The Great Jack Adventure

12 days left of summer...a new adventure begins!

2011-08-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

Well, summer camp is drawing to a close here at Camp Tejas. There is a part of me that is sad that it's ending and that this is really my last summer to play outside in the wonderful Texas heat at this glorious camp. I have made some wonderful friendships, cried a lot, laughed soooo much, I've been challenged in new ways and I'm more in love with my King. I feel like the summer has been a success and I'm thankful Simeon and I got to be here together. On the flip side, I'm sooo excited that in 12 days we will leave Camp Tejas and begin a new adventure. I'm sure you're wondering what that adventure may be...keep on reading!

A few weeks ago we went to the wonderful premiere of Harry Potter 7.2 with our good friends in Austin. We spent the next day with them chatting about how we all really want to live closer together and about how we desire to figure out a way to make it happen. We decided to list out many of the things we desire in the city we live in...things like art, culture, good weather, great recreational activities, aesthetically appealing, city size...etc. We decided on 9 different states that we would be interested in living in and then started looking at cities that would appeal to us in those states. Out of all the cities we looked at the only one city that seemed to fit all of our desires was Portland, Oregan. So we spent some time praying about it and decided that we feel like Portland, Oregan is where we are going to move September 15, 2011! We are not sure where we are living yet and no, we don't have jobs ...yet, but we feel a peace to follow the desires of our heart and trust that our God, Yahweh Yireh, our provider, is going to take care of us. We are full of joy and expectancy of what Portland holds for us.

The month we have before we leave for our road trip to Portland, we will be visiting with family and friends. If you feel led, we would covet your prayers. We want to be led by the Father in all that we do. Our heart is for Him and for His Kingdom. Pray that we will keep our eyes on Him in all that we do and not on ourselves. Pray that we will find good community. Pray that we will fall more in love with our Jesus and trust in Him for all things. Pray that I will have victory from fear. I don't want to live in bondage to fear any longer! We would love to hear what you all think and would sincerely appreciate you expressing your encouragement or concerns.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart!" Psalm 37:4

Camp Tejas: 1 month down 2 more to go :)

2011-06-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

"Therefore, prepare your minds for your action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. but just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'be holy, because I am holy.'" 1 Peter 1:13-16

We have now been at Camp Tejas for one month! Its amazing how fast time has flown by. Our transition out of Houston to Giddings, was really quick but went really smoothly for the most part. We had some wonderful friends help us pack and move, which we are so grateful for.

Leaving Houston, for a time at least, has truly been good for our souls. I don't think I realized how suffocated I was feeling living in the big city. Our first day at Camp I immediately felt this heaviness lift off my soul. It literally felt like walking out of darkness into the light. Don't get me wrong, we really did enjoy our time in Houston and really made some great friendships, but we are still trying seeking as to weather or not that is where we need to return after summer...but I'm not going to write about that this time :)

So, camp its been great (We hope you can tell by our photos)! We really are having a blast. We are working some really long hours, but we get to be with friends while doing it, so it doesn't feel like work so much. Along with working we are studying and memorizing Matthew 7, focusing on holiness, as a staff and then the guys and girls are studying different topics once a week. The girls are studying about choosing forgiveness, thankfulness, and security in Christ. The guys are reading a book called "Stepping Up: A call to courageous manhood" by Dennis Rainey.

There is so much that God is doing in our lives and the other staff members. I really feel like God wants to use this summer to show us how much He loves us and wants to restore the broken things of our past. I have found that I have been so bitter and cynical this past year. I really want to find freedom from bitterness and all negativity. I want to see people as Christ sees people and not just see the negative things. I feel slowly but surely, God is pulling these negative layers away and revealing to me truth once again. One of the ways He showed me this was with a group that was just here. One evening they wanted to do some baptisms at the Pool, so I had to go down and open the pool up and hang out until they were finished. There were over 90 baptisms that evening. Amazing, right. Unfortunately that was not my first thought. My first thought was the cynical side of me saying, " I wonder if its for real, I mean is this really going to change their life, do they really know what they are committing to?" I thought this while watching people hug and cry for about 45 minutes. Then I felt a whisper in my heart saying, "well, you chose to follow Me at camp when you were only 12, and you did, you let Me change you and you let Me lead you, not always, but you did choose Me and it stuck with you...so why beloved can you not believe the same for my children you are critically observing?" I was struck by my hardness of heart and began to tear up and remember all of the times that I cried because of Jesus...so many times I have cried. I was reminded that choosing Christ brings tears to the eyes of a heart that is in so much need of a savior. Your soul feels the relief when you finally say "okay, I can't do it anymore...I need you my King, please come and take me and make me yours." I pray that the Lord will continue to soften my heart and give me eyes to see. I need Him so desperately. There is so much sanctification that needs to happen in my life. I'm thankful that God has so much patience and that He never gives up on His children. Praise His glorious name that so many children chose to make Him their Lord and Savior during that week. I pray that they do make their lives all about Him.

Thanks for taking the time to read this brief update. I'll try to update more often. If you feel lead would love some prayer. I have listed some prayer requests below. Also, if you want to check out more photos from Camp Tejas you can follow this link http://photos.camptejas.org/Summer-Staff/2011.

Prayer Requests:

- What to do in the fall? Where to go?

- Freedom from bitterness and negativity

- Patience in leading

- That we would love unconditionally

- That Simeon and I would use our time well

- That we would grow more in discipline

- Relationships with other staff

- Health

- That would be completely surrendered to Christ's will for our lives

Rejoicing,

julie

Big changes

2011-04-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened in the last 3 weeks. A LOT! I started working at the pre-school I am suppose to teach swim lessons at this summer. I have sooo enjoyed the last 3 weeks there. I'm officially in love with all 3-4 year olds. Its such a fun age and they are just too cute and sweet. Sadly, my last day is on Friday.

