Really, Really Big Christmas Show!!

I got to be apart of the cast of the Really, Really Big Christmas Show at Second Baptist Church Houston! It was so much fun & I had an absolute blast! The best part was that I got to do it with some of my best friends! This was such a neat way to share the birth of our precious savior Jesus Christ with the thousands of people who walked into the doors of the church! Here are some fun pictures from the weekend!

Full...

Tonight I am full. Full of good food and of sweet fellowship...both are so good for the soul! :) Last month my old small group started a new tradition of a monthly dinner. We had our second one tonight and oh my stars let me just tell y'all...both times have been so sweet! This particular group of women are some of the most genuine, wise, & most importanly Godly women I know.

These past four years we have laughed together, cried together, entered into new seasons together, but most importantly grown more in love with our sweet Jesus together. It was so refreshing to just sit around Jacky's livivng room tonight & just be real and share our hearts. I think that authenticity is such a rare treasure to find & I cherish it so much with this group.

So tonight I did. I just wanted to share with y'all how thankful I am for these precious girls..I am so blessed by their friendships and love! (Blair you were missed and prayed for!)

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" 1 John 4:7

Seasons...

All of my life in every season I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship....

Seasons. They are different for everyone. Right now I am in a season of waiting and change. Feeling that The Lord was leading me to resign from my old job and waiting to see what He has next. I know that He works for the good of those who love Him but I have to be honest.... right now in my life I am in a place of complete and utter confusion.

Not knowing what is next is a scary place to be, but praise The Lord I can rest in the sweet promise that we are told not to worry about tomorrow & that He knows what's next. Right now I am walking in complete and utter blind faith. I'm going to be honest though--that's not such a bad place to be. My faith is all I have to cling to & right now it is growing like it never has before. With all of my heart I want to be the girl who glorifies my sweet Jesus during the seasons of waiting & change. The girl who doesn't loose heart. The girl who shows Jesus in not only the good seasons but also the tough ones. Do I fall short? Every single day. But that is what I believe causes us to seek shelter under His wings, & to run fast and hard after Him.

Here is what I can tell you....I loved my previous job and know without a doubt that I was great at it--however, I had become very comfortable and complacent. I know I've said this on here before I also hate change. On the other hand, I know change is what causes us to grow and learn. So I am, as hard as it is for me I'm choosing to embrace this change & learn all that I can from it. Last weekend I went to listen to Steven Furtick preach at a near by church and he said something that really struck a chord with me....that if the the vision for my life is small then that is most likely insulting to God & that the vision for my life should be intimidating and huge--I started praying for a bigger vision.

So today I'm thankful that this is just a season. That today is not a blank page & He can see the whole storyt. But most of all that He knows my heart better than I do & is working for the good in me & all I have to do is step.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. Who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

*I would also covet your prayers during this season--thanks so much!*

Pure Sweetness!

Last week I helped out my dear friend Jenny with her sweet kiddos. They were moving into a new house and Jeff was out of town so with three little ones a set of extra hands was much appreciated. I haven't been sleeping that well during the night so I've been quiet tired during the day. One day sweet Kate fell asleep on the couch & as you can tell I wasn't that far behind her! Her Mom captured this sweet photo--sorry it's poor quality she took it on my phone! To me it doesn't get much sweeter than this! I love this sweet family and cherish the precious relationship I have with them!

2010 Ryder Cup...

I'm sure you can tell from my blog that it's no secret--I love the sport of golf. Growing up in Scotland & your Dad owning one of the most popular hotels in St. Andrews, Scotland where the sport began it's hard not to. The sport has always been apart of my life but after attending the 2010 British Open & having the privilege to meet and visit with some of the sports best players & people in the industry it has caused my love to grow. You may not understand but now I feel apart of it's world & love the people in it. I do. I love the game. This week is the 2010 Ryder Cup in Wales an event like no other in golf. I know that the defending champions team USA are HUGE underdogs but I think that's what will make it so exciting!

Team USA!

Team Europe

Had to put in a picture of Dustin...can you say school girl crush--I met him in St. Andrews during The Open! :)

Currently Reading....

Steven Furtick's new book Sun Stand Still. I'm just getting into it but am so excited to dig into this book! It about having audacious faith and praying Sun Stand Still prayers like Joshua did! I could not be reading this book or listening to his podcasts on the book at a more perfect season of my life right now.

When I think of audacious faith several people from the Bible come to mind. . People like Noah. He had faith to build a boat. Why? Because God told him to. Esther. Oh sweet Esther. She had faith to approach the King with boldness, Peter, well he walked on water. I also think of Joshua....how he marched around the walls of Jericho. Blew the horn. And the walls came a tumblin' down.

I realize to do this some of my dreams may have to die in order for Him to reveal His dreams to me. My question to myself is why wouldn't I want to see my sweet Jesus' dreams fulfilled for my life. I'm sure they are so much greater and bigger than the ones I could ever dream up for myself. Why? Because He knows and wants what's best & loves me more than I could ever comprehend. I'm sure I'll be sharing a lot while reading this book and listening to the sermons. I'm so excited & super expectant of how The Lord is going to change my heart during these next few weeks. That was confirmed today through an email from a sweet friend. She invited me to be in a prayer group with some of the most Godly, wise, & unbelievable women I know. I'm serious y'all...these women are doing HUGE things to impact the Kingdom & the lives of women and girls! I am so humbled and excited to be able to join in prayer with them on the first Monday of every month. To pray sun stand still prayers for ourselves & our nation. That a great awakening would occur. I know that I am going to learn and grow so much through spending some sweet time with these Godly women the first Monday of each month. So I challenge you...what sun stand still prayer do you need to pray today? Don't be afraid to pray it. Approach the throne with boldness, confidence & I know you'll be amazed by what God will do as you see audacious faith rise up in you.

These are the last...I promise!

Okay I am sure y'all are tired of seeing all of my pictures from The Open but my friend Sarah just sent me these from our trip and I couldn't resist uploading them to the blog because they are too cute!

Sarah & I on the last day. We had a phone sticker so we got to take some pictures inside the ropes! We sat on hole one all day and watched everyone tee off & come up 18!

If you follow me on twitter you know I have the school girl crush on Dustin Johnson! I had hung out with him one night before The Open started but didn't have my camera or ask for an autograph because um hello, I was trying to play it cool!

Sarah & I were waiting to get his autograph after he finished up but he took too long & we wanted to beat the crowd so we left. These are our "sad face" pictures because we didn't see him!

Rory....let me just tell y'all he is a rock star in Great Britain! No lie I got squashed

between several people and almost got hurt because of people trying to get to him! His fans are CRAZY!!

Melt My Heart....

Friday was my last day with these sweet babies. Praise The Lord Kenzie made it to full term and baby Scout is now big enough to welcomed to this world as a healthy, strong little guy.

I knew saying "see you later" would be tough on me because by nature I have a very tender heart so you can imagine how proud I was of myself when that precious little boy came running up to me and said, "I love you Miss Joy." Now, don't go thinking I got out of there that easy. His Mom and I were outside saying our goodbyes when all of a sudden the front door opened and I heard his sweet voice yell...."Bye Miss Joy! I love you!" Y'all, the tears started flowing and I was a hot mess. I mean I'm talking a messy cry. Who would have known a four year old little boy could have that effect on me?!?!? The kids in this picture have touched my heart and changed my life! I can't even begin to tell you the sweet lessons The Lord has taught me these past five weeks while being with them. (That in itself is a whole other post....)

It did get me thinking though. If Deacon saying I love you had that effect on me then just think of how much joy it brings the Father when we lavish our love on Him. Oh I can just imagine the smile it must bring to His face. So many times I find myself just assuming He knows and I forget to tell Him. I don't think we could ever tell Him enough! So go on...take some time and tell Him how much you love Him today.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

1 John 3:1

The Nanny Diaries...

These past few weeks I have been helping my friend Kenzie out with her precious kiddos while she has been on bed rest. Deacon and Faith Claire have captured my heart, I am crazy about them, & am going to miss them so much when the gig is up on Friday! No day has been the same and let me tell y'all I have a new found respect for you stay at home Mom's....hardest job out there! Here are some pictures of some of the super fun adventures we have been on these past few weeks...

Of course I took them golfing...well, putt putt that is!

It was a little hot this day but we had so much fun!

Deacon after his hole in one!

Weekly trips to Chick-fil-a!

This girl LOVES her Chick-fil-a Ice dream....

Deacon after his....

Diggin' in my purse....such a girly girl!

Playing at the mall playground!

Exhausted after a fun day!

Radiant!

Last night I had the privilege to attend my good friend Marian Jordan's book release party to celebrate her fourth book being released! Marian is the founder of Redeemed Girl Ministries and has a heart for The Lord and seeing girls redeemed! I am so proud of Marian and have loved watching The Lord grow her ministry for His glory! I lived with her during the first years of the ministry & the "writing process" of two of her books! Every girl should read them. Trust me y'all it is like she is sitting on the couch with you telling you her story! It is a beautiful picture of how The Lord uses redemption for His glory! Marian, I am so proud of you and can not wait to see how The Lord uses this book to minister and impact girls around the country and even the world!

10 Years....my how time flies!

A few weeks ago I attended my ten year reunion! It really does seem like just yesterday I was walking the halls of my alma matter! I did. I loved where I went to school. We were and still are considered one of if not the strongest High School Football programs in Texas. Have you seen the movies Friday Night Lights or Varsity Blues? Yup, that is so my school! It was so great to get together with old friends and catch up with them! My camera battery died so these are the only pictures I have! Hope y'all all had a great Labor Day weekend!

Kristin, Jaimie, me, & Kristel. Best Friends then & Best Friends now!

Me, Meggie, & Kristel!

I hate the angle of this picture...Kristin's little boy Keaton took it! :) In the gym where we spent a lot of time!

Pathways...

Life's pathways. This phase has me thinking a lot lately and reflecting so much on God's will for my life. His will. Let's just say 2010 so far has been a long year. I really thought my life would be going one way and now it is another. I barely had time to blink. I am currently walking down a path that I didn't plan or see coming. A path that The Lord has orchestrated and forced me onto. I'm going to be completely honest I've been experiencing several conversations in my head lately...have you ever had them.....You know what I'm talkin' about....those conversations.

"Are you serious Lord? Is this really Your plan? Are you sure you've got Your hand in This one? Are you sure this is Your best...I mean I kind of feel like I've been getting the short end of the stick lately..."

I know I've said it before, I hate change. I really, really hate it. I love to be comfortable and know what's coming next. I love to be in a routine and have every detail planned out. Maybe, just maybe that's why He has me on this path right now. This path is the most uncomfortable one I have been on & oh how I have been praying for Him to take me off of it. As I listened to Perry Noble this morning I was reminded of the question he asked....His kingdom or my comfort?

Oh Joy.

I have a confession to make. I have been so consumed with what's been going on that I had lost sight of that question. I had almost forgotten that He knows my heart better than I do & has nothing but the best for me. It was almost as if He was saying, Baby girl, I know you & I formed you. My dreams for you are bigger than you could ever dream. Let go. Trust. Give me control." I found myself seeking some serious forgiveness at the feet of my sweet Jesus this morning, asking Him to use this path right now for His glory and His kingdom, even if I am uncomfortable & that means staying on this path a little longer.

This path is not one that I thought I'd be on but it is the one He has chosen for me. I have no idea what He is up to but I refuse to quit. No matter what comes next. My sweet Jesus is up to something big & I have so much peace in knowing that He is in control & orchestrating every step along the way.

"Take my will and make it Thine it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart it is Thine own it shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord I pour at Your feet its treasure store. Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee. Here am I, all of me. Take my life it's all for Thee."

More Pictures from The Open...

My Daddy and I...

On the world famous bridge!!

I just think this pic is funny!

Tea at the Old Course Hotel...

Sarah & I...

We loved the jumping pictures!!!

Us with Jim Nantz...

Our girl Inga!!

My Dad!

Proud American's place!