I saw this tonight on TV and thought it was awesome and wanted to share it!
Alive Music & Dance with John Tesh
I have danced for most of my life. It is a gift and passion that God blessed me with, and a refuge I would turn to in times of stress to release and let go. I minored in dance in college and was given the opportunity to choreograph, etc. I have lately missed this passion of mine this year...
I used to attend dance competitions and conventions each year, one of which being Tremaine in Dallas. I took several classes over the years with Doug Caldwell, an amazing dancer, choreographer, and inspirational man.
I remember my senior year, I had been going through a time when I had dated a guy on and off for a year or so, and after several break-ups began to learn personally for myself, where to put my worth and belief in myself, in my God. I remember a particular class I went to of Doug's where I danced to a song with lyrics that I felt as if I were living out at the moment, and I began to draw on personal life experiences and see dance in a new light as a way to express my feelings, my life, and experiences. It was such a healing and relieving experience. I always remember walking away from many such dance classes, exhausted, but calmed and full of peace and a quiet energy and renewal of my spirit.
Later in college, I joined a Christian sorority and attended many retreats with my sorority sisters, where we would have speakers and fellowship with one another. These weekends I cherished as a chance to get away from everyday life and connect and focus on my Savior and Redeemer. I always came back with a filled heart and blessed with amazing times of worship and solitude with my God.
Sometime in college I had the idea of how amazing it would be to combine the two. To create a retreat for young girls high school or college age that would involve dance classes with leaders and teachers that could take the dance, the movement, the lyrics, and turn them into devotionals. How renewing this would be! It has been my private dream...This video reminded me of this, because I have always wanted to choreograph a dance to "I Can Only Imagine." I remember my freshman year in college when this song came out, I was growing leaps and bounds in my personal relationship with Him, and "Will I dance before you Jesus or in awe of you be still?" rang true to my heart.
I Can Only Imagine Video
I am overjoyed at the thought of one day dancing before my Lord!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Sacrifice of our Self
The last two years of my life have been a roller coaster to say the least. They have been filled with some of the greatest joys and sorrows that I have faced in my life. There have been many times of rejoicing and praise, and many others of fear and sorrow. My love for my husband grew so great during this time, and we have shared two of the most special moments in our relationship when Jason asked for my hand in marriage and in our union on our wedding day. I shared many moments with some of my best friends and roommates in college that I will forever treasure. I was able to experience the love of my God, my Bridegroom and have a glimpse of the glory to come as I prepared for our wedding day and relished every second of it as the bride of Christ and of my Bridegroom, Jason, on June 23, 2007...
I also faced one of the biggest internal challenges that I have ever faced. In November of 2007 I was in a car accident with my cousin and best friend on our way home for Thanksgiving. I won't go into great detail about the accident, but in short, due we think to high wind currents, I lost control of the car while passing an eighteen wheeler. My car swerved back and forth several times, then turned to face oncoming traffic, and rolled 3/4 roll into the median of the side road. I was not injured other than bumps and bruises. My cousin however was badly injured on both her left and right legs. They care flighted her to Fort Worth, and she is still now recovering from this accident and trying to move on with her life. That first few days were very touch and go, and I can't describe the shock, horror, and fear that I felt. God provided for my family and Amanda in so many ways answering prayers of many people around us, who I am eternally grateful for.
To say Mandy and I are close would be the understatement of the century. From the time we were babies our parents said we shared every toy, every experience, and were two peas in a pod. I cannot describe my relationship with Mandy other than to say that we have been "sisters" for life, and I do not know of another playmate, friend, or confidant, who I have had the privilege to share my heart with throughout life. This whole thing hit me hard and I struggled with it, and continue to. I did not understand why this happened to us and to her.
I have never in my life had a time when I was so angry and frustrated with God and at the same time, so thankful and in awe of the miracles he was continually giving and providing. I had to go back to Lubbock to finish school, and it was the hardest thing in the world to me to be that far away, from my family and Mandy during this time.
