and state of mind. I know that the Lord is enough for my mom, for me, for our family. I know that He will provide and meet all of our needs. But at the same time there is a reason that the Lord gave dad to all of us.
I told Britt I don't even know what would be better. Well, other then the obvious total recovery. But if dad wakes up with brain damage or if the Lord takes him home; I can't even begin to think about either one. I like to just think about recovery, but like I said it gets difficult. Not that hope is lost just that sometimes I feel like I am to the end.
This post was not supposed to be about all of this. I guess you can see what is on my mind though. I just want dad to wake up! He is starting to look so thin and weak. It is so weird to see my big, strong dad that way; helpless, in a hospital bed. I know that he is fighting. Sometimes I just want to go in his hospital room and yell at the top of my lungs, like it might wake him up or something. I know that sounds stupid but it is the way I feel.
Please continue to pray for our family. It has been a very long two weeks and this is going to be a VERY long journey. We need the Lords strength to sustain us because we are going to get very tired.
I have been reading in the Psalms lately and it is so encouraging to my Spirit. I am so grateful for that book of the bible right now.
In other news….
Like I said, life has to go on… And tonight Britt and I have a meeting and some decisions to make that are going to help in deciding what our future is going to look like. We are praying and seeking the Lord. I just want the Lord’s best and I want to make sure that we make the right decision. Prayers appreciated!
Britt and I have been staying at mom and dad’s house. It has been good for us to be there to help but I think that it is time to go home. We are ready. I think that tomorrow night we will pack up and head home. I cannot even begin to tell you how very ready I am to sleep in my own bed!!
Like I said earlier, please continue to pray for our family. Your prayers are so appreciated!
Hope you all have a good start (and finish!) to your week!
I got a text from mom that said dad's temperature was at 102.2 and was pretty high all night long. Please pray for that to go down.
There is the place... the place of not loosing hope for his full recovery but also at the same time preparing myself that he may not fully recover. It is not like I think he is going to die, although it could happen, I just don't know if he will ever be himself again which is so hard to wrap my mind around. Don't get me wrong, I am not loosing faith that God could totally heal my dad but the longer he is "out" the more and more difficult it becomes. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is in control and I trust Him but I cannot even begin to wrap my mind around this situation and understand Him. This is by far the most difficult thing I have ever done.
When I think about mom and what she must be going through I cannot help but have tears fill my eyes. Then, if I start to put myself in her situation I loose it. My heart hurts so bad for her. I am praying with every fiber in my being that God would restore my dad to his original health and state of mind. I know that the Lord is enough for my mom, for me, for our family. I know that He will provide and meet all of our needs. But at the same time there is a reason that the Lord gave dad to all of us.
I told Britt I don't even know what would be better. Well, other then the obvious total recovery. But if dad wakes up with brain damage or if the Lord takes him home; I can't even begin to think about either one. I like to just think about recovery, but like I said it gets difficult. Not that hope is lost just that sometimes I feel like I am to the end.
This post was not supposed to be about all of this. I guess you can see what is on my mind though. I just want dad to wake up! He is starting to look so thin and weak. It is so weird to see my big, strong dad that way; helpless, in a hospital bed. I know that he is fighting. Sometimes I just want to go in his hospital room and yell at the top of my lungs, like it might wake him up or something. I know that sounds stupid but it is the way I feel.
Please continue to pray for our family. It has been a very long two weeks and this is going to be a VERY long journey. We need the Lords strength to sustain us because we are going to get very tired.
I have been reading in the Psalms lately and it is so encouraging to my Spirit. I am so grateful for that book of the bible right now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news….
Like I said, life has to go on… And tonight Britt and I have a meeting and some decisions to make that are going to help in deciding what our future is going to look like. We are praying and seeking the Lord. I just want the Lord’s best and I want to make sure that we make the right decision. Prayers appreciated!
Britt and I have been staying at mom and dad’s house. It has been good for us to be there to help but I think that it is time to go home. We are ready. I think that tomorrow night we will pack up and head home. I cannot even begin to tell you how very ready I am to sleep in my own bed!!
Like I said earlier, please continue to pray for our family. Your prayers are so appreciated!
Hope you all have a good start (and finish!) to your week!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Mind distractions
Sorry it has been so long since I last updated. Life has been a little crazy to say the least......
People keep asking me how I am doing with the whole situation regarding dad. Most of the time I say, "Ok" although I really don't have a real answer. I guess if depends on the day. Any day I could be: happy, sad, confused, angry or even a little of everything. Most days I honestly don't even know how I am.
