God's Got This

Ignorance is bliss. Then you hear the truth and it freaks you out. I am honestly, truly a bit nervous about our future as Americans. I don’t pretend to know what all is going on with our government but it is quite apparent that something needs to give. What happened to being united as one? What happened to democracy and our rights as free people? Why do we, the human race, always seem to screw up a good thing? I don’t have a gun. I don’t know how to shoot a gun. It’s probably a good thing I’m not around guns because I would probably shoot myself in the foot. But, I like knowing other people have them. Good people. There are other ways to solve the issue. I’m just saying.

And another thing, why do we pay people for their lifetime who hold office for 4 years? I just learned about that this year. Sorry – but that’s not cool. And our country is in debt but yet some still wonder why? And our military, who put their life on the line for us…I doubt they are paid as well (although the benefits are nice)  – but let’s be honest.  

I want to be like the girl in “stranger than fiction” who gets audited by the IRS for only paying half her taxes. I don’t want to get audited but I think it’s funny that she only pays the taxes she agrees with.

And another thing… I don’t really want to be over taken by another country because of the amount of debt we are in. I don’t want someone to harm the President because they are fanatical and angry. I just want the President to start making better decisions. He has tons of advisors. Can’t they ADVISE him in the right direction? What happened to common sense or looking out for the future of our country? Not of fan of the back and forth stance on major issues.

HOWEVER, don’t get all bent out of shape, I support our President and government because that is what the Bible says to do:

"Every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for no authority exists except by God's permission. The existing authorities have been established by God" Romans 13:1

So don’t doubt God and who He has placed there (whether you voted for the President or not).

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17

Well that’s a bit more difficult. But if God put him in charge then, there you go. Enough said.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…” 1 Timothy 2:1-15

All I have to say to that is, “AMEN”!

Plus several more you can google.

Moving on…. I hope we can learn from these verses, commandments and instructions. Even when we have every doubt – the one reason that supersedes all others is to trust in God and lean not on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge Him. He knows what he is doing. From the major, world related stuff down to every step we take.

God is in control.

It's seriously 2013....where does the time go?

And yet another life update and birthday shout out to my one and only.

Nothing super major has happened just yet… YET but let’s just say that 2013 will be an eventful year, to say the least.

G and I live out of our suitcases. However, instead of going back and forth from CC to SA, now it is H and SA. A bit further but still not bad. I actually haven’t even had to drive here yet – lucky me! This last time I flew. I am actually still here and it’s been a pretty dang good weekend. G’s birthday is today!!!!! Unfortunately he has to work at the boat show but I did my best to make it as memorable as possible.

Let’s back up one second – G is not living in H, he is living south of H and working at a new boat dealership and service shop. We definitely heard God speak when this opportunity came up. It was rushed and December was a whirlwind kind of month with him moving, changing jobs, going to other states for training, the holidays, and of course trying to spend as much time together as possible. We were able to celebrate our first Christmas and New Years Eve together. We also got to meet more of the important people in our lives and we made sure everyone knew the other was going to be around for a very, very long time. It was a really nice three weeks – then three days back to work and now I am back here in H-town (really K town).

So, since G had to work this weekend I wanted to do something special. I had found a great deal on the downtown Four Seasons Hotel (which included an awesome breakfast). The original plan was for us to stay downtown since he would have to work downtown for the boat show. Then I got the bright idea to throw a surprise party for him. I was going to have everyone meet us at the hotel in the lobby after taking him to dinner. Well, then I thought he wouldn’t want to go out because he would have just gotten done working a really long day (10am-8pm), so I changed everything around (probably 4 times). I had found a great restaurant within walking distance and asked everyone to meet us there for dinner.

G had no idea! It was so great!!! When we walked into the hotel I had set up a nice little birthday display – birthday banner, balloons, cookie cake, present, and all.  On the way to dinner, he knew about the hotel and dinner by this point, we had forgotten the cookie cake I had surprised him with in our room.

I so badly wanted to go back to get it, but he insisted we keep walking because we were “late” for our reservation (and I’m sure he was starving). Little did he know, there were about 12 people waiting for us! Whenever we walked into the restaurant, the group was standing and clapping and saying “Happy Birthday!” It was perfect. Even the table next to them started in on the whooping and hollering. I’m pretty sure he was feeling the effects of ‘shock & awe’!

