Enjoying the Journey

When the house fell through Jeff and I's first question was "Lord, what are you up to?" Jeff even said it was like manna from heaven. It just fell into our laps and just seemed perfect for us.

And well you know the rest of the story.

For the past few weeks, Jeff and I have been looking at houses but nothing has felt like home. I would like one but he wouldn't and vice versa. Needless to say, I knew something big was about to happen.

About this time last week, Jeff and I were having our daily walk & talks around the neighborhood when he started telling me what was on his heart. At first I wanted to kick and scream and cry out no. In fact, I did for about 20 steps then I stopped, asked him to start over and turned my listening ears on.

When Jeff and I first got married, my brother encouraged us to take Crown Financial Bible Study. (Does this mean I can blame my big brother for the latest turn of events? Just kidding) This bible study changed our lives. We made a goal for ourselves to be 100% debt free. Slowly but surely we are getting there, unfortunately we still have one big fat student loan left to pay off. In our checking account sits a down payment for a house, which happens to be the exact amount to pay off our student loan. I guess you guys know what I am about to tell you don't you?

We have decided to take a huge leap of faith, pay off this last student loan and put the house on hold. Why are we doing this? Because a man named Dave Ramsey once told us that we should have 15-20% saved up, as well as 6 months of an emergency fund before we move into a house.

I need to tell you before I tell you more, I am very excited about this new adventure.

1) we will be debt free

2) I have prayed for Jeff to lead our family and through this adventure he is doing just that.

If you would have told me a year ago or even 6 months ago this is where we would be going, I would have not believed you and probably kicked and screamed all the way home. But today, I feel confident that we are right where we need to be and I can't help but feel like this may have been God's plan all along.

We are confident that we have made the best decision for us and look forward to where this new path leads us.

More posts coming soon of how we are transforming our small one bedroom apartment to a place of peace and serenity. Which basically means this chick has bought a real desk so I can close up the office at the end of the day. ;)

Jeff rewarded me with a bowl of ice cream and Reese's magic shell for getting through my testimony without crying. Actually, I teared up a few times but I never went to the ugly cry. Apparently I have some very good friends at church who told him that I deserved my bowl of ice cream, so we stopped on the way home from small group to get the goods. Isn't he a great man?!? Thanks friends for helping a chick out!

This week's goals are simple. One word says it all. RELAX!

Already I am off to a good start with the rain and a massage from a friend. Life is going at a much slower pace and for this I am very, very grateful.

I will be back in a few to tell you guys of the latest happenings in the Young household.

One Day I'll Be Caught Up

here are a few things keeping me from the blog world.

1) Planning a women's retreat for church (4 days to go)

2) celebrating April birthday's with family and friends

3) Facebook

4) shopping for women's retreat decor, my favorite part of the whole process

5) Easter Egg hunting, hide and seek with the kiddos and a little jumping rope too

(this is Cousin Gracen. She is a bundle of energy and Cousin Jennifer was her mom. Gracen told me the other day that I was her newest friend...so cute that one! Keep praying for the family Jenn's birthday was this past Friday, a bittersweet day really)

6) losing 6 lbs in two weeks (it's amazing what watching your calories and walking 2 miles can do)

7) reading books

8) praying for the women's retreat (7 more people needed to reach our goal-wanna come?)

9) Art Fest 2009-unfortunately we didn't dance in the streets this year-the littlest nephew is not a fan of crowds or loud noises right now

10) babysitting the littlest nephew so that his mother doesn't loose her mind.

Jacob wanted to make sure Uncle Jeff's ears were clean, he must not have liked what he saw because thirty seconds after this picture he started to cry. I'm sorry, Jacob, Aunt Sue Sue should have warned you that you would uncover something scary in there.

11) did I mention a women's retreat that I am heading up, happening in 4 days!

I will be back in a few days.

Nothing Says Happy Easter like a Basket Filled with Sweet Goodness

I have nothing funny, profound or whitty to say these days but I have enjoyed a few little nuggets from others blog that I thought would be fun to pass on to you.

Consider this your blogging easter basket from me to you and each little link is an egg inside your basket. The egg of course if filled with sweet goodness (only the best for my blogging peeps)


1. Beth's recent post

2. a post for every parent who had to help with the child's school project

3. a great idea for old t-shirts that you can't wear anymore

4. and this post is just plain good for my prideful spirit

5. And last but not least-a sweet thought from FLYLADY


I hope you enjoy your basket of sweet goodness.