So here is the big News...we quit out jobs and we are moving away from Houston in 2 weeks. Crazy, I know, but we are so excited and feel so relieved to get out of here for a time.

So where are we going? We are moving to work at Camp Tejas in Giddings, TX. I worked there for 3 summers and enjoyed every minute of it...nearly ;). We are so excited that we get to work out there together, grow more in our walks with God, and just get to be out in the beautiful nature that God has created for us. Did I mention that we are really excited??

So right now we are packing, getting rid of a bunch of stuff, we are going to make a quick run to Alabama for a few days to see my family. Then we'll come back and have a fun Stella and Dot party, garage sale, say some goodbyes, move what we can into storage and then off to Camp Tejas for 3 months. We have a busy couple of weeks, but we are really excited.

If you feel led, we would love some prayer during this time and this summer. Please pray that the Lord will soften our hearts and make us very teachable and humble this summer. Pray that I will trust in the Lord for all things and not let my anxiety take hold of me. Pray that everything would go smoothly in moving, sale and donating out stuff.

I'll be updating periodically this summer to let everyone know what is going with us, so check in to see our adventures!

Not the best, but pretty good

2011-02-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

BEST POEM IN THE WORLD

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Bob, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

'And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said,
'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

JUDGE NOT!!

Remember...Just going to church doesn't make you a
Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Every saint has a PAST...
Every sinner has a FUTURE!

Day 4

2011-02-19T19:44:00.001-08:00

Completed day 4 of the shred. Its getting a wee bit easier...so thankful that Simeon is doing it with me. Hope everyone has had a great Saturday.

3 job possibilities...really?!?

2011-02-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

I had my interview today for an ESL aid position. I was super nervous and I felt way under qualified...it went okay. I had a difficult time understanding the principle, but aside from that I felt good about my responses. So, I was kind of surprised that he called me 4 hours later to ask me to come in for a 2nd interview on Monday!!! I still don't feel super stoked about the position, but I feel so excited that I could actually qualify.

I did hear back from the other school I interviewed at for the swim instructor job this summer and guess what.... I GOT IT!!! I'm so excited!! I love being outside so much and it will give me some great experience with teaching kids to really see if I want to continue down the road of teaching.

So for now I will continue working at Starbucks and then transition over to swim lessons come May. We'll see what happens with this ESL position...

Now for the shred...

Peace

The Shred...

2011-02-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I started the 3o day shred. Its a rear kicking exercise program!!! My hubs and I just finished and we both feel like we could pass out. And get this...its only a 20 min. workout! We are pathetic! My goal is to really stick to my guns and do the work out everyday for 30 days. I'll let you know if I keep to it ;)

In other news I finally have a job! I am now a barista at Starbucks. I also have had another interview for the summer as a swim instructor for little ones...I really hope I get it because I would love to have an excuse to be outside everyday playing in the water with kids. AND...I have another job interview tomorrow for an ESL teaching position. I also have 2 other prospects...but they are still prospects. I'm so thankful to finally have so many opportunities. The Lord has been so good to provide for us just with Simeon working. My sweet husband has been so encouraging and patient while I figure out what I want to do. None of the things above are really what I want to do long term, but they are going to help me get there (more about that later ;).

Thank you my King for your provision and how

much you love your children. Please guide us

in the way we should walk and help us to keep

our eyes on you in everything we do. May we

seek, do and serve all for your glory and not

for our own. You are so faithful and good Papa.

love,

your daughter

Good Night!

Houston home

2010-11-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

We have now been living in Houston for 6 months...crazy! Its been a great adventure so far and we are excited to see what more our King has in store for us in this crazy bustling city we now call home.

During these last 6 months I have been unemployed. I complained a lot at first, but then this whole staying at home cooking, cleaning, decorating, painting and being uber craftsy really grew on me and now I'm beyond words grateful for this time I've had to process and explore new things. With all this creative time and energy our house became my canvas. I found myself changing something everyday or coming up with new ideas to avoid having to go out and buy something that is not what I really wanted. So here are some pics of our casa.

Kitchen window looking out into the backyard

Dinning room

Dinning room from the living room

I made this rug from 2 coffee bean sacks :)

ART ROOM!!!

Simeon's office/ guest room

Tree I painted for Simeon

I refurbished the night stand...it took forever,

but I think it is pretty darn cute now

not a great photo...

Simeon's awesome desk. We found this super cool door on one

of our curbside scavenges :)

These mason jars were my grandparent's that we re-purposed for our bathroom

Simeon's Aunt and uncle gave us this beautiful cargo

hutch along with 2 sofas and a bed! We are so thankful!

Kitchen!

Our bedroom

"Hinds' Feet on High Places"

2010-08-16T10:24:00.001-07:00

" Love is beautiful, but it is also terrible-- terrible in its determination to allow nothing blemished or unworthy to remain in the beloved." The Shepherd

I have had loads of time to read this summer. One of the books that I read early in the summer was very impacting to my life. The quote above comes from the book, "Hinds' Feet on High Places." The book is allegorically written. The main character is "Much-Afraid" and her journey to "The High Places." Words cannot express how much I felt myself identify with Much-Afraid. I use to find myself fearless and invincible. I did not think twice about going to overseas, I knew it was what I was suppose to do. I felt so confident and assured that I was walking in the right path and that I had no reason to fear. I knew my God would protect me and if anything did happen I knew whole-heartedly that he is Sovereign and that I would be with him in life or death. However, I have struggle this last year, year and half with fear. At times I feel that it could overtake me at any moment. I don't understand why this feeling of fear has grown so strong. Is it because I've finally reached that age of knowing I'm not invincible any longer? Reading the story of "Much-Afraid" helped me to understand that I don't have to be afraid and even when I am afraid the Great Shepherd still loves me and does not think any less of me. He longs for me to reach and live in the High Places. He longs for me to trust him and understand, accept and share his love. He wants to give me Hinds Feet so that I can not only endure difficult situations or times, but grow and have an overwhelming confidence that He is with me always and has equipped me to be His daughter and therefore do what I am called to do. God loves me so much that he is NEVER going to stop sifting the things that are not from Him out of me. His love does not give up.

