Road Trip to West Texas

On Wednesday, I took a quick road trip to San Angelo to watch one of my campers from Kanakuk play in her Quarterfinal Basketball game. It was so fun and I am so thankful the Lord provided the opportunity to go. At this point in life, it's difficult to stay up-to-date with all my campers and friends at that so any chance I get, I take it. With Sally having her game, I knew we wouldn't have a whole lot of time to get to hang out and really catch up, but no matter what I wanted to support her and celebrate this time with her.

Sally and I

I met up with her precious mom and grandma at Sally's house. Sally stopped by just for a few minutes before her game. Soon it was 6:30pm and game time in San Angelo! It was AWESOME!! Watching Sally in her element brings on a whole new persepective. I loved watching her step into her leadership role as she lead her team to a victory. She was amazing! They won their basketball game and advanced to the Regional 2A tournament in Midland. One more round and they are headed to Austin for State Championship! Yay!

Here are a few pics: 

Even though it was a quick trip, it was so worth it! What an honor it has been to walk next to Sally up to this point. I was blown away at the person she has become. And I feel so privileged that I have gotten to be a small part of her life. God has been so gracious in all of this and He continues to bless our frienship year after year. I couldn't be more proud of her and excited for all that is to come!

the wonder of it all

another week has come and is passing by quickly. the patterns of the weather change with each day. what beautiful and glorious moments there were in watching the snow fall. so much peace filled my heart. peace that i can't understand. peace that assures me all things are in God's control. and not one moment is out of place. maybe that's the promise hidden in the wonderous picture of snow. for me it is. the illustrations our Creator provides for us to see Him more takes my breath away...

and as the sun begins to show itself daily, it warms the frozen ground. the process produces refreshment for that which is underneath. it soaks deep down. the sun displays itself in all its glory. standing tall in the ski. we bask once again in the light that shines. feeling the warmth. regaining strength. and filled with an inexpressible joy.

not only does God speak through His creation. but he also does through His people. it amazes me what He reveals through short or long conversations. let Him speak to you. listen. be sensitive to His spirit. recognizing His ways are much higher than ours. and when you can not see His invisible works. believe. in hope. may it be that our spirit is strengthened due to the unseen acts of the Lord. remember. HE IS FOR US. a beautiful promise of our mighty God who is contstantly pursuing us.

Record Snowfall in TX!!

Our Winter Wonderland...

I've been dreaming about this for so long!

Karen's House looked gorgeous!

My Baylor Snowman is proud of my Alma Mater!

Sic'em!

As the night went on, the snow kept falling! 

Just 2 hours after...He's got 2 more inches on him...

Beautiful Night...

Goat Show Pictures

Markelle is the one in the middle (left of boy in orange)

Markelle is holding the goat still for the judges

Summerlyn and Winterlyn (her goat)

*She's in the pink shirt...

Summerlyn got 2nd Place!!! She did so good!!

Permission

This last weekend I finally got to go home to visit my parents on the ranch. They were gone all last week working hard in Colorado as they were enjoying skiing many slopes the whole week. What a life, huh!?!? This one my first time to miss the family vaca so I decided to catch them as they returned home. It was great to be home and RELAX. I soon remembered how good it is to sit and let your spirit get renewed. I took off Friday and Monday from babysitting so that I could have a longer time at home. However, I didn't manage to make it home until Saturday afternoon because I ended up talking to one of my high school girls until late Friday night and then Saturday morning I went to my cousins goat show at the stockyards in Ft Worth (pictures coming soon...).

Anyways, when I got to my house the first objective was to build me a good fire to sit by. There is something so peaceful about a crackling fire and the warmth it brings during the cold nights. Even though it took me awhile to get it going, it was worth it!! I settled into the cozy chair, watched a movie, and then read a book until my parents arrived home. One of my favorite things was staying up late and talking to my Mom even though she was exhausted from her travels.

During that time I realized something...you must give yourself permission to rest and to sit still. Typically my days are filled with either babysitting, volleyball practice (or tournaments), church, hanging out with some of my high school girls, or just running around town. It's all great and I love everything, but even with those things being good I am still lacking something...being still before the Lord.

There will be times when you have to say NO instead of always saying YES. There will be moments when you have to examine yourself and see if you need a break. Time off. Or even rest. And when you realize it - give yourself permission to do just that. Quiet yourself before the Lord. And during that quietness He will speak to you.

God is so gracious in allowing us to find Him in those moments of stillness. He's there waiting for us to press into Him and know Him more...may you find time soon to rest and be still!