and for your viewing pleasure.

and life is hard sometimes.

I just want everyone to love Jesus. LIKE REALLY be in love with Him.
My heart breaks when people aren't. That's all..



love xoxo.
Miss you Mamoo.

and the next stop is 2011!

2010 has been a trip there and back. I learned and grew and found myself more in 2010 than any other year in my ENTIRE LIFE. I guess I can say " I look forward to the year to come." That wouldn't be a lie, but I just simply look forward to one day at a time, or that's what I've been trying to do lately! I am currently on Christmas break from school. I am having a great time at home, but the longer I am gone from Tolar the more I realize it's never the same when I come back to visit old friends. I am not bothered, it's just crazy how time changes everyone. (not necessarily for the bad) Thankfully, my best friend is the same ole Janelle Lee. She keeps me sane. However, my life is in Belton now. I love it, the people, the community... all of it. I could go on and on (and I have before) but I will always be grateful for that university sitting in little ole Belton, Tx for showing me friendships I couldn't have dreamed up. I miss it when I am gone, but I am enjoying no studying or class! :)

In other news, I'm really obsessed with Paris. I am not sure what struck this. I love all the decor and photographs and I am counting down the days until I get to visit.... sigh.  I will go one day!


Don't stay up too late. Have fun, and I'll see ya in 2011.

Love.
Miss you Mamoo

and a little summary.

Five great things about Christmas break SO far :

- my wonderful family. always. 

- sleepovers with my best friend.

- no studying or class... ah, the life.

- a visit from Jake and Thorn, the hedgehog.

- games, lots of games. I'll put up a fight in skip-bo and apples to apples.

boosh.

Love. xoxo.

Miss you Mamoo.

and it's Christmas time.....again?

Am I the only person who just can't believe that it's TOTALLY Christmas time again? I have heard time just moves faster and fast, makes sense. It's a weird feeling though, ya know? :-) Finals are finished and I am looking at grades that I expected, still waiting on some. I am getting ready to celebrate with a night of dancing with my favorite friends! I'm getting anxious to get home and Christmas shop with my mommy! We are so excited to have the Ashley family Christmas at our home! Christmas break is starting to set in! The lights, the smells, the cookies, the colors, the month at home with my family and best friend! (however, I am not looking forward to a month away from Belton.)

Said goodbye to a couple of friends already, I am not a fan of saying bye! :(

Let's do this Christmas thing! :-)
Oh, and I'm CPR certified... don't worry your life is in good hands.


Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and sometimes I need a slap in the face.

Today started out as normal as I could imagine. I woke up as last minute as I possibly could due to my inability to go to sleep at a decent hour. The only decisions I had to make were simple; "What should I eat for breakfast? What should I wear to church?" I make it to church (a little late, like always) and sit down in class and began joking and sharing about our weeks with the other students there. Normal enough, right?

We began digging into Hebrews, swimmin' around in there and figuring out how to apply it to our lives. We were reading in Hebrews 12, it was talking a lot about discipline and using the comparison as God as our Father. "It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" (vs. 7) It goes on to say in vs. 11 that "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." I couldn't help but think of my own daddy, and how mad I would get at him when I would get in trouble. Oh man, I would be furious! My daddy never stopped disciplining me because it was painful for me (or even him), he continued and was consistent. I am so blessed to be able to relate to this comparison.  I now am able to see that when hard times come, or when I am dealing with a consequence of my actions that It will yield "the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (vs. 11) This was so encouraging to remember to keep going and learn from everything that happens in our lives.

But get this...

Tommy had shared about last week a young man from Puerto Rico joining the class and sharing about his life. He told us that it was an amazing time sharing the gospel with him and talking with him about his life. He was hoping to see him again this morning, but there was no sign of him. About halfway through our class a man walks in. He was an unfamilar face and Tommy turned around and said "What's up, man?" I naturally assumed it was the man from the previous week Tommy had shared about until he said "What's your name?" Ryan was he name we learned, and he sat and joined our class while we continued learning. He shared how he just wanted to come to church today (he walked, actually), how he hasn't been in a long time. He had never been to that church, but came today. (Ok, God.... we get it.) A little later something unique and eye-opening happened. Ryan started literally pouring his heart and life story out to us. Ryan had been through and experienced crazy, and I mean CRAZY life situations. I don't even have half the time I need to explain what I heard, but some phrases that have stuck with me were... (and these are not exact quotes, but just an idea of what he said)"I am trying save money for a car. I know some people get cars for free, like their parents just give it to them..." or "I have tried everything to quit smokin' because I told God I would, but I really can't... I don't know how." or "I feel like it's my fault that my brothers are all messed up on drugs, because I influenced them to use."  I know that you ahve no idea, or do I expect you to understand his story or what we heard.  I am pretty sure all of our hearts were just breaking as he spoke, and we listened. I learned SO much from this one morning.

This showed me a beautiful picture of the gospel. I watched our class listen and love on Ryan, someone who was probably fearful of walking into a church. Someone who just needs someone to love him. Someone who is looking for answers. I saw a group of people love on him and pray for him and have broken hearts for him.  Jesus calls us to love those who in return may be able to do nothing. I am quickly reminded of Luke 14 and the Parable of the great Banquet. Jesus tells those he is with (at a ruler of the Parisees' home) that we should invite those that are lame, crippled or blind (I don't think this nessesarily means physically). "You will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be paid at the resurrection of the just."(vs.14) I saw a beautiful picture of this today. I will always remember Ryan, even if I never see him again. I am so thankful he came today. He put things in perspective for me. Sometimes I get so caught in my little bubble of life that I forget how some people just simply need love. They need Jesus, and we are the only way they are going to see Him. Every little moment I need to be striving to be like Jesus. I need to love those who may not even love me back.  If the worst thing I am dealing with is finals, I've got it so good. I am going to continue to pray for Ryan, and hope you will, too. 

Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and these are my favorite.

I'm obsessed with elfyourself and jibjab. :-) Merry Christmas!

Me and Jake as elves :-)

Me and my beautiful roommates as elves :-) They really are the best! Even better as elves!!


Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and here it is...

I've officially been accepted into the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor's College of Nursing!! I am so excited, I was anxiously awaiting to see what exactly was going to happen next semester. :-) I am so very excited to be on my way to being a NURSE! I am very aware of how difficult it is going to be, but I am very excited to start this adventure! My dreams are a comin' true. xoxo.


Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and it's comfort.

I feel like I've completely over blogged lately, but I am over it. I was sitting in my apartment today, just relaxing before class when I realized that my Mamoo is all over this apartment. Two crosses from her funeral are hanging in my living room. Some old books are sitting around as decor. I use some of her old dishes daily. I wear shoes and clothes (which are very cute, of course) that she bought for me weekly. I carry a precious gift of a purse that she gave me on my 18th birthday all the time. She is everywhere. I miss her, but this is comforting.


Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and Miss MHB pageant has come and gone!

Miss MHB Pageant is a huge tradition at Mary-Hardin Baylor. It's something that stretches the girls and gives them an opportunity of a lifetime. I got the opportunity to work with lights, spot lights to be exact! I got to get a glimpse of how much this time changes the girls lives. It changes their perspective on a lot of things, and gives them a huge group of sisters (22 to be exact) that they will have an unexplainable relationship with for the rest of their lives, basically. It was so sweet to watch this unfold over the past two months. I live with two contestants and I got to see the chaos behind it, the pressure, the emotions and then the bittersweet realization that this realization has come and gone. Here are some pictures of the festivities, but I don't have any of the contestants on crowning night. Angie does, and I will show those off soon :) 

These are my two roommates on the night of the banquet!
Banquet is the night before pageant where they just celebrate!

SO PRETTY, HUH?

These are my two roommates and three of my slants (girls downstairs.)

What are they doing with their hands? THE SLANT SIGN.

I love them all, and they are so pretty and special to me!

This is Esther. We were the spotlights - booYAH.

Jake also worked pageant. He helped with lights.

He's some kind of wonderful. :)

Welp, there was a few pageant festivities pictures! I will hopefully be able to post and show you pretty crowning night pictures of my roommates and friends!! 

Love.

Miss you Mamoo.

and i miss them.

I miss my best friend.
I miss my mom.
I miss my daddy.
I miss my baby sister.
I can't wait to see them all in a week-ish.


Thanksgiving here I come!


Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and autumn makes me happy.

Halloween anyone? If you need help knowing what we are dressed up as I will be happy to help you. We are (from left to right) Katy Perry, Sorority Girl, and Brittney Spears (think hit me baby one more time music video). Halloween was a great and funny and wonderful and fun and everything else. The girl on the left, you might not recognize as much as my beautiful roommate in the center. He name is Kayla. She lives down stairs and she's one of my new favorites. Just so you know.  AND MY EVER beautiful roommate, being beautiful in the middle. Mary Bauc.




SO holidays are coming soon. I can't help but have a negative attitude towards new traditions, but I am excited to see all my family and celebrate my favorite time of year! About one month left until this semester is over. wow time. Ok slow down :)

Miss MHB is this weekend! So excited to see all the hard work put into this pageant come to life! So exciting! Two of my roommates are contestants!! double excitement!

Nursing school! I am on the waiting list, which is not bad news at all, in fact... a very rare place to be placed. Less than half who applied were accepted, I am still proud and very anxious to see if a spot opens up for me! I am being patient because I am still just hangin' on by a nail as to what my next semester's plan is. WE WILL SEE! God's good :)

Now, get off the internet and go enjoy this beautiful whether!



Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and it's delightful.

     Let me start by saying I have been blessed with the most wonderful boyfriend in the whole world. I am not going to go on and on about him, even though I could. I just wanted everyone to know simply that I'm the luckiest girl in the world, hands down. That's all.

     Last night I had to run to the ER. My foot got pounced on by a cleat while dancing the night away at a costume party. I got some x-rays and was relieved to hear it was not broken. Still a big fat black and blue knot on top of my foot, and unable to walk on it for a couple of days. It was an adventure for sure!

    TEST. Scary harry word. I am going to be up all night long studying for my lab exam tomorrow afternoon! Yikesies. I can finally see an end to the end of the semester. I'm not delighted in the fact that college is moving SO quickly, but I am delighted in the fact that microbiology is almost over. I'm learning a lot this semester, besides just the books.

   I am anticipating to hear from the College of Nursing soon. Fingers crossed. Prayers prayers prayers.


Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and my joy is unexplainable.

Sometimes I forget that all I have to do, is keep it simple. Simplicity is something I've always loved, why did I loose track of it so quickly?

Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and everytime I look at you, it's like the first time.

found 

this

here.

It 

speaks

truth.

zac efron, When is HSM4?

Jesus is so great.

Life is so happy.

Today is the first day...

OF THE REST OF MY LIFE.

GO rangers!!

love.

miss you mamoo.

and it's happy.

and I'm exhausted.

Halfway through my third semester at UMHB.
Life is slightly different as a sophomore.
Classes take a little more time, which was expected.
We all live out in a little village, which is SO fun.
UMHB becomes more home-like everyday.
I've been blessed with the best roommates ever.
I've been learning a lot about life lately.
Long walks have become my favorite thing.
Life is completely real, and it's slightly scary.
God is completely satisfying, which is comforting.
It's Autumn, feels like the holidays are coming!
I'm probably the happiest little girl on this planet.
(even when I'm an emotional teenage wreck.)

Love.
Miss you Mamoo, more than anyone knows.

and life is happy.

HAPPY stuff is happening EVERYWHERE! Last weekend I went to visit one of my favorite people, KAYLA BROWN! HOLLA! We celebrated Jalyn's first birthday - she is so precious. Check out some photos on the good ole, ever trustworthy facebook! We played with new toys on Saturday, and just hung around and talked, ate dinner, got a snowcone. AH! So happy! I love them, period.

This week has been pretty laid back. I've been just doing the usual, lots of happy moments. One night in particular was super happy. We (Jake and I) were throwing the frisbee, walking around, etc. We decided we wanted to find cru cabs (bikes on campus that anyone can use at anytime). The search began... we found one very quickly then spent the next HOUR trying to find another one. It didn't work out. We walked alll over campus, literally. Didn't find one. But it was an adventure. Always an adventure when he's around right?

Going to Tolar this weekend. Jeremy and Jeffie's wedding sunday! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY! TOLD YOU! IT's HAPPY! I'm living the dream, folks.

Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and it's life.

let me catch you up.
1. microbiology is from the devil himself, but God is still good.
2. I may or may not have gotten my nose pierced. :-)
3. I am so anxious to see Kayla, Jalyn and Janelle - all in the next two weeks!
4. UMHB is still amazing -- these people are incredible.
5. Jake still lives in Belton; it never gets old and neither does he :-)
6. Every Monday I look forward to watching Regis and Kelly with my roommate.
7. I am addicted to mac & cheese --- whoops.
8. One of the fish Jake and I got died, it was sad.
9. The weather is all of the sudden fall-ish and I ADORE IT.
10. I miss my family :(















love.
miss you mamoo.

and which way am I moving?

I love Paul and his letter to the Galatians. It is challenging and applicable. 

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

This verse stings, huh? We are either moving in one direction or the other. We are striving to please man or we are striving to serve Christ. There is no middle ground. ONE OR THE OTHER. In everything I do, I should be seeking the approval of God. I should be striving to honor Him in everything. Every action. Every homework assignment. Every conversation. EVERYTHING.  NOT the approval of man. In this society we live in, we are taught since Jr. High to be well liked and get the approval of our peers. We all know how that goes. We make decisions based on what others will think, and that doesn't stop after Jr. High ends.  It's not about anyone but God. Do you believe this? Do you agree with Paul? prove it.






Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and it's the freakin' weekend baby

Life has just been fabulous lately. We did however experience flooding in the area, be in prayer for those families that lost so much of their stuff. The rain cooled things down, but you know what happens when it heats back up?? STEAMBATH. Walking outside is like walking around in a sauna 24/7, for real. Evidently this huge sauna is where mosquitoes like to mate. We're being eaten alive. It's actually pretty funny. Tuesday night we played intermural football (our team name is the O'Rears, which is our president's name. and yes, we won) and everyone was constantly shoo-ing bugs and slapping themselves in random places all over their body. It's like everyone's dancing, just slightly more painful. HOPEFULLY those little boogers get out of here quick!


On another note, FYC is up and rolling! I am so excited to be a leader. I am so excited about everyone that's in it. I can already tell we're gonna be close group, they are all so great! I can already see them growing and it takes me back to last year. I can see the changes in my life looking back; I never knew I'd grow so much in one year. 

 

SO CLASSES, they are going. Most of them are going great :) I've taken a test in each class except one! So we'll see! It's the weekend, and I'm so glad! I have no plans, and I love it that way. I'm ready to rest my mind from school. Speakin' of class, I've got one to attend. 

Stay away from those flesh eating mosqitoes!

Love.

Miss you mamoo.

and it's homey.

Labor day weekend so far:

two and a half hour nap.

dinner and movie with my closest friends.

walking at the park.

laying around the APT.

watching football.

doing a  touch of homework.

buying groceries for dinner.

cooking dinner with Jake.

walking to the mailbox.

watching more football. 

making desert.

patiently waiting. . .

eventually going to a birthday party.

I love lazy weekends... and the best part? There is two days left :-)

Love. 

Miss you Mamoo.

and I finally feel settled.

Since the end of last semester I have been so busy. SO BUSY. May was a great rest from school and restful healing process. I was in Tolar for a month, the Oklahoma for two (with trips to Duncan and Allen and Tolar in between) and back in Tolar for a couple of weeks. Then finally, my final destination, the place that feels like home more and more everyday, Belton. I am finally settled in and REALLY excited to not have to move again for a couple of semesters. College is full of moving from place to place, that's one thing I've learned very quickly.


Well let's get you caught up. I have quite a load this semester, but I knew I would and tried to make it as manageable as possible. I am taking Microbiology and Chemistry. That is enough to make me die, but I also tagged on a couple of easier classes :) Death and Dying, and YOGA!! So far so good, I am very intimidated by the science classes, but science is my thing. So I will get through it! ANYWAY, as you probably know last year I was in an organization called FYC which stands for First Year Council. We had a blast and I met my best friends through this. This year I am a leader for this organization, and I am really excited. With that being said, last week we had interviews to choose who the new members would be. Interviews took up so much time, but were SO fun and great. I am really excited about our new  members, but also excited to be finished with interviews :) 


Janelle started classes this past week as well and I am anxious everyday to talk to her and learn what she has experienced and learned each day. (I feel like I am using "and" too much, sorry Mrs. Anderson) Freshman year is just full of greatness. Yay Nellie for being in college! 


So something that is so great about this semester is that my boyfriend lives in the same town as me now! yahoo! It's still weird, to know that he's always just a few mins away instead of hours. It was a long semester, but was so full of learning and completely worth it. He's great, and I will leave it at that.  Oh and he has a hedgehog now, always a weird animal around... right now it's a hedgehog. Don't worry, I have a pet too. Her name is Sexi and she's a fish. She's dang cute and I love her way more than the hedgehog. 


Another thing about this semester is that I started reading through the bible in hopes to read through it in a year. I read some from the Old Testament, New Testament, Pslam, and Proverbs everyday. I found a reading guide online, I challenge you to do the same. Read it, learn it, apply it. As Christians we should know the Bible inside in out, we should thirst for the word of God everyday. If you love Jesus, you should be reading your bible regularly. Period. If you don't, start. :) It doesn't make sense if you don't.


The exact moment I am typing this I should be doing homework instead, already procrastinating? Sorry Mommy, I promise I will get better at that!  Oh, and Mandie, I promise to get better at blogging now that I am back in routine :) I hope this was a semi-good "haven't blogged in forever" blog. :) Stay real.


Love. 
Miss you Mamoo.

and look at us now!

Yesterday as I was going through my pictures deciding which ones I wanted to frame, I got lost at look at every picture I had on my computer! Here are some that are my favorites!

Senior Trip! I love and miss these kiddos.

My ROOMMATE!!! I loved living with her,

 I love our memories and our friendship!

Just squeezing the neck of my Mamoo.

 I miss her more than words.

We are still 10, really.

She's my best friend and this is why! :)

My Tolar girls, I love them. We are ever so crazy.

Just another day in Burt 115! 

Just call us the O'Rears. That's coach carp daddy and

my 3 favorite UMHB girls!! We love intramurals. 

I'm so blessed to be able to spend the next 3 years 

(and the rest of my life)making

memories like this with people like this  :)

Who knew there was someone as silly as me out there??

Luckiest girl in the world? YES.

This is fun!

Look at this picture.... we're like 12 ? haha 14 probably.

now we're 18/19! :) love her.

My wonderful family. 

The better than any family I could dream up.

We miss our rock.

HAHA. Gotta love sleepovers at Cindy's!

I'm simply blessed.

Love.

Miss you Mamoo.

and it's almost time for Belton!!

SO since camp:

 I've just been running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

I went to Deleon to visit my grandad, kay&roy, kayla&jalyn! we had a great time! I am not going to tell you it wasn't hard to be there, because it was. I miss Mamoo. I want her back, however, I am aware that is not going to happen. So I'll deal. I am so thankful to have gotten to spend time with Kay and Kayla like we always do! I love them and I love my Aunt Kay for being someone to talk to and have fun with! We went to the parade, Jalyn's first! So fUN! She's so stinkin' adorable.

ALSO, I'm currently watching the rangers kick some yankee booty, I LOVE THAT. Finally it's a good thing to be a rangers fan! Go rangers.

I have been HORRIBLE at packing, ask my mom. I will get around to it. Don't worry :)

I went to the circus with Jake.

Oh and we move back to Belton this weekend! HALLELUJAH! Jake will be back in Belton!

I think I've sneezed  a million times today. AAAAAACHOO. Bless me.

I miss my camp friends, terribly. I miss my UMHB friends, terribly.

I am really anxious for school, hard classes. Pray I don't overwhelm myself. One day at a time..one day.

I shall go pack now.  I am ready to be settled in one place for a while, but packing is a drag.


LOVE.
Miss you Mamoo.

and it's the bitter end.

It's about time that I write about my summer at the Creek. I will start with this: My staff was amazing. I worked everyday with a group that couldn't have been better picked. We were ALL different, but always were laughing and having a good ole' time. Spending everyday all day with the same people for two straight months makes friends fast. I miss them already and am incredibly blessed to know each of them and hopefully will be making a trip to Oklahoma this semester to visit a handful of them! I will dearly miss the good times at the creek with these lovely people.

These girls (plus one, she had to leave early.) Were my roommates! We not only slept in the same room, but were a small group. We definitely had tons of fun and agreed time upon time that we were the best cabin, because we were ;)  We were really good at waking up in the same order every morning. We would talk it up until we just fell asleep. I was blessed to have a group of girls that not only got along, but loved being together. I will miss my falls creek roomies!

This is what it's all about. There are about 5000 kids each week at the creek. Watching people interact with the Father and come to Him for the first time. That made everything, EVERYTHING, we did worth it. Long, hot days were nothing after seeing people come to Jesus every night. This is a picture in the tab. This is what we were there for.







I shall write more, and specifically more as time goes on.
Leaving tomorrow to go to DeLeon!! I am so excited!
But first, time with my boy tonight!

Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and a visit to DeLeon is in order!

Half way through week 7! We are on the downhill slide. We just have a week and a half left! It's crazy how fast this summer has gone. I am EXHAUSTED. Seriously, I can't explain to you how tired I am! But God is giving me strength for each day! I enjoy seeing everyone loving their week at camp, it's so fun. All the campers are just goofy and crazy excited to be here. I love getting to do that every week!

Janelle is at orientation, be praying for her.. I know that is nerve racking and exciting at the same time!  Also, be praying for a fellow staffer of mine, his name is Ryan. He lost his sister to a seizure. It was very random (she has never had one before) and so so tragic and heartbreaking.

Today I talked to my Grandad and made plans for me to come visit in a couple of weeks!! I am so excited. It was great to talk to Grandad for just a few minutes and set up plans! Kayla and Jalyn will be there too! I am looking forward to it SO much. I stay in DeLeon every summer for some time at least and I'm not breaking tradition this summer! We will miss Mamoo so so so much, but I am looking forward to seeing everyone who I miss terribly.

So, that is what's going on lately (:



Five things that are great about today :

1. Midweek tonight.
2. Cocoa krispies for breakfast.
3. talking to grandad, kay, and kayla.
4. I'm feeling much better. (I had been sickly)
5. The sun is shinin' and God is good.  (:


love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and I just want people to LOVE Jesus.

Today in morning worship I was standing in the aisle behind approximately 3000 high schoolers. There were three that kept being extra distracting. They were making fun of people worshiping, the two boys were touching the girl between them very inappropriately (and her loving it). I am used to this. Falls Creek is a camp where church groups bring lost people, people acting up in worship is expected. People who don't know Christ or have never been around the church setting don't know what's appropriate, obviously.

BUT THERE IS SOMETHING THAT REALLY BOTHERED ME. CATCH IS:

One of the boys raised his hands in order to make fun of those worshiping around him and he had a decision team bracelet on. THIS MEANS, he's "supposed" to be a mature Christian, who is strong in his faith and a leader in his group. I am SO bothered by this.

My heart broke. I want people to understand this God they are mocking. He sent His son, only son, to DIE. To die for me and you because we are sinful. We are separated from God without Christ. When we accept Christ as our savior, we now have a way to God and a personal, intimate relationship with THE GOD. The God of the universe, that spoke everything we know and see into existence.

This boy, doesn't get it. He's mocking God. I want people who "love God" to LOVE GOD. Matthew 16 tells us to pick up our cross daily, deny ourselves. I'm over people making it a JOKE.

That's all.


Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and it's week 6 at the creek.

I've wanted to blog so badly lately, but honestly felt like I've had nothing blog worthy. Camp is SO great, God is doing amazing things, but I feel like I would be repeating myself in describing it to you every week. It is week 6, it is repetitive, but it's not getting old. I love it here. I move back to Belton in 34 days. I can not wait! I am tired, but almost numb to feeling exhausted. My friends, Elizabeth and Cory, are getting married ONE MONTH from today! How fabulous, wedding stuff is just super exciting. Oh & the sun is shining today after a week of nothing but rain! (-:

I'm sorry I am not very exciting today!! (-:
34 days until Belton, let the countdown begin.

Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and there is a 30 percent chance of rain today.

Today is July 7, 2010 ...

What's wonderful about today?

1. Jake and I have been together 7 months, today.
2. Cookies and Milk in the caff.
3. It's midweek tonight, lots of laughter expected and guaranteed.
4. Rain is expected, which would make a cooler day (:
5. I am wearing a jingling anklett from Thailand, thanks to my best friend.
6. I'm listening to the craziest staff having the craziest conversations.
7. I get to talk to students all day long about Jesus.


love.
miss you mamoo.

and God bless TEXAS!

This past weekend I went home for the 4th! Home felt so good, I feel like I'm never home in Tolar anymore. But it's always a good time. I got to see my family, aunt and uncle, best friend, and boyfriend (:  It twas a happy time. Swimming, laziness, hamburgers, games, and a movie with Jake! It was fun and relaxing no the brain! I'm excited to have two weeks at home before going back to Belton!

Yesterday started week 5 of camp. We are tired. Pray for energy. I love what I do, I just need to be energized. Two of my Duncan girls are here this week. I can't wait to catch up with them! Last week I met a girl that sat with me every day but one day during free time. She was such a blessing to me and I learned so much talking to her, I remembered the struggles of a 16 year old girl and how real they are. We sometimes take what they deal with lightly, but to them... nothing is more real and hurtful to them at this time. I love working with youth. They are so fun, yes, crazy at times, but always fun. I caught up with Evan sunday evening, he had a great time at camp. I learned Angie will be staying another 6 weeks at PineCove! I'm so excited to see how God uses her. Mary left for camp, and Taylor is still there. Camps everywhere people!

I feel like this week is going to be one of the hardest weeks of the summer. Tiredness makes people on edge. Pray that we will see the focus of what we are here for.

One last thing, this time last year I had just arrived to Spain. I miss that trip. The people we met, the people I went with and the experiences I had. I can't believe it's been a year!

HOKAY. I'm finished.

Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and early risings are teaching me a lot.

it's 11 am, I've been up since 7 and I've already got 5 wonderful things about today:

1. sunshine
2. special K with strawberries
3. singing "sing like the saved" in morning service.
4. JESUS and people who love Him.
5. time off before lunch :)





4th of July weekend, you are taking too long to get here... (:


love.
miss you mamoo.

and it's week four at the creek.

Five great things about the past weekend:

1. Rest

2. Jake

3. Fireworks

4. Conversation

5. SODA!

Last week I drank ONLY WATER. No koolaid, no gatorade, nothing but WATER! Ok so, Falls Creek is still great. This weekend I am going home to TOLAR! YAY fourth of JULY! I got to catch up with Janelle this week! Hallejuah she is home :) I also got to talk to Kayla, finally about life, instead of crazy things that are going wrong. I love her. So many things happen everyday that I wish I could just write directly on here, but what is goign to hapen is one big blog from my journal, once I get time.

I got mail from Jillian Daniels Zamora (OOH she's married, holla) this week. Can I say it made my day? I look up to that wonderful woman so much, I wish she was not in Denton, but I will take what I can get.

Week four starts today. I really am excited to see what God has in store this week. He has already plum blown my mind already.

So blogs are so short, and so general. I will try better :)


love.
miss you mamoo.

p.s.
umhb-ers: i miss you like crazyyyyy.

And let me catch you up real quick.

Falls creek is my home for the summer. The staffers that I work with are SO incredible. Y'all know I am a people person and I love meeting new people, especially ones that love Jesus. I work during free time at the missions center or missions village. I basically talk to kids about Christ all day, and why it's important to share the gospel at home, in their state, in their country and even "to the ends of the Earth." Time seems to fly by! It's Wednesday already. I mean really? I thought it was Sunday yesterday? Some great things that are going on here, last night wee had 161 campers give their lives to Christ. Did you catch that number? 161, ONE SIX ONE. Praise Jesus, folks! Afshin Ziafat is our speaker this week (look him up, his story is AMAZING). I love how up front he is with campers. He makes sure they know that living a life for Christ, TRULEY living it, is not easy. It's hard and sacrifices will have to be made. BUT, it's COMPLETELY WORTH IT. AH I could go on forever. I wake up everyday around 7 am and get to bed between 11-12 at night. Long days, but short weeks! I'm loving this summer already, and what I'm learning already. I am anxiously awaiting Fall, but I'm learning to not dwell on that instead live in the now and be used how I can HERE AND NOW. The more I'm here, the more I can see how hard it will be to leave this staff at the end of the summer. I'm meeting my family this weekend to eat! that will be great to see them, before they leave for Colorado (staci) and the beach!(my parents!) I'll see some Jake, too. :) OK. Gotta go.

Be Praying for students lives to be open to Christ. For staff, speakers and the band. That everything we do will be for Jesus and not for ourselves. Pray for endurance, days are long. Pray for patience. Pray for wisdom.

Love.
Miss you Mamoo.
(oh, how I'd do anything to be able to call and talk her ear off about camp.)

and I'm at Falls Creek.

I'm here! It's great! I love it! We are just setting up and getting information overload! I am so excited to see what God does through our staff in the lives of the campers (:

I shall keep you updated, as much as I can.

Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and it's simply summer.

In summer, the song sings itself.  -William Carlos Williams

Top 5 things I love about summer (so far!)

1. NO CLASS, it's easy on the brain.
2. REST, it's easy on my body.
3. REAL FOOD, it's easy on my stomach.
4. POOL POOL POOL, it's just easy.
5. [Hometown] FRIENDS & FAMILY, it's easy on my soul.


Leaving for Falls Creek on Tuesday mornin'. :)

and it's their turn.

These pics are from last year at my graduation! I laughed and joked with both of these girls about how it was their turn next!

Little did we know it would come so dad-gum quickly! So much has happened in this past year! I had to leave Janelle in Granbury, while I moved to Belton, Tx! Super bittersweet. Our friendship is just as strong, if not stronger. We both experienced so much in this past year. God grew in both of our lives, stretching us like never before. She was my rock and shoulder to cry during the worst time of my life and my laughter and smiles during my greatest. We wear the snot out of skype, I will tell you that. I was so afraid that our lives would take separate paths and our friendship would become distance, but I think we proved ourselves wrong. Yes, different paths. BUT NO, not distance friendship. We learned and have learned and are still learning that friendship is more than time spent together. That's such a basic principle, but how many people put it into practice? She's who I call all giddy about my first date. She's who I talk to about God with. She's who I tell every secret to. She's the girl I'm not afraid to ask for help in an area I'm struggling in. She's the girl I scream HSM and JOBROS with in the car. She's the one that I skype with once a week or just about die. She's my favorite. She's going to be a successful woman of God. She's going to reach her goals, and she's going to be a light to UTSA. I love her. She's beyond a shadow of a doubt the one girl that I know will be there, no matter what, forever. This year, she'll be wearing the grad gown! I'm so proud of her! Congrats to my bestest friend, Janelle Ivy Lee.

This is my precious cousin, Kayla! It's also her time-to-shine! Her time to wear that gown! She's been there since she was born (literally, there is a picture of me feeding her a bottle!). We've grown up, right before our eyes. We've had a year of ups and downs! Little Jalyn was born this year. SO precious! I just adore that baby, wish I could see her more..a lot more! I am so excited to see her grow up! As exciting as this was, we also were dealing with the Mamoo issue. Most of our memories together are with Kay and Mamoo. We were just four great fun fun fun girls! We never had a dull moment, sometimes I think Kay and Mamoo wish we would've just crashed for a nap. BUT NO! We always had a blast, always laughing. We didn't ever notice the age difference between us and our grandmothers. We just had a ball. We miss Mamoo, but our memories are NEVER ENDING. I hope to still have some girl time with Kay and Kayla, and just laugh at Mamoo memories. Kayla was my girl to cry with and think about memories with and freak out. Her heart broke too, and it's nice to have her to heal with. Kayla will be a high school graduate Friday! So awesome, huh? No more high school for either of us! It's crazy how old we are. We keep in contact pretty great, and I'm so proud of her. Especially this year. I love you Kayla! CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS!


They are 2 of my favorite girls! Congrats to them both! I can't believe how old we are getting! I am praying for them both and anxious to see where God moves in their lives!

Six (almost five) days until Falls Creek!! *** in case you lost count :)

Love.
MISS YOU MAMOO.

and the sun is SHININ'

Just a few things..

1. One week until I move to Falls Creek for the summer. ONE WEEK PEOPLE.
2. My baby sister is almost officially an 8th grader. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
3. I want to become a professional wedding cake taster! I did that today with my friend, so delish.
4. I got my book in the mail today, time to start reading! (what's gotten into me?!)


That's all.

love.
miss you mamoo.

and this is what I live for.

These past few days were just happy! Jake and Mary were both in Tolar on Friday night!! They are just great. Mary is my partner in crime, my runnin' buddy, my closest friend at UMHB. We're always up to something and cryin' from laughin' so hard. We'll be livin' together next year, CAN NOT WAIT. It was great to see her; it's gonna be a long summer with her attached to my hip bone.  It's always great to have Jake around, he never gets old! We all just had a good time watching Ellen, eating ice cream, laughin', dancing while brushing our teeth, you know... the usual! Mary left Saturday for camp orientation! I am so excited to see how God moves in her life this summer and to exchanged stories with her!

So the next day we went to Janelle's graduation party! We got to just make a big deal out of her, just like she deserves. So proud of her! Jake DJ-ed, it was just a fun time! I'm so excited to see where life takes her in this next year, to see how God moves in her life and completely changes things! She graduates FRIDAY! YAY! Class of 2010! I just love this girl. Can I just say that? Cause I do. 

SO. I'm home for a little over a week longer, then Falls Creek! I just love sweet summertime. I have a lot to do this week! Including going to see my precious cousin, Kayla, graduate! OH. and I found tie-dyed duct tape, and I'm really excited about that. That's all. 

Love.

Miss you Mamoo.

and this is my prayer.

This song is so beautiful. It came on my shuffle this morning and it just made me pause and take a second to seriously pray it. Take my life, it's all for thee. I desire this to be my prayer EVERYDAY. All of me, it's all for thee. It's my desire that every action I take brings glory to my heavenly Father. I want everything thought, movement and word to be honoring to Him. Life has been about healing lately, it's been about drawing even closer to the Father. Healing is a beautiful thing. I've been praying lately that God would be showing me what I need to do next to learn to love HIM more. This song (that I've had forever), it says it. Thank you Jesus for playing it on my shuffle this morning :)










Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as You choose.

Here am I, all of me.

Take my life, it's all for Thee.

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.
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.

p.s. it's by Chris Tomlin, look it up. 

and it's summertime!

It's just great being home and having this time off before going to Falls Creek. I'm so thankful for getting to catch up with friends from home! Janelle is still in school, but I still get to see her so much more than when I'm in Belton! It's fabulous! This is us at a rangers game last week! Can you say HOMERUNS?! They were going crazy hittin' them baseballs out of the park! Fireworks went poppin'! Just love it! Do we look like sisters in the picture? ha! Summertime is simply sweet. Simplicity sometimes escapes me. It's great right now. Just a time of rest and simplicity. Time to spend time organizing thoughts and preparing for summer. My mind is also thankful for this time off classes! I'm hoping and hoping that pretty sun is shining tomorrow, I wouldn't complain about some poolside! YA KNOW?!

Some great things that happened today:
1. Shopping with my momma.
2. Janelle's grad gift... sh.. it's secret.
3. America's Next Top Model marathon
4. I can breathe through my nose again!

Romans 12 :14-21

love.
miss you mamoo.

and it's the birthday of a lifetime!

Well, May 18th! My Mamoo's birthday! I can't believe she's celebrating with our Savior! SO JEALOUS! :-) I miss her SO MUCH. My MAMOO is gone. I can't really accept that as real. This a picture from a year ago. GRADUATION! We didn't know about the cancer yet. It was a great night (: She was runnin' around like a proud Mamoo taking pictures like nuts. Life has changed quite a bit since good ol' graduation. I sadly won't be calling Mamoo tomorrow to wish  her a happy birthday. Weird. I miss her. I love her. I wish she was here.


Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and at the creek I'll be!

My mailing address for Falls Creek will be :

Nicki Ashley

Summer Staff

Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center

6714 HWY 77D

Davis, OK  73030-8002

Also, it looks like I'll be able to check my Email!  (ndashley@mail.umhb.edu) 

I could aslo check my phone at certain times if it actually has service...we'll see! HA!

love.

miss you mamoo.

and we'll root, root, root for the home team!

Going to see the Rangers play tonight  :) :) I love baseball season, and summer, and no class, or tests, or studying! Finished unpacking my stuff today! Just to leave it for two weeks then pack stuff back up for camp! (: I had lunch with my sister, Jessica Gibson, today! It was great, we can never shut up and just talk and talk and talk. I love that about us. ANYWHO. It's summer, stop reading this and go outside ~ 

Love. 

Miss you Mamoo.

and I just have a lot on my mind.

This morning in Sunday school we were talking about the American Dream and how much it doesn't line up with Christianity. (I have written about this before read it here.) I pray often that God will help me not want the perfect house, clothes, car... all that material stuff. 'Cause let's face it, we are trained to want that stuff. Growing up in America, it's hard to not want that. We read Luke 9 and discussed briefly what it looks like to follow Christ. How much STUFF would I abandon?? What am I living out that is biblical? Questions were stirred, I dig it. I want to love Jesus, and be like Him. I'm stuck in a rut, I guess you can call it. I just am so routine (as much as I'm lackin' routine right now). I read my bible and pray, everyday, like I strive to do. BUT.. how much is being applied and lived out? How much of it am I let challenge my life? How much of it is just habit?? America's so great, but so full of selfish distractions. It's awful.  I just want to be Godly.


ALSO, Today is mother's day. I have the most wonderful mother in the WORLD. Seriously. I could go on for hours and hours. BUT I'll save you. Today is also the first mother's day my precious Mamoo has been gone. She was a wonderful Mother, Daughter and Mamoo. I miss her. 


What's been going on you ask?????? WELL. Not a lot. Just hangin' out here and there. Went to Allen for a little bit. Hung out with my my best friend. My daddy had surgery done to help get rid of a kidney stone. I am currently avoiding cleaning my DISASTER of a room. It's ridiculous. BUT I NEED TO SO BAD. I'm finding my motivation... NOW.  


P.S. My donkeys are really good at hollerin' really loud.


Love.
Miss you Mamoo.

and sometimes blogs are useless.

I'm currently sitting in the waiting room at the VW dealership, waiting on my precious car to get all fixed up. It's pretty early in the morning and I have quite the time to pass, so that brings me to blogging! HOLLA. As I sit here in this place, surrounded by brand new VW cars (somewhat like heaven) I dream of when I get my brand new Jetta... ahh. I love my bug, so much. I'm not even close to get rid of her, but I can dream can't I?? Also, there is an old lady in this waiting room, she called her friend to "shoot the bull" but she didn't answer. Instead she left her a message, then at the end she said "chow baby!" So adorable, I hope I am as hip and trendy to wear a straw garden hat and say "chow baby!" to my friends when I'm her age. 

On another note, it's baseball season. (Isn't Angie just a doll in this picture?!) I just love baseball/softball season. Gotta throw that softball in there because in our hose it's all about softball. My sister is a hoss, watching her play is always a good time. I love this time of year because it's so relaxed (no stresses of class, etc.) and the sun is shinin' most of the time. I just love the sunshine, especially when I have time to just lay in the sun.... for no reason at all.  I dislike it when people complain about the heat, I'm like HELLO!?!? It's so SUMMER, bring the heat FOLKS. With that being said, I love the heat. And baseball. And getting a tan at baseball games. Hopefully I'll be going to see my rangers soon! Before I leave for Oklahoma! Holla!

SPEAKING OF OKLAHOMA! FALLLLLLSCREEEEEEEEEK IS COMING! I move in June 1st! I am absolutely stoked for this summer! :) I hope you are praying with me about this summer and how I'm used according to God's will.  

There isn't a lot new going on around this side of things. Just getting settled back into my home, my OWN bedroom... teehee. School's officially finished until August! It's great. I am kinda just like a chicken with my head cut off until Falls Creek. Catching up with friends, being reacquainted with  my swimming pool, swinging by Allen to see my sweet boy, hangin' with the fam. It's just great. I miss my friends but just can't wait to see how God stretches us this summer. Our reunion shall be so sweet. Until then, I'll just be lost in summer ~

Love.

Miss you Mamoo.