The Midkiffs' Adventures

Ending/Beginning

2010-06-22T12:03:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone {or -- the two of you who have read my blog} :)

I just wanted to say this blog is basically shut down and I don't update it anymore but I have started a NEW and IMPROVED blog and I'd love for you to hop on over and follow me there! It's at www.texas2nashville.blogspot.com

{Happy Summer y'all}

Blog Friends

2010-03-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I've started reading a fabulous blog www.smartandsassywithsprinkles.blogspot.comWith a name like that, what's not to love?!?! I "met" her because my friend Rachel {www.rrdontblink.blogspot.com} photographed her lovely wedding. Also, I am "ghostwriting" a blog for a Dallas wedding planner {www.sharijohns.blogspot.com} and Shari and the fine folks at As you wish... coordinated her wedding!! All that to say, she's great and go check out the afore-mentioned blogs!! Smartandsassy is having a contest right now, so go on, check it out!!

Organic 2.0

2009-08-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm sure you're curious to know how the new Midkiff Health Initiative has been going. Or ... maybe you're not, but if you're reading this, that's what's coming!!!!

We are on week 4 of eating/cooking organic produce (fruits and veggies.) Every other week we go to the co-op and pick up our food. Last week included - 2 heads romaine lettuce, 1 head cabbage, 1 head kale, fresh green beans, sunburst squash, cucumbers, peaches, nectarines, cantaloupe, oranges, grapes, cherries, carrots, mangoes, tomatoes, purple onions ...hmm what else? That just about does it. It costs $50 every other week, and it's totally worth the investment. Besides just being totally pesticide free and local, farm grown, we are cooking a lot more and making healthier lunches and dinners. I made eggrolls and asian noodle salad last weekend and Doug said it was his favorite meal I've cooked yet. Win all around.

Besides that, I have given up adding splenda to anything, including coffee. I have gotten used to the taste now without it, and I like the less-sweet coffee taste.

I'm also limiting myself to one cup of coffee a day, and I've completely taken out diet coke.

The no-sugar thing proved to be almost impossible, since there's sugar in EVERYTHING, I have come to discover. BUT - I choose snacks more consciously now. Except at work we have these animal crackers that are so addicting, and every time I eat them I can just feel my glucose spiking...yikes. Sometimes knowledge isn't power, it just creates guilt. Anyway..

Since I don't like fish, I am adding flax seed to my breakfast each morning, it's nutty like granola and tastes great in yogurt. It's chock full of omega 3's - and it's what they feed fish to make them full of omega 3's, so in actuality you're going straight to the real source.

So...that's our update. I encourage you to take a look at what you're putting into your bodies as well, and arm yourself with knowledge! It is power!!!

Also, for a life update, Doug is starting grad school applications now. The three he's submitting are, Cal Berkeley, Duke, and UT Austin. I started reading a book about the San Francisco/Bay Area yesterday. I couldn't be more excited about adventures to come!

roBEN

2009-07-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

Well! This weekend is Robin's wedding weekend! Yea!

And - this is my debut as a wedding coordinator - I could not be more excited or anticipating what is going to happen this weekend. Tonight is the rehearsal, and I think I know this wedding backwards and forwards. Pray with me for the Lord's blessings on the ceremony, the reception, and of course for Robin and Ben as they start their new life together!!

Congrats Robin and Ben!

And, I was not sure when to do this .... but I guess I'll officially "unveil" my wedding blog ... www.kellyandlime.blogspot.com

That's what I'm calling the business, Kelly and Lime. Why, you might ask? Check out the blog!

Peace.

Hungry For Change?

2009-07-20T09:59:00.001-07:00

Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change? - Trailer and Photos

Shared via AddThis

{Click on the link for a movie trailer}

Okay...where to begin? First, every American - or at least those who even remotely care about health - should watch this film. It unveils the processes in which animals (chicken, cows, pigs) are raised by the meat companies (btw: although it appears there are many sources of where our meat comes from - there are 4 companies in America - about 80% of our meat comes from one of these companies) but anyway it tracks the raising of these animals to working conditions and how their workers are treated (as inhumanely as the animals - no longer seen as animals but merely a product) to how they inject hormones into the animals and how sick they become to how that becomes our food - all nicely rinsed with a bath of ammonia before coming to our grocery stores and often contaminated. It's disguting. It's also gross how the company Monsanto who owns about 85-90% of the soy market puts local farmers out of business ... it is just insane how the concern is ONLY money - not local farmers, not consumers health, and Washington (FDA, USDA) is turning a blind eye. Most of the people who work for these gov't organizations have ties back to the meat companies - so of course they are protecting their friends and constituents. We are paying the price - e. coli contamination and food chock full with high fructose corn syrup and other things that contribute to diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

That gets me going.

What can we do?

Are we powerless as consumers? Actually, no! Every time you purchase something at the store it's like you're sending a vote to the producer. Buy organic! The more common it becomes, the more affordable it will be!

Join a local produce co-op! Doug and I have joined one that delivers a giant amount of local, organic fruits and veggies every other Saturday. It's good on so many levels - helping out local economy, eating healthy pesticide-free food, and trying new recipes!

On that note, last night Doug worked till 9 and I cooked ranch-style chicken, grilled freseh veggies and made snickerdoodles all while doing 3 loads of laundr - it was fun but it wore me out - I don't know how people do that every day and have kids running around at the same time - God bless our mothers.

An agent of social change?

2009-07-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

Wasn't it Ghandi who said, "Be the change you want to see in the world?"

Who really believes that??

....maybe I'm starting to.....

Starting today, and I'm arming myself with the best power - Knowledge!

There's a documentary called Food, Inc that shows the government's involvement in the meat packing and food industry ... and I'm assuming basically the evils present in the powers that be in gov't boiling down to profit-driven consumer products with little-to-no care for the consumer's health. Just a speculation, haven't seen it yet. Today only, Chipotle Restaurants are sponsoring a free showing of this film (Point, Chipotle.) (But Chipotle used to be owned by McDonald's Corp. So - Point, Stephanie)

Anyway, Doug and I rounded up a few friends to go with us. I figure a little education never hurt anyone.

___

I found this book I want to start reading called Globesity. It's written by a couple who invented BodyPump and all the other fitness classes offered by Gold's Gym and others across America. Back in the 80s the man started jazzercise ... anyway ... this book is about how being fit and healthy actually contributes to a healthier earth and ecology ... kind of a social urbanism/health book .... I will probably check it out, or just make Doug read it and tell me about it! Haha!!

______

I also learned today that the same company that invented RoundUp, DDT and Agent Orange (think Vietnam - they're shady, people) invented aspartame. Anywho, think about what that means .... think about those little pink packets of NutraSweet .... think again people!!!

(I happen to be a Splenda user but I am not off the hook! It's no better - I am giving it up!)

The company I'm referring to starts with an M ... shoot I forget ... I'll post it later.
___

And last, a little update on Day 2 of no sugar (this is going to be a long 40 days!) Surprise, surprise that sugar is an ingredient in practically everything ...

Midkiff 2.0

2009-07-14T14:34:00.001-07:00

Okay, here's the deal, my friends. In the last 3 days, I've had conversations with about 4 different people about organic foods, whole foods, and basically going au natural, health-wise. It is expensive and hard to do, but so worth it, I think.

This really resonanted with me that in the next few years I really want to take into account what I put into my body as we start to think about little Midkiffs running around. What I eat will affect them when I'm preggers....this is not for like 3-4 years people!!!!

Also, this is not to lose weight or diet. This is just realizing the crap we put into our bodies is yucky. (Chemically, processed food, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats and partially hydrogenated stuff, preservatives, hormonally injected meat and the like.)

Not to mention high cholesterol runs in my family and I already test high on that scale. It's never too early to start thinking.

All that to say...I am giving up sugar for 40 days and quitting diet coke altogether. Also, to combat the cholesterol thing, I'm starting to do oatmeal and/or granola mixed with flaxseed, which I've heard contains Omega-3's to help reduce cholesterol.

I am running the White Rock half in December and truly believe giving up soda increases stamina and speed. Or so I've heard. AND - I'm encouraging my co-worker to give up Dr. Pepper (about 2 a day) and I decided I better ante up and do the same thing. Diet or regular doesn't matter, they're both bad for you.

I'm going to start doing more reading and research...stay tuned. No, I'm not going to start growing my own herbs and veggies (well, actually maybe I will.) This will not turn into a healt nut craze but I do think it's saying goodbye to chemicals and fake sweeteners produced in a lab and saying hello to whole, healthy, yummy foods.

The end.

Too fun not to share!

2009-06-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today I found a type of wine called Middle Sister. Their logo prominently features a red-headed middle sister, which makes me love it already. Instantly intrigued, and being a middle sister myself, and I looked up more about their products. They feature wines with names like wicked white, a forever cool merlot to a mischief maker cabernet.

My favorite though, is the rebel red wine.

Then I took their online quiz, and these were my results:

Apparently Doug took the quiz too, pretending to be me. He got the same results.

Life....

2009-06-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

...is blissful!

That's all, okay byee!!

p.s. for fun, here's one of the oldest picture of Doug and I!

TA-DA!

2009-06-09T14:09:00.001-07:00

Well, I must ask your forgiveness, if there's any of you left who read my blog. But here's my new header, which will change from time to time. I found a wonderful online scrapbook site that lets you create all kinds of things. (I've always wondered how people do it!) The only problem is, I don't know how to center the heading, and it sort of gives me a panicky feeling that it's crowded over to the right of the page. If anyone knows how to sort out this problem please let me know!

Anyway, the long and the short of it is that Doug and I are doing AWESOME! We absolutely LOVED Jamaica and are so grateful that the swine flu ruined our plans for Mexico! I posted pics on facebook, which you can go there to check out. I feel funny double posting those, but on that note, I am going to take a chill from facebook for awhile and concentrate on some other things.

like...

COORDINATING WEDDINGS!

I have been hired by my first bride to coordinate her wedding in November. And just today, I have had conversations with 2 others about more weddings. Definitely more info to come, but I will dedicate most of that to the wedding blog! Which, of course, I'm not unveiling just yet. *Stay tuned*

Married life is wonderful, Doug and I have done some fun stuff lately, we went to a murder myster dinner last Friday to celebrate his birthday.

We had fun figuring out "whodunit" and although we didn't win, we did solve the crime correctly.
We're looking forward to the summer ahead - God had definitely been good to us. Doug is going to start the grad school application process, we should know where we're going by early next year. Whoa!!

Warning: Under Construction

2009-05-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

The lack of posting is due to my long internal debate about what to do with this blog. As more time flew by, and I still hadn't written about all-things wedding, I dreaded even starting, because I have a lot to catch up on.

So, I am starting "fresh." Sure, you can look at my older posts and read up on the pre-Midkiff Stephanie. That girl had some emo moments that are now laughable!

As soon as I have wedding pictures, I will post them. The heading is under construction, and more Midkiff Mayhem will ensure shortly.

