been updating the other blogsite...www.joyjanszen.blogspot.com

see you over there!

the journey to uganda

in route to Uganda...currently in ATL...tuesday it's amsterdam then kampala...

www.joyjanszen.blogspot.com

a few posts you might have missed...

August Updates

September Updates

To learn more on what I will be doing in Kampala, Uganda over the next few weeks, click here.

Thankful for you all!!

just a reminder that i moved blogs...all the happenings are over on www.joyjanszen.blogspot.com

NEW BLOG LINK

MEET ME OVER HERE...

http://www.joyjanszen.blogspot.com/

a sermon & a book

the reality of the truth can be hard to accept. in fact it can be humbling and overwhelming. over the past week i have understood a little more of the extreme call of following Christ. i just finished listening to a sermon on Luke 14. no new words. just a different perspective with a powerful message. david platt teaches on Jesus' words spoken to his disciples. it is convicting. not what david says but the truth of what Christ is saying to those who desire to follow him. i highly recommend you to take some time out of your day and listen to this 8 part series of living radically. i pray it moves you and challenges you to live differently. Click Here to listen.

here are some questions that david asks in part 1 taken straight from Luke 14.

-Do you choose comfort over the cross?

-Will we choose maintenance or a mission?

(status quo or radically abandonment to proclaim the gospel of Christ)

-Will we choose to have indecisiveness minds or an undivided heart?

(an indecision hampers us from obedience to Christ)

also, if you haven't read crazy love by francis chan, it too is one that will challenge the depth of who you are by asking hard questions taken from the very words of Christ.

my journey continues in facing the reality of these truths. i desire to find Christ in the cleft of the mountain. in taking Him at his word. following him. in trusting him because He is who He says He is. so many times we can just settle in reading the words of Christ. may the tides turn in how we read God's word. there is a weight and heaviness in every word throughout scripture.

if we were alive during the time of Christ how would we receive these very words if we were the ones standing with Jesus as He spoke them? what would our response be?

"When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him,

and he asked them,

'Do you believe that I am able to do this?'

'Yes, Lord,' they replied.

Then he touched their eyes and said,

'according to your faith let it be to you'

and their sight was restored".

i love this example of the blind men believing that Jesus is able to heal them. they had not seen any other miracles but chose to believe this man because of what they heard. it was simple for them to believe and trust. there was no hesitation but confidence in the one who was asking them. what a challenging statement..."do you believe that I am able?" i think we want to quickly say "yes, Lord". but do we really believe it can happen? do we really believe that God is able? the only obstacle in the way of us seeing God work miracles is our unbelief. we are hindering Him. He is able to do it. He just desires for His children to believe Him. may it be "according to our faith" when we see the hand of God working. knowing that by believing in what He is able to do will allow Him to prove Himself to us. He is yearing for us to believe Him. even when when we don't think it's possible.

"To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout...who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ. All honor to God, by His boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again." 1 Peter 1:1-3

i spent the last few days reading through 1 peter, luke, and psalms. each verse i read seemed more convicting, more comforting, and with more clarity. i am thankful for the time i was given to peel off another layer. to see the areas i am lacking in. and to find the one thing that is worthy.

i love realizing more promises from the word. i love that each promise was put there for us. sometimes it's hard to take what was written centuries ago and apply that same promise to our lives now. God's word is alive and active, right? if that is true, then what we read today that was written long ago, can certainly be seen in our lives. we have to let the word read us. we shouldn't try to make God's word fit into lives, but make our lives fit into His. His word is the standard. the base foundation of who we are.

in a way...well in a lot of ways, this verse is very applicable to me. peter was writting believers who were suffering. he could not be with them so all that he could do was encourage them through words. he identified them as "God's elect/chosen one's". what a privilege that our Lord chooses us to use. peter also makes it clear that all those that he is writing are "strangers in the world, scattered throughout". meaning this world is and was not their home. they were nomads. moving around from place to place. they were not in one location for an extended period of time. their home was not in this world. as God directed them, they would go. trusting. obeying. and willing for the sake of Christ.

sorry

i am not even sure if anyone reads my blog, but for the ones that do i'm sorry for being MIA. i am in another transition in my life so the past few weeks i have been all over the place. i have wanted to sit down and give an update, but i haven't gotten all my words together.

