Penny for my Thoughts

One step at a time...

2011-11-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

Running for me and most is a form of therapy. Sometimes it helps manifest problems I may need to address. Anything that is going on in your brain will manifest in your running. You can't separate it.

One of my biggest struggles is worry. I will worry about things that have a less than 1% chance of happening. In the past year I have realized that by worrying, I am not trusting in God. But, it's interesting how much we can let worry infiltrate our lives.

I realized that I've done this in my running. Oddly enough...it has nothing to do with my falling! I've started running with a running group, and the coach and all the other runners keep telling me that I should be running 15 miles for my long run to train for the full in January. I know these are coaches that have gotten hundreds of runners across the finish line, but I still am worried that I'm not running enough!

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
-Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner

That quote is true, but when to train too hard too soon, you are asking for an injury. Then, all in one moment, your hard work, dedication and hope is gone. All because I worried and trained too hard.

So, I will train for the race of life as I train for the race set before me on January 15, 2012. One step at a time. With diligence, patience, and care. I will trust the Lord to get me through life just as I will trust coaches to get me across the finish line.

After all, I trust the Lord with their lives...www.asourown.com...why don't I trust Him with mine?

I love Fall!!

2011-10-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, my favorite time of year was Spring/Summer...or let's call it like it is...the 8 months of the year that are triple-digit temps in Houston. I loved that it was hot, there was no school, you could spend all day at the pool, go to the lake, and so much more. It was a season of renewal. But, let's face it...Summer is a bit of a selfish season. It's all about the bikini body, fun, and freedom.

Maybe it's a sign of me aging (I know I know... not old...yet), but the past two years, Fall has wedged it's way into my heart. I think it shows that my priorities have changed over the years. Fall is when the holidays start and family events begin. I love the food, the decorations, and the idea that family, friends, and love really matter.

Also, Fall has become the season that reminds me of new beginnings. Two years ago in October, I met my favorite person :). We spent the Fall and Winter learning about each other and ourselves. That same year, I was able to venture to India where I met some amazing girls that touched my heart. My life has never been the same, and I thank God for Fall 2009.

When I came back from India, first, I looked to see if a certain someone had emailed or messaged me! Then, I thought, how do I bring this fight back to the states. I had seen the Red Light District and the homeless suffering. But I had also seen girls rescued to the light and men determined to spread love to a country.

Almost two years later, it feels like a dream. India was the most amazing experience of my life. And as much as I want to be there, hugging these sweet, amazing young woman, I know that I am an advocate on this side of the world. That is why I run. As the air cools, I am reminded of packing by bags, and heading across the world.

We are here for a short time. How do I want my time used? I want to do something extraordinary. I want to do something that lives beyond my years. So I run. I run for every girl in India that has been told her life is worthless. I run for every girl that needs to know she is a daughter of the King.

If you want to be a part of something that will last for eternity and will leave a legacy of love across the world, please consider donating. You can donate to As Our Own by clicking the title of this blog or copying this into your browser https://iwillrun.myetap.org/fundraiser/houston/individual.do?participationRef=977.0.134245405. I promise, you won't regret leaving your legacy.

I'm a klutz!!

2011-09-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

Bam! That was the sound of my face, nose and tooth hitting the pavement after 3.5 miles of an 11-mile run. It was a great run! I was feeling great, so excited, then I felt my foot hit something, my body lift off the ground, and in a split second, without a chance to catch myself, my face, then my body slammed against the concrete. It was not my finest moment! I ran home bleeding and bruised.

On my way home several people looked at me like I was crazy! Not one person asked if I was OK or if I needed help. As I running, I wasn’t in pain as much as I was scared of what was wrong. I knew I was bleeding pretty badly, but I did not know from where or why. I just wanted someone to stop and tell me how bad the damage was.

I did stop at a Target, and when I asked for help, the workers were kind enough to get me a first-aid kit to clean up a bit before running home. The compassion was truly appreciated.

Compassion is something that when received, we remember for a lifetime. When we give it, we tend to feel like we did something special. Yet, compassion is something we should do as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Leprosy was a disease that was highly contagious and incurable in Jesus’ day. Those with the dreadful disease were forced to live in a colony. When in contact with others, they had to announce that they were unclean. In Mark 1:40-45, a leper approaches Jesus and says that he knows that Jesus can heal the leprosy if He so chooses. Then, “Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him,” and healed his leprosy. Jesus TOUCHED the man with leprosy.

Compassion is not something that we should do to feel good; it is something we do because the compassion of Christ fills us and we can’t resist helping others. It is something we should do on a daily basis.

Sunday, we talked to our students about Jesus’ interaction with the leper. We challenged them to be purposefully compassionate. Compassion isn’t easy because it requires us to think outside ourselves. It requires us to think about the person on the street holding the sign every day.

It’s easy to think the man on the corner doesn’t have work because he’s lazy or on drugs. But, what if we are too busy judging, to be compassionate. I am in no way saying we need to give money everyone on a corner, but why aren't we moved to compassion? Why does my heart not break?

As you know, I am running the Houston marathon raising funds for an orphanage in India. The funds will go to provide rescue, food, water, shelter, care and education for young girls who have been abandoned by their families or whose mothers are enslaved as sex slaves in the brothels of India. The girls can’t work to pay their own way. Their mothers are trapped in a cycle of death. Without God’s intervention, and As Our Own, these girls would too be in the cycle of death.

We challenged our high school students and ourselves to be purposefully compassionate. I think it’s something we can all think about in our own lives. I ask you to at least look at www.AsOurOwn.org. I have made a commitment in my life to love these girls and this ministry As my Own. As such, I can’t stop spreading the word.

My team has a goal to raise $10,000 by October 23,2011. We are only a little over $1,000. If you feel God is calling you to be compassionate, please first, dedicate a time to pray for my training, then, if you feel led, please visit my donation page https://iwillrun.myetap.org/fundraiser/houston/individual.do?participationRef=977.0.134245405. I promise you, you will NOT regret this compassionate gesture.

Better to have loved and lost...

2011-03-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Red's secret to a long life was,"Tobasco sauce and fried chicken." My Uncle Bud's advice includes, "Sales'll kill ya." My babysitter, Ms. Lupe always made sure we ate our lunch and taught us Spanish.

I have been very fortunate to know some pretty spectacular and wise people. One of those wonderful people, Mrs. Lupe Gonzales passed away last week. This amazing woman watched my sister and I, and almost every other child in the neighborhood, from the time I was born until I could stay home alone.

The idea of no more Ms. Lupe boggles my mind. Ms. Lupe is no longer here to watch children, to talk about the Big Bad Wolf in the attic, to make Lupe-males, and to hollar "Gatos Pintos!" (I really hope that's not a slang term for something bad!) She loved the Lord, and I know she is running on streets of gold and hugging her daughter and husband that entered Heaven's gate before her. I am not sad for her. I am sad for me and sad that I probably took her for granted so many times.

She was approximately 94 years old. No one knew her actual birthdate, which adds to the mystery of this fairytale-like woman. Wife of one, mother of 3, and influencer of thousands. I wonder if this caring, yet hard-nosed woman knew how much she impacted our lives.

And just like Edward Bloom's funeral in Big Fish when all the people he helped came to wish him goodbye, Ms. Lupe's "kids" came to her side to tell her we loved her and to thank her for all the effort and time she gave us.

The last time I got to speak with her, 3 days before she went home, her mind was still as sharp as it was 27 years ago. When I walked in the room, her eyes were so joyful and thankful, and in a short whisper, she just said, "Debra." She told me stories of when I was a little girl like it was yesterday, and I was the only girl she ever watched. And when I left, I hugged her, and she told me, "It's going to be OK, mija."

I have been so fortunate to know some spectacular and wise people. I have had to say goodbye to some, but I have to remember that God will always put people in our lives that bring us joy. We have to cherish them and cherish their memories. I will always miss my Ms. Lupe, but it is better to have loved and lost...

Who is Diane?

2011-03-03T19:08:00.000-08:00

She was wearing a black blouse with beading around the collar and a black skirt that rustled with the breeze. She wanted to feel pretty, but hoped no one noticed her sitting alone in a crowded restaurant. Her hair was swept up and pinned back. She took her time getting ready that night. It was a special night, but she was in no rush as no one was waiting on her. A single piece of birthday cake sat in front of her as she wrote.

"Today is my 31st birthday. I wonder how I will one year from now. ... Will I ever smile a genuine smile again?"

Her words filled the front and back of a page in a signature book at the girly restaurant decorated with colors of gold and chandeliers. While others signed with notes of "Had a great time!" or "Great food!," she filled the last page with a tragic story of loneliness and abandonment.

After 12 years of marriage her husband had left her for another woman.

"He found someone who could give him what I could not," she wrote.

The man that once promised her in front of God, family, and friends to cherish her, left her feeling worthless.

"I need a spiritual uplifting," she cried for help. "I hope I see you next year, and I hope I can smile again - Diane," she finished a the bottom of the last page.

Who is Diane? At a dinner with a friend last night I read Diane's story tucked away in the pages of the signature book at a restaurant. I don't know what she was wearing that night, and I don't know what she looked like. I picture her as woman in black because her words, oh so eloquent, shouted of a woman that felt like she didn't deserve to pretty.

Who is Diane? Does she know she has a maker that will never forsake her? Does she know that she is loved?

Her story haunts me as I feel her pain. She gave 12 years of her life to a man. The facts amaze me. If she was 31 and married for 12 years, she was 19 when she said her vows. To fill two pages, she must have been alone. No friend would let her spend that time so tormented.

Who is her husband? Who is this man that swore his life to her to take it away. The thought frightens me.

Who is the other woman? What woman tore this family apart? What woman tore this covenant apart? Does she know that marriage was created to bond two people for life as Christ loved the church? Does she know that Diane is sitting alone in a restaurant in pain on her birthday? Does she care!?

Oh Diane, how I wish I could cry with you. How I wish I could share with you the love of a wonderful saviour and Father who weeps over your broken marriage and heart. I pray that you know that He's there. I pray that you know that there are people out there praying for you.

Cherish marriage. Cherish marriage as God does. Hold it sacred as the image we have of how He loves us. And please, please remember my friend Diane.

Finish Strong!!

2011-02-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

It was almost one week ago that through blurry eyes I saw the finish line of the Aramco Half Marathon. I saw the finish line - not the clock. I honestly don't remember seeing the clock. My mind was focused on the finish line - and crossing it.

My eyes were blurry for a few reasons, and not just because it had been sprinkling.

First, I ran this race raising money for Living Water International. I wanted to exceed in fundraising and exceed at running. When I crossed the line, I prayed that someday children in need around the world can cross a finish line of their own.

Second, I was thinking of my uncle that died almost 5 years ago. My uncle ran the full marathon many years before. At many times during the race when I was exhausted, it gave me strength to know that I was following in my uncle's footsteps. I hope I made him proud.

Third, I knew I had beat my goal. I beat my time by 10 minutes! I didn't know I had done that well, but reaching a goal, any goal, is reason to celebrate.