Fun With Google

2009-04-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

This is a funny e-mail I got from Doug - he started googling my new name, "Stephanie Midkiff." And I thought only girls did stuff like that! This is what he found:

Good morning!!! It's actually Friday afternoon, but it is after 5 so I'm guessing you've left work. Here is some fun I had on google:

- You're a law librarian in Oregon:

http://libweb.uoregon.edu/dc/directory/profile.php?profile=smidkiff

- An apartment complex in Arizona sued you and some guy named Stan:

http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/docket/JusticeCourtCases/caseInfo.asp?casenumber=CC2008-218077

And you're on the playground committee at Sarah Smith Elementary school in Atlanta:

http://www.sarahsmithelementary.com/2008-9_PTA_Board_and_Committees.pdf

Good times.
Love you!!!!
Doug

Take Time To..

2009-04-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've had my bachelorette party and 2 showers since I last posted. I am avoiding posting pics bc it will take forever and right now I just don't feel like putting in the effort.

My boss is performing a wedding for his grandson and asked me to type this up for him. I loved it, so I'm sharing it with you now.

Take Time to:

WORK
It is the price of success.

PLAY
It is the secret of perpetual youth.

THINK
It is the source of power.

READ
It is the foundation of wisdom.

PRAY
It is conversation with God.

LAUGH
It is music for the soul.

LISTEN
It is the pathway to understanding.

DREAM
It is hitching your wagon to a star.

WORSHIP
It is the highway of reverence.

LOVE AND BE LOVED
It is the gift of God.

And here's some pics to keep everyone happy till they're all posted..

Current Happenings

2009-03-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been packing (sort of) and getting ready to move into our CONDO. We get our key this Sunday and officially start moving in next week. YAY!

Tonight is my bachelorette party and tomorrow is a shower and some girlfriends are staying with me, then Sunday Doug and I have our final marriage class with both sets of parents, brunch, the "key-receiving" ceremony, and then I am baptizing Doug that night at the Village. Busy? Yeah, a little. But I'm so excited about everything!!!!! Bring it on!

I will post pics of everything soon.

Until then, have a great Friday. I'm zooming out of here today at noon. :)

Shout OUTTTTT!

2009-03-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I visited to a AACWP Chapter Meeting (basically that's an organization for wedding coordinators) (Shout out to Staci Freeman.) It was at the Orion Room in the dirty south, A.K.A. Oak Cliff.

Interestingly, the topic was "Blogging for Your Business" which made me want to pat myself on the back for being more ahead of the game than I realized.

More later about why I was at this meeting in the first place, but that's another post for another time.

It also made me realize the importance of giving shout outs to the people I've been using as vendors in my wedding, so here are my SHOUT OUTS! I found out about all of these just from friends who knew friends who knew ..... so I'll spread the love!

Dress: Lulu's Boutique in Uptown
Venues: Heritage Chapel First Baptist Dallas / The Women's Museum at Fair Park
Caterer: Jim Lee Events
Invitations: Kayla Barker (She's AMAZING folks!)
Cake: Delicious Cakes
Photography: Captured by Shan Renee Ingram
Coordinator: Staci Freeman @ Stardust Celebrations

Sharp Dressed Man

2009-03-12T06:35:00.001-07:00

I was contemplating a change on my blog for awhile, and decided today was the day.

BTW: The new pic was taken by Shan Renee Ingram on a chilly February afternoon at sunset. We had a great time with her and Daniel her husband while they tried out some cool photog tricks. One thing (and I had never heard of this!) we stayed very still while her husband held the camera, and Shan held a remote flash and walked around us in a circle taking the same photo from various points around us. She's then going to put them all together - she called it "painting with light." We also spent a good bit of time at the Dallas World Aquarium, I'm excited to see what they look like with sharks and fish, etc., all around us.

Lately, Doug's been taking the Dart rail up to Richardson where his current client is, then he rides his Razor Scooter the half mile from the train station to his office building. Of course, yesterday it rained, and Doug ended up getting soaked.

He had already worn a hole in his work shoes from riding the scooter each day, and then of course they were ruined in the rain. Not to mention yesterday at work he accidentally ripped a hole in his khakis, which also later got soaked. Lastly, tomorrow night we're having dinner with Doug's granddad in Houston at a restaurant that requires a coat. ....all that shaped up into the makings of a shopping trip.

I met Doug at the Gap in West Village and he was just SOAKED. It was the salesman's first day on the job and we may have done him in. But we walked away with 2 pairs of trousers, a yellow v-neck sweater and a buttondown with yellow and blue stripes. Then, we walked to Banana Republic in the rain (by now I think we just gave up on even trying to care) and Doug got an awesome new blazer. Then I bought him a gray and white buttondown, and an orange and gray v-neck sweater to go with the pants he got from Gap. I left at that point and went to Home Group, while Doug went by himself to Nordstrom and bought out some Ecco loafers that I found online earlier that day. So proud. All that to say, if you see someone walking down the street in Dallas looking supa fly - it's Doug.

And on that note: watch this ZZ Top music video. They just don't make music videos like this anymore. And the 80's hair.... it's hilarious.

ZZtop- Sharp Dressed Man sélectionné dans Musique et Rock / Pop

Savage and Serene

2009-03-09T11:14:00.001-07:00

Our life is March weather, savage and serene in one hour. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

This pretty accurately describes my life right now. Sometimes easy going and laid-back, and some days anything but. Amy B. and I have summed it up into one word: anticipation.

I am anticipating the move to our condo, all the travel we have coming up in the next 3 weekends, and of course the WEDDING!

Amy is leaving for Qatar for the summer soon after the wedding - so we are packing up our little home. Which may or may not be a huge mess if you are to come visit.

Doug created this awhile back and it's fun to watch the seconds tick away:

https://webspace.utexas.edu/dpm8/countdown.htm

What's going on

2009-02-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

*Currently listening to elevator music while on hold with Southwest Airlines*

This has been a fun week! Sunday Doug and I spent about 5 hours with our photographer and let her play with her new camera and try out some cool effects. We had a blast...you can visit www.shanrenee.com to check out her work.

Today we picked out our wedding bands at the Dallas World Trade Center.

*Finally got everything straightened out with Southwest, whew*

I just love our rings, and can't wait to be officially Mr. and Mrs.

Doug has said a few times before that since I have an engagement ring he wishes he had something to wear to show he's mine!! It was cool to get to see him with a ring on his finger, even if it was briefly.

While we were trying on rings Doug's mom called, who happened to be in Dallas. She was shopping and showing her friend the House of Blues where our rehearsal dinner is at -- her friend is a florist so they were talking logistics, etc. Then, I dropped off our deposit and signed the papers for our condo!!! 3815 Holland!!

Everything is starting to seem so much more real and I LOVE IT.

Here's a pic from our photo shoot (hundreds more to come) and a few of our condo. If you notice, there's a patio off our living room, and another patio off the guest room on the third floor. An outdoor spiral staircase connects the two. And we have 2 fireplaces and hardwood floors downstairs. It's a pretty sweet place to call home. :)

Tomorrow I'm going to Canton to check out some furniture.

Oh, and p.s. there's also a pic of Doug and his new razor scooter!

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New Urbanism

2009-02-18T08:45:00.001-08:00

Check out this link, it's great. Doug sent me a website called New Urban Mom (okay I know I'm not a mom yet!)Anyway, I was poking around and found this great list that explains exactly why Doug and I will probably always live in an urban area and never go to the suburbs. Doug gets really excited about urbanism and he's pulled me aboard that ship as well. Check it out!!

Principles of “New Urbanism”

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Midland Engagement Party Pics

2009-01-27T06:36:00.001-08:00

I'm It

2009-01-22T14:21:00.000-08:00

I just realized Ashley tagged me on her blog. Sorry I'm just now noticing! So, to continue the trend...

8 Shows I'm Watching this Spring (This is hard)

1. LOST
2. Dexter
3. The Office
4. How I Met Your Mother (hilarious!)
5. Biggest Loser (once)
6. John and Kate Plus 8 (When Amy's watching it)
7. Friends
8. The Bachelor (when friends are watching together)
(I have a short attention span so it's hard for me to commit to 8 shows!)

8 Things That Happened to me Today

1. Lunch @ Cafe Express with Amy Lowery
2. Drove my boss downtown
3. Had a phone convo with mom
4. Made plans to hang out with Lisa, and Jasa
5. Contemplated the meaning of "God loves a cheerful giver" and how that can apply in my life
6. Facebook stalked people :)
7. Going to Ft. Worth for a Midkiff Birthday Dinner
8. The wedding florist called

8 Things I Look Forward To:

1. May 2, 2009
2. Hanging out with Doug and his family tonight
3. Going to Playa Del Carmen on May 4, 2009
4. Decorating a new home
5. Coffee with Woodard
6. Starting to work in the 2-3 year old class at The Village on Saturdays
7. Going to Midland this weekend for a joint baby shower (lauren and weslee's!) and an engagment party (ours!)
8. My Bachelorette Party - why not?!?!?!?

8 Things I Wish For:

1. Doug gets into Cal Berkley and we get to move there as planned in Fall 2010
2. I got more sleep at night
3. ... a thousand more wishes ...

just kidding! but that's all I can think of right now!

I TAG:
Rachel and Kayla

Hope Matters

2009-01-21T06:34:00.000-08:00

My friend Cheryl was recently on The Today Show talking about her new book, "I Do Again." She was married, divorced, and remarried to her husband again after she found the Lord. They have the sweetest two daughters who I'm privileged to know as well! Watch the clip from the Today show and you can read an excerpt of their book:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28546272/

Holiday Weekend

2009-01-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

I am still celebrating MLK Day today by watching the inauguration! Yea!

Saturday of the holiday weekend started out by me waking up early to a buzzing alarm ... my car battery died Wednesday of last week and Doug and I were actually making it with one car between us. Anyway, it was time to get the battery replaced and I was determined we wouldn't take it to the mechanic but just do it ourselves. So ... a trip to Home Depot, Discount Auto, and 3 hours later ... we learned together, and we did it! Ha! Now we know.

Then ... I had a meeting at Starbucks up by the church because I'm going to start working in the preschool department at the church. You might be as shocked as I still sort of am, but I'm SUPER excited!

Then...

As I was leaving the meeting, my car felt kind of funny. I kept backing out and drove away, when a lady rolled down her window and said I had a flat tire. We're talking, GONE. Somehow between Dallas and Flower Mound and an hour at Starbucks my tire just went kaput. Anyway, I aired it up and took it to Discount Tire where I got it fixed. Two car emergencies in the span of a few hours. Awesome.

Other than that, Doug and I worked on a secret video project that I may or may not unveil on my blog at a later date. We are still interviewing, filming, and he's editing. Nerdy? A little. Awesome? Always!

And lastly, from today, January 20 until the 26th, you can go to Macy's or Dillard's and get free makeup or cosmetics. There was a big class action lawsuit against cosmetic companies that said they were price fixing. They're required to give away $175 million in free product. See for yourself!

http://weblogs.newsday.com/features/home/cheap_thrills_blog/2009/01/free_makeup_today_at_macys_and.html

Things I love...

2009-01-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

(I stole this idea from a co-worker!)

The feeling after a workout
Hugs
Weekend Brunch
Working hard and doing well at something
Crossing items off a list
Calendars and Planners
Phone convos with friends
The body of Christ singing loudly in worship
Spain, the country
Concerts
Planning my wedding
Cake
Chocolate
Chocolate Cake
Pictures frames
Bright colors
Hardwood floors
Lunch with friends
Shopping sales
..hmm what else?

What do you love?? Leave me a comment!!