i'm being challenged a lot in the gospel and the truth of what God is saying. he has been so gracious to me in being patient with my lack of knowledge and understanding. i am so thankful for that. what a journey He is taking me on. i will give you a better update later.

but one thing I need to ask from you is prayer. pray over these next days, weeks, months, and year ahead.

wholly His,

joy

**by the way 2 months from today I will be headed to Kampala, Uganda! (more on that later, i promise!)

ps-if you do read my blog will you let me know. it may help me be more consistent in posting more frequently. :) also, blog link will be changing. i will let you know what the new link will be in an upcoming post.

time spent well

i was in reno, nevada for 6 days with my volleyball team playing in the junior national volleyball championship. even though it seems extremely long. it actually went by very quickly. we were busy playing in our tournament. riding go carts. eating at different places. and enjoying each other's company. this was my last tournament with these girls and i didn't want to miss out on an opportunity.

*The view from my room*

*Post go-carting*

i was able to have some great conversations with my girls. i love how the Lord provides moments to sit down at the end of the day and talk about life. something about that brings joy to my heart. it truly was my favorite moment of the weekend. coaching kids in volleyball is one thing, but coaching kids in life is another thing. much greater responsibility. much sweeter time. and much more refining in both lives.

as the days came to a close i knew it would be another ending to a chapter in my life. such a learning season. my team finished 67th out of 128 teams so not too bad. even though we didn't finish where we wanted. there so much more we took away from it. at the end of it all, i walked away without a drop left to give. i hope my time was spent well investing into others. that is what i want to feel every time i'm finished with something. completely exhausted. without anything left to give.

*Final day of competition*

6 months. 10 tournaments. 50+ practices. new friendships that blessed me in every way...PRICELESS!

who knows what the next chapter of my life will hold...i am looking forward to whatever it may be...

what stirs you?

that has been a question that i believe will continue to be answered throughout life. as i was looking back through sermon notes from the village church, i came across it once again...

What stirs your heart and mind up for Jesus Christ?

Paul addresses it in the book of Colossians, but there again the answer is different for each one of us. it's a question we must answer. we can't ignore the weight of it. do you have a genuine affection for Christ? are you wholly following the Lord?

what is it that turns your head? is it the things of this world? is it being successful? is it achieving a goal? or being awarded for what you have done? what is it that keeps you going? what is your purpose for waking up each day? what is it that keeps you pressing forward?

we have to filter through what we are and find who we are. its a process of being honest. transparent. real. and then when it's all stripped away and pulled back you see the very core of who you are. saved by grace alone. bought with the very blood of Jesus Christ. He alone is the core of who i am. why i live each day. he is the reason why my heart is stirred. why i have joy. love. laughter. hope. grace. and freedom. for He brings restoration to my soul.

as you believe. proclaim. and stand upon the truth of who you are in Christ. you must answer the next question...

how is your mind set on christ?

the mind is constantly battling the words of the world. it is a part of us that struggles the most. it is deceived easiest. and it is the place where satan attacks us consistently. you must define what truth is in your mind so that when false words or unbelief come you will be able to discern between them. guarding your mind is a daily battle. we must shield it from the smallest attacks. we must fill our minds with Christ and Him alone. we must KNOW our Maker in a deeper way. by seeing Him in all things. giving thanks for even the basics of life, such as being able to even read these very words and to have the mind to think upon such things. when we recognize Him then we are stirred. stirred to seek him out with greater pursuit. to genuinely know our almighty God. not withholding anything.

10 days

i took a road trip may 26 - june 4 to the Ozarks and I do have to say it was absolutely more than I could've asked for!!


Stop #1 : Conway, AR


i spent the first couple days with one of my best friends, Emily. we basically played the whole time i was there. we climbed pinnacle mtn in a huge thunderstorm, ventured to the top of the peabody hotel to get the last glimpses of a beautiful sunset, and then ate at flying fish. a unique fish cousine in downtown little rock. we stayed up talking until the late hours of the night. oh how i love those moments. i am so thankful for this friend. what a blessing it was to get time with her! (pictures coming soon...)