It was a fun and amazing race. But I'll leave you with my 5 things to remember on race day:

5. Go to the bathroom!
I know, seems silly. I try to get to the race early enough to go to the bathroom right before. Races are won and lost in the port-a-potties!!

4. Enjoy the race!
Hi-five people, sing to yourself and cheer other on. It's the little things that keep you going through the race!

3. Have a quote!
When I feel down, I tell God that I will use everything He gave me. I want nothing left when I cross the finish line.

2. Play "Pass the People"
When you are playing a game, time goes by faster. I pretend I'm playing pac man or frogger.

1. In all things Praise God!
God is so amazing to give us bodies that can accomplish great feats! Give Him the glory. I can do all things throug Christ!

Hope in a New Year

2011-01-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I love New Years and new beginnings. It reminds me of how far God has brought me. He continuously shows me how he is the hope in my life. My New Year's resolution has been to remember the hope before it has to slap me in the face!

On a 14-mile run, you tend to go through many levels of emotions. I've said it before that running this race raising money for Living Water International has helped motivate me as I remember I run for more than a medal.

After 13 miles, I ventured on that last one to help push me over the edge in my training. I remembered the quote on my fundraising page,

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say "I used up everything you gave me." - Emma Bombeck

That gave me the final push to keep on. Sometimes we need to remember little quotes to keep us keeping on. In life, in the battlefield, in a race.

Today I couldn't help think about hope. What hope do these children have every day when they wake up not knowing if they'll survive? What hope does a mother have when she doesn't know if she can give her children water or if she will have to see them suffer for another day?

We know that their short-term hope is in survival, namely through clean water to drink. We know that their long-term hope is in God and the ultimate glory He holds. The amazingness of Living Water International is that they not only are able to provide the water needed for survival, but they show the love of Christ, supplying the long-term hope.

Have you ever had a random stranger help you? Doesn't it remind you how there are people that love in this world? That is the ultimate mission of Living Water.

So as I run and remember to put one foot in front of the other, I pray I'm helping to raise hope. I'm praying that somewhere in this world the money I've raised is used to provide hope. That one day some girl, boy, mom or dad, will tell someone that they have hope because God has brought them through so much in their life.

More than a Medal!

2010-12-13T19:33:00.000-08:00

I'm about 7 weeks away from running the Houston Half Marathon in support of Living Water International. I want to thank everyone for their donations, prayers, and encouragement along the way.

So far I've raised $430 of my $1,000 goal! All this money goes to people all over the world that need clean water. Recently, they went to Haiti to help them recover from all the disasters that have hit their land. Last year, they went to Africa and India - and that's just some of the trips they take. It's true we need to help those at home, but we are to "Love our neighbors," and I believe our neighbors are everywhere.

"More than a medal" is what our coach keeps telling us. We run for "more than a medal." Let me tell you that saying helps on those lonnnng 11-mile runs in our wonderful 80-degree Decembers!

I did an 11-mile run on Saturday, so I'm definitely ahead of schedule. As I said it's not always easy, but remembering every step is for more than just a medal helps me to keep putting one foot in front of the other...

It also reminds about life. Some days, like some runs, go smoothly. You feel great, everything is going your way, and people are cheering you on! Then, there are the days, and the runs, that nothing seems to go your way. You're just not feeling it, and no one is there to cheer you on. Well, on those days we can remember that we don't live this life for a medal - or a paycheck. We live, and we run, to share love. And that is what keeps us putting one foot in front of the other.

Thanks again!

http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=6619&CRID=29

Aramco Houston Half Marathon

2010-12-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Unsafe water kills about 2 million children per year, and that's if they can get any water at all. One dime can provide clean water for one person for 37 days. I know I'm the worst about being annoyed by loose change, but I never thought my loose change could save a person's life.

When I was in India, we saw children walking to a well filled with dirty water. They made a few trips in order to bring water to their village. Now, just think if that same water they used to provide for their village was also killing them. Can you imagine spending most of your day travelling to get dirty water? We talk about how these countries don't have proper education or medical care, but none of that matters if they don't have clean water, or any water at all.

About a week ago, I was informed that I was chosen to run with Team Living Water in the Aramco Half Marathon in Houston on January 30, 2010. I am so blessed to do what I love to help benefit those that God loves. Living Water International sends mission trips all over the world to build water wells, so these families can have clean water to drink.

It breaks my heart to think that somewhere a child may love to run and play, and may have the gift of running, but spends his time walking miles to get dirty water for his family. Imagine the next time you step on a treadmill or on your favorite trail (or walk your favorite mall) that the distance you run or walk, a child may have to walk that far to get dirty water.

Hebrews 12:1,2 says "Let Us Run With Perseverance The Race That Is Set Before Us..." The race set before me is not only to make it to the finish line, but also to spread the word of those suffering. The race these children and families run is of survival. We can delight and rejoice that any money raised will not only bring clean water but also a seed of hope and love to devastated people.

There is a quote I love by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'” That is how I feel about running and about life. The Bible says to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. I hope to love my neighbor as God loves them. He created each hair on their head, called them by name, and loves them as dearly as He loves us, so why are we the ones blessed to have clean water?

We are blessed to be a blessing.

If you feel lead, please visit my donor page at http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=6619&CRID=29&CID=245.

My goal is to raise $1,000 by January 30, 2010. I do ask that everyone please join me in prayer for these people and as I train and fund raise for them as well.

Maternity clothes for teenagers?

2010-07-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

So, Forever XXI is selling maternity clothes... What's the big deal? Well, in case you live in a cave, Forever XXI sells trendy, low-end fashion for teens. I think it's great that women and teens can have trendy fashions at a low cost - especially since most trends are just that, trends...

The problem with Forever XXI selling maternity clothes is that they market toward teens. Originally, marketed only toward female teens, Forever XXI has branched out in the past couple of years to incorporate male-teen clothing and children. Now, they are incorporating maternity clothes.

Many are outraged that a well-known teen store is selling maternity clothing. The store insists they are not encouraging teen pregnancy, and most of their customers are over 18 - per a broadcast on ABC 13 Houston.

My opinion will lie in how they market it. Just like I believe teens should have access to fashion at a good price, so should pregnant women! I'm not pregnant, and don't see it anytime soon, but cute maternity clothes aren't cheap. And just like you can't wear trends for too long, you can only wear maternity clothes for a few months! So, I think it's great that once again, Forever XXI is providing trendy clothes at a low price-point.

However, if they are marketing to teens, what does that say? Does it make teens think it's more OK to get pregnant? Does it make it more glamourous? I think, if nothing else, it does make it less inconvenient, if you will. More than anything, it makes me sad that teenage pregnancy is so common that it's come to this.

And, if they don't market to teens, does the pure fact that it's at Forever XXI give the OK to teens?

Again, it does in part have to do with the marketing. Are teens modeling? From the pics I saw, the models look like maked-up teens. Is Forever XXI marketing maternity to teens? That is yet to be seen...

In the end, it's the world. It's the sad world we live in. LIVE IN. We are called to be in the world, but not of it. Continue to pray for these teens and state of world we are in. Do I love the world, no. But I love the people in it, and that includes pregnant teens. So, continue to pray for the world we are in and those in it.

What do you think about Forever XXI selling maternity clothes?

She-women-man haters!

2010-07-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend my boyfriend left for what I'm calling a He-Man-Woman-Hater's club weekend. He and his guy friends went to have some guy time and watch some bands. The man's weekend was complete with a pact not to speak to the "women" as the so affectionately deemed us girl friends.

While some girls might not be comfortable with this, instead, I decided to take the chance to have a She-woman-man hater's club Saturday! Now, of course we don't really hate men; we just needed a girl's day.

About a year and a half ago, me and these beautiful ladies were in very different places. One had just become a Christian and none of us had boyfriends. Now, three of us do, one is a certified marathoner about to move across the county, and one is a growing Christin woman. Our lives are so different from only a year and a half ago. Maybe we don't see each other as frequently anymore, but that doesn't mean we don't care about each other any less.

That was the point of the weekend. It doesn't matter how life changes; who comes, who goes... You will always need girlfriends. Of course girlfriends can't compare to Christ, but God gave us girlfriends to fulfill something we need on earth. And while it's important to make new friends, it's good to have friends that know you inside and out to keep you accountable.

I love these women, and I'll never forget the wonderful day we got to get our nails done, lay out at the pool, and goarge ourselves on Mexican food. More than anything, I cherish the chats we got to have this day.

One note I'd like to make. One thing I love about my friends is while we love to share to good and sad about our lives, we also love asking about each other's lives. That is what being a friend is. It's not about you, it's about the other...

This

2010-07-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Since turning 25, each year prompts me to evaluate my life. Call it the quarter-life-crisis, but it's inevitable to think, "Am I where I wanted to be at this point?" Well, the 15-yr-old me thought I would be married with three kids at 27-years-old. At 27, I couldn't fathom it!

It's pretty natural to think about the things you would redo in your life. But I'm learning to think about taking life a day at a time. If you walk in obedience, God shows up big! So everyday, just walk in obedience, and trust that God will show up big.

Sure there are things that I would re-do, but I look at my life and God has blessed me with so many people in my life. I've had experiences I never imagined, and all the trials help me love others more. I'm so excited to see what God will do in the future. I hope I follow in obedience to see what will happen!

2000 hours/yr spent at work

2010-03-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

Last night I apparantly had too much time on my hands. I calculated that on average we spend 2000 hours per year at work. My first thought was obviously...ugh. There are 8,760 hours in the year, and we spend 2,000 at work.

So after my first thought, I realized that I should use that time! If I'm going to be at work, I should make the best of it! Why do most of us use that time just counting down to the weekend?

We should spend that time loving: Loving others and the gifts and opportunities that God has given us.

Proverbs 5:15 says, "All the days of the opressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast."

We can be opressed in spirit and make ourselves live wretched lives. You can choose to and pray that God will give you a cheerful spirit.

Students: Same thing applies to you! You spend 9 months out of the year in school, use it!!!

Ground Zero for India

2009-11-02T10:15:00.001-08:00

The past two months have been a bit of a blur, but definitely in a good way! We leave for India in less than one week. I can't believe that the next Monday I see, I'll be in India. There is still a lot to do. I need to practice my lesson, revise my story, and finish getting my shots (kinda imperative). But I'm trying not to get too overwhelmed with those things that my focus is taken off the goal.

We had our final team meeting yesterday, and during the night, we talked about what people say when we tell them we are going to India. It's funny, there are certain questions/comments people always say:

1. Be careful: Noooooooo. I will NOT be careful! I am going to drink tap water, run around bare foot, and never wash my hands.

2. What if you get kidnapped?: Uhhhhh...I'm not coming back? Seriously, I get this question. So if I get kidnapped, here is what needs to happen: Roomie-find another roommate. You can borrow my clothes in the meantime. Please DVR Mad Men for me. Mom/Dad-you can use the Jetta. You might want to take Izzy, so she doesn't end up sold on Craigslist or end up thrown onto Richmond Ave. Nizzle and Jenny-Find someone to run my marathon. I did NOT pay $100 to not have someone run 26.2 miles. Jordan, Deets, and Jen-Find a new "event planner":) That pretty much covers it.