Since then, I have watched my best friend struggle with and overcome insurmountable odds, and I know the only way she is getting through this is with the healing hand of God. It has been and will continue to be a hard journey physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I do not know anyone stronger or braver than her in facing these odds and living what she has been through.
I have and still struggle with many internal battles...Questioning how this could happen, why it would happen, what good could possibly come of this...and on, and on, and on. Satan has been battling for my peace and trust during this time. I still have fear when driving, I have fear when I hear ambulances and helicopters that my loved ones are safe. I have anxiety and worry over Mandy's healing process and wish more than anything that I could do something to help or change things for her.
My dad has been and continues to be a sounding board and rock in this time. He shared with me a verse early on that I took to heart and has carried me through many of the hardest moments.
Philippians 4:6-7.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We've heard this a lot in our lives but to truly practice it can be a challenge. The revelation has come in the second part of the verse..."the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding".....
We know the verse "All things work together for the good of the kingdom of God" but I couldn't possibly see how this could be good, and to be honest I don't know that I ever will. I have come to terms with the fact that even one day when I am in Heaven God may not answer this question...But He doesn't have to...He is God, He is I AM. I don't have to understand, and I may not ever be warranted to by His understanding. But I must trust Him...
Which leads me to my true struggle since the accident. We all want to trust God that He will take care of us and provide for us and protect us. But I have been run over with the realization that he may provide, care for, and protect me and my friends and family, in a way that I don't necessarily like, agree with, or desire. Though we believe in Him and trust Him, we live in a fallen world and at times He allows things to happen to us that are scary, dangerous, and inspire fear and deep pain.
And the hardest thing I have found is to continue to rejoice in Him during these times. I struggled with pushing Him away in my personal intimate relationship with Him, giving reasons such as time, etc. I have in a sense afraid to put my whole trust in his provision and protection of me.
In the last few weeks and month I have had worship experiences , experiences while driving, watching TV, and during other random times and when God has spoken to me calling me to draw back to Him. I have cherished these moments and my heart is opening to his calling. I miss the intimacy that I desired each day in a continual "conversation" that I would hear and speak to him in my past.
I say all this, because I just finished listening to some one speak of times of testing and suffering in our lives. It is during these times that God becomes real to us in a way that we never imagined. We can choose to run or we can choose to stand with the strength of God. The person I was listening to spoke of Genesis 22. I have heard this story many times, but recent events brought greater light to it. I have known two people whom I went to Tech with in Phi Lamb that have had their families lose precious young baby girls in a sudden short time. I think of my "niece" Katy, who is really my cousin's daughter, and I cannot imagine how I would feel if our family lost her. I cannot imagine more the pain and sorrow that the parents of these children feel. But what I cannot even begin to fathom, is the trust that Abraham placed in God in preparing to give his son up to God. I am in awe of his Trust for God's provision, and wonder if I was faced with the same, would I be able to do it? But the truth is that we are all in God's hands anyways. Our children are ours on loan from God, and we must remember we all all first and foremost His children.
I want that trust. I want that intimacy. I want God's perfect peace that surpasses all understanding of this crazy fallen world. But to have this I must sacrifice my self, my desires and my beliefs for how my life should be, because we really become disappointed and frustrated with God's plan for our life, when it does not fit with ours. If however, we seek God's plan and purpose first, we can build that intimate relationship that establishes that trust and rest in His peace.
In this time that I was listening to some one speak, they closed with a prayer and a reminder that spoke true to my healing heart...
God is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)...and we can be confident of this that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6)
What hope there is in these verses and our Lord Jesus Christ!
I also faced one of the biggest internal challenges that I have ever faced. In November of 2007 I was in a car accident with my cousin and best friend on our way home for Thanksgiving. I won't go into great detail about the accident, but in short, due we think to high wind currents, I lost control of the car while passing an eighteen wheeler. My car swerved back and forth several times, then turned to face oncoming traffic, and rolled 3/4 roll into the median of the side road. I was not injured other than bumps and bruises. My cousin however was badly injured on both her left and right legs. They care flighted her to Fort Worth, and she is still now recovering from this accident and trying to move on with her life. That first few days were very touch and go, and I can't describe the shock, horror, and fear that I felt. God provided for my family and Amanda in so many ways answering prayers of many people around us, who I am eternally grateful for.