Stop #2 : Fayetteville, AR


from conway i headed to northwest arkansas to spend time with two other of my best friends, garrett and stephanie peters. we did so many different things which doesn't surprise me with these two...probably my most adventurous friends i have! i love it though because you just never know what you will be doing. :) steph and i found a mullberry tree at this park we walked at. if you haven't tried mullberries, you should! we cooked fajitas (one of my favorite meals), played phase 10, played settlers of catan, went to the farmer's market downtown, planted some fruits and veggies, hiked around natural falls, ate at a catfish house, played put put, went to church, and ate some more. it was soo much fun to see them and get extended time at their house! definitely wish i lived closer!

Stephanie & I on the hunt for some good produce.

We did it! Bags in hand full of good stuff!

Stop #3: Branson/Lampe, MO

sunday afternoon I headed to Branson, Missouri. it's a place that every kid wants to be during the summer months...at Kanakuk Kamps. i met up with one of my best friends, Bekah. all the staff from kamp were on a night off which was great because i got to see a lot more people than i was expecting. before heading back to Lampe (which is where K2 is) we stopped at the imfamous Andy's Frozen Custard. it was out of control with all the people there but so worth it.

Madi (past camper), Me, and Beks

from sunday until friday i was at kamp. i just love that place. i spent 5 summers working there and it never gets old...well kamp doesn't, but i do. :) now that i am 25, i have past campers who are now counselors. some of those are even on leadership. it's crazy how time flies and now my kids have their own kids. what joy it brings to my heart to see my campers investing into other students. to challenge them in their walk with the Lord. to share the ups and downs of life with them. and to point them to the cross. there is no greater privilege.

every conversation i had and time spent with my dearest friends and past campers was more than i could ask for. the fellowship i had during these 10 days was truly refreshing to my soul and spirit. each friend the Lord has graciously blessed me with have sharpened, refined and challenged to become more like Him.

Celebrating!!

I love celebrating life with my friends! Every end of a season is just as sweet as the beginning of a new one. Early Friday morning I drove down to Austin, Tx to be with one of my best friends, Sarah Escamilla as she closed out her time at Texas. Her and I met 3 years ago in Zambia. God knitted our friendship together and has continued to bless it over the years! She is truly an "iron" in my life. She has consistently encouraged me, sharpened me, and walked beside me through it all!

Sarah loves her water fountains!

Friday night after the celebratory dinner with her sweet family, we parted ways and I headed down to New Braunfels to stay with my sister Jamie. And as an additional surprise, my other sister, JJ and her whole family were staying the night as well. It is the unplanned visits that are actually the best! All of us stayed up till the wee hours of the night talking. It was so great! I am so blessed with this family! Saturday we spent the morning talking over coffee and then eventually headed northbound on 35 back home.

Sunday was another day to honor those ending a chapter in their life. My senior girls in my small group were honored during church. Most of them only have one more week of their high school career. It's crazy to think that was me 7 years ago. Crazy how time flies! I am so incredibly proud of these girls and all they have done to get to this point. The next four years are even better! Congratulations girls!

Miss Jordan Garner is headed off to Oklahoma Baptist.

Miss Madeline French is headed to my Alma Mater...

BAYLOR!!

Miss Sarah and Amanda Barnard (my cousins' cousins)

are both going to Aggie land...A&M

Bible Study Girls..well some of us!

a gift

(well...it's official I'm awful at posting. especially when the last blog anticipated another post soon after...sorry for those who read this regularly)

there is just one story to be shared that depicts a beautiful illustration of grace. it happened last saturday night when i attended a launching party for a new christian company (another blog to explain "Halle Joy"). anyways, we were learning more about our role, responsibilities, and the logistics of it all. somewhat overwhelming, but altogether exciting. many emotions were felt that evening that in the end i began to cry. expressing this emotion rarely comes when in public, but at times it's good to cry. being completely real even though many people are wondering why someone is so upset about an exciting event. :)

that night i had to make a commitment and either be in or out. i was going back and forth weighing out the pros and cons. i knew this opportunity would only come once, but wasn't certain on how i could pull it off and make it work when i don't have a clue how to do it. however, through the tear filled eyes i knew i needed to take the step. doing this would take courage, boldness, faith, trust, dependability, and obedience. i was on the fence between comfortable and uncomfortable. the problem with that is...the fence. trying to be on both sides. not fully on one or the other. i had to make a choice.

and in faith i stepped. believing some how, some way my Lord would provide. i was believing that He would equip me for this. i didn't have the attributes, character qualities, or giftings as others did thus i was feeling even more inadequate. i didn't know how i would pull this off or how to even begin. and in that moment i felt the Lord say.."you don't know how to do this, but I do. Don't you trust me? Don't you believe that I will make a way for you? All you have to do is believe me!" I had to trust Him more then my feelings. more then what i could see with my eyes. I had to believe. I had to obey. I had to step outside my comfort zone. depending on Him wholeheartedly with every breath. the story of Abraham came to mind when the Lord asked him to go to this land that I will show you, even though you don't know where to go (Heb. 11:8). I'm sure Abraham felt similar emotions, but then again He obeyed and went.

as the night came to an end, God came through for me. He came through in ways that I can't quite describe on a blog. he provided a way for all of this to be possible. he took care of the finances that i was so worried about. he gave me a gift (paid in full...debt free). that i did not deserve. it was by His grace alone that i am where i am today. He is paving the path. this new opportunity has been given FROM Him and it is truly FOR Him. i firmly believe that God does not call the equipped, but He equips the called.

just as the brandon heath song says.."Don't get comfortable. I am going to move this mountain and then I am going to move you through." that is just what the Lord did that night.


as i experienced this act of grace from a family friend...it hit me even heavier because i was reminded of the gift of grace through the cross of Jesus Christ. we don't deserve to be saved, but God so desired us to be. He gave His only son for us. as a gift. to atone for our sins. our life is paid in full. debt free. what a mighty God we have who watches over all of us. who takes care of our every need. and who loves us unconditionally. HE IS JEHOVAH-JIREH!

a little behind

i'm behind and i have no excuse. i am not quite sure how the day goes by so quickly and nothing on my "to-do" list gets crossed off. a little frustrating but there's always hope for tomorrow right? :)

A few fun events...May 1 was prom for my bible study girls so I got go see them at the church all dolled up. It was so fun! Quite eventful because of the limo not showing up, but it just adds to the memories when they look back. I went up to the church to see the girls all dressed up...

Acting out...I'm believing God.

Us

May has been filled with Volleyball as well. Its still full throttle with practices; which is so fun but my kids continue to prove that I am out of shape. Ha. I went home for Mother's Day and spent the whole weekend hanging out with mom. Last year I was in Zambia so I was making up for that by having an extended time at home. It was great to relax and be home!

This past Saturday was a day that God blew me away with His faithfulness, His provision, and His grace! I will explain more in the next post...

For the Glory of His Name,

Joy

remembering

my heart has been wrestling a lot with what to share. too many things that it has been difficult to place words down to even describe. i have been overwhelmed with God's goodness. past. present. and what is to come. when you recognize the very touch of God's hand. the guidance of His mighty staff. and the call of His voice. you then can say yes. YES! i am following the One who has gone before me. he has cut covenant with me. he has set before me the path to take. for he prepared this way for me to take long ago. it may look different to those around me. but this is the way i must go. i have to fulfill the assignment. the task given unto me.

i have been challenged lately to look back on my life. to find the stones of remembrance. to be reminded of my faithful God. whom i follow and serve. even to think upon significant moments of my life brings tears to my eyes. God has been so good. more than i deserve. His word is filled with promises. not just to be read and known. but to be proclaimed by His children. he has set us apart to be used by Him to further His kingdom.

one of my stones of remembrance is having the honor to visit the orphans and vulnerable children of Zambia, Africa. my time spent there is forever etched in my memory. i was not prepared for the impact it would have upon my life. God knew though. :) a little bit of life changing to say the least.

recalling the stories. the children. the people. the transformation. all of it stirs up such emotion in me. emotion that is full of joy from the Lord. just recently i have had 2 different family members (my 11 yr niece & cousin) interview me about my time in africa. they both are doing a project for school. i was honored to tell them stories once again. every story told. described. i relived. it felt as though i was just there yesterday. as i remembered. my heart got tender. tender because i saw the graciousness of God. His kindness. His love. His mercy. His redeeming power. i got to witness with my very own eyes. lives being radically transformed. what a privilege. All Glory is His!

i can see their faces now. full of love. full of joy. full of life. thank you Jesus for watching over them. thank you for making beauty out of the ashes.

to my zambian family...i will always carry you close to my heart. i am so thankful and grateful unto our God for allowing me to serve with you. thinking about you brings a smile to my face. love in my heart. and joy to my soul. you all have changed my life. thank you for letting God use you to make a difference in me. i praise the Lord for you all. i am humbled to tell the stories on this side of the world. may our living God be praised!