While reading this book I sat in front of my easel. I felt so inspired and full of joy, love, peace and just plain freedom that I had to create something while God is continuing to create in me a new heart. This is probably one of my favorite paintings I have ever done. Its nothing special in appearance perhaps, but so many tears and epiphanies are painted in each stroke of my brush. I haven't painted anything for myself in very long time...I have felt limited in creativity because I always have commissions that I need to work on and therefore I'm dependent on other peoples creativity to get my hand moving. So this painting represents freedom to me. Freedom from fear and disappointment. It also reminds me of God's love for me and how he is continually washing me over with new colors of brilliance and beauty. As much as I don't want to part with this painting, I think its necessary to continue to live in freedom. At times I feel that I won't be able to recreate or even create something new or old. The more I give or sell my paintings the more I have to depend on God to give me ideas or bring me people with ideas. So this painting is for sell for $200.

Paintings...

2010-08-06T05:53:00.001-07:00

The first ten paintings I did for a friend to give to all of her bridesmaids and house party. It was such a fun experience. The bride told me about each of her friends and how special and unique they are. I was able to draw ideas from what she was telling me and create something personal for each girl.

The last painting I painted for a friend in College Station. Trees are very meaningful to her and she had such a beautiful image painted in her mind that she shared with me and then I attempted to create a physical piece of remembrance for her.

Sometimes just painting commissions can be stressful and difficult...for a number of reasons. At the same time I think everyone is creative in different ways. Many people come up with images in their head that they would love to see painted. I'm glad I get to be apart of other peoples creativeness...actually I've kind of become a little dependent on it!

Papa's Provision

2010-04-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

It has been some time since I have sat down to blog. I first started blogging because I was in Barcelona and wanted to keep people informed of the adventures going there. After my time in Spain, there was not a whole lot that I felt the need to share with the rest of the blog world. Really I just do not like sitting down to write about things that are not worth sharing. I think too, I'm wee bit lazy. I'm tired of excuses for not sharing things that I feel people need to hear. There are great things to share. Not for my glory but for my Fathers Glory. Despite my desire to please those around me and not put myself out there for criticism, I'm taking a step in faith to share of the love of Jesus Christ and his adoration for His children. So, here goes.

August 7, 2009 I married my best friend. We were not, and still aren't, finished with school. We both work part-time jobs and have been part time students for the most part. We knew that in deciding to get married while we were still in school we could possibly have some difficultly financially, but we didn't care. We both lived very frugal lives and still do. In deciding to go ahead and get married, we have seen Jesus provide in some beautiful ways. So I'm going to share with you some of those ways. I think it is important for believers to know, so that we can celebrate and rejoice in the love of our Father and how good He is to His children. To clarify, I'm not saying this just because he gave Simeon and I some material things. The Creator of the Heavens and Earth loves and delights in his children and he gives reasons every moment of everyday to rejoice and celebrate. So,I don't want to just share when God gives us material goods, but I want to learn to share more of the grace He has shown me, what He is teaching me, how is showing His love to me by refining me, not just the material provision. Today though, I am going to share the material provision God has lavished on us.

Back in December we asked for Best Buy gift cards for Christmas. We were in dire need of a new computer. We were blessed to receive just what we asked for. The gift cards were not going to quite cover the cost of a new computer, but they were sure going to help. So we were still trying to figure out how to come up with money to make the purchase.

We went to Alabama for part of our Christmas break and visited with some dear friends. On the way back the wife of the couple decided to ride with us back to Texas. So we went to pick her up and while we were at there apartment, the need for a computer came up some how. These dear friends then offered us an extra computer they had that they weren't using. We were in shock and overcome with thankfulness.

So we still have the Best Buy gift cards at this point.

Also in December Simeon was offered a job in Houston. He accepted the job and now we are making the steps to move to Houston. We are stoked. We also acknowledged that I am directionally challenge and Houston is MASSIVE! So we thought that using the Best Buy gift cards should be put towards a GPS device. The gift cards were still not going to cover the full cost of the GPS, so we have just been waiting until we could afford to make up what the gift cards would not cover.

Simeon had coffee with friend last week. His friend and finacee are moving to Houston after they get married. So the boys were talking about Houston and the need of a GPS. His friend already had one. Moments later a girl came and tapped on Simeon's shoulder with a GPS in her hand. She explained to Simeon that she felt embarrassed for having been listening to their conversation, but she couldn't help herself. She then explained that her family is very blessed and that they have at least 5 GPS devices and that she no longer needs the one in her hand. She told Simeon that she wants us to have it. AMAZING!

So to this day we still have our Best Buy gift cards.

Another event that took place between the two previous stories was during Spring Break. My grandfather on my mom's side passed away from numerous health issues. It was really hard on my mom. He was her best friend and I think his life made her feel like her life had purpose ( which her life still has a lot of purpose). I knew that we (Simeon, my sister and I), needed to make the trip to Alabama for his memorial service. At this point we are struggling financially and spring break was going to be our catch up week. We believed though that Lord would provide ( i was still anxious despite my words though). I shared all of this with a dear friend. The Sunday following the Friday of my grandfathers death my dear friend approached me with $100 bill in hand. She explained that God left it in the grass for her mom to find and for them to give it to us to help us go to Alabama. Again, we were shocked, humbled and extremely grateful.

