Jubilee, a Rodeo, a Campfire, and a Wedding...

Though these ^ all may seem vastly different, they all happen to currently be on my mind.

[Men: This is how women think. Generally, I have at least 5 things on my mind at once, while I'm physically doing about 3-4 things AND talking about something else. It's just how my mind works. I feel bad for my future husband!]

1. Jubilee.
I just posted a status on my Jubilee facebook page that reads: "Under Construction: Taking a break to restrategize!" It's the truth. I love the IDEA of what I'm doing, but I know what I'm doing wrong and I guess it doesn't make much sense to continue until I fix it. For example, I should have created a system where I'm not expected to write some kind of awesomely inspiring devo every single day. Because what do you do when friends/family come to town? Or when I travel to a rodeo? (see number 2) Or when I have writer's block for 59874 hours? (Yeah, that's annoying.) I'll tell you what you don't do, you don't sit down and write for an hour or so. It just doesn't happen. My inconsistency on Jubilee (the fb page... and blog) is proof of that! Soo... I just need to come up with a better plan... and marketing strategy and narrow in on an audience and choose a more concrete/specific topic and be consistent and encourage reader participation. This may take some time.

2. A Rodeo.
I'll be going to one of these this weekend and I'm SUPER excited! Still not sure what I'm going to where - that's an important part of a rodeo, right? - but I'll figure it out tomorrow. I went to a couple big rodeos in Texas and had a BLAST. I think I'll fit right in. Except, I've never even ridden a horse. So maybe not. But it's still going to be great!

3. A Campfire.
I just HAD one of these with the lovely York family and it was great! I love campfires a lot and I love s'mores, too. It was a great night to be outside sitting by the fire with great friends.

4. A Wedding.
Well, actually TWO weddings!
Today I went up to McCall with Sarah - a soon to be bride (next Saturday!!!) - for an appt with her wedding hairstylist. We met with her mother-in-law before the appt and talked wedding business, which was a little over my head, but quite fascinating nontheless. I'm so excited to celebrate Rick and Sarah's marriage next weekend!
Also - I skyped with my dear friend and former roommate, Nicole, last night and got all caught up on her wedding plans. AND she asked me to be a bridesmaid. This is a big deal because I've never been a bridesmaid before! I feel so honored. Super excited to plan a trip to southern california in January - that will be a like a tropical vacation spot, leaving winter in the northwest!

Gratefulness

I haven't done a Thankful Thursday in AGES. It's about time I got back on that... we'll just call today Thankful Tuesday.

Today I'm thankful for...

> A week to house sit at the Miller's (alone time, reading, sleeping in the comfy bed, eating Kerinda's delicious lemon dessert... yeah, I love house sitting.)

> A weekend with friends at the Rodeo!

> A day trip to McCall with Sarah who is getting married next weekend! So fun to be a part of the process to help her prepare for the big day.

> Sunshine. When it was really cold and rainy many, many months ago, I hoped for this day and now it's here. I'm thankful for the sun!

> Life Group is tonight and I so appreciate this community that I get to be a part of.

> The awesome team that I work with in Extreme Life at the Pursuit.

> People who encourage me to pursue my dreams and step out in boldness.

> Good books... all kinds. Books to learn, grow, and be entertained.

> My mom who is coming to visit me SOON!

> People who listen to the voice of the Lord and OBEY.... because God uses them in MY life to remind me of His constant faithfulness. He does not provide part way. God doesn't just give me barely what I need. He comes through all the time all the way.

> The $15 desk I found at a garage sale. I love it and rearranged my room to fit it in. So great!

> The pool in our neighborhood. :)

Swimming at the Pool w/ Josiah!

A FUN Few Days W/ Friends!

I got to spend a few days with these two crazy-ladies. After a rough drive through eastern Oregon, they FINALLY made it to Boise!

I showed them around downtown/BSU, hiked Table Rock, sat by the pool, ate delicious thai food, went to Hyde park, got some frozen yogurt at Uswirl, went to my Saturday morning bible study and toured the Saturday market... all in 48 hours. Whew! It was busy, but SO fun! I'm glad they were able to come out for a visit!

Lindsay, Bri, Tay & Me after strolling through the market.

Part way through Linds and Tay's trip, my friend from Montana, Brianna, came down for a visit! It was fun to get to spend some time with her this weekend.

I love Bri and I love frozen yogurt... so it was a great night. :-)

Now, everything is mostly back to normal (whatever that means) and quit a bit calmer. I was reminded how introverted I am in the last few days and, though I SO enjoy spending time with people and building relationships, I definitely need some down time mixed in there somewhere. Today I slept in until 10:30!! As my mom would say, I must have needed the sleep! I bought some textbooks for the fall semester, skyping with Heather and Emily later on, and hopefully going to get a lot of much-needed writing done. I'm loving this low-key day. Only 4 weeks until classes start up - and every weekend is booked! This weekend - Rodeo, next weekend - Wedding, the weekend after that - Mom & Kyle visiting and Leadership Summit at The Pursuit.

Big News!

