Sunday, October 30, 2011

God Is In Every Story

I caught one! haha..jk jk. Me with the bait!
So, for the past few weeks I have taken a break from my "everyday life" and have gone on a few trips, saw family and good friends, and have spent a lot of time thinking and spending time figuring out a few things about my life, as well as enjoying my time relaxing and enjoying good company. Needless to say, I have really enjoyed myself. I have traveled a little bit and I always love that. I have learned some new things and am grateful to God for them. Yesterday I travled with Chris and his brother Jonathan to Perdido Key, Florida to a condo there where their mom and several ladies from their church were there for a singles retreat. It was beautiful there! So windy though. But I think we were outside for most of the day! Wouldn't have traded my wind-burnt face for nothing! LOL. We got down there early-mid morning. The condo was beautiful. And let me tell you about this master  bedroom...My good Lord. It was HUGE. And I made several notes of it so that one day I could have one! hehe. After taking a tour, getting settled, I took some pictures of the ladies and had some fellowship. Jonathan took some really good pics of Chris and I. I will have those up in a few days when I get them from him. But anyway, we decided we would try to fish. Boy was that an adventure. It was SO windy and choppy. Nothing was biting. Finally after giving up, Chris and I went into town for Asian food for lunch then back to the condo for a really nice evening just enjoying each others company, taking pics and videos, and lots of laughter. Have I mentioned that I really like him...?
Yummm LOL

After a fun filled day, we ended the day out with a wonderful dinner with everyone and worship. It was beautiful. God kept reminding me throughout everything that was going on at that time "The more you seek me, the more you will find me, the more you find me, the more you will love me"...How awesome! Ms.Patricia in particular was a huge blessing to me. I won't go into detail about what went on but God showed himself there in that condo, in Perdido Key Florida...who would have thought? This just reminded me that we serve a limitless God, a God of wonders, a un-selfish God, a mysterious God, and a God with humor. His ways are so unpredictable. One lady signed to a song about following Gods plan and submitting to what he wants us to be. That was so uplifting! And another did a praise dance that was beautiful to a song about going and looking everywhere, in the deepest valleys, friends, etc. and not finding ANYONE like God. This is so true. We spend so much time going and searching for someone or something to out do him and to make excuses...and we always end up back with Him. I can tell you this...I love being around some spirit led people! It is so refreshing. To be in a environment that is created by his people where he can just come in and dwell. "Something about the name Jesus"...just like my last post.

I hope you enjoy these pics and videos!
This is the burial of one of millions of Jellyfish that were washed up on shore due to massive wind currents, sadly they all died.
The massive bedroom i was telling you about...there is still more behind me...lol.





One of the Jellyfish

Jonathan and Chris looking at the Jelly's

me on the spiral staircase

Poor menos...they were fish bait

Look at the pretty pink in them...

Getting the poles ready

This was a SMALL portion of what we saw!


J fishing







Friday, October 28, 2011

The Sweetest Name I know

There is something about the name Jesus
Something about the name Jesus. It is the sweetest name I know
Oh how I love the name Jesus, Oh how I love the name Jesus
It is the sweetest name I know.

Some people say I'm crazy but, I can't explain the power that I feel when I call your name ( when I call your name) said it's just like fire shut-up in my bones. The holy ghost is moving (yes it is) and just won't leave me alone. There's something

Said it's sweeter than honey from a honeycomb. I can fell the holy ghost moving and it won't leave won't leave me alone (no, no, no, no, no, nooo) at the name of Jesus (ooohhh) every knee has got to bow (got to bow) so you don't have to wait till the fire comes you can call on him shout praise him do it right now.

  Something about the name Jesus, something about the name Jesus. It is the sweetest name I know Oh how I love the name Jesus , Oh how I love the name Jesus. It is the sweetest name I know, I know, I know, I knoooowwwwww