3. Don't move there/bring home children: For some reason people say these hand-in-hand to me. I mean isn't that an either/or question? But rest assured...I'm coming back...Rodeo season is coming. And I'm not bringing babies back; I don't think my suitcase is big enough. Now if anyone has an extra one I can take...

4. It's going to change your life!: Really? That's a lot of pressure! What if it doesn't? What if I like my life? Isn't that kind of selfish? Those thoughts keep running through my head.

What I think will happen (and of course...it's what I think will happen) is it will change my outlook on life - or expand the outlook I have. We are very blessed, and I don't just mean America, I mean me! I know that I'm blessed to be able to pursue a career or pick up and go when I want, and if I need/want something, I can pretty much take care of it. I'm blessed to have family and friends that truly care and put up with my eccentricities.

I realize that we can't comprehend the destitution or want in other parts of the world or even our own city. Have you driven by 3rd ward lately, or ever? I anticipate that my understanding of this will increase, and my heart as well; that I will remember that while I worked for my money, it is not mine; and that I am no more important or worthy that the little kid in line with his mom at the grocery store paying with food stamps.

My outlook has already changed some. I thought I always understood what humility truly was. You know, the kind where when someone says, "Good job," you simply blush and say it was nothing. The past two months I have truly felt humbled- and not just in preparation for this trip. I've looked at my life and everything I have, and everything that has been entrusted to me, and I can't believe why I am chosen for these things.

My family and friends have given unselfishly over that past couple of months. I can't believe I have people in my life that care that much. I've had random people come to me and ask about our trip. I'm amazed at how people I don't even know are praying and thinking of us as we prepare.

Thinking on these things made me think on other areas of my life, namely those of leadership. Somehow, somewhere, someone thought I'd be a good addition to the leadership team of my class and for our high school students. I know that I am in no way worthy of the leadership positions I'm in. I used to feel like I was just a gopher/punching bag for teenagers and/or 20/30-somethings (which oddly enough is not that different from each other). But I loved seeing everyone having fun at an event or seeing plans come to fruition. We are called to serve, and that's how I felt. Leadership is serving others.

Then, a couple things happened that expanded my understanding of that. First, I heard a lesson from a friend of mine that reminded me that people are watching. He said that even when we don't know it, people are watching. Some are waiting for us to screw up or fall. Some are looking to see what makes us happy. And some looking for guidance. No matter who you are, someone is watching you. Who is it? Your niece or nephew? Your friend or co-worker? I'll let you mull over how inadequate that makes you feel.

Second, one of my high-school girls came up to me and asked where I was one day. Simple question, right? Man, it brought me right back to that lesson. Who am I that I am entrusted with serving these students? These are the kids that will one day lead others. I know I definitely feel that I fall short of being worthy to serve this generation. I hope that they know I love them and adore the time we spend together. I love that they challenge me and encourage me to grow in my walk, so that I can serve them more.

In short (or long), I just wanted to send a big thanks for everyone that's thinking of us over there and that has contributed to our trip! We'll be blogging about all of our adventures. I'll put the blog link on my facebook!

So Needy!

2009-09-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend was our first India team meeting. The excitement and anxiousness of 9 months of waiting for this first meeting had me bouncing off the walls (if you know me, that's not really a surprise). I mean, I've been buying anything I can get my hands on from India since January.

We went through the meeting explaining all the needs: money, clothing, packing list, immunizations, visas, passports, hopefully a brain left at the end of the list!

Then, we watched Born into Brothels, sans subtitles...interesting, a documentary of children in the brothels. They were chained, shameful, some shy, some hardened, all in need of hope and love.

The endless to-do list compounded by the harsh reality we will face was similar to feeling like Wiley Coyote when an anvil fell on his head.

During prayer time, we all prayed in agreement that we should prepare ourselves, but only God knows what we will end up facing. So we prayed for preparedness and peace. Only God knows the hardships we will face, not only there, but also here in preparation for the journey! Things you'd never imagine...like emergency puppy surgeries and crazy people stepping on your feet with high heels leaving you broke, broken, and literally bruised.

But thank God He knows! And thank God He provides! My excitement is still very high, but my prayers are much deeper. Please pray for our team. We don't know what we face, but He is a lamp unto our feet. He promises in The Great Commission that He will be with us till the end of time.

This thought was spurned by an email my mom sent. We are all in desperate need of something, whether it be financial, emotionally or physically. God knows our needs, and will provide. We simply need to pray for His will, ask that it come to pass, and have faith that it will.

Here is the really cute email my momma sent:

SPECIAL GROCERY LIST
Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store.

She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.

She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once.
Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.'

John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?'
Louise replied, 'Yes sir.' 'O.K.' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.'

Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.

The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.'

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more.

The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.

It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:
'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.'
The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.

Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; 'It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.'

So dear heart, trust God to heal the sick, provide food for the hungry, clothes and shelter for those that don't have as we do. Amen & Amen

Thanks in advance for all your prayers!!!

Love always...

India Countdown: 3 months away!!

2009-08-13T08:56:00.001-07:00

As many of you may know, three months from today I will be in Pune, India on a short-term trip with Second Baptist. We will be working with an orphanage called Charasia that has really touched my heart.

I knew going into this that, the enemy would attack and try to keep me from walking in obedience. But I never expected it to be so immediate. I mean, signing up for a mission trip is like a signed a letter somewhere saying,

"I Debi Ostrom agree to be a part of a gambling game by Satan to allow him to throw my life into a frenzy in a number of ways including but not limited to: draining me of my savings, making me busy beyond belief, and making my loved ones ill ( from this point forward loved ones will be known to include dogs)."

So I knew I was signing this form; what I didn't know was that I was enrolling online and hit the "expidite request" button.

Less than a week later my baby girl of the canine species became very ill. I was devestated and felt hopless. We were able to get her emergency surgery and at a discount since my cousin works at a vet, but it was still an exteremely expensive procedure. Then, I had to replace a tire. In the end, my reserves set aside for India were wiped out.

Trying to stay hopeful, can be difficult. But I have faith that this is a sign that surely something awesome is going to happen on this trip. And this gives a greater opportunity for His glory to shine!

Anyway, below is a part of my India support letter. If you want more information, let me know!
-----------

I hope this letter finds you and your family well! I wanted to share with you a passion that God has put on my heart! Since graduating college in 2008, my life has been a whirlwind of changes. In October 2008 I started attending Second Baptist Church which I have come to call home working in student ministry and single life. I remember my first day at Second and hearing people talk about missions. Even that first day God reignited a spark in me for missions that I had in high school. Over the next few months, God began to reveal to me through events and friends that He was calling me to join Second on a short-term mission trip to India in November 2009.

In January 2009 I applied to join the India mission team without even knowing what we would be doing. God's divine plan blessed me more than I could imagine combining my passion for youth and missions in one. Our team will be working with an organization called Charasia that rescues girls from the brothels in India.

Charasia has two homes as well as a Bible College to teach and grow the ministry in India. The Grace Home is a home to girls whose mother's are currently in the brothels in the Red Light District of India. Without Charasia, these girls are destined to a life of prostitution themselves. Before Grace Home, they were living with their mothers in a 6 foot by 3 foot cell in the brothel.

Faith Home is a rescue for girls at risk to life in the brothels. Most of these girls are found on the street in the slums of India.

The slums or the brothels seem to be the only options for these girls. Charasia's goal is to give them a third option. Their mission is to provide an English education, take care of their physical well being, and teach them of the hope they have in Jesus Christ.

Our team will mostly be working with the Faith home. We will be doing a number of things there including working with the girls to update information on the website and working to help Charasia with with administrative tasks. I am very excited because we will have the opportunity to work with these teens like I work with the youth at Second. The goal is to bond with girls to show them they have hope and a life outside of the slums. If you have seen Slumdog Millionaire, that is a very real picture of what these girls face.

Please visit www.charasia.org for more information and stories on "my" girls.

The purpose of this letter is first and most importantly to build a prayer team for us. We will inevitably face many trials, attacks and emotions we have never experienced before. India sees spiritual warfare that we only read about. Please pray for our strength and that God can use us in a mighty way to build His kingdom.

I will update my blog, debiostrom.blogspot.com, with information on the trip and our team. Also, I will write after I return and share with you the seeds planted thanks to your love and support. Thank you for your prayers and support for this precious country and for the love you have shown in the past making known to me the love of our Saviour and Redeemer that I so desire to share with these girls.

Kabbalah, the Secret, the Now...Oh My!

2009-07-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

OK, so I have a pet peeve I need to share today. Well, I have many random pet peeves including crooked pictures, ignorance, and mismatched shoes and belts....but this goes beyond just the basic rules of symmetry, education and fashion. This cuts me to the core!

I dare everyone to walk down the self-help aisle of a bookstore. It may be called self-help, inspiration, full of crap...wait, sorry, that's what I'd call it... Anyway, just walk down that aisle and look at the titles.

Here is my disclaimer: I am in no way saying that people shouldn't get help if they are depressed or lacking something in their lives. Please keep reading...

This world is obviously searching for something. Otherwise, who can explain aisle after aisle of these books.

"Americans spent $11 billion in 2008 on self-improvement books, Cd's, seminars, coaching and stress-management programs--13.6% more than they did back in 2005," according to an article in Forbes magazine in Jan 2009 by Melanie Linder.

Really? So what are these books they are selling? Well, I looked into what is selling, and here is some of Amazon's best-selling self-help books.

1.Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking: This book actually recommends that you make snap decisions about things such as marriage or buying a car...do I really need to go on? If I do, I might turn red and have smoke come out of my ears, so we'll move on.

2. The Secret-Rhonda Byrne: It's been on Oprah and E. It basically says that positive thoughts can give you wealth and happiness and that negative thoughts can create terminal illness. Wow, that's depressing. This is almost the "fake it till you make it" mentality. Just keep thinking positive thoughts. That's great, but eventually you push down all the feeling you have, and one day, you explode. It's not wrong to feel sad or angry, it's how you deal with it.

3. A New Earth: Awakening Your Life's Purpose: This talks about changing the focus from ourselves to others. And in doing so, we create a new world. This doesn't sound all too bad, but it's against human nature. Without a purpose to do so, humans are selfish. In the end, aren't you helping someone for your own gain? This author also wrote another top self-help: The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. (Apparently he likes long titles). This was about living in the now! And how we must surrender to the "Now" to rid ourselves of pain. I mean it idolizes "Now." Really? Now is a thought that is ever changing, at least idolize something you can hang in your closet. The reality being that pain is real, and we have to harness it, not try to pretend it doesn't exist.

There are so many books, I wish I could list them all. In the end they are all trying to find a way to rid us of suffering. Just like many other religions and beliefs. Buddhism says that if you stop desiring things, you won't suffer.

Kabbalah, a current Hollywood fad religion that has deep roots in Judaism came close to understanding pain.