I was telling a friend about these feelings and how hard it is. The thing is that I trust God and I know that He is in-control but that does not mean I understand Him. In my head right now this does NOT make sense. Why is my dad laying on a hospital bed unconscious for 1 1/2 weeks now? I don't know if I will ever fully understand that. All I know is that right now, it sucks. I also know that I have to continue trusting and leaning on God because it is my only hope.
So - right now I pray for dad, mom and everyone else. I pray God gives us the grace and strength we need on a daily basis. I often (basically every night) go to the hospital and wait, hoping to hear good news and then cry on my way home. Today I have just tried to distract my mind from all of this. To think about things other then hospitals, tubes, comas, surgeries, etc... So, today I started to think of things that I am looking forward to. Things like:
* Going to the Arts Festival for a little while with my hubby tonight. We need some time together!
* Going to hear Hillsong United this Friday night.
* Going out with good friends this weekend.
* Church on Sunday
* The Jefferson Carnival
* Being Home
* Using our White Water Bay Season Passes!
* Laying out by our pool and getting tan
* Going to Dallas for our one year anniversary.
Sometimes it just helps to think about things like this. But I can't help but think that the thing I am looking forward to the most is talking to my dad and feeling like he is going to be ok, that he will be his normal self again. Please keep praying for my dad. It is what he needs the most.
People keep asking me how I am doing with the whole situation regarding dad. Most of the time I say, "Ok" although I really don't have a real answer. I guess if depends on the day. Any day I could be: happy, sad, confused, angry or even a little of everything. Most days I honestly don't even know how I am.
I was telling a friend about these feelings and how hard it is. The thing is that I trust God and I know that He is in-control but that does not mean I understand Him. In my head right now this does NOT make sense. Why is my dad laying on a hospital bed unconscious for 1 1/2 weeks now? I don't know if I will ever fully understand that. All I know is that right now, it sucks. I also know that I have to continue trusting and leaning on God because it is my only hope.
So - right now I pray for dad, mom and everyone else. I pray God gives us the grace and strength we need on a daily basis. I often (basically every night) go to the hospital and wait, hoping to hear good news and then cry on my way home. Today I have just tried to distract my mind from all of this. To think about things other then hospitals, tubes, comas, surgeries, etc... So, today I started to think of things that I am looking forward to. Things like:
* Going to the Arts Festival for a little while with my hubby tonight. We need some time together!
* Going to hear Hillsong United this Friday night.
* Going out with good friends this weekend.
* Church on Sunday
* The Jefferson Carnival
* Being Home
* Using our White Water Bay Season Passes!
* Laying out by our pool and getting tan
* Going to Dallas for our one year anniversary.
Sometimes it just helps to think about things like this. But I can't help but think that the thing I am looking forward to the most is talking to my dad and feeling like he is going to be ok, that he will be his normal self again. Please keep praying for my dad. It is what he needs the most.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Trust
When you go through trials there are times when your heart hurts. It can hurt so badly. Not because you lost someone but because you realize how easy you could loose them.
The thing is, the battle with my dad is not over. There are still so many hurtles to overcome and sometimes it hurts to think about. Even though he is here still there are times it does not feel that way because he is lying on a bed and can't do anything on his own. That hurts.
It hurts because I almost picked up my phone to call him and ask him a question. Sometimes reality hurts.
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Then - through all the hurt you find a blessing.
A blessing - I found out that my mom had her purse in hand, ready to go with dad and Justin and at the last minute changed her mind. That is a blessing.
It is little things like that they make your heart SO thankful. It doesn’t wash away the hurt but it sure does help.
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Something ironic is that this past week the Lord has been teaching me a LOT about trust. Trusting Him no matter what.
I used to always say that something would come along with an opportunity to trust the Lord, it would be difficult but I would learn and come to the place of trusting Him. Then, right when I think I learned the "lesson" another opportunity to trust would come along. It made me want to look up and say, "Um, God... Didn't I JUST learn this lesson; didn't you JUST bring an opportunity for me to learn to trust?" As I was thinking about this I realized that trusting the Lord is not a "lesson" that we learn. Trusting the Lord is a daily practice; daily surrendering ourselves to the Lords will and completely trusting Him.
Wow - Am I ever able to practice this now or what.
I guess when I really think about the fact that God was teaching me this last week it is not so ironic. Things with God never are. He knew what would happen and He knew that I needed to finally learn what Trust looks like. A daily surrender.
The thing is, the battle with my dad is not over. There are still so many hurtles to overcome and sometimes it hurts to think about. Even though he is here still there are times it does not feel that way because he is lying on a bed and can't do anything on his own. That hurts.
It hurts because I almost picked up my phone to call him and ask him a question. Sometimes reality hurts.
--------
Then - through all the hurt you find a blessing.
