spoken to.

"for I have learned in whatever situation I am in to be content"

Philippians 4:11

So, I was going to go to bed early tonight, but I came across this verse in my reading, and it spoke volumes to me.. I had to share it!

Basically, what I got out of this was God saying, "Stop worrying about everything, and just be content with your life." It was like a reality check to me because lately, I'm not content with just fixing one aspect of life.. I wanna do it all. I want to make good grades, I want to become a servant leader, I worry about my appearance (hey, i'm a female), I get over-involved, I think about relationships and the future, etc., and I do it all WAY too much. If I would just be completely content with my life the way it is, God will add to it as He sees fit.. and it would be so much easier. Without worrying, there isn't stress, and without stress.. there is plenty of happiness :) I know that seems like a long shot, but it's so possible, and I'm beginning to see how God's already started showing me where and how to be content. Gosh, God is good.

I'll update you on my life real quick:

Today, I worked from 8AM-6PM... long stinkin day.

but I am so blessed to have the job I have.

I love working at FBC Belton!

I love the people I work with, and I love my kiddos.

I have been getting so much fulfillment out of my job lately,

and it's a beautiful thing. :)

those 3 and 4 year olds really make me smile!

Tonight, I went to dinner with my home group from TBC: NASH BASH!

love them, love them, love them!

Everyone in our group is so absolutely different in so many ways,

but we have SO much fun together,

and we get along so well.

I am just so happy around them.

I decided to become a college YoungLife leader..great decision.

I already love it!

I love the other leaders, I love the small groups, all of it! :)

I'm super excited to invest in lives and see God move in huge ways!

I recently started going to the gym again...

and it's a great stress reliever.

I'll probs be spending lots of time there :)

and my rangers.. well, they're not so great right now,

but at least they're in the world series! :)

and now, I'm ready for bed, but I had to share :)

love youuu

inspired...it's time.

call me crazy.. but today i'm going to write about my favorite sports team... ever.

The Texas Rangers. I know that sounds a little ridiculous, but this team reallyinspires me.

Yeah, maybe not all of the guys are Christians, maybe they don't make the best decisions in life, and maybe they all make mistakes..but they're human. I've noticed more and more lately how much of a TEAM the Rangers are. They pour into each others' lives on and off the field, and it's so evident, especially this season. The Rangers, as individuals, and as a team.. inspire me.

example number 1: Josh Hamilton.
I know most everyone knows his story, or at least the gist of it. I know you've heard that he leaves the room during the crazy celebrations with alcohol, and I know most of you probably know that he relapsed in his addiction and made mistakes, fairly recently. I bet a lot of you don't know that he sometimes goes out and shares his testimony with fans after the games, and i bet a lot of you don't know that the songs he chose to play while he walks up to bat are Christian songs. The man is incredible. If you haven't watched his I am Second video.. watch it:

http://www.iamsecond.com/

example number 2: CJ Wilson.

I watched an interview with CJ recently and I was blown away. I had no idea that he was such an incredible guy. He has never had a drop of alcohol, never smoked, and never done any drugs in his life. He goes with Josh Hamilton to do alternative celebrations, too. This is my first example of showing how incredibly close this team is.. as individuals, and humans, not just professional baseball players.

example number 3: David Murphy.

David Murphy is also an remarkable individual. He went to Baylor University (Sic 'em bears!) and played baseball there. He is always so humble in his interviews, on and off the field. He would hit the game winning home run, and still not hesitate to give God the glory. His walk-up song, similar to Josh Hamilton, is Strong Tower by Kutless... love it.

These three guys are a very small part of this Rangers team. Nonetheless, each one of their stories is incredible and each one plays a HUGE role in the team's overall reputation.

Now to look at how legit the Rangers are as a team/organization:

example 1: Ron Washington admitted to using cocaine and offered to resign as the manager of the Texas Rangers. He admitted to the league and to the team, before his drug testing results came back positive. He apologized, and the team accepted. The players, owners, and organization decided to forgive Washington for his faults and keep him as the manager. Look where this took them: the World Series.

example 2: all of the playoff wins are so exciting, and the celebrations are the same through out the major leagues.. champagne and beer being sprayed everywhere in the clubhouse. Josh Hamilton, as a former alcoholic and someone who strives to bring all glory to Christ, is uncomfortable with these celebrations and doesn't participate. So, the team got ginger ale to celebrate with, just so Josh can be included. If that doesn't scream true teammates... i'm not quite sure what does. :)

It's incredible to watch this team rally around one another and pull together through the mistakes, through the losses, through the wins, and through everything. I love watching them play the game, and i love hearing their interviews off the field. I'm so proud to call myself a Rangers fan. and I am even more excited thatthey will get their chance in the world series this year. It's a beautiful thing. and I think they've earned it. Just because of the kind of team they are...full of love and full of drive.

Claws and Antlers baby.

As for me.. I'm doing well :) I took two road trips this week.. one to CSTAT and one to ATX :) it's been a blast. I'm loving every second of life. It's so beautiful. and God is SOOO good.

:)

stress.

"therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:34

SO, this week has been CRAZY. I have 4 tests (2 down, 2 to go) and lots of pageant and CAB planning to take care of! Life is full of the craziness and the busyness, but in the midst of life flying, there is peace. God is good. I have been reminding myself daily of this verse and it puts me at ease. So, i wanted to share it in case anyone else's week is as insane as mine :)

In other news, life is full of joy as well! :) my cousin is pregnant after many failed trials, praise Him. :) My friends are the absolute greatest, and i'm having so much fun. I got to go home this weekend and spend time with my family and my best friends! it was pure bliss :) AND, to top it all off... daddy got tickets to the rangers playoff game saturday!! :) We sat in the second deck, and even though they lost.. it was the experience of a lifetime. I grew up in that stadium, going to all kinds of games and getting tons of awesome experiences.. so going to this SOLD OUT PLAYOFF game, just made it all the more special. I loved it!

and as for tonight... THE RANGERS WON THE ALDS AND ARE GOING ON IN THE PLAYOFFS! :D :D :D :D :D i was excited.. beyond excited!!!! :) and i got to celebrate with my friends.. we're making brownies.

What a life i live... love it

life.

It's been about a week since my last post.. dang, i've been busy!
Here is what consumes my life (in this order):
1. School--next week, I have 4 tests.
2. Work
3. Church and related events (biblestudies/homegroups)
3. CAB events/meetings/planning
4. Miss MHB and Crusader Knights Steering committees
and finally,
my social life.

I'm still making new friends, and my new relationships are growing stronger each day :) It's wonderful, and I love it. I've been struggling a lot with trying to gain the world's acceptance and trying to "fit in" lately, but I finally figured out that I should be trying to gain the acceptance of Christ and "fit in" to his kingdom, so that is what I'm working on. What a faithful God I serve. He has fulfilled each desire I have given Him and I feel so entirely blessed! Its an amazing feeling.

So that's where I'm at.
See ya!