"Our pain can be used against us in this ongoing battle, unless we deal directly with it and view it as a tool for growth and transformation. In this way, we are able to remove one of the Opponent's main weapons, resulting in greater personal fulfillment and, ultimately, a better world."

That is off the Barnes and Noble description of a book "Kabbalah on Pain: How to Use it to Lose it." (By the way, am I the only one that notices the use of the colon way too much in self-help book titles.)

I agree that pain can be used to grow us. James speaks in James chapter one, how trials are used to grow us. But Kabbalah believes that pain is one of the "Opponent's" weapons, and through confronting pain, we can remove it. The sad fact is the pain never goes away. I won't go into a huge discussion on pain here, but we can't pretend that we can remove it from life.

All of these books come down to one fact: people are searching. We are searching for meaning in life and will fill it with new diet fads, how to get a man, how to get a promotion, etc. We read books trying to find more fulfillment in our lives.

Ever heard the saying, "Why didn't life come with an instruction manual?" or heard someone ask, "What's the meaning in life?"

HELLLOOOOO

We were given an instruction manual that tells us the meaning of life!

So, if I had a self-help aisle, I would have just one book on it. I would place it in the middle of the store with spotlights, and the aisle would be called, "The meaning of LIFE and how to get it!" What would this book be, wait for it... wait for it...

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you shouldn't read anything else. I love to read, and there are a lot of great books out there. I think I'll actually start posting some books I enjoy. But, if you are looking for books on guidance in your life, they should be Biblically based. It should be written by someone that you trust. And you can never go wrong with finding out more about the author.

So why don't people flock to the Bible if it's the end-all be-all of the meaning of life? Easy. Because it's hard! I'm not sugar coating anything here. We are saved by grace, but the Bible does not allow you to go on living a life of sin, selfishness, and pride. For us Americans, this just doesn't work. It's not comfortable. And, it doesn't end pain. In fact, the Bible says you will have pain.

However, it also says in Isaiah 43: 1-2:

But now, O Israel, the LORD who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Now, seeing as though with or without God, pain is unavoidable, I'll choose the one that ends in vicotry for me and the glory for God!

Ohhh freedom...freedom...freedom!!!!

2009-07-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

So around my birthday I often pause to think about freedom since my birthday falls 3 days after Independence Day. I've been thinking about it in a different way this year. Normally, I think about a day at the pool, queso, brownies, and time with friends. That of course hasn't changed. I had the best time laying at the pool with my friends. But the way I define freedom has changed.

How do you define freedom?

Now, I could look it up and in Webster's dictionary an get the official definition or Urban Dictionary and find something too inappropriate for this blog. But here are a few definitions that I think the world uses for freedom:

1. Freedom as we define in the United States. We think of freedom as a combination of the ability to believe what we want, express those beliefs and feelings, and make basic choices in our lives. We fight for freedom and to preserve it.
2. Free will: The freedom to guide our own lives. This is the thought that fate or destiny doesn't guide our lives, but that it is us that directs our paths.
2. Freedom to do what we please. This reminds me of how i felt in college and in high school. I wanted to be free of my parents and do whatever I wanted to do. Unfortuantely that ended up in my wise decisions that usually got me in a lot of mess.

This year I came upon a new freedom. A freedom that is in a sense the complete opposite of the world's view of freedom. This year I gave up control of my life. The control I created made me a slave to the expectations of the world.

A new friend told me about a dream that she had recently in which she saw writing on the wall that said:

Submission + Repentance = Freedom.

How can that be freedom? To submit to someone else's will and to turn your back on the way you have lived your life?

It's true it's hard to understand unless you experience it, but it's such a different freedom. It's the freedom you feel when you are a small child and you know that your parents are watching you. There is so much freedom in knowing that there is a greater plan and your worth is not in anything of this world. Thank God for that! If my worth is in this world, than this is a sad life to live. Watch the news...you'll see what I mean.

As I type this, I am watching Cool Runnings. In it the coach says, "A gold medal is a great thing, but it means nothing if you're not enough without it."

That is a perfect definition of the slavery we put ourselves in. I am free to be me!! Just me. Not the definition that I or society has put on me. Free to be me apart from expectations that I have put on myself.

So this year, I celebrate freedom in my life!! Now, if you haven't heard this song, you need to!

Only the World by Mandisa

Been a hard one
Been a bad one
Been a tough one
Been a sad one
It's been just one of those days
That keeps chipping away at my heart
Nothin' new here
It's what I do here
It's a stereotypical day in the life
I'm surrounded by all of the pain and the strife
But I know it's alright

'Cause it's only the world I'm living in
It's only today I've been given
There ain't no way I'm giving in
'Cause it's only the world
I know the best is still yet to come
'Cause even when my days in the world are done
There's gonna be so much more than only the world for me

Anybody, can you hear me?
Do you feel me?
I mean do you feel me?
I know I'm not the only one wearing the weight of this world
We got problems, said it's alright
Just remember, yeah it's alright
Take a good look around
We're just stuck on the ground for a little while
Don't it make you smile

Heaven is a place
Where the tears on every face will be wiped away
Oh and I can't wait to go
But for now, it's enough to know
This is only temporary

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

2009-07-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

This week I turned 26 years old. I am officially closer to 30 than to 20, and as my cousin so graciously told me, I better get married soon or no one will want me! Luckily, I've never really listened to his advice.

So do I feel older? Sure, I guess. Am I freaked out? I think I've had these mini revelations of, "Wow, I'm really 26." But for the most part, I'm more excited! I'm excited for a new year.

And more than anything I'm thankful. I think it's a natural progression that we reflect on that past year when our birthdays roll around. Women, we sit and count our laugh lines, check to make sure we still are wrinkle-free, and measure the year's success on whether or not we fit into last-years party dress.

I think this has been a year of great change for me. I won't go into details, but this year's celebration was full of joy and tons of friends. I truly felt blessed for all the wishes, but most of all the time my friends took to celebrate with me.

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. - Proverbs 27:9

Through the week, I did however, realize that there are a lot of things that are glaring signs that you are older. Here are a few:

You know you are old when you say things like, "Man, we really needed that rain," especially when that rain is on your birthday.
You know why you don't feed the Seagulls.
You drive down the seawall, see a sign that says "Party Beach," and you keep on driving.
Upon arrival back from Galveston, you immediately wash your car.
You sit around with friends and somehow the conversation naturally turns to your 401K.

Anyway, thanks to everyone that helped make my 26th birthday the best I've ever had!!

Rest for the Weary! ... Pool/Lake Days 09

2009-06-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

The two things I love most in the world are:
1. Good friends/family
2. Water...any kind...lake, ocean, pool, bath...I'll take what I can get.

The past two weekends have been filled with both, and I am so grateful. Two friends celebrated their birthdays in the same week, and we were able to celebrate with them. I love birthdays. I love being able to show my friends just how special they are to me. Of course, we should try to do this more than just once a year, but it's nice to just have a day to celebrate what our friends mean to us.

Last Saturday we all came to my apartment to lay out by the pool and grill. During that day, I managed to slice my toe, my finger, break two glass bowls, and had a runaway dog. This is only a feat that I can manage! but in the end it was all worth it.

This weekend, we journeyed to Lake Livingston for a weekend away. Upon arriving, JBH and I walked to the second floor balcony and joined about 8 other people. Since the birthday girl wasn't there yet, we knew none of the people currently there! It was about 10 pm, and we couldn't see anyone. Normally, it would be awkward to have ten people that don't know each other sitting in the dark. But it was probably the most relaxed and comfortable evening I've had in a long time. There was no drama and everyone got along as if we were all old friends.

So we sat there staring at the stars chatting for about 4 hours. Everyone kept seeing shooting stars, and of course, I kept missing them! Finally, about 3:30 am, I saw one, and we went inside to go to bed. That was my first shooting star ever! It made my night.

The next day was literally probably the most perfect day in history. We went for a jog, ate great food, floated in the lake, jumped off a second-story balcony, and went tubing. I can't think of one thing that would have made it better.

As the day came to a close, and I contemplated leaving my new friends, I didn't want to go home. Everything in me wanted to stay on Saturday night. But I knew I had church and other obligations to take care of Sunday. Not to mention, I like to take Sundays to make sure I'm ready and rested for Monday.

On the way back to the house from lake, our fearless leader, Jeremy, got us lost, so I had about 30 extra minutes of reflection. All day, I thought about every rationalization for me not to stay at the lake. In all honesty, no one would have blamed me for staying.

I laid my head back and sought God. Lately, I've been feeling God asking me,
"What are you willing sacrifice for me? You say you are willing to give me everything, but are you?"

I knew that He had been convicting me of sacrificing financially. I've been very convicted about shopping, but now it was my time. When the time came that I was tempted, was I willing to give.

Then, I heard more truth. I remembered that next week is Fourth of July and the week after I'm going to Galveston for my birthday. Plus, any more time at the lake, and I might not have felt as rejuvenated.

God had given me the exact amount of time that I needed for rest. And He would provide it again. It's easy to say, "God will provide, God will provide." But it's harder to live it. We need to have faith that when we walk in obedience, God will provde exactly what we need, when we need it.

And this past weekend, He did. He provided friends, food, rest, beautiful weather, and a chance to be at the lake. Man, I love the lake. And do I regret leaving early? Not one bit.

Scary movies my cup of tea...all of our lives are just like Shutter

2009-06-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

Ok. I am a scary movie freak! I love to be scared and be pushed past my imagination. Part of this comes from my dad m
aking me watch the original House on Haunted Hill. At the end of the night,there were no tears or fears. It was understood that it was fake and now was time for bed.

Well tonight I watched Shutter. In it, and I hope I don't ruin the story, but there is a newly-wed couple that sees a spirit in all of their pictures. The storyline is trying to figure out why she is there, and there a a few different explanations. In the end, it's related to actions one of the main charectors displayed on the spirit when she was alive. So as the story goes, she haunted them.

At the end of the story it's revealed that all along she has been hanging onto him...literally. She was holding on his back. Keeping this secret, not to mention the deplorable behavior, caused him to carry her weight forever. One thing to mention s he never apologized. He never confessed that he messed up. And it drove him crazy.

How much we are like that!! How many times do we just prefer to sweep our mistakes under the rug? Does it make you feel better? Never! It sits on your back, weighs you down, causes pain, drives you nuts, and can lead to spiritual death. So what do we do? Well...

1 john 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from unrighteousness

For many reasons it seems great that we don't live in a scary movie: flies don't come out our mouths, creepy ex boyfriends don't show up in the background of pictures and clowns don't crawl out of gutters. But, if we are caught in a situation where a ghost is weighing on us and sitting on our backs, if we confess our sins, he is faithful to take our load for us.

What ghost is hanging onto you??

BR09!! 16 people in an elevator....why not?

2009-06-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

1727 students and leaders
7 girls in my cabin
5 Campuses
1 Church

1 God

What were your camp experiences? Mine were filled with bunk beds, latrines, and BAD cafeteria food. For 1700 Second Baptist Students, theirs are filled with condos, beaches, and cabinets stocked with junk food!