I hope you are encouraged by these 3 stories. They have encouraged us deeply. I want to never forget the amazing things God has done for me. The small and the big things. I want to take from experiences like these a stronger unmovable faith that God is going to do far more than I ever expected and provide in amazing ways for His GLORY alone. Praise be to God!

Lastly, today is Good Friday. Many years ago Jesus died for us on this day. Why? Because of love. He knew that if He gave himself to death the people He loved so much would get to spend eternity with Him if they chose/choose to believe. What a reason to celebrate!

good intentions

2008-05-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow finals start. I have my History of the New Testament final along with a paper due. Tuesday I have my Art History test and Wednesday my Anthropology test and then I'm done...well for the semester. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. Just yesterday it feels like I just stepped off the plane from Barcelona. Now I'm about to embark on another adventure with my 3rd summer at Camp Tejas and then another semester in Barcelona then back to A&M until I graduate...I hope.

Reflecting on how this semester has gone, I have to say its bitter sweet. My intentions of not becoming a super busy American turned out to just be intentions and not reality. Sadly my friends and other people in my life were not a top priority apart from God. School seemed to consume me and I'm sad that I let it. People are so much more important than school ever will be, yet I did not live that way this semester. In other ways it was a great semester, I learned so much. I came to the conclusion that it is not bad to be an American, but it is bad to act like its the only way life can truly be life. I was born in the US for a purpose and I have learned to be thankful for that. Adjusting from life in Spain was difficult at times, but all in all God has been so gracious. He has allowed my friends to be understanding and be gracious towards me. He has allowed so many sweet moments to just spend time with him. I have forsaken him so many times. I let my fear and worries about school consume me, rather than trusting in the one who holds all things together and knows what is going to happen and what needs to happen. The Lord truly blessed me with some wonderful roommates, which I am beyond words to express my thankfulness for their lives. Two of them are getting married and though I'm so excited for their new lives that they are about to begin, I must say I'm sad i won't get to live with them any longer. The Lord has also brought a wonderful man into my life that makes me want to fall more in love with my savior each time i talk to him. There is so much that I have not yet learned, but its not a race its takes years and experience to gain wisdom. Its been a funny semester, not at all like what I was expecting. I expecting to stay angry at the American culture, spend more time with friends than school, paint more often, stay single and lots of other things that just didn't happen.
Well, those are my thoughts. I should probably start studying for my final and finish my paper. Happy Thursday.

Silent Buses

2008-02-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

I go to a University of 47,000 students. As soon as we get accepted to Texas A&M we have an instant connection, we are all Aggies now. So why is it when riding the bus, we ride in silence? I mean we all have at least one thing in common, so why do shut down as soon as we get in the presence of the thing that takes us to campus or home? Everytime I walk to the bus stop I tell myself, "okay, today i'm going to talk to the person I'm sitting next too, b/c this is just ridiculous!" So I get on the bus full of good intentions and see that the person I'm sitting next too has already cut me off with technology singing in their ears...the i-pod. So I have continued to ride in silence with the rest of the aggies on my bus. Its really sad. Today there was an awesome song from 90 's on (I can't remeber what is was right now). It took everything within me (kind of) to not get up and start dancing and telling people how silly it is that we don't enjoy our rides to campus and home by talking to eacher other. Maybe I should initiate a game...hmm.

I have been reading a bunch of books and different cultures. One of them was talking about how American's are so friendly and willign to offer opportunities to hang out with people, yet we never follow through it seems. I feel like in general (which I hate generalizations, but well here goes) that we tend to be consumed with how feel about something that we forget about the people around us. I'm selfish, i know that full well. Meeting and taking the opportunity to know other people are so important to how to gain different perspectives on the world. People are worth our time and our discomfort. I know how it feels when someone takes time to ask me about my life and just pay some attention to me...yet I'm so shy in returning it. I pray that I won't ride a silent bus for all my time at A&M. Its just sad.

Overwhelmed

2008-01-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

Classes started on Monday. They are all really interesting and I have awesome professors. HOwever, they are all reading intensive and important to my major. I love to read, so I don't think it will be so bad once I get a routine down. Along with classes, the carrer center came and talked to my Intro. into International Studies class today about all the things we need to do to get prepared to find a job before we graduate. I have never worried about what I'm going to do after I graduate, until today. I don't know why, i just all of sudden was so unsure of everything my heart has been saying to me for so long. I started to make a list in my head of people to talk to about future carrers and paths that would be good for me to follow. As I'm typing this and rereading what I just put down, i'm seeing that thats not me and I don't believe that I am suppose to go into some kind of international buisness, or teaching or whatever else those people may say. I know my heart and I what I want to do. Way above that, I belive and trust that God knows my heart as well and He is going to take care of me...and all my student loans. My career path may not be clearly defined, heck I probably wont have a career, but I have to hope that God knows what He is doing. It so easy to be in place where people have such high expectations of you and you start wanting to reach them, when they just don't fit how are created to be. I'm definitly in that place. I want my professors to like me and know that I am passionate about what I'm studying, but I can't spend time worrying about it and trying to reach human standards, b/c then I forgot about God and what He wants of me and He is the one I find peace from. Its crazy how wacked out I can get from other people. I don't know if anyone else can relate, but seriously don't fret over people liking you or not liking you or having ridiculous expectations of you. Living for Jesus is the most freeing thing there is, b/c he has it all taken care of. Galations 1:10 says " For am I seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please me, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." I need to tatto this thing to my head, my hand...everywhere, b/c its hard and easy to forget.

