This is me and my little bro, Clayton, on a "cool rock" in Pennsylvania, overlooking the "Squeaky Banana" (Susquehanna) River... during our summer trip North.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Lydia's Life Since EXCEL...
That's a lot to cover, Mother Teresa! Here goes nothing...
Christmas was (wow, almost a year ago?) very good- some extended family came down and we had a lot of fun together. And I relished being with my family more than ever before, after that eight weeks away.
After that, I was at EXCEL 32, so that took up a good part of the year. And was a great experience for me, to see how God can be everything. EVERYTHING I need, right when I need Him most.
Then, I had auditions for college. They went rather well, and I got a scholarship for piano, so I registered for Houston Baptist University. I was also invited into the Honors College, so I signed up for that, too.
My family then made a trip to Virginia to see my brother graduate from Patrick Henry College! This was a pretty short trip, but we made it up to Pennsylvania to see family afterwards.
This summer. Hmmm, what did I do this summer? Let me think. We stayed home, and I worked my horse really hard. I got to go to the American Paint Horse Association World Show with my sisters and mom, so that was fun. I also began teaching Santana reining with a trainer this summer. We went to baseball games, went swimming-- your usual American summer activites.
In early August, we went to Pennsylvania again, this time for a longer visit with family. (I have a great family! I got to show Abby pictures of EXCEL 32, and she gave me some more from 31.) After this, we helped my brother move in to his first apartment in Charlottesville, VA, where he is attending the UVA law school. It was fun to shop with my mom late at night for all of his neccessary pantry items.
When we got home from our trip, there was school to prepare for. I dove in full throttle, and God has been giving me grace to endeavor to do all I do with excellence. Which is hard to do- at EXCEL, there was plenty of support, but here, I must make myself be disciplined. "Oh, but I worked enough, surely it's o.k. to just do a little internet or watch only one episode of a TV show..." Aargh.
Do y'all remember what Mrs. Bell said about that passage in Psalm 84? That a day in God's courts is better than a million of my dream days? That has been on my mind a lot lately as I try to see God's will as best for my life.
"So if your dreams have turned to dust and ashes
And you can't do the things you wish you could,
Remember, God is wiser FAR than any mortal man
And He's working it together for your good."
I wish Christ was truly, always, and most importantly my treasure. My own self gets in the way so often.
Well, there you have it! Thanks for bearing with me... I can't wait for y'all's updates!
I am
Yours Still,
Subito
Christmas was (wow, almost a year ago?) very good- some extended family came down and we had a lot of fun together. And I relished being with my family more than ever before, after that eight weeks away.
After that, I was at EXCEL 32, so that took up a good part of the year. And was a great experience for me, to see how God can be everything. EVERYTHING I need, right when I need Him most.
Then, I had auditions for college. They went rather well, and I got a scholarship for piano, so I registered for Houston Baptist University. I was also invited into the Honors College, so I signed up for that, too.
My family then made a trip to Virginia to see my brother graduate from Patrick Henry College! This was a pretty short trip, but we made it up to Pennsylvania to see family afterwards.
This summer. Hmmm, what did I do this summer? Let me think. We stayed home, and I worked my horse really hard. I got to go to the American Paint Horse Association World Show with my sisters and mom, so that was fun. I also began teaching Santana reining with a trainer this summer. We went to baseball games, went swimming-- your usual American summer activites.
In early August, we went to Pennsylvania again, this time for a longer visit with family. (I have a great family! I got to show Abby pictures of EXCEL 32, and she gave me some more from 31.) After this, we helped my brother move in to his first apartment in Charlottesville, VA, where he is attending the UVA law school. It was fun to shop with my mom late at night for all of his neccessary pantry items.
When we got home from our trip, there was school to prepare for. I dove in full throttle, and God has been giving me grace to endeavor to do all I do with excellence. Which is hard to do- at EXCEL, there was plenty of support, but here, I must make myself be disciplined. "Oh, but I worked enough, surely it's o.k. to just do a little internet or watch only one episode of a TV show..." Aargh.
Do y'all remember what Mrs. Bell said about that passage in Psalm 84? That a day in God's courts is better than a million of my dream days? That has been on my mind a lot lately as I try to see God's will as best for my life.
"So if your dreams have turned to dust and ashes
And you can't do the things you wish you could,
Remember, God is wiser FAR than any mortal man
And He's working it together for your good."
I wish Christ was truly, always, and most importantly my treasure. My own self gets in the way so often.
Well, there you have it! Thanks for bearing with me... I can't wait for y'all's updates!
I am
Yours Still,
Subito
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Faith, Love, and Life
My dear friends,
The other night when getting ready for bed I suddenly perked up as these words were playing on the radio: "Will you love Jesus more as we go our different ways? When this moment is a memory will you remember His face?" Remember it? A rush of warm fuzzy feeling went through me and made me feel all cozy, happy, and sad, as I thought of you. Happy because of all the memories we have, the good times we shared. Sad that you are so far away.
A little update on my life:
- we had a wonderful three week trip East to spend time with family and attend the Nashville ATI conference. Pre-EXCEL was a blast! You really should do it sometime if you haven't already! My 14 energetic, smiling, and precious gals on my team were so fun to get to know!
