Here's My Two Cents

Humbled by the Blessings...

2011-09-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

I'm not even sure where to begin. I'm in the midst of an interesting, rich season right now. Do you ever sit back and ask the Lord, "What on earth have I done to deserve or receive such beatiful blessings straight from Your hand?" It seems every single day the Lord shows His intense love and ever-increasing kindness to me in new and exciting ways. One of the richest blessings I've been able to feast upon in recent days is the answer to prayer that I've prayed for a year and a half. I spent a sweet 2 and a half hours having heart-to-heart-soul-to-soul time getting to know a woman from another one of my favorite Abilene churches, Beltway Park. As I was sitting in her home listening to the ways that the Lord has directed and ordained her journey as of late, I was absolutely covered with unseen Holy Spirit goosebumps! I left our time praising and thanking the Lord for divinely ordaining and orchestrating the absolute perfect time in both of our spiritual journeys to author what we came away agreeing is a relationship that is to benefit His Kingdom.

I've tried to find words to fit my depth of gratiude for the absolutely incredible relationships God is authoring in my life in this season, and you know what, I still can't find words to convey my feelings. I think the two words that may come the closest are humbled, intensely and extravagantly blessed, and fiercely loved. I truly want to soak up EVERY OUNCE of every single thing the Lord sends into my life in every season. The goodness of my God absolutely and utterly astounds and leaves me in complete awe. Happy Wednesday to all of you!

Visions of Fall Dancing in My Head...

2011-09-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

It. Is. Hot. in Abilene, people. I know it is September 1st, and that it doesn't really begin to cool off until October, but oh, my goodness, the end of this summer-long extreme heatwave cannot come fast enough. I have said it on this blog many times and I will say it again. I love Fall to the core. It is my absolute favorite season. I'm sincerely hoping that cold weather will visit our fair city again soon. I don't like to admit this, and it may be TMI, but I don't think I've ever sweated this much in a summer in my life. I find myself pleading with God to bring West Texas some relief. Today our high was 98, so yes, I am thankful for the little cool front the Lord has sent. All I can say is please bring us 40-50 degree temperatures -- that is my optimal temperature. I LOVE cold weather.

In other news, I have been staring dreamily at my rather large collection of scarves and fall/winter accessories and praying that I get to wear them some time in the near future. I don't think I've shared this on the blog either, so here it goes: the one thing in my life that I cannot do without is my bible. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that it is practically an appendage. I love to do my reading out of it, I love to use it to do an intensive study, I like to use its concordance -- basically, it goes everywhere I go. My bible has joined me on many vacations, on family weekend getaways, it goes home to my parents house every weekend, it goes with me to Ladies Bible Class every Tuesday and on and on. It had mysteriously dissapeared for several months recently. Seriously I was really beginning to greive over it, thinking I'd have to replace it for my birthday or Christmas this year. I really did not want to replace it seeing as it has special notes, things the Lord has said over me, very special scriptures and other things. Another thing that I love about my bible is that it is marked up. I love to write in it. I was digging through my closet this week and I found my very beloved Amplified in one of my many bags. I was over the moon when I found it, I actually cried. Relief and pure gratitude washed over me as I hugged it close. I was so thrilled, but not surprised at all that the Lord had protected it and that He had kept it right under my nose. I didn't ever think that I could get so attached to an earthly possession, but it is God's Word, and it is the most important thing I own.

One C-R-A-Z-Y Summer...

2011-08-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Whew, for the few of you who haven't given up on my blogging, I'm still here. I'm so sorry for the five-month absence. My summer can be summed up in one word: CRAZY. Let me share a little recap with you. Buckle your seatbelts. Here we go.

On June 10th, both my mom and my aunt (her sister) had hip replacements in Plano on the same day one right after the other. Both of them were stars in the Joint Replacement wing of Presbyterian. No one in that practice or hospital had ever had two related people on the books for surgery. It was fun and very noteworthy to everyone that met them. They were in the hospital for a night and came back to Abilene. The really extraordinary thing was that I was their nurse while they were convalescing(sp?) at my parents house. My aunt lives 3o miles out of town, which is hard when you are recovering. It was easier for my uncle to drop her off at Cunningham Convalescent Home and Adult Day Care (very fittingly named, might I add, by the on-call nurse) during the day and pick her up on his way home. I was affectionately called Nurse Ratched during those days. Honestly, that was the only thing I kind of hated. They are both doing really well and are just new women.

On June 14th my mom's beloved 11-year-old Yorkie, Rose passed away. We had known for awhile that her little body was completely out of control. Our vet told us that her white and red blood cells were so out of whack that he was shocked she wasn't having convulsions. She finally passed away after having about five seizures and rolling around on the floor in front of mom. It was devastating she told us later. We buried her in one of our flower beds under a concrete statue. If we hadn't my Westie, Sophie would have most assuredly dug her up. A few days later, our vet told us he thougt she had a huge cancerous tumor in her stomach. No wonder she was unconsolably grouchy and territorial in her old age!

Other than those two things, we've gone on a week-long trip with our family's besties to Telluride, CO, visited both my grandmothers in the hospital, one here at Hendrick and one at Scott and White, visited my uncle, (mom's brother) in the nursing home, had my brother home for the summer, gotten him back to his wife in Lubbock, and I think that is all.

In other news, our bestie family's daughter, Christin, is getting married in December so I'm sure we'll be super busy with that this Fall. I'm a member of the House Party. It was quite an honor that I wasn't expecting in the least. God has also given me some really cool opportunities to share some things this summer. I love that. Oh, and can I just say how much I adore my church? We have a new Preaching Minister, a brand new Worship Minister, a brand new Executive Minister, and a brand new Communications Director and I have to say, I love them all! Such a fabulous team God has knit together. We as a body and as a community are blessed immeasurably. Blessings on the days ahead of you.

Thankful Thursday...

2011-04-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about thankfulness a lot lately. Recently, I bougt Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts. Her book is all about being intentional about gratitude and thankfulness and the joy that it brings to life. I have not had the chance to begin reading it yet, but I thought I'd get a head start on thinking about the concept of gratitude and thankfulness. I want these two character traits to come to define my life. So, below, I will share a list of things I am very thankful for on this Thursday:

* I am thankful for Spring. I love Spring. My favorite thing about this season is its promise of new life. If you intentionally look, signs of new life abound in this season. One of my very favorite places to observe Spring is in nature. New life resides in the rising temperatures, the flowers that are raising their heads and so much more. I also love how this beautiful season brings renewal and promise. Somehow, every Spring, I feel a sense of new beginnings. Refreshment is around every corner during Spring. It seems to me, that every day of this sweet season brings a new sense of promise in the everyday mundaneness of life. There always seems to be a pep in my step during Spring.

* I am thankful for color. The gift of color brings such joy to my everyday journey through this world. It brings an instant smile to my face and uplifts my spirit. Color also vividly reminds me that the Creator is fully alive and working. I am often astounded at His intricate use and invention of so many beautiful colors. I yearn for my life to bring color to the people I come into contact with and every single circumstance I face. I love the idea of releasing color. Just think about it. Pretty cool, huh? :) This world would be so bland without this sweet gift from God.

* I am thankful for the fact that I can live in the full inheritance that Jesus died to give me. I can choose to live a victorious life. That fact fills me with unfathomable joy. Every time I see or come across a person who lives in the chains of the enemy, my heart aches deeply for them. I'm so thankful for the fact that I can live a life that celebrates and rejoices in the fact that I no longer live in those awful chains. Choosing to live in the inheritance of Jesus brings such abundant freedom and life. I don't know about you, but living in the light of Jesus is the best choice I've ever made. I am so thankful for the fact that if I choose to live in the overflow and reality of the inheritance of Jesus, every single day is filled with such purpose, and passion.

What are you thankful for today?

Birthdays and Books

2011-04-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

I realized late last week that this week held a very significant milestone. April 6th, is a very special day. Why you ask? On April 6, 1993 I became a daughter of the Most High King. Today I celebrate 18 years of walking with God. When I look back on this day so many years ago, I am just overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness. I can truly say without any hesitation whatsover, that the decision to give my life to the Lord was and continues to be the absolute best decision I have made in this earthly life! Every day with my Jesus just gets better and better. I am beyond blessed to have the life that I do. My prayer is that I have authentically honored and glorified Him through my life's testimony. I do not want any speck of me to be counterfiet. I want to pursue His heart with everything that is in me. Thank you, Abba God, for claiming me and embossing your signature on my spirit for my time on this planet and the days of eternity. What an honor it is to be called Your daughter.

I am currently reading and praying through this most fabulous book, by Kris Vallotton out of Bethel Church (you can find a link to Bethel on my blog list). The title is "Developing a Supernatural Lifestyle". I have absolutely LOVED this read. I've been so challenged and immersed in God's ways. Its central theme is walking in the realities of Christ-like character and learning to make the realities of heaven a part of our every day experience on earth. It excites me that we can choose to flow in heaven's realites while we inhabit earth. Eternity begins now. Check it out on Amazon or http://www.ibethel.org/ and click on "STORE"

Another book I am currently reading is this lovely one written by Lisa Bevere entitled "Lioness Arising" It is absolutely wonderful so far. I just started Chapter 2 today and I'm already growing from its content. I just love how God does that. :) I believe that every woman believer in the Body of Christ MUST read this book. Here is the challenge found on the back cover: "Women, its time to awaken. God did not save you to tame you. Awaken to a life of fierce passion. Awaken to dangerous prayer, stunning power, and teamed purpose. Awaken, your respense could very well change the world."Doesn't that just make you want to dive right in? I know it beckoned to me. This book is utterly fabulous. It is very eye-opening and it has dared me to ask for more from God. He wants to accomplish big, impossible things through the women in His Kingdom. Read it, you will not be sorry.

I hope you' ve enjoyed a Spirit-filled week full of the Lord's Presence and His joy.

Spring Break 2011 in Review...

2011-03-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

I meant to get around to updating this space last week, but somehow, I didn't get around to it. Lots has been happening in my little neck of the woods. My family's Spring Break was spent on a staycation. We stayed home all week and really enjoyed having some good quality time together. My mama and daddy work really really hard, so they needed the rest and refreshment. On Monday, I spent the afternoon with my family of choice and we shopped till we dropped. It was a blast. We had lunch at the Natural Food Center (which is completely delicious), browsed the mall, went to Target, and went to Old Navy. My second mother and her girls could be professional shopping relay winners. They are serious shoppers, let me tell you. It was a fun girly day that I enjoyed immensely. Tuesday-Friday were spent sleeping in, reading, cuddling with a Westie, a Yorkie, and a mutt, eating, and just being together. It was pure heaven if you ask me. Saturday was spent running errands, replenishing my perfume supply, and just having a grand old time with my mom. I picked up some perfume called Bohemian from American Eagle. It is completely delightful. It was a just-because-I-love-you gift from my mama. We finished our day by my daddy treating his girls to a delicious new obsession in the Cunningham family: Nikki's Swirl Shoppe. All of their yogurt is fat-fee, gluten-free, and some are even kosher. God has been teaching me an awful lot lately and I am so grateful for this growth spurt in my relationship with Him. I've been so hungry for His Presence and He has just lavished me with His affection. Being fully and completely loved by the King of Kings is just the best. There's absolutely nothing like it in this world. I'm just loving growing in faith in the impossible. To top it off, this past Sunday I was at a luncheon where Jonathan Storment, Highland's new Preaching Minister said this, "...the leaders of this church body are happy for all of the different things going on in all of the churches in Abilene. We are not trying to compete with any of them. Our shepherds and church staff are dreaming some big dreams and if we can accomplish half of what those dreams are it will be impossible." I LOVED that statement to its core. I'm just giddy about the direction Highland is headed. I hope your week is blessed.

One Simple Prayer...

2011-03-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

For the last several months, I've had one very simple prayer and petition that I've laid before the Throne. That prayer is this: I want my faith to grow. I want to grow to foster a faith that takes divine risks. My desire is to put backbone and skin on my what I say I believe. Don't get me wrong, I love words, but I've learned that words alone are cheap. Unless there is action and the 'meat' of experience backing up what I say my beliefs are, a door leading to my foundation is opened to the enemy. He thrives on shaky and unstable foundations. Remember, his entire job description is to kill, steal, and destroy. So, my job as a believer is to make sure that my entire spirit, soul, mind, strength is anchored and fixed on the One who came so that I may have life abundantly. I yearn to live a life that thrives in the things of God.

This brings me to another aspect of risky faith. I cannot speak for you, but I want a faith that makes Jesus shake His head and MARVEL. I've been claiming and trying to walk into a deeper portion of what I like to call, "faith in the impossible". I yearn to experience Jesus in all His fullness, and I think part of maturing in this thing called risky faith is asking to be taught about "faith in the impossible" so that it can be a very real part of my everyday experience. I want to walk in signs and wonders and in complete rythm with the supernatural realm. My prayer is that I will learn through the gift of each moment and new experience with God, to flesh out the heartbeat of heaven. I do realize that these are huge and dangerous prayers, but, do you honestly want to know the truth? I'm tired of being content when God gives me favor and victory over small steps and hurdles in my development as a living and breathing expression of Jesus. I want to see God do GIGANTIC, MIRACULOUS, IMPOSSIBLE things in my finite, fleshly, vapor of a life in this realm that we can see. I long to see Him reach into and beyond my "GOD BOX" and blow my mind. What about you?

Say Hello to a New Love...

2011-03-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

I found this adorable little lady and her fabulous small business today. Let me introduce you, blogworld, to Maggie Whitley, the master mind behind the gorgeousness that is known as Gussy Sews. Many of you may have been clued in about her for some time now. If I really think back, I vaguely remember browsing my friend Chelsie's blog and locking my gaze on Maggie's sweet little accessories. Can I just say that I am in love with her designs? I really like her one-of-a-kind bags, purses, clutches, totes, and headbands. Check her out on Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy. She is definitely worth a browse. I can tell you that today will not be the last time I check in on her. I'm already plotting my first buy.

I've also been enjoying my newest CD purchase from iTunes. Passion has released their newest album, 'Here For You' . My little ears have been so happy to hear new songs from such artists as Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, David Crowder/Lecrae, Kristian Stanfill, and Matt Redman. This CD is fabulous. It is best listened to turned up pretty darn loud! Love the songs and lyrics, the beats, and the beautiful voices behind the songs. What lovely things have you discovered and been comforted by this week? I hope the rest of your work week is great. Happy Thursday. :)

A Day in Dallas...

2011-03-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

Last week, I went on a little day-long getaway with my mom. It was heaven. She had some appointments she had to take care of in the morning so I went with her and read while she took care of her business. After finishing her meetings, we had lunch at Sclotsky's and went to TJ Maxx. Whenever mom and I walk into this eutpia of a store we can go kind of crazy. I can admit it, I went a tad scarf crazy. Scarves are one of my very favorite accessories in the world. By the time we walked out of the store, we had stuff that we didn't need in the least, but each thing we bought made us smile. I walked out with three scarves, a super cute note cube, a fabulous new ironing board cover, some monogram 'L' notecards, and a precious new hot/cold beverage cup. The fun, however, did not stop there. Just when I thought our getaway couldn't get any better, we ate dinner at my all-time favorite resturaunt on the planet, La Madeliene. It was so much fun to escape with my mom who happens to be one of my favorite people for a day. We had such great girl time. I hope your week is great.

A New Month and Other Tidbits...

2011-03-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Yay, it is FINALLY March. I don't know about the rest of you, but February seemed extra long to me this year. I like celebrating a new month. It holds untold possibilities and potential. Another thing that I love about March is that the promise of Spring is so close I can taste, feel, and smell it. Plus, another reason I love March is college basketball March Madness. I mean, how much better can this month get? Spring Break is an extra bonus too.

Here are some things I am looking forward to this month:

1. On Friday, my mom is being honored by the ACU Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She is being given the Grover C. Morlan Award of Excellence in Education. I am so excited to celebrate her many accomplishments in the education profession. My mom was very gifted as an early childhood teacher, and now she is exercising her strong gifting as a school administrator. My mom's side of the family is full of educators. She, her sister, her brother-in-law, and her daugher-in-law are or were at one time wonderful teachers. ACU couldn't have chosen a more deserving or humble recipient for 2011. I'm so proud of the wonderful prfessional that she is and I love that God is using her to shape the lives and futures of young children in our city.

2. An out of town adventure with my mom. I love traveling anywhere with her. She is one of my best friends. I love the fact that I can say that. We've always shared a very strong and fierce bond, I think it is one shared by kindred spirits. Most of the time, she will speak what I am thinking a second before I open my mouth to say the exact words. I really like that we know each other that well. Sharing a brain with her is entertaining and a blessing. I can't wait to see what kind of fun unfolds with her as we head out on the open road.

3. I am looking forward to welcoming Spring. I love this particular season for so many reasons. In all truth, I enjoy all four seasons. Spring has always had a special meaning to me though. I think it must have something to do with creation around me coming back into its fullest life. The colors of Spring are just gorgeous. Knowing that the parts of God's beautiful creation that have laid dormant for many months are getting to be recreated is just a beautiful thing. I love that Spring brings new and vibrant life to everything it touches. Getting out the lightweight layers to add to my Spring wardrobe isn't bad either.

What things are you looking forward to most? I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the week. :)

God Loves Ugly...

2011-02-22T15:15:00.001-08:00

I have waited to meet this lovely young woman for quite some time now. This is my new friend Christa Black. I have heard just how fabulous she is from many of my friends and through her wonderful mom and dad, David and Amy who have served as the hosts for our soaking group every Monday evening. She is a violinist, a very gifted songwriter, a world-class performer, (she has toured with such people as Michael W. Smith and the Jonas Brothers), and now she can add author to her list of many talents and accomplishments. I am currently reading her smash-hit book, God Loves Ugly. This book has been mentioned here before. It is basically Christa's testimony and how she has overcome such things as addiction, eating disorders, and more. As my friend Candy has said, "...this book reeks of freedom. I could not agree more! It is a must-read in my opinion. On Monday evening, I had the privilege and blessing of getting to see Christa perform live at Monk's downtown. After her performance, I got to meet her. And, I must say, she is beautiful inside and out. I have loved getting to know her heart through reading her book. You can check out her book on Amazon and check out the music that accompanies the book on iTunes. The CD has the same name as her book. I hope your week has started off well.

300....

2011-02-17T15:20:00.001-08:00

One day I have waited for has come in two different ways. On February 15th, I reached blog post 300. I never thought when I began this blog in 2005 that I would find enough to write about. I am thankful for the few people that read and feel like they love me and feel comfortable enough to comment and encourage me. Honestly, I didn't think people would want to read about my little life. This blog has been an outlet for me in many ways. I find, that when I write things out, I process them and work out things that I sometimes find challenging to put words to. I really prefer to flesh things out with words. There are those times, however, that words are too much. I am very thankful and blessed to have safe places and other means in my life to release and to recieve what life deals at times. I pray that this space has been a place where you as a reader have found encouragement, a place where you have found relevance, and a place where you have been able to find a young woman who is striving to walk into who the Lord has called her to be. This blog, though small, belongs to Him. I blog what He lays on my spirit that I feel might bring encouragement and blessing.

The other exciting thing ahout February 15 is that it is the day that one of my favorite churches in America released their newest live worship album. You will find it pictured above. I really love Bethel Church. I don't know if I've mentioned this church and its many wonderful qualities on the blog, but you will find it on my side bar. I have not had the privilege of visiting in person, but it is a major dream to take a trip to Redding, California to experience it in person. Bill Johnson is a pastor that has been powerfully used by God to help form some of my personal beliefs and frameworks of what I dream "church" will look like in my generation and in my city. I don't know if you all know this, but I consider myself a 'Church of Christ woman with a Pentecostal spirit'. If you want to know more, just ask. Anyway, I love, love, love the worship that flows out of Bethel. They really know how, as a church, to experience the Presence of the Lord. Worship is a huge part of that. This fabulous church does it authentically and does it well. Check them out. My life has been eternally impacted by the teachings brought into my life by the ministers and worship leaders of this wonderful body of believers.

Hope your Thursday is blessed.

Four Ingredients of a Perfect Valentine's Day...

2011-02-15T19:31:00.000-08:00

V-Day Dove Milk Chocolate - A friend of mine recently confessed that she can be somewhat particular and to some may seem 'snobbish' when it comes to certain things. I think one of those things in my own little life is this certain, in my opinion, gold-standard chocolate. Dove Milk Chocolate just makes everything in life better. It completely can change my outlook on a hard day, it brings a smile to my soul, and I love reading the little treasures that are hidden in the wrappers.

Rascal Flatts Nothing Like This album - I love Rascal Flatts. This band is one of my favorites in all of country music. I love their lyrics, the twangy nuances of the group's lead singer, (I cannot think of his name right at the moment, I think it's Gary something or other), and the beats of their songs. I don't primarily listen to country, I'm more of a Contemporary Christian and Praise and Worship kind of a girl, but when I do desire everything country, Rascal Flatts is one of my go-to groups. I also enjoy Lady Antebellum and Carrie Underwood.

My sweet daddy did not stop with Dove Milk Chocolate and Rascal Flatts. You see, he is one of the most precious, most generous men on the planet, so he also surprised me with Eat, Pray, Love too. It was a complete and delightful surprise. What a fabulous movie this is. Although, Javier Bodem would probably not be my choice of a man to fall in love with, but the story is beautiful. My favorite character is Kalem, whom Liz Gilbert meets on her journey. I know, you can say it, I freely admit it. I am very very blessed to be completely spoiled and extravagantly loved by a wonderful man in my life. God did good. He treats his two girls like queens.

Here's one last little treat that competely blew me away. I had NEVER seen or heard of Mint Crisp M&M's, but, do you want to know a little secret? They are addictive. These little heavenly morsels were part of my mom's Valentine's Day surprise. My daddy and I adore them. Give them a shot next time you're at Target. You won't be sorry, trust me. You won't be able to eat just one

I hope everyone felt as treasured as I did during Valentine's Day 2011.

Happenings in My World...

2011-02-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone! I don't exactly know why I've taken a 3-month leave of absence from the blogosphere. I will try to catch you up on my life the last 3 months, so bear with me if you can.

My family and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent in Marlin, TX with the Cunningham side of the family. We ate obscene amounts of food, had great fellowship time, watched football, and ate some more. You know, the traditional and customery Thanksgiving Day activities. To celebrate Christmas, we stayed in good ol' A-town and had time with my mom's side of the family. We went out to my aunt and uncle's house in Ovalo, TX for the day and most of the evening. Another onslaught of hunger ravaged all of us on Christmas Day as well and it seemed like all we did was eat, talk, and nap. It was so fun. My brother and SIL came to visit mom, dad, and I the week before Christmas and we got to enjoy them for an entire week. I love having my brother and SIL around. We miss them terribly. All in all, our holiday season was a very blessed one.

Here are some things that have kept me busy and entertained in my time away from blogland. You may see a recurring theme. I love to read, watch movies, and do bible studies as you know, so I didn't stray too far away from the things I thoroughly and completely enjoy too much in my time away from all of you. :) My pictures of the items are out of order with the reviews, so just scroll down and you can see the image that corresponds with each review. I'm not the world's best spacing genius.

I got this little book, "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young for Christmas. It was actually given to my mom, but after I had talked about it so much she gave it to me. It is a devotional book written as if God Himself was talking to you face to face. I have LOVED it. It helps me a lot to have a beginning thought in each day before my feet hit the floor and I get out of bed to welcome my day. Having something to chew on spiritually also helps bring God's Presence into my ordinary earthly days, it helps to center myself in what is truly important and eternal. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in daily devotional thoughts.

Every week, I meet with Sarah Campbell, one of Highland's Youth Ministers, to discuss life and books. We began this time last year some time. I can't exactly remember when it officially became part of my weekly routine, but I love it. Last year, we did Max Lucado's "Experiencing the Heart of Jesus" study. In January we started reading and discussing Christa Black's new book, "God Loves Ugly." It is so rich. It deals with her self-image and tells the story of how God completely restored her identity in Him. It is my very humble opinion that every mother, daughter, youth worker, teacher, or anyone else who invests in the lives and character of girls so read this book. At the end of each chapter she has a very practical exercise that helps to put what she has talked about into practice in our everyday. You can also check her out on Amazon or at http://www.christablack.com/.

I am very devoted to all things Avonlea, so imagine my delight when I discovered that our library had copies of the Road to Avonlea series on DVD. It is based around the lives of the King family in a quaint farming village, Avonlea on Prince Edward Island in Canada. It is produced by Kevin Sullivan, the same man that brought us Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea. I love this series. It is my goal to own all seven seasons. I currently own seasons 1-3 and thanks to the library am almost caught up on the happenings of the series. I'm halfway through season 6 right now. To find out more you may find it all here, http://www.sullivan-ent.com/ or just google Road to Avonlea and you will be able to find it quickly.

Just this weekend, I began "Her Mother's Hope." This is the first book in Francine Rivers newest two-part series, "Marta's Legacy." Francine Rivers is a masterful storyteller and one of my favorite authors. I love everything I've read of hers. It seems that every time I come across one of her series, I devour it because I love the different, very detailed, and lavish worlds her words can transport me into. This is a story set in Switzerland and Canada that is very good so far. I'm already four chapters in and excited to see where Marta Schneider will go and what she will do next.

Finally, the Ladies Bible Class at Highland has just started a new Priscilla Shirer 6-week study on Jonah. I've heard the story of Jonah since cradle roll, and as I grew older, on a flannelgraph, but I've never done an in-depth study on his life. I'm excited about what God has in store for me and the entire group as we dive into this four chapter book in the Minor Prophets. I've also never done a study with Priscilla Shirer before and I've found out that I really like her. She's practical, funny, and seems authentic. She is also a very good teacher. I also did not realize that she is the daughter of Tony Evans. I've heard my daddy talk about Tony from his trips to Promise Keepers while I was growing up. It's pretty neat to know a tiny bit about the family Priscilla comes out of.

So, you've finally made it to the end of a very, very long post and recap of the last 3 months. Bravo to anyone who stuck with me and actually cares about where I've been and what has been happening. Now, go and reward yourself. :)

Favorite Moments This Week...

2010-10-29T07:54:00.001-07:00

Since it is Friday once again, I thought I would share some of my favorite moments of this week:

1. On Tuesday I bought my first candle of the season. I chose a Yankee Spiced Pumpkin candle and it smells really good. I've enjoyed it so far. Smelling candles and knowing that they are present in my home just does something wonderful for my soul. It is a good thing. Candles just make me feel cozy all over. I love that feeling.

2. Yesterday, as I was waiting outside for a ride to the dentist, I heard our preacher's adorable two-year-old daughter talking to her Mommy and baby brother while she played outside. I love watching and hearing children play. Listening to her precious voice was so much fun. She is one of the most precocious little ladies I've ever met! And she's spunky. I love her little personality. Everyone definitely knows when she comes into a room. Thank you Lord, for ES. She's a doll.

3. I shared my testimony yesterday. It was so good to see where the Lord has brought me in 28 years of life and 18 years of being His daughter. I love the power of sharing people's stories. One of my favorite things about sharing testimony is that satan loses power every time I do it. I think sharing testimony is an essential part of building community. Sharing life stories shows how desperately we need to journey with others. The power of testimony brings freedom. It brings joy. I'm so thankful I got to partake in that and that God opened a door of opportunity for be to brag on Him. It was fun.

4. I got to spend some great time with this favorite little Westie of mine. She brings me so much joy. Sophie, you are such a blessing in my life. I love her precious, spunky, I-will-not-be-ignored personality. She brings so much life into our family. She's such a great friend to me who is ALWAYS waiting to give me a great welcome home. Thank you, Lord for creating dogs.

Have a fabulous Friday friends!

Friday Night Football...

2010-10-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

This is a picture my Mama took last Friday night at Grande Stadium in Midland. After it was captured on film, it fast became one of my all-time favorite pictures. This is a perfect way to describe what the Cunninghams are doing on any given Friday night in the Fall. Every member of my immediate family loves high school football. It is a perfect way to spend a Fall evening in West Texas. I also believe that the sunset in the picture is one of the most splendid ones I've ever seen. God is the most unmatched artist. I love His work! Thank you, Father for combining two of my loves: football and beautiful sunsets.

A Snippet of Life...

2010-10-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

I thought that today I would share with you readers a little bit of what I've been watching, reading, buying, and listening to. I have been excitedly watching the Texas Rangers dominate those Yankees. It has been so much fun to cheer on my favorite baseball team. Cliff Lee has fast become my favorite Rangers player. He was phenominal earlier in the week as he took the mound in New York. One of my other favorite things about the Texas/New York series has been the emty stands in Yankee Stadium. I'm hoping they can pull out a win in Game 4 this afternoon. My Rangers-obsessed brother, Grant, is a very happy and contented fan as well. Last night's game even produced something really funny to me. My Daddy was burning up his Facebook status and that NEVER happens. He was especially excited when Bengie Molina connected with the ball last night. Fun times have ensued as the Rangers have taken on the Yankees. I have started Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus and oh my goodness, it is superb so far. Even though I am only still on the first chapter, I am really looking forward to getting to know the Jewishness of Jesus. I have heard excellent things about this read. Have any of you read it? I'm going through it slowly so that Jesus can teach me at His pace. The Lord has placed within me a new passion to love the Jews, Israel, and the place of the Jewish people as God's most beloved and kindred people. I don't think there is a better place to start learning about the Jews than with Jesus himself as He lived in human form. It has been a great journey so far.

Recently, I've been revisiting a favorite music artist that I LOVE. Her name is Christy Nockels. She has a fabulous voice and I love her heart. She and her husband, Nathan used to be known as Watermark. If you haven't heard this CD go onto iTunes and check it out! You will love her just as much as I do, I promise. Have a great Wednesday

Favorite Things Friday...

2010-10-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Favorite Fallish Accessory

Today I thought I would share with you my favorite Fall accessory essential that holds a very very prominent place in my wardrobe during the season. As I've stated on this blog time and time again, Fall is my absolute favorite season of them all. I love the coziness of the season. I love that holidays are welcomed during the season. I love the changing leaves, little children in adorable costumes, the cooler weather, the wonderful (what I consider the rustic) smell of fires being lit in homes, the decorations, great quantities of candy corn, the fabulous colors that surround me, and so much more.

Yes, if you guessed SCARVES as my favorite fall-to-winter accessory you are entirely correct. I must make a confession to you all: My name is Lauren Cunningham and I am addicted to scarves. I have become a little obsessed. Oh my goodness, I feel so free after that little confession! :) Any time I walk into Target, Stein Mart, or any of my other favorite stores, I head staight for the scarves. I know its a sickness. I have found that a scarf worn any time brings just the right finishing touch of class to an outfit. Honestly, I've had to pace myself and mentally say, "Lauren, its 80 degrees outside and wearing a scarf in 80-degree weather is nuts!" I think I'll wait until late October early November to break out my favorite accessory.

This is a bi-annual women's consignment sale held every Spring and Fall in downtown Abilene in the old Jordan Taylor space. It is run by two sisters, Summer Walters and Kate Stover who are two of my favorite people. I absolutely adore it. Summer and Kate make it so cozy and fun to come and browse. It is made possible by tons of wonderful volunteers and I love going around and hugging all the ones I know and love. If you are in Abilene between October 16-20 go! It is fabulous. You can visit http://www.mysistershousesale.com at my sidebar to find out more.

Thoughts on Writing and Community...

2010-10-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

I am most definitely a writer. I believe that being a writer is someone God created me to be. I am ALWAYS scribbling down thoughts or great quotes. I also always have a tiny journal and pen in my purse. I honestly love it. I believe that writing and worship are two outlets that the Lord placed on this earth just for me. Words stir something deep in me. Music also speaks to the deepest core of who I am. I am immensely grateful for them both. However, sometimes, I cannot find just the right words to convey a certain thought or emotion that I yearn to put onto paper. My brain is always scheming about how best to articulate a thought or feeling or experiece that I want to share. I realize that not everything that comes into my mind or spirit needs to be written down. Some of the things I think or feel are meant for God and I alone, and I like that. The thing I like most about writing is that most of the time, in my case, God uses what I think and what I write to bless others. One of my dreams is to write a book someday to have in Christian bookstores. I don't think I've shared that publicly before. I feel like the Lord has released into me a new portion and level of passion into the things I yern to write about and that excites me so very much. I love the fact that not everyone has to agree with what I wite and how I feel and I really relish the outlet that writing is in my life. I pray that whatever I write honors and glorifies the Lord because everything that the Lord has created and is creating exists to bring Him glory and pleasure. I pray that that can be said of the things I write. The fact of the matter is my writing belongs to Him.

I think community is so very important. In my opinion, it is essential in the life of any serious Jesus-follower. God seems to be gently pouring this over my life right now. Community is vital for so many reasons. One thing that I have learned is that building authentic community takes time. It is not something that can take place over night or within a few days or weeks. I think it has to be born. I have to say, I am very serious about the community that surrounds my life. I think it is really crucial that we know the people that surround, encourage, and walk with me in my journey. God has given me so many treasures through the people that reside in my community, This gift that God has given His people has a profound way of shaping us, if we allow it to. People with whom I share close community need to know that I will walk with them throughout every season. That is one way the glory of the Lord is seen. If I really want a person in my close community, I have found that it takes time in relationship in order for me to appreciate all of the facets of any certain person. I like to know how they think, the area of their giftedness, the degree of their passions and where those lie, and the degree of commitment to the Lord. For example, are they just Sunday pew-warmers or are they committed to allow Jesus to color every single aspect of who they are. What kinds of things do you look for in community. Through my time on the journey of Christian discipleship, I have learned how sacred and precious it is to be surrounded by committed and authentic community, I am a better person for it.

Busy Little Bee...

2010-09-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know about anyone else, but I can't seem to figure out where the month of September has gone. In my little corner of the world the month has flown by. I am a person who loves routine, and it may sound a little weird, but it always seems that my daily routines are solidified a little bit more in the fall and winter months than they tend to be in the summer. Don't ask me why that is because I really can't find an answer for you.

Last week, I got to attend the ACU Lectures or Summit as it is called now. Going to these lectures is good for my soul every year. I think this year was my favorite of recent years. Monday and Wednesday I attended a class that was taught by Beverly Ross. To say it was good would be a huge understatement. The class was a 3-part series on grief. I took away so much rich spiritual meat from this class. Sadly, I missed the second class session, but I'm very thankful I ordered the CDs to own forever. Even though I'm not personally in a season of grief right now, Beverly shared so much that can be used to help others who are in the midst of a season of grief. I, along with countless other people have been contending and interceding for the Ross family, so it was such a precious gift to me to finally officially meet and hug Beverly. I absolutely loved hearing from her heart. I think my very, very favorite things about her are her intensely authentic passion and hunger for Jesus and how authentically real she is. Hearing her heart has made her a hearoine of faith in the flesh for me. No wonder Josh (Beverly's son, and one of my all-time favorite preachers) is such a precious and Spirit-saturated man of God!

I was also very blessed to get to hear Josh keynote on Monday morning. It is always such a treat to hear Josh preach. I love his heart and the very intentional way he lives for God. After his lecture, I got to officially meet Kayci, and that too was a huge gift. In short I really admire the Ross family and I do have to say that God was so honored in and through them at Summit. I have been blown away by the way they have stubbornly chosen to cling to the Lord during this journey He has called them to walk. They truly are living epistles, and my life has been made better by watching how they have chosen to hold unswervingly to faith.

Summit is probably the most noteworthy thing I've done as of late, but my Fall is going to be busy, and that is totally OK with me! I'm very excited about what my Fall calendar looks like. Hope you have a blessed week.

Answered Prayers...

2010-09-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

In late August, after a year and a half of searching, discerning, and praying, Highland welcomed Jonathan and Leslie Storment and their family to Abilene to lead, teach, and shepherd our church body. Jonathan has been preaching since August 22, 2010, and, in my humble opinion, Highland hasn't been the same. God, through Jonathan has breathed new life into us and for that I'm so thankful. Our weekly gatherings have been packed to the gills and it feels wonderful! Sunday has long been my favorite day of the week, but now, I absolutely cannot wait for Sunday to come around. All I can say, in a state of awe, gratefulness, and joy is a huge resounding WOW.

God is just blowing me away with Jonathan and Leslie. I am beyond excited to get to know them more intimately in the months and years to come. One of the coolest get-to-know-you intiatives Jonathan has implemented is opening up his office every Wednesday from 11-2 for whoever wants to come by and chat. I haven't made it over there yet on a Wednesday, but I"ve heard there have been tons of people that have come. I have just been so blessed and full of joy at the ways the Storments have wanted to get to know the hearts and faces of Highland. I adore that they are a couple that seems to be very, very relational.

Since July 2009, when Mike stepped down, I've been fervently contending for the atmosphere of our church, the man of the Lord's choosing to be revealed, protection over our church in the time of transition, and so much more. Well, I am overjoyed to report that my prayers and those of countless others have been answered and then some. Jonathan's preaching is such a breath of fresh air. He is so humble, intensely passionate about the work and Word of the Lord, and so eager to see God glorified and exalted in all things. I strongly believe that Jonathan is anointed to proclaim God's heart and the messages God desires to bring to the attention of His people. God has been so faithful to Highland, and He has just poured out His goodness as He has brought the Storment family to us. Thank you, Father!

Favorite Things Friday...

2010-09-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday once again so I thought I'd share my favoite SMELLS with you today:

Lavender is one of my top five favorite smells. I love it so much. In fact, my favorite Glade plug-in scent is Laveder Vaniilla. I also think lavender is beautiful out in nature. I think life would be very sad without the beautiful smell of lavender. This particular smell also makes me feel so clean and refreshed.

Vanilla is my very favorite smell in the world. I love it to pieces. I especially love smelling it in baked goods. My mom makes a delicious dessert that my family devours every time she bakes it. Her Sour Cream Pound Cake has vanilla in it and I love how it smells, but I think I love how the uncooked batter tastes even more! The smell of vanilla just makes me giddy. I thouroughly enjoy this smell during all seasons, but especially during the holidays. It reminds me what home smells like. I guess that is because it is also my mom's favorite scent that she places near the front door. Smelling vanilla is heavenly.

Cinnamon smells delightful to me as well, especially in the fall when temperatures are changing and leaves start turning glorious colors. I adore to wake up and smell cinnamon. I feel warmly hugged when I eat or drink anything with this spice in it. Another thing I really enjoy is Cinnamon toast in the mornings. I could smell cinnamon all day long and be so happy and contented.

I also really enjoy the Bird of Paradise scent from Circle E candles. I could burn that scent around the clock. So there you go. What are some of your favorite smells? I hope your Friday is wonderful.

Oh, Fall, Can You Come Stay Awhile?...

2010-09-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

I know that I've shared this little tidbit on the blog before, but Fall, or as some people like to call it, Autumn, is my favorite season of them all. It seems as though all things are right in life during the Fall. High school and college football begins, pumpkin spice lattes are available at 7-11 and Starbucks, fall-scented candles start to dominate the shelves of retail stores, wearing scarves begins to make sense once again, and drinking hot tea becomes appropriate. I say all this to point out once again, that Fall is my absolute favorite. I was made to live in fall. I secretly wish the season could last all year long. I love fall decorations, fall food, fall smells, and fall traditions. Not to mention, it ushers in my birthday month of October, and gets me excited about the festivities of November and December.

The only really big thing that hasn't truly found a permanent place in West Texas is consistent cool and crisp fall temperatures. THAT is when I know my favorite season has decided to come in and stay awhile. But, even though the weather hasn't quite changed yet, and won't really do so until October, my little football-loving heart can rest very happy as I wait out the cooler temperatures. I hope you are helping to usher in the essence of the changing seasons in some fun new ways. Happy Fall everyone!

Always, Sometimes, Never...

2010-08-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

My adorable friend, Annalee, did a list on Thursday that got me thinking. She had a fantastic list of items she always does, sometimes does, and never does. This blog post made me want to join in on the fun. Find her post here. I think she is completely wonderful, so please check out her precious blog. So, with no further ado, here is my ALWAYS, SOMETIMES, NEVER list.

ALWAYS:

1) suck air when I find an item in a store that I just cannot live without. Most of my sucking air ensues when I come across an item covered in my favorite patterns which include paisley, houndstooth, toile, damask, or polka dots.

2) pray throughout my day

3) watch a little TV during the day

4) love the smell of lavender and vanilla

5) listen to uplifting music, most of the time LOUD when I'm by myself

6) check facebook and my blog list for updates multiple times a day

7) am praying for heaven to come to earth

SOMETIMES:

1) leave too many lights on at night {I DO NOT like darkness}

2) allow movies or series {eg: Gilmore Girls} dominate my time and my day

3) catch myself daydreaming about trips I long to take before I die {Ireland, England again, Prince Edward Island, Savannah, Charleston, Rhode Island, Vermont, Whistler and British Columbia, Canada}

4) yell too loud at football games and regret it later when I become hoarse {that's the price I will gladly pay for living in West Texas and loving high school and college football}

5) pinch myself at having my Mommy as my very best friend {she is fabulous}

6) forget to drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day

7) shake my head at how intensely blessed I am

NEVER:

1) like the sound of silverware clanging together when I put it away or hear it being put away anywhere else {it's my fingernails on a chalkboard thing in life}

2) like to think about being without my family {family is number two on my most important things in life list}

3) can get through a day without being thankful for God's Presence

4) get enough of good-smelling candles

5) get tired of scarves and cold weather

6) can allow my collection of stationery to get low before I add another set to my mix

7)get tired of monograms

What are some of your always, sometimes, and never things in life? May your day be blessed.

Lauren's Random Thoughts...

2010-08-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

Here are a few radom things that I've been thinking as well as some things that have been on my heart lately:

* I often MARVEL at God's goodness. I love how God brings things out of nowhere, when we are just walking along in everyday life, and WHAM, He sends a blessing. Why are we so astonished when He brings us good things? I want to be a woman who fervently expects God's goodness and love to come my way. Last week, I was contending for something very specific in my family, and by the end of the week, God not only delivered, but gave immeasurably more than I had asked Him for. His goodness is all around us. I desire to live in a way that is fully equipped to enjoy when God decides to spoil me with His goodness, not because He ought to, but simply because He CAN.

* I desire to bring heaven to earth. I am so tired of trying to fit into what human-constructed religion brings me. I want to view every circumstance, every thought, every word, and every single situation in this life through God's eternal perspective. Things of this world are so temorary. I want to invest in things that are eternal. Don't get me wrong. I don't ever want to become a person who cannot relate to earthly realities and situations, I am interested in seeing every thing that happens in life the way God sees it. I desire to be able to relate to people and their needs, so that I can bring the hope, healing, and the joy of Jesus Christ into the life of every person I come into contact with. True freedom resides in a worship that is completely done with man-made religion. I want to be there, but I have so much more to learn. Thankfully, God is working on this area.

That's all folks. I have a lot more going on inside of me, but I will leave you with those thoughts.
I have so much more to learn as I walk the road of becoming more like Christ, but I am immeasurably thankful and full of gratitude for the things that the Lord is teaching me and all of the information that is being downloaded into my inner life. Blessings on your week!

Sweet Summer Getaway...

2010-07-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

My family of five plus our best family friends, the Etters, spent Thursday-Monday on a sweet little summer getaway in Ruidoso, NM. The above picture was taken while we were downtown on Monday about to head back home to Abilene. I loved our time away. I spent a majority of my time knitting on the wrap-around back porch while other people spent time in the hot tub. I don't particularly like putting on a bathing suit. Anytime I do, I put a t-shirt over it. We also played Chickenfoot, ate yummy meals at the house we rented, played Phase 10, Uno, the card game, Golf, talked a ton, and made great memories. I loved having my brother and his wife with us.

The boys played golf twice, watched The British Open, and we all watched Lonesome Dove at night after dinner. The middle picture is me with Christin and Carly Etter plus my sweet sister-in-law. I LOVE these precious girls. Truly, they are so fun to be around, and they are three of my favorite people. The top picture is me with what I like to call my 5-family. I absolutely love being with every member of my immediate family, but we aren't all together a lot. Anytime we are, I like to get a family picture taken. Our time in Ruidoso was so fun. I love being surrounded by people I cherish, and this little vacation was full of time with people that fit that description.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye...

2010-07-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

Allow me, dear blog readers, to indroduce you to a fabulous new online business. Snowbird Design by Ashley Snow can be found here: http://www.snowbirddesign.blogspot.com/ Ashley is a friend of mine from my Abilene High days. We graduated together in May of 2001. She was Champ, the mascot of AHS during our senior year. She and I have become closer in our days out of high school. Ashley is one very classy and sophisticated designer if I do say so myself, but, be warned, this is my completely biased, humble opinion. She specializes in baby anouncements, invitations, personalized party labels, Christmas card designs, and change-of-address cards that you can send out to your family and friends. Check her out. She's just fabulous!

Choosing Praise...

2010-07-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday I heard a very anointed sermon on how powerfully the Lord moves through us, in us, and for us as believers when we choose praise instead of dwelling on the seemingly never-ending parade of problems that are found in this world. I was very convicted to say the least. I've always held to the belief that praise holds untold amounts of power, but this week, Jerry Taylor helped me to re-examine my alleigiance to its truth. The Spirit used him to help me clean out the trash of worldly influences over my mind and to put fresh relevence on what this truly means. He fleshed it out and helped me to cling to it with ever-more deepening fervency. Here is how the Holy Spirit rephrased his thought as it swirled around in my consciousness and found a solidified and very personal, permanent place in my spirit and heart:

"Lauren, steward yourself in gratitude and thankfulness. Allow Me to fill you with an increasing joy that is fully fueled by the promise that choosing praise instead of dwelling on the never-ending parade of problems of this age is far more powerful in the life of a believer. Futhermore, fervent praise instead of selfish and incessent worry moves God's heart to rescue, redeem, and restore to its fullest measure."

As the Holy Spirit penned this upon my spirit, I was overwhelmed by the power of this thought. Can you imagine this thought being put into action? The world we live in would change in ways that are impossible for man to comprehend. I love that we serve a God that specializes in bringing about things that seem impossible in our finite minds, but are completely accessible and possible by His power and creativity. I want to rely on His creativity, power, and what stirs His heart with a white-hot passion and abandon to my own ways of thinking and doing. I love that God does not have our mind or our flawed methods of thinking or reasoning. I desperately want to allow the Holy Spirit to dictate how I spend my time and my money, I want Him to author and ordain the pursuits of my mind, and I want Him to continually reveal His secrets to me. I desire to be teachable. I don't ever want to be finished being His student. God speaks softly, yet powerfully through and in a life that is surrendered upon the altar of His teaching and a believer that is fully given to His callings is sure to be part of an unforgettable adventure full of rich rewards, fulfilled dreams, and untold blessings that await those who don't want to miss what God is bringing to those who diligently seek to know Him, His character, His precepts, and the ways he moves, that quite honesly, in my very humble opintion, put anything of this world to complete and utter shame.

Movies Galore...

2010-07-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

I started last weekend a little earlier than usual. It is my custom to pack and ready myself for time at my parents' house on Friday morning or afternoon. My mom called late Thursday afternoon and asked if I might enjoy an extra night at their house, and I never turn that down. I am treated like royalty when I'm with them. My mom and dad are two of the most generous people I know on the planet. Well, we knew it was going to be a great 3-day weekend for my mom and I and a great 4-day weekend for my dad. July 4th is always fun and festive. Plus, in myh family we love to celebrate any occasion. There were several movies out that we wanted to see, so it was decided that a majority of the holiday weekend would be spent at the movies. All together we saw three movies at the theatre. My mom also slipped Eclipse in on Monday afternoon. Here is a rundown on all the movies we saw last weekend:We started the movie festivities off with Toy Story 3. It was my favorite of the trilogy, but be warned it does have some moments during the show that I thought might be a little graphic and on the major scary side for young viewers. My 3-year-old cousin would've bawled her little eyes out. The Betsy-Wetsie doll reminded me and mom of Chucky. She was really big, had scary flashing eyes, and was sent to scare the toys into submission. There is also a bear in the movie that pretends to be loving and happy-go-lucky, but turns out to be scary and vindictive. Ken and Barbie were absolutely hilarious though. They were two of my favorite characters in the film. Another favoite was Mrs. Potato Head and Buzz when he played his alter ego - so funny! I think it is worth seeing. Anything Pixar puts out is good in my opinion.The next stop on the movie train was Robin Hood. It was so good. Everyone in our family loved it. If you haven't seen it please go. I love anything set in Medieval times. I happen to really enjoy that paricular time in history, although, I am thankful I was created and chosen to live in the 20th and 21st centuries in many ways. I love knights and ladies, castles, banquets, the costumes of the time, and the customs. Seeing beautiful parts of England and France in that time period wasn't bad either. I LOVE England. I love its sense of tradition, its centuries-old architecture, and the rich and vibrant sense of history of the country. I could live in England. Cate Blanchett did a wonderful job playing Maiden Marian, too. It took me the entire movie to relize who the actress was. At the end after the credits rolled past her name I thought, "THAT'S who that was." All in all, Robin Hood was so worth seeing. The third adventure we took was a trip to Beijing as we watched Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, and Taraji P. Henson in Karate Kid. I loved it. Except watching kids who were taught Kung Foo in a horrible violent way. Mr Hahn, (Jackie Chan) taught Dre (Smith) how Kung Foo was used as an ancient way to earn respect and to learn to defend yourself in a non-volent, honorable manner. I really enjoyed this film. The cinematography and scenery was absolutely gorgeous. Beijing is a beautiful city and China as a whole is a gorgeous country. It is well worth the money and time to check out. I also really liked what I read before the movie about the Smiths doing this a family project. Will was a producer, Jada went along too, and I don't think Willow would have been left behind in the action. I have liked all the movies I've seen Jaden in. I think he's a really good actor for a twelve-year-old boy, and he seems very grounded, like his parents. I really respect actors who don't allow Hollywood to sway their love and commitment to goodness, family values, and wholesomeness. Will, Jada, and Jaden seem to have their heads on straight.

My movie-saturated weekend ended on Monday. On Tuesday afternoon, my cousin Dailey took me to the newest branch of the Abilene Public Library which I adored. Have I ever mentioned that I love books, and that this is a clean and very inviting place to hunker down with a good read or to check out DVDs? I updated my information and got a new library card that I am so excited to put to good use in the near future. We both slowly perused the DVD section, and, with our mutual love of old movies, decided to check out Some Like it Hot. I had never seen it. This movie is so hilarious. Plus, I don't think I had ever seen Marilyn Monroe perform as an actress. Jack Lemon and Tony Curtis were the male leads in the movie. I loved it. As we pulled away from the library, it was decided that a trip to Hobby Lobby and Sonic were in order. I needed some cranberry yarn for a scarf I'm working on and we both were sweating, so a nice cool Route 44 Lemon Berry Slush and Diet Coke were just the thing we needed as sustenance.

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of Movie Weekend 2010! I am now going to go enjoy the rain, watching Road to Avonlea on DVD, and some delicious chocolate. Toota Loo! ;)

Just Living Life...

2010-06-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

To be completely honest, there has not been anything going on in my world that I've felt compelled to write about. I guess one could say that I've been suffering from a case of "blogger's block." My main goal throughout the month of June has been not to die of dehydration or heat stroke. We've had our share of rain for which I've been very thankful. There is just SOMETHING about Texas heat though. The Texas heat is why I bide my time until fall and winter. I wish someone I was close to had a pool that I could flop myself into on hot unbearable summer days.

One thing that is SUPER exciting is that my family and I met Highland's new preacher. Oh my goodness. I cannot wait until August. As we walked up to introduce ourselves, he said, " Hi, you are the Cunninghams, right?" My mom said, "You've been studying the church directory haven't you?" His answer was yes. Jonathan and Leslie are very precious people. Highland is in for such an amazing blessing. Thank you, God.

That's all from my little piece of blogland. Blessings to you.

Holy Encounter...

2010-05-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated by angels. Last night was no exception. Highland hosted its annual monthly instrumenal praise service. I love these nights. If you are new to this blog, worship is one of my passions. As I was lost in God's Presence during a couple songs, I felt a strong knowing that I just couldn't shake. I asked the Lord what He was up to and he said, "Look, Lauren, you're entertaining the presence of one of my heavenly angels." The man was sitting right in front of my daddy and I couldn't get enough of him. I kept my hand where he was residing the entire night it seemed. I have contemplated this angel all day today as well. I want to be so lost in the likeness of Jesus that His angelic messengers and beings befriend me, protect me, and come to just be with me in His Presence. It was a feeling I'll never forget. As soon as I knew an angelic presence was being manifested, I quickly put my angel training taught by Amy Black to good use. I slowly swept my less dominant arm, in my case, it is the left, and did that until I felt a cool presence and knew that an angel was indeed in my midst. I've wondered today what kind of angel he was. I think its going to take time for God to reveal that to me. Anyway, I was enthralled and so I'm so eager to entertain more. Angels showcase God's intention and showcase His joy and His care for His kids. I adore them. I want to be inhabited by them. I want to love them with everything I have and I want to heed whatever messages they bring me. Bless you Mr. Angel, please grace me with your presence again soon. Bless you and your ministry.

Favorite Things Friday...

2010-05-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

Places I Dream of Visiting Soon...The International House of Prayer (IHOP) Kansas City -

This is a very, very, very dear place in my life. I haven't had the blessing of experiencing it yet, but I pray about going soon every single day. Many a dream has been authored by me and the Lord for the plans He has for me in this place when He and I are both ready. I can't wait to go to Kansas City Mossouri and walk through these doors. There is such a powerful and tangible sense of the Presence of the Lord that resides here. I have prayed many times to take part in a school sometime soon. IHOP, you are loved, treasured, and dreamed of often. I WILL get to Kansas City.

Bethel Church - Redding, CA

This is the home of my beloved Bill Johnson. God has used Bill, Beni, Kris, and Danny to make me want to pursue higher things of God in a new depth. It is my prayer that Highland can assume the culture that this church embodies. I have learned volumes about miracles, honor, prayer, and walking in signs and wonders in this hour in our world. Bethel has so many ways to be equipped and prepared to fight the good figt and see enormous victories in the process. Bill has taught me how important it is to be mentored and in community with others - believers and those who are not yet. I cannot say enough good about this beautiful and sanctified place. Redding is drempt of every day as well.

Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship - Toronto, Canada

This is another one of my beloved churches. I have learned so much about the Father heart of God in this place. John and Carol Arnott are the senior pastors here. This is another place that I've prayed about visiting. Another wonderful violinist that attends TACF is someone I could listen to 24 hours a day, Ruth Fazal. There are so many prophetic leaders in this church family. I'm thankful I have this place to learn from and go deeper in Jesus. My friends Amy, Latimer, and so many others have brought back unspeakbly rich things as a result of being in the Lord's Presence with this group of believers.

ISRAEL

I have longed and yearned to go to this most holy and sacred country for so long now. I have dreamed about the holy encounters I would experiece as I witnessed baptisms in the Jordan River. I have traveled down the streets of Jerusalem in my dreams professing the Name of Jesus. I want to take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. I want to go to Galgatha and experience what torturous last moments Jesus went through. I want to see Jerusalem form the top of Mount Zion. I want to say that I traveled the roads of Jerusalem and experienced the Presence of the Lamb in that most treasured Kingdom city. It holds such a cherished place in my spirit. I want to see the stable where Jesus was born in Nazareth. I want to say that I've seen the empty tomb in physical form. So, so many memories are waiting for me in this hallowed place.

Thank you for sharing in this little piece of my future and dreams with the Lord. :)

Exciting Stuff is Brewing...

2010-05-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, my! I am ecstatic right now. Life is going right along, I am learning some rich and lasting truths about my Jesus, and my church is in for such an unbelievable change. God is just rocking my world and it is so, so, so wonderful that He is. Change is a beautiful thing. It's hard, don't get me wrong, but it is amazing to behold. God is just the most wonderful partner and anchor that there is in this world. I couldn't do change if He wasn't in control of every single thing in this life.

First of all, Jonathan, Leslie, Eden, and Samuel Storment are on their way to Abilene. I truly couldn't be anymore excited about them as a couple and as a family than I already am. The Cunninghams are so ready to meet the Storments. They will be in town on June 9th for a welcoming reception and you better believe I'll be in line to hug, encourage, and meet all of them. Our church body has been in a process of discernment and vigilant prayer for 9 months and we are so very excited about the family the Lord has sent to us. I would ask that you would pray for the Storment family as they transition to Abilene from Richland Hills and Fort Worth. Jonathan's first sermon is scheduled for August 22nd. August cannot get here fast enough for me to be completely honest.

Secondly, Randy Harris is such a beautiful proclaimer of the Word. Our church family is so blessed to have him as a teacher, preacher, a former of disciples, and an example of recklessly following God at all costs. He has really redefined some things for me this year. I love how he presents age-old truth in such a fresh and relevent way. The Church of Christ monk is beloved to us. Thank you, Father, for using your servant Randy to form people who cling to your truth and try to live in a way that points others to eternity.

I have prayed so hard for our future as a church, as I know many others in our body have. I am overwhelmed at how God chooses to equip who He sanctions as His leaders. My daddy has known for weeks who would assume the Preaching Minsistry position. He just had to keep it quiet. That drove me absolutely crazy. The week Jonathan was named as that candidate, God gave me a name and I began to pray. I was overjoyed to find out that it indeed was Jonathan Storment. I've heard absolutely wonderful and such life-giving things about him as a man and as a leader. You can know this for sure, Highland is in for an abundance of good things. I will be vigilant in my prayers for him and his precious family. I can't wait to see what blessings are in store as we as a church go further with God into our destiny in Abilene and the world.

Bless you this day, dear reader.

Tour De Fabrics...

2010-05-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today I want to take you readers through a tour of my favorite patterns. I will save my very favorite until last. I am a person who happens to adore pattern. I think they add so much wonderful personality and fun to life. Here we go:

Toile - I love this pattern because it is rich and it often tells a story. Whenever I run across this favorite I catch myself wanting to ask the figures in the pattern about their lives. I also love the informal nature of this pattern. Toile just seems so comfy and cozy in my mind. There are also little toile touches in my home, so that is another reason why its a favorite of mine.

Polka-dots - I love this pattern because it is so cheery. Polka-dots seems to give me a boost in life. This pattern is just tons of fun in my book. Another reason I love them is because they are so festive and celebratory. This pattern brings a smile to my face every single time. Who knew polka-dots could add so much to life? Damask - I think this pattern is so classy all the way around. It makes me feel so luxurious. I also happen to think this pattern is just lovely to look at and take in. It adds so much sophistication to life. It says opulent to me.

Houndstooth - This, my dear readers, is my absolute favorite pattern of them all. Houndstooth brings such joy to my life. In my book, it is the classiest and most sophisticated of all the patterns. I gravitate toward this pattern, no matter the article. It could be on clothing, stationery, fabric - whatever. I love it to pieces. And oddly enough, the only two things I own that are houndstooth are a stationery set and a most beloved scarf.

I hope this tour into some of my favorite things has been a delightful little glimpse into what makes me who I am.

Roadtrip to the Flatlands...

2010-04-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

I had a very wonderful weekend. The first ingredient to this superb weekend was a trip to this delectable place:

This is my very, very, very favorite pizza resturaunt in Abilene by far. You would not believe my excitement when Mom suggested this delicious place. My regular here is a medium Canadian Bacon pizza. So, so good. Come to Abilene and try it. I dare you.

On Sunday Mom and I went on a roadtrip to Lubbock. We also got to see some family which in my book is always wonderful. Here is one of our stops while there:

I had never been to this fabulous place before, but, let me tell you, I WILL be back. I adored the sandwich, side dish, and drink I got. I ordered the Havari Chicken Panini and it was out of this world. If you have a McAlister's in your area, go. It is some fine eatin'. I think it's better than Json's Deli. Don't tell them I said so.

The next stop for Mom, Grant, and I was this fine establishment: Mom and I think Stein Mart is the best store ever and we desperately miss the Abilene affiliate. They closed the Abilene store about a year ago. It was a very sad day for both of us. More than half of Mom's wardrobe came from this sublime store. Anytime we see one in bigger cities, stopping is a must.

The last stop in our fast and furious Lubbock tour was this insanely fabulous store:

I heart Target to its very core. I could get so lost in this store entirely too easily. When I saw that Lubbock had a Super Target, my shopping appeties were whetted for sure. :) Mom constantly made me focus and stay on course. I didn't even go look at the clothes because I knew that if I did, I would be sucked into the never-ending, always beckoning vortex of more stylish and up-to-date attire. The scarves and completely adorable stationery already had thier claws in me. I was on the hunt for a copy of The Blind Side which I haven't been able to get my hands on in my fair city. Good things come to those who wait, right?!?!

So as you can see my Sunday was busy and very fulfilling. My tour of Lubbock was very enjoyable even if I didn't come home with any purchases of my own. The time with my Mom was so good. There is something wonderful about any time with her, especially on roadtrips. It seems that God carves out special sacred time to converse, and love on each other. I couldn't do life without my mom.

Fun With the Heflins...

2010-04-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

I spent Friday evening with the completely adorable and lovely Heflin girls--Houston and Karen were there too. I LOVE these precious little ladies so so much. Boy was my Friday made by spending time with this precious family. I finally got to meet and hold Gable Elizabeth for the first time too. We ate a delicious dinner prepared by Karen of Chicken Salad sandwiches, beautiful and tasty fruit salad, pretzels, and Fritos. My kind of meal! So simple, and the time was so sacred to me. I loved watching Houston and Karen play with their girls, parent them, help form sweet sweet manners, and love them to pieces. This family is such a beautiful model of what I hope mine will look like someday. In case you haven't figured it out, I think the Heflins are utterly fabulous.

We read stories, enjoyed a dance presentation to the Sound of Music by Matalee, Emery, and Haven, took pictures, ate a wonderful apple cobbler, and so much more. My favorite part of the evening was when I had the privilege of anointing Gable and praying over her. Matalee, Emery, and Haven were full of questions about which I loved. Houston did such a great job explaining the whole concept. After I prayed, Karen read the story of Soloman anointing David in 2 Samuel 16. {I think that is where the story is found, not positive though}. It was so much fun for me all around. I hope you have people in your life that make it fun, vibrant, real, and worthwhile. The Heflins are definitely some of my favorite people.

An Afternoon in the Bluebonnets...

2010-04-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday afternoon, my friend Becky H took me out to a field of bluebonnets on 277 because she just wanted me to see it. Luckily, I had been encouraged to bring my camera. It was absolutely gorgeous. Here is the proof. I'm squinting in all of them because it was really sunny, but I love them all.

I cannot figure out why my computer put the pictures in such funny places, but I think I've included the best pictures. I hope you can spend some time admiring and taking in God's beauty through His splashes of color. I love Spring for so many reasons, but I think my favorite is that my obsession with the loveliness of flowers is revisited and deepened.

An HEB Getaway...

2010-04-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

Every Spring and Fall, the Highland family is invited down to the Texas Hill Country for a fabulous 3 day fun-filled weekend at the H.E.B. Foundation Camp in Leakey Texas. My family, friends, and I love to partake of this wonderful biannual experience. I've gone to HEB Camp since I was in 4th grade. I love it. This weekend was no exception. Here are some glimpses of the fun we had: There were LOTS of games of my favorite Chickenfoot on the fabulous large wrap-around porch of the dining hall. Great memories...

Blogger is being stupid and won't bring the first picture down. The fabulous women in the first picture are my good friends and served as my cabin mates along with some men also this weekend. We had some great laughs, times of talking, knitting, drinking Diet Coke, and watching the river. It was so much fun.Below my cabin mates are my precious precious adoptive brother and sister Christin and Chase on the back porch of our cabin. These two sweet friends are such rich blessings in my daily life. Christin belongs to our best family friends Greg and Tina Etter and Chase is her fabulous boyfriend. Love them and the times we have.

These little beauties were scattered everywhere throughout the Hill Country. I love spring, because that means flowers, flowers, and more flowers. Seeing fields covered in dark blue were just the sight I needed to end a glorious weekend with my church family. HEB Camp holds such a sweet cherished place in my childhood and in my heart now. It is a wonderful place for families to come and have fun, connect with others, and enjoy God's masterful creation. I hope your weekend was great as well.

Wow, How Blessed I Am...

2010-04-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Recently, God has just poured so many rich blessings into my journey with Him. Today, I enjoyed a two-hour lunch date with one of my most cherished and influential mentors. In addition to the blessing of spending that sacred time, I ran into two of my very close friends Sylvia and McKinley. I just adore how God weaves friends into the fabric of our daily activities. :) There have also been so many of my friends who have welcomed new babies into their lives. I still need to schedule time to love on them. I have had some really good time with the Lord too. I have just had a fabulous time in life recently. I love when new friends come into my life. God has been so sweet to author new relationships in my community right now.

Easter 2010 was utterly GLORIOUS in my book. One of my very favorite preaching vesels, Jerry Taylor brought such a powerful and timely message about boldness and the power that resides in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was good for my soul. Highland hosted a gathering before service on Easter Sunday so that people could hug, encourage each other, and engage in fellowship that was wonderful. I love fellowship, encouragement, and hugs. Monday night at soaking we listened to one of my all-time favorite prophetic voices, Graham Cooke's Rise Up, Warrior. Talk about anointed. Oh, my glory! It brought fire and deep expectancy into my entire being. I was so refreshed and recommisioned. It was a fantastic time of quiet. I hope your Thursday is greatly blessed.

Basketball Blitz and Blessings...

2010-03-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

I love college basketball. I also love Baylor University. I think you can see where this is going. I spent a good portion of my weekend watching some great March Madness match-ups in Memphis and in St. Louis, and in Houston. I watched all these fabulous games on ESPN and CBS Sports from the comfort of my parents couch though. :) My Nana and Pa are season ticket holders to all of the Baylor Lady Bears basketball games. They are die-hard, green and gold blooded Bear fans.

Here is another one of my favorite college basketball teams, Duke University. You can imagine how excited I was to know that my two favorite college teams were facing each other. It did make the cheering a bit challenging though. Here is my rule for such instances as I found myself in yesterday: If there is a Texas team playing, all my allegiance goes to that team, so Baylor had my heart yesterday. Udo, Acey, and Carter played really well last night. I was proud of my Bears even though they lost to those Blue Devils from Raliegh-Durham.

Here is where the blessings were poured on my weekend. I met my absolutely adorable and completely fabulous friend Sylvia for dinner at Schlotsky's on Saturday night before going to a praise night at Highland. This lovely lady is such a treasure in my community of friends. I am so thankful for the immeasurable gift she is in my life. It was so good to catch up on life and just sit in her presence and allow the Lord to minister to my spirit. I know she will be a forever-friend, wherever she ends up in the coming days, months, and years. She is good for my soul! Sylvia just makes me a better person all around. She is a great friend, listener, encourager, and blessing. Love you, ST. :)

I hope your weekend was full of fun and brimming with blessings.

New Friends in Real Life...

2010-03-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

I met the fabulous female partner of this fabulous godly McCord marraige covenant in February at her son Graham's Sip N See. I cannot tell you how precious this couple is to me. I haven't had the blessing of meeting Evan yet, but I am anxiously awaiting the day I will get to partake of that gift from the Lord. I just know Evan has to be such a blast and such a wonderful godly man if he is married to the lovely Annalee, mother of adorable 2 year old Adelaide.I adore the McCords. I also know Grammy Sherri and Grandpa Lynn. This is truly a most wonderful family. I count myself blessed beyond measure to know them. God is honored by their lives.

I met this precious two year old, whom I refer to in my heart as Adelaider Kater. Her given name is Adelaide Kate McCord or she is beloved and well-known as akm as well. She belongs to my adorable and completely and utterly fabulous friend, Annalee.

Wow, has my life been so sweetly blessed by forging new friendships with people I've known quite awhile through the blogosphere. I am so thankful to have met these precious friends through real-life happenings. This week while shopping My Sister's House Consignment boutique in downtown Abilene, I met my very cherished friend, Jenny Thompson and her fabulous husband Chris in real flesh and blood. They were both such precious people. I have prayed for a very long time that God would orchestrate a meeting for Jenny and I in some special way. The Thompsons were making a very quick stop in Abilene and came by the grand opening of My Sister's House to say hello to their cousins who are the proprieters of the boutique. You can find out more about My Sister's House by clicking on the link in my 'Blogs & Websites I Love' list on the left.

As you can see, I am blessed beyond measure to now know these precious Kingdom-shaped people in flesh and blood now. I've loved them for a very, very long time. God is just the best at bringing friends together. I hope you have time to thank Him for the community that surrounds your life today.

Hope Lives...

2010-03-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

This week, through many different avenues, God has been teaching me that His hope lives all around those who seek it and have eyes and ears to receive its never-fading and unending call to keep pressing on in this earthly life. When life is given wholly to the cause of making Jesus attractive to others, and making sure our lives reflect a true-to-life representation of His activity and Presence in our lives, people have no choice but to ask questions about the hope that is made prominant in us as His chosen and dearly loved believers. To be completely honest, I want my life and my degree of devotion to raise eyebrows. I desire to make people wonder whrere my life-source comes from. I want to pursue the people of this planet with joy and pure passion.

Jesus calls me to love him with ruthless trust and abandon. He is intensely interested and invested in submissive oneness and obedience to His voice, His agendas, and the pursuits of His heart in the lives of those who claim to belong to His heritage of belief and discipleship. God doesn't look at the histories of our past decisions and failures with a red pen ready to mark up our past mistakes that have helped make us who we are. He is, however, given to making our lives tapestries of His matchless love and white-hot fervency that is found in taking unhindered delight in His thoughts, His wisdom, and His Presence. When we make a life-covenant with the leadings of His Spirit, He is given permission to permeate our entire beings as His glory breaks into the deepest parts of our inner person.

Allow hope to live in and through you this week. You will be ecstatic with the choice to give complete accesss to the glory of God, trust me. I know.

Books, Books, Bring on the Books...

2010-03-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

If you know me for any length of time at all, you quickly learn one thing about me: I adore books. I relish stories. I can get lost in a good book for a very very long time. My friend Katie has been keeping a record of the books she reads each month, much like my treasured friend Chelsie. There are WAY too many favorites to choose only a few in my library. Here are some of my favorites and some I am in the process of reading right now. At least three of the featured series are going to get revisited in the very near future. Whatever I don't get to soon will be put on my summer reading agenda. Let the glimpse into my favorites begin: Anne of Green Gables has always been such a treasured series to me. I just love Anne-with-an-E. I have the all the movies almost memorized. She was such a loveable and cherished childhood playmate and friend when I was growing up. Can't wait to reread this beloved series soon.

I absolutely cannot get enough of these precious and mischevous kindred-sister characters. I see myself in so many parts of their lovely tale. I think I most identify with Jo as a writer, but with Beth as a mirror of my quiet, and eager-to-please nature. I love the March sisters and all that they learn about themselves and each other as they choose to love one another through all of life's storms, adventures, and rediculously fantastic fantasies. Marmie has also served as a wonderful teacher as I've gleaned from her fierce adoration and protection of their innocence and her ruthless trust in the relationship they share.

This is yet another beloved series of mine. I adore the Little House stories. Laura is by far my very favorite character. I can relate so much to her questions, her desire to hurry through her childhood to enter the world of adults, and her fierce, non-intentional-favorite relationship she shares with Charles. I see a lot of the same parallels between their relationship and the one I share with my own precious father. Laura is also not afraid to mess up and learn from her mistakes. I love that. This is definitely on my all-time favorite books list.

One of my most favorite characters in all of literature is Marty Davis in the Love Comes Softly series written by Jeanette Oke. I received the complete box set of Love Comes Softly on DVD for Christmas this year. I have loved, loved, loved watching them and getting lost in the similarities and overlaps in our lives. If you enjoy wonderful, clean. and faith-based movies, this is a must-see collection. I cannot wait to read the books.

I am in the midst of a season of trying to discern the stirrings of the Holy Spirit right now and I am LOVING this treasure of a book, called Forgotten God by Francis Chan, the author of Crazy Love. The Spirit is teaching me that He only seeks my obedience and my adoration rather than questioning of His leading and being afraid of man. Wow, am I so in love with Holy Spirit. If you are seeking more of His Presence, this is a must-read. This is a book I am so excited about. It is Surprised by the Power of the Spirit by Jack Deere. I am really desiring to be a student of the Holy Spirit throughout my time on this earth. I yearn to be guided and led by the agendas of the Spirit in all that I do and say. I am learning a fearless boldness as I just simply surrender what I've made out of myself to the divine ordinances of the Holy Spirit. Wow, what a precious, tender, and life-giving teacher He is. I want to always always welcome His higher ways of thinking and living.

There you go. Go and find a delicious book and happy reading :)

A Sweet Teacher...

2010-03-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

This season of my journey with Jesus has been one of learning deeper things and I have loved it. I yearn to love Jesus desperately. My life-long prayer is that I will know Him in the most intimate way possible on the earth. I long to seek His face and the things that stir His heart with a passion that is pure, reckless, and totally surrendered to His agenda. It is my prayer that my life leads others to the feet and heart of Christ. He is just the best thing there is about this life. Jesus makes EVERYTHING worthwhile.

I am a person who is pretty progressive in my beliefs. I like to think of myself as a Church of Christ girl with a Charasmatic spirit and heart. I am not interested in being fake in my journey of discipleship. I want to delve deeply into the heart of the God I have given myself over to. I want to associate with friends who encourage, sharpen, and challenge my thinking, my beliefs, and my dreams. I want to be a student of lives that are deeply invested in the call of Christ. The Holy Spirit has been so precious to me as He has helped me discover things in my life that need to change and grow. I have come to know that the Lord is the best, most patient, and most tender teacher. I never want to outgrow the need of having a teachable spirit. I always want to welcome new lessons with gratitude and thanks. I want to be a life-long student in the School of the Holy Spirit as He leads my spiritual development into newer and richer depths of my God.

Knitting 101...

2010-03-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

I think I've discovered a new hobby. I began learning to knit this week. I've wanted to learn this skill for awhile but just haven't sat down to do it. Well, that all changed this week. I am a huge fan of scarves, so that is what I really want to learn how to knit. Nothing else, only scarves. I have been watching YouTube tutorial knitting videoes in my spare time this week. I have to say that I am NOT very good at all yet, but I think once I get the hang of holding the needles and getting the rythm of my knit stich, I'll really enjoy it. If there are any knitters out there, I could really use your advice, helpful resources, or any tips you might be able to share. I have to admit, I've found trying to learn it off the YouTube videoes is a bit difficult. I had a very sweet and patient friend from Ladies Bible Class spend an hour with me on Tuesday teaching me the knit stich. The thing is, I need her to sit with me again until I really feel like I have the hang of it. I have found that having step-by-step instructions really helps me. I think I need to check and see if Amazon has a Knitting For Dummies book. I think I'll go check into that.

Anne Shirley...

2010-03-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

Anne Shirley is one of my very favorite and most cherished characters of all time. I adored watching Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea when I was growing up. I could watch these movies over and over and over again. These two movies have some of my most treasured memories as a little girl. I loved watching Matthew, the batchelor adoptive father to Anne, treasure the relationship he and Anne shared. I loved watching Marilla, Anne's old maid turned adoptive mother learn to appreciate Anne's strong willed independence and uniqueness. I also loved Gilbert. I could easily get lost in these precious stories. The fact is I still love to get lost in them. Anne Shirley has permanently secured a very cherished place in my memory and in my heart,

Something To Confess...

2010-02-25T16:56:00.000-08:00

Today I had the precious honor of watching a beautiful, Spirit-saturated memorial service. I have been on my knees for Jenny Bizaillion and the entire Ross family for weeks now. Monday, when I learned of her passing, I was absolutely heartbroken--for David, for Malaya, and for Rick, Beverly, Josh, Jonathan, Kayci and Jennifer. I wanted God to heal Jenny. I wanted God's glory to be manifested in her physical healing. I prayed so hard for it. But, there's a funny thing about following God. It is important to understand that we as His followers may not understand His ways and his reasons for doing things. I certainly do not understand why she had to die so young at 31. I have asked big questions of God. I have wrestled with Him. But the bottom line is I still believe He knows what He is doing and I still believe He is altogether good even when I fail to understand.

Praying so hard for someone does something transformative to you if you allow it to. The Holy Spirit connects you to that person in a very stong way. Even though I didn't personally know Jenny, I had already dreampt of what kind of precious and special person she must have been, she had to be just fabulous. Today's memorial service was a sweet testimony of the cross-formed person Jenny was. It was a good thing I only listened to the service because I was an absolute wreck by the end of it. I will never forget how Jonathan led people to the cross before even one word was spoken and how Josh absolutely left me bawling at how intensely personal and full of tested and authentically proven faith his words were. I know Rick and Beverly are so proud of their three precious children because they are all devotedly following after the heart of Jesus. I will tell you this my friend Karen said it beautifully today. She said, "I don't really have the right words...but just a peek into her and her family's life changed mine." I couldn't say it any better. It is such an honor for me to know and love her brother Josh. He is such a wonderful man of God. I will not ever forget Jenny or the precious mark she left on this world. I want to be celebrated and remembered as Jenny was today. It was absolutely beautiful.

Even when the circumstances don't turn out the way we would like them to, blessed be the name of the Lord. He is worthy of all praise in all seasons. I am a better person for investing prayer into Jenny's battle. Thank you for that, Abba. You are forever good!

A Wonderful Weekend...

2010-02-23T15:14:00.001-08:00

I had a great weekend. I spent it dog-sitting, spending time with people I love, and I had a fabulous and precious treat on Saturday. I finally got to meet my sweet friend, Annalee in person. I also got to meet her precious 2-year-old, Adelaide at the Sip and See for baby Graham, Annalee's adorable new baby boy. At baby Graham's Sip and See I got to hug my adorable friend Ashley and visit with her which was such a sweet blessing. I love how God has blessed my life with such wonderful friends. I am one blessed young woman. On Sunday, Chris Seidman preached at church and his message was excellent. I was challenged, encouraged, and sharpened for sure. I hope you too enjyed a good weekend.

Please Pray...

2010-02-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

I am asking all who may visit this blog to please pray for Jenny Bizaillion. She is a thirty-something young woman with a husband and a 9-year-old daughter in the Dallas area. Jenny went to the doctor with a case of the flu that quickly turned to pneumonia and then it turned into sepsis. Jenny was admitted to a Metroplex-area hospital on February 4, 2010. She has been critical for several weeks now and now has gangrene in her feet. You can check out her care pages site at: https://www.carepages.com/carepages/JennyBizaillionUpdates.

PLEASE PRAY UNCEASINGLY FOR THE LORD TO COMPLETELY RESTORE THE CIRCULATION IN HER FEET IN ORDER TO AVOID AMPUTATION!!! WE ARE ALL ASKING THE LORD TO FULLY AND COMPLETELY RESTORE HER AND HEAL HER.

Jenny is a graduate of ACU and is the sister of Josh Ross who is the Preaching Minister at Sycamore View Church of Christ in Memphis, TN. The Ross and Bizaillion families are completely confident of God's presence with Jenny and they are completely committed to giving all the glory to God for Jenny's healing. We are all thankful for the progress Jenny has made and we are asking the Lord for more! Our God is mighty to save! Thank you so so much for lifing up this precious precious woman and her family to God. May the Lord be moved to completely restore Jenny as a result of our prayers!

A Snowy Day In A-Town...

2010-02-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

It has been a very snowy day in my neck of the woods. I don't have any pictures to share but I have thouroughly enjoyed this blissful wintery day. You might be asking youself, "Why is she using the word blissful?" Well, there are two reasons. One being that I think snow is lovely to watch. The seccond reason today has been blissful is because I have had to do absolutely nothing. I have caught up on all my DVR'd shows, snuggled under my favorite comfy-cozy red chenille blanket and I've enjoyed a completely contented feeling. I love hibernating in my cozy warm little home on cold, grey, wintery days like today. It's been a wonderful day to be a couch potato :) I hope you've enjoyed your day wherever you are.

Recent Happenings...

2010-02-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

Here are a few glimpses into my life as of late:

1. I have had A LOT of opportunities to intercede for others lately. I just plain adore that. Intercession is a major passion of mine. It brings me so much joy to stand in the gap for other believers. Prayer holds immeasurable and unimaginable power and I LOVE being a part of its work. I feel alive when I am engaged in intercession. I have to say, it takes a lot out of me, but the fruit that comes from it is so worth all the energy and time. Plus, I think the eternal effects of it are just mind-blowing. I believe intecession is critical in the Body of Christ and I am so honored to do it.

2. I have had the blessing of writing a bunch of encouragement notes lately and I love that. I love making other people feel special and significant. I try to write several a week. Encouragement is vitally important to me. I have to be surrounded by encouraging and life-giving people and I think it is so important to point out the giftedness of others. In my opinion, there is not enough encouragement in our world these days. I love speaking and writing blessing into the lives of people I love, respect, and cherish. Encouragement is such a joy to parcel out and also to receive.

3. I have really enjoyed watching 19 Kids and Counting and American Idol lately. I am fascinated by 19 Kids and Counting on TLC. I love watching the family dynamics of the Duggar family. I am so encouraged by the mission and values of this family. It is so counter-cultural and out of the norm of our society these days. American Idol has been fun and excruciating to watch at times. There has been some serious talent showcased in the auditions so far, but there have also been horrific singers. I feel sorry for the judges in the audition stage. I'm ready for the time in LA to begin. I'm really excited to watch the dynamic Ellen will bring to the judges panel.

A Wii For Christmas...

2010-02-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

Over the Christmas holiday, my brother and sister-in-law came to Abilene and introduced me and my mom and dad to the fun of the Wii. We all had some serious fun with this game system. I had never played with one before Christmas and I have to say it is addicting. I loved the Wii so much I decided a few weeks after Christmas to spend some of my money on one of my own. The games are loads of fun. I have Wii Sports, Wii Active, Super Mario Brothers for Wii, and Wii Play. The Wii has provided several wonderful and fun evenings for mom, dad, and I. I have to say, my favorite things to play are bowiling and tennis. Boy, are my arms sore after playing. I am looking forward to years of fun with the Wii. I think it is a wonderful investment in fun and togetherness with friends and family.

Favorite Things Friday...

2010-01-29T17:22:00.000-08:00

OK, ya'll, I have a confession to make. I know its Favorite Things Friday, but seeing as though the creative gene somehow missed me as I was developing in my mother's womb, I will share one of my other favorite things: my favorite brands and flavors of hot tea. I adore hot tea and hot chocolate. I love these two beverages any time, but I especially enjoy them during the wintertime. It most definitely is my hot beverage of choice. So here we go:

I LOVE Twinings Lady Grey Tea. In my opinion, it is a wonderful blend, with a very faint citrusy flavor. This delightful tea is one of my very favorites to drink in the morning to wake me up. This tea is just wonderful all around. I adore it.I love plain 'ole Earl Grey as well. This tea just warms my soul. My favorite time to drink it is on a bitterly cold winter day wrapped up in a comfy-cozy blanket. I have a deep and tall mug with precious cherries on it that I love to drink plain Earl Grey out of. Every time I get to enjoy Earl Grey this way, I feel as though all is right in my world.

Here is where another confession comes in. I have a new love affair beginning when it comes to hot cocoa. This is Stephen's Candycane Cocoa. I had my first soire with this delicious concoction today, and I will never go back to plain hot cocoa. Candycane Cocoa is addicting. Try it, you'll love it too. I truly want to hug whoever invented this yummy beverage. This company will have my business forever. I love this stuff. The candycane notes that are in this cocoa just make me feel good and they make me smile. Sorry its taken me until after 8 to get this typed. I really want to try the English Breakfast Tea blend from Twinings. I think that will be my next tea-reated purchase. So now you are aware of my fervent and undying love of hot tea and hot cocoa. Hope you enjoyed peeking into this part of my personal world. Until next week, go enjoy some hot tea :)

Favorite Things Friday: Music Edition

2010-01-22T15:52:00.001-08:00

I know it is Friday and I know the theme for Favorite Things Friday this week is small kitchen appliances, but I don't have many to share. I thought instead of going with that theme, I'd share some of my favorite music. I absolutely adore music. I mean, I think I'm addicted to it. My genre of choice is Contemporary Christian. I just love the message and hope this genre brings to my life. Regularly listening to this type of music just encourages and sharpens me so much as a follower of Jesus. So enjoy the tour of some of my favorite music :)

I absolutely LOVE Hillsong United. I often get lost in the message and the worship that just spills out of their hearts. Plus, I love Darlene Zschech. This is a definite staple in my iPod music library. This album "From the Inside Out" is so awesome. It just fills my soul with unspeakable joy. In fact, worship is one of the deepest passions of my heart. Hillsong United never disappoints. I love the deep hunger for more of God that resides in this album.This is an artist named Kim Walker who is on a worship team at Bethel Church in Redding, California. She has a very unique voice that I love. I really like the fact that her music flows out of her time in God's Presence. Her album that I've connected most with is called "Here Is My Song". It is wonderful. I love the purity and devotion that come across in every song. She is part of a group called Jesus Culture Music. Check her out, she's amazing.

Please let me introduce you to Brian and Jenn Johnson. They are a husband-wife worship pastoring duo out of Bethel Church in Redding. Brian's dad, Bill Johnson, is the senior pastor along with his wife Beni. I love this couple so much. My journey has been immeasurably blessed with the worship that they are invested in. There is such a beautiful simplicity about every thing they produce. This album is called "We Believe". If you are looking for some new worship music, this is great. I can't say enough good about this couple's heart for worship.

Now, I know this is not a Contemporary Christian group, but just allow me this indulgence. I love the Eagles. They are just pure classic. I can't get enough of Wicked Woman, Hotel California, and Easy Feelin'. I don't think their music will go out of sytle any time soon. The songs are so easy to learn and listen to. There have been many roadtrips made with this awesome band. So there you have it, a tour of some of my favorite music and artists. Be sure to tune in next week.

Favorite Things Friday...

2010-01-15T17:48:00.001-08:00

Here are my favorite things in the bath and body department. Hope you enjoy:

The shampoo and conditioner collection I use is wonderful for me. I use Herbal Essences infused with orchid oil and coconut milk. Whenever I forget the flavor, I just look for the blue bottles. I am very big into loving the way things smell. This shampoo and conditioner collection just makes my heart happy.

I love this St. Ives 24-Hour Moisture lotion. It makes me feel so clean. I love using it especially during the winter months.I feel so soft when I wear it.

I absolutely adore this Dove Necterine body wash. In fact, I think it is my very favorite step in my shower routine. I love the sweet smell to pieces. This product brings me a lot of joy. I believe every one should have this in their cabinet, but, that is only my very biased opinion. I also thoroughly enjoy the Clean Cucumber smell Dove produces.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Burt's Bees lip balm. Right at this moment, I have two tubes in my purse just in case I run low. I adore how it makes my lips feel. It has a wonderful soothing effect on very chapped lips. I also love that is has a touch of peppermint flavor in it. I know some people who cannot stand it. I happen to think it is such a great invention myself.

Why I Love Blogging...

2010-01-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy blogging. There, I said it. The number one reason I really like it is because it allows me to stay in contact with friends near and far. I have absolutely no idea how many people read my ramblings, and that is not why I blog. I blog because it is fun and it allows me to have an outlet for my thoughts. I hope this space in the blogosphere is a place where people feel encouraged and loved by God. I also hope that the things I type here can sharpen and bless the people that read what I choose to share. One of the deepest yearnings of my heart is to be a life-giving student of the things that stir God's heart. God is the one all-consuming passion I have chosen to give my life to. I want to be wrecked and ruined for no one else but Him. I pray that everything said here brings glory to His name. So, whether you blog or not, I hope you feel blessed whenever and however you may visit this space.

Favorite Things Friday, Saturday Edition...

2010-01-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

My sweet and wonderful friend Ashley got me hooked on Fridays last year reading about some of her favorite things. I adore things like this that give someone a chance to peek into the lives of people they love in order to get to know them a little more, so I thought I'd join in on the fun. Here we go:

This was a Christmas present from my brother and sister-in-love this year. I adore big bags and I also adore plaid so I know I will get years of use out of this little treasure! It is still waiting to be packed for its inaugural weekend getaway, but it smiles at me everyday and makes my heart feel good.

I also have an on-going, ever=strengthening love affair with monograms. The pillow has a home on my couch and says 'LEC' inside the diamond. The blanket was given to me by my mom but I don't remember the occasion. It sure does keep me warm on a cold day. I love it to pieces.

OK. You know how when alchoholics go to an AA meeting they have to stand and introduce themselves? Well, instead of being an alcoholic, I need an intervention for my love of candles. I probably have 5 in my kitchen cabinet at any given time just waiting to be used. I cannot tell you how at home my soul and my heart feel when I bring out one of these little jewels. It's like I'm in my own little piece of heaven on earth. Right now, my candle of choice is a Red Currant one I picked up at the grocery store. My little home is not big at all so the smell permeates every square inch within about 15 minutes. It is pure bliss in my book.

Until next week, go surround yourself with some of your favorite things :)

Hello To 2010....

2010-01-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Wow. I find it hard to believe that it is already time to begin another year. It seems the older I get, the faster time seems to fly. As I look back on the year behind me, I have to say that it was good--full of opportunites and seasons of growth. It was a year I am thankful for; a year in which I found new depths in my walk with the Lord. There are so many things I adore about my relationship with the Lord, but one of the most precious things to me about it is that there is ALWAYS room to go deeper, to become better, and to learn to love Him in a more intimate way. On the days when I fail Him, I find such comfort in that!

I am ready now to say hello to 2010. I don't know about you, but in my head 2010 just souds different. I am so very excited about the many opportunities and seasons this year will hold. I cannot wait to see where the Lord will take me in this new year. I am greeting this year with a different level of expectantcy than I did the last. I know this to be true: Wherever I go and whatever I do, I will wait and listen to the Lord. I have a feeling that is going to continue to be a place where I can grow. My goal is to not to be one step ahead of the Lord or one step behind Him. I want to be going at His pace in His divine time. One fact that always seems to come back to me year after year is that God's timing is always perfect. He is never late, but He is always on time.

One of my prayers for 2010 is that I will learn to love and rely on God fiercely; in the process of doing that, to love all people in His name and for His glory. And really, those are the two things that will truly matter eternally. I pray that all of you have a very blessed new year.

Not Much To Report...

2009-12-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it is already December. It seems like this year just has gone so quickly. I guess that is the way it is as a person gets older. It certainly seems to become more true in my life with every passing year. In all honesty, there has not been a whole lot going on in my life that is blog worthy. I did see "The Blind Side" with some friends and LOVED it. I think that is a movie I will have to own. If you have not seen it, GO. It is absolutely wonderful. The story is awesome and Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw are great.

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday in Abilene celebrating with my parents, my mom's whole side, my Nana and Pa, my brother and sister, and some family friends. It is always wonderful to see them. The meal was delicious and our home looked beautiful. I just love when a home is full of people. My mom and dad are such wonderful and warm hosts. I love to watch and learn from their hospitality. We spent most of our time together eating and watching some great football. I was very proud of how well the Aggies played against the Longhorns. Our holiday came to a close with an Abilene High game in North Richland Hills and a very restful lazy Saturday with absolutely nothing on the books. All in all, a great Thanksgiving. I adore the holidays :)

I'm Still Here...

2009-11-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

These past few weeks have been hard. I've had to say goodbye to a mentor. But through it all the Lord has been good and He has been so faithful. My blogging has taken a back seat the last few weeks. Throughout this time of experiencing the loss of a friend, the Lord has shown me every single day how immeasurably blessed I am. I have a wonderful family, a wonderful, heaven-sent community of friends, and a God who never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I find so much comfort in that fact.

Blessings of Friendship...

2009-11-06T11:03:00.001-08:00

I have been unbelivably blessed with the community of friends the Lord has given me. I don't think this life would be bearable without friends. Truly, the Lord, plus friends, plus family make my life what it is. Two weekends ago, I got to see my sweet friend Ashley and I got to meet her precious baby girl Emma Grace and that was so much fun. I've also recently had fun having lunch with two precious sisters, whom I love, Summer and Kate. And I had the pleasure of having lunch with my new sweet friend Karen who has three adorable girls with one on the way. I honestly don't know how I've been so blessed. I think these sweet friendships are just a gift of God's goodness.

God has also given me precious friends that don't live where I do, so I don't get to see them as often as I would like to. I am so grateful for these relationships as well. The Lord says that it is essentially important to be very careful with the people you surround yourself with, and I agree. I just have to say that I believe the people that surround me in life are some of the most devoted, humble, authentic, and precious men and women that I've ever met. I praise the Lord for each of you and the place you have in my community, I am blessed indeed.

It's That Time of Year....

2009-11-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

It is the beginning of November. I love the beginning of November because it starts my absolute favorite time of year. What, besides fall, is Lauren's favorite time of year? The answer is the holidays. I adore the holidays. There is so much that I love about these special times. I LOVE tradition. I love, love, love being surrounded by my family. I love the special foods we prepare. My absolute favorite part of the hoidays is getting to celebrate the blessings and bounty of Jesus' goodness to all of us. When November and December roll around each year I am reminded once more how blessed I am. The holidays always serve as a yearly reminder on the calendar to stop and realize just how much the Lord has done. To me, the hoidays are so much more than gifts under the Christmas tree. They are a time to appreciate and treasure the things that really matter in life-- the people that make my life what it is and my God that makes this life so worthwile and full.

Recent Joys...

2009-10-21T18:29:00.001-07:00

I've gotten lots of joy out of many different things lately. Anyone who reads this blog knows what a high-school and college football fan I am. The first joy I will share is this...

...I got to experience the joy of watching Texas beat OU in the Red River Rivalry. I am not the biggest Texas fan, but I route for them when they are playing an out-of-state team. That is not to say that I couldn't be pursuaded to become a Texas fan though :) It's just that my Daddy went to A&M for three years. But let's face it, A&M just cannot produce a winning football team. We'll see how they do against Texas, I'm already prepping myself for a complete domination by Texas. I've also gotten behind Tech. First because Taylor Potts is an Abilene High graduate, like me and secondly Grant attends Tech, so I pay my allegiance to the school. Let me just say, Stephen Sheffield has done great. OK, moving on...

...I've gotten to see Grant twice recently and that ALWAYS makes me happy. Since he and Laura have moved to Lubbock the family and I have missed them so much and it has been a blessing and a treat to see him. He came in for the A-High game against Weatherford and rode with us along with his best friend Cole. In case you haven't figured it out, I absolutely adore my family. I think family is to be cherished, treasured, and highly esteemed. I don't know what I'd do without them. They just make life so much fun :)...

...I've gotten to do one of my absolute favorite things - - celebate. In our family, October is a busy month and it is chalk-full of opportunities to have fun. We have my mom's birthday, my birthday, my uncle's birthday, and Halloween. Plus we usually try to fit in a trip to Fredericksburg, and that is always cause for celebration if you ask me. I love to travel.

I'll leave you with a picture of my favorite Eagle-in-training, my cousin, Emma Beth

Cozy Days...

2009-10-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

There is something about Fall that makes me enjoy days like today more than usual. I didn't have anything I HAD to get accomplished today so I just took it easy. I have done some of my favorite things. Things like watching my favorite cooking shows on Food Network, and catching up on what I've missed on Little House on the Prairie. Keeping to myself sometimes is just so comforting and restful. I've truly enjoyed going at a slower pace today. Days like this remind me of what things are really important. Thank you Lord for slow, cozy days!

Birthday Celebration 2009...

2009-10-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

Celebrating with our best family friends at Cracker Barrel
Daddy celebrating his two birthday girls: Mom first and then his Little
L

My precious Grandma and Papa joined us
I am always blessed to share my birthday celebrations with my precious and wonderful Mom! I had a wonderful family-filled birthday. I love sharing my birthday with my best friend, my Mom, one day apart :) My Mom's birthday is on October 5th and mine is on the 6th. I've always secretly thanked the Lord for that because I think it is so special. I think He knew we would be so close as mother-and-daughter friends and I am thankful for that little life detail we share with one another. I fully expect and believe that my 27th year will be blessed and full of the activity and Presence of the Lord, and for that I am unspeakably grateful. I desire to grow and become more of the young woman He desires me to be to fully embrace and celebrate the destiny and calling He has specifically ordained for me. Thanks to everyone who made me feel cherished, loved, encouraged, and blessed. The Lord is so good.

(I'm sorry the spacing is so wierd on this. Blogger is so wierd and unpredictable :)

27 Wishes...

2009-10-08T19:07:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of 27 wishes as well as things I would like to accomplish during this new year. I am borrowing this idea from my friend Katie.

1. Go to the International House of Prayer in Kansas City for a weekend (this has been a fervent desire of mine for a long long time!)
2. Grow an intense and ever-more fervent love for my Father God
3. Be more intentional about setting aside time to practice focused intercession
4. Grow deeper friendships
5. To be on the lookout every day and every moment I'm alive for the Presence of the Spirit
6. To stay in better contact with precious friends
7. To soak in the Lord's Presence every day
8. To love my family with a fierce and intentional grace
9. To watch my reactions and the words of my mouth
10. To take more pictures :)
11. To learn to not be so tied to material possessions
12. To listen before I speak (God gave me two ears and one mouth :)
13. To celebrate something every day
14. To heed the callings of the Lord
15. To be more organized :) This one is hard for me!
16. To allow the Lord to continue to show me how to manage my home in a godly manner
17. To be still
18. To read 1 new book a quarter (I'm a slow-let-it-sink-in kind of reader)
19. To encourage 5 people a day
20. To enjoy every day even on the days where I can't find anything to be happy about
21. To engage in meaningful work
22. To try to flesh out the Lord's Prayer with the grace of Jesus helping me
23. improve my writing
24. To take time and be thankful :)
25. To listen to music everyday (This one is NOT hard for me because I am a music lover, but I find that listening to good-for-the-soul, Christ-focused music drives away darkness and I'm all about that!!)
26. To love on the elderly in my sphere of influence
27. To have a pliable teachable and ever humble and pure spirit so that the Lord can have His way!

27 Things...

2009-10-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Makes Another Year...

2009-09-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

Boy I'm thankful to be alive at this time in my life. It's been interesting and rewarding to say the least. When I say interesting I mean I've really enjoy watching God, even when I don't physically see results, working in my journey. He is always always always making me new, teaching me His Truth, and making me a more perfect representation of Jesus with each new detail. I welcome all of these activities of the Lord because I never want to become complascent and stale. I always want to become stronger and grow in the knowledge and precepts of God.

Speaking of this, this coming Tuesday will mark my 27th year of life. I am so thankful for almost 27 years growing, changing, learning, loving, and more. There are so many things I desire in the coming year for myself. More on that will come later. God has done unspeakable miracles in my life the most notable being that I am alive and healthy and growing in Him every day. I am grateful beyond words for this precious precious gift of life and I can't wait to continue my journey this year. I am knowing and claiming BIG, BIG things to take place in my character, my walk with the Spirit, and my journey with people. My prayer is that I will learn to walk in an even deeper, more authentic love than the previous year. I want to go into depths with the Spirit that I've only drempt of and prayed earnestly for.

Worshipping With Kari Jobe...

2009-09-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

I do believe, my friends, that I experienced one of the best worship times I've had in a long time last night at New Hope Church in Abilene. Kari Jobe has been one of my favoite female voices for a long time, and I ADORE her genuine heart and spirit when she worships. Well, seeing her LIVE was beyond my expectations. I've been looking forward to this time for months. There was such a tangible spirit of worship in that place. I was escorted into true worship and I loved every single minute of it. Kari is just precious in every way. I knew why my heart had really connected to her in her music. She is only a year older than me, and she exhibits so much of the worshipper I want to be before the Presence of the Lord. Kari is from Southlake, TX and she was one of the worship leaders, and still is I think, at Gateway Church in Southlake. If she comes anywhere close to where you are in concert, go see her. It is so worth every penny. The older I've gotten, I'm not really crazy about loud concerts, but this particular evening was so far away from that. It was my favorite kind of heart-hungry time with the King -- it was an intimate two hours of worship being poured out to the Healer and mighty God. There was exteremely free and intensely extravagant praise being lavished on Christ Jesus. It was absolutely fabulous.

Sharpened and Spurred On...

2009-09-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

There are many things that encourage me. Today I got to partake in a class that really touched on my passion for intercessory prayer and heigtened my desire to be white-hot in laboring for other people in prayer. I have had a ton of respect for Josh Ross for a long time now. From the very beginning stages of his early ministry at Highland, when he was an ACU student, an M.Div candidate, and now as a husband, father, and minister of the Word in Memphis Tennessee, my deep respect for him has only grown and deepened. To be honest, even though Josh is only a couple of years older than I am, he is one of my absolute favorite servants to watch because of the authenticity he chooses to show in every aspect of who he is, even if he doesn't realize it. I know Josh is human and that he has limitations, the truth is we all do. What I am saying is that I am always made more into the image of Jesus by allowing the influence of the disciple that he is filter down into my own spiritual formation. Josh, can you tell you are loved? I just want to say thank you for being so invested and passionate about the call of Jesus Christ on your life, on your family, on your ministry, and on the legacy of who you are and who you will become in the years to come.

Another blessing God gave me today was finally formally meeting another young man I've heard wonderful and life-giving things about, Collin Packer. Collin has also served as a young mentor of the servant I desire to become. I am always taken deeper into the things of the Lord by having the privilege to learn form Collin's example of humility and truth. I feel so grateful to have these two true-to-life, authentic, Spirit-saturated men to learn from, to look up to, and to pray for. I pray God would grow their ministries in Memphis and in Littleton and I pray that the Holy Spirit would rest mightily on their marriage covenants, on their households, and on the men after God's own heart that they are on the journey of becoming. God is good and faithful in all things and I just wanted to say thank you to Josh and to Collin for calling me through the fruit and the gifts of your lives into the depth and reality of who Jesus really is lived out in who you both are in His kingdom. Kayci and Holly you and Truitt, Noah, and Maddox are so blessed. May many blessings fall and rest on the Ross and Packer families by the power and provision of Jesus Christ.

A Day At The Movies...

2009-09-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

I love movies. I enjoy watching stories unfold. This week I spent one day watching a saga that I had recorded off the Hallmark Channel. It was an old western saga based on Janette Oke's Love books. Throughout the time spent watching these wonderful movies, I kept wondering where the godly, ever-present core values that were characteristic of a by-gone era have gone. I have to say that I adore Hallmark movies and shows because of those values. I am a sucker for a good family-friendly series. These type of movies are very very few and far between in our world today. Why is that? Sometimes I desperately miss those movies that Hollywood has deemed 'dinosaurs' and ancient in the culture today. I get so tired of seeing such blatent and overt sin present in our movie theaters today. Don't get me wrong, there are some really good things that come out of our movie theatres that point directly to God, but for the most part, they are sorely lacking. I think I'll stick with Hallmark-esque movies, series like Little House on the Prairie, and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman any day. I am constantly reminded that God has placed me in a depraved and lost generation to be set apart and different. He wants me to be in the world but not of it, but that is harder said than done. I'm mindful that God is with our world even when signs to the contrary exist, and I am thankful for that. Stepping off soapbox now :)

One Thankful Heart...

2009-09-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

This week I've been reminded of the indescribable sacrifice God made for us through His precious Jesus and to say the least, I'm thankful. In recent weeks, I've been going through the book of Hebrews and I have fallen in love with this book even more as I really have taken the time to sit down and really let what Jesus accomplished for me soak in. In my natural state of being I can't comprehend it but the eternal most alive part of me just wants to lavish my Father and my Savior with every ounce of praise this earth and heaven have in them. To think that God loves me with a passion that is ever-growing and deepening with every passing moment, I am just overwhelmed. Hebrews has always been one of my favorite parts of the New Testament. It just has treasures everywhere I turn.

One of my very favorite portraits in Hebrews is the one detailing the fact that Jesus is my High Priest. I am just immensely grateful that I did not have to go through all of the rituals, laws, and diffrerent aspects of the Old Covenant. Sure there is inherent value in all of God's story, but I'm just endebted to Jesus that He is my one and only sacrifice to accomplish a station in life that I am so unworthy of on my own - - eternal life. As I've gotten older, my joy has been increased to encompass and celebrate the fact that I am powerless on my own. Only through Jesus am I abe to love, serve, live, and enjoy every part of this present life that He died to give me. I realize with every day that I am blessed to wake up, breathe, and thank Him, that life is only most fully enjoyed, made rich, and made truly fulfilling when a life is given back to Him in praise, devotion, and passion to live it out as an offering for the indelible price He paid to make me His.

Taking Part in Football History...

2009-09-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Greg and Blair enjoy watching the Wildcats

Greg, Carly, and I pose with the Cotton Bowl

Christin and Carly on our way to the Cotton Bowl

Like the past couple weekends, this one was no different. In case you have never visited this blog before, my family and I are crazy about high school and college football. Weekends in the fall are characterized by some form of football. Whether it is high school, college, on TV or something else, we partake in some fooball-themed entertainment every weekend. This football frenzy lasts from August through the playoffs that can last the Saturday before Christmas. Can you see why football consumes this family. I must be totally honest, I love it. I don't think I could be part of my family if I didn't. It was so much fun getting to visit a stadium that I've seen thousands of times on TV. It was awesome getting to be in an environment that is steeped in so much collegiate fanfare and history. I loved being able to partake in some of the fun that the student athletes get to experience during Bowl week in the College Bowl Series. Seriously, I created some wet, fun memories with my family of choice this weekend.

Labor Day Weekend 2009...

2009-09-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

I have had a fabulous long weekend. I got to spend time with our wonderful family friends, celebrate my little cousin's birthdays, and reconnect and spend some very treasured time with my dear friend Kevin and his wonderful and absolutely beautiful fiancee Darcey. It was so good. Here is some proof of the fun I had.

Spending any time with Kevin just does something wonderful for my spirit. It was such a tremendous honor and privilege to finally meet his Darcey. I cannot wait for January 16, 2010. It will most definitely be a day to celebrate in a big way. I am so thankful that the Lord saw fit to bring Kevin and his influence into my life. I thank Him everyday for that blessing. Now, I get to add Darcey to that prayer of thankfulness. She is everything I've prayed for in a mate for Kevin. Truly, God outdid himself with this match. I can only imagine what great and mighty things the Lord is going to do in the lives of these two precious friends as He brings them together and reveals His glory in their union and His purpose for their existence in His kingdom as part of the same covenant relationship. Can you tell I'm excited?

{Somehow, Blogger put my pictures out of order. Kevin, Darcey and I are at the top for some reason and the little cousins and I are next.} I hope you have a wonderful four-day work week.

Just Another Friday...

2009-09-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

I have to say, I love Fridays. Tonight will be no different, EXCEPT I get to see my newly-initiated-law-student brother, Grant and his Laura who has finished her second week as a first grade teacher. I am beyond excited. Then tomorrow I get to see my precious precious friend, K and meet his fiancee, D. I am just beside myself. How can a girl get this lucky in one weekend? It is just a great, tailor-made first full weekend of fall for me. I think one of my favorite things in this life is celebrating people. There's just nothing like it in my opinion. I also get to celebrate my my 2-year-old cousin Lily and 5-year-old cousin Emma Beth on Saturday night. Can you say pictures. Yes, there will be a mulititude of pictures captured this weekend for sure and for certain. My camera battery is fully charged and rearing to go.

My heart has just been overflowing in gratitude and utter thankfulness for the blessedness that rests in my journey and in my life every single day. I am so unbelievably loved by a God who never changes, a super fun and supremely loving family, and friends that just leave me amazed , encouraged, and sharpened in ways I never thought possible. Yes, of course, I still pray dilligently and fervently over my dreams, but I am finding unspeakable joy, treasure, and contentedness in my station in life right now. Thank you Father, for that! It's the best feeling in the world. Thank you for making me realize and live in the certainty of who you are Jesus. I claim that this life is yours. You have won this heart. Please do with me what you will because you hold everything about me in your soverign hands. Hands that are worthy to hold my future. Hands that were scarred to purchase me. I bless your name, my calling, and my position as your co-laborer and co-heir.

September How I Love Thee...

2009-09-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

Glory be!! It's September and I am so so happy. Fall is in the air and I can almost taste it. Fall really is my favorite season. I love wearing layers, bundling up when there's a nip in the air, and being in the world when it changes from summer to fall. It is just so exciting to me and it makes me feel alive when it's cold outside. Plus, some of my favorite things are coming up in September and throughout the fall season.

My birthday, the Kari Jobe concert, Summit at ACU, football games, travelling, fun holidays, new babies for my friends. These are just a few of the exciting things September will bring to me. I am so ready to say goodbye to this very hot summer and hello to a cool and crisp fall season. There is just someting about fall that makes my soul feel at home and most secure. One other thing I love to do is to drink hot tea and I cannot justify doing this throughout the hot, grueling summer months. I went out on a coffee date to a new place with a precious friend and I tried iced Twinnings Lady Earl Grey and I loved it to its core. I will have to invest in the little blue box of those little jewels and put it in my cabinet to enjoy this fall and winter. All in all, I am just about to bust at the seams in excitement for the exciting things that await me this fall and during September. I love fall and winter so much and I believe they are practically perfect in every way as Mary Poppins would say. Happy September to you all.

A Weekend Full of Football...

2009-08-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe its already time for football to begin. Its my favorite time of year and I am beyond excited. The football started last Thursday night with ACU playing Northwest Mossouri and ended in an absolute scorcher between Abilene High and Ft. Worth Dunbar. I am seriously telling you, I don't think I've EVER been that hot. As soon as I put sunscreen on, I'd sweat it off. It was only 90 degrees but it felt like 120. I felt horrible for the players, coaches, and trainers down on the field. There was a man who actually had a heatstroke on the sidelines. It was that hot. I'm not talking be hot and then get in some shade and be cool, it was absolute direct sunlight at all times. At 2:00 when it was finally time to stand up and leave, and once the school song had been played and sung, it got breezy and very cool. Go figure. God is so funny.

I also got to celebrate my sister Christin's 21st birthday on Saturday night which was tons of fun. I'm so thankful to have her in my inner circle. She is a constant blessing and encouragement to me. All in all, it was a wonderful beginning to fall and it made me happy that a change in the seasons is on its way.

Girl Time Meets Heaven...

2009-08-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

I was blessed beyond meaure last night as I partook in some much-needed girl time with an amazing new friend the Lord has brought to me. It was so refreshing to be real, authentic, broken, and restored. I don't have all the answers to the storms of life, but I know the One who does, and I will continue to walk in His love, sovriegnty, and control. He is the ultimate Author and Perfector of my faith. I only answer to Him in the end of this time called life. I was absolutely in awe last night of the ways He works. I had an opportunity to just listen, be there, and pray for my precious friend. It felt so good. It makes my spirit feel alive when someone in need calls, texts, or writes to me and says, "I could really use a friend. Are you available at so and so a time?"

We met at Mezamiz and from the moment we sat down, I felt like I was entering holy, and sacred ground so I made myself comfortable and was in it for the long haul. As our conversations played themselves out, we found out that we both shared so many commonlities and similar testimonies. It was freeing, magical, and so sweet. It truly was like we were in the coffee shop by ourselves as God's Presence showed up and Holy Spirit allowed us to go beyond the veils of heaven to reveal such life-giving thoughts, ideas, scriptures, and recent treasures gleaned from recent seasons with the Lord. The night ended with me giving my precious friend some really good teachings to listen to and to soak into her spirit.

"God, thank you so much for allowing me to see you doing what you do best. You tell us all the time that you are not through with us yet, you are constantly delighting in us, pursuing us, and loving us exactly where we are. It doesn't matter if we're at a place of beginning or full maturity. You love all the seasons of the soul, and I have to say, so do I. It's just amazing being your creation, your daughter, and your masterpiece. Thanks for giving me a front row seat to take in your redemptive and restorative power at its best. I love you."

Exercise, It Does A Body Good...

2009-08-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

In the last three days, I've done something wonderful. This certain action has become foreign to me in many ways. It is the issue of exercise. For the last 3 days, I've reacquainted myself with the notion that exercise will quicken my journey to a healthier way of living. I've walked around my parent's subdivision, around the perimeter of my church on Sayles, and it has been total bliss. Like many of my friends, I've relearned that I actually like the burn that resistance brings to my physique. In other words, the burn feels really good.

In January, like every other year for the past five years, I asked the Lod for a word, and He kept bringing discipline to my spirit. Well, this went on for several days and I finally figured out that 'discipline' would be my mantra for 2009. The Lord has been stressing the point in my life in recent months that if I intend on following through with the purposes and ordinances He has placed to become my kingdom identity, I must learn to retrain my spirit, my body, and my mind to allow the Holy Spirit to have room to govern and athorize the yearnings and actions of my being. Believe me, it has NOT been easy, but it has proven to be very timely and incredibly beneficial. And, I am so not all the way to a full maturity in these areas yet. That's the beauty of Christian discipleship, its gradual upgrading process. One that I've come to embrace and enjoy.

Walking a little everyday has shown me that a little effort and commitment goes a really long way. If I show God how seriously devoted I am, He will have no choice but to assist in my development of spiritual toning and muscle for the hard things every season brings. Back to that 'discipline'. I wasn't sure on New Year's Day when I received it, that I was supposed to keep it and dwell on it for twelve months, and I didn't know what shape and form discipline would take in my journey, but I liked the feeling of not being mediocre or comfortable with the word discipline. So I took the baton from the Lord and I hopefully have done Him proud with entrusting me with all that the word discipline encompasses and entails. One of my best friends is getting married later this year and I want to be smokin' for his wedding. In fact, I get to see him and his precious fiancee this weekend and I am beyond excited!

God, please bless me and all those who you are challenging this year to be disciplined and proven worthy of Your name, Your calling, and Your destiny in their lives. Give us supernatural courage to forge new paths in your grace and peace and walk with us as we try with every fiber of our beings to make You famous with the offerings of our lives."

For The Love of The Game...

2009-08-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to partake in is a good board game or any other sort of game that does not require athleticism. I am not athletic in the least, but I do thoroughly enjoy cheering on my favorite sports teams. Anyway, I think playing board games is great fun, especially with a great group of friends. Two of my favorite board games are Monopoly and Sorry. My favorite game of them all is Chickenfoot, though. In recent years my family plus our best family friends have set aside Friday or Saturday nights in the summer to play Chickenfoot together. It is tons of fun. We tend to get pretty loud and I absolutely adore partaking in this time. I also think playing games together builds community. That, in my book, is always a good thing.

Now, you may be asking yourselves, "Why do they primarily play Chickenfoot on Friday nights in the summer?" The answer to that question is because Friday nights in the fall are solely dedicated to great meals and Abilene High football. If you know me or my family at all you know that we bleed black and gold. High school football is my daddy's passion. He seriously is like a kid in a candy store when August rolls around. I love watching his anticipation every fall. Every year when Abilene High football begins, I know cooler weather and fall traditions are not too far behind and that always puts a huge smile on my face and in my spirit.

Things I Love...

2009-08-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

There are many things I love in my life. Here is a list of some of them.

*my God
*my family
*the power of prayer
*patterns; my favorites include polka dots, toile, houndstooth, damask, and paisley
*pictures
*color
*my community of friends
*my church
*soaking
*music
*fellowship
*candles
*scripture
*encouragement
*worship
*the elderly
*dogs
*quality time getting to know someone
*books
*writing
*monograms

These are just a few of the things that put a smile on my face immediately. I hope you have things in your life that brings a smile to your face on a daily basis. It just makes life fun.

New Possiblities...

2009-08-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

God has been equipping me for something big for a while now. I haven't known what the big new adventure would be, but I've been ecstatically exctied about new things on the Lord's horizon for me! The Lover of my Soul has been so intensely sweet to me as He has had me in His divine School of Equipping. I've absolutely adored walking beside Him as He has pointed out things that have needed to be pruned in me and as He has created intensely personal messages just for me and my spirit's encouragement. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am being led by the Holy Spirit in the season of life I'm in the midst of living right now. That feels unspeakably good. God is just plain FUN. He has such a beautiful way of weaving His purposes, ordinances, and plans in a life that is given over to His governance, authority, and control.

God has placed some absolutely Heaven-sent people into my circle that have allowed me to be authentic and to be completely me. There is such a sense of peace and belonging in that. It brings a demision of security to my life before God and before men. I've learned that I'm enrolled in God's School of Mastery for a lifetime and that when I don't promptly pass a test He brings, I get second chances to retake the courses and exams over material we have covered together. I just love being a Child of His. I have learned that I am one hundred percent His. He just makes life so worthwhile and full of excitement and surprises every single day if I constantly look around for His Presence and activity.

Speaking of surprises, He floored me recently. A prominant Abilene photographer and Highland member seeked me out to propose an idea for collaboration with her in a project. If you read this blog, you know that I have a passion to write, but my number one passion is becoming all that God has desired me to become in Him. She approached me and asked if I might be interested in giving words to some of her images. I immediately became very excited in my spirit because it seemed that the Holy Spirit was screaming at me and that does not happen to me very often. I believe that the Lord has equipped me for this new adventure. Now, here's where you come in. If you read this blog, I would like to ask for your prayers in this new opportunity. My number one prayer request is that I will become the Holy Spirit's scribe and to allow Him to dictate every word that I write down. My second prayer request would be that I DO NOT become puffed up and full of ungodly pride. I want to be a set apart glory-bearer and an authentically devoted and fully equipped conduit of His glory. I don't want one ounce of the glory in this. I want to give it all to the One who created these giftings within me. This new adventure combines two of my favorite things: writing and pictures. I'm very excited and I leave it all in God's hands.

Surrender And More...

2009-08-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

This past week was so so good. I got to spend some time at my parents house from Tuesday-Sunday because my Mama was in Lubbock helping my sister-in-law, Laura, with house stuff. She came home on Thursday by noon and we just spent some great time together and as a family. I get the privilege of going to my parents house every Friday afternoon and staying the weekend, so that was not different. Our family has a youth intern staying the summer at our house and we adore her. This summer will make three years my parents have had an intern in thier home. Tandi is wonderful. She is a Harding junior who is studying Secondary Education and hopes to teach when she is finished. She has done absolutely amazing things with our Highland kids and they absolutely love her to pieces. There are also two other male youth interns serving the Highland Youth Ministry this summer. They are awesome as well.

Sunday at Highland was so good and it really was centered around hard questions, questions like, "Who and what is your life surrendered to?" or "What do you need to lay at the feet of Christ and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, not try to pick up again?" I loved it. God quickly gave me something to surrender and I was more than ecstatic to surrender it. Now, that doesn't always happen in my life. There are times when He has to absolutely pry things out of my control and my way of doing things. I welcome that as well, but, while gritting my teeth and holding on for dear life. My mom and dad shared some thoughts before the congregation about what surrender has looked like in their lives and I was so honored to hear their hearts. It made me cry out to God in thanksgiving for the privilege it is to be theirs for a time and His for an eternity. I was crying, as if anyone who reads this is surprised at that. To top the weekend off, we had Small Group and then my family went out to Clyde to bless and pray over a wonderful, Christ-shaped young woman along with about 15 other people she is close to and her family as she prepares to go to Ghana to work alongside Pam Cope. It was a great few days

Girls Chrysalis Plus New Phones...

2009-07-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I worked a girls Chrysalis event in Leuders. If you've ever heard of the Walk to Emmaus, a Chrysalis event is the Walk to Emmaus for teenagers and young adults. I had a wonderful weekend. I had the honor of serving on the outside team which are asked to serve silently. I absolutely love serving in that way. The young women found freedom, joy, and restoration. It was fabulous. Although it was wonderful, I am absolutely exhausted. To tell you how tired I was, I usually get up between 7:00 - 7:30 am. Well, I slept in till about 10:00. That is highly unusual for me. I guess the Lord knew I needed the extra rest. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of the special weekend in the lives of these young women. It was a blessing for sure.

On Monday, my mom took me to AT&T to get a new cell phone. I was very excited to say the least. I'd had my old phone and sim card for five years. Yea, that is a LONG time in phone years. I got a snazzy little blue phone that has a touchscreen and is very easy to text on. which I love. The only thing I don't like is that my sim card got messed up and needs to be replaced. That will be taken care of tomorrow or Friday I hope. I've had a great few days.

Sisters of Choice...

2009-07-21T11:01:00.001-07:00

Carly and Christin during FCA All-Star Week 2009. Love these two girls more than I can desribe

I don't know if I've ever introduced you all to my 'sisters of choice' Christin and Carly Etter. These two precious sisters in real life are the daughters of my parents best friends, Greg and Tina or 'Buster' as Greg is affectionately known in the Cunningham household as well as to all of the children of Highland. Here's a picture of my two 'sisters of choice':

Carly and Christin looking cute at Szchsuan.

I just adore these precious girls and they both have very cherished and treasured places in my heart. They bring me so much joy and love. They truly are my sisters and really really close friends. I am blessed indeed.

This is Carly, Miles and Lily, Christin and Carly's precious cousins whom I love dearly. They are hilarious :)

Showing sisterly love... :)

I am immeasurably blessed to call them family, friends, and my 'sisters of choice'. The Etter family has been such a formative part of my life and I am thankful beyond what I can say to call them special community. I'm so glad the Lord saw the need to create and dwell amongst the company of friends. My life would look so different if I didn't have these kindred people in in to shine the radiance of Christ. I am I think the Lord is so funny sometimes because He knew the dynamics of both the Cunningham and Etter families even before the foundations of the world were established. He knew we would need each other to walk the journey on the earth. I'm so blessed by this family.

Greg aka 'Buster' and Carly aka 'Bear' at a Roughriders indoor football game

To say that I love this family is so far off the mark. I am endebted to them for loving me and all my warts. They have shown me the face and heart of God so many times I cannot even count them all.

My Christin and my precious Daddy or her 'second Daddy'.

I love you Etterlets and Mama and Buster Etter. You are all loved, cherished, and treasured parts of who I am. Thank you so much for choosing to walk with us Cunninghams as we learn to flesh out the Way of Christ in this world through the manifestation of the institution of the family. Bless you guys :)

A Fearless Woman's Battle...

2009-07-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

This is my treasured and cherished friend, Kathy Kiser. Unbeknwonst to her, she has become one of my most cherished mentors through the many years of her friendship. I cannot say enough about this fearless, bold, courageous, perservering woman of immense faith, power, and unrelenting and tangible faith. She has shown the the face of Christ Jesus so many times I scarcely can count. Truly, the Lord has used her influence and wisdom; her kindness and compassion; her humble authenticity; and most importantly her ruthless pursuit of excellence before the courts of heaven.

Well, on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 her world was shaken. She, her husband, Jack, their two boys, Cole and Chase, and her precious daughter-in-law, Christi 'Ritchey' Kiser were shocked after exporitory surgery that the doctors diagnosed Kathy with cancer that has metasticized into her liver, her colon, and the lining of her stomach. Now, please know that Kathy Kiser has be endowed with a 'fighter's spirit. She WILL defeat this. She is one of THE most fervent and devoted women of the Lord that I have ever had the honor of knowing intimately. Her oldest son, Cole has been my brother's best friend since second grade. So you can see the many connections our families have shared throughout the years.

If you would PLEASE join me in praying for the entire Kiser family I would certainly appreciate it. First of all pray for Kathy: her strength, her willingness to war with the demons of hell, her stamina and endurance, ever-deepening faith and an unrelenting hope anchored in the Spirit-fueled Body of Christ, and for her spirit to remain constant, faithful, and undaunted by this battle, emotional stamina, and a supernatural knowledge of God's love and delight over her. Next her husband, Jack: that he would continue to be rooted and firmly established in godly counsel, purposes, and things that stir God's heart, that Jack will be able to provide the haven that Kathy will need from this disease, for an agape, deep, commited covenant love relationship to reside between the two of them, their marriage covenant, and whatever else you can think of as a husband and wife team committed to the Lord's ways and teachings. Cole: a willingness to serve his parents, a deep call to prayer, many "spiritual mothers" to surround and hold him up, and for Grant as he ministers to Cole, for Cole to KNOW his Mama will be ok. Chase: same. Christi: unrelenting and growing deep faith, hope, joy, peace, confidence, trust, and a commitment to walk beside Chase in this season of trial.

All of Kathy's community that has committed to surround and love her are claiming Jeremiah 32:27 over her in this season of trial: "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Please claim this scripture over the Kiser family and over Kathy's precious spirit. She WILL BE AN OVERCOMER!!! Thanks so much. I am so humbled by the power of the Body of Christ and the immense presence of it in the earth.

My List of Must See TV...

2009-07-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

I wish I wasn't such a TV watcher, but I am. I really like clean, uplifting, funny shows. Now, in my mind most of what our society deems as appropriate to expose to the American public is downright disgusting and unfit for men, women, and children who want to live holy and set apart lives for our savior Jesus. Here are my favorite shows that I record on a weekly basis.

I LOVE Tyler Perry's House of Payne on TBS. I think Curtis, Ella, CJ, Malik, Jasmine, and Calvin are hilarious. It makes me laugh every time I watch the show. I hurry home from church in order to catch this show. Good thing I live only about 45 seconds from my church building :)

Another show I absolutely adore is another Tyler Perry show on TBS called "Meet The Browns." I honestly think Leroy Brown, or 'Mr. Brown' as he's affectionately known as on the show is rip-roaringly hilarious. I have to make sure and not drink any liquids during this show because I don't want to emty my bladder. It's that entertaining. He is constantly getting concepts and words mixed up and his character is a Holy-Ghost-filled-demon-chasing follower of God. I cannot get enough of this show. I can't wait for 8:00 to roll around every Wednesday night.

"The Little Couple" is another Tuesday night favorite of mine. I have to admit, I am fascinated by this couple--their size, the way they love each other, the fact that they have wonderful, soul-satisfying jobs and so many other things. All I have to say is Go Jen and Bill. I try not to miss this show. And I love their little dog Rocky :)

What Not To Wear is probably one of my top five favorite shows ever. I LOVE Clinton and Stacey's style :) Plus, I just think they make America look so much better. Every night I ask God to send them to me. I think I dress pretty well, but I do tend to look nice but still be casual everyday. I would adore to spend 5 straight days in New York City getting a high-class makeover that would cause people to turn their heads. What girl wouldn't?? Y'all can add that to your prayer list for me as well. Maybe that's God's next gift to me :) A girl can dream can't she?

Blogger is being stubborn and won't let me post my other favorites so I'll just write about them:

Joyce Meyer's "Enjoying Everyday Life" is probably in my top two favorite shows to watch. And I love being able to tune into her show via GodTV. She just gives good, old-fashioned wisdom and I LOVE her style. She constantly keeps me in stiches and she is very, very real and approachable. Just love her to death. I want to live a life of humble excellence before the Lord and she helps me to stay equipped. I don't like to miss her even one day.

I also love to watch TLC's "Cake Boss." I think the family dynamics on that show are funny. And the guy makes beautiful creations out of fondant.

There are many others I enjoy. Maybe I'll make this a two-part post. I am just a person that enjoys good clean, heartwarming television. I don't rush out and see what Hollywood deems worthy of me spending $7 to $8 dollars to see. Hope your shows are keeping you happy and entertained!

Family Time...

2009-07-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

I spent a wonderful week in Colorado with my family last week. It was great. There is nothing I love more than spending good quality time with people. I absolutely adore Colorado. I feel so connected to the Lord there. One of my favorite places to hear His voice resides in the mountains there. My sacred place is Williams Creek Resevoir located about 50 miles from Pagosa.

We didn't do too much. We just relaxed, fellowshipped with one another, read, watched movies, and ate good food. Oh, and we did do some antique shopping in Pagosa, Durango, and Bayfield. A Cunningham ladies vacation wouldn't be complete without antique shopping. My brother fished almost the entire time. He has a passion for fly fishing. My daddy just spent the week relaxing and taking naps. He works SO hard and I am thankful the Lord gave him time to be refueled, refreshed, and rested. I adore my family so much and I am so blessed to learn the way of Jesus from the fruit of their lives. It was sad to drop my sister-in-law Laura off in Lubbock when we came into Texas. I was happy that my mom got to spend some good time with Laura in the car to talk and be together.

All in all, it was a wonderful time as a family. I'm thankful for times like these. I really treasure them. I also really like that God gave me a love for people. There's nothing more fulfilling in my mind than being invested and part of other people's lives. I hope you've had a great vacation this summer.

A Mountain Girl...

2009-07-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

This family vacation is confirming one thing about my personality. I am definitely a mountain girl. There is just something that really resonates with me when I see mountains in a landscape. They calm me. They remind me of God's granduer. I love being able to look out and enjoy their beauty. I love mountains. That's all there is to it.

Brother-Sister Send Off...

2009-06-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the U-Haul has sat in our driveway for two days; it is almost all packed up. Grant and Laura head north tomorrow to say hello to a different city and home for 3 years while Grant attends Texas Tech Law School. I have absolutely adored having them 'home' at my parents house with me this week as they have picked out new paint colors, ran errands, made phone calls, and set up utilities and other things at their new home. The really good thing is that they will live only three hours away and still in Texas. Laura will teach 1st grade at a local elementary school. Grant will devote his days to law books, reviews, and hours in a classroom. I am so excited for this new chapter in their lives, their marriage covenant, and in our life as a family. We have known this day would come but now that it's almost here, I find myself asking the Lord for more time together.

Thankfully, we will have that time in a week-long vacation to our favorite spot: Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We Cunninghams adore Colorado. Grant has a passion for fly fishing, hiking, and getting lost in the beauty and scenery in that place. Daddy, Mama, Laura, and I love to poke around Pagosa, take it easy, and just be together. I have a feeling that there will be lots of hugging, savoring time, and just immersing ourselves in one another. I can't wait. Grant will continue to work for my dad throughout the rest of the summer and go to his new home on weekends as Laura stays behind creating their new home and acquainting herself with the new city they will call home. Really the Lord has led every single step of this journey with them. I am so thankful for the evidence He has given to let them know that they truly belong there for a short season. That is what this whole law school thing is: a season of time where Grant and Laura make their own lives and begin to live out of reputations they create and maintain for themselves. I know the Lord has wonderful purposes, desires, and gifts for them as they have totally devoted this entire journey to His glory. It's just hard to say 'goodbye'. The really neat thing that brings me a lot of peace is that they are God's people and they do not belong to me, they belong solely to each other and to the Lord.

"Where you go, I will go. Where you sleep, I will sleep." Ruth 4;16

Summer Days...

2009-06-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am loving this summer. My family and I have already been quite busy and, to be honest, I like it that way. My mom has been traveling her little heart out, my Daddy has been working, my brother and sister have been tying up loose ends in Abilene to move to Lubbock on Thurday, and I have been enjoying great times with family, friends, and my Jesus. Truly, I have made great memories so far. The fun is far from being over.

This weekend should be tons of fun. I am attending a prophetic conference at FUMC in Abilene beginning on Thursday afternoon and it will conclude on Saturday evening. I am so excited about the lady who is coming in from Catch the Fire Ministries based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her name is Isabel Allum and she centers her individual prophetic ministry out of the father heart of God. Then, on Friday evening, I will hop from FUMC's conference to go to a Chrysalis team meeting for the Girl's Chrysalis I'm working in July. There are so many people I love working on this team. My heart and spirit should be feasting all weekend. God has truly poured out His goodness in the season I'm experiencing right now in the deepest parts of my soul. I'm being filled up so much so that I can be poured out for the glory and purposes of Christ. That just excites me like nothing else. Please say a prayer for my mom as she is traveling through Vienna this week. She will return on Saturday morning.

Fathers...

2009-06-21T18:40:00.001-07:00

First of all this is my completely precious and servant-hearted Daddy, Rob. I absolutely adore him and I could not even imagine my life without his godly influence and his commitment to living in humble excellence. I am so enbebted to him for many many things. I am a product of grace and anything I am is a direct result of God's goodness and my Daddy's Spirit-filled example of an earthly father.

Let me introduce you to my Pa, Bob Cunningham, my Daddy's dad. This man is one of my heroes. When I say hero, I mean a spiritual giant in my life. I just love him to pieces. I am so glad he's in my life. I have such precious memories of growing up spending time with him. There is no way I can repay him for all he's done for me. I guess I'll just have to wait until heaven so that God can repay him. That sounds good to me.

This couple ladies and gentleman, are my grandparents, Jerry and Stel Elmore. My mom is their daughter. I have learned more about the character of Jesus from these two people then they know. There are no two people who know scripture like these two. I know my grandfather as Papa. He and my Grandma moved to Abilene 5 years ago from Bakersfield, California. He served as an elder in their home congregation for 40 years. That's quite a heritage. I am beyond blessed to have Papa in my life and in my journey with Christ. I'm thankful.

(I couldn't find a picture of my Papa and me) I hope you've enjoyed this little family tour. There is nothing like family. I believe it is one of God's most awesome instituions and creations.

One Busy Weekend...

2009-06-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

My friend and freshman roommate, Jordan, got married this weekend. I only made the reception. My Saturday was booked. She was a radiant bride. I was so honored to be able to celebrate her. God has used her in my life to speak truth, to encourage me, to challenge me, to pray for me, and to spur me on to higher things in Him. I am so thankful for and excited about her newly authored marriage covenant to Brent. What a lucky guy. I wish Brent and Jordan every blessing that God has to give. They both have waited a lifetime for this new adventure

I also was beyond blessed to attend an outdoor wedding on Saturday evening full of people I love. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I've been to in a while. It was so relaxed, laid back, and full of the personalities of both families involved. The neice of one of my most treasured mentors was the bride. My mentor's husband performed the ceremony and it was chalk-full of personal touches and stories from the lives of the couple. It was wonderful. I loved it.

Today, my family had a Father's Day celebration at my cousin's house. It was fun. My Mom and Daddy were not there but I made sure to call my Dad and wish him a happy day. I always enjoy times with my family. There are so many precious moments in the lives of families. I am blessed to have a great one.

Prayer Warriors Unite...

2009-06-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

Please pray for baby Eydie Paige Stover. She was born yesterday, June 18, 2009, to Brandon and Kate Stover in Abilene. She is in the Hendrick NICU having difficulty breathing. She shows signs of improvement as of now. Please pray for Brandon, Kate, Eydie Paige and family members as they wait. Pray specifically for restoration of breathing and for Eydie's lungs as she is weaned off of the oxygen. Pray that the Great Physician would breathe on this precious little girl as He holds her in His hands.

Also please be in prayer for Reuben Whitfield, Jody Reese's father as he is on life support in Austin after suffering a fall off of a ladder. Jody, Lynn, and Kathy are all on their way to Austin to be with him and their mom, Naomi. Thanks so much for your prayers.

Hot But Blessed...

2009-06-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

It has been oppressively hot in Abilene this week. I am constantly thanking the Lord for air conditioning and for lukewarm showers in the middle of the afternoon. I have been remided of the Houston heat this week and I have a very tangible sense of what my friends the Thompsons and Sargents must live with throughout steamy-hot South Texas summers. I truly have a new-found appreciation for you guys. I honestly don't know how you do it day in and day out.

Those who are close to me know what a stuggle I have in extreme heat. I HATE it. It takes major determination to fight my flesh and combat the heat and my desire to give into the temptaiton to complain and be miserable in the midst of being hot. I much rather perfer cold weather any day. Right now, I am wishing my family had a pool that I could just jump into any time I felt the urge. Last week it got up to 102 degrees.

In the midst of this heat wave that has come over Abilene, the Lord has also provided much-needed fellowship with mentors and other sweet friends. I am so glad I don't ever have to be in this life alone. There is SO much value in friendship and the journey of discipleship. I have been humbled, corrected, extravagantly loved, and nurtured this week by many dfferent outlets. I am extravagantly and immeausrably blessed.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart; with all your soul; with all your mind; and with all your strength for that is the will of God in Christ Jesus." - Deuteronomy 6

Spirit, Train My Tongue...

2009-06-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Words contain unspeakable power. I learned that this weekend. My tongue needs to go back to school to be taught to be used. I desire to speak and invoke blessing over people's lives and I fail that desire so many times. I desperately need the power of the Spirit to teach, cultivate, and grow the words and works of my mouth. I am asking the Lord to set a guard about my mouth and to refresh and reuse the filter that He created. I think I just need a complete rehaul in the area of my speech. Thankfully, I serve a God who is more than willing to guide, teach, and mature what comes from my spirit into my mouth. I was reminded today in my prayer time that God gave me two ears with which to listen and one mouth to speak. I think He wants me to listen twice as much as I talk. That is SO hard. But, I know I can do it with God's help. I am asking the Spirit to employ the 10-second rule when I speak meaning that I desire to think about what I say for 10 seconds before I allow it the authority to come out of my spirit or my mouth. That is going to take work but I can do it. I praise the Lord that he redeems, forgives, wipes clean, and restores us as His vesels. I am thankful for courageous people to come and correct and tell me when I have done something wrong or something that is completely ungodly. I need that in my life. I want to be a spring of blessing. I want to be a safe place where people can share their hearts and know that what is said will stay in the strictest confidence. God is good.

Cultivating a Lovely and Gentle Spirit...

2009-06-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

I desperately yearn to possess a lovely and gentle spirit in the sight of the Lord. I can't say I'm all the way there. Thankfully, we are never quite where we want to be in our relationships with Christ. It is a process. It takes time. That is something that the Lord has had to teach and show me as I have grown in my walk of discipleship. I am so grateful that He has made a covenant promise to me to walk beside me and guide me by the power and promptings of the Holy Spirit. I always have to remember that grwoing in loveliness and gentleness will never be finished as long as I walk in this earthly life. Don't get me wrong, I make mistakes. My flesh shouts almost daily. I am the clay He is the Potter..., I am the clay, He is the Potter...

Boy, am I glad that growing comes in stages and that the Lord constantly is promoting us onto greater things in His kingdom. Being promoted and matured in a fruit of the Spirit comes as the Lord figures us out and tests us in order to see if we are being real and not skipping anything He has in store for us. We cannot miss one of His purposes because He uses each one to make us stronger, sharper, and more into the image of the One who is eternal and steady. Our innermost foundation MUST be established in the reality and certainty of Who He is. He must author everything that we are about in order to be fully known in us by the world.

"Let your beauty come not from outward adornment, but let it be found in the beauty and authenticity of your inner person, the person of your heart. A gentle, lovely, and a quiet spirit is of great worh in the sight of the Lord." - 1 Peter 3:4

Make Me a Warrior Woman...

2009-06-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

I want to be a warrior-saint. I want to go boldly into places of darkness and lack in order to envelop and illuminate them with the light of the Lord. I want to make the devil cringe. I want him to know my name and to have my number. The Word says that if we resist him long enough, he will get bord becuase he realizes that we are not going to be put of course. He knows our gaze is fixed and firmly established to the One who is victorious. I love that. I mean seriously, I want to be that invested and focused on heavenly and excellent things. I was listening to a prophetic word on CD by one of my favorite people, Graham Cooke, and he said this, "The devil repelled by authentic, relentless, and reckless praise." Graham also shared this little tidbit, "Fear or anything contrary to the nature or character of God attracts attack and demonic activity." Wow. That is some hard-core truth. To be completely honest, I'm still in the process of sifting through, in my mind, much of what I heard on the CD. There was so much that was beyond my mind. But, I still opened up my spirit and received what Graham called forth and spoke over my heart. It truly fed my spirit. It was as if God was pouring His goodness and His deep abiding revelation into my being.

There is absolutely nothing that is more precious to me than intimately communing and spending time with my God. It really is the only way I will ever be who I want to be, a woman completely yielded and wholly abandoned to the purposes, passions, and heart cries of my Savior. I take such joy and faith in the fact that the Lord knows my reputation with men and in the heavenly courts. I take comfort in the fact that I am fought for in the battle that is raging all around me in the heavenly realm. I am hidden in the secret place with Christ as God fights my battles and calls forth my destiny. I want to give Him absolutely everything I can so that He can sharpen, shape, and create in me the person and eternal being that He has had in his mind's eye since before the foundations of the earth were put into place.

A Reason to Love...

2009-06-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed a wonderful weekend. Friday night, my family and I enjoyed great time with very close family friends. Saturday morning and afternoon were spent with my best friend besides Jesus, my precious Mom shopping, running errands, and having my sister help us pick out my Mom's new glasses. Saturday evening my family and I went to a wedding at one of my favorite chruches in town. I love to witness weddings. I teared up many times as is very common for me. After the wedding my Mom, Daddy, and I enjoyed a coffee date with another very close couple to our family. It has been a wonderful couple days, for sure.

My favorite part of the weekend came this morning as Randy Harris gave the message to my church body. I was very convicted as I sat listening and feverishly scribbling down notes. It was excellent. His message was taken from Luke 10:25-37. I loved the title of his message, "The Menimally Decent Samaritan." He focused on the fact that the Good Samaritan showed the injured man extravagant compassion, mercy, and kindness. This guy went the extra mile in excellence and provided for the injured man. One thing that Randy said that I loved and paraphrased was, "Jesus is calling all His disciples and servants to a radical ethic and way of living." Another thing that I caught was the idea of the Lord wanting us to go beyond ourselves and our flesh and to live beyond menimal decency, but to love extravagantly and to lavish the grace and love of God on people. I absolutely love that idea and I pray that my life embodies that in my everyday existence.

All in all it was a rich, soul-satisfying time of encouragement and being sharpened and challenged to go deeper into the character and call of Jesus on my life as His servant. To top it off, my Daddy and I got to eat a wonderful home-cooked meal at my brother's house one last time with my grandparents before my brother and sister-in-love begin their move to Lubbock in the next two weeks. Grant is beginning law school at Texas Tech in August. Laura will teach 1st grade at a wonderful, innovative elementary school in August as well. Please pray for them. This entire process has been one-hundred percent Spirit-led and the Lord has really provided and led every step of the way.

I'll leave you with a concept that I paraphrased from today's message in worship:

"A Gospel-formed love can only come forth out of a person who is intimately acquainted with the radical, extravagant love of Christ Jesus first before it can go beyond us and help usher in His Presence and his purposes for His ultimate glory in all things seen and unseen."

Earnest Honor...

2009-06-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

I pray everyday in my spirit that I will live in earnest honor of the Lord. I know this is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not something I can achieve on my own. I need to be constantly immersed in a power that resides in Someone higher. If it were left up to me alone I would live in the low place of my flesh. Honor is a concept that has gotten lost in our present day society. It seems like every aspect of this society is centered around demeaning or destroying something in order to recieve honor and respect. I really strong dislike that. I want that mentality to change. I have the power to decide whether or not to live that way. We all have the power to make that decision. For that I am grateful.

In my mind honor means serving another person in some way. It means loving another person more than I love myself. It means blessing them in order that they may go out and bless, edify, and encourage others to seek higher things. Honor is something that is earned. It deserves reward. The funny thing is, if you seek the right honor, the reward comes after denying yourself and walking in selflessness and humility. This is extremely hard. It definitely requires power that we in our humaness do not possess. I earnesly pray that my life depicts an earnest honor in all areas. I want to go beyond myself; to serve others passionately in order for them to see Jesus in my life and to attract them to the One to whom honor is due.