Learning

2007-12-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

I was stuck in traffic in Mobile on my home...it was a beautiful day, so I decided to snap some photos while waiting.

So I'm back in the States from Barcelona. Its been good to be home. Right now I'm in alabama with my family and its been good to get to catch up with them and just sit in their presence. I have had soo much fun playing with my 18 month old brother. He is beyond adorable...of course I'm sure I'm biased, but really he is pretty darn cute. He loves cell phones right now and he'll pretend to talk on it when he gets hold of one. oh, and he also knows how to "gig'em", (its when you put your thumb up and say "gig'em ags" at Texas A&M) like i said...pretty darn cute! My sister and I are leaving Tuesday to drive back to Texas and then I'll head up to Arlington for a couple of days then go back to my grandparents and try to get everything together to move back to College Station for another semester. Then I start back to work January 10th and then classes start the 14th. I can't believe it is all happening so quickly.

along with it being good to be home, it has also been hard and confusing. I lived in a culture completly different from mine for 3 months and I learned so much and my eyes were opened up to so much. Being thrown back into my culture, where I only speak English and I understand what people are saying when I pass them on the street, or not having to stress about how to say something when I go out to eat...its all really weird. On top of that, trying to explain to people my experience is also difficult. there is so much to say, but I'm at loss for words when people ask me and don't have time to listen. I'm really uncomfortable back here and I'm not even where I'm going to be living for the semester. I keep trying to think about what my mindset and thoughts were when i arrived in Barcelona. I remember thinking alot about being a student in every aspect. A student of culture, language, art, school, people... I wanted and believed that I needed to learn from the people that, I believe, God put in my path to be there to guide me and help me find my way around the city and adapt to the culture. so I have been thinking about that the past couple of days and I'm seeing that I need to be a student of my own culture. I don't have it all figured out,and lets face it, I never will. I think it is important to be rooted on certain aspects of our lives, but to also be willing to listen and learn from other people. I believe that God can and does teach through other people, weather they believe in the same God as you, or have the same political views, or they are from a different culture or race or family or different backgroud and experiences. So, i'm seeking to be student of my home, my family, who I'm with or around. Its alot harder here and honestly I'm not that aware as I should be of the importance of listening and being present where I'm at. Its funny how cultural prejudices are there and you don't even know why.

I'm not sure how I will fit back in College Station, Texas. I hope that I will remain a student in every aspect. I want and need to learn so much. do you ever have those times when you reflect on the things you have said and done in the past and just cringe at your ignorance and are even kind of embarassed? Well, I've been doing that. I hate it when I think about the past in that way, but I guess its another way of how I learn. I'm continuing to learn to understand that I need to have patience and grace with myself. God has given me so much grace and he is so patient with me.

"26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

I love this verse from the Bible. It gives me hope and a desire to trust in God and not in myself. I can't live this life without Him. I try many days and for even long periods of time, but I see a difference when I depend on God each day and not myself.

Happy New Year!

Questions...

2007-12-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

How do you explain the last 3 months of your life?

How do you answer "So how was Spain?"?

How do you adapt back to American culture, but still hold on to the things that are important to you from Spanish culture?

How are you going to keep up your spanish?

How are you going to stay in touch with your friends in Barcelona and be there for your friends in the States?

How are you going to work, go to school, be involved in the community, spend time knowing and learning about Jesus, stay connected with friends and family, paint, write, try to make good grades and not go crazy?

What is life going to be like after these 3 months in Barcelona?

Am I going to have the same friends?

Is my life going to be different after being away for 3 months?

I'm a girl of questions right now. I'm freaked out about going home. Can I be honest? I can't wait to see the people in my life that I love, but I'm going to miss the ones I have come to love here in Barcelona more than I know how to explain. I can't believe how fast my time here as gone by. while it was happening it seemed like it was going so slow, but now that its over its like "what?!?! I leave Saturday??!?!" I have no words to express how thankful I am to have been able to live in Barcelona for these past 3 months. I have met so many wonderful people and made some priceless friendships. I have been able to live in a city that is older than my own country. I have met people from all over the world and have lived with them. Oh, there is so much...somethings wonderful and exciting and other things that were and are hard to deal with and I'm not sure how its going to look when I get back to the states. Its a journey and my experience in Barcelona is not just a page in my journal. I pray that I will continue to learn from time here and that my life will be different in the states.

On a present note...I'm going to Barca championship futball (soccer) game tomorrow...WHOOP!! I'm pretty excited! I have a paper I am going to try to start tonight or early tomorrow morning...thankfully there is a starbucks very close to my residencia. Friday I'm going to Montjuic with some friends and one my friends from Spanish class, her and her husband are opening a bar here in Barcelona, so a bunch of us are going to the opening that night. then i'm probably not going to go to sleep, since Tanner and I have to get a taxi at 5am and then we leave Barcelona at 7:30 to London, then to Chicago. In Chicago Tanner and I split and he flies to Dallas and I fly to Houston. Its going to be long day. I think I'll arrive in Houston at 5:30am Barcelona time and like 9:30 Texas time. So weird to think about it all. Now I should probably start packing, but I think I'm going to go sleep instead. Buenas Noches!

learning to be a child

2007-11-21T04:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think we try to grow ourselves up way to fast. I was sitting in Starbucks the other morning enjoying Christmas music and some wonderful Christmas blend coffee. I place myself next to a window where I could see all the tourists with their Barcelona guide books and crazy confusing maps stretched out trying to decide where to go. As I'm gazing out the window, I see a little girl walking with her mom. next thing I see, is the little girl steps up on the edge of the window to walk a bit taller next to her mom. It seems that it was all done in silence, but I did I have a window between me and the possible words that could have flown. The little girls expression though, was like "there is a place where i can be taller when I walk, so why shouldn't I?..Duh!" For some reason this just warmed my heart and made me think about how fast I am trying to grow up. I'm such a planner. I get a month ahead of myself all the time and miss the gift of the moments I am so blessed to have. I want to be that little girl, and jump up on a ledge and walk just because its fun to be taller than you really are. Given, i'm not a fan of high heel shoes, but i do like rollercoasters and being at the top of a mountain. How often do we just do stuff because its fun? i don't do it as nearly as much as i feel compelled sometimes...but hopefully I am changing and will a bit more now.