A blessing - I found out that my mom had her purse in hand, ready to go with dad and Justin and at the last minute changed her mind. That is a blessing.
It is little things like that they make your heart SO thankful. It doesn’t wash away the hurt but it sure does help.
--------
Something ironic is that this past week the Lord has been teaching me a LOT about trust. Trusting Him no matter what.
I used to always say that something would come along with an opportunity to trust the Lord, it would be difficult but I would learn and come to the place of trusting Him. Then, right when I think I learned the "lesson" another opportunity to trust would come along. It made me want to look up and say, "Um, God... Didn't I JUST learn this lesson; didn't you JUST bring an opportunity for me to learn to trust?" As I was thinking about this I realized that trusting the Lord is not a "lesson" that we learn. Trusting the Lord is a daily practice; daily surrendering ourselves to the Lords will and completely trusting Him.
Wow - Am I ever able to practice this now or what.
I guess when I really think about the fact that God was teaching me this last week it is not so ironic. Things with God never are. He knew what would happen and He knew that I needed to finally learn what Trust looks like. A daily surrender.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Faithful
It is so amazing to think back to this past Saturday afternoon and how quickly my life changed.
My dad called Britt and I Saturday morning and asked us to go get breakfast with him. It ended up being just dad, Britt and I and it was a wonderful time of talking and catching up. As I look back on it I am so thankful for that special time that we had. I also found out that my older brother Brandon, his wife Rachael and their two girls were able to go to lunch with my dad. That is something out of the ordinary but God knew that it was something needed and I am so grateful for it.
I want to tell you again that the best place to go for updates is at my brother’s blog: brandonandrachael.blogspot.com. We are directing everyone there.
I wanted to take a moment on my blog though to testify to the faithfulness of God! He has been so faithful to me and my family. We have seen His blessing and provision in so many ways already and I know it is not over. "What satin means for evil, God means for good". I keep saying this verse in my head over and over again.
I know that when my dad is well he will be the first to say, "To God be the glory!"
I have had so many people tell me they are so grateful for the witness of my family during this time and I say "Amen!" God is faithful and good!
Thank you for your prayers and support to our family during this time. It will be a long road ahead but the Lord is a faithful, loving Father who provides for ALL His children’s needs.
My dad called Britt and I Saturday morning and asked us to go get breakfast with him. It ended up being just dad, Britt and I and it was a wonderful time of talking and catching up. As I look back on it I am so thankful for that special time that we had. I also found out that my older brother Brandon, his wife Rachael and their two girls were able to go to lunch with my dad. That is something out of the ordinary but God knew that it was something needed and I am so grateful for it.
I want to tell you again that the best place to go for updates is at my brother’s blog: brandonandrachael.blogspot.com. We are directing everyone there.
I wanted to take a moment on my blog though to testify to the faithfulness of God! He has been so faithful to me and my family. We have seen His blessing and provision in so many ways already and I know it is not over. "What satin means for evil, God means for good". I keep saying this verse in my head over and over again.
I know that when my dad is well he will be the first to say, "To God be the glory!"
I have had so many people tell me they are so grateful for the witness of my family during this time and I say "Amen!" God is faithful and good!
Thank you for your prayers and support to our family during this time. It will be a long road ahead but the Lord is a faithful, loving Father who provides for ALL His children’s needs.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Update on Dad and Brother:
It is so funny how quickly things change. Yesterday morning Britt and I went to breakfast with my dad and now I am sitting in a hospital with my dad in ICU as well as my youngest brother Justin. They were in a serious car accident yesterday afternoon at about 2:45pm and we have been here since.
The initial report about my dad was not good at all. Since then things have been a lot better. He had emergency surgery and they were able to stop all internal bleeding which is a huge praise the Lord! He also had bleeding and swelling on his brain but and initially it did not look good but every time they look at it the swelling and bleeding is less and less. He is doing better. The report this morning is that if he was not on such heavy medication they think that he would be awake. He has started to respond in some ways which is such a comfort. My dad is one of the strongest people I know and he is such a fighter. I know that he will fight so hard.
Justin is doing much better as well. He is pretty beat up with a broken ankle, hurt arm (still not sure if it is broken), he had some problems with fingers and bone being exposed but they were able to file it down and had to trim the bone on one finger. Initially we thought they might have to amputate it but they did not so that is another huge praise the Lord.
Please pray for my mom during this time. She has health problems of her own and we are praying that her pain levels stay down during this time of caring for my dad and brother. It is hard for all of us to find time to sleep but we know it is important so please pray that we will know when to sleep and to br wise with our own health so that we can have the strength to support my dad and brother.
