Catch Up

Not that blogging has even been my passion but I do enjoy it. That being said I have obviously not made an effort in the last year but that will all change soon! I intend to document all the new adventures to come in the next season of my life. Here's the last 12 months in fast forward. Summer 2010 consisted of working at Macys, living with an amazing family, spending time with my dear friends, and narrowing down the list of grad schools and preparing for my senior year at Truman. First semester was filled with craziness- I started a new organization, acted as a student clinician- terrifying but wonderfully rewarding, visited and applied to Audiology programs i sought to be a part of, and generally trying to stay on top of everything. I made it through with great encouragement from those closest to me and by December had my sights set on attending either University of Kansas Medical Center or Washington University and all that I saw coming from that. Second semester taught me all about patience, trust, and obedience. In times of excitement, fear, or indifference about the future I leaned on my loving God- one whose plan far exceeded my wildest dreams. He lead me to apply to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in the fall, then to have a fantastic phone interview- in which I became overwhelmed with sense of calm and excitement. Of course this then lead to a weekend trip to Knoxville- I didn't know what to expect but I enjoyed every moment of the trip. I wasn't terrified that the campus is twice the size of the city i currently live in. or by the fact that I do not have any family or friends within a 5 hr drive. Instead I was silenced by what a great fit it was, by the fact that I wasn't supposed to love it- that it wasn't in the plan. But that's the great thing- It wasn't my plan it was the Lord stretching me, teaching me to obey and to trust, telling me to step outside my comfort zone and take a chance.
So that, my friends, is what I am doing!

I am moving to Knoxville, TN to get my doctorate in Audiology
(nothing about this statement is what i would have expected 2 years ago)!

Characteristics of a Godly Wife

I came across this the other day on http://bible.org/seriespage/qualities-godly-mate ( i have edited it a bit so if you would like to see the full text visit the link above) and have been pondering...

"1. A GODLY WIFE IS GODLY. Godliness begins with a proper relationship to God. A godly wife is, first and foremost, a woman who fears God.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised (31:30).

2. A GODLY WIFE IS WISE. You will recall that wisdom is personified as a woman in the Book of Proverbs (cf. 1:20-33; 8:1-36; 9:1-6).
She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue (31:26).3. A

3. GODLY WIFE HONORS HER HUSBAND. A man who has married a godly wife has a wife who will bring honor to him. She is truly a helper to her husband.

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is as rottenness in his bones (12:4).

The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack, of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life (31:11-12).

An ungodly wife humiliates and harasses her husband. She is not a helper but a hindrance to her mate. She is “as rottenness in his bones” (12:4). By her haranguing, she makes him miserable:

A foolish son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping (19:13).

4. A GODLY WIFE IS GRACIOUS. One reason honor is given the godly woman is that she is known for her graciousness.

A gracious woman attains honor.. (11:16).

It is better to live in a desert land, Than with a contentious and vexing woman (21:19).

5. A GODLY WIFE IS FAITHFUL TO HER HUSBAND. This is most clearly shown by contrast with the woman of folly who is an adulteress."

Texas

This past week I was in Texas with my family. It was a week where I had no obligations and for the most part hung out with my grandparents and parents; it was such a change of pace from my typical daily life. Here are a few pictures from my trip!
My Grandma and Papaw just inherited a house 'out in the country'. My Papaw spends at least 3 days a week out there; he fixes things, plants trees, watches the cows, and make plans to change the house. We sat out in the carport and had burgers for lunch as we talked and the insects enjoyed feasting on me.

Later I got the opportunity to go to dinner with my aunt, uncle, and two cousins. It was Katies birthday and we ate corndog shrimp as an appetizer and then I ate the most wonderful crab cakes! I actually got to spend more time with my cousins at dinner on Tuesday and then again on Friday. We are all four years apart and for that reason havent ever been extremely close but in getting to spend time with them this trip we realized we are getting to an age where we have a lot more in common and can relate to each other better. I was blessed by this time with them and cannot wait to go back in October for Shannon's wedding!

With Mammaw and Pappaw we mostly hung out around the house. Mammaw and I watched some tv and movies together and went to get our hair cut. We also went out to eat and spent some time at the mall. Quality time with my Mammaw is so precious as Parkinson's continues to take more a toll on her body.

I read two books while in Texas, visited the graduate audiology program at UT-Austin, ate some great food (county line, dirty's, taco cabana, and rudys), and then hung out with old friends at a friends wedding! There's nothing like a Texas wedding outside complete with barbecue and two stepping! It was a great trip but I was ready to come home on Sunday night. Now Im back and getting back to being busy.

"You can Have me"

I was driving down Clarkson Road yesterday when I was struck by the song on the radio. I pulled out my phone and recorded it so i would be able to find it on itunes later. I cant get it out of my head. look it up on youtube if you so desire.

"If I saw You on the street
And You said come and follow me
But I had to give up everything
All I once held dear and all of my dreams
Would I love You enough to let go
Or would my love run dry
When You asked for my life

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love You can have me
You can have me

If You’re all You claim to be
Then I’m not losing anything
So I will crawl upon my knees
Just to know the joy of suffering
I will love You enough to let go
Lord I give you my life
I give you my life

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love You can have me
You can have me

I want to be where You are
I’m running into Your arms
And I will never look back
So Jesus here is my heart

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love You can have me
You can have me

My Father my love
You can have me"

You Can Have Me by the Sidewalk Prophets

lists...

It has been awhile since I last posted but let me tell you there are many drafts that just never got published because of the insanely busy life i apparently lead. There are many things to be shared so I will make several lists..

Things I have learned this past semester and am still learning:
-Not to plan (I know coming from me this is unbelievable, but i am still a work in progress)- My plan is so very limiting in comparison to My Creator's plan
- The greatness of accountability and discipleship- the community and joy these two things have brought to my life is indescribable
- Slowing down is okay
- Patience (again, i am terrible at this, but i am being molded)
- Trust in His Goodness - The Lord is ALWAYS good!
- Love is a very powerful thing
- Enjoy the small moments
- Step outside the box. have a little fun. do something that isn't 'you'


Things I am looking forward to about summer:
- a 'fake' family
- all the weddings
- my girls
- down time
- cardinals games
- nights at the park
- running
- reading lots of books

Don't be afraid of what the Lord has in store for you.
Let Him lead.
Embrace His Goodness.
You will be blessed in ways that you never imagined.

I have been.

(more to come soon...I hope)