To say Mandy and I are close would be the understatement of the century. From the time we were babies our parents said we shared every toy, every experience, and were two peas in a pod. I cannot describe my relationship with Mandy other than to say that we have been "sisters" for life, and I do not know of another playmate, friend, or confidant, who I have had the privilege to share my heart with throughout life. This whole thing hit me hard and I struggled with it, and continue to. I did not understand why this happened to us and to her.
I have never in my life had a time when I was so angry and frustrated with God and at the same time, so thankful and in awe of the miracles he was continually giving and providing. I had to go back to Lubbock to finish school, and it was the hardest thing in the world to me to be that far away, from my family and Mandy during this time.
Since then, I have watched my best friend struggle with and overcome insurmountable odds, and I know the only way she is getting through this is with the healing hand of God. It has been and will continue to be a hard journey physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I do not know anyone stronger or braver than her in facing these odds and living what she has been through.
I have and still struggle with many internal battles...Questioning how this could happen, why it would happen, what good could possibly come of this...and on, and on, and on. Satan has been battling for my peace and trust during this time. I still have fear when driving, I have fear when I hear ambulances and helicopters that my loved ones are safe. I have anxiety and worry over Mandy's healing process and wish more than anything that I could do something to help or change things for her.
My dad has been and continues to be a sounding board and rock in this time. He shared with me a verse early on that I took to heart and has carried me through many of the hardest moments.
Philippians 4:6-7.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We've heard this a lot in our lives but to truly practice it can be a challenge. The revelation has come in the second part of the verse..."the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding".....
We know the verse "All things work together for the good of the kingdom of God" but I couldn't possibly see how this could be good, and to be honest I don't know that I ever will. I have come to terms with the fact that even one day when I am in Heaven God may not answer this question...But He doesn't have to...He is God, He is I AM. I don't have to understand, and I may not ever be warranted to by His understanding. But I must trust Him...
Which leads me to my true struggle since the accident. We all want to trust God that He will take care of us and provide for us and protect us. But I have been run over with the realization that he may provide, care for, and protect me and my friends and family, in a way that I don't necessarily like, agree with, or desire. Though we believe in Him and trust Him, we live in a fallen world and at times He allows things to happen to us that are scary, dangerous, and inspire fear and deep pain.
And the hardest thing I have found is to continue to rejoice in Him during these times. I struggled with pushing Him away in my personal intimate relationship with Him, giving reasons such as time, etc. I have in a sense afraid to put my whole trust in his provision and protection of me.
In the last few weeks and month I have had worship experiences , experiences while driving, watching TV, and during other random times and when God has spoken to me calling me to draw back to Him. I have cherished these moments and my heart is opening to his calling. I miss the intimacy that I desired each day in a continual "conversation" that I would hear and speak to him in my past.
I say all this, because I just finished listening to some one speak of times of testing and suffering in our lives. It is during these times that God becomes real to us in a way that we never imagined. We can choose to run or we can choose to stand with the strength of God. The person I was listening to spoke of Genesis 22. I have heard this story many times, but recent events brought greater light to it. I have known two people whom I went to Tech with in Phi Lamb that have had their families lose precious young baby girls in a sudden short time. I think of my "niece" Katy, who is really my cousin's daughter, and I cannot imagine how I would feel if our family lost her. I cannot imagine more the pain and sorrow that the parents of these children feel. But what I cannot even begin to fathom, is the trust that Abraham placed in God in preparing to give his son up to God. I am in awe of his Trust for God's provision, and wonder if I was faced with the same, would I be able to do it? But the truth is that we are all in God's hands anyways. Our children are ours on loan from God, and we must remember we all all first and foremost His children.