The food and company were awesome. They even wished him a happy birthday at the top of all our menus! 

After dinner we went upstairs to the dueling piano bar. We didn’t stay too long but it was definitely a birthday to remember!

No major plans for the future at this time. G is going to focus on getting settled at his new job and I am focusing on taking whatever opportunities I can with mine.  

So, I got to see some pretty awesome friends over the break – K came down and PD came from DC! I was so happy to see both of them and really glad we got to spend some QT together. They also got to meet G – which was super important to me.

K had an interview in FW – change is good! PD went back to DC to work for Joaquin Castro – pretty stinkin’ cool!

A and V are moving to SA too! A got a job as a teacher at one of the middle schools in town and will stay with me for a few weeks while they find a place. So many exciting changes for my friends!

AND the best news of all in my book is ….. SISTER IS PREGNANT AGAIN! She is due in June and I absolutely cannot wait to find out if they will have a mini Z or a boy!

Happy 2013!!!!

Life is good

Hello world!

Haven't said much lately, haven't had much time. This is not, I repeat, is not a bad thing. I'm sure I talk way too much as it is anyway. My last post was 99% complete about three weeks ago if that says anything.

Let me briefly update you on my life sitch (maybe not 'briefly'):

Work - Is awesome. I still love my job. It's crazy, busy, I work a ton of hours, have about a million and one things to do, work mostly from my phone (which is A-ok by me), have developed some pretty awesome friendships and continue to learn new things daily. From the intricacies of new business, the quirks of coworkers, the struggle between learning to say "no" and delegate to just wanting to get things done. I have  been pulled in a million directions - which sounds absolutely dreadful to  most - but I have never felt more comfortable with my work. I am pretty dang lucky to have the job I have. I know God has a reason for placing me here. I know there is a lot more to be learned. There are some pretty amazing people at my office who are going to get me where I need to be whether I know what is happening or not! I have become especially close with one person. I care about her so much and I know she looks out for me as well. She is God's light when everything else is dark. She is my Ms. D in SA. Let's just say this is definitely the opportunity of a lifetime.

Personal - so there's this guy.... but not just ANY guy this time. Yes, WORLD, he is perfect. He is everything I could ask for and more. He is my sunshine. He makes me happy when skies are grey. He is my answered prayer. He is the antithesis of my prayer - to be honest. Before him, I had given it all to God. I had said, no more guys - I just need a daggum J-O-B. I got my JOB, went to CC to celebrate my friend's graduation and one last woorah before starting my new job, got a FB message from this incredibly handsome guy I knew in college my first year, decided I shouldn't see him because my priority was my friend's graduation - oh yea and I left my stupid purse in the auditorium so my friend and I were a bit preoccupied the night he messaged me (in search for my bag, which we found - thank GOD)... and the rest is (or will be) history. Let me tell you something, the Lord works in mysterious ways. I have never, ever been so thankful for someone in all my life. He is an encouragement to me like none other. He respects me, loves me (yes people, we love each other in the purest, most appreciative and truest way), uplifts me, and has become my best friend. I feel like I've known him for years (which technically I have) but it's been a beautiful experience. Hello, who comes to SA from CC on a MONDAY night just to take you to dinner - for sushi,  of all things!???? I LOVE that he loves sushi. I love that he speaks my love language (gifts). I love that he loves the Lord. I love that we are ridiculously compassionate, supportive, encouraging and respectful of one another. I love that he has so much going for him but still puts me first. I love that he loves R&B and we can exchange lyrics when a song reminds one of the other. I love that others see it - see that this time it is different. I love that he takes charge of our relationship, makes firm decisions and sticks with them, and never forgets to do what he says he will do. I love that he isn't afraid to talk about the 'hard' stuff. I love that this time it's real. He will be around for as long as God allows  him to be - just FYI!