- the day we got back Vacation Bible School started at our church. I enjoyed helping out when needed with that.
- Family, friends, company, and other normal summer activities keep my schedule fairly full! Do any of you have any special plans for your summer?
I'm sorry I didn't get back to you very well about the reunion. Nothing really evolved from it and many of you were not able to get away this summer...which I totally understand! Though if any of you still think you would like to steal away in August or something and come see me I wouldn't be opposed =D haha Feel free to let me know if several of you (or one of you) has a week that would work and I would love to have whoever comes! Otherwise, hopefully we can try for next summer, or Spring Break possibly.
Isn't it so neat how God sends us little reminders of who He is at the most unusual times!?! Recently God asked me to trust Him to do something that seems way to big for insignificant little me. To be honest I have been discouraged with it. But yesterday we were walking through Hobby Lobby of all places and I saw a motto that had this quote on it: "Faith is not believing God can - but knowing that He will." It was a timely challenge in my life and reminder that no matter what He requires of us He has done so much more by promising that He IS and WILL fulfill ALL of His promises to us. I don't know what you gals are facing today (oh for another "hot chocolate date" at quarter till seven =)) - but know that He will do for you the thing that seems like an impossible mountain to climb.
I love you gals!
Teresa
The other night when getting ready for bed I suddenly perked up as these words were playing on the radio: "Will you love Jesus more as we go our different ways? When this moment is a memory will you remember His face?" Remember it? A rush of warm fuzzy feeling went through me and made me feel all cozy, happy, and sad, as I thought of you. Happy because of all the memories we have, the good times we shared. Sad that you are so far away.
A little update on my life:
- we had a wonderful three week trip East to spend time with family and attend the Nashville ATI conference. Pre-EXCEL was a blast! You really should do it sometime if you haven't already! My 14 energetic, smiling, and precious gals on my team were so fun to get to know!
- the day we got back Vacation Bible School started at our church. I enjoyed helping out when needed with that.
- Family, friends, company, and other normal summer activities keep my schedule fairly full! Do any of you have any special plans for your summer?
I'm sorry I didn't get back to you very well about the reunion. Nothing really evolved from it and many of you were not able to get away this summer...which I totally understand! Though if any of you still think you would like to steal away in August or something and come see me I wouldn't be opposed =D haha Feel free to let me know if several of you (or one of you) has a week that would work and I would love to have whoever comes! Otherwise, hopefully we can try for next summer, or Spring Break possibly.
Isn't it so neat how God sends us little reminders of who He is at the most unusual times!?! Recently God asked me to trust Him to do something that seems way to big for insignificant little me. To be honest I have been discouraged with it. But yesterday we were walking through Hobby Lobby of all places and I saw a motto that had this quote on it: "Faith is not believing God can - but knowing that He will." It was a timely challenge in my life and reminder that no matter what He requires of us He has done so much more by promising that He IS and WILL fulfill ALL of His promises to us. I don't know what you gals are facing today (oh for another "hot chocolate date" at quarter till seven =)) - but know that He will do for you the thing that seems like an impossible mountain to climb.
I love you gals!
Teresa
I feel quite sure if I did my best
I could maybe impress you
with tender words and a harmony
a cleaver rhyme or two
but if all I've done in the time we've shared
is turn your eyes on me
then I've failed at what I've been called to do
there is someone else I want you to see
Will you love Jesus more
when we go our different ways
when this moment is a memory
will you remember His face
Will you look back and realize
you sensed his love more than you did before
I'd pray for nothing less
than for you to love Jesus more
I'd like to keep these memories
in frames of gold and silver
and reminisce a year from now
about the smiles we've shared
but above all else I hope you will come
to know the father's love
when you see the Lord face to face
you'll hear Him say "well done"
I could maybe impress you
with tender words and a harmony
a cleaver rhyme or two
but if all I've done in the time we've shared
is turn your eyes on me
then I've failed at what I've been called to do
there is someone else I want you to see
Will you love Jesus more
when we go our different ways
when this moment is a memory
will you remember His face
Will you look back and realize
you sensed his love more than you did before
I'd pray for nothing less
than for you to love Jesus more
I'd like to keep these memories
in frames of gold and silver
and reminisce a year from now
about the smiles we've shared
but above all else I hope you will come
to know the father's love
when you see the Lord face to face
you'll hear Him say "well done"
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Howdy friends!!
I am so glad Dixie posted... I was kinda embarassed to post again until someone else did :-)
That's great about your trip!! I was wondering how that was going, and was wishing I had your number to call and talk to you about it.
It just occured to me that y'all might like to see a picture of my OUTSTANDING team. Team two the Energy-Givers! From left to right: Susanna (also known to us as Janie... :0), Bethany, yours truly, Sheri, and Becca (RJ). It was definitely a stretch to be a team leader, but also a LOT of fun. Thanks, Mother Teresa, for all of your valuable advice. It was much like you said it would be... I'll call you soon, I promise! And thanks to Christine for the encouraging notes.
Remember to TRUST Christ our Treasure more completely!!
Love and Miss you,
Lydia aka Subito
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