New season. New Blog.

I love this sweet blog so much but think it's time for a change! You can now follow me on www.simplyjoyanne@wordpress.com

I lub (love) it!

I haven't blogged in so long that I'm pretty sure everyone has given up on me! Maybe Blair checks in every so often! :) I want to be more intentional because I do miss it bas an outlet. I'm even thinking about a new blog so I can talk about life & golf at the same time. Any name suggestions are greatly appreciated! :) If you know me well you know that I love kids & do a lot of babysitting! Friday night I got to hang out with some sweet kiddos for the first time & we had so much fun. Sprinklers, trampolines, fort building, & traveling to the moon is just a glimpse of what we did! When bedtime came around they each picked out a book to read. Anna Beth went the girly route while her brother's was all little boy. A chapter book on all things bugs! I'm talking spiders, roaches, fleas, ticks, & many, more creepy crawly things! As each page turned to a new insect my immediate reaction would be ewwww, yuck, or something along those lines. Of course Jackson was loving all of it! However, I was so surprised by his sweet sisters reaction with each page turn. I assumed it would be the same as mine since the entire evening she was singing "Cinderelle" & when it was her turn to pick where the rocket was going we landed on the "pink planet!" I'm telling y'all a 3 year old after my own heart, but her reaction was the complete opposite. With each page turn, with every new bug or spider she would point & say with such excitement..."I lobe it! It's my favorite!" I realize she is only three but it was real & it was genuine! On my drive home I remembered that I had forgotten to tell her Mom & Dad that story when The Lord started to tug on my heart. He does that a lot with kids in my life. Just like Anna Beth loved each roach, each spider, the very same things that I saw as ugly & ewww is how my sweet Jesus looks at me. Like AB looked past the ugliness & the yuck of the bugs The Lord does the same with my heart & still chooses to love me anyway. He looks beyond my flaws & sees the potential, the good, & extends to me grace & love that I am so unworthy of.

Fun Survey...The A, B, C's of Me!

Here are the random A, B, C's of me. Feel free to laugh along.... especially with the X question!! Oh, and Happy Fall y'all!!!

A. Age: 29. Turning 30 in two weeks....gasp!

B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore that you hate: Putting clean laundry away. Despise.
D. Dogs: None. Will own an all white golden retriever again one day. Yes they do exist. I grew up with one until I was 15.
E. Essential start to your day: The snooze button!
F. Favorite color: Pink!
G. Gold or Silver: White gold! The perfect mix of both! :)
H. Height: 5' 2" and a half. Yes, the half is important!
I. Instruments you play: None. Does my voice count though?! It is an instrument after all!
J. Job title: I work at Golfsmith come and visit me!
K. Kids: None. Can't wait to have some of my own one day. But now I will settle for "Aunt" to my sister and friends babies/kiddos!
L. Live: Proud to be a Texan
M. Mother’s name: Emily Lou
N. Nicknames: joyful, joyous, joy-joy, shorty, Miss GiGL (yes, it sticks)

O. Overnight hospital stays: twice when I was little. Once for climbing on the counter and eating a bottle of children's Tylenol because I thought it was candy. (whoops!) and for running a 105 fever for four days straight. I was in quarantine because they couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. I still have such vivid memories of that hospital stay and I was only 5 years old. Including that the Doctor would give me a shot every. single. day. & that the nurse read me my rainbow bright book.
P. Pet peeves: smacking!
Q. Quote from a movie: Not real sure.
R. Right or left handed: right. Only person in my immediate family--the rest are lefties!
S. Siblings: Twin sister Jan (2 min. older) Big sis Kim, Bro-in-law Brennon
T. Truth or Dare: truth. A little bit of a chicken
U. Ultimate Vacation: This is a hard one so I'll keep it in the good 'ole USA: I really want to go to Charleston, & Sea Island.
V. Vegetable you hate: Brussel Sprouts
W. What makes you run late: My snooze button
X. X-Rays you’ve had: A lot. Let's see. Wrist in college, hip in college. (flew into the wave runner. Oh. My.) Shoulder (multiple times) Ankle for a split tendon. (It's an ongoing thing prob at least 6 times--no lie!) Ankle again. Yes, I missed a step because I was texting and walking. You can just all me grace.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Pioneer Woman's best chocolate sheet cake ever!
Z. Zoo animal: Giraffe!

Interruptions...

So I haven't really blogged in what seems like forever. Most likely because it has been. I've tried to but I just wasn't ready to share my thoughts for everyone to read. Yes, I've been learning a lot about pride lately! You see, this past year has been one of the hardest I've ever been through. I've been in the desert for what seems like forever. And I'm going to be honest. I would love to say I've been using the majority of this time for my good by asking The Lord to show me what it is in my heart that He has wanted to change but sadly I've spent most of it throwing a fit like a Preschooler. Wanting to figure out "the why" Why did The Lord allow the past events in my life to take place and why did they have to end the way they did. Looking back now I realize that I really was being as stubborn as the people in my life who love me were telling me I was being. Until I got slapped up side the head by a sermon I heard on Sunday.

This past Sunday I visited a new church that was opening it's doors for the first time. It's name is Bayou City Fellowship. When Curtis the pastor started preaching I was absolutely floured! You know those sermons? The kind that you feel as if the pastor had been reading your journal? That the message was for you and you alone? That was me Sunday. Seriously y'all! When he started with the word Interruption I knew I had better buckle up and hold on. He said some very specific points that really struck a chord with my heart and that The Lord really used to speak directly to me. That lead me to the conclusion that this past year I have been fighting my interruptions instead of living open to and embracing them. I haven't been asking Jesus to show me the impossible in it but have been closing my heart off to what He was trying to do in my life. Oh my stars I can't imagine how frustrated He was with me & I've spent some time seeking some major forgiveness. I don't know why but on Sunday it clicked. I've been looking at my interruption with wrong eyes. The eyes of a person that veiwed it as a bad thing. That I wasn't good enough. Struggling to figure out what I could have done differently. How I could have changed things. Wanting all of the answers right then and now. And so many more lies straight from the pit of hell. Sunday I found myself throwing up my hands in surrender. Surrendering all that I had been holding onto and had been trying to figure out. Sunday was the first time I was thankful for my interruptions. Thankful it brought me to Bayou City Fellowship to hear the word The Lord had for me that day. It was the first time in a long time I had had a thankful heart & that in itself is something to be thankful for!

Versatile Blog Award...

My sweet friend Blair awarded me with the Versatile Blog award to try to coax me out of my Blog slump! To be honest, I have missed blogging but every time I've tried to jump back on the bandwagon something has stopped me from doing it. Blair and I met in a Bible Study that was had in my opinion some of the greatest girls you can find in Houston, Texas! We had an amazing time digging into the word each week and growing sweet friendships that will always have a special place in my heart. You will love reading all about Blair's perspecitve of being a wife of a profesional Baseball player! She is an incredible writter so start following her!

The rules that come with getting the award:

1. Thank and link to the person who awarded you

2. Share 7 facts about yourself

3. Pass on the award to 7 new-found blog friends

4. Let your friends know they were awarded!

Most of my friends have received this award so I'm just going to stick with seven random facts about me--hope y'all enjoy!

1. I am obsessed with Twitter. I love to keep up to date with friends, Pastors, sports, entertainment, & so much more. I mean hello! This gives me a quick glimpse into the lives of people I will never meet. Yes, I am a social media junkie!

2. I just finished reading Something Borrowed and can not wait to see the movie when it comes out tomorrow!

3. My Dad's pub inside of The Dunvegan Hotel was just named one of the best 19Th Holes in all of golf by golf.com! I am so proud of him and that it ranks up there with Pebble Beach!

4. Ever since I first saw Annie at the age of four in London I have dreamed of performing on this stage!

5. However, I have had the privilege to perform on the world famous stage of Carnegie Hall three times in my life!

6. After a pretty comical blind date I was urged by a friend to start 27 Dresses in Texas. It's supposed to be a way for y'all to laugh with me through the experience of finding "Mr. Right" Although, like this blog it has been majorly neglected. I plan on writing more so stay tuned for lots of laughs!

7. I dream of owning a pair of these one day. However, I think I'd be too afraid to scuff the red bottom of the shoe!

Don't Quit

I read this devotional this morning and just wanted to share. It also reminded me of a blog I wrote a few years back so I thought that was neat! This really encouraged me and I hope it does you too!

Don’t Quit

Tags: Courage, Everyday Faith, Making a Difference

The sweat. The fall. The doubt. The belief. The sunrise. The trail. The pain. The end.

The sun was calling over the mountains like a siren to sailor’s death. The mountain called. I responded. Step by step, minute by minute, mile by mile, I endured the hill. Half way up the trail, I lost my footing and slipped down onto jagged rocks, cutting my hand and shin. I debated quitting. I mean, I had already completed a good amount of trail. What would it matter if I continued? Who would know? Who would care?

But I couldn’t quit.

I was surrounded by trees; their limbs were like semaphores swaying encouragement. I had to get to the top. I limped my way to the crest of the peak and my breath was taken away. I saw the entire trail, the sunrise, the doubtful cliffs, the believing trees, and I rested in the beauty.

I had a moment with the Creator and saw Life. Sometimes I’ve asked myself, What would it matter if I continued my walk of faith in a Divine Creator? Would would know if I quit? Who would care? But as I stood at the peak of the hill I endured and saw the difficult path I emerged from, I realized the end is worth the fall, the doubt, the pain. Press on, fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12), for He shows loving kindness to those who walk before Him with all their heart (2 Chronicles 6:14).

Have you asked if it would matter if you quit? It does. Don’t give up. The view is beautiful from the top.

By Bianca, In The Name of Love and Compassion’s Team San Diego [for more info on joining a running revolution, click here]

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!