Day 6-10

These days were quite interesting for me. Aaron and I took the youth on a winter retreat. The retreat was amazing! I really felt God there. I know we took the teens but God really spoke to me as well. It was a renewal time that I needed! The teens seemed to really have a great time and i think that a lot of hearts were spoken to. That is all we can ask of!

As far as food goes: it was a hard weekend

The first morning was pancakes – i cant eat so i had bacon and granola bars  (i brought my own because I figured that would happen) and a banana. Lunch that day was hot dogs. If you know me you know I would have eaten the hot dog anyway but i couldnt eat the bread so I had mac and cheese. The next meal that I couldnt eat was sundays breakfast – sticky buns!! they looked so amazing!!! they gave the kids sodas one night and had homemade cookies which looked amazing as well! I really wanted a soda!! There were lots of chips and candy going on. The last night there were smores . I couldnt eat as well. It was tough but I am so glad I stayed strong and didnt eat anything that I promised God i would not during this fast. And it feels wonderful!! I am so proud that I didnt and God taught me a lot about obeying.

Winter retreat was a huge blessing and I cant wait for next year!!

Day 3 and 4

These days went wonderfully! The Lord meet me and was very real to me!! What a wonderful experience so far! But Satan is fighting what I am doing and I have to realize he is not happy. That lets me know I am doing something wonderful for the Lord!

Day 3 food:

protein shake for breakfast and banana

baked ziti, pudding, apple for lunch

spaghetti for dinner

breakfast bar, fruit snack

green tea and water to drink

Day 4 food:

protein shake for breakfast and banana

chicken and pasta, pudding, apple

leftover spaghetti for dinner

breakfast bar, fruit snacks, salad for snack

green tea and water

Day 2

Day 2 was great. I already feel like im drawing closer to Christ. It isnt really explainable at how much you draw to Him when you do this. It really is wonderful. Only eating the foods I have committed to wasnt hard to do. The hardest part is remembering and thinking about what it really is. I accidently ate 1/4 of a bagel. They had them cut up for us in the teachers lounge in 1/4 pieces so i just grabbed one real quick and after I ate it i remembered! Oops!!! I bought hot pockets last night for lunch for me this week, only they have bread on the outside. You forget how much of some things you eat until you cant eat them.

This experience is great so far. I believe it is only going to get better! I encourage you to do something today to make your relationship with Christ better, whether it be fasting, doing devotions, praying, etc. He really is all you need!

Day 2 Food:

Granola bars and banana for breakfast – water

Lunch – Tomatoe soup, spinach, corn, and pudding with water

Snacks throughout day - Banana and peanut butter, fruit snack, peanut butter breakfast bar (and not at breakfast

Dinner – Baked Ziti and Green Tea

Day 1

Well yesterday I started a 21 day fast by Jentezen Franklin. There are different types of fast you can do. I am fasting bread, soda, sweet, and fried foods. I want to draw closer to Christ. I believe fasting is a good way to do this. I was really encouraged by the testimonies and words about fasting by Franklin. So I decided to take the challenge. I have read many verses that talk about only letting the Father know you are fasting because if you let others know that will be your reward. So, I do not tell this to get a reward from other men. I do this to encourage you. Im not looking for words from men to tell me that im doing a good job or anything of the sort. I hope I can encourage others to do this as well. Dont feel a comment is necessary. Just read and be encouraged.

Im also blogging so I can keep myself accountable. I also want to take in and write about my journey so not a piece of it is lost. I believe God is going to do a great work in my life.

The things I am fasting for:

My family, our youth group, Aaron and I’s trip to India, and my personal relationship with Christ.

Day 1’s Food:

Granola Bars for breaksfast and water

Grilled Chicken and salad from Wendys for lunch and water

Tomatoe soup (Wednys didnt fill me up

Cereal for dinner and water (got home late from church)

I already feel God and I drawing closer. I can see its going to be a great adventure.

Again, Im not looking for recognition from anyone but God. Please be encouraged by this and let it be a challenge for you.

Karlee

We are Texas!

So here’s my take on the game last night.

First of all congrats to Alabama. I know that is exciting for them.

I am so bummed about the game. About the whole way it went. I am dissappointed for Colt mostly. He has worked for 5 years for last nights game to get injured after 5 plays.

I think the game would have been different had Colt been able to play. The Longhorns came out with fire and were ready!! I was so excited watching those first couple of minutes of the game. During that time, I thought, this game is ours!!! Then Colt got hurt. I honestly didnt think it was that bad. The hit didnt look bad and he got up. After the game he said that he wasnt in pain, he just couldn’t feel his arm. As a Texas fan you want him to just try. I know he wanted to try. He kept asking to go in and they wouldn’t let him. And if he can’t feel his arm I am not sure he could have done anything. (You kind of need to feel your throwing arm But then on the other side, you do want what is best for Colt and his future.

