why i love students

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:42:23 -0600

My life changed drastically around the age of 13 as I entered high school. I realized the gap between who I was and who I wanted to be. This epiphany came with the help of godly adults influencing my life, and came at the expense of my social life and well being. Thank God for the incredible Christian friends who quickly received me. I battled relationships, peer pressures, friendship drama, academics, and an overly stressful schedule like most all high schoolers do, and I think I did so pretty well (not perfectly, mind you).

I had a real picture of who I felt God was calling me to be. I understood the self sacrifice to it would take to accomplish and become that person. And I had an incredible support system of family, friends and church leaders rooting for me to succeed and expecting nothing less.

This equation makes a lot of sense to me. There are so many hurting, confused and lost young people in today’s schools. They are lucky if they have parents who believe in them. Good, wholesome friends can be very hard to come by. And few adults are willing to truly invest time and love to see these kids grow.

It’s no coincidence I married someone who, with his life and career, pursues instilling godliness into the lives of students. I have the unique honor to love and know so many high school kiddos. It’s a constant reminder to me of how the Lord grabbed my heart and my life at their age. And I know how fiercely Satan is trying to pull them to the dark side. In a given week, I have 2-4 organized meetings/hangouts/Bible studies with these girls, exchange countless text messages, and have traveled around the country and even out of the country with them. I love being there for them. I love expecting much of them. I love them.

Some of the things I see these girls struggling through amaze me! High school has gotten even harder since I was there not too many years ago. It breaks my heart to see the magnitude of crap these students are put through by their friends and even their own families. I want them to know our God as the giver of peace, as the provider, and as the only constant in this crazy life.

He...

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:31:15 -0600

... is my best friend
... looks as good in a v neck t shirt as he does in a suit
... has lovely taste in music
... is a great travel buddy
... speaks truth to young people with passion and fervor
... has mad grilling skills
... thinks I’m beautiful
... knows everything I wish I knew about electronics/tech stuff
... picked out the best puppy ever
... is silly
... enjoys the things I enjoy, just because I do
... loves our family
... has a pretty stellar smile

He... is my Valentine, and always will be

safe?

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 22:01:15 -0600

I’ve never been one to hide from risk or danger. I love adventure and the thrill that comes with pushing myself beyond what is ‘comfortable’. This drive has pushed me off a ledge as I bungee jumped, it has taken me to the bottom of the ocean with an air tank on my back, it has dropped me off in the wilderness of the Rockies for a week, and hopefully, one day, will push me out of a plane with a parachute. (oh please, oh please let that really happen someday!)

But lately... I’ve become quite fond of my safe, comfortable life. As much as I love the adrenaline high that overcomes me with each of the things listed above, I also kinda love the fact that I’m laying on a couch next to my husband in my cozy suburban home, and I can fairly accurately predict how the next several days and weeks will play out.

So, how can both these feelings coexist? I want an adventurous life! I want to squeeze out all the excitement and fulfillment this side of eternity has to offer me. I also want to pour out everything I have to offer for His glory. Can I do that whilst laying on my comfy couch?

Doubtful.

I’ll rest in the nice, predictable season the Lord has placed Ian and I for now. I hope when He comes to stir it all up, I’m ready. I hope I’m willing. I hope I recognize the call. My hearts been stirring for something big... Wonder what it is? Can’t wait to find out.

Here’s a little Francis Chan for your viewing pleasure. He’s neat.

dinner guests

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 18:33:53 -0600

I so enjoy entertaining. I grew up in a home that frequently hosted family and friends for food and fun. Ian’s family is the same way. Ian and I hope to be that kind of couple and family.

Tonight, our good friend D is coming over, and here’s what’s a-cooking...

Grilled Chicken and Herbs (I’m brining my chicken for the first time... wish me luck)
Spiced Green Beans
Roasted Potatoes
Pillsbury Rolls (yum)

The food should be good, and the fellowship shall be great.

Please let Ian and I cook for you sometime.

Hope for the hurting

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:57:16 -0600

If you are the blog reading type, which I presume you are since you are reading this, you have probably read many accounts summarizing rescue efforts that are taking place in response to the recent Haitian earthquakes. I could tell you all about them, but so many other people have already done so. I do want to tell you of one such cause.....

In 3-5 business days, Ian and I will be the proud owners and wearers of these fine t shirts. And you will be jealous. To prevent the inevitable coveting, how about you purchase one for your self? One for your loved ones? One for your pup?

These shirts are being sold for $25. 100% of proceeds
are sent directly to those in need in Haiti. You buy them
here.

Take a long look around Aaron Ivey’s site, and link over
to his blog. He and his wife Jaime are in the process of
adopting their second Haitian child. Four year old Amos
is doing alright, but he is still in Haiti. Pray for God’s
continued protection over Amos and his care takers,
and pray for speedy processing of his adoption papers
and travel visas.

If you have a particular cause in Haiti that you’d like to share, please let me know!

Do big things.

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:00:50 -0600

It’s Tuesday evening. Ian’s at a meeting. I’m sitting on the couch with my laptop, flipping channels between American Idol and Biggest Losers. And until about 20 minutes I was actually content with the sum of my night.

Then I stumbled upon the blog of a girl named Katie. At 21, she lives, works and serves in Uganda, Africa. She operates a ministry which is effectively solving hunger for thousands. 14 Ugandan girls ranging in age live under her roof, depend on her for complete care, and call her mommy.

This girl loves my God like I want to love my God.

Meet Katie here.

Learn more about Amazima Ministries here.

My heart is longing for something... Maybe I won’t spend the rest of my night packing my bags for Africa, but I really want to do big things. Want to do big things with me?

Pura Vida

Sat, 2 Jan 2010 23:51:28 -0600

My family has been blessed with opportunities for amazing travel. We’re thankful that my parents enjoy bringing us along on such trips. They could just send us obnoxious post cards from their tropical locales, but they show mercy and give us plane tickets instead. It’s been a while since our whole family has been in one place at one time, and even longer since we’ve been available to travel together. We headed back to the last place we traveled to as a family... Costa Rica.

Oh the beauty! I’ve said many times that Costa Rica is my favorite country. It boasts gorgeous beaches, lush rain forests, beautiful people and the most laid back life style. The country’s mantra is ‘Pura Vida’ (translation: Pure Life). This idea is so counter-intuitive to all of us USA-ites. Our fast-paced, drive-thru, 3G connected country has gone a little over board and I think we can all learn a little from the Ticos (acceptable slang for Costa Ricans)... we need to slow down and simplify.

It’s fitting to attempt a new life attitude as we start a new year. I’m never any good at keeping resolutions so I won’t call it that. But I do hope to slow down, simplify myself, enjoy my life more this year, and for years to come. I don’t know where the last decade has gone in such a hurry, but I have a feeling the next decade will my favorite yet, and I want to cherish it.

That being said, all you likely care about are pictures from the trip, so enjoy! Adios!

The Rocks

The Whole Fam

Family Fun

Merry Christmas

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:21:53 -0600

Okay... So I had every intention in getting my act together and sending out Christmas cards this year. I have a theory that the more often we send them, the more cards and letters we receive. We have a new address since last years cards, so we’re even harder to find! I was a bit saddened by the dismal amount that came in this year’s yule time mail, but for this, I blame myself.

A few highlights from our 2009 that may have shown up on said Christmas letter include:

-a mission trip to Nicaragua with some ACF students
-the celebration of our 1st anniversary on San Antonio’s River Walk
-a whirlwind summer busy with ACF and Buckner ministries
-the hunt and purchase of our first home
-the inevitable moving into our home
-attendance at numerous Jesse Woods concerts
-a road trip to Nashville with Rock parents to celebrate Thanksgiving
-a Costa Rican Christmas with Woods family
-a lot of good food and fellowship with friends
-the celebration of some birthdays (our 25th, Reese’s 5th)

We are looking forward to see what 2010 will bring! Wishing you and your families a Happy New Year. Much love from the Rocks.

**Another post coming soon to tell of our recent Costa Rican adventures.

God With Us

Sun, 6 Dec 2009 16:03:26 -0600

A friend’s recent blog post asked for responses including each readers’ favorite Christmas song. So many greats to choose for, but I submitted ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’.

It’s a song of hope.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until of the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

How sweet it is to reflect on God’s faithfulness in sending Jesus,who was called Emmanuel, God With Us.

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

P.T.O.

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:02:15 -0600

Those three little letters encompass what I love most about the working world. Sad, huh?

Anyone out there in the Exempt Full Time employment classification knows what I’m talking about. The rest of the world knows this by it’s alias ‘Vacation Time’.

Ian and I spent a good portion of our well-earned PTO last week celebrating Thanks Day with family. We loaded 6 Rocks into a truck (Mama Rock, Papa Rock, Ian, Myself, and the two pups)and headed to Nashville. Some may recall that Ian and visited Nashville last year around this time of year... see here.

We traveled by night to Tennessee. I couldn’t tell you how the drive was, because I slept the entire time.. seriously. I think sleeping in the car is one of my spiritual gifts.

We stayed in a historic log cabin in Great Hills, TN. We ate amazing food with sweet friends, the Moores. We shopped some of the cutest boutiques throughout the greater Nashville area. We sipped wine at the beautiful Arrington Vinyard. We conquered the flea market. We watched the dogs suffer the consequences of demolishing a weeks worth of food in a matter of minutes (not a pretty site!) Twas a great trip!

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

I heart Tennessee. Let me know if you’re ever heading that way, and I’d be happy to share with you all the great destinations we enjoyed.

There’s no place like home...

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:04:52 -0600

Ian is at the Fall Retreat with our Middle School students this weekend. He’s a great guy, if for no other reason than he strongly urged me not to come. (The retreat is at Camp Buckner- my place of work and the thought of spending the weekend there gives me a headache-- Great place, but not where I want to be on the weekends).

I thought I’d use the husband-free weekend to do some major cleaning/organizing around the house, but decided to skip town instead (convenient). I packed a bag for Reese and myself and loaded up my new car (2009 Honda Civic... oh so lovely), and headed West to Katy. It’s been too long since my last visit. I work Monday-Friday and Ian works Saturday-Thursday, so weekend get-aways are few and far between.

I got to spend some time hanging out with my parents, and cousin Allison and her 6 month old, Seth. My mom and I also hit up Houston’s Nutcracker Market. My trip was less than 24-hours in total, but I’m thankful for the chance to get away.

There’s nostalgia each time I visit Katy. It’s all so familiar. But the word home has been redefined since Ian and I started making our own in Austin. I love having a place that is all ours... to decorate, to make a mess of, and to come home to. There’s nothing like it.