This year, one of my condo's memories also includes getting stuck on an elevator! When 4 of my ladies were 30 minutes late after free time, I, the ever-trusting leader stormed out of the condo in search of my prodigal youth. Entering the elevator, I asked two gentleman if they had seen my renegades. "They're probably on the elevator that got stuck!" was their reply. Immediately, my stomach dropped thinking of my dear sweet teenagers stuck on that elevator. I knew they were terrified. Thankfully, as I exited the elevator on the 3rd floor, I saw my ladies crying being lectured by a Fire Marshall as I tried not to bust out laughing. (I'm abundant with sympathy)

Turns out we broke a record! Second does always do things bigger and better...including managing to stuff 16 people in an elevator.

That is definitely something I will always remember about my first BR experience, but I know there was so much more.

Before I left for Beach Retreat, so many told me I was going to be exhausted. When I told people how many students we were taking, I got responses like "Whoa!" or "You're a better person than I am!" In all honesty, by the end of the week, 1727 people really doesn't seem like a lot anymore!

I have to say I was incredibly blessed with the the young women I was able to hang out with this week. No word can express the joy in a leader's heart when she hears high-school students singing praise and worship at 8 AM in the morning while cooking breakfast. Couple that with 1700 students spending quiet time with God twice a day, and hundreds of them making commitments to Christ, it fill a heart with hope that God isn't done with us yet!

At the end of the trip, students wrote letters to themselves about resolutions they made on the trip. I challenge these students to stay on course! Lets keep doing it bigger and better!!

Adults: Why not write a letter to yourself about something that God is laying on your heart or a resolution you've made recently? Do it with a friend, seal the letters, and trade back in 3 months. Are you staying on course? Did your passion fade?

For inspiration and hope, check out more pics and videos from Beach Retreat 09 on our student pastor's, Jordan Easley, blog here.

Beach Retreat 2009!!!

2009-06-05T06:14:00.000-07:00

I need to say nothing more...
Sometimes you just gotta get away. And take 1800 students with you...blog when I get back!

Mercy for the Arsonist

2009-05-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

OK, so by now most everyone knows that Gallery Furniture suffered a massive fire last week. As I was driving home from the hospital visiting my sister and new nephew, I drove by the fire. Initially, I remember thinking, man, this is going to take forever to get home. Then, as I passed it, I was heart broken.

1. I was so angry with myself that my concern was on my drive home and not on the people affected by the fire. How dare I be so selfish.

Remember, when stuck in traffic because of an accident, use that time to pray for any involved. Even without injuries, it's stressful.

2. It was saddening to see that fire and not know if anyone was injured or what was left. Fires are just devastating. I'm sure Mack has a great insurance policy, but what about the work and effort he and so many others put into that place. What about pictures or memories destroyed. And all the frustration and hassle of dealing with insurance and everything else!

3. I don't know if everyone knows just how much he does for the community. He and his family definitely know what "Blessed to be a Blessing" truly means. It just saddened me to know the suffering and hurt he and his family must be feeling.

Since the fire, Mr. Mack, aka Jim McIngvale, has thanked the fire fighters for their work and has maintained positive about the future. What an inspiration to us all. He must be devastated and grieving on the inside, but knows that there is hope beyond the fire. He knows that life is more than furniture (or prize-winning bulls).

So to see that someone could intentionally set the fire, is saddening in itself. Let's remember to pray for the McIngvale family. They need peace, comfort, and most of all the ability to give mercy to the arson. That's the hardest thing. Of course we want judgment for whoever set the fire, but the Bible requires we give mercy.

So I pray that on the McIngvale family. I pray the arson be found and law bring them to justice. But at the same time, I pray that I, the McIngvale family, and the Gallery Furniture family show mercy and forgiveness. That they not hold the grudge in their heart, for that only bears bitterness and resentment.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy

We all need mercy. We have sinned against our Father in Heaven, and He has shown us the ultimate mercy, so now, we must be merciful as well. Mercy and forgiveness free us of anger and hurt. And honestly, that sounds pretty good to me.

I know that Mack's example in the community will overshadow this suffering and hard time. In reality, I truly believe this is a great way for God's glory to shine! With gallery Furniture being such a landmark in Houston, and Mattress Mack being who he is in the community, it's a perfect way for God to shine. I can't wait to see how it works!

Patience is a Virtue...blah blah blah!

2009-05-14T09:22:00.001-07:00

One very exciting thing in my life right now is that I have a new nephew on the way! His name is Granger Douglas Young, and he is going to be adorable! I'm sure since he must have some of my genes in there.

The only problem is it seems that this child REFUSES to make his entrance into this world. About a month ago, my sister started having contractions. She has been in pre-labor, or early labor since then. Last week, she actually thought she was in labor. I mean show-on-the-road, full-speed-ahead, in the hospital. NO. Granger decided to wait.

My poor sister told me she felt as though the song, "While I'm Waiting" was written for her!

This has been a huge test in patience for my family and for my sister especially. I mean, my poor sister is huge. She is 4' 11", so this baby takes up her entire body. She can't even get in her truck! Needless to say, she is ready for this baby, now. Immediately.

Last night I was praying for Granger to come, his health and that of my sister, and just His blessing over my nephew's life. And I wondered, what is God showing me through this time. What is He trying to show my family?

Patience was my answer. Ugh.

Now, I think that there are two types of patience:

1. Immediate: this is the kind that keeps us from snapping at people when they are running late, banging on the steering wheel in 610 traffic at 7:55 AM, or short-tipping the waitress at a restaurant when our food is late.

2. Long term: This is the patience that I am now learning. Actually, another translation in the Bible for patience is LONG SUFFERING. This is a patience that we must have with God and with our lives sometimes. This is the "While I'm Waiting" song.

I remember my mother telling me, "Patience is a virtue!" My immediately reply, "That is just a virtue that I don't have!"

I also remember people telling me NEVER to pray for patience, because God creates patience by forcing us to have it. Circumstances in your life will arise that force you to display patience. Now, I'm sure these people didn't mean it in this way, but I definitely was not about to jump aboard the "Pray for Patience Train." Well, until recently anyway.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to be more patient. It may be hard to believe, but I like things done, and I like them done immediately. I'm a bit anxious at times. Needless to say, God created circumstances in my life that required me to have patience, and i do believe I am much more patient than I once was.

But I mean that in the immediate sense...
This is different. So many times we want to see God's plan now. We see doors crack open just a little to reveal something God is doing, kind of like a baby in early labor. But then, it seems that the door won't open any further!

Our natural reaction of course is to grab the door knob and fling the door open! After all, we live in a world where ambition and immediacy are praised and patience is seen as a weakness. We MUST remember that there is a reason for the season we are in. There is a reason my nephew needs to incubate just a little longer.

I was recently told in a Single Life discipleship series that "God's now is vital to our later." What God is doing now with whatever you are waiting on, is VITAL to your later.

O my people, what have I done to make you turn from me? Tell me why your patience is exhausted! Answer me! - Micah 6:3

What is it you are waiting on? A baby? A mission trip? A college acceptance? A relationship? A promotion? A new house? A move? Take a second and think about it.

(Insert Jeopardy music here)

OK got it?

Great. If you can't see what God is doing right now to prepare you or the situation, trust Him. He knows your desires.

God tends to think pretty highly of patience.

Patience is a fruit of the spirit:

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness - Galatians 5:22

If we let the Holy Spirit control our lives, this the fruit we will show.

Patience is a description for love:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. - 1 Cor 13:4

In fact, it's the FIRST description of Love. And God is Love. Therefore, God is patient, too.

I could go on and on about the commands that God gives telling His people to be patient. Proverbs says it's better to be patient than a warrior in Prov 16. Romans 12:12 tells us to be patient in affliction.

God makes it pretty clear in the Bible that patience is a requirement to follow him.

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. - Rev 14:12

Patient endurance. This is not easy. This in not only the control to keep from honking our horn on 610. This is not for the weak. Let's never fall into the trap the world sets for us that says that patience is for the weak. Trust me. It's much easier to blast a door open. Patience takes self control. (Kind of like in CORE class where slower crunches hurt worse than quick crunches)

But there is a promise! Hebrews 6:12 tells us that if we are patient and faithful, we will inherent God's promises!

Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and patience.

Challenge:
So take heed in Hebrews 12...

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

...and run with patience. What does that mean? It's a marathon guys. Pace yourselves, and run with patience. Faithfully wait on the Lord, and you will inherit His promises! - Including my adorable nephew...eventually...

This is YOUR Generation!

2009-05-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Me with 10 amazing young women at Second Baptist Church Premiere Weekend

Let's face it. If you turn on the news or walk to the local movie theatre, teenagers are not exactly the respectable upstanding citizens of "Leave it to Beaver" days.

Just one example: In April, a 14 year old in Louisiana was arrested for stealing a Hummer and crashing it.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/national_world&id=6783976

One of the comments on the article states,

"Kids today have lost their minds."

OK, I think we can't forget the crazy things we did as kids. I myself lied about going to rated R movies and went to Craw fish Festival without permission. Looking back I wish I hadn't. It only caused strife for myself and worry for my parents.

But the news isn't displaying stories of white lies or breaking curfew. We are inundated with stories of teens texting nude photos, having abortions, affairs with teachers, killing each other and more. So many are lost without goals or ambition as well.

This is the sad state we live in, but there are teens that "Rise Above." Teens that know their worth is not in the things of this world, but in the next. I applaud these teens that have to watch day after day their generation killing themselves. These same teens choose to love and pray for their peers that are lost.

Last Sunday, May 3, Second Baptist Church had youth weekend. Teenagers gave sermons, testimonies, greeted, passed the offering, and gave benedictions in one of the largest churches in the nation. They ran the place! And services went off without a hitch.

As I sat there and watched 14 year-olds give their testimonies in a Single Life class and 18 year-olds give sermons in front of hundreds of people, I was amazed. Their poise, writing, and public speaking skills are beyond most adults. But more than that, their spiritual wisdom and walks with God is humbling.

I consider myself increasingly blessed daily to work with these young people. So, while the world sensationalizes the sadness of fallen teens, I wanted to take this moment to applaud those that "Rise Above." Great job, guys! I know the Lord will use them in so many ways, and I can't wait to see it.

Challenges:
Adults: Please pray for these students that their minds stay focused on the Lord and that they don't get discouraged with this world. And get involved! If you feel pulled to work with these great students, get informed and involved...anywhere!

Students: Keep on truckin! Y'all are great. Don't get discouraged and continue to Rise Against the things of this world. Know that you are appreciated and loved! :)

GMA Mississippi Interview

2009-05-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note on my way to work. On GMA this morning Robin Roberts was interviewing the governor of Mississippi about a new facility for Boys and Girls Club. Then, they talked about how unemployment in Mississippi is high but lower than the rest of the country. The governor credited it to rebuilding projects from the hurricanes that have ripped through their land. My immediate thought: how amazing is our God that out of tragedy, blessings are given. So in frustration pray for His glory as He will show it! And the name of the town they were in? Pass Christian...

Shamelessly Promoting!