More thoughts...
I'm living in such a crazy, beautiful, ecclectic, delightfully charming city. Yes, their are tons of toursits all of the time, but there are also beautiful Spainards and other nationalities that are trying to make life happen here. I'm falling in love with my life here. Its hard in some ways to not always be surrounded by other believers in Jesus Christ, but at the same time its blissfully wonderful. To no longer feel like you are competeting for Holiness against your friends and family you dearly love. I'm alone, I do have my friends from the states that have the same beliefs, but I don't see them everyday. I'm alone, I have no one to measure myself agaisnt, but Jesus Christ, and lets face it, I don't compare to the King of Kings and the Prince of Peace. I am being so humbled and so humilitated by my lack of understanding of what it means to be a child of God. I don't have it figured out. I'm messed up, like the rest of us. The moment I think I have it figured out, I fall on my face and I miss the point once again. thankfully, I'm loved as i am in this moment by my Creator. Jesus loves me when I pitch fit, when I'm unfaithful, when my selfishness rules over what He wants, he loves me as i am in that moment. The more I seek Him the more I am refined and made more like Him. It doesn't happen over night. It takes time. I'm learning to be patient with myself. God is so patient with me.

One of my favorite things I have done lately was Saturday my friend Rose and i went on a hunt to find an ice skating rink, well by the time we found it, it was closing. By that time we were pretty hungry. A popular food in the winter in Catalunya is sweet potatoes and chestnuts. So Rose and I had to Las Ramblas to a little vendor on the side and bought roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes (are you singing the Christmas song in your head...yes!). Then we headed to Plaza Catalunya to sit and enjoy our meal while watching the people. It was so much fun! Rose is a fellow gluten-intolerant friend and since McDonalds has gluten-free stuff, we decided to have a Mcflurry for dessert. It was a fantastic day! So here are some pics from that.

"chestnuts roasting on an open fire...Jack frot nipping at your nose..." oh I love Christmas!

Yummy!!!

Here are some girls from my resi. We had a birthday party for one of the girls, Adrianna, and also a going away party for my friend Gaby.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

These are a few of my favorite things...

2007-11-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

To make the time here go by slower I have become increasingly more aware of the things in BCN that I simply just adore and the things that I don't think I will miss to much.

I love that each day I walk to class I see and hear someone playing an instrument or singing their heart out to make some money. I love that on a random day, like today, there is a movie being filmed...yeah its a Spanish movie so don't get to excited, but hey famous people here in Barcelona, pretty awesome. I love that you can buy chocolate pretty much anywhere. I love that there is always an ice cream shop in sight. I love that you can buy coffee anywhere...even in my school; it comes out of a machine, but its really good. I love it when I see people dancing to the beat of someones music. i love that people just stop where they are at and just start kissing...I don't know that this is necessarily a great thing, but I like seeing people live in the moment and being real. I love that I have to walk pretty much everywhere I go. I love buying my food in open market. I love that I can look out almost any window and see something extraordinarily beautiful. (I think i am contradicting my last post with the use of love...but I'm trying to emphasis how much I like it here). i love pomegranates (I'm eating one as I type this post). I love public transportation...I'm just not that great at driving. I love the people, the culture, my friends...so much more.

I'm not a big fan of poop on the side walk, tourist...hmm I think I qualify as one. The random whiffs of what smells like raw sewage is pretty awful. Cars and motos driving down this little streets. even though I say I don't like these things...I'm probably going to miss them.

Along with seeing the things that I see each day in Barcelona I have become more aware of the presence of God. I'm trying to look for him in all things that I see, because He is everywhere. One of the things I say to myself everyday when i am in the midst of fear or just being overwhelmed I whisper to myself "I have Jesus." I do. I have Jesus. he gives me life each day. He knows no fear. I am who I am because I have Jesus in my life. He is taking care of me. That's another thing i was thinking about the other day. God has never let me down. Never. I have never been disappointed at what He has done in my life. He is so faithful...not like people. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us. Let me say that again. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus, his only son, to die for us. You know why? Because he loves us and he wants us to spend all eternity with Him. But even beyond that. God does not want us to have "life" insurance by saying we believe in Him and believe that Jesus rose from the dead. He wants us to know Him now. He wants us to have satisfaction in Him. He wants us to enjoy His presence. He wants to hear our voice talking to Him when we are distressed or in fear. He doesn't want us to wait until we are standing before Him at the gates of Heaven to know Him more. We can know Him now.

Here are some pictures of some of my favorite things...yes I have watched a bit of The Sound of Music recently.

this is picture of an old palace at Montjuic. Now its an art museum. It is one of my favorite places I have visited so far.

this the view from the top of Montjuic...isn't it gorgeous!?!

These are some of our friends from school at our Halloween party.

this is at Montserrat. Its a good 2 hour train/bus/metro/walking from Barcelona.

That's right...its movie being filmed...so cool!

The best coffee shop in the world!

Lastly, people dancing the traditional Catalan dance, that i forgot the name of.

This is Haley, Tanner, Rose, Sonya and me at an awesome Irish bar. It reminds me of Harry Potter.

Karin, Me and Gaby. We all live together in my residencia.

This Sofie from Belgium. We also live together.