I want that trust. I want that intimacy. I want God's perfect peace that surpasses all understanding of this crazy fallen world. But to have this I must sacrifice my self, my desires and my beliefs for how my life should be, because we really become disappointed and frustrated with God's plan for our life, when it does not fit with ours. If however, we seek God's plan and purpose first, we can build that intimate relationship that establishes that trust and rest in His peace.
In this time that I was listening to some one speak, they closed with a prayer and a reminder that spoke true to my healing heart...
God is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)...and we can be confident of this that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6)
What hope there is in these verses and our Lord Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Thoughts on Marriage
I love to share with those who are engaged how amazing marriage is! A friend of mine recently commented how good it was to hear a positive reference to marriage when so many people talk about how hard it is and that got me thinking...
First off I want to say how amazing the last nine months of my life have been to share with my amazing husband. I am beyond blessed to share my life with a man who is such a servant to both God and me, and who continually shows his love for me every day through his actions and his words. I truly feel as if I am the most blessed woman in the world to have him! I have had significant struggles this year adjusting to my job, and Jason has gone so far over and beyond what I could ask in supporting me every step of the way.
Going back to my thoughts from earlier, I think many of us think of love as our basis for marriage. But to build a strong foundation, we must define the love we claim to have as our base...How do you define love? Much of the world defines love as a feeling that is the result of interaction with another...key word there being feeling. If love is a feeling, then feelings change. Many times our feelings are based on our surroundings and the situations we view ourselves in, and the things are continually changing.
When I think to the times in our first year of marriage in adjusting to living with one another and in minor misunderstandings I think back to the Y in the road that I came to each time...Each time I was faced with a choice...You see love is a choice. We choose in those moments to love our spouse and to put him/her over the issue. We choose to bite the bullet, swallow our pride, and sacrifice ourselves for the sake of our spouse. And that is what makes love in a marriage last. It's the continual choice of putting another before yourself, and in uniting as one (not two) in Christ. Speaking of Christ, an amazing model of this choice can be seen in God's choice to sacrifice His son for our life and a relationship with us, so that we can be one with Him...He didn't do it because of a feeling, he chose to do it because of an intense desire to be intimate with us, in being our Bridegroom. We as wives and husbands choose to sacrifice our selfish ways, what we are used to, what we desire, to build and create an intimate relationship with another as one (not two) and continually pursue this relationship with them.
A verse that has stuck with Jason and I since the beginning of our relationship is John 4:19...We love because he first loved us. Meaning our love is an overflow and abundance of God's love. It's neverending...When we our human selves become run down, discouraged, or overcome with life, we must remind our self of God's choice to choose and show his love to us. This verse is also inspiring to me in that His love can be made complete through us. In drawing upon God's love for one another we have the honor of being vessels of His love for our spouse! And our fabuous husbands and handsome grooms can be a glimpse of our Bridegroom in Heaven and his love for us!
Before I wrap this up, I want to highlight the amazing joy in celebrating each day in this first year with my one and only. The little joys of waking up each morning together, coming home after a long day at work, sharing our days, laying down at night, sharing our first married holidays, and creating our first home have truly brought so much delight to my heart that I cannot even begin to describe it! I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life! I know that in years to come we will face hardships, as we already have during the time we have been together...But to have some one by your side to share both the joys, the sorrows, and all the in between in life, is a blessing that I will be eternally grateful for!
First off I want to say how amazing the last nine months of my life have been to share with my amazing husband. I am beyond blessed to share my life with a man who is such a servant to both God and me, and who continually shows his love for me every day through his actions and his words. I truly feel as if I am the most blessed woman in the world to have him! I have had significant struggles this year adjusting to my job, and Jason has gone so far over and beyond what I could ask in supporting me every step of the way.