So it looks like I'll be moving out of my youth pastor's family's house in September! Wow! It's still a little crazy to think about and doesn't quite feel like reality. When I moved in - almost a year ago now! - my plan was to be out by Christmas. Obviously THAT didn't happen. :) It's okay, though. I have been so overwhelmed by the York's hospitality and support in the past 12 months. God has blessed me more than I imagined. He's good at that.

SO. My friend, Brianna, is planning on moving here in September and we are going to find an apartment/house to rent. Bri and I lived together for almost two years when we were both serving at Teen Mania in Texas. Even though I have lived away from "home" for 4 years now, it feels like I'm preparing to move out into the real world for the first time. A little bit scary, but a lotta bit exciting! This is a good "next step" in the whole "becoming independent" process.

I bought my first piece of furniture today! Our neighbors had a garage sale and I bought myself a nice little desk. I'm super excited! It's the only furniture I own - including a bed! (I figure, I have a sleeping bag... I'll survive for a couple months. haha!) I guess the next piece of furniture I should look for is a chair so I can actually SIT at my new desk! :)

Enjoying Summer...

I know that I've written about this before, but sometimes it's hard for me to know how to REST. I'd rather have a full schedule and a consistent routine. I like making lists and checking them off as I go. This summer has NOT been what I expected, but I know I needed to learn to relinquish control - yet again - and trust that what God has provided is simply enough. I feel like rather than fighting that, I'm starting to ENJOY this season. It will soon be over - classes start in four and a half weeks! I've been able to serve at church a LOT of hours (painting, decorating, prep work for kids' ministry), which I wouldn't have been able to do if I was taking classes or working more. I have devoted a LOT of time to writing, which I just love love love. I've spent a LOT of time with people, building relationships, which I also love. I know that once these four and a half weeks pass, I am going to get pretty crazy with nannying and taking 15 credits, so this random-in-between time is awesome. and probably beneficial for my health. :)

So many great things are happening before school starts! Tonight two friends are driving in for a couple days so I'm going to show them around Boise. Next weekend I'm going with some friends from church to a rodeo in Eastern OR. The next weekend I'm going to a wedding and the weekend after that my mom will be here for a visit. I am one blessed lady. I have totally seen God's faithfulness and provision this past week in a greater way than I ever have before. I am full of faith and so encouraged!

PS - If you live near a Tully's coffee shop you should try the Iced Madagascar Vanilla Latte - it's very tasty!

PPS - I learned how easy it is to make delicious pasta salad last week and I've already made it for a BBQ and a bridal shower. I love learning how to cook new things!

PPPS (Maybe I should have just made a list today?! ha!) - I just finished reading "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman and I recommend it to anyone and everyone! It was a very well written, convicting, humorous book. A must read. You can check it out on amazon here: Click Me! Now I'm reading "A Praying Life" by Paul Miller - ALSO a great book! A few others on my summer reading list are: Prodigal God, Forgotten God, If You Want to Walk on Water Than You Have to Step out of the Boat, Redeeming Love (AGAIN), and I'm going through The Silent Seduction of Self Talk w/ a group of girls from my life group on Saturday mornings.
What good books are you all reading right now? What else should I add to my list of books to read?

PPPPS - I played soccer last night after life group with 5 other people and it was SO fun! I'd love to play on a team this year. Otherwise, I'd probably be content with just meeting at a park to play every so often. I forgot how aggressive I get when I play that game. I wore myself out! Loved it!

My Least Favorite Thing in the Whole Entire World....

When my car breaks down.

You see, this happens fairly often to me. Either a wreck, something important (bumber) falls off, something stops working, or it just dies. Today was one such experience.... (story of my life? seems to be!)

I was driving to a BBQ at a friend's house and my car died at a red light.... with the bumper just barely over a railroad track! I turned it off and tried to start it, but it wouldn't stay running. When I realized that it wasn't going to start again, I put on my hazards, tried to wave people around me, and got my phone out to call Robbie. (The York's have been life savers in situations like this! I'm so incredibly grateful!) My hand was shaking. He told me to stay there and he and his friend, Matt, would be right there. About 30 seconds later some guys offered to push my car into the parking lot right next to us. At least then I felt safer. I called AAA to get a tow truck and he took my car to a nearby mechanic. I'll get a quote from them tomorrow to see how much it will cost. The guys who pushed my car and the tow truck driver all thought it was the fuel pump, so that sounds about right to me.

When anything negative that's car-related happens it always hits me pretty hard. I get nervous and shaky and cry every time. Then I focus on all of the ways that this (the accident, broken fuel pump, etc) is going to ruin my financial life for the next 12 months. Clearly, this was not in God's plans and messes everything up and now I have to scrounge up some money from some magical place to get it taken care of. You'd think that after the 928349283 time of having major car problems, I'd learn my lesson! God is STILL good. He's STILL in control and definitely not surprised by the events that turn my life upside down. He understands and He cares; I am not alone. He sees what I need and will provide just the right thing at just the right time.

I feel so drained right now, but so blown away by God's faithfulness all the time. Thank you, Jesus!!!

So Excited!