Happy Easter!

True Confession #275

In the past few weeks, I have found myself more mad than glad. My mom used to tell me "You can be happy in the pants that you were just mad in." Or something like that... I've tried, Mom, promise.

The point is I have been completely and totally ticked off with circumstances completely out of my control. I realize I am being totally ridiculous, especially in light of others who are suffering far greater than me today. Last night the stress of last week got to Jeff and I and our last conversation of the day ended with me giving him a detailed list of all the things that were making me mad. I hate that I said the things I did, most were totally self-centered and absolutely stupid.

You see I have been more mad than I realized about the situation with the house. I realize that God has something better for us but it still hasn't helped me not be mad. I have been pathetic in my prayer time because of this. Rereading my words written in my prayer journal I sound like a spoiled brat and that just makes my skin crawl. Truth is, my little apartment with the office in the living room is far better than the shacks that many people in other countries are living in. This post reminded me of that. And I have never suffered the loss of a child like this woman writes about today. These posts put my life into perspective and remind me yet again I am a blessed woman.



I am blessed.

Blessed with a husband who loves me despite my selfish mantras.

Blessed with a job that I enjoy doing so much that it hardly seems fair that I get paid to do this.

Blessed with a sturdy roof over my head, a comfy pair of pants to sleep in and a nice, soft pillow to lay my head.

Blessed with friends who span the globe and who have stood by me through thick and thin.

Blessed with a family who loves me warts and all.

Blessed with a church family that seems like an extension to my family.

Blessed with God's saving grace.

Blessed with a God whose plans for me are bigger than I could ever hope or imagine.

I am blessed.

Kari Jobe-Pure

I will be back in a couple days with a real post but I have been listening to this song lately and just had to share it with you. Have a great Monday!

A Wow Moment

I realize that our family is not the only ones hurting right now. Many of us our facing trials that just leave us scratching our heads, wondering what in the world is going on. When the trials come, when we have more bad days than good, it's easy for us to question if God is with us. I am hear to say that He is with us-good days and bad. If you don't believe me, watch this video. Man, was I floored by what Louie had to say---so good!

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you."

2 Corinthians 4: 7-12

No more sorrow, No more pain

"She has fought the good fight. She has finished the course and won the race."

2 Timothy 4:7

I have mixed emotions as I type this. I am glad that Jennifer is no longer in pain yet my heart aches for Brent and the kids as they enter into a world without their wife and mother.

As soon as we heard, I started to belt the praise and worship music through the house-sometimes you need a bit of praise music to sooth you. One of my favorite songs on my playlist is I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin. I tried to find a video so I could post on the blog and instead I found this video talking about the story behind I Will Rise.

And here is Chris singing the song live. I think the person who was filming this had a moment where they needed to stand up with praise. :)



If you think about the Hickman family please stop and say a prayer!

"There is an anchor for our soul, I can say it is well"
Chris Tomlin-I Will Rise

Loosening My Grasp

In the song that I will be singing at the Women's Renewal there is a line that I love.

"I'm loosening my grasp, there's no need to mask my frailty but you see the real me."

I love the phrase "loosening my grasp" because how many times have I held on tightly to one thing or the other.

The past few weeks have been very surreal for me. By nature, I am a planner. I like to have all my days lined out and plans in place a few weeks in advance. Since the beginning of our relationship Jeff has tried to get me to loosen up a bit. On our honeymoon Jeff had this wonderful adventure planned out for us in California and every time we were some where new I would say "What's next on our list?" He would answer back with "You taking medicine or something? Relax! Enjoy yourself." So for the past six years I have been working very hard at sitting back, relaxing a bit and enjoying each day as they come. Yet I often find myself wandering what God is doing with us. Last night as I was straightening the house, I had a moment where it all clicked.

Why not enjoy the path God has chosen for you instead of struggle against it?

I treat God the same way that I treated Jeff on our honeymoon. Jeff had this wonderful adventure planned out for me yet I couldn't enjoy the present moment because I was consumed with what would be happening next. I find myself doing the same thing to God today. When we moving? When are we going to have a baby? Why are we waiting? Why can't we have it all right now? What are you up to Lord?

But you see God has this wonderful adventure planned out for me as well and I believe that He wants me to enjoy this moment fully. I need to trust God's plan for our life. I need to sit back, relax and enjoy the road ahead. And so that is just what I am going to do.