The first half after Colt went out was very rough for us! I have to give Gilbert credit though. He went out and tried so hard. I know, people say, you can’t depend on one person to win the game. But think about Gilbert. He is a TRUE freshman, he was in high school last year!! He had only played a few plays this whole season. Then he is asked to play on the biggest stage for college football, to have a rhythm with recievers and and O-line who has not played in a game with really, stay with the pace of the game, go against the number 1 defense in the nation, and make points. That is so much for a kid his age who is not experienced. Now, personally I think they should have been a little more prepared in case Colt got hurt. They looked like they were scrabbling a little on what to do. But they also didn’t let Gilbert get into rhythm until the second half. They kept calling the same “safe” plays. I blame the ones calling the plays for that. And that IDIOTIC play at the end of the first quarter. Really? Really? Did they really call that play? How dumb. They should have just ended the quarter. Then we would have been up 21-17 with 2 minutes left instead of down 21-24.

Finding out Colt would not come back at all is hard for a Texas fan to hear. First, of all Colt is just a classy guy and I wanted it for him. Secondly, we needed him to win that game! Our defense did amazing though in the second half!!! Alabama didnt score until the very end (which I dont even want to talk about that They finally let Gilbert throw some and we brought up to a 3 point game. Now that says a lot to me. Like I said before, Gilbert has had very few plays this year, has to step up on the biggest college football stage, and he does. And our defense rocks it out. That should say how good we really are. According to statistics, and everyone’s predictions, Alabama should have been blowing us out. But we held our own, with a true freshman quarterback with no experience. If I were Alabama, I would be disappointed I didnt do better considering the circumstances.  I dont blame Gilbert for that fumble at the end. No quarterback would have seen it coming and especially an inexperienced one. That did change the game, and I wish so badly that wouldnt have happened because i believe we could have at least tied it! But it didnt. Alabama went to score to seal their deal.

Then we get the ball back and interception. Personally, I think it was very unclassy for Seban to have his boys score again. Really? You have about a minute left, your up by ten. Just have class and end the game. Longhorns would have and thats part of the reason i love them so much! They have class!!!

Although the game did not end how i wanted it to at all, or how I thought it was going to at the beginning of the game, Longhorns have a lot to be proud of. Defense held Alabama the second half till the very end to no points (whose the best defense did you say?), Gilbert did the best he could for his situation, and Colt has class like no other. Colt said that he didnt question God and that he knew he was always standing on the Rock. Awesome guy. After all that he still praises God and has class about it. He also said he would have given anything to be out there. I believe him and my heart breaks for him!!! I still LOVE my horns. They are classy, they dont give up, and they have spirit. I will always cheer for them. Just wanted to get what i thought off my chest. I have been thinking about the game a lot today and am bummed but I am ready for next year:)

We are Texas!

Our Battles and Christmas

Well, it is my favorite time of the year right now. I love going to the mall and seeing all the Christmas decorations, the Christmas music, the Christmas sales. I love watching Christmas movies on tv and going to Walmart and walking around in the Christmas section. I love Hobby Lobby at Christmas and their sales. I was thinking about it today. Why is Christmas so loved? New Years – some people love it and to some its just another day. I like hanging out with family and friends but its not that big of a deal to me. Valentines Day- not everyone feels apart of Valentines if they dont have a significant other. July 4th – most people like this holiday and it is so neat to be in a free country. It is celebrated well but not nearly as long as Christmas. Halloween – you have those who like and those who dont. Kids usually love trick or treating and its fun to dress up but overall, not that big of deal. Thanksgiving – i know some who this is their favorite holiday. Family, friends, games, and FOOD. it is a great holiday. But then come Christmas – stores start putting Christmas stuff out before Halloween is even over. it is celebrated by some for months (my aunt to be one of those Christmas brings so much cheer, joy, love, friends, family, games, happiness, food, enjoyment, stories, laughter, gifts, and peace.

I think this is because the REAL meaning of Christmas is Jesus. Even though not everyone believes in Jesus and His birth, the world cannot help but be happy. His presence is everywhere during this time. I think it  is so joyous because it could be nothing but that celebrating the birth of our Savior. Even though their are Santa Clauses, and Jingle Bells, and Snowmen everywhere, Jesus spirit dwells among His people. His present during this season. That makes Christmas the best season of all.

Our Recent Battle

A little bit about the battle Aaron and I faced recently was a pretty scary one. I had been having head aches for about two months. I would have one every day to every other day. If I didnt have a headache i would get sharp pains in my head throughout the day. I didn’t really think anything of it at the time but I decided to go get migraine medicine at the doctor to get rid of these since they were making work very hard some days.

So I went to the doctor and told her my stuff and she got a very concerned look on her face. She said that she didnt like that I was having them everyday for 2 months and the first thing that popped into her head was a brain tumor or brain aneurysm. I got very nervous and asked you know how likely is it that its one of those. She said I cant tell you. I am going to get you a CT scan of your brain and send you to a neurologist. So I left and made my appointments. Needless to say, I came home and just cried a little bit in Aaron’s arms scared of what the future may hold. I remember he told me, “If its one of those things, my God is big enough.” From then on, those words gave me a peace.
So I went and got a CT scan and it came back normal! I still had my appointment with the neurologist and decided to go and see what he said and see if he would give me medicine. So, i went and we went over the symptoms again and the T word was used again. He told me it could be anything from a bleeding tumor to an aneurysm to something he didnt know about. I was ordered an MRI and EEG and scheduled to come back and see him after. Again, I was afraid but Aaron and I were both trusting in our God and that He would take care of anything that may be in my brain.
So I went and had my EEG. They tested my artery in my neck and then hooked me up to a whole bunch of wired and testing my brain waves. The tech couldnt tell me anything, because I asked if he could tell me if I should be worried, and he said, “Trust in God. It will all be ok.” Again, I had confirmation to trust in God that it would be ok.

