Chris and I have started going to a new homegroup in Richardson. It's not that we stopped liking our old one, it's just that, since we will be moving soon we want to see how the start of a new homegroup looks like. How do we decide what to study? Time frame? What does the leadership role look like from the beginning? All we know is that once we do move, we want to find a great church to belong to and after becoming members be leaders in the church. Not meaning on staff or anything, just really involved. We talk a lot about how we are tired of just sitting back and absorbing information. We want to take on a position where we can build up disciples for Christ, and as well be covered in Jesus' dust ourselves! 

I start leading a Bible study tonight with 4 other women. I am so excited. I have never lead a Bible study before so I am praying that I know the right things to say. I just can't wait to pour into other people's lives by spending time with them and getting to really know them. Isn't that what the body of Christ is called to do?

Here are some pictures of our trip to San Antonio over Labor Day. We love Matthew, Naomi, Abby and that little baby boy growing in Naomi's belly!!

Asking

Two weeks ago at the Village, Matt Chandler gave a sermon that I cannot get out of my head. A part of it was about our prayer life. Are we lazy with prayer? Do we have idols that we are not willing to give up? Are we using God to get what we want? Are we asking, but not seeking? That really stood out to me. I so often pray about things that I want to change in my life, but rarely seek out ways to make them happen. I don't think I ever even thought about seeking. I know God wants me to seek Him, not so that I will get what I want, but to have a relationship with Him so He is the first one I run to. 

I love my church and the gift God has given Matt Chandler. Other than my family, I will miss the Village the most. I have grown so much over the past 2 1/2 years and I owe it all to that church. I pray that Chris and I find a church just as fulfilling in Nashville. If you get a chance, add that to your prayer list.

Olympics

I used to think I was an athlete... however, after watching the Olympics for 17 days straight, I realize I am FAR from being an athlete. I went for a walk today and got burnt out in 30 minutes (although I will credit some of that to the 100 degree heat). That is pretty sad considering that I used to swim for 2-3 hours a day in college. Needless to say I am motivated. I like feeling "strong", it makes me more confident in myself. I cannot put my self-consciousness on anybody but myself, even though I try to blame Chris. He loves me the way I am. I wish that for all my friends, for them to find someone who loves them just the way they are now, not some future version of them. Surprisingly many people fall in love with the person they want their mate to be, not the person they are. That makes me sad and fear for the possible relationships that are out there. Luckily I have the most amazing husband in the world! Not that I'm bragging or anything :)

Moving On...

My little brother is moving to Italy in 7 days... indefinitely. I am really proud of him. He has talked about moving to Italy to teach English for a couple of years now, and he's finally doing it! He doesn't know how long he is going to be gone. Maybe one year, maybe five. Crazy. I am going to miss him. He is a very big part of my and Chris' life and it is going to be weird without him. I hope we get to visit him. Scotty, we love you!

My little sister is moving to San Francisco in January to work with street kids and prostitutes. WOW!!! I am really proud of her too. She has come a long way the past 20 months. God is doing amazing things in her life and it is so exciting that she gets to use them for His glory. I am just such a proud big sister right now!!

What an emotional weekend it's been... Lauren Larsen delivered her baby on Thursday night, just before midnight, and on Friday just after lunch I got a phone call that the baby was not doing well and that we needed to pray for her because her chance of survival was 50%. My heart dropped. And I prayed... still am praying. I cannot imagine carrying a baby for 9 months and then not being able to hold him or take her home. I especially cannot imagine losing him. I would hope my faith would not be shattered, but I don't know that I can honestly say it wouldn't be. 

As of right now the baby is stable. I have no idea what is going on in Lauren or Matt's mind. Please pray that Lucia Life Larsen makes it through these next tough couple of days, that God would give her strength to fight, and breath life back into her. I beg you to pray with me. Pray with faith, for faith is what gets me through. 

Change?

Last week I finished reading the book Same Kind of Different as Me. I am not a reader, but it only took me 3 days to read it. It was one of the most powerful books I have ever read and I could not put it down, nor could I stop from crying. It really has got me thinking. What kind of a life am I leading? What am I called to do? Who am I called to help? And a number of other questions. I desperately desire to change myself from the inside out, but at the same time have no idea what that looks like. The past week I have been very mellow and confused. How do I go about a life change? So many things have been on my mind and I can't seem to figure it out yet. I know I will, I just don't like thinking about how long it might take me.

Chris and I are moving in April to Nashville. We are so excited. Dallas has become an enemy to me and I do not want to feel that way. I feel as though I don't belong here. I want my future to start now. But I also want to take some people with me. We can conclude that I am confused and contemplating a lot of things. I am so glad I have my husband beside me, with me all the way. I love him so very much.