Today in my journal I wrote, "Lord, forget the plan. Forget trying to figure it all out. Help us Lord to trust your guiding hand. Lead us Lord-show us your ways."


"In his heart a man plans his course, bu the Lord determines His steps." Proverbs 16:9

Song In My Head: Bring the Rain

Jeff and I find it a bit funny that God has taken a few things off our plates in recent days. We feel that one of the reasons for this is so that we can focus on our family. Jennifer entered hospice care today at her house, in order for her to spend her final days surrounded by her family. My heart breaks for Brent and the kids and I have found myself praying all morning for God to bless their time. Someone asked me last night how I was doing with all the house stuff and I can honestly say that I am doing very well. Jennifer's cancer has really helped me put into perspective our life situation. Yes, I look forward to moving day and I also look forward to positive plus sign day but neither one is happening right now. Instead of kicking and screaming and asking "Why Lord" I find myself trusting God's timing with peace and joy. I never want to look back on this season on our lives and realize that we missed opportunities to serve in the waiting. I want to serve God fully whatever road He chooses for Jeff and I.

Please continue to pray for the family. The road ahead is not going to be easy but we trust God has a plan bigger than this present moment.

Lord, You Are In Control

You know everyone has had those days that left us wondering what the Lord was doing behind the scenes. Yesterday was Jeff and my day. We had an inspection done on the house that did not go the way we thought. In fact I echo Jeff's sentiments when he described our day as just plain crappy.

All along our prayer was that if God didn't want us in that house that He would make it crystal clear. Let me just spare you the details and cut to the chase-we backed out of the house today because yesterday it was made crystal clear to us.

Can I just be 100% honest by saying I am still in a state of shock?

I know God is fully in control. I know that there is a better house waiting for us.
I know that we are blessed to find the damage before we move. I am sad that we will not be living next door to our dear friends. I also know that our friendship is better than us just being neighbors and will continue and grow even if we are not living on the same street. I struggle because Jeff and I just knew that this was the house God was leading us to. I struggle with the fact that we are at square one. I struggle because I am sooooo tired of my apartment. I rest in the fact that soon we will see God's plan unfold. I praise God for the fact that He showed us these things before we closed on the house. I praise God because Jeff and I are fully on the same page and walking this journey together.

So what is the next step?

We are having our realtor friend find a few houses for us to look at in the next week. We are going to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

I guarantee you that there may be moments where I just have to sit and pray it out but I refuse to let Satan get a foothold by stealing my joy.

On another note, Jennifer (Jeff's cousin's wife) was admitted to the hospital today. It doesn't look good. So for now, Jeff and I are dropping everything and just loving on the family.

Please pray for God's guidance as we search for house.
Please pray for God's comfort to feel each of us as we walk this journey with Brent and Jennifer.
Please pray for the kids too-my heart breaks when I think about what this means for them.

Good Things To Add to the IPOD

I have two new favorite Christian artists that I think they are worth mentioning to you guys.

1) Addison Road

2) Tenth Avenue North


Tenth Avenue North did a song called By Your Side and well, it has ministered to me over the last few days. Good words to have playing in the ears last night as I drifted off to sleep after a long and crappy day.



Happy Thursday Friends! Today is already turning out to be a much better day--it's the start of March Madness y'all.

Tonight My Heart Is Heavy

Some days are hard and leave you asking "Why God? Why?" These are the words that were spoken by Jeff and I as we prayed for a sweet family member this past Saturday.

Jeff's cousin's wife was diagnosed with melanoma cancer back in September. The cancer has now spread to lungs, stomach and part of her brain. Obviously the diagnosis does not look good. Right now we are in the wait and see time frame and pleading with God for a miracle.

I have not slept a full night since I heard the latest news. My heart has been heavy. Jennifer is only 35 years old with three young kids. I will be honest and say that I think this flat out sucks.

Last night I was tossing so much, Jeff encouraged me to get out of bed to pray it out. I guess after 6 years together he knows the cure to my insomnia. I sat on the floor and just felt numb. I know God's ways are not always our ways but I am at a total loss for words right now. I pray for God to reveal His glory to us. I pray that no matter what this season holds that we would turn to God and lean not on our own understanding. I pray that He fills me with strength as we walk this path with our cousins.