2009-05-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

So, i wanted to use today to shamelessly promote a few things! Sometimes, you just have to share awesome opportunities, so here goes!

1.

This is an awesome new CD that has God's hand all over it. Josh Price, Student Worship Associate at Second Baptist (who also leads praise and worship during the 11:11 service in Woodway Village), brings his talent and passion for Christ together in this new CD. To get a copy, search Joshua Price on iTunes or order directly from his MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/joshuaprice. You can also hear some of his music on the MySpace page. Great job Josh!

2.

In a few short weeks, my cousin and her family will head to South Africa and devote their lives to bringing people to the KOG. They are trusting that funds will be met, as they live in obedience to spread the gospel. One way they are raising money is selling these t - shirts (the splatters don't extend to the sleeve). They are only $15! If you are anyone that has ever tried to raise money, you know $15 can go a long way.

Let me know if you want a shirt!

As for me, I move this weekend! I am very excited to move into my new place with my new roomie. She is a great accountability partner and wonderful friend! I feel this is just another way God is throwing me into Him.

Proverbs 27:9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

So I can't wait to see just how much more God grows in me over the next year! And don't worry, I will be one of "those people" that posts pics of the new place...just too pumped!

Go! I mean it! Get Out Of Here!

2009-04-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Go! This is the Great Commission of Jesus Christ! Go and tell all nations!

Matthew 28:19-20:

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

As Christians we hear this a lot. The Great Commission from Jesus commanding us to spread the good news! Today, I ask you to join me in prayer for some friends of mine, brothers and sisters in Christ that are leaving on a journey Thursday. Their destination, Damascus, Syria. The journey is so much more than a dot on the map.

There they will face spiritual warfare as they try to shine God's light to children that have never known or seen love. Some of these children have been sold as sex slaves by their own parents for money. Please ask God to open their hearts and ears to be receptive to the arms of our brothers and sisters who serve as the arms of Christ on this earth.

"The team will be bringing the hope of Jesus Christ to Iraqi refugees, many of which have lost their homes, lost family members, and have been victims of unspeakable torture at the hands of Islamic terrorists," Kristina Baum, Syria team member, said. Our team hopes to sow seeds and also water existing seeds with God's love, grace, and powerful Word."

Here are some things we can pray for them:
1.SAFETY: They are traveling far and into a war zone. Please pray for safe travel there and back, and safety during their stay. We know God's hand goes before them, but I need them back in one piece :)

2. GOD'S WORDS: On these journeys, we are disciples of Christ. Pray that the spirit fills them so they use God's words and actions.

3.OPEN HEARTS: Please pray to open the hearts of these refugees. I pray God open their spirits to welcome the arms of my friends.

4. GROWTH: We serve to spread the word and to be a blessing, but it is irrefutable that at the same time, we are blessed. Pray for growth in the team as they bond and growth as individuals in Christ.

I feel so blessed to have people in my life with this mission written on their hearts. I am so blessed to pray for them.

But what about the rest of us? The Great Commission is for us all. You can read the entire Bible and I guarantee you that NO WHERE does it say, "Oh remember that Great Commission, you only have to do that if you feel like it and it's convenient." Or "That only applies to ___" No, it applies to all of us.

Does that mean everyone is called into overseas missions? That is not for my judgment, only His. I am planning on joining SBC in India in November because I feel called to, but God calls us to all sorts of things. Overseas missions is something I believe everyone should pray about. I think it will 100% change my life. However, God may call you to California or Wyoming. Some may be called to the inner city of Houston.

The whole world, including America, is a mission field. Jesus said to make disciples of all nations. Let's never forget that America is one of them. We are on a mission field every day of our lives. Let's live as we are on the mission.

Isn't it scary? Isn't it intimidating? Yes! It's scary to talk to friends and strangers in homeless shelters that don't know the Lord. And yes, it's scary to go to a third-world-country with violence and evil we have never imagined. But that is the beauty of verse 20.

God knew this is scary. He knew we would be pulled out of our comfort zones. Immediately following His command to us, he reassures us that He is always there. He is there in Syria, he is there when I go to India, and he is there in the mission fields of Houston, too.

A couple weeks ago some friends of ours came back from Cali, Columbia. They did door-to-door evangelism. Talk about getting out of your comfort zone! But I'll tell you two things:
1. Not one of them regretted it.
2. They felt the presence of God more than ever.

So do not fear! He is with you always!

A few challenges:
1. Pray for our Syria team as they prepare to leave.
2. Pray for our Cali team that they never forget what God did there.
3. Pray for God to show you what mission field He calls you to.
4. Live life everyday as though you are on a mission field. (Guess what...you are!)

Thanks friends! Love you all.

Whose God?

2009-04-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! I love Easter Sunday. Everyone gets all dressed up for church, and it's perfectly acceptable to stuff your face full of chocolate! It also ends the 40 days of Lent. (Which now means I have to decide on my own whether or not to drink soda.) But it's also the end of the "month" that I was talking about previously in which God wanted me to draw closer to Him and my Christian sisters.

It's been an amazing journey that I know will continue the rest of my life. As I sat with my girlfriends around the dinner table Tuesday and poolside Friday, laughing at each other and sharing embarrassing stories, I was once again so thankful for the past months to build these friendships.

But the past couple of weeks, I also felt God wanting me to draw closer to Him. In this journey, I have fallen in love with my savior, and didn't know it could be possible to draw any closer! But, of course, I was wrong. Sometimes I think God is just sitting back waiting to say, "Gotcha!"

It's so easy for us to put God in a box. We can't fathom just how big or awesome He is, but sometimes we get so stuck on how big He is, that we don't realize how personal He wants to be with us.

Then, when we have an amazing experience like a child is born, or a trying time like a job loss, we call on Him for help. But He wants to be there all the time!

I've always had a hard time with the scriptures in the Bible that say, "your God," or "the God of Abraham." Ramses often speaks to Moses saying, "the Lord your God."

"Forgive my sin only this once, and plead with the LORD your God to take away this terrible plague." Exodus 10:17

If I was Moses, (so it's probably a good thing I'm not)I'd tell Ramses he's an idiot for not realizing that the LORD my God is the only God. DUH.

I know culturally there were so many gods, that they clarified it that way, but it aggravated me! He is the one true God. The God of everyone, whether you believe it or not!

This still irritated me until the other day when I heard on KSBJ a story of a woman who called in about her husband wanting a divorce after over 20 years of marriage. The sadness and desperation in her voice broke my heart. After hearing several people call in to support, encourage and pray for her, she called back saying, "I thank MY GOD for my Christian family."

Wow. What a spin on the "your God" theory. True, He is the one true God, but He also wants me to know Him as MY GOD. MY SAVIOR. MY FATHER. MY REDEEMER. MY DELIVERER.

David often cried out calling God, "my God."

"Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God." Psalms 86:2

What a personal way to reference God. He is MY GOD. MY ROCK. MY SALVATION. So why is it so hard for us to have this personal relationship with Him? Why is it easy to praise Him in great happiness and cry out to Him in great sorrow, but so difficult to daily walk by His side as MY GOD?

WHY ARE WE STUCK IN THE MIDDLE?

I have a visualization of man in the middle, desperation on the right and happiness on the left. Then, when one or the other happens, we grab God. But otherwise, we just keep walking.

There is another image, one we've been talking about in Re:Student Ministry. There are so many Christians that are stuck in the middle. It's too scary to jump all in, but you know you don't want to live this life of sin.

The answer, as Jonathan Spencer said so clearly last Wednesday, is fear. Fear of the unknown. It's also fear of having to give something up. For our high-schoolers, maybe it's popularity. For us in single life maybe it's our independence and control. And for many of us, maybe it's a relationship, or even the pursuit of a relationship.

It's a fear of greatness. When Jonathan said "maybe it's a relationship," it made me reflect on why so many women, myself included, have a tendency to cycle through bad relationships. We are afraid of being in a healthy relationship. We are so comfortable being in self-destructive ones that we don't know how to be in a good one much less in one with the most-high God! After all, that is the ultimate relationship. Don't be afraid of greatness!

If we are still holding onto our control and our relationships on earth, for fear of what God has in store, we can never fully understand what it's like to call Him, "my God."

I remember giving my testimony in front of the class and saying that God showed me I had two options. In one hand was the mess I had made with my life, and in the other was Him and His desire to give me life more abundantly. But, I had to give up my life. I had to die to myself and accept Him with everything.

There is a story of a little girl who owned fake dinosaur pearls. She loved them dearly. And everyday her daddy would ask for the pearls. She would give her daddy anything else, but not the dinosaur pearls. Finally, she gave them to her daddy. And he gave her a strand of real pearls. He was waiting for her to give up the cheap imitation, so he could give her real thing.

What are you holding onto? Is it a life of sin? God wants wants to give you real life. Is it a relationship or the pursuit of one? God wants to give you the one relationship that will always satisfy. Don't settle for the cheap imitation. Don't be stuck in the middle, because you are holding onto something comfortable.

Are you afraid of greatness because you fear that you are unworthy? By His grace you are made worthy! This again, was something else that God showed me in this month. I am worthy by His blood! And He is the only one I have to be worthy of. (I know, that should have read "of worth to," but it just doesn't have the same emphasis.) Don't ever think you aren't worthy of anyone or any church or any responsibility; God has made you worthy.

"I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10

No matter what my past was, I have been washed by blood of the LORD MY GOD! So stop living in the middle. He desires you! He is running to you with open arms asking you to call Him "My God."

Now today, I give you challenging questions:
So what are you holding onto that is keeping you in the middle?
What are you holding onto that keeps you from calling Him, "Mine?"
What relationship or pursuit, is keeping your relationship with Him second?

Praise be to MY GOD who defeated the grave!

Thank you for letting me come out of my comfort zone and wear my heart on my sleeve. It's not easy proclaiming this for the virtual world to see, but I type in obedience to Him. (and when you consistently have people that like to check your text messages, you don't have much privacy anyway).

But on this Easter Sunday, I leave you with these song lyrics of God desperately wanting a relationship with you. After all, that was what the cross was for. He suffered just for YOU, so that you could have eternal life with him.

P.S. There is one more question at the end...

By Your Side

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

Final question: Why would you want anything else? Praise be to OUR GOD.

Debi is Giving Up Men...

2009-03-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

OK, not really... but God has taken me on a new and exciting journey the past three weeks.

A few months ago, I would have told you that I never wanted to get married. NEVER. Never was I going to be vulnerable to another man. Even having a boyfriend was debatable. Luckily, God did a work to change my heart. but that's a blog for another day.

About three weeks ago, in a brief convo with God, I was wondering what this change of heart meant. Did He change my heart because this mystery man was around the corner? He surely hadn't shown up, so why all the work with changing my heart in the first place? I've never been one that was "waiting" on a husband, so all this was new to me.

When I allowed myself to ask the honest questions, I got the honest answer. (For me, I usually know the answer, I just tuck it neatly in the bottom drawer of my mind under praying for humility and patience.) The answer was simple. God wasn't done with me as a single woman. That's all.