Nicole & Andrew
(Blurry phone pic)

One of my very first roommates at Teen Mania - Nicole Jennifer Lira - just got ENGAGED last night! I am so beyond excited for this awesome couple! I am confident that the Lord is going to use them in mighty ways and has GREAT plans for them together! I need to start saving for my plane ticket to California! Yay!!!

Here's Coley and me at our first Celebration LTE - June of 2008. I have so enjoyed getting to know this beautiful woman and watching her grow. The Lord has stretched her and shaped her and she is SO ready to be a godly wife and mother. She is truly a gem and I am so glad to call her my friend! I'm proud of you, Coley!

A Rarity...

a night at home alone.

I love it!

All of my housemates are gone - Jamie and Josiah are on a trip to the East coast, Robbie is at his softball game, and Sarah is painting/doing yardwork at her new house - which leaves me here to myself. But I am definitely okay with that!

Saying "No" is a lesson that took me a loooong time to learn. Tonight, I'm reaping the benefits of that lesson. Praise the Lord. I have been pretty busy lately (story of my life) - I had a long day today working (watching kids at church + Channing and Gannon) and doing chores (grocery shopping + laundry) and I haven't been getting as much sleep as I should for the past several.... weeks. (I should probably work on that.) Also - two of my roommates from last year asked if I could skype tonight and we haven't been able to chat together for WEEKS and I want to make them a priority... so I said yes. I have a lot of writing to do, too - I kind of committed to myself that I'd finish this 30-day devo and I don't want to slack off. The catcher is this: My life group is volunteering at the Boise Rescue Mission tonight, which is obviously a good thing, but the old me (and the new me TRIED to do this) would have been concerned about what everyone else thinks of me because I chose not to go volunteer. Too often I fear man more than I fear God. No more! I know that I have pure intentions for staying home and I need to take care of myself and not worry about what other people think.

With that said, I am thoroughly going to enjoy tonight!

It's Gonna Be Worth It!

I am BEYOND excited right now for God's plan. I have no idea what it is... but I know it's going to be great!
I'm reminded that what I think of as success or perfection or failure... is usually not the same as how God defines those things. Yet it's still so easy to get caught up in trying to "measure up" - whatever that even looks like. I have been incredibly blessed and when I think about the future I get this crazy-excited feeling because I know that His plans for me are more than I could ever ask or imagine (or come up with on my own).
Don't slip so far into the mundane day-to-day routines that LIFE passes you by. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. How are you living for the Lord in the HERE and NOW? How are you currently pursuing your dreams and passions despite the risk or sacrifice it requires?

Summer...



I LOVE SUMMER



Is just weird.

Even when you're not at Teen Mania.

It's busy, and then not busy at all and fun and hard and social and solitary and healthy (salads) and definitely not healthy (ice cream) and everything in between. :)

I know... I'm contradictory... story of my life right now. ha!



I'm in a good place right now: I have time to serve at church (painting/redecorating the children's ministry rooms), hike Table Rock 1-2 times a week, visit with friends and family, read anything that I want to, cook delicious dinners, and figure out fun things like budgeting and paying for school/books.

Speaking of budgeting - I'm so proud of myself! I created my own modified version of the envelope budget. (If you don't know what that is, I highly recommend you check it out here: http://www.daveramsey.com/article/dave-ramseys-envelope-system/lifeandmoney_budgeting/) It's only been one week, but I've only spent $5 of my coffee/eating out money, $2 of misc. spending ($2 movie theater last weekend!), and about half of my grocery money. The cool thing is, I only allotted myself money for two weeks instead of the whole month, so I should have a lot left over. I think the biggest thing that keeps me from spending cash is that I know I'll have to keep track of it and be accountable to ALL spending... so it's easy to just NOT spend anything. :) It's also cool to think that every dollar I don't spend can go right back into my savings. I can plan in advance for any major purchases - and I know that I'll have to spend about $300 on textbooks in the next month or so. (Lame!) I used to be so scared of anything financial... but I'm learning and getting more confident in my ability to manage what God has given me.

Moving Forward.

So I've been inspired... by my brother, my youth pastor, your comments, the freedom of summer, and the dreams and desires that seem to be growing exponentially in my heart. As a result, I'm stepping out in faith a little bit and I started a "Jubilee" page on facebook and I'm writing monthly devotionals. I just love to write and I love Jesus... and I've been learning a lot recently about not just dreaming but actually taking action and doing something great. God has great plans for me, but if I just sit on my behind and think about what great things lie ahead... am I really living? Am I really taking advantage of the time I've been so generously given now? Or do I spend too much time anticipating the NEXT thing or dwelling on the PAST? I would like to live in the NOW and do exactly what God has called me to do in this time.

You should check out the page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jubilee/238121019550842
Don't forget to "like" it!!! :)

By the way, I hope you're enjoying this 4th of July weekend as much as I am! I love holidays and this weekend has been a great kick off to my Independence day celebrations tomorrow. These three days include: hiking, brunch w/ friends, writing, movies, rest, Promotion Sunday and worship service @ The Pursuit, 3 BBQ's, fireworks, reading.... love it. Happy 4th of July to you!