When Jeff and I got home from spending time with them all I wanted to do was hold tight to Jeff. I don't want to let one day go by without hugging him and letting him know how much he means to me. No one knows how long we have on this earth. I am realizing yet again that life is fragile.

I ask all of you to keep Cousin Jennifer in your prayers. Please also pray for Brent, Harrison, PJ and Grayson. The journey is unclear but we know God is with us and guiding us even in this.

The Wait Is Almost Over!

I received an email yesterday telling us that we will probably close March 18-20Th! That's next week y'all! Praise the Lord!

I did the happy dance in the living room/office and then went to tell Jeff who was sleeping.

I got a half asleep high five and then he told me to let him sleep for another hour. The tone translates to "Woman you woke me from my slumber! How dare you?!?"

Five minutes later he comes strolling into the living room/office and says, "Did you say something about closing?"

Turns out the half asleep high five was actually him doing a big stretch with his hand over his head while waking up and he didn't really know what I was saying. My bad-I thought he was awake and coherent.

The other night we spent two hours at Lowe's walking the aisles. I would have been glad to keep going but Jeff was beat. As we were leaving, he teased me that I was the only woman he knew that could out shop a man at the home improvement store. I have found that it really is one of my happy places. I am a freak I know.

I found this light the other night to go over the kitchen sink. Jeff does not like it but has finally resolved the fact he just doesn't have a vision for home decor. This could be because I keep telling him, "Jeff you just don't have the vision do you?"


If there has been anything I have learned in the past few months of planning the home renovation is that you must compromise with each other.

For example, I am giving up my pretty red wall in the living room for a kitchen that is not painted beige but grayish blue. See already we are finding ways to give and take without killing each other in the process. Now that to me is a sign of a good marriage-when you can disagree, find a compromise that works for both parties and still love each other at the end of the day.

I will keep you posted as things progress, I guarantee it!

A Friendly Little Rivalry

Jeff and I went to eat at Bosses pizza tonight. If you haven't been there you should go-super yummy.  Every Tuesday night is $10 pizza night so if you are looking for a cheap date-Bosses is the place.

The one thing I love about Bosses is that they have old school video games.  My favorite being Ms. Pac-Man.  Jeff threw me a quarter tonight and headed to the arcade room.  He played first and then it was my turn.

Look at my score...

Yep, I am now the high score player at the Hurst location.

Don't mess with me and Ms. Pac-Man. It's my favorite.

Don't believe me? Here is a picture from our trip to Florida this summer. We stayed at a KOA in Pensacola, FL and they provided Ms. Pac Man entertainment for free. While my cabin buddies slept in, I played Ms. Pac Man.


And yep, I got the high score there too. 



This post proves that I am either a very skilled Ms Pac Man player or should have spent more time outside as a kid instead of playing video games.

What Happened to Date Night, Jazzy?

Thankfully our anniversary isn't until tomorrow :)

Inspiring Places

It should come as no surprise to you that I CAN'T! WAIT! TO! DECORATE! OUR! NEW! HOME! Over the past few months I have stumbled on a few blogs that also like to decorate their home. Today I wanted to share a few with you because what kind of friend would I be if I didn't share the good stuff? Many of these ladies have links to other inspiring blogs so grab a Cup of Joe and enjoy browsing these sites! Happy Friday!

Little Red House

Cherry's Jubilee Home

The Cottage Nest

Whatever

Chatting at the Sky

Nesting Place

I Heart Spring

The above picture is the pear tree in our backyard that is starting to bloom. I think it is beautiful, don't you.

We also have two plum trees in addition to the pear tree. That right there is one of the main reason we wanted to purchase an older home-mature trees. Score though on the fruit trees. I see a lesson in preserving in my future. Many of you should see a jar of pear and plum preserves in your future too since there is no way I can eat them all by myself.

Anyone know how to do pear and plum preserves? I am going to need a bit of guidance there.

On another note, our apartment office was broken into the other night. Nothing says "It's time to move like a burglary!" Sigh.

We turned in our 30 day notice the other day. The leasing office called said we had to give a 60 day notice. My question is what's the point of going month to month if we have to stay an extra month?!? Sigh.

Jeff is helping me see the bright side of this, we can take our time moving. He wants to do a bit of fixin' up before we move into the house. Things like laminate flooring and painting are easier to do without furniture. The extra 30 days will help us get these things done. See, I can see the bright side of things too.