I then went to get my MRI. I almost didnt get it. We had already spent $550 on my CT scan since we hadnt met our deductible since I had just gotten a job and just gotten insurance. Now the MRI was going to cost another $400. I hated to get it because with the neurology visited costed $50 a pop, we were at $1000 in doctors bills out of our pocket for this. I felt bad spending money on me for this if there was nothing there and it was just migraines. Aaron and I decided I would do it so we would know. We also knew the neurologist couldnt help us if he didnt have this information. So we bit the bullet and did it. It took me about 1:30 to do the 4 MRI test. Then we had to wait until after Thanksgiving to get the results.

So, that Monday I go to the neurologist and praise the Lord my MRI was clean of tumors and aneurysms! The doctor did find that I do have scoliosis. This is not a huge issue right now because it is mild but can build pressure in my neck and cause the migraines.

We praise the Lord for nothing serious being wrong with me. Although the doctor doesnt think my scoliosis will get any worse, if it does the Lord will take care of me like He already has.

This Christmas, I am thankful for the Jesus. He came to save me from my sins and so that I could have a relationship to God. So that my husband and I could run to God when we didnt know what may be happening in my body and pray that everything would be okay. We are thankful for a loving, generous, healing, saving God. The reason for the season in my heart -  is Jesus. Merry Christmas!!

Blessings

Well, its been a while since i posted last. I am bad at remember to do things like that. Easter was fantastic. It was probably  the best Easter service I have been to. The Spirit of God just feel on the church that day. The service was longer than usual but actually felt shorter. It was a great day in the Lord. 

Recently I was told by someone that they would not make their child come to church because there were not enough other kids there. This makes no sense to me. Isnt that why less and less kids are coming because one stops coming then another. It actually does nothing to solve the problem. I wonder when church became an option. When I was growing up, I did not have an option for church. I went every Sunday, Sunday night and Wednesday and then more if there was something else going on at the church later that week. I had to have everything done by church. I did not get to skip church to do homework or sleep. Its crazy to me how much freedom parents give kids to choose church. I know some parents say they dont want to force it on their kids because then they will rebel. That is not entirely true. Aaron and I both had to go to church all the time. We never rebelled hardcore like parents are afraid of and he is a youth pastor now. That theory is false. We need kids in church learning about him. But, I guess if we cant get them to the church, we should be going out and finding them and ministering to them right where they are. 

We had a speaker at general assembly named Reggie McNeal. He cracked me up. He was really funny. But he had some really good point. We have to be there church and not make the building the church. We have to reach out to others! He told us to try and ask 3 people a week “How can I ask God to bless you”? I have done it twice. The first guy I asked was outside working in his lawn while i was walking tex. He simply said, pray we dont get swine flu. So, I did. Thats all I have to do. The rest is up to God. I asked a lady in wal mart yesterday but she didnt speak english so I guess that does not really count. It makes you feel so good though knowing you blessed someone that day. 

Well i must go. Hope you have a blessed day and go out and bless someone else!

 

Karlee

The Small Things

I subbed today in a special ed aquatics class. This is my favorite thing to sub for for several reasons. I get to swim all day. There are only a couple kids per class. It is only 4 hours so technically its a half a day and i get paid a full day! i really do love the kids though. There is just something about special ed kids that I love. I guess that is why I want to teach them. I dont know what it is. They always (well most of the time) have a great spirit, they are kind, and they are loving. I worked with a girl named annie today. She has cerebral palsy. She cant control her body very well so I basically held her the whole time. We did laps in the pool while she kicked her legs. This is hard for her but she never complained. She kept saying again because she knew she had to do 8 laps. She smiled and laughed the whole time just gabbing to me. It makes me want to be a better person. I have no physical challenges whatsoever compaired to these kids, yet I complain when I have a headache or my legs hurt from walking all day at the zoo or the amusement park. At least I can walk. At least I can talk. I am sure these kids would tell me, just be thankful you can do that because I cant. I realized i need to not take things like that for granted, which i often do, and be thankful for what I have. 

So i did that then I worked out with nicole. I really enjoy this time with her. We are really starting to bond well. We are both kind of shy with people we dont know well, but we are clicking really well. I am really glad I have someone close to my age who I can connect well with. I miss all my friends in OK so much so it is nice to have her and feel like I am gaining a good relationship here, although none of you can ever be replaced With working out, it takes me to my point earlier. I am really hard on myself on how i look. I realized, I am fine and it is good for my body to work out but again, I am so thankful I can do that and am able to. I enjoy it and I dont want to take that for granted. I am just thankful i am healