While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

-Matthew 26:26-29

About the sixth hour, there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.  And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.  And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, "Father into Thy hands I commend My Spirit"

-Luke 23:45-46

 

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 

-Matthew 28:2-7 


I love Easter!

 

 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:16-18

"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun." Ecclesiastes 8:15

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds " James 1:2

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

These are only a few of the joyful faces I saw while over in Zambia. I heard their heart-breaking stories and then got to experience the joy that they still hold on to because they know that their God is bigger than any trial they might go through. Why is it that I get stressed about something as trivial as a grade? I have been thinking a lot about these sweet smiles lately. My prayer this week is that I can find joy through the simple truth that I serve a God who loves me and will never leave me or forsake me!

Good luck this weekend Dad!!

For the past two years I have ridden with my dad in the MS150. It is a bike ride from Houston to Austin to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. While I really enjoy riding, it always falls on the same weekend as parent's weekend so I decided not ride this year so that I could spend this weekend with my mom showing her around. I am so so excited to be with her, but at the same time I will miss this time riding with my dad! Last year, riding was such a challenge but I really enjoyed the experience. 

 In front of the capital in Austin after finishing last year!

2009 me and my dad

 Kelly, Lauren, and I riding in 2010

So, best of luck to you this weekend dad! I will be anxiously awaiting at the finish line to watch you cross :) Love you!

"...when pain is to be born, a little courage helps more than much knowledge, a little human sympathy more than much courage, and the least tincture of the love of God more than all."
-C.S. Lewis

Ruin Me

Now the plans that I have made

Fail to compare

When I see your glory

Ruin my life

The plans that I've made

Ruin desires

For my own selfish gain

Destroy the idols

That have taken your place

Til it's you alone I live for

In my opinion I have a pretty good life plan mapped out in my head. I will get married right out of college, live in a cute little cottage home surrounded by wonderful neighbors, work at my dream job for 4 or 5 years, then go on to have my 2.5 children and live happily ever after. But…What if this doesn’t happen? What if life doesn’t go exactly as I have planned? What if God’s will for me is different than my own plan? When I first sang this song at Breakaway it seemed a little harsh to me. I didn’t understand why God would want us to give up our plans for our life. The more I got to thinking about it though, the more I realized that wasn’t what it’s about. This song is saying that He has a better plan for us. Whatever we consider to be the “perfect” life, He can do better. If we can let go and let God, He will give us more than we ever believed possible. Maybe we don’t even know what we truly want and I know I definitely don’t always know what is best for me (although I like to think that I do). If we can learn to trust Him, he will give us everything we’ve ever wanted and more. The question is: Am I willing to give up my “ideal future” and trust Him? I’m trying to. 

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Proverbs 3:5-6

10 Random Facts

1. I love a rainstorm if I have a good book.
2. I enjoy baking (and eating) anything and everything.
3. I will try most "adventurous" things (like para sailing, etc.) but really dislike trying new foods.
4. I was truly convinced I would be a dolphin trainer for about 10 years of my life.
5. My favorite place in the world is on the boat at the lake.
6. I LOVE ice cream!
7. I am afraid of fire but really enjoy being around a campfire.
8. I could eat chicken fingers every day and be perfectly happy.
9. I have a terrible, terrible memory.
10. I would love to work for Texas Children's one day.