As I ventured this question and new desire to live my single life to the fullest, I had some new revelations. (All these light bulbs could have lit downtown Houston.) Living my single life to the fullest contained three parts (Yes, I'm organizing it.)

1. The first one was obvious to me. As a single woman in my mid-20s (did I really just say that!), I have the opportunity, time, and a somewhat-disposable income to use when and where I want. It's easy for me to get up and go and do whatever God calls me to do with my "free time." This seems kind of fun and exciting!

2. The second and third came as a surprise to me. Second, God wanted me to see Him as all sufficient. It's so easy for us as women to get wrapped up in a man and make him our "main man." This single life gives me the opportunity to fully rely on God as the "main man" in my life. In actuality, it doesn't matter at what stage we are in our lives, He is always our "main man."

We as women need to stop waiting for that soap-opera or fairytale man. No man is perfect! We aren't perfect, so why would we expect them to be so? Relying on God as our "main man" allows us to take men off that pedestal and put God back on. He is the only one that won't fall off.

He is the only man that's never let me down. He loves and accepts me as I am. He sees me as wonderfully and beautifully made. He always delights in me, and He always wants to spend alone time with me. He knows me better than I know myself. He knows the desires of my heart, and that I sneak icing in the middle of the night when no one is looking! He has chosen me; I did nothing to earn His love. He always forgives.

God is love. And 1 Corinthians 13 says:

Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
Love does not demand its own way.
Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Now, to me, all that God is sure sounds like what I want in a soul mate. So why do we continuously try to replace Him with an earthly man? Yes, I hope someday to be a bride and a wife and a mom, but that husband should not be a replacement for God, but a representation of how Christ feels for the church.

So, to live my single life to the fullest, I need to use this time to fully desire God. Then, later, when it's time, I can have a healthy, Godly marriage on this earth.

3. The last thing He showed me I needed in order to fully live out my single life, is to invest in good girlfriends. I needed to truly focus on building these relationships with Christian sisters. I realized that I had a lot of acquaintances and friends and buddies, but I need a core group of strong women. A council of women, if you will. Women to encourage and keep me accountable, to laugh and to cry, and to support and pray for me.

How awesome that I have this time in my life to have all of these things! So I decided to focus on these things for a month. Being type A, I had to give myself a bit of a time line; we don't work well with arbitrary deadlines. As I started my journey, I knew that God would bless this month, but I never imagined how great the reward could be.

As always, God doesn't give us a task or a journey without providing means to accomplish the task or to make it to our destination.

Fulfilling my first obligation was easy. I have been able to dive into student ministry and getting to know some of the most inspiring high school girls on the planet. I'm also able to serve and minister at the drop of a hat! I have no one to consult with and no baby sitter to schedule. I'm able to serve the Lord when He calls. What is God calling you to do that you are able to do easier as a single woman?

Through this month of focusing on Him as being all sufficient, my desire for Him has grown. I find myself amazed by His glory. I feel like David in exile where all He had was the Lord.

Psalms 118:6-8
In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and rescued me.
The LORD is for me, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me.

Psalms 119:76-77

Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your law is my delight.

There are times when all I desire is to just be with Him in silence. Getting here, for me, took being diligent in reading His word, praying for this revelation, and calling to Him in my times of loneliness.

In reading His word, you get to know Him. In praying, you grow your personal relationship. And in times of loneliness, when all you want is God to take the sadness away, you are forced to call upon Him.

Think about how you get to know someone in this world. You read their Facebook to know their "about me," who their friends are, their mottoes, and what they stand for. That is like reading God's word. You get to know Him and what He's about.

Then, you talk to this friend on the phone. You tell them your problems, your goals, and your desires. You listen to theirs. This is like praying.

And when you are lonely, you call on them to keep you company. I realized this month, that in times that the few times I felt lonely, it was God wanting me to call upon Him. He's always there. He never works late and never needs to watch 24 or UFC. I challenge you. In your times of loneliness, call upon the Lord to wrap His arms around you.

In finding my council of women, God proved to not only be all sufficient, but also my provider. God provided me with a great council that I can laugh and cry with, and that are strong in their faith to help me grow in mine. I can go to them in confidence and know they will speak the truth. The funny thing is, we realized that we were all praying for girlfriends at the same time. How amazing is God that He pulled us together at the same time. Tonight was one of my friend's birthdays, and today I just thanked the Lord for her and these friendships forged that undoubtedly had God's hand in them.

Girlfriends provide a relationship that no man can. We understand each other. We know that occasionally we are going to flip out and have "girl" moments. Girls give advice to each other better as well. We are wired differently than men, and we know how to approach each other. We can council one another because we understand each other's thought processes. And we know that sometimes, you just want to lay around in pajamas, watch a life time movie, and eat E.L. Fudge cookies ... or hummus...hummus is good...

Do you have a council of women (or men if you're a guy) that you can have fun with while encouraging each others' walks with Christ?

I remember at the beginning of this journey being excited to see how I would grow and what God would show me on the other side. Never did i expect such a fulfillment. I'm not sure how long this single-life journey will continue, but I know that I will never once see it as a set back or a failure.

It's an opportunity. I wouldn't trade my girlfriends or my deeper relationship with Christ for any man...even Johnny Depp. I thank God for this time in my life that I wouldn't have if i was married right now.

Now, for some challenges.
For my single ladies, keep walking in obedience and live your single life intently pursuing the KOG.

Married friends: Granted I don't know much about being married, but I challenge you to focus on God being your ultimate romancer. When your husband/wife isn't perfect, know that He never changes.

High school ladies: Start now forging these friendships and knowing God as being all sufficient. Live everyday in obedience to Him. He will provide all you need.

Phl 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Free Quiznos Sub!!

2009-02-25T10:14:00.001-08:00

Hey all! I am definitely doing a little snatch and grab off our Sudent Pastor's blog, but this is too good. We are all a bit low on dough what with the economy and non-stop shopping addictions, so click the link, follow the instructions and get a free quiznos sub!

http://www.millionsubs.com/Reg.php?x=1

Houstonian's Battle Together against Suicide AFSP Newsletter #2

2009-02-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

Bloggers,
As some of you know, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is close to my heart. We have started a newsletter for the Houston area. Here is the second edition highlighting the walk we had this year. Comments/suggestions appreciated!

Luv.

http://file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/debi.ostrom/Desktop/newsletter%20feb%2009.htm

New Year's Eve...the most over exaggerated Holiday...

2009-01-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

As I reflect on 2008, I am extatic on the way it turned out. I started semi unexited about the year, but in the end, I graduated, got my place and my job, went on my cruise, turned 25, survived a hurricane, sister got pregnant, came back to Christ and got baptized in the snow.

All in all, a really great year! But in the begining, like I previously mentioned, I wasn't excited at all. I didn't eat cabbage and black-eyed-peas for luck or money, and I didn't wear yellow underwear for love (Venezuelan tradition, but looking back...maybe I should have!) I didn't have some spectacular New Years Eve party; I hung out with friends. I didn't have a date...I did have a creepy stalker that petted me while I was sleeping.

Why am I saying all this? Not to rant and rave about how great my year was, even though I am incredibly thankful for all I've been blessed with, but to point out that the entire year is not a reflection of ONE DAY.

People (and by people I mean mostly women) plan for New Years like it's the end-all of what the new year will bring. It has to be the biggest party, the best night, and have the perfect kiss on midnight. We build it up in our heads, and then if one little thing happens, we are devastated. What is the point of this?

Don't get me wrong...I love a good New Year's eve party as much as the next girl, but I think we should change our thoughts about this. Since no amount of planning can control what will happen on New Year's Eve, or any other night, we should not think of it as a forecast of what is to come!

Instead, we should change our thinking to be a celebration on what has happened in the previous year. I know many people celebrated "Good Riddance" to 2008, a year that ended in recession and uncertainty. But where does this thinking get you? We should have thought about all the great things that happened and all the things God pulled us through. No year will ever be perfect. But if we choose to focus on thankfulness, we can prevent an inevitable let down of putting one day, one party, on a pedastal.

I wish I would have thought to write this prior to New Years Eve, but after seeing the long line of break up notifications in my facebook feed on New Year's Day, I think we should still reflect on it. So, if your NYE party didn't go as planned, you made a fool of yourself, or you suffered an unfortunate break up, remember, it's just another day. This too shall pass. Please do not forecast 2009 off of one day. And on Dec. 31, 2010, whatever unfortunate event happend this year, will just be one more thing you can celebrate that God brought you through.

HAPPY 2009---i PROMISE, YOU'LL BE JUST FINE :)

Everything does NOT happen for a reason!

2008-11-21T12:15:00.001-08:00

Before you get all confused and upset and start texting me messages of hope, please read on. "Everything happens for a reason" is a phrase or motto that most people tell themselves when things go wrong or they make a bad choices. Sometimes, this statement can be accurate, but I think this thinking takes us personally and us as a society down a very slippery slope.

First, I will start with a story that I used to use the "everything happens for a reason" line on. It'll be a brief synopsis.

At my high-school graduation party, I met a guy that, for some reason beyond my current knowledge, swept me off my feet. Months proceeded, and he moved to Waco when I started at Baylor. It quickly went downhill and my freshman year of college was plagued with control, yelling, fear, and unhappiness. It was one of the darkest times of my life. I was grateful to have supportive sisters, family, and friends around me that helped me get out of that relationship. In the end, I was left broken, bruised, confused and utterly lost.

I told myself over and over that "everything happens for a reason." Slowly I began to see that I was stronger than I thought. I realized that now I would be able to spot the signs of abusive relationships in my friends sooner, and I could help other victim to them. So to me, this was the reason I experienced this awful pain.

Now, as a Christian, I hear this a lot. It helps us to cope with the evils of this world and explains why bad things happen to good people. But there is where the slippery slope starts. Why would a loving God let this happen?

Did God want me to suffer the fear and pain and heartbreak of that relationship? HECK NO! God wants us to desire Him, and to want to live like Christ.

God never wanted me to suffer like that. God wept when that happened. God wept when I was in high school and purposefully harmed my body in seek of perfection. God wept when my uncle's bad choice ended in his death. And God weeps every time His children suffer.

That last scenario spurned this post. About a month ago I was getting ready for the Out of the Darkness Walk to raise money for suicide prevention. I was in Bible study and told the girls about the walk to ask for prayer. I cried for the first time in a long time about my uncle's death.

Out of my uncle's death God has shown me my desire to help others with mental illnesses. Now, my family volunteers at the walks, I help with the Houston-area newsletter, and I hope to write and speak on the demons of mental illness someday. So, you say, "everything happens for a reason."

That day before Bible study, I cried out to God, "Why did it have to be that way!? Why did my uncle have to die for me to see this!?"

I had fallen down the slope. But thank God I had told my precious friends, and one of them spoke up.

"That was NOT in God's plan. God's plan was not for your uncle to die, but God will use it," she said. Well THANK YOU Jenny. I cannot say that enough. THANK YOU. You explained it perfectly.