Happy April!

The month of April is a busy one for me this year...went to New Orleans for a volleyball tournament (previous post), celebrated my 25th birthday (crazy!) on April 9, had another volleyball tournament in Dallas, and now I'm heading off this afternoon for Minnesota for yet another tournament! It's been packed, but have loved every second of what I get to do! I really don't understand why the Lord has allowed me to do what I am doing...I am humbled every day for the people I get to walk through life with...even if they are in high school! :) Both Bible Study on Tuesday nights and time spent with my volleyball kids all are moments I cherish!

A few pictures from the past 2 weeks...

A red velvet cake for my bday

Jordan and Madeline took me out to eat

at Cheesecake Factory for my birthday dinner!
Love these girls!

Of course you have to have a solo picture with your cake...

Madeline, Me, and Kailey

Saturday night (April 10) I had another birthday dinner, but this time with some of my family! We ate at this place called Fresos in Burleson!! I think it's climbing the charts on a being a favorite!

I brought home a few things from New Orleans for my nieces

(one of yet to be delievered to Raylee who lives in New Braunfels)

We finished 3rd at the Dallas Lonestar Qualifier!
Being silly! I love these girls!

new places

Traveling has become a new occurrence for me, especially with coaching volleyball. The first weekend of April, during Easter, I was in New Orleans with my team. I loved seeing new places and being with my kids; however, I missed being home with my family. It is one of my favorite times of the year to spend with the family in celebrating our risen Lord. We did have our own little Easter egg hunt with my kids in New Orleans. (Pictures posted below)

Laura (head coach) and I

Riding the trolley to the French Quarter

In the middle of Jackson Square in the French Quarter

Walking around..I loved the old buildings!

We had an early Easter egg hunt for the girls!

Probably one of my favorite things to watch! :)

Easter Egg Pic..post hunting

Another look at the buildings in the French Quarter

One of my favorite pictures...

part of the old buildings and

then the new modern buildings in the background

Shadows

life is full of light and shadows.

a silhouette of one thing or another. the part that is not tangible with our own hands. but seen with our eyes. and felt when we stand in them. shadows are hidden pictures. bringing coolness. rest. refuge. a covered area not damaged by the sun. but kept aside. its a place where we can see more clearly. a beautiful collision of grace. for a shadow to fall, an object must cast it from the light. therefore, its between the radiance of light and the place it falls. to receive and experience the shadow. one must step into it. not be afraid. but realize it's there for a purpose.

the cross of christ is casting a shadow on us. he is the object. the person. the one who is standing in the gap between us and his father. who is the magnificent glorious light. in that shadow there is hope. our eyes are opened. to see the great love the father had and still has for us. our God views us through his son. not seeing our dark hearts or sin. but seeing one who is purified. cleansed. restored. redeemed. all through his son's death on the cross - burial - and powerful resurrection. what inexpressible joy we have in him who has saved us. the shadow of the cross is where i am found.

i recently came across a song sung by the david crowder band. it's titled shadows (reason for this post). what new meaning it brought forth.

Chorus:

when shadows/darkenss fall on us.

we will not fear. we will remember.

we will remember the cost.

we are resting in the shadow of the cross.

In sickness & in health

Last weekend I went home to help with Mom and Dad. As you all know, my precious Mom broke her arm and continues adjusting with only one good arm for the time being. Up to this point, she has been Dad's full-time caretaker in making sure he is up on his meds and food intake. With Mom not 100%, my siblings and I have been taking shifts at being home. Mom has enjoyed the company, plus also the extra help with meals and basic chores around that house.

Dad helping Mom get her ice

machine adjusted on her arm.

Mom didn't want me to take

this picture but I did anyways! :)

*Keep praying for both Mom and Dad as they both heal in specific ways...Mom : for her shoulder, the bone gragh to take, swelling to go down, and overall recovery....Dad : for him to eat more, allow time to rest, increase of his strength and energy level, and overall weight gain.

Winter Park, CO

Madeline and I

Kailey, Me, Jordan, & Madeline

(some of my small group girls)

Us again...

Down town Winter Park eating dinner

Lauren, Madeline, and Me

Simply Gorgeous!!

In fast forward

Again, it's been two weeks almost since my last post. I really can't believe how fast the days go by. Even though there is craziness in my life, I love every moment. Not one of them is a surprise from the Lord.

