Trusted with Much

This verse has been popping up in my mind lately, 

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." [Luke 16:10] 

God has been rewarding my faithfulness in the little things ever since I made the move over 9 months ago [what?] to Texas. In that very short period of time my faithfulness in the little has showered blessings upon my life. Understand though, that my Texas life has not always been gluten/dairy free cupcakes with extra sprinkles just because I am faithful. God will send you something new and exciting but there is a lesson to be learned within that blessing. God has given me lessons in the areas of confidence, self-esteem, patience, prayer, worship, communication, responsibility, grace, and even my personal finances. He's broken me down in order to make me a vulnerable and a willing vessel.

One giant area that I had been praying for but didn't honestly expect God to bless me in was the area of dating. For those in my life you may have heard the story and/or are currently seeing the story that is F&B. Our story is one that has been written by God from the very beginning. Even me being forward and giving Fabian my phone number... that had to have been a nudge from God right? Each moment of our relationship has been and will continue to be Christ centered. We're learning to navigate this road together as a couple rather than individuals. Very soon we will be navigating this journey into marriage!

I am stopped often by God, it's almost like He is pressing the pause button on my life. It's a real life selah moment, for God to show me the bits and pieces of each blessing and for me to see all those pieces as one giant picture. A giant picture that I prayed and believed God for! There is so much rejoicing in my life, in our lives right now that I want the world to know, "God's blessings are on the other side of commitment."
Commit to His plans for your life and not your own.
Commit to being faithful in the little without knowing what the 'much' will be.
Commit to serving Him with excellence wherever He places you.
Commit to an attitude that is willing and able.
Commit to a relentless pursuit of Him.

[engagement photos captured by: Lisa Fotu Photography]

| Life Lately: [phone photos] |

A little over four months in Texas and I cannot believe everything that God has sent my way. So many prayers have been answered and little by little God is shaping my character and molding me into the person He wants me to be. I have amazing new friends, a place in ministry, a full time job downtown where I don't have to work weekends or wear a business suit [yes, I prayed for that], I am also about to move into my first place! God even sent an incredible man my way too. [didn't see that one coming at all but it sure is a nice surprise.]
Ever since I made the leap of faith to move to Fort Worth, God has been showing me that having Him guide my steps is totally the way to go. What He has brought my way has blown my mind. As much as I enjoy planning and organizing, I could've never planned my life out this well.
God sure has outdone himself.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

| Life Lately: Rooted [phone photos] |

Almost two months have gone by without a peep from me on this blog. A LOT has changed and happened within those two months. My life has been going a mile a minute and just now I am finding a pace that I can maintain. You can't go your whole life sprinting, your legs would look amazing but you are going to be completely exhausted! Life is about to change very soon and it has me filled with an anxious excitement!
In my last post I shared about my decision to remain in Michigan and not re-locate to Texas. God telling me to "get rooted" has been the phrase that has carried me through this faith testing journey during April and May. When you feel your faith start to shake, get rooted. Establish yourself & grow deeply!
That's what the past two months have consisted of, growing and rooting. Being intentional with friendships, securing family relationships, and gaining a confidence in ministry.
"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

| Life Lately: Christmas Break in Texas [phone photos] |

I spent Christmas break in Texas trying to figure out my life and prepare to move there in June. [read more about that here.] 10 days of family, solitude, coffee, tacos, and Jesus was just what I needed. I feel a peace about the direction God is taking me into and I am so ready to make this move. Enjoy some photos that I snapped with my phone [and may have borrowed from others] during my time there.

| Say hello to the country's tallest indoor Christmas tree! The tree at the Galleria Mall in Dallas was simply breathtaking. Watching a whole fleet of kids ice skating around the tree and having Christmas songs playing loud really gave me some serious holiday spirit. |

| Yes, that is Kari Jobe. Worship Pastor and Christian Artist. Never did I think I would run into her at Central Market in her hometown but I did. I actually got out of the car for this photo and it was totally worth it. Her and her husband were so sweet. Definitely an awesome way to start off my trip. [it was also after this photo that I realized how jacked up my eyebrows were... ay!] |

| My cousin [not technically but oh well] Amanda, tore it up while singing at Tree of Life for their candlelight service. Her voice is amazing and I almost lit my hair on fire with my candle because the presence of God was so strong. |

| Some of the gorgeous TOL ladies who have become such great lifelong friends. We all unintentionally matched on Sunday. |

| Brunch at one of my favorite places in FW, Brewed was so much fun. These darlings are such a riot! I cannot wait for more times together in the future. |

| What do you do when it's cold and rainy? Take a family road trip to Austin! We had such a blast together exploring the city and all it had to offer. |

| The last service of 2014 at Tree of Life was excellent. I love this church and am so excited to call it my home very soon. If you want to hear any of their Sunday messages go here. |

| A trip to Texas wouldn't be complete without a trip to Roots Coffeehouse for their honey vanilla latte. |

| I miss my roomie Charlotte already. |

| Breakfast at Magnolia Cafe in Austin and Lunch at Velvet Taco! |

Until next time... 

Life Lately: Marching Band Edition [according to my phone]

The marching band season is over and boy was it a great season. From last April when the season first started with the Color Guard to Nov 1 when it ended, it was filled with amazing memories. Sneaking in a Beyoncé stretch block with the whole band during band camp. Dressing up like the director for section look-a-like day. Coming up with nicknames for the students. Becoming friends with each student. Countless cups of Biggby coffee. Dropped drumsticks, thrown drill, and band hashtags. A staff huddle under the podium during a rainstorm. Windy shows, cold shows, and rainy shows. Doing makeup and hair in a parking lot, hairspray on the bus, and intense eyebrows! I love watching the improvement from each student from their first day at band camp to their last show of the season. They have worked hard and dedicated themselves to the show and in that last 8 minutes at State Finals, it shows. Enjoy the random photos from the season found on my phone. 

^ Sometimes when the wind decides to throw all of your Color Guard equipment everywhere all you can do is Smile and Survive. ^

^ Sometimes a mug of coffee just won't do the job and you need to tap out for a few minutes. 

My two best friends Michelle and Aaron, don't know what I would do without you both in my life. ^

^ Last rehearsal of the season! It was cold and windy. What's new?!? ^

^ CPMB 2014 Color Guard ^

^ Our Wolf and Lil' Red were amazing during each rehearsal and each performance. Their dedication to their character really brought this show to a whole new level. ^

^ Watching my 3 seniors grow during the last four years of teaching them has been such a blessing. I love these girls with all my heart! 

Waiting to go on the field for our final performance. My bracelet was made by Michelle and it has my new life motto on it, "Never Look Back" ^

^ So this is what happens when students steal your phone from your bag. HILARIOUS! ^

It's time to close the chapter on 'A Wolf's Tale.' It's been a pleasure Comstock Park Marching Band. Bee out. 

Life Lately [according to my phone]

Fathers Day. 

Weekend with cousin Averie. 

5k Run/Walk with Mama. 

I have perfected my Elsa braid. 

Marching band has officially started.

Outside fun with all my toddlers. 

4th of July parade.

Mascot pictures and candy. [also Josh ended up with an ice cream sample during the parade!] 

Pool Fun! [we have been having our 4th party at the same place for 25 years! it is a quite a tradition that means a lot to all of us!] 

Sparklers! 

Birthday dinner! [Mediterranean Wrap, I decided it was ok to have a little gluten on my birthday!] 

Only the best babysitters take the kids out for ice cream!