Check it out

2009-01-11T19:22:00.001-08:00

www.dougandsteph.net

Our Story

2009-01-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

Doug and I wrote the story of how we started dating from both our individual standpoints. This was for our wedding website (the address is still a secret, it's not fully up and running yet.) But Doug's words were sweet and I wanted to share them both with you!

Stephanie’s Story:

Doug and I met on a weekend road trip hosted by our church, The Village. I remember thinking he was cool, cute and funny. I ended up riding in the same van as Doug on Saturday afternoon. Our entire van had a blast together - but I had no thoughts of Doug beyond that. At the time I wasn’t “on the market” or looking to date anyone new.

Then the Lord intervened big time! My relationship status had changed. Doug and I ran into each other at a party some of our friends hosted where we ended up dancing and hanging out all night. Then, we decided to coordinate our home groups to get together and play Rock Band. For me, it was really just an excuse for us to hang out again! I thought Doug was a cool guy, and was interested in getting to know him better. Soon after, we ran into each other at church one Saturday evening. He convinced me to come to a concert later that night. I was soon leaving for a vacation in Europe, and at the concert he asked me to have dinner with him before I left town.

So we had our first date. I have never been so “WOWED” by someone! I remember thinking, “This Doug Midkiff guy makes me laugh harder than anyone else, seems to care about me in a way no one else has before, is smart, and pursues Christ wholeheartedly.” But I still wasn’t convinced I was ready for another relationship, so the two of us just kept hanging out.

About a month later, I told Doug I was ready for a relationship – and since then it’s been a whirlwind. All the traits I thought were true about Doug became so evident. We fell in love so quickly, and I love how our relationship is so fun and easy. It’s so encouraging to know when Christ initiates something in our lives, He brings it about wholly, fully, and leaves no room for doubt.

Since the day we made it “official,” we have prayed that Christ be the center of our relationship. We want others to see Christ in us and be encouraged in their own lives and relationships. I am excited to stand before friends and family as we commit our marriage to the Lord on May 2.

Doug’s story:
Steph and I first met (very briefly) at Café Brazil when our home groups ate there together on April 8, 2008. Steph didn’t really remember me, but I remembered her (how do you forget such a cute red-head?) When I ran into her on the “Road Rules” trip that following weekend, I re-introduced myself and we began to hit it off. After we met up we landed in the same van with 5 other awesome people and proceeded to have a great time zooming around Austin on a scavenger hunt.
After Road Rules we didn’t keep in touch, but a couple months later we ran into each other at a “prom” theme party some of our friends were having. Quick side note: Steph had recently become single and I knew that. As soon as Steph walked into the party she saw me and said, “Hey! Come grab a drink with me.” My thoughts as we walked toward the kitchen: “Oh, it’s on.”
And it was.
Steph and I spent most of the night together dancing, flirting, chatting and generally having good time. We even started planning a Rock Band/hang out night for our home groups which really was an elaborate scheme for us to hang out in another casual setting.
Crazy things about Prom night:
1) I had no clue Steph was coming to the party that night.
2) While I knew Steph was single, I wasn’t planning on pursuing her.
3) It took me 5 seconds to decide that I did want to pursue Steph once the opportunity presented itself.

The Saturday after our Rock Band party I ran into her at church and convinced her to come to a concert that a lot of people from our church were going to that night. I knew that she was leaving for a two week Europe vacation that following week, so I decided I needed to ask her out on a proper date that night. It was now or never. Thankfully, she said “yes” to a random Monday night date, and it was the start of something special.

Many dates followed and I began to see more and more just how incredible Stephanie is. I got to see her humor, intelligence, and love for the Lord. She even agreed to jump up on a roof with me and help shingle a house for a Habitat for Humanity project. A girl willing to serve by getting sweaty and swinging a hammer is nothing if not attractive. On July 28th we decided to make things “official.” Things really picked up from there and by November 30th I was putting an engagement ring on her finger.

Our prayer from the day we made things official was and always will be that Christ is at the center of our relationship. We have prayed that our relationship wouldn’t terminate on itself, but that others would see our love is only possible through God’s love for us. We couldn’t be happier to take the next step into the covenant of marriage and share this with our friends and family.

Planning a Wedding...

2008-12-27T23:13:00.000-08:00

...has been easier than I thought! Doug and I got engaged 4 weeks ago, and basically the whole event (ceremony, reception, other details) has been planned. We have been SO lucky to have everything fall into place so quickly.

The most fun part, however, isn't planning the wedding DAY, but planning and dreaming about our LIFE! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd love someone this much, someone who knows me inside and out and loves me even more because of it. Someone who I love and want to care for with every ounce of my being as we pursue Christ together.

**Sidenote** If anyone needs recommendations on vendors, I've got great ones. We are blessed to be working with some very talented, Godly people for our wedding day. I like trusting others to do what they're best at!

Engagement Pics

2008-12-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my favorite recent engagement photos! We had a blast going around Deep Ellum and the Dallas Arboretum. Richie Auter took them (www.jumpingman.com)

2008-12-11T09:43:00.000-08:00

I have thought about blogging so many times in the last 2 weeks, and keep putting it off! Please forgive my tardiness!

So many wonderful things have happened. I am engaged to the love of my life, Doug Midkiff. Our wedding is set for Saturday, May 2 in Dallas.

We had talked about getting married and I knew it was on his mind but didn't know when everything was going to go down. Let me tell you, knowing you'll be engaged but not knowing when is enough to drive a girl crazy!

Anyway, two weeks ago, I was woken up by my wonderful friend Stephanie Clark who told me to get ready because we needed to go somewhere that day. Through various clues and rhyming poems and word puzzles, Doug sent me on a scavenger hunt all over Dallas, escorted by Stephanie and also Julia Stark. He sent me to many places that are special in our relationship, and he told me why each of them were important to him.

The last clue ended at his condo, which was in full array of flowers and candles. He said some things I don't remember, but I will never forget him asking me to marry him. And I said yes!! We had a few sweet moments together then went to an engagement party. He had arranged for both our families and many friends to get together and celebrate. It was such a fun day.

Since the beginning of our dating relationship, our prayer has been that others will see Christ in us and that we can put Christ in the center. It is so awesome and it feels like such an answered prayer when our friends get excited about our marriage, or say that they have encouragement from our story.

It is such a whirlwind, we met in April and started dating in May, and will be married this coming May. But I cannot say this enough: we serve a God who is surprising, loving, merciful and faithful. HE is the one who wrote our love story, and HE is the one who knew from the beginning of time that we were created for one another.

When I could only see the rocky roads my feet were currently on, and could only look back to the distant sometimes painful memories of steps I'd taken before, Christ and Christ alone knew the future before me. He's the one who directs our steps, and He's the one who makes our paths straight.

And when the Lord does something, He does it fully, wholly, completely and sometimes swiftly. He makes events and occurrences come together so well that no human can take credit for its success. Case in point: Doug and I's relationship.

And let me tell you: Doug is a gift. He's funny,(and he thinks I'm funny!) smart, caring, patient with me, loving and protecting. He's everything I have prayed for in a man. Sometimes I try to pick fights just to prove to myself we're not perfect. But it's hard because Doug is so dang rational.

So, in summary, God is good. The two of us feel so blessed to start a new life together and celebrate with our friends and family. Watch for pictures - they are coming soon.

Love and faithfulness meet each other, righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield it’s harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” Psalm 85: 10-13

Will Smith

2008-11-20T13:24:00.001-08:00

I have ALWAYS liked Will Smith! Yesterday he was in Dallas doing a charity event for the Dallas Food Bank ... and decided to throw in some other surprise appearances. The Lake Highlands volleyball and football teams are in the playoffs, and Will came to their pep rally. He called the principal himself and said he wanted to come, and requested no media. He encouraged them and gave them a pep talk. Besides the principal and a few faculty, no one had a clue!

Obama 08

2008-11-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

Regardless of who you voted for, you have to admire McCain's gracious exit.

We Won!

2008-10-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

Buttsweat & Beers (here on out will be referred to as BS&B) won 1st in our division and placed 6th overall at the Ragnar Relay. We clocked in at 25 hours and change after running 181 miles through Texas hill country. My half of the team (Van 1) consisted of myself and Doug (dubbed Double Deuces - you can figure out why), and Bucky and Lorrie, Mario and Ryoto. .....All weekend, Mario tried being nice to people, and each time it ended up biting him in the butt. Fourtunately, he got to meet his real life Sarah Connor (from The Terminator) - the bad-A runner chick who passed Mario on the road with a vengeance. He chatted her up the next day, and she ended up being the sweetest thing since southern tea.
...Ryoto played like a champion and run on a severely bloody and injured toe, and acted as if it was nothing. (Lorrie, can you e-mail me the pic of his toe? Totally blog-worthy)...Lorrie and Bucky were all around awesome. Lorrie gets the team mom award for always checking on the runners and giving people water. Together the two of them stole a parking spot from an 84 year old woman in downtown Fredricksburg :) All in all, we had a great time. Besides running 3x in 24 hours we got the privilege to sleep all together in a minivan full of ... well ... buttsweat and a general haze of nastiness.... The next day, Doug had severely tight calf muscles, causing him to crawl up his condo's stairs that night.

Besides all of the above, we showered with baby wipes, got t-shirts, medals at the end, and all the gatorade and Kashi bars you could stand.

Good times.

I've got "The Crud"

2008-10-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

People at work use this term all the time, "Oh, I've just got the crud." Or, "he doesnt' feel well, he's got the crud, bless his heart." Others nod knowingly, sympathizing with their unfortunate condition.

Hold on.

What does that even mean?

According to www.thefreedictionary.com, crud (krd)noun

1. Slang
a. A coating or an incrustation of filth or refuse.
b. Something loathsome, despicable, or worthless.
c. One who is contemptible or disgusting.
2. A disease or ailment, imaginary or real, especially one affecting the skin.
3. Sports Heavy, sticky snow that is unsuitable for skiing.

That is just disgusting.

But I think I've got it. I'm drinking Emergen-C mixed with grapefruit juice instead of water, (if that won't put hair on your knuckles, I don't know what will,) trying to get enough sleep, and taking decongestants. I am learning the beauty of calling the doctor's assistant instead of actually making an appointment and paying for a doctor's visit. So ... juice in hand ... bring on the crud.

Fair, Football and FUN!

2008-10-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't kept up with blogging lately. Just so yall know I'm still here, this is my obligatory blog o' lists, with a few pics to spice it up.
1. Still training for the Ragnar Relay. One weekend away.

2. Excited about carving pumpkins and eating pies.
3. Been to the state fair. Been to Dallas fright fest. Watched football. Go Big 12.

4. Hmm ... what else. I got nothin. Guess it's picture time.

A latte with a side of ... Bad Theology

2008-09-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

This morning after hitting the gym before work, I drove through Starbucks to pick up a pumpkin spice latte. (So basically, the latte and my workout balanced each other out!) Each Starbucks cup has an author or quote from someone in the media. Here was today's:

The Way I See It #58
I have faith. Faith in our wondrous capacity for hope and good, love and trust, healing and forgiveness. Faith in the blessing of our infinite ability to wonder, question, pray, feel, think and learn. I have faith. Faith in the infinite possibilities of the human spirit.
-James Brown, Emmy-winning sportscaster and co-host of FOX NFL Sunday.

The problem with this statement is that there is no good in us apart from Christ. None! God imparted righteousness to us at the cross when Jesus took our sins as his own. Therefore, our faith should not lie in our capabilities, knowledge or the "human spirit," but the blood that was shed for us and the redemption we receive as a result.