This weekend Jeff and I celebrate 6 years of marriage by going to a gun show. FABULOUS! I am wishing and hoping he will let me take the car and shop at the antique mall down the street. I know he will because it allows him to browse as long as his little heart desires. I still don't understand how a bunch of men can stand looking at the same gun for 45 minutes. The last time I went with him, I sat in a chair against the wall and watched the men shop. There was one gun that must have been a real beauty because at one point I counted 15 men standing in awe of it. It was like they were looking at the Holy Grail or something. Men are funny creatures.

Enjoy this beautiful spring day if you are in Texas.

I Heart Spring!!!

The Real Me

Tonight I met with two of my favorite people to iron out a few details of the upcoming Women's Renewal at our church (April 24-25, mark your calendars).

What is a Women's Renewal you ask? It's a Friday Evening, Saturday conference for women to renew their minds in Christ, fellowship with the chicks and eat good (not so healthy) food.

Every year I walk away with a deeper understanding of God's word and I feel refreshed from the inside out. This year I know it is going to be no different. I have this whatcha gonna do, God feeling bubbling deep inside of me. I can't wait to watch His plan unfold.

I have a little inside scoop for those of you who read the blog. If you attend you will hear a part of my testimony. I was asked tonight by Margaret to share my story. I am scared to death. No that's not true, I am actually very excited about how God is going to use my story to bless others. Even when I was in the midst of living out my testimony, I knew one day I would be standing in front of a group of people sharing my story. I also found this song a few months back and felt it summed up my feelings for the positive plus sign journey. After talking it over with Margaret tonight, she asked me to share this song as well.

So that means I will be singing and sharing my testimony. Gulp. Maybe that whatcha gonna do, God? feeling is actually indigestion for singing a personal song and sharing personal history with the ladies. Oh who am I kidding! God designed me to be an open book not a closed one so share and sing I shall. Especially if one ladies life can be changed from hearing about my story and how God has blessed me in the good days and bad.

If you live in the DFW area and would like to attend (not because of me but because Margaret Ashmore is AWESOME) please shoot me an email and I will happy to forward you the information. Enjoy the song and no, I don't think I will sing like Natalie Grant although wouldn't that be lovely if I did?

My Birthday Surprise

It's no surprise that my favorite song is Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield. It also should be no surprise that I have a little bit of a crush on Rick.

He's hot and plays the guitar and sings Jessie's Girl.

Jeff has known that I am a huge fan for quite sometime. Last year I begged Jeff to fly us to LA to hear Rick in concert. I had it all planned out and thought it would be a fun way to get Jeff back to his hometown for the weekend. He said no. I was bummed but took it like a big girl because Rick was coming to Billy Bob's on our anniversary weekend. Again he said no. I did not pout but I thought to myself somehow, someway I am going to see Rick if it's the last thing I do.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago...

Jeff told me he had a surprise for the weekend of February 28Th. He cleared my schedule and gave me strict orders to not add anything else to our calendar. I was fine with that and very proud that I allowed myself to be surprised.

The only hint that he gave me is that we had to be there at 10:30 p.m Saturday and that I would probably want to dress hip.

Hip? What?!?

Saturday afternoon we were running errands when the curiosity got the better of me.

Me-Dallas or Fort Worth?

Jeff- Fort Worth.

Me-Cowtown or Downtown

Jeff-Cowtown.

Me- Billy Bob's?!?!?!

Jeff- Yes, how did you know?

Me- I was born and raised in Fort Worth and there is only one place that starts a concert at 10:30 p.m.

Jeff- Do you want to know who it is we are seeing?

Me- Sure. Is it Rick Springfield?

Jeff- How the heck did you guess that?

Me- Just lucky I guess.

Then I gave him a big hug and proceeded to tell him why he was the greatest.

Poor Guy was surrounded by a bunch of 40 plus year old women and one 31 year old screaming our heads off. When we left the concert he said, "That is the gayest thing I have done in a long time." He's right it was but it was worth hearing Jessie's Girl played live by Rick Springfield.

I told him don't worry I will never make you do that again.

He then gave me a hug and proceeded to tell me why I was the greatest.

P.S. Why yes, I did dance my tail off during Jessie's Girl. Sadly that is really the only song that I knew word for word...I guess I am not the biggest fan after all. The girl next to me knew all the words and his life history including but not limited to, his birthday and birthplace.