Random: BFF is coming to town soon and CANNOT WAIT to see her - ecstatic to say the least. Also, this could TOTALLY make breaking news but C and I totally just jumped her car. Yes, people, with jumper cables and all. Pretty sure I thought we might die for half a sec....or two or three... but we made it!!!! We did so well. So happy I was able to help her out and share in such a monumental occasion.... in the parking lot.... of a gas station.... in a rental car.... in heels... etc. But we survived and she is home safe. On another note, I definitely miss PD. She is in DC, doing her thing, being a BA, and making a name for herself. I cannot wait to see her at Christmas (maybe Thanksgiving!!!). I am trying very hard to make it up to DC to see her. She is incredible. Love all my friends and family.  - My niece is still incredible. Dad's business is going perfectly...super busy, lots of work. So proud. Bother in law started a new job too, at USAA, he is doing really well. Sister, as always, is being perfect. Making sure those little mini's are being groomed into perfect, intelligent little people and citizens of the world. So thankful, proud, and happy for my family.

Just crazy how nothing was happening two months ago and now everything I could ask for is happening. It's a struggle but definitely practicing the whole - taking it a day at a time thing. Thankful for everything and everyone (near and far) in my life.

Figuring "It" Out....

Growing up is hard

Life flies by

People change

Friends come and go

Family drifts apart

...and to be quite blunt, your world can really suck at times....

More often than not, it might appear, things seem to be the opposite of what you want or hope or expect or anything even close.

What I want to focus on is making yourself happy. I'm sure I've said this before. I'm sure many of you have said this to ME when I was a youngen' hahaha I am OLD - did you forget????

I've talked to a handful of people in the past week about doing what is right for them and in accordance with the will of God. Forget the money, forget the title, forget your responsibility compared to your coworkers', forget about what others think, forget what you think you know, forget trying to force the inevitable.

Embrace your situation. Be steadfast in prayer, faithful in your beliefs, and thankful for life. Even if you think it's crummy. Look for the open door God is putting in front of you and walk through it. Discover and pray about making your strengths and gifts apparent. Seek out a mentor, someone you trust, who is of Godly character, and ask for guidance in doing the will of God.

So, for real, no joke, you don't "feel" things just because. There is a reason you are excited about something. There is a point to every positive emotion. Listen to them. You have a purpose. Don't give up and don't feel defeated. You're going to be just fine in the hands of God - I know because He has proven that to me, time and time again, even though I should have trusted Him from the very start.

You are a creature like no other. You will figure it out. We are all trying to figure "it" out- take heart, friend, you're not alone (even if you're only 19 or well on your way to 99).

Love you!

Does the silence ever stop?

Does the silence ever stop?

Someone woke me up, via text message, with the above question - at 10:30 - and I was already asleep (HA! Lame). However, my first thought was more on the smart mouth side, "yea, I was asleep and it was nice and quiet before you decided to inquire about said 'silence'." And I rolled over and went back to sleep, without responding.

I admit, I should have said SOMETHING to my friend last night, but I didn't have the words. This morning I saw it again, half forgetting I even read it initially. I thought. I showered and thought, got dressed and thought, took out my dogs and didn't think about anything other than "Guy, hurry up and make a poo!", and then on the way to work it hit me.... No, I didn't wreck my car again (I just got it back!). I finally knew what to tell this person.

Does the silence ever stop? ... I simply said, "Yes, when you talk to God." Man, am I a genius or WHAT?

Kidding.

But really, I've been there. When you feel like you're sitting in the pit of hell (I can't imagine that's a quiet place but you get the idea), nothing you planned for your life has seemed to work out, and you're alone with just your thoughts. It's a sad, silent and somber place to be.

Lately though I've had the opposite problem, my mind NEVER shuts up. It's absolutely horrible.

But even still the solution to quiet your mind and rest your heart is to talk to God. I've found. We hope, and dream, and push, and strive for our lives to be in a particular place or with a particular person or working at a particular job - but the truth is, God's plan is divine. It is better than anything we could ever imagine.

 

I love this.

 

And of course, this could not be more true....

 

 

(Got to love pinterest!!!)

 

Silence & Nothing. God. Restlessness & Noise. God. Everything & Chaos. God. (Like how I did that???)

We HAVE to take things a day at a time. We can so easily overwhelm ourselves, bring worry and fear and reluctance into our daily routine, and allow Satan to get the better of us. That isn't God's will. We must be positive. We must KNOW his plans are for us to prosper and have hope. He doesn't say we should trust in Him if we feel like it or that we can believe in His will if we want to. He says to KNOW and he doesn't say it in passing, He DECLARES it. That's major.

 

 



So yes, the silence will stop. Life will go on. You will be upheld by His righteous right hand. Have faith, friends.

Love you!