So here is tiny glimpse of my life here in Barcelona. Have a fantastic day!

What is Love?

2007-10-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

What is love? How does it look? What does it mean to love someone? In the Bible I have found many passages that I have been meditating on trying to understand more of what Love is.

Galatians 5:6 "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

Galatians 5:13-15 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command; 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will destroyed by each other."

Galatians 5: 22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

1 Corinthians 13 "If I speak in tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I ma fully known. And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the GREATEST of these is love."

Philippians 2:1-5 "If you have any encouragement fromg being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better tahn yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of the others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

I'm learning that Love is the most important thing to continue to learn and study about. But really loving is so much more than throwing the word around. I think about how many times a day I say, "I love chocolate, or I love coffee, or I love this or that..." really?!?! I mean those things can't love me back. What does it really mean to love? Jesus Christ is the best example of what Love is. He died on the cross for ALL men's sins. He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but took the very nature of a servant (Phil. 2:6-7). He loves me when I dishonor Him, when I say "yes" to what I want over what He wants. He loves me when I am selfish, when I say mean things or think horrible thoughts...He still loves me. Not just me...He loves all men. He desires for all men to know Him and to know of His love, the love that only He can give. Love...what does it mean to you?

Adventures in Spanish

2007-10-17T01:51:00.000-07:00

So learning a new language is fun, not easy, and lets just say a different exciting adventure. For example, on Friday my friend Eunice and I were on our way to Sagrada Familia. I told her "nessicito un cafe antes de vamos Sagrada Familia," translated that means I need coffee before we leave. So after that I thought she said we would get it on the way and she asked me where I liked to get coffee. I told here it didn't matter, anywhere is fine. So she started walking and I followed...so I thought. After a good 10 minutes, she told me "your coffee sure is far away" So it turns out I was following her and she was following me...with no direction in mind. We laughed for a little bit then made our way to Starbucks. I'm thankful we were able to laugh about and not get discouraged b/c she was talking to me in English and I was talking to her in Spanish. Oh the adventures.

Another thing i have realized with learning a new language is fear. Its amazing how not being able to express yourself with words can lead you to be afraid of things that you never thought you would be afriad of. Yesterday happened to be one of those days...I was afraid to even go get cereal out of my cabinet in the kitchen, b/c I didn't want to run into someone and not udnerstand them and then not be able to have a conversation. One night I literally ate peanut butter b/c I did not want to be embarassed with my American way of cooking...more like lack of cooking. I have been afraid to ask for help, b/c I know the frustration of them not being able to understand me and me not understand them and we both turn red in the face. I'm afraid sometimes to even go wash my clothes b/c I'm really not sure if there is a time when I can and can't wash clothes. Sadly these are some of the fears I have acquired being here. I'm not writing this to make you feel sorry for me...please whatever you do, don't feel sorry for me. I'm learning from these things and striving to remeber that God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind. Thankful fear did not stop me from coming to Spain and I'm seeking the Lord to not let it stop me from actually "being" in Spain. Its an adventure, thats all. What adventure have you heard of when someone didn't fall and scrape their knee, get dirty, fall down and get a little more hungry than usual? I'm learning and thats the important thing. I want to learn from every person i encounter each day. I am a student of the culture here in Barcelona, of Spanish, of people and I'm a student of the word of God. Its just kind of funny the things that fear will let you do. I'm glad I'm more aware of it now, so I can not let it defeat me. Its only in giving it to the Lord each day will I be able to not let fear bring me down.

Some thoughts from Spain

2007-10-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures thus far in Barcelona!

So I started language school this past Monday...Yay!!! It really is great. I'm so thankful that we even started 3 weeks after arriving, because now I'm so familar with always hearing and speaking Spanish and it has actually been a great encouragment...I understand 97% of what my professor says. Praise the Lord!! Honestly it is only because of God that I am able to speak and understand the Spanish that I hear each day...all glory to His name for that blessing! With starting language school we have met quite a few more people. They all speak in English...which is a nice break for my brain. It is really exhausting each day trying to think and speak in a language that is not your "mother" language, my friend Karin would say. It has gotten more tiring these past few days, because we actually have some what of a schedule now ontop of what we were doing before school...so at the end of each day I'm in need of good nights rest. But I love it!!! I love the language...I want to forget English. No worries I still speak english...clearly, but I really am enjoying learning Spanish in a culture where I have to learn it...its soo much easier than sitting in a classroom in the states.

On top of language school I signed up and paid for art classes yesterday at Davinci escola d'art (Catalan), in other words Leonardo Davinci school of art. I'm going to be focusing on drawing (dibujando) and painting (pintando). I'm excited to get to learn from other people and be humbled as well. yesterday when I went to the school to sign up and fill out information...which was quite an adventure by the way, I felt like a lost puppy. I needed to show my teacher some of my work on the computer and well, I'm in Spain and the computers are in Spanish and on top of that is was a Mac...so I couldn't figure some things for the life of me. thankfully I remebered how to ask "can you help me" and some people assisted me in getting to my pictures. Well then I had to wait for the teacher...who was super busy. So I walked around the small school and admired the art on all the walls, I observed how focused everyone was and how tranquel and sereal that moment was. I looked out of a window and peered at all the busy shoppers under the gray sky. I felt like I was in a movie...it was a very romantic moment in that it dawned on me that I am in Barcelona, Spain for three months...how amazing. I am only here because God provided a way for me to be here. I have never been more out of my comfort zone, never more challenged or moved in my life. It is truly beautiful what God is doing.

