The Big D

It’s hard to believe I haven’t written on here in 6 months. Probably because….I MOVED.  Because if you know me or spend more than a little time with me you know that I accepted a great job in Dallas and moved away from my parents, siblings, church and friends. After spending almost 10 years in San Antonio I took a leap of faith and moved (back) to Dallas. 

Now in July, six months later, I have learned more about myself as a person. Work has challenged me in many areas. I've learned my strengths as a professional and how I work as an individual. I don't like abrupt change. I got a tattoo. I've shed many tears but tears of growth. I could feel God pulling and stretching me as a person. I've had to rely more on God now in this season than when I was at home in my comfort zone. I knew this would not be easy but also knew I needed this. I could go on and on about God’s provision, protection and movement over the past few months. 

I am so expectant and excited and filled with the joy of the Lord. I pray if you read this that God will place on your heart the place you are meant to be and that you will come with an open heart and mind and eyes ready to see God move. My life was truly changed this year, although I miss my family, I know there is more in store this year and those to come. 

DeeAnn's 30th Birthday Party - 90's theme

I was given the honor to throw my sister-in-love, DeeAnn's, 30th birthday party! It is such a milestone of an age for a young woman - it had to be super special! The 90's were a good decade to grow up in so we went with that theme ;)

It took place at Big Lou's Pizza in which they are known for their 42 inch pizzas as you will see below. Each picnic table was decorated with DeeAnn's favorite movie / TV show from the 90's - Clueless, Fresh Prince, Boys Meets World, Doug and Saved by the Bell. The night consisted of pizza, 90's karaoke & attire, board games/MASH, candy, chocolate cupcakes and lots of laughter & fun with DeeAnn's closest family + friends!

I'll post videos soon...still trying to figure it out.

Thankfulness in the midst of busyness

As we gear into another holiday season heavy with events, plentiful food, family time, extravagant shopping, practice for church programs and more, it may be difficult to find time to be truly thankful. This is not saying we are not thankful in general but how do you express thankfulness in the midst of busyness? God calls us to be thankful in ALL circumstances – busy or not.

1 - Be still (at least try)

Just stop. Put away the credit card. Put down your fork. Pull the car over. Leave early from church choir practice. Being time consumed is not wrong but when we forget that God is the one who provided us with the job and resources to shop, buy and consume food, and provide a church family for us, we miss the point. Jesus is the center of everything we do and we must be still and acknowledge Him first and foremost as our provider, Jehovah-jireh.

2 – Give thanks.

Once you’re still your focus is on one thing - GOD. During this time with God you are freely able to render your grateful heart and truly give Him thanks before getting busy with tasks again.
“Now our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:13)

3 – Attitude of gratitude

Develop and attain an attitude of gratitude. That means when you do find yourself busy either training for that holiday 5K or singing at church choir practice, develop a grateful attitude in the midst of those activities. “Thank you God for granting me health to be able to run.” Or “Thank you God for granting me the opportunity to exalt and worship You among my brothers and sisters.” Securing an attitude of gratitude will help in expressing thankfulness in the midst of busyness.

God calls us to be thankful in ALL circumstances - even when we are acting like busy-bees.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"


"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" is a Christian hymn written by the 18th century pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson. During this morning's service David (piano), Justin (drums) and I (flute) played this piece during offering.


1. Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,


Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;


Streams of mercy, never ceasing,


Call for songs of loudest praise.


Teach me some melodious sonnet,


Sung by flaming tongues above.


Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it,


Mount of Thy redeeming love.



2. Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,


Till released from flesh and sin,
 

Yet from what I do inherit,


Here Thy praises I'll begin;


Here I raise my Ebenezer;


Here by Thy great help I’ve come;


And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,


Safely to arrive at home.



3. Jesus sought me when a stranger,


Wandering from the fold of God;
 

He, to rescue me from danger,


Interposed His precious blood;


How His kindness yet pursues me


Mortal tongue can never tell,


Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
 
I cannot proclaim it well.

SA Spurs vs Charlotte Hornets Game 11.7.15

This past weekend we were provided tickets to attend the Spurs vs Charlotte Hornets Game. Such a GREAT time! Spurs WON 114-94.

BOSTON

Made my fall visit to Boston, MA this past weekend to see my little brother at seminary.
Below are photos of our adventures there.
Climate was perfect, trees were colorful and the accents were thick!

View of downtown Boston from Danny's church (Congregación León de Judá), the largest Hispanic church in New England, where he serves as the Young Adults Pastor.

Dapper Dan.

Siblings at choych.

Massachusetts State House - some Turkish protest going on behind me.

 Hands down Salem is an odd town...

Witch House from 1600s. (Did NOT go in)

Again...did NOT go in.

 Grabbed a pizza in Hamilton, MA.

  

We had to visit this school since Danny attends their Divinity School.

"Enter to grow in wisdom"

Visited our friends, Taveras family.

Boston Science Museum - Butterfly Garden

Big chair, don't care!

T-REX

I was tempted to buy this.

I know I'm not the only one.... (Sam Smith voice)

"Live long & prosper" - Star Trek

Boston Boy.

Pretty accurate.