Going back to my thoughts from earlier, I think many of us think of love as our basis for marriage. But to build a strong foundation, we must define the love we claim to have as our base...How do you define love? Much of the world defines love as a feeling that is the result of interaction with another...key word there being feeling. If love is a feeling, then feelings change. Many times our feelings are based on our surroundings and the situations we view ourselves in, and the things are continually changing.
When I think to the times in our first year of marriage in adjusting to living with one another and in minor misunderstandings I think back to the Y in the road that I came to each time...Each time I was faced with a choice...You see love is a choice. We choose in those moments to love our spouse and to put him/her over the issue. We choose to bite the bullet, swallow our pride, and sacrifice ourselves for the sake of our spouse. And that is what makes love in a marriage last. It's the continual choice of putting another before yourself, and in uniting as one (not two) in Christ. Speaking of Christ, an amazing model of this choice can be seen in God's choice to sacrifice His son for our life and a relationship with us, so that we can be one with Him...He didn't do it because of a feeling, he chose to do it because of an intense desire to be intimate with us, in being our Bridegroom. We as wives and husbands choose to sacrifice our selfish ways, what we are used to, what we desire, to build and create an intimate relationship with another as one (not two) and continually pursue this relationship with them.
A verse that has stuck with Jason and I since the beginning of our relationship is John 4:19...We love because he first loved us. Meaning our love is an overflow and abundance of God's love. It's neverending...When we our human selves become run down, discouraged, or overcome with life, we must remind our self of God's choice to choose and show his love to us. This verse is also inspiring to me in that His love can be made complete through us. In drawing upon God's love for one another we have the honor of being vessels of His love for our spouse! And our fabuous husbands and handsome grooms can be a glimpse of our Bridegroom in Heaven and his love for us!
Before I wrap this up, I want to highlight the amazing joy in celebrating each day in this first year with my one and only. The little joys of waking up each morning together, coming home after a long day at work, sharing our days, laying down at night, sharing our first married holidays, and creating our first home have truly brought so much delight to my heart that I cannot even begin to describe it! I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life! I know that in years to come we will face hardships, as we already have during the time we have been together...But to have some one by your side to share both the joys, the sorrows, and all the in between in life, is a blessing that I will be eternally grateful for!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Special times during our first year of marriage
I thought I would post a few pictures to catch everyone up on our first year of marriage. Here are a few of some special times we've shared this year... We had a fabulous honeymoon to the Western Carribean...We took a Carnival Cruise to Grand Cayman, Belize, Roatan Island, and Costa Maya. We went snorkeling over a coral reef and ship wreck, cave tubing, horseback riding and relaxed on the beach!
Then, Jason surprised me with a trip to New York City. We toured lots of amazing sites and ate at some amazing restaurants, including Serendipity Cafe and Tavern on the Green. Jason also surprised me with tickets to the American Ballet Theatre's presentation of Cinderella and Chorus Line on Broadway. We finished off our honeymoon by watching to Macy's Fireworks on the river!
We've also shared some great memories back home with Christmas, birthdays, and much more!
Our first home
Here are a few of our home. We were able to purchase some new furniture (A coffe table and bedroom suite) which was very exciting! Hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Our Wedding
Jason surprised me by purchasing the proofs and digital images from our wedding for our eight month wedding anniversary! It was so sweet and I am so excited to be able to have these to savor the memories of our amazing wedding day forever!
These are a few of my favorite pictures of the wedding...Where it all started! We were married on June 23,2007 at Bridville Baptist Church. Our reception was at Diamond Oaks Country Club. Our colors were black, ivory, and shades of red and pink. We also featured our monogram on many parts of the wedding, including our unity cancle, programs, cake, and a runner we made for the church. Jason's grandad and my uncle presided over our ceremony which was very special! It was such a perfect day! We are so thankful to our parents for giving us such a beautful memorable day, and blessed to have so many friends and family to share it with!
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/AlbumSlideshow.aspx?a=431079
Friday, December 21, 2007
Our New Blog
We thought this would be a fun way to share our lives with our friends and family, and keep up with the adventures of our first year of marriage! Hope you all enjoy!
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