We make choices in our lives, some good some bad. Adam and Eve ate the apple and, whatever your views of original sin are, they brought sin into this world. Because of sin, we have death, disease, and everyday pain and suffering. So, it is because of sin these things happen. God is perfect and ever abounding in love. He does not cause these, but allows them to happen because there is sin in the world.

God's plan was not for my uncle to fall victim to his demons and leave us here questioning why. My uncle, for whatever reason, made that choice. So my family walked through the fire. And out of that fire came diamonds. Diamonds of promises that my uncle's death would not be in vain.

So I think, that "everything doesn't happen for a reason," but that "everything CAN be used for the KOG." (That's Kingdom of God for those non Second people!) And I say CAN for a very specific reason. Just like God wanted us to choose against the temptations and demons that came our way, we have to choose to not let those experiences die in vain.

Too many people think talking about suicide or eating disorders will increase the problem. Too many are afraid to talk about abusive relationships, alcoholism, lust, or whatever demon plagues you. Don't let what God wants to do pass you by. I can't change the bad choices I made. So I choose to let God work through me. God can use it for the KOG, just like He used Job. But we have to choose to let Him work.

Hopefully in my work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, money will go to research for mental illnesses and save lives. I can't see clearly yet all that God will use me for from my experiences, but I can't wait to find out!

So I dare you: 1. Seek the Lord every day to be more like Him. 2. When you stumble or bad things happen to good people, TRUST HIM and know "He will use it for the KOG!"

**I am very interested in any comments you may have on the subject or any pertinent quotes. I am human and definitely not all in the know!

What a two-week old baby has taught me...

2008-11-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what God can show us through a Witt-ness. On October 23, 2008, my cousin Melanie gave birth to a beautiful baby boy Witt Harris Lupher. Witt, perfect to us and our Lord, was born with a genetic deficiency. After a multitude of tests, the doctors found out he was born with a partial extra gene on chromosome 1. There are only 6 cases in the United States. I am not going to focus on his disorder or what it means, but I want to tell you what this has meant to me.

Witt has taught me three major lessons in his 2-weeks of life: that God is abounding in love, that every day is a miracle, and that God is faithful to the faithful.

Last night I was doing my Bible study for "knowing God by name" and a scripture came up that reminded me of Witt. The lesson was on God's character of steadfast love or "chesed." Chesed is more than the love that we have for our friends, significant others, or even our children. It is a steadfast love. No matter what we do, God loves us.

The example in the Bible of Hosea is the best explanation of this. Hosea's wife was a prostitute. He loved her so much he married her, but she left him to back to a life of prostitution. Most of us would say, "see ya!" But Hosea had a steadfast love for his wife, chesed, that he purchased her back. She scorned him for this, but he still loved her. This shows a love that I can't imagine. In this situation, we would rightfully bid farewell to someone like this and find another that loves us and cares for us.

How precious is your steadfast love, O' God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings- Psalms 36:7

Sweet baby Witt has truly taken refuge in the shadow of His wings. God's love for Witt is steadfast. Never changing. This led me to think about how easy it is for us to wholeheartedly believe this for Witt, but we forget sometimes that God's love is just as steadfast for us despite what we do (because another character is his mercy).

His love is steadfast for Mel and Austan (my cousin and her husband) and all of His children. But think of how we have treated God. He sent his son who died for us, a death he did not deserve. I think of all that I've done and the times I've turned from God. Yet he loves me still. I am amazed that I serve such a loving God. Praise Rav-Chesed, He who is abounding in Love.

In Witt, I have never been so thankful for each new day. Everyday is a miracle. I grew up knowing that we are not promised tomorrow, but never have I rejoiced so much in each day as I do now. Every moment is celebrated. I am so thankful for each step he takes.

But why do we not celebrate these moments in our own lives? Why do I not praise God for each accident nearly missed on the treacherous drive down I-10? Shouldn't I praise God for every morning I wake up? Every time I get to pet my beautiful doggie? Every time I get that "direct deposit notice" that allows me to pay my bills? Heck! I should praise God for every bill I pay because I have the ability to pay it! I should praise God for every second I complain that I have to sit in front of a computer screen instead of waiting in an unemployment line!

This is the day that the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it! Psalms 118:24

Finally, Witt has shown me that God is still in the business of miracles. He still answers prayers.

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. - Psalms 37: 3-6

God has definitely answered our prayers in Witt. He has given Melanie and Austan the desires of their hearts in each moment they get with their little angel. We have diligently prayed night and day that God will shine through Witt. Again, I relate this to our lives. Why do we not realize all that God wants to give us? Why do we not diligently pray over our lives? Hello! God can work miracles in Witt, I am sure he can work miracles every day.

The one disclaimer I must make, because it is a pet peeve of mine, is that God is faithful to the faithful. Most people read this and think that God is promising to give us everything we want. The 'ol "ask and ye shall receive" clause. Notice that each promise comes with a sacrifice. You have to praise God continuously, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

I know this is a tangent, but it is important to clarify also that God may not give us what we think we want. We often forget that he knows more than we do. That pesky part of the Bible just gets in the way, huh?

For those that think God should just give and we receive. Think of how you are with children. You don't just give your children everything do you? On the same token, you know what is best for you children don't you? Since I don't have children, I will use my doggie Izzy who might as well be human. She doesn't get a treat unless she is good and obeys her master. And she doesn't just get all the treats she wants. I know, as her master and mommy, what is best for her, and if she eats too much she will get sick and fat and not fit in her clothes! God is amazing to give us these human examples of His love.

So in Witt who has amazing and faithful parents we have seen how God is faithful to His children. And God has given them a miracle as rough as the road my seem.

My my, how much I have learned through the tiny life of Witt. So I praise God for Witt. He truly is a witt-ness to God's abounding love.

Express your right to vote!!

2008-10-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

As we near election day, I find it only fitting for a former political science/journalism major to blog about the election. I am not going to tell you who to vote for, even though my infinite wisdom is correct in these matters. I am not even going to simply tell you to vote. My convictions and desires lie in the not only do you vote, but that you vote educated.

So this voting thing to me seems to be a two-step process. 1. voting 2. being educated

It is beyond me how these two things seem to go hand in hand like school and homework, or Christmas and presents, but yet, so many do one with out the other. So many people blindly walk into the polls and vote for the popular candidate or the one that their parents or friends are voting for. On the same token, so many people educate themselves (or pretend to) but fail to vote.

On voting itself. I know it sounds awful to leave your house, drive to your local voting station, remember to take you drivers license with you (you no longer need your voter's registration card), stand in line, follow prompts on a screen, and hit buttons. Horrible, right? Personally, I'd rather vote than do things like hook up electronics, mow the lawn, clean the house, do laundry, or even cook. So why do we not do it?

I hear the normal excuses that the lines are too long (I voted in 20 minutes. That is shorter than it would take to do any of the before-mentioned tasks), I can't get off work (polls are open at 7am now, and they were open this past weekend), and I have too much to do (again it took me 20 minutes on my way into work). As I write this, I hear on the news that Yellow Cab is even offering free rides to polling locations. To those with these excuses, you are lazy and making excuses. If you are offended by my statement, too bad. I apologize that you are lazy.

Then, being in Texas especially, I have heard the same excuse over the past three presidential election: "I live in Texas, it's going to be (insert Republican name here) anyway." This is the one that makes me crawl out of my skin.Why are you resigning yourself to this? First, if you think you can't change anything because of this thought, you are resigning yourself to never change anything! Second, if you are a Republican and don't vote because you think Republicans are going to win it regardless, you are playing a risky game. It's a slippery slope we can't afford to go down. If more and more people decide not to vote because they think they can't make a difference, no difference will ever be made!

In addition to this, you are saying you don't care about your rights! If you do not exercise your rights, why do we think the government should give them to us? What is the most famous propaganda motto from the American Revolution? "No taxation without representation." Granted this was propaganda, but people fought and died for this. It stirred the hearts of men.

In 1871, African Americans were given the right to vote. They fought Jim Crow laws in the South, fought their ways to the polls while people cursed and spit on them, and worse all to cast their ballot. To be a part of the democratic process. To tell their officials what they thought.

Then in the early 1900s, women stood on their soap boxes in cities across America and marched to city halls all through this country to earn the right to vote. They faced persecution in Seneca Falls as they met to fight for suffrage. How would they feel now that we take this for granted?

With the persecution in places like N. Korea and Zimbabwe, where people would love to be able to cast an honest ballot they know will be counted, how dare we take this for granted?

Yes, the electoral college still elects our president, but if we are not voting, what is going to change this? Regardless if the again this year the popular candidate is not elected, the message is sent to our government.

With this being said, I come to the second part of voting. Being educated. Or should this be the first part of voting? I am tired of people saying they are voting for ______ because they like their policies, but can't name one of the policies. Or they know the policies but not the repercussions of them. Be educated!

Also, the right to vote was given to YOU. It was not given as a second vote for you father, husband, or grandmother. Vote for who you think should win. On that same note, do not just vote against who your parents are voting for. Picking the leader of the free world is not a good form of rebellion. Get something pierced instead.

I also hear a lot of complaining about the electoral college. What I say about this may make you angry, but again I am not apologetic for my views, just as you should not be for yours. As I said earlier, the popular vote sends a message to Washington about what the people want to see. But part of me thinks our founding fathers (and I hate that term) knew what they were thinking when they created this.

In the Federalist Papers, a compilation of letters by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison sent to the New York Times trying to get the public to vote to approve the new Constitution, the authors explain their reasoning for the electoral college.

"A small number of persons, elected by their fellow citizens, from the general mass, will be most likely to posses the information and discernment requisite, to so complicated an investigation," Hamilton said of the electoral college.

Throughout the letters the authors do show lack of faith in the common man. I will spare you the paper I wrote on this at Baylor, but I got an A on it if you are doubting me. During my time studying this, I agreed with them on doubting the common man in 1787. Communication was slow as well as literacy and education, all important factors when electing the next Commander in Chief.

Flash forward over two centuries. Is the electoral college outdated? Let me ask another question. Are the American people more educated? Yes, communication is far beyond what Hamilton could have ever imagined, but we are over exposed now. And I would venture to say that no, we as a people, are not more educated. (This is evidenced in the circus of this election.) We listen for the sound bites. We look for the man or woman that is cool and popular. We wear pins that say "The change we need," without knowing what that change is. Or t-shirts that say "the hot candidate," because beauty makes a difference in the face of terrorism. (Disclaimer: as a lover of PR, I applaud their PR people, but I also recognize the foolishness in it.)

So is the electoral college outdated? I think this question is directly related to the education of our country. So, no. I do not think it is outdated. I am not saying we should have some American Bureaucracy, but it serves as a check just as the popular vote serves as a check on them. When, the American people are educated, I will trust them. I fully believe the writers of the Constitution of 1787, could see beyond their years. So this, to me at least, invalidates another reason not to vote as well as gives another reason to vote.

I know I went on my own tangent for a bit, but I hope I came full circle for you. In the end, look up the policies online, wake up 20 minutes earlier, grab some Starbucks, and go vote. What is one hour of your time compared to the effect it can have on the next four years.