And then...That Happened...

Not the biggest of disasters really, but it was still rather funny.  I don't even remember what I was carrying, but I turned around a little too fast and this was the end result.  Apparently, I need to slow down.  A few weeks ago I ran into the corner of my desk and ended up with a bruise on the side of my leg that looked like I'd taken up roller derby again.  Why is it that disasters like these can be so amusing?  Maybe it's because they are often so ridiculous that you almost can't believe they've happened (like my tire cover which, by the way, fell off again this time in the Fiesta parking lot)?  Maybe it's because they tend to look way worse than they are?  Or maybe it's because in the ridiculous accidents that happen in your life you connect with other people who have similar ridiculous stories?  I rather think it's all of the above.  And in this spirit of bonding through life's little disasters, what's something crazy that's happened to you this week?

In Other News...

I got accepted into RTS Houston! 

I've spent years praying about this decision.  Wondering if it was, in fact, a wise move.  Finally, I decided to take the leap and apply.  My prayer going in was "God, barring your wise and welcome intervention, I'm going to act in faith in Your good sovereignty."  I've had to pray a lot about motivation, I've had to pray for energy and determination, I've had to pray for His help, and for His peace. 

Honestly, I didn't think I was going to get in. 

Then, today around 3:30 I go to look in my inbox and bam, there it was!  It's not going to be easy, but I think it's going to teach me a lot and hopefully make me a better worker for His kingdom.  Please keep me in your prayers and thank you for that which you've already given!

Last Week Disaster Week!

Last week was what I like to call a "Murphy's Law" kind of a week.  It wasn't bad or anything like that, but really and truly it seemed as if something could fall apart it did.  This all began on Saturday when I started house sitting for a nice family at our church and got locked out of the house.  Let me preface by saying that I tried to find a neighbor before I resorted to the destructive measures you see below:



Busted lock

Cracked sheet rock

 When all other options failed, I, being the rational and unemotional human being that I am (please hear the sarcasm), busted open the door with my hip.  While this might have been cause for some boasting had it not been someone else's house (I mean, come on, I broke open a door with my body) under the circumstances I was simply distraught.  Thankfully, a good friend from church had a contracter who helped us get it fixed, but I still felt pretty bad about the incident.

That, however, was not the end of my troubles.  As I was into the parkinglot for bootcamp Thursday evening, I noticed that everyone was looking at me with rather interesting expressions.  When I got out of the car, I was informed that my back tire was completely flat.  Lame.  After removing the now useless peice of rubber, we realized that there was a nail in the bottom.  Again, thankfully, I have a good spare that is now serving just as well.  Fast forward to this morning, 7:30AM.  I am driving through the Kroger parking lot when I hear a loud thud.  Looking back, this is what I see:

Spare tire cover

Naked tire

All I can say is that I am very glad this happened when I was driving ten miles an hour in a parkinglot rather than 65 on I-10.  Hopefully, nothing else will get broken this week...either by me or by circumstances clearly beyond my control.  For now, enjoy the disaster and pray for my patience when things do fall apart!

Psalm 73: Reflections on (the day after) My Birthday

Psalm 73:1-3

Surely God is good to Israel,  to those who are pure in heart.  But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;  I had nearly lost my foothold.  For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 

Yesterday I turned 27.  It was a very good birthday.  A sweet friend made me chocolate-chocolate chip banana bread, I got birthday cards, great gifts, and my mom and brother took me to Olive Garden.  I'm nowhere near where I thought I'd be by now.  

Before college I assumed that by the end of four years I'd be married.

Before graduation I assumed I'd have found my calling in Peru...and be married.

A year after graduation I assumed I'd be in vocational youth ministry for a long time.

Last year I thought I'd be out of Texas, in youth ministry.

I see lots of my friends experiencing what I view as success and, to be utterly honest, I envy them.  It's hard to see "the wicked" succeed.  You don't understand why, despite the horrible things they did to you in high school or jr. high, or elementary school, they are getting everything you want.  But honestly, sometimes it's almost harder to see your friends succeed.  It's not that you don't want them to.  No, you really do so desperately want to see them happy; but you also want what they have, and the envy you feel brings greater guilt than what you feel when seeing your "enemies" succeed.

It's a hard thing to rejoice in the success of others sometimes, but what I'm being reminded of is that God has the best plan for me.  

My pastor told a story on Sunday that illustrated this really well.  His wife was trying to find a parking space near his building and so she called him for help.  He, quite a few stories up, was able to see the whole parking lot and direct and guide her through the process.  It didn't necessarily make the process go faster, but being connected with one who had the bigger perspective was infinitely helpful.  God not only has the bigger perspective, but He is sovereign over the occurrences of my life.  The more I connect with Him the more I am able to rejoice and to trust and to give my frustration to Him.

I'm praying that God will help me to rejoice with those who rejoice and to see the good He is working in my life.  I thank Him for 27 years of His guidance, of His blessing of good friends and family, and His constant provision.