It is the sweetest name I knooooowwwwwww

Oh I love the name Jesus (Jesus)
oh (oh)
oh (oh)
Jesus

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Catching Up

Hello again! It has been a little bit since I have written so I am back. I keep telling myself that I am going to keep up with this more. But, I assume most of you know how that goes. I like writing on here, just don't seem to have enough time in a day. But recently I have had a lot going on. Been to Mississippi for the past 3 weekends to spend time with Chris and his family. Helping with a baby shower, birthday party, taking pictures, working around the house...yada yada yada. This past Monday however, Chris finally got to come to Mobile to meet my family. Unfortunately my dad was at work in New Orleans, but he got the pleasure of meeting mom and Jared. LOL. I think things went pretty well. I know I enjoyed myself and I am, although nervous, excited to see what God brings to this new relationship. I can honestly say this is the first man that I have ever been in a relationship with that is "the same" all the time. His attitude and persona has not changed once since I met him...a long time ago! Some of you may say "what? a long time ago?"...Yes, roughly. I don't know the exact time frame however, but around that time we met on a online site. Think it's weird? Well, so what. Ha. Like most single people I was out looking for "a dating" scene and tried the online thing. At that time I started emailing with Chris and we talked for a little while, then do to unfortunate circumstances and family situations, we lost touch. I went into another relationship, which obviously failed, and through all of that, I went back to the online site just to find people to talk to...and he was the FIRST person that came to my mind. All I could remember was that his name was Chris and that his profile name was something "giant". I was half way right. I finally found him...and about 2 months later he emailed me. All of that lead us to where we are now. God sure is funny sometimes. That's part of the reason I love him so. I am pretty sure of my distant future, what happens tomorrow I am not so sure of. Life is played out one day at a time for me as of now. With many changes coming into play, new home, family moving, new jobs, surgery, new relationship....Well, lets just say I am a little (meaning lot) stressed. But I know God will not lead me wrong. I just have to keep listening!

Here are a few pics over the last few weeks...Keep me in your prayers!

Weekend of 10-15-2011

Chris, me, and Jonathan (chris's brother)

Chris, Me, and Ms. Lois ( his mom)

Chris, His mom, and aunt at the baby shower Ms. Lois threw for a friend
(I helped with the diaper cake!...haha)


Ms.Lois having a good time with games

Chris and his mom at her "50th Birthday Party" 10-22-2011

Chris and I and our pumpkins 10-24-2011

Chris finishing up the food for his mom's bday party 10-22-2011

Jonathan giving his speech to his mom

Yucky pumpkin insides!

Our First Date 10-7-2011


Cake Chris made for dessert this weekend...LOL we kinda ran out of icing!!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Being That "Happy Girl" I Was Meant To Be

I would like to introduce you to Chris Mcgowan....
One of the bigger sources of my happiness. Between God, Chris, me learning and becoming my "own", and my parents become more of a friend as I get older...I am finding the happiness in being me, and am becoming the happy girl I was meant to be.

I am starting to realize how I truly feel about things in life. I am learning to "separate" my life from those around me and even my parents. Although they will ALWAYS be my parents, I am no longer a "child", I am their grown adult daughter. I have come to realize that I will not always do what they like, nor will I always have to have their approval. And boy, that's even a hard one to swallow as a daughter. Growing up, I always wanted to please my parents, I did everything, with a few small exceptions, with their approval. Even now, almost 22, I still act in a "I wanna make sure mom and dad dont get mad" kinda way. Where this is good behavior, it can also hinder whats really deep down inside me from coming out. I am seeing that my views are not the same on a few issues, and I am learning that I am a little more accepting of a few things than my family, in its entirety. But, its okay! I am finding joy in this! I am finding happiness in accepting that I "CAN BE DIFFERENT" than my family members. Where there is love...acceptance will follow, from both ends.

In just about two weeks, I am setting off on a journey by myself to Oklahoma and Arkansas. I will be going to one, see family and friends, but also to see what is available in those areas that I may want to adventure to. But then I also am planning on checking out Mississippi and surrounding "southern states" as well.

I have A LOT of changes coming up...ie: Weight loss surgery, moving, parents moving, Jared moving, new jobs, money changes, getting rid of my doggies :( , a new relationship, and other things.

So in ALL of this... I am having to remember, always set out to be the happy girl you were meant to be! Trust God, go to Him with EVERYTHING...and I wont go wrong! :)

Here are some pics from Chris's and I's date this past Friday...
Our First "couples picture"

Where we had out picnic lunch


Chris being cute

Showing off the beautiful lake

At the fair, in the petting zoo

Didn't...THINK...we would be scared...

but we were scared...haha...a quick smile

fruit...so yummy!

Sporting his new wig!

This bunny was SO soft! 