Our family has been so loved through all of this and we are so thankful for everyone’s prayers and support. My brother Brandon is trying to regularly update his blog anytime we hear new reports so you can look at that for more information: brandonandrachael.blogspot.com
Thank you again for your prayers!
The initial report about my dad was not good at all. Since then things have been a lot better. He had emergency surgery and they were able to stop all internal bleeding which is a huge praise the Lord! He also had bleeding and swelling on his brain but and initially it did not look good but every time they look at it the swelling and bleeding is less and less. He is doing better. The report this morning is that if he was not on such heavy medication they think that he would be awake. He has started to respond in some ways which is such a comfort. My dad is one of the strongest people I know and he is such a fighter. I know that he will fight so hard.
Justin is doing much better as well. He is pretty beat up with a broken ankle, hurt arm (still not sure if it is broken), he had some problems with fingers and bone being exposed but they were able to file it down and had to trim the bone on one finger. Initially we thought they might have to amputate it but they did not so that is another huge praise the Lord.
Please pray for my mom during this time. She has health problems of her own and we are praying that her pain levels stay down during this time of caring for my dad and brother. It is hard for all of us to find time to sleep but we know it is important so please pray that we will know when to sleep and to br wise with our own health so that we can have the strength to support my dad and brother.
Our family has been so loved through all of this and we are so thankful for everyone’s prayers and support. My brother Brandon is trying to regularly update his blog anytime we hear new reports so you can look at that for more information: brandonandrachael.blogspot.com
Thank you again for your prayers!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
*Woot, woot* Wednesday! - And your opinion.
*Woot, woot* Wednesday!
*Woot, woot*
It's not as windy/cold as they said it would be!
*Woot, woot*
I get to eat Indian food tonight with friends!
*Woot, woot*
I got a good 8 hours of sleep!
*Woot, woot*
Tomorrow we are staying home and just resting!
So needed!
*Woot, woot*
We are buying our White Water Bay Season Passes this week!
Summer is coming people!
*Woot, woot*
I get my hair done this Friday!
What is your *Woot, woot*?
Speaking of getting my hair done....
I am planning to go in for a highlight which I DESPERATLY need. Other than a highlight my plan was to go in for just a trim. Then I saw a picture that I LOVE of a hairstyle that I LOVE and I am trying to decide if I will still LOVE it if I cut my hair like the picture. I love having long hair (and this pic is still "longish" just not long like it is now) and I can't decide if it would look good on me. SO.... I am asking your opinion. Check it out!
Here is my hair now:
Front -
Back...
(Ignore the need for a trim and color) ;)
And HERE is what I am thinking about doing...
What do you think? Yes, no, maybe? (Except don't say "maybe" because I need to make a decision here people and time is of the essence since I am getting it cut in 2 days!)
So, lay it on me, the brutal truth, do you think it will look good?
Thoughts!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Catching up...
It's been awhile since I last updated. It is time for me to catch up. A lot has happened recently and I will fill you in on bits and pieces of it.
Britt got his Diploma in the mail! It was a happy day! :) He has been done with school since December but it felt so official to receive that piece of paper. The little piece of cardstock cost a pretty penny. ;)
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The weekend before last Britt and I had a "Get-a-way" weekend just spending time together. We decided to get a hotel room for one night in Bricktown and it was so much fun!
Here is Britt in the complementary shuttle which happened to be a limo! It was so much fun!
And here I am in the limo!
We went to Zio's for dinner and afterwards we waiting outside for the limo. It was a rainy cold day but we didn't care and it didn't stop is from having a great weekend!
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This past weekend we celebrated Easter together. Saturday we spent the day just hanging out together and having a GREAT time! Sunday we went to church with my parents, lunch at their house and then to our church that night. It was a great time with family and friends celebrating what Jesus did on the cross and the glorious resurrection!
Britt bought me a purse and an umbrella for my "Easter Gift". He surprised me and it was so much fun! I love them both!
I decided that Britt needed a "Easter Gift" too and so we went to a local consignment shop and found him two polos and a pair of shorts! We also went to Academy to get him a pair of new shoes because his other ones were just too worn out. He walks 18 miles a day and that can make a person go through shoes so fast!
We also got some plants for our patio! I love them and I am also hoping to get a hanging tomato plant! Thought it might be fun to try and I LOVE home-grown tomatoes! *Yum!* We are really enjoying our flowers though and the bright color they bring to our patio. I just love spring/summer!
Saturday night we relaxed and ate some yummy homemade pizza and drank some Raspberry Ice Tea. It was a great day having fun and spending time together. I love making memories like that together and can't wait to make many more!
I hope that all of you had a happy easter with family and friends!
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