One of the things that I am learning about is how precious time is. I am seeing how ridiculously busy I am in the states. I hate it. I have never been more at peace with life than I am now. We take so many moments for granted and we miss so many opportunities to truly love and develop relationships because of a meeting for this club or this event is going on, or we have to work or we are taking more hours than we should so we are studying all the time. is it worth it? For me...no. People deserve more time. Don't get me wrong...I definitely fit the mold of an overinvolved college student, but I pray that I when I return to the states that God will give me wisdom in how to have a less stressful life. I pray that we will all examine our lives and see where we spend most of our time. Is it things that really matter? How deep are our friendships? How much sleep do we get at night? Who are we living for?...are we living to be excepted by a job, our friends, family expectaions or whatever. What and who are we living for? These are challeging questions for me...I'm a people pleaser and I don't like when I upset someone or someone doesn't like me. Sad. Really it is sad. I want to choose each moment of each day to give to my God. The Lord of Lords, The King of Kings, The Prince of Peace, My Creator and giver of each day of life. If I give Him all things He makes life for me and I have to choose to say yes to His will for my life...and lets face it...who knows better than the one who created my inmost being, who knit me together in mother's womb, who laid out my days before me...the one who made me does. (Psalm 39)

Speaking without words

2007-10-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of my favorite door and graffiti...and I'm not computer savy...so i have no idea how to turn them upright. But pretty cool uh? If you want to see more pictures of Barcelona just send me an e-mail and I'll send you a link to look at them

Today I went out with a friend from my residencia. Her name is Eunice; she is very funny and her English is very good. She offered to show me some more places where I can buy groceries for a better price and then we went to buenas migas for some coffee and to practice speaking in English and Spanish. As we were walking and struggling to understand each other, I started to think about how much I depend on my words to express who I am...or really to make myself feel better about who I am to other people. I think that makes sense? Now I'm learning, for most of my time here all I really have are my actions and simple gestures, such as smiling, hugging, or the traditional kiss on both cheeks, to show my love to other people. Its very difficult and honestly today was a day where I got very frustrated with just being able to explain to someone that I lost my glasses. My pride is being knocked down in every way and I'm being filled with humility, which is beautiful, but man its not fun to go through. I long to speak and understand Spanish better, but honestly right now its to make myself feel better about myself...which is probably why it is soo difficult. I'm learning so much about how selfish I am and that the things I feel I need I need the most, I don't need. All I can do is keep trusting in the Lord for his timing in understanding this beautiful language...thankfully he is continuing to give me the desire to learn it, but not without a struggle.

Life in BCN so far

2007-10-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I have now been in Barcelona for almost 3 weeks. It is all kind of blurr to me now that I think about it. Sadly I have been sick for a little over a week now, so that has limited me to not really function as "julie," but I am getting better and am learning how to function despite how I feel. So basicly the past week I have been trying to take it easy and rest alot, which has been difficult at night, but during the day has been good.

Besides being ill, I have been exploring this beautiful city and learning to let it become my home. Mine and Tanner's schedules have been a bit empty b/c we haven't started language school yet. So Tuesday we decided to get together and hang out, b/c we have both been getting pretty bored. So we met and had coffe at Buenas Migas...which is a wonderful, adorable, amazing coffee shop! That is one thing about Spain I know I'm going to miss when i return home. Not to mention the chocolate here is incredible as well...I have pretty much been having a bar a day...I'm totally justifying it too by saying I walk at least 5 miles a day. Anyways, after we had some cafe con leche and chatted for a bit we began our mission of taking pictures of random things. I focused on doors and grafiti. my first day in BCN i could not get over how beautiful and different all the doors are here. I know...I go to Barcelona and the thing that impresses me the most are doors! And the grafiti here is not considered rude or disrepectful to property, its considered art...and some of it is really impressive. So Tanner and I walked around the city doing that and stopped for lunch at this great little Mexican restaurant...its my favorite place to eat so far!

After lunch we wanted to see if could find our language school...which we start on Monday. We will be going to class from 1:30-3:30 5 days a week for 2 months. On top of language shcool I've decided to take some art classes as well. So I went today with Eva, another girl here from the states, and looked at her art school. the school is soo adorable and very ecclectic (sp?). I must say I am little intimidated, not b/c of the art aspect, but the spanish. Not being able to understand what people are saying and not being understood is a frustration i am very well aquainted with now. Today though the Lord reminded me of a verse in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline." I can't let fear stop me from doing what i love and desire to learn more about.

There is a little bit of what is going on. I'm going to try to be better about posting and I'll try to put some pictures up later as well!

Paintings and pictures of my sweet brother

2007-09-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some paintings I did while I was home in Alabama. Some of them the Lord used to provide monehy for me to go to Spain...so pretty sweet. I also put some pics up of my sweet 15 month old brother...isn't he just plan adorable!!

Getting ready for Spain

2007-09-10T17:51:00.001-07:00

Its finally here!! I leave for Spain this Sunday the 16th and I'm so super excited! I don't think the reality of it is really hitting me yet, but man I can't wait!

This summer has been awesome in so many different ways. I took classes, worked, spent some great time with my family in Alabama and now in Texas, went to an awesome conference this past weekend, painted, read some great books and just spent good time with friends. Now I get to go and make some new friends, learn more spanish, learn more about life in a different culture, see more beauty of this world and just have a plain awesome time. I'm going with expectation! I know it will be difficult too, but what isn't. Its going to be alot of about choosing how to take each day and making the most of each moment I am given rejoicing and with being thankful.

I pretty much going to be putting photos on here and send out e-mails with my updates. I have not quite yet figured out how to put photos on here, but it could be that my grandparents have dial-up and it just doesn't like crazy things such as photos being moved from place to place. So hopefully I will get that going soon and I put up pictures from home, FOCUS (the conference), and some my paintings. If your are reading this and your not and on my e-mail update list, just let me know and I'll add you. Happy Monday!