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Becoming Your Own

Life will always have its ups and downs, but the downs with a person you care most for are always the worst. When your heart goes from happy to sad in two seconds, when the fear that was never there sets in, when the conversations you had are at risk of being lost, when the chance of seeing and holding that person is taken away, when what you thought was "it" becomes a question... These are the downs that hurt the worst, but are usually the fastest to move on from, if and when things turn out for the good. I realize that every relationship has issues. I have had my share for sure. I was practically engaged to a guy and thought I would be spending the rest of my life with him when it all fell apart. But crazy enough, I did not hurt as much as I thought I would. I guess it may have helped that I was the one walking away and not being hurt. In all of my relationships, I have been the one walking away, and hadn't felt the direct hurt of being walked away from. I got a little taste of it and its enough to kill someone. Sometimes we meet people that are incredibly different than us, our families, our friends...people that we have not even thought about becoming like, because we have never seen or have been surrounded with their ways and thoughts. But when we do meet them, we are taken in by them because our minds (curiosity) carries us into a realm of wanting to know the "unknown". We tend to want to learn how to be more like them. Example, when you are a person that is sensitive to issues in life, heart matters, and destruction, and you meet a person that faces life with more of a "reality" aspect, and lets issues roll off their shoulders and is always content because they dont let the stresses of life get to them...you tend to want to know how and why it is, and how they can act in that on a daily basis. I believe that every person needs someone "not like them" to help balance out in life. Truth is, most of us are direct products of our families, and however they are "emotionally" is how we become. Some though, are lucky enough to actually find their own, before they are to old. But those of us that do not have that opportunity, it isn't at fault of one person, your family, friends, etc...but when you see an opportunity to learn different ways of thinking, being open to it can sometimes be a challenge.  I am currently having to learn to be open minded more towards a "different" way of thinking than I have had my whole life. In relationships, I have always been this person who was very kind hearted, almost to the point that I was walked over a lot, the person that always "did for", the more sensitive one, sometimes more quite when situations were not comfortable, and most always the first to say "sorry" even if I didn't do anything wrong. I do not like tight or uncomfortable situations. I can't stand it when there is no peace. But, its not always "healthy" to be like that. People get used to you letting them treat you a certain way, and that will only open doors to your heart always being broken, your emotional stability to be shaken, and the weights on you to never be lifted. You should not be the only one to feel pain. Now, please do not get my wrong, I am not saying just start lashing out at people! There are ways to let someone know how you really feel in a good way, that will also get your point across, but will also leave both of you in a "healthy" relationship situation. I have learned a lot from my current situation...and those things play in the back of my mind. But knowing them and acting on them are two very different things. I am struggling to "show" that I have learned new ways of dealing with issues, because for almost 22 years, it has been the same way. But I am also becoming my own person, not just someone who is a product of her parents. However, It is learning and taking on the role in life of what I will accept, perform like, tolerate, cherish, value, my own and new moral thoughts, how I live and work...etc. It is okay for me to be a little different. But there again, knowing and doing are different. Just like "faith without works is no good"..."knowing and not doing are no good".

I realize that this whole post has been kinda all over the place...but I am saying this because sometimes in relationships you may be with that person that is the total opposite of you. It is not always easy either. You each have to learn to "deal" with each others way of thinking and processing information in life. They will not always be able to agree or even understand. But, it is okay to be like this. In the end, if the relationship is supposed to go forward, you will learn to embrace, understand, and take in the way each of you handles life situations including your own relationship.

Important things...always listen, always make it a point to cherish each other, be there for each other, put your relationship before other "friendships or relationships". When you fight, make up quickly, don't let it sit and stir up more emotion. Be open and honest, sometimes, for those like myself, listening to the "brutally" honest words can really hurt, but be open about them and dont take them so hard to heart, like I have apparently done in the past. Live, laugh, love, and enjoy life together... Laughter, touches, hugs...are all good medicines to making it better. Never forget the things that brought the two of you together. Before letting something go, examine your deep feelings, not just the feelings that have come to you over night because of a particular situation or hurt. When your partner is ready to talk...be there. Even when its uncomfortable....

A strong love can make it through anything...remember your love through all circumstances.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Life In the Slow Lane....Is this real?

So, life is kinda at a stall at the moment. Sucks really. I wanna go somewhere, be somebody, learn new things, accomplish some stuff, have adventure...whatever else a young woman with a lot of free time on her hands wants to do. So where to begin?