To catch you up on the past events:

March 5: I headed to Austin, Tx to watch my camper, Sally, play in the semi-finals at the 2A State Basketball tournament. I met up with 2 of my friends from Kanakuk, Tanya Beardsley and Bethann Boitmann. God graciously blessed my time down in Austin to visit and catch up on life! It refreshed me in so many ways to see them and Sally. I also made an extra stop on my way out of town to see one of my best friends, Sarah. Such a fun day!!

March 9: Started the Believing God Bible Study with 15 high schoolers! God has been so good in blessing our time together. We have met 2 times already and I am blown away at how God moves and enriches our fellowship! Each week as we move deeper into the study, pray that God would penetrate even more in every heart and draw us to a greater understanding of who God is!

March 12-17: I had a volleyball tournament down in Houston and then spent the beginning of this week in Colorado with part of the youth group from First Baptist Hurst. Some of my girls in my small group were on that trip and I was able to spend more time with them. We had a blast skiing in Winter Park and making fun memories! With going on trips like this, I believe God has called all of us to truly live life with others. To walk alongside one another, encouraging, sharpening, and pushing them closer to Jesus Christ.

**Unexpected turn of events: Saturday, March 13 my sweet Mom, Dad, and brother were riding horses on the ranch as usual. However, during a normal day, the horse my mom was riding was spooked and jolted quickly. Mom was thrown off, hitting the ground hard and landing on rocks. She landed on her RIGHT shoulder which we came to find out she had broken her humerus bone in multiple places. My Dad and brother rushed her to the hospital and she ended up having surgery the next day. The doctors had to put in 12 screws, a plate, and a bone graft. She is RIGHT handed so this will be a new adventure for her to begin learning to do things with her left hand as she is healing. She was released from the hospital Tuesday (March 16) and has been adjusting to the "new normal" with Dad trying to take care of her. Please be praying for the bone graft to take, quick healing, the next several months as she is recovering and in physical therapy. And also keep praying for Dad as well. Pray for him to continue to have strength and energy as he is enduring this with Mom.

I am heading home for the weekend to be with Mom and Dad! I'm praying that it will be refreshing for all of us!! We continue to look to the Lord and plead His blood. We are believing and trusting God's purposes are true and right. May He be glorified in all of this!!

time is flying

i can't believe it's been a week since i posted last. not many things have been happening, but just busy with everything else. last weekend my volleyball team had a tournament. we ended up finishing 2nd which is pretty good. we haven't finished that high in a tournament yet, so we were thrilled with our accomplishment.

one of my favorite things that happened last weekend was on saturday night. after i finished day one of my tournament, i got to hang out with a few senior girls in my small group. i had been talking to them about Baylor Sing so we busted out the dvd's i had. it was so fun to laugh, talk about memories, and watch all the different acts. theses girls are awesome and i feel so privileged that God has allowed me to cross paths with them. they are all going to be a part of the bible study we are lauching next tuesday! i'm so excited about that!!

the majority of this week has been filled with babysitting, volleyball practice, preparing for the upcoming bible study, a tournament this weekend, and going to austin, tx to watch yet again my camper, sally higgins, play in the state tournament. i don't normally do spontaneous and spur of the moment trips, but i figured this will be the last time to see her play in high school. it's going to be a crazy next 36 hours, but well worth every minute! she plays tomorrow morning at 10am!! :)

please be praying over the bible study many of the juniors and seniors from church have signed up to commit to. we are doing beth moore's believing God study. i did this study exactly 3 years ago this same time. pray that God would move heavily in the hearts of the girls. that we all would see, know, understand, and experience the love of Christ in a deeper way. also, pray that God would annoint my mouth with His words and that it would be Him speaking and not me. pray that i would continue to move myself out of the way so that Jesus can be clearly seen. we have 10 weeks ahead of us that will be one incredible journey.

for the glory of HIS name.
joy

Road Trip to West Texas

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

Sally and I

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

Here are a few pics: 

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

the wonder of it all

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

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

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

Record Snowfall in TX!!

Our Winter Wonderland...

I've been dreaming about this for so long!

Karen's House looked gorgeous!

My Baylor Snowman is proud of my Alma Mater!

Sic'em!

As the night went on, the snow kept falling! 

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

Beautiful Night...