It says in Proverbs "there is a way that seems right to a man but at the end of it is the way of death and destruction." Are we as Christians listening to the world's wisdom or way of thinking instead of relying on scriptures? Wake up each day with His glory and His renown on your mind and lips and you will see more and more of yourself die. And there's so much freedom in dying to self!

"So I say to you, live by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature ... But if you are living by the Spirit, you are no longer under law." Gal 6:16-18

"Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

"God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything." 1 John 3:20

A Vagabond Song

2008-09-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

When my mom saw the poem I posted last time, she searched around to find this one. My brothers and I memorized it when we were in elementary school ... and I still remember the rhythm in which I recited it... it paints a great picture of Autumn.

'A Vagabond Song' -Bliss Carman
There is something in the autumn that is native to my blood-
Touch of manner, hint of mood;
And my heart is like a rhyme,
With the yellow and the purple and the crimson keeping time.

The scarlet of the maple can shake me like a cry
Of bugles going by.
And my lonely spirit thrills
To see the frosty asters like a smoke upon the hills.

There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir;
We must rise and follow her,
When from every hill of flame
She calls and calls each vagabond by name.

Autumn Fires...

2008-09-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

"Autumn Fires" Robert Louis Stevenson
In the other gardens

And all up the vale,

From the autumn bonfires

See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over

And all the summer flowers,

The red fire blazes,

The grey smoke towers.

Sing a song of seasons!

Something bright in all!

Flowers in the summer,

Fires in the fall!

Overheard at the BGCT...

2008-09-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

...

1. "I just got this in my spam folder, 'John Edwards just admits to fathering Clay Aiken's baby!' " Debbie Puett.

2. "Stephanie, I have been trying to find a picture to represent 'True Love Waits' for the Power Point slide, but we can't find any archived. Can I ... ya know ... take a picture of you with your True Love Waits ring. You could be posing, looking at your ring. Maybe I could get a picture of you or Doug signing a comittment card." (Yes, I have one from back in the day. And yes, I'm the office virgin.*) Again, Debbie Puett.

Both were good chuckles.

*And not ashamed to say so!

Put those white pants away - even if they say the rules have changed

2008-08-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

...3:08 p.m. Friday before Labor Day...

August has flooooown by. I'll make no mistake about it: it's brought wonderful change!** Now that summer's over, I'm looking forward to Labor Day weekend and the promise of autumn lazily rolling around the corner.

Doug and I are going to Austin for the weekend and staying with Sarah and Lauren (Crim and Itz). He's pumped to show me around his alma mater's hometown, and I'm excited to let him! We're catching college game day (UT and Tech play simultaneously) and running in the Nike Human Race. After that, Ben Harper has a concert in front of the Capitol. Squeezed in between is "taking it easy" and spending time with college friends!

He writes the most entertaining e-mails and this is part of what today's said: They definitely put a smile on my face! It's basically an itinerary of our weekend.

Things that are exciting (get ready, this is a big list):

Our first road trip
Personality tests (my idea - I love these!)
3 hours of my ipod - or yours, maybe, if you're really nice to me ; )
Czech Stop
College football - Hook'em and Guns up (or do I say Wreck'em to make it more parallel to mine?)
10K
South Congress Cafe (You'll understand after this weekend)
A yet to be named indie coffee shop in Austin
We've now been dating for over a month
Ranger game in 1 week

So anyway, that's the scoop on Labor Day. 3:22 p.m. now and still counting the clock...

**Other awesome things:
Stephanie Clark (bffffff) moved back from Phoenix, just down the street from me
Got asked to serve on the Board of Directors for an up-and-coming non-profit, Champions of Hope (more to come on this later.)
Home Groups/Village Activities have started back up again
Graduated from 5Ks to 10Ks - and hopefully still moving up
Been studying the book of Daniel - good stuff.
God is so good. This fact trumps everything else.

Enchantment Under the Sea

2008-08-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Bonus for naming the movie in the title...

Let me paint a picture for you: 1989: a 6-year old red head little girl goes to see the latest Disney movie - The Little Mermaid - and is enchanted. I still remember being in the theater watching it for the first time. It quickly became my favorite movie. So much so that in the pool or in the bathtub (yep -haha!) I would sing the theme song and pretendI was a mermaid.

In first grade, my mom sewed an amazing Halloween costume and I was Ariel, and my brother was Flounder in the costume contest. We won first place.

High school rolls around and mom always has this dream of me working at Disney World for the summer. Basically, so she can come visit/stay with me out in Orlando all summer. Let me tell you: I have been to Disney World LOTS of times in my 24 years. Anyway, I decided she was right, and I wanted to star in a Disney parade or stage show. My dream was to be Ariel in a parade, I mean, how easy is that, she doesn't have legs! Ariel just sits on a clamshell and waves to the kids as she floats by. And if anyone could do it, I could, right?!?! I found out when the auditions were - one weekend at UNT campus - my dream was about to be realized. I would be Ariel! But the story ends tragically - they cancelled the audition and my Disney debut dream was killed.

Anyway, about a week or so ago (this is 24 year old Stephanie talking) I drive home to my apartment and gasp there's a gigantic billboard announcing the release of a new Ariel movie! It's called Ariel's Beginning and let's face it, I was excited.

I mentioned the movie to Doug offhandedly. Lo and behold he bought it for me on it's release day and brought it to me at work! WHAT a sweet boyfriend!!!! I haven't watched it yet, but I can't wait to.

Here's us:

A Matter of Perspective

2008-08-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

I love this!! I got it from Cheryl Scrugg's blog ...

So....most of us see wounding as an awful thing. But it does not have to be. Let's look at it from a different perspective. I am reading an interesting book that addresses this topic. It says that "at the time wounding takes place it is very difficult but necessary to look at what happened in new and fresh ways. We must stop repeating to ourselves and others the details of the events or people that caused us the pain. The reason is not to deny the facts but to push ourselves out of the seduction of tunnel vision and into a broader landscape that could reveal to us incredible opportunities for growth. We must ask ourselves hard questions like are we in a cauldron of pain or smack dab in the middle of opportunity? Should I fret and whine or can I see this suffering as God's Hand pulling me into new story".....a new place He wants me to be? Love this quote: "Suffering cracks the boundaries of what we thought we could stand. And yet, through these cracks sprout seeds of healing and transformation."

Praise the Lord for healing and restoration. What a good reminder this morning!

Moratorium

2008-08-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

I am currently on a blogging moratorium until I have something with your time reading. At times I battle with even maintaing a blog, because I think it's absolutely presumptious of me to assume I have ideas worth writing about.

Until that day comes, I'll leave you with a few things:

"So You Think You Can Dance?" finale comes on tonight - my first and only reality tv show addiction
Summer turned out to be awesome. As if there was any doubt!
Texas Tech football is nicely ranked pre-season. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankings?pollId=2&seasonYear=2008
I am running on a relay team that goes from San Antonio to Austin in October! Check it out: http://www.ragnarrelay.com/austin/index.php
Umm ... there's some other status changes lately ... ask me!

Music of the Night

2008-07-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

I am sitting on the couch watching Phantom of the Opera with my roommate. I think the chandelier is about to drop ... Gosh, this music just moves me! I remember when I was little, my mom had the soundtrack on cassette tape and we listened to it over and over in the car and learned the words.

This has been such a great weekend! Spending time with friends, hanging out with the roomie, working on some new challenges for work. And I did something I've never done before: get up at 6 am on Saturday to help shingle a roof. Who would have thought hammering would be so much fun!

Overall, there is something calming and peaceful the Lord has accomplished in my heart. "This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." 1 John 3:19-20

God is greater than my heart. Think about it ...God is greater than our hearts!!!! Praise the Lord for that.

Someone gave me the greatest advice awhile back. She said, "Stephanie, quit praying for what you think you need, and ask the Lord to show you what it is you actually need. I think those 2 things are really different." Turns out, she's right. God has been faithful to answer these prayers in my life.

Think about it ... when we ask that our hearts align with His will, that is a prayer He will ALWAYS answer ... it no longer becomes about us and our ambitions and desires but only Him and His glory.

Where are my keys?

2008-07-19T07:14:00.001-07:00

I'm back in Dallas for the rest of the summer!!! I am collectively cheering, breathing a sigh of relief, and also really sad, summer is kind of over now. This morning I set my alarm early to hit the gym and pay a visit to my favorite fitness instructor, Wes. I am ready for a little booty shapin, ya know! I got up, was completely ready and as I was heading out the door could not find my house key. It's not on my key ring, and I have NO IDEA where I set it yesterday. So .. I am stuck at home for the morning.

I am paying bills, catching up on other stuff. I've been gone 3 of the past 4 weeks, and it feels good to be back home.

Here are some of my favorite pics from Spain. Sorry for the unorganized-ness of them. I really am a terrible blogger. I don't have the patience to figure it out better. But here they are:

My Favorites!

2008-07-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me to post my top ten favorite things, so here goes:

1. ipod Nano - the perfect playlist + the perfect day = total perfection!
2. Nike Shox - this plus number 1 = perfection as well! I love to run, and it's so great that you can track your workouts using the Nike plus feature on the iPod Nano!
3. Live Concerts. Of all kinds.
4. The Beach. I don't care if I'm in Florida, California, the Mediterranean or just Texas beaches for crying out loud. I just LOVE the sand and the sea and the seagulls!
5. Iced coffee - Starbucks, Mickey D's, doesn't matter. I will drink it regardless.
6. Antoni Gaudi - my favorite artist and designer, who was born and worked in Barcelona all his life. If you' ve seen my bedroom, you know I love bright colors and this is just one more excuse! Lisa Woodard did a painting for my room patterned after his work. Gaudi will get a whole post all his own coming soon, when I get back to Texas.
7. Origins products - thanks to my roommate Amy B for introducing me. Great colors + great skin care products. I am a huge fan!
8. Community. Okay, this is such a "Village-y" response, but I have loved being a part of a tight-knit Christian community the past two years I've been involved at the Village. There have been so many tough situations I couldn't have made it through alone.
9. Post-it notes: my desk at work is FILLED with them, Hot pink is my color of choice.
10. This was a tie between cuddling and fajitas. I'll just go with fajitas to make explanation easier! :) Matt's Rancho Martinez has the best patio for lunchtime, Manny's has the best kid-sized portion of fajitas (which also makes them the cheapest) Pappasito's has the best for a large group, and Margarita Ranch has the best beef fajitas, which makes them the winner in the best all-around category. They are the jam.

Sorry for the lack of pictures to go along with the explanations, I am not at a place where that is very easy right now!! Besos y Sonrias, Steph.

La La La

2008-06-19T13:36:00.001-07:00

Soooo in the vacation mood now!! I am counting down for Europe!! I am distracted, so here are some recent pics:
Tess and Jason on their big day:

The chapel where they got married: Reception pics:

Prom/FNFN/Ash Festa

Home group pic at Tess' shower

Absolutely crazy weird art show in Deep Ellum:

Lisa Woodard, artiste extrordinnaire:

Plan B (a.k.a.) Putting on the big girl panties and dealing with it ...

2008-06-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Someone once said, "Even the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray."

Or, perhaps more theologically sound, "The heart of a man disposeth his way, but the Lord must direct his steps." Prov 16:9

So my best friend and travel partner, April, has mono. MONO!!