Well, lets see. What oppturnities have presented themselves....
I have several trips planned for the end of the year. If all goes well I will be in Oklahoma the last week of October through the first week of November. Then a weekend in New Orleans for a wedding, then in December off to Haiti with Rachel to see her married off! I am really excited about that trip. I got my dress in from Davids Bridal and it is beautiful. All of the brides maids dresses look good. I am throwing Rach a shower this Saturday, a little nervous about it, but I think we will have a lot of fun none the less.

Now that I have rambled on a little bit, lets go into why I am going to Oklahoma...
Basically, to find myself. Ha. I am at a peak time in my life and not really working at the moment so I am going to use this time to decide my future to the best that I can. So many things have been going through my head and so many sleepless nights have kept me in the "thinking" mode. Stress will most certainly wear you down. Uhhhhhh sometimes I just wanna scream! I know all of you have had these times in your life, and I am almost certain that some of you have had much worse times and what not.

I am having to relearn the value of deep prayer. For so long I have not prayed the way I should have been, its a teachable moment that I am in at the present time. I am 21 years old, almost 22, and this life is hard! Gesh! I have always considered myself to have a level and spirtual head, yes I have made some crazy choices in my life but who doesnt.

I am currently reading "Heaven is for Real"...and through the stories of a little boy, I am starting to realize just how much work I need to do. God calls us to have "child like faith"...what does that really mean? This book explains it well. He also goes into that noone without the child like faith will enter the kingdom. Then I thought...humm, I want an out of body experience, I want that spiritual experience that I can come back and talk about. I am almost jealous of this little boy. Crazy. Yes, I know. But I have been told I am crazy so who cares. Haha. But, I think it is okay to be a little jealous of such things. Who wouldnt want to see Jesus and see his "makers" as this little boy calls the scars on this hands and feet. Who wouldn't want to see the purple sash, his beautiful eyes, and the gold halo the boy describes....I wanna see that. I gotta get there. We all gotta get there. This little boy went to a funeral with his parents and asked his dad if the man who had died knew Jesus, and when his dad coudnt give him a direct answer, this 4 year old boy got upset and begin to yell "Daddy if he didnt know Jesus he cant get to heaven!!" to the point where they had to take him home. It made me smile at the moment but then I begin to think..."no we should all be this way! This is how we should react on a daily basis, even if its "called out" and embarrasing sometimes" As that thought raced in my mind... chills went down my spine. How many of us will really make the cut? Crazy question I know. Gods grace is in abundance...but where and does it stop? Silly question?...maybe. I dont really know.

Something to chew on...

Tired and I still have to finish this book... I think I will write when I finish it on complete thoughts about it.

Night~

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

***Cast as far as the East is from the West***

So many days, I walk in the same shoes as the day before. The same shoes that make the same mistakes each and every day. I choose to slip them on and I choose when to slip them off. They used to come off on Sunday mornings and back on, on Monday morning, off on Wednesday night, back on Thursday morning. These shoes I have had for way to long... I need a new pair, a solid pair, a pure pair, a cleansed pair, a lifted pair.

Last night I wrote down on a peice of paper those things of which I felt I still needed deliverance from... When I sat down and started writing, it amazed me the things that I wrote down, the things that came from way deep within, that I had buried and hidden for so long. Each day I ask for a renewal... but then I forget to pray. The prayers that I do send up, seem meaningless and empty. I have burdens that wear me down. I have feelings and thoughts that keep me from moving forward in my life.

What is all of this... most certainly not a surprise. Not at all. For I have known all of this and know all of this today. I am cleansed and brought to my knees, I have new revelation... I am again, white as snow. Tomorrow I am as filthy as rags...once again. But I am cleansed again...by HIM alone.

The God I serve, is as far as I am concerned, the ONLY God. He is the almighty and powerful one. For he knows the paths that I walk. But what decision will I make? I choose his way. I choose his name. I choose his will. I choose his words. I choose his light.

Won't you?

For He says...cast your sins, cast your cares, come to Him....

"Casting your sins as far as the east is from the west...." Who can resist the ability to be cleansed any time we ask....

I choose God. I choose to be clean. I choose to be a Evangelist for his kingdom.

In Christ Alone! -Hit the link and listen to the song!