Why

I wonder why
I hear trust Me
I wonder why now
I hear in My time
I wonder what for
I hear it’s My way
I surrender
I feel comfort and strength


Many times in life I don’t understand God’s ways and how He works. I wonder what is the point of all the pain and the hurt. Then God reminds me of the past, how He has worked out everything before. I can’t say that I understand why God chose to take my brother, but I can say that I trust Him to know what is best for me, my family, and my friends. I can’t say that it doesn’t hurt and there’s not an empty spot in my heart, but I can say that the hope I have gives me comfort and strength to take the next step. I may never know for sure the reason why, but I know for sure that one day I will see my brother in the Place where there will be no pain or death again.

Good-bye but not forever

Where do I start? It seems so abrupt. Not knowing what to say. Hanging on to memories. From playing trucks and cars in the living room to the last good-bye. Wondering what the future would have held if God would have left you here to serve him a little longer. Not understanding why yet, but remembering that God never makes a mistake. It seems weird thinking that you won't be here for Christmas or my wedding or see my kids. It still seems like a bad dream that I will wake up and you will still be here. I miss picking on you and you picking on me. I miss going out to Dillon with the you, Mom, and Dad.

I'm thankful that you gave your life to Jesus before you went. So that one day I can run up behind you and punch your arm and then give you a hug.

I miss you and love you. Tell Papaw hi. See ya later

More Pics

More Pics

A few of the pics of Guatemala

Arrived Back Safely

Hello everyone
Sorry that I couldn't post while I was gone. I couldn't figure out how to get a @ sign on a Spanish keyboard until I was almost ready to come back to the states, so I figured I would just wait. I have lots of stories and I will try to get a link to my pics which I have over 1000 up soon. I'm not home yet. My cousin and I will be flying from her aunt's house back home tomorrow. I will try to post everything soon. But for now I'm heading to bed.

Summer Plans & Updates

For all of my ten readers, I was just wanting to let you know that I will be leaving next Monday, June 1, 2009 for my missions trip. I'm really excited to go and see what God has in store for me. Please pray for my team and me as we go that God will give us traveling mercies and help us as we minister to those in Guatemala.

If I am able at any point, I will post an update here instead of sending out a mass e-mail. So check back during the month of June to see if I have internet access in Guatemala. I'm doubtful, but you never know. If I am not able to post during the trip, after I get back I will post and also put pictures on.

Hope you all have a wonderful summer.

Why is it some does not having you around doesn't bother me

But other days I long for you to be around

So that I can sit on your knees again 

And tell you about my life

Then hear you tell me I'm proud of you girl

Stand strong

God will help you

Papaw, I miss you and wish you were around. But I know that you are where you lived your life to go. You are probably sitting at the feet of Jesus thanking Him for all He did for you.

I love you Papaw and one day will sneak up behind you and take your wallet again :)

I spent the weekend at John and Monica's as normal. Their dog, Ginger had puppies about seven or eight weeks ago. I thought they were cute, so I took some pictures of them. Hope you enjoy!

More Ramblings

Some days it is easy to trust God. Some days you have to choose to trust God. I find that it's not always easy believing that God knows best. To be honest, I have questioned God to make sure that He knows what He is doing. Of course He does. But in my humaness, I find it easy to forget that God knows what is best.

I find though on the days that I have to choose to trust God. I have learned many lessons, including God always comes through just when we need Him. Not in our time, but His.

I find that the poem "FootPrints" is true. Many times I have heard that poem and thought of it as a nice cliche. Now that I'm growing older I realize just how true it is. God is always there for me. He wants me to make it to Heaven even more than I want to make it to Heaven. For goodness sake, He sent His one and only Son to die on an old rugged cross for MY sins. He didn't have to do this, but because He wanted a relationship with me He chose to do it.

I find that when I choose to trust. I am gently reminded that God is in control. He doesn't need me to carry out His plan. Yes, sometimes He chooses to work through me, but not always. Sometimes, the only thing that I can do is pray and trust God to work out the situation.

I am also reminded that I am to far to turn back now. I'm realizing that the beginning of eternity is just around the corner and this is not the time to be playing games with God. It is the time to draw closer to God and be everything that He wants me to be. He will never ask me to do anything that He won't give me the grace and the strength to do.

Some more pics

A few of my most recent creations

This one is a drawing in Illustrator of a teddy bear that my Grandpa made me

This is a picture that I did for photography class. I'm not for sure how well you will be able to see it.

Lessons from the Cross

Lessons we can learn from the Cross
1. Surrender our all
As we see in the Garden of Gethsemane, it wasn't easy for Jesus to lay down His life for us. Yet, He willingly went to the cross to suffer and die for our sins.

2. God knows best
Though at the time to the followers of Jesus it appeared that all was lost. They couldn't see the bigger picture. God was providing them with full and free salvation. No more making that trip to the temple once a year, so that their sins could be forgiven. They would have a open relationship with him. They wouldn't have to go through the High Priest any longer.

3. God knows the pain and suffering we go through.
We can rest assured that God understands the pain of the trials that we go through. Can you imagine watching your Son carry the sins of the world on His shoulders and then dying for them. He knows what it feels like when we have a heartache.

4. Don't give up, Sunday is coming
It's always the darkest before the dawn. Remember when it seems like nothing is going right. The morning is coming and the dark clouds will roll back and the sun will break through. One of these days we will rise up and meet Him in the air.

Found in Lori Wick's Book White Chocolate Moments p. 266

What does my soul cry out for more than the truth
What does my spirit thirst for more than holiness
I long for light from the Word, and sight from the Lord
I want to be like my Savior and God.

So work in me, and save my soul
Oh cleanse my heart, and make me whole
Oh make us one in righteousness
Pour out Your power and send Your grace.

That's my prayer tonight. I want to be filled to overflowing by God.

Winter Pics

The Laws of the Lighthouse

This is written by Max Lucado

The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality.Smart move. The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:
-- Love God more than you fear hell.
-- Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
-- Make major decisions in a cemetery.
-- When no one is watching, live as if someone is
-- Succeed at home first.
-- Don't spend tomorrow's money today.
-- Pray twice as much as you fret.
-- Listen twice as much as you speak.
-- Only harbor a grudge when God does.
-- Never outgrow your love of sunsets
-- Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
-- 'Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
-- God has forgiven you; you'd be wise to do the same.
-- When you can't trace God's hand, trust his heart.
-- Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
-- Don't feel guilty for God's goodness
-- The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
-- Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
-- Live your liturgy.

To sum it all up:Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.

Why I'm Too Far To Give Up Now

God has been showing me that even during hard times that there are too many reasons to throw up our hands in despair. Here are a few reasons, I came up with.

1. He's helping me to learn to trust Him
   
2. He's kept me from a lot of things so far in my life
   
3. Even when it seems that He's not there during the battle, as I look back He has been there all along.
   
4. People is looking at my life. Do they see a difference?
   
5. I have a peace that the world cannot give.
   
6. He has taught me to stand up for what I believe in.
   
7. He is the only way to make it to Heaven.