She had cancer, had 2 surgeries, and was healed, and now she has MONO! Therefore, our vacation to Brussells and Paris is no longer happening. So I am still going to Spain for a week with my family.

I guess maturity kicked in somehwere late last night when I decided to put on my big girl panties and deal with it. I can get my flight moved, we purchased travel insurance, and we can get refunds on our cancelled travel arrangements. I am dealing with it. As much as I want to whine and complain, I fully trust that God has a purpose in all this. That fact isn't even up for question in my life anymore. I trust Him to bring me so much joy and purpose and fulfillment that I can't even be sad for too long. He's got this crazy thing called life so planned out to the uttermost degree!! So, I fully accept that things change.

But I am still sad!

I cussed a little. I mean, according to some, it IS F-bomb Tuesday, right?!?!!!!!! I took full advantage of a well placed curse word. (But not the F-bomb people! That's a little intense.)

But I had mono so I totally understand how miserable it is.

I already took 2 weeks off of work, so I am going to do a little in-country vacay for this first week, (starting this Friday) then fly to Spain on June 27th when my parents are going. So ... if you wanna travel or have few free days in the great Lone Star State, let me know!!

Much, much love. April, I love you. Our friendship sanctifies me. ALL THE TIME!!

How to spot a tourist

2008-06-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

I was looking up funny top 10 lists of how to spot a tourist in Europe. Here were a few highlights:

1. People making obscene gestures around national monuments/statues
2. Baseball caps/new balance tennis shoes or nikes
3. Drinking orange fanta and eating ice cream (i did those 2 things EVERY DAY in Spain, there's something about drinking fanta naranja overseas that is just so yummy ... it's different over here and not as good)
4. Wearing college logo t-shirts (I did this too!!)
5. carrying a map and looking lost - (Admittedly, I am often in a general state of not fully knowing where I'm at, direction-wise, while I'm overseas.)
6. fanny packs and hawaiian shirts
7. talking about the war/George W. or politics in general (not a problem there.)
8.wearing gucci sunglasses and carrying louis vuitton purses (also not a problem)
9. Wearing tevas -- EWW.

... perhaps I shall make my own list when I return.

-I started cleaning and doing laundry today, so I can begin packing later this week. WE LEAVE SATURDAY! And on that note, pray for April H., she just found out she has mono, which is exactly NOT the kind of news you want to hear right before you leave for a European vacation. So...please lift her up. It's been a rough year physically with several procedures and missing and making up all that work at her job ...

----

It was a great weekend with a wedding and other fun stuff, I'll post pics soon.

---

This Thursday if anyone is out and about, come visit me!! I am going to be packing all night and chillin at home, so come visit and say hi/bye!! I hate flying on planes over the ocean and would love to hug each and every one of you before I go. Much love.

ABIDE

2008-06-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you what: God is working!

I have been walking with friends lately through death, and two other close friends with emotional heartbreak, not to mention figuring out my own seeming uncertain life!

But is it uncertain after all? I'll share with you what the Lord's put on my heart over and over again in the past week:

ABIDE IN ME!

I have been digging deeper into what this actually means - and what the Lord has re-iterated over and over again is this: been trust in how I've moved and worked in your life, and abide in me until the time when I choose to move again. I feel like "abide" has a subtly different shade of meaning from "wait," and in my heart this makes all the difference. I am not by nature a patient person. But I can patiently abide and trust my Creator while His peace washes over me - the kind of peace that surpasses all human understanding!

Thinking about the peace He offers each one of us just stirs my heart that much more deeply for Him. Another mental picture that comes to mind is that of a tree with deep, deep roots planted by the water like it talks about in Isaiah. Or is it Jeremiah? Well, anyway, come rain or shine, freezing winter or warm spring, the deep roots are unshaken.

To me, "abide" also means listening more, talking less. It's hard for me to set my own agenda aside, but spending time with the Lord asking Him to speak to me (instead of the other way around) has changed me!

It also means being more intentional in my free time - more of what I love, what stirs my heart for Jesus, and less of what drains me. This has meant spending more time outside running, reading some books I'd put aside, and spending with friends that make me laugh! And I am without any guilt laying down those obligations that do nothing but rob me of joy.

The enemy came to steal, kill and destroy us in any way possible. But Christ!! He came so we could have a joyfully abundant life in Him!

Today...

2008-06-05T09:25:00.001-07:00

1. Went to the Ranger's last night for Tech Alumni Night, a little disappointed they didn't play the fight song or really do anything cool at all...in fact, they lost 15-9. Super lame. But the seats were pretty sweet, and of course we had fun!

2. Listening to sermons at work.

3. Googling anything and everything I can think of to pass the time.

4. Stomach is growling - meeting mom and bro at my apt for lunch.

5. My hair is growing out - my hair girl Christina would kill me if she knew I wasn't maintaining her work.

6. She would also kill me if she knew I use cheap shampoo.

7. I leave really soon (June 21) for Euro-trip 08. Did I mention I'm scared of flying over the ocean? I mean, COME ON I've watch Lost waay too much ...

8. I am ready for college football season!

9. I am ready to go see the new Batman movie.

10. That is all.

Blessed Assurance

2008-06-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Perfect submission, all is at rest;

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

watching and waiting, looking above,

filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long;

this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.

2008-06-03T07:14:00.001-07:00

This summer, my rommate and I (without verbalizing it), basically decided to put ourselves through bootcamp. Even as I type these words my leg muscles pound with the dull ache of being over-exerted and over-worked. And I love it! Monday and Wednesday mornings at 6 am we have a "date" with Wes, our teacher who pushes us physically to the limits each week. We are seeing and feeling the results. The other days I run or do step class (or sleep in!) But it's so much easier when the alarm goes off to get up knowing she'll be there too - great accountability.

The obvious metaphor of course is my walk with Christ - there are times when I am full of boundless energy and ready and willing to run the race, and He pushes me to the limits and calls me to a deeper, more meaningful walk with him. There are times when we have to rely on each other, the body of Christ to encourage and speak life and truth to one another.

Last night I went with some friends to visit another friend who has recently experienced great tragedy in her life - shocking and horrendous, the kind of thing that would make some people ask, "Where is God in all of this?" Through all the hurt and confusion I saw the body of Christ at work - at her house there were at least 50 friends and family over: cooking food, swimming in the pool, loving on one another and simply providing a listening ear when necessary. God was right there in their home - in the middle of it all His spirit was there comforting and working on hearts to draw them closer to himself.

Radiance

2008-05-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Psalm 34:5 has been my favorite verse for a long time:

"Those who look to him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame."

I've seen the Lord's face this week, and He is beautiful.

Re:

2008-05-28T12:05:00.001-07:00

A close friend today asked me how I'm doing. Not one to just say 'fine' or pass up an opportunity to talk about the Lord in my life - below was my response. I am wondering if this is too personal, but, well, it's my blog anyway! So here goes! :)

I smiled when I saw your name in my inbox.

I am doing better today. :) My heart was not broken. It’s just bruised and hurting.

I really really truly trust this was for the best. I mean it!

So…the thought of talking to ppl, the thought of explaining a story I don’t really understand anyway, that wears me out.

But … I am being held by Jesus and I really feel his presence in my life and people’s prayers over me.

I can’t worry about the future, and what God may or may not do. I trust him right now, in this moment.

Suffering Well

2008-05-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

At church, Matt often talks about suffering well. Everyone faces hardships, that is certain, but as Christians, we have the ability or the opportunity to not just face it and endure, but to find joy in hardship and bring God glory. Whoa!!

That is what I'm after - suffering well. Trusting God. Not reaching or grasping or struggling through choppy waves for happiness, but resting in his deep well of joy. I don't know if this is biblical or not so maybe one of you seminary kids can check this, but I don't think anywhere in scripture am I promised happiness. I am for sure not promised an easy life. But ... I can rest in this promise: joy is one of the fruits of the spirit. JOY! Deep joy that is found in knowing and believing in my savior, who works everything together for his glory, and our joy in him.

My heart hurts, but is not broken. Every day his mercy is new, and fresh in my life. Sometimes it's moment by moment. But ... I trust him.

This to me is the epitome of suffering well: Last weekend I met an elderly woman at a snow cone stand who was buying one for her daughter. My friend asked if she was having a good day, to which she honestly replied, "No, not really." I went over and talked to her, and found out her daughter is in hospice with a baseball-size tumor in her brain. She asked her mother to bring her a snow cone, as one of her last requests before she died. Oh man, was I tearing up! I have thought of that woman and her daughter many times since, and have prayed for Becky many times. The old woman had lived many years and I'm sure has seen many other trials, and yet she kept walking.

Daughther with a tumor? Cancer at 23? Now that's suffering. The season I'm going through - only temporary. I will still laugh and enjoy my friends and work at my job and rejoice in the Lord both now and in days to come.

I will keep walking, all the while praising the one who gave me life and breath, a mind to think, and a heart to feel sorrow and joy.

Be Blessed Today...

2008-05-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

Read the latest entry on April's blog! I could try and re-tell her story, but it's so much better coming straight from the source:

http://wondrousfreedom.blogspot.com/

Spring Cleaning

2008-05-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

Last night I got the urge to do a major overhaul on my closet and bathroom organization. Basically, there was no organization to speak of. You wouldn't necessarily know it, but I am secretly a slob. It was starting to drive me crazy! Really, I saw my friend Jacy's super organized apartment and I wanted mine to be just like hers. Ha!

So I went to Target (who doesn't love Target!) and laid a chunk of money down for some great organizers and stuff. You know, the little plastic things with the drawers and whatnot. Anyway, from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am I worked (I took a break to watch The Office) and got all my crap organized. And I threw out a bunch of stuff as well.

Then my awesome roommate came in and commented on the amount of clothes in my closet. Sooo...she went through everything with me and was really candid "Those stripes look like Abercrombie and Fitch," and "Just because you work at BGCT doesn't mean you have to dress like it." I got the message, and before long I would just throw stuff into the pile without even making a case for why I should keep it. It was hilarious! I never throw anything away, and have kept some of the same stuff since high school. So, this was long overdue. THANKS AMY I NEEDED YOUR HELP!!

This is all part of the "Clean Slate in 08" campaign.

Fireflies

2008-05-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

"In a jar fireflies only last for one night" -Rhett Miller

Yesterday I had the privilege of spending a beautiful, lazy day in Waco. Chris and I went on a walk in a neighborhood that, back in the 40's, was full of wealth with large, sprawling homes. Now they are a bit more run down, weeds growing like crazy and wooden porches and staircases leaning crooked. But, it is obvious that at one time these were nice homes. Rosebushes are still blooming in artist's brush strokes of yellow and pink.

Then we saw fireflies! Reminiscent of hot summer days in Oklahoma when I was little. Going out to my grandpa's vegetable garden, that kind of thing. So anyway, back to the fireflies.

They just amaze me.

Created by the Father, for a specific purpose. To glow. They are ugly to look at normally, but when they are lit up they're fulfilling the Father's purpose for them. To shine!

All creation groans for the return of Christ (Romans 8:22) and until then, we will toil to fulfill our God-given purpose here on earth, and be sanctified daily into the image of Him. What a cool reminder, all from some crazy bugs.

Dang Allergies

2008-04-27T15:46:00.001-07:00

Crazy weather changes + downtown Dallas smog + sneezing like crazy + one ply toilet paper (I accidentally bought the cheap stuff, and I'm out of Kleenex) = one sniffly mess.

Overheard...

2008-04-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

From: Stephanie Orr
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008
To: April Heflich
Subject: RE: FLIGHT FROM PARIS TO BARCELONA

Do you think maybe she thinks we’re ya know … lovers?

(Me referring to our travel agent.)

April's Response:

Hahahahahahaha!!!! Why? Because we keep getting tiny beds to stay in? and we are honeymooning around Europe for 16 days? Ok—you are my lover – so what?!

Haha! That’s funny. We are stinkin’ awesome! I love that we are both bold enough to do this and ENJOY LIFE!  PS – we need to get pepper spray.

The Great Physician

2008-04-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

Just an update:

There is no more signs of cancer in April's body! After her next surgery on May 1, they anticipate No more cancer! I found out yesterday, then went on about my business. About an hour later, I stopped ... and just realized what that truly means! GOD HEALED HER! Some might say she never had more cancer in her body to begin with, but that's not even the point. In fact, if someone says that to me I might just punch them. God heard the prayers of many, and answered us.

He truly is the Great Physician.

Other proof to me that above statement is true :
1. A co-worker who has battled with cancer in the past had to go back for more tests to make sure she's still okay. She was worried there for awhile ... and she doesn't have cancer!

2. Yesterday God called home Del Steel, one of the elders at my church, (basically one of the only old guys at the Village.) He was a man who was loved and respected by all, who TRULY exemplified what it means to lay down your life for others. He too battled with cancer, and now he is in a place he would MUCH rather be ... no more hurt or suffering. A place where the face of the Father welcomes him home, into an eternal relationship with him. There are days when I long for this! I truly believe even in this scenario that God was Del's caretaker ... and bringing him home was in God's plan the whole time.

I went to sleep hearing the most amazing thunderstorm, and I can't help but wake up praising the Lord for His awesome power, evidenced in SO many ways.

If you are an Admin Assistant ...

2008-04-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

... here's to you. Happy Day! (Click on the link and choose the very first one, it says Admin testimonial. Turn the volume up!!)

http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category4%7C10001%7C10051%7C-102206%7C147551;-102001;11441;-102206%7Cecards%7CAdministrative%20Professionals%20Day%204_23

PRAY

2008-04-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Pray for April Heflich today.

She's having an MRI done, which will show wether or not she has a rare form of cancer, known as Myxoid Liposarcoma.

If you've been praying for April at all, I would ask you to send her a note or card of encouragement. It takes just a second, and who doesn't like mail? :)) Even if you don't know her personally ... your words and prayers are so powerful. Please send her mail at 8291 Southwestern Blvd. #2105, Dallas, TX 75206

Visit her blog at
www.wondrousfreedom.blogspot.com

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Thursday Thursday Thursday...

2008-04-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're the jack of all trades but master of none?

I do.

I have a bunch of random interests, but nothing I "excel" at.

Dad-gum PR degree is so vague. Am I "doomed" to work in an office my whole life? I hope not. On top of that, my spiritual gift is administration. Come on Lord, why couldn't I be gifted with mercy or speaking in tongues or something crazy like that.

That's all I have to say.

Of course, the Lord knows EXACTLY what He's doing. I however have yet to figure it all out.

I'm okay with that. And The Office is a new episode tonight.

The Week in Pictures

2008-04-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

It's either this or that ...

2008-04-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

So I pick this.

I'm bloggin at work because I don't want to be doing anything else on my "To-Do List." But I'm in the middle of typing out years of notes my boss Bob Feather has made about life, Christianity, fundraising, wedding ceremonies as well as funerals. At 79, he's lived an incredible life and has the funniest stories to tell.

Thinkin on things I like these days:
-Sleepin through a big storm. I was totally passed out last night and missed all the thunder and rain, it's such a peaceful feeling to be warm in bed during a big storm. Reminds me of West Texas.
-My boyfriend. Yeah, that's right. I said it!! You may be going, "Whaaat? When did this happen?" Yeah, it's still relatively new news. But I've known this kid for 5 years and can safely say he's wonderful. :)
-April Heflich. Basically my mind twin. We are the same in a lot of ways and different in so many as well that our friendship perfectly complements one another. This girl has much more strength than I think any of us realize.
(oops I just choked on my water. Ok.)
-Cafe Brazil. (Even though my car was the victim of a hit-and-run there one innocent Sunday morning), they have great breakfasts.
-Running. I've been tossing around the idea of doing some longer races this year, and I am officially joining a running club to train for the half marathon this fall.
-DBU home group. These girls have been a joy in my life and so full of love and boundless energy! They truly desire the Lord and I have seen so many of them give Christ all glory in the most challenging parts of their life as they pursue him more deeply. I am sad but excited to turn this group over to one of the girls and I'm going to start coaching other leaders at the Village, a transition and job change that I'm excited about.

Consider this list as me counting my blessings.

Clean Slate in '08

2008-04-09T12:59:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

My motto has been "Clean Slate in '08." I've had other friends and even co-workers adopt this same philosophy. God has been so good to me this year. Since the year is 33% finished, I thought I'd check in on progess. Here are some pics that highlight the year.

Love, Me

P.S. I have a feeling the best is yet to come!

Be My Everything

2008-03-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

I found out two days ago my best friend has cancer. Not something I was really expecting at 3:45 on a Tuesday. But really, when do you expect to get that kind of news?

I want to be the kind of person who can praise God in good or bad, sickness or health. Really, I do. But I haven't been in a life-threatening situation or had an illness that would cause me to question God's sovereignty in a life-altering way. It's so easy on my end of things to say, "just trust God." Is it really that simple? Can you just trust God when fear sets in and peace is nowhere to be found or grasped? Is His peace something tangible for us to cling to?

I'm gonna have to stick with "YES." If I can't believe what the Bible says, what can I believe?

2 Cor 12:9 And He said to me, ""My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Lamentations 3:21-23 "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

This morning I was listening to a worship song we sing a lot at the Village. It really hit home this morning:

GOD IN MY LIVING

THERE IN MY BREATHING

GOD IN MY WAKING

GOD IN MY SLEEPING

GOD IN MY RESTING

THERE IN MY WORKING

GOD IN MY THINKING

GOD IN MY SPEAKING

BE MY EVERYTHING

GOD IN MY HOPING

THERE IN MY DREAMING

GOD IN MY WATCHING

GOD IN MY WAITING
GOD IN MY LAUGHING

THERE IN MY WEEPING

GOD IN MY HURTING

GOD IN MY HEALING

CHRIST IN ME

THE HOPE OF GLORY

YOU ARE EVERYTHING

BE MY EVERYTHING

~Pray for healing for April Heflich~

Metaphorically Speaking…

2008-03-24T14:47:00.001-07:00

Today April and I took the plunge and bought our plane tickets to Europe. Non-refundable tickets. Expensive ones. We are committed to this now. No turning back, and there are plenty of reasons to be scared. One thousand, eight hundred nineteen-and-a-half reasons, to be exact. (Thank you Uncle Sam for a nice tax refund this year.) What if something goes wrong? What if we commit to this thing and something falls through in a month or two? What if we have a huge terrible fight and we regret ever doing this? (Granted, that won’t happen. That’s why this is a metaphor.)

But April is a dear friend and I trust her. Most importantly, I trust the Lord. Why would we never take a risk when the rewards could be so great?

God is good. =)

Hmmm

2008-03-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

There have been moments in my life when I've taken a step back and asked myself, "Who AM I?" This usually occurs when I find myself in unusual or bizarre circumstances.

Packing up for college, graduating then getting a "real job," taking the GRE test, (afterward I nearly fell out of my chair and passed out. I admit, I thought it was hard.) All of these events made me feel like a little kid in a grown up's body.

I found myself in that place again this weekend. Alone in a Houston hotel. Sent as a freelance journalist to cover an event at a local university. Suddenly, I become a gatekeeper of news and information. (That sounds much more important than it actually is.) Am I qualified to make these decisions? Really? Me?

If you asked me at age 11 what my identity was, it was a ballerina/Girl Scout/ homeschooler. What's your answer? Maybe you were raising bunnies in 4-H, or maybe you were in the glee club, or on the chess team. Last weekend, it was a weird experience to be introduced to strangers "so-in-so's ex-girlfriend." Not a way most people like to be introduced. It's weird to still be remembered by others as something that is not part of my identity anymore.

So what IS my identity?

The Lord flooded my mind Friday night with many promises from His word. You are mine. Your identity is hidden in MY identity. I formed and fashioned you long ago, and breathed life into you. You belong to me. When the Father looks down on his children, he doesn't see our mistakes, or successes, our best efforts, he sees the blood of his son Jesus Christ covering us. I am a child of the most High God.

For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Ps. 139:13-16

So yes. I am a redhead. A daughter, sister and friend. Administrative assistant-turned PR consultant-turned freelance writer. Sinful, prideful and selfish. But through the grace bestowed upon me at the cross, now a daughter of the King. Fully loved, acceptable and pleasing to the Father.

I've Been Tagged ...

2008-03-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

OK, here are my answers to the tag:
10 years ago:
I was 14, in 8th grade and lived for Wednesdays and Sundays at church, with my girlfriends. We were an incredibly dramatic bunch. We all crushed on the same boys. (I will name names here: Matt Norris, John Mason, Jeremy Tartar.) I spent ALL my waking hours in the ballet studio. I liked to read a lot. My favorite show was Saved By the Bell. What else? Those are the most important things I think...

On my to-do list for today:
-The Fount (The Village's monthly college ministry event) -Buy a tape recorder for a conference I'm covering this weekend. -Reserve a hotel in Houston. -Call insurance because my car was the victim of a hit and run this weekend. -Get a pedicure -Spend quality time on the treadmill.

What I would do if I suddenly became a billionaire:
1. Start a foundation where all my investments would be given to charity. Probably to fight childhood obesity. This is my number one "cause." This gets me excited just thinking about it.
2. Give 10% to The Village Church. (In reality, Christ is my true #1 cause. Fighting obesity is second.)
3. Give 10% to some kind of arts endownment for urban Dallas children. Music, dance, the visual arts, you name it.
4. Buy a sweet house in Maui, and Southern California. They are green energy houses.
5. Learn how to surf and buy the BEST equipment.
6. Buy cars for me and my family - all hybrids of course.
7. I have no idea, give more to my church I think.
8. Get a new wardrobe.

3 Bad Habits:
1. I am starting to procrastinate, this is a new one.
2. I dont' make my bed.
3. I'm a facebook stalker.

5 jobs I've had:

1. Worked for the Byron Nelson golf tournament.

2. Intern for Texas Tech Athletics - I was published in Red Raider Sports Magazine, and on the Web.

3. Worked for the United Spirit Arena - helped at concerts like Motley Crue and other interesting shows...

4. Director of Communications for Dallas Arts District Alliance (this one ruined my life)

5. I was offered a position at the US Olympics Office in Colorado, but I turned it down.

6. I was also offered a position at a concert venuee booking and running events, I turned that one down too.

5 things people don't know about me:

1. I am split down the middle btwn bossy/shy, leader/follower, quiet/loud.

2. I was bit by a german shepherd, and have been scared of big dogs ever since.

3. I love mellow music - it speaks to my soul. I can't stand rap.

4. DEATHLY afraid of heights.

5. I never believed in Santa Claus.

I'm tagging .... April, Rachel Rhea, Steph Stanford.

Summer Vacay!

2008-02-28T14:43:00.000-08:00

Paris

Spain

Brussels

My friend April and I are going on a trip this summer to Europe! My lil bro will be in Barcelona for school, so we are going to do our own little jaunt before hooking up with my parents in Espana for a family trip. We are looking into Paris, Brussels, and Spain. :)

Needless to say, I am excited!

I can get lost in the daydreaming. Ok - back to work.

http://www.visitbelgium.com/index.html

http://www.bcn.es/english/ihome.htm

http://www.paris.org/

p.s. Keep on praying for April - for a benign tumor report - and shrinkage. Pray for miraculous healing.

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." ~Jane Austen

2008-02-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Tonight is a rare gem: sitting at home on my couch watching one of my favorite book-turned-movies: The Count of Monte Cristo. Sipping on white wine and eating pasta I actually cooked at home, and enjoying my little corner of this crazy city. I have two windows in the corner of my living room, and can see bits and pieces of downtown, and mostly headlights of cars zooming down 75. Places to go, people to see. I love my quiet little corner of the madness. It's this little bubble of joy and happiness - which I believe represents where the Lord has me right now. There are situations in my life right now where the Lord is quietly whispering to me, "Sit. Relax. Wait. Put your feet up and get comfy, you won't be here for long, but it'll be awhile. Trust me till then." I am not a patient person by nature, but thankfully (to my surprise!) the Lord is giving me joy in the waiting.

Last weekend I went on a photosafari in Deep Ellum with my friend Elise. We bought these cool fisheye cameras and experiemented. Here are a few favorites:

Wedding Bells!

2008-02-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

Last night I went with April and Mary to a wedding ... well, actually dinner theater, but you are a guest at a crazy Italian wedding, complete with dancing, music and an Italian buffet. Mary's friend Toph hooked us up with free tickets ... and it was a blast!! The actors NEVER broke character, and it was the craziest wedding I've ever been to! It was like you're in the middle of this Italian mob/mafia wedding.

This is Toph who gave us the tickets:

Haha, gettin my groove on:

Me and Mary on the dance floor:

Me, the father of the groom (he must have left his stripper date somewhere else) and a girl I don't know:

Me and the brother of the groom:

The entire wedding party:

Tina walking down the aisle with her brother Joey:

Hi. My name is...

2008-02-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

Stephanie.

I had a sweet time with the Lord Sunday night and woke up Monday feeling his peace flooding my life - I love it when scripture actually plays itself out in my life. I love how he says his mercies are new ever morning, and they really are!!! When Moses came off the mountain after encountering God, it says his face was radiant. People around him literally noticed the difference. In Psalms it says, "Those who look to Him are radiant..." That's how I feel - I experienced the Lord, and feel His radiance shining through me in my life, literally his joy is written all over my face. I pray that people around me can take part in this ceaseless joy.

Also, I want to give a shout out to my wonderful roommate Amy B. That girl just lights up my life and makes living in downtown a joy. She calms me down just by her laughter and her joyful spirit. And she makes a mean enchilada.
5 feet 1 inch of pure dynamite.

Here's us:

Love!

2008-02-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

I am so overwhelmed today with thoughts on how much the Father loves me! He loves us unconditionally. I have nothing but joy and gratitude in my heart this morning.

Lamentations 3:21-24
There's one thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great is your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God. I say it over and over. He's all I got left.

"Peaceful" doesn't equal "Boring"

2008-02-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

I have refrained from blogging for awhile simply because I didn't want to write just for the sake of writing - I want it to be worth your time to read!

A friend asked me the other day a simple question, "How are you?" I fumbled around for an answer and ended up responding life is "happy/busy/fast-paced/boring/slow" all at the same time. How in the HECK can that be?! Well ...

... the Lord is teaching me the true meaning of peace and patience. By (you guessed it!) allowing me time to struggle through experiencing times of patience. There are no shortcuts on this one! Yet He is washing me with peace like never before. The kind of peace that surpasses my understanding! The kind of peace in my soul and "be still-ness" that is almost eerie, and my mind is warring against it. I struggle with this calmness because sometimes I feel like where I'm at in life I shouldn't be feeling content, I should be striving and reaching and trying to figure out what the next stage of life holds. I have used to equate peaceful with boring, but that's so not true! The Lord is truly satisfying my soul these days.

True obedience leads to true freedom. This is a stark contrast to what our culture believes. But then again, Jesus was counter-cultural in his day. The Pharisees were looking for a warrior king to save them - the law-abiding religious sect who lived in captivity - who spent hours pouring over the Torah only to talk with the Lord and use these scriptures in attempt to trap Him. They didn't expect, nor did they appreciate, Jesus coming to save the demon-posessed man or the town prosty. ...now I'm rambling...

I honestly don't know what the theme of this time right now will be - except I am straining towards what lies ahead and throwing off all hindrances that have been holding me back. I think he's teaching me to trust him more, and letting me experience His peace and patience, a la Galatians 5.

Enough for now. More thoughts later.
I am craving peanut butter. And my leg is falling asleep.
Here's a few pics of last weekend!

Mellow Times

2008-01-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

First I would like to thank President Bush for my tax rebate coming later this spring - I took it as an invitation to purchase a new ipod. I'd like to call her Coby, after the super nice Apple employee who helped me Saturday. This is already helping kick up my workouts a notch, which is probably why I'm so SORE right now! Having mono kept me from working out for two months, so now it's like climbing a mountain back up to the peak! But the ipod helps keep me going longer!

On that note, I am the most non-techno savvy person around. I basically just don't care. But this is cool - we got wireless internet at our apartment and cable tv WITH DVR - this is a big deal for those of you who know me. Typically, I am the last to get hit with the technology train. But now I'm doing my best to hop on.

I am packing to go to Atlanta for a few days, partially for work and partially for fun mini-vacay with my little brother.

I've been thinking lately that the Lord is doing something big in my life and I'm just waiting around to see what He's gonna hit me with next. Almost like waiting for the sky to drop again in a semi-negative way. But in reality ... I know He's allowing me to enjoy a mellow life for a little while. Just having fun with friends and life and work, and truly being content where He's put me for now. God really is so good. Regardless of the difficulty or ease of circumstances. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever.

My heart is so calm and I have to praise the Lord for that. It's a wonderful feeling. :)

A few new things:

2008-01-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

Self-disclosure really isn't my thing right now - a lot is going on in my heart and mind and I feel like I'm still sorting these things out. I want to fully understand what the Lord's showing me right now. Maybe it's something big, or maybe I am just so exhausted of thinking at all that my mind is getting a break for awhile. Either way, here's some new things going on with me right now, in list format:

1. I went with some friends to get a tattoo last weekend, then chickened out.
2. I am meeting the Texas Rangers' baseball team tonight
3. I am sore right now from Pilates class
4. In a few months, I wanna trade in Millie (my Honda CRV) to get a Hybrid Prius
5. I am really enjoying listening to A Fine Frenzy
6. Common Grounds in Waco has the BEST coffee I've had in awhile
7. It's been awhile since I've been two-stepping and even longer since I've been spun well on the dance floor.
8. ... my coworker just made popcorn and it's wafting this way ... smells delicious ... mmm

Unquestionable

2008-01-17T14:37:00.001-08:00

Pastel blue eyeshadow is never okay.

"Grace, you either have it or you don't" -Seinfeld

2008-01-15T14:11:00.001-08:00

Last year, everytime I saw my life going in one direction, it changed abruptly. Looking back, I know the Lord not only brought me through those hard times, but strengthened my faith, and showed me a few beautiful moments in between.

I have always wanted to live a life that's deeply felt, closely examined, and lived in the ultimate fullness of joy. But I have learned that situations, people, jobs, relationships, money, possessions are not what bring about joy, or rich abundant life. Joy comes from trusting the Lord with EVERYTHING I have.

This has helped me let go of a lot of things lately. I feel so much safer knowing I can't control my life in order to bring about happiness. Trusting in the Lord fully is helping me quit controlling circumstances in my life. Oh sure, I could probably do more to "tweak" certain things to turn out the way I think I want. But I trust the Lord will take care of me when I open my hands on the death grip on my life that I used to control situations with.

Does this make me passive? No! I am actively submitting my will and desires to a God who loves me more than I comprehend. He made the heavens and the stars and everything underneath it, and I know he will take care of me.

And the COOL thing is: I have been so much happier these days. I am learning God shows himself through GOOD times, not just stressful circumstances. He does things for us simply because He is good. That is almost mind-blowing to comprehend. I don't fully understand it nor do I deserve it, but then again that's the definition of grace.

You will make known to me the path of life, in your presence is fullness of joy, in your right hand are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11

*Thanks to JH for the Seinfeld quote

Combos

2008-01-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

There are many great combos of the world:
Pizza and diet cherry coke, a personal favorite
Superman and Lois Lane
A mullet, fanny pack and high rise denim jeans (a few of you know exactly what I mean)
Fajitas and Margaritas
The beach and sunsets
The 3 for 3 deal at Taco Villa (Dallas is missing out on this one)
There are many others!

Now here’s a BAD combo:
Bored, restless and hungry.

That is where I find myself today.

I want to travel to Barcelona this summer to visit my little brother. I want to go to Africa and hold orphan babies. I want a more challenging job. Right now I want …. FOOD. Grr.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled…” John 14:27

Peace and patience, a combo I need to work on.

Sometimes I feel like this at work ....

2008-01-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

....at least my office supplies aren't in jello!

Contentment

2008-01-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

In Proverbs:
"Two things i ask of you; deny them not to me before i die: remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest i be full and deny you and say, "who is the Lord?" or lest i be poor and steal and profane the name of my God."

Neither poverty nor riches.

Sometimes I think the downfall in America is that we're too well-fed, too warm at night and too "secure" to really reach, grasp, struggle for and desire a real relationship with Jesus Christ. I didn't come up with this on my own, I stole the idea from Jon Randles, who spoke at my work today during chapel. But regardless ... I believe it.

We're too secure and comfortable to really have to pray big. To have any expectations of the Lord, or have any real needs to be met by him. We don't NEED him desperately because we're so secure.

I don't want to fall in that gap, and worship a shadow of living God instead of falling on my face before his true image.

Yes, a big flat screen tv and a real Dolce purse would be nice, but I'll take my regular tv and fake NYC bootleg Dolce instead.

No silver platters.

You may think I'm crazy.

Smoke in Mirrors

2008-01-02T21:37:00.000-08:00

Some thoughts on 08 ...

I'm not making resolutions this year. That is a very "American dream, go-get em" mindset. And the truth of the matter is that no matter how much we "resolve" to be better people, the only way we can live more satifying lives is by daily throwing ourselves on the mercy found at the foot of the cross. (And besides, just look at how many people quit going to the gym by mid-February.)

Lately it has given me so much joy to take life one day at a time. His word promises that his grace is sufficient for today.

And why worry about tomorrow? Because tomorrow will take care of itself. If the lilies of the field are clothed in all their splendor, how much more will the Lord take care of us?!!

BUT - I have learned that doesn't mean life is easy. Sometimes his grace simply allows me to endure hard times. (Prime example: 2007) But through it all God has been oh, so abundantly GOOD...

...another thing on my mind is the question: am I worshipping the THINGS of God, or do I seek his face and his nature solely? I don't want to be a person who blows smoke in mirrors, or worships the Lord's shadow instead of his beautiful, true image.

"Those who look to him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame." Psalm 34:5

So ... no resolutions. But I am getting a tattoo. So that's my big change for 08.

And my motto is: "Clean Slate in 08, baby!"

Mele Kalikimaka....

2007-12-26T21:08:00.000-08:00

...means Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. These are a few of my favorites of all the boys in my family - Randy, Michael and Duke! Much love.

Divine Romance

2007-12-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

I went to a wedding tonight back home in Midland. Simple, beautiful, and sweet. The couple has been together over five years now. I couldn't help but think of what's represented when her dad gives her away in a white dress. Purity, redemption, unending love, committment, the like.

(Stick with me, this has a point, and it's not about romance at all. Well, not in the way you're thinking.)

I thought of how God, through Jesus Christ, sees us as pure - radiantly beautiful - and we can stand before the throne (wedding altar if you will) with no guilt or shame. The love and unending passion on these two kids' faces was evident, and I thought HOW much MORE does Christ love us!

It was an a-ha moment, one where I realize, so that's what it means when it says he presents us as his bride. Drawn to him by the Holy Spirit, presented purely white through Christ's act of salvation on the cross - able to stand blameless and 100% fully loved in front of a merciful God who desires to spend eternity with us. Revealing his glory to us more and more as time passes.

It was all I could do not to start bawling. I never cry at movies or songs, but real life - that gets me every time.

Wash me in the water of your word
I lay me on the altar of your will
Present me blameless, without blemish, Holy Bride
Lord, purify your bride.
-Shane and Shane

Hope

2007-12-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

(I must say blogging is becoming quite addictive!)

Cheesy saxaphone Christmas music playing throughout the terminal. It's only noticeable when there's a pause in the din - people talking incessantly on cell phones, announcements made over the PA, and directions of how to find your appropriate gate. With these directions lie the promise of HOME: comfort of loved ones, or even more simply a Holiday Inn and a 8 am meeting in the conference center. There's a jovial sense of "We're all in this together."

This is where I find myself, tapping my foot to the music. Checking my phone every five minutes: "What time is it now? Did I miss something?" Once again - NO.

....God, through Jesus Christ, gave us salvation - something I didn't know I needed but at a young age knew there was a void in my soul only a sovereign Creator could fill. As I've matured, I've realized more and more, and grown daily in His sanctification. The process of the ugly becoming beautiful. Take heart! Christ has provided all this to us, something we are so desperately in need of, and he did it all as the INITIATOR. How much more, now, when He's holding me in the palm of His hand, will He continue to initiate. I am not promised happiness, that's a choice. But through the Holy Spirit I'm sealed with the guarantee of love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Mercy. Self-control. He initiated these fruits in my life - I have to only choose to walk in His promises.

So as I wait for resolution, I have no fear. I am keenly aware of my ability and my history of manipulating situations for the outcome I'd like to see. Now I defer hope in myself to utter and complete hope in Him. The initiator of my Salvation.

NATURALLY!

2007-12-16T20:43:00.001-08:00

A few words that describe me lately:

RELENTLESSLY - this is how the Lord pursues us (The Church) as his bride. I desire to pursue Him relentlessly as well - even to the extent of forsaking all else.

NATURALLY - my friend Lisa created an incredible painting that is now hanging in my bedroom. This painting is huge and beautiful, and is based loosely off the works of Spanish artist Antoni Gaudi. This painting was featured in an art show recently in downtown Dallas, and Lisa described it to others as "Naturally Stephanie." She said the bright colors and bold pattern are what she thinks of to describe me, naturally. This makes me smile! (Anyone who really knows me understands that bright colors TOTALLY define me ... as long as those colors somehow involve pink and green. :)

BROKEN - I do not need to go deep into this one. The Lord is stripping good things away from my life, in order to replace them with the BEST things. I am still in the middle of this ... and might be for awhile. But His hope is shining through. "...but we have these treasures in jars of clay to show the all-surpassing power of God ..." "i am pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed!"

EXHAUSTION - having mono sucks. There's no getting around it.

HUMBLED - My mom came to be with me while I was sick. :) And I have felt the outpouring love of my friends like craaazy lately ... that is so humbling. God is SO good to provide encouragement when I need it.

Top Ten Lists for 2007

2007-12-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

Best Stuff:
1. Training for a triathlon
2. Going to Atlanta
3. Getting a NEW JOB!
4. The Village Church
5. Meeting incredible new people that love me and stir my heart for Jesus
6. My homegroup girls - Tess' group and the DBU chicas
7. Learning to cook (ok it's slow going, but it's progress)
8. Living in Deep Ellum, Dallas TX
9. Going home over my lunch break for a nap
10. Saw some great concerts in 2007
11. REDEMPTION and RESTORATION in the Lord =)
12. Christmas Bonus - 30 people get fired, but we get a bonus, who knew?
13. Random situations resulting from being in the right place at the right time, and it could only have been orchestrated by the Lord. It's cool to know this year He's been so deeply in control and involved in my life.

Worst:
1. Bike Wreck - extremely painful
2. Quitting the WORST job ever
3. Starting over, TWICE, this year
4. Catching Mono
5. Learning some lessons the hard way
6. Stephanie Clark moving to Phoenix

Soundtrack to Stephanie's life, the 2007 album:
1. Jon McLaughlin
2. Phil Wickham
3. Paolo Nutini
4. Hendrick
5. Corrine Bailey Ray
6. Andy Davis
7. Me in the shower
8. Snow Patrol (I realize they're all over Kiss FM but I love them)
9. Something Corporate/Jack's Manneqeuin
10. King George

Favorite Scripture of 2007:
1. Psalm 34
2. Philippians 2
3. Galatians 5
4. Book of Ruth
5. Book of Isaiah

More lists will come as I think of them, back to "work" for now...

Cutthroat Christmas!

2007-12-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

(this is for you Elise)

In an office where Christmas sweaters are the rule, not the exception, I must tell you all about the Christmas potluck we had today with some of the women at work.

1. We all were supposed to bring a salad or dessert

2. There was congealed jello salad present. Enough said
3. There was plenty of what some would deem "bad use of denim"

4. I made a pasta salad (I will say here that I don't really LIKE pasta salad but it's growing on me. I think it's just because I made it. It included asparagus and lemon zest, which I call "mature food." I have never before cooked with green onions, asparagus, and lemon zest. Up until now it's been brownie mixes and the occasional fajitas. )

5a. We played a Christmas gift exchange known as "Cutthroat Christmas" where there are rules and you open gifts and trade, ya know, the like. The veteran ladies introduced a twist this year with the rules which were democratically VOTED UPON the day before at lunch, and let me tell you there was a lot of politicking going on beforehand. Me, the youngest and sweetest of the bunch swooped in, gave my opinion, and swayed the whole lot of them. And it was a very cutthroat gift exchange indeed.

5b. I got the one gift that was somewhat scandalous ... a Santa apron and santa chef hat ... complete with mistletoe ... but at the end of the day, I still have Mono. =(

6. Welcome to the Baptist General Convention of Texas. =)

Why I love Christmas....

2007-11-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

...let me count the ways.

Today one of the guys I work for brought me a poinsetta for my desk. It made me remember why I love the Christmas season, and that it's the little things that mean so much!

Here's a few other things I love at Christmas:

-Breakfast on Christmas morning, because it's basically like dessert
-Looking at Christmas lights
-Picking out the perfect present for a friend
-Manheim Steamroller Christmas music
-And it's not Christmas without listening to Mariah Carey and N*Sync
-White elephant exchanges
-Decorating the tree
-Hot chocolate
-The night sky and the GORGGEOUS stars back home
-Mistletoe *=)
-Everyone's in a good mood - even Scrooges
-It's a time to remember it's not about us! But about a little baby that came to save the world! That's the ultimate gift.

I know this video has already made it's way around the block, but I wanted to be among the first to bring it back for Christmas 07. The Christmas lights and music at this house are incredible. I haven't figured out yet how to post from YouTube, so click the link and check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmgf60CI_ks

Schrute Bucks

2007-11-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

Today I was working on a 40 page report to submit to accounting. A delivery guy came and dropped off a package. Literally, DROPPED IT OFF, knocked over my cup of water and got me soaked, including the receipts and report I had to turn in to accounting. So for that, I give him a Schrute Buck. According to Dwight, it's worth 1/1,000 of a cent, and 5 gazillion schrute bucks = 5 extra minutes at lunch. Well done my friend, well done. (Really though, he's a nice guy. It was just annoying.)

Be Thou My Vision

2007-11-25T19:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight at church was ... (I am trying to think of an adjective here to do it justice.) It was just so, so NEEDED. After a few weeks of carrying a heavy burden, I feel like it is being lifted from me. During worship I felt the Lord singing over me, reminding me, "Hey Steph, I got it. I've got this. I haven't changed. My nature is wholly and entirely GOOD. Circumstances change, but I do not."

In Exodus 3, Moses is confronted by a burning bush, and the Lord's tangible presence was before him. Moses asks a simple question, "When the Israelites ask me who sent me, what do I tell them?" Basically he was asking, who ARE you? God simply replied, "I am who I am." The Hebrew name is Yahweh, a name for the convenant the Lord makes with his people.

It's so easy to manipulate our circumstances or control situations so we get the outcome we are hoping for. Angst and anxiety ensue when things aren't going our way. What I am constantly learning is God's goodness regardless of circumstance. It's so freeing to open my hands on situations and let him take ownership. It's all his anyway. The lyrics of this old Irish hymn spoke to me tonight. Be blessed by their words:

BE THOU MY VISION
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me save that thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, thou my true word
I ever with thee, thou with me, Lord
Thou my great father, I thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
Thou my inheritance now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.

High King of Heaven, after victory won
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

Two Thumbs Way Up

2007-11-21T09:14:00.000-08:00

Last night I saw the movie Bella. I highly encourage everyone to go see it. It's a beautiful story of heartache, pain, redemption, and ultimately the beauty of life that God gives us. Definitely worth seeing with family or friends over the holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Birthday All Month Long

2007-11-20T14:18:00.000-08:00

On November 14 I hit the big 2-4, and had so much fun with friends, family and co-workers all week long. I am so blessed to have amazing people to celebrate life with.

And speaking of Celebrating ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8MON2FfmlQ

Check out the celebration video of Tech beating OU on YouTube! We knocked them out of the running for the championship, and there's a chance Tech will make it to the Alamo Bowl on December 29... which means one thing. ROAD TRIP! I have a few friends that are AMAZINGLY fun on road trips (yes you-Scrim and Itz) and CAN'T WAIT to go to San Antonio to see them and go to the game!

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

This is my first venture into the blogging realm. Hopefully I can make you smile or enlighten you with my incredible knowledge on many, many topics (ok maybe not.)The real reason why I am starting this is to share with you the love, joy and freedom I have found in Christ. "It is for freedom He set us free..." Galatians 5:1.

Along those lines, and because it's Halloween, here's a quote I read today:

"When I was an Atheist, I thought Christianity was a dying religion. That's nonsense; it's like an explosion going off all the time."

-Anne Rice, author of Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, who previously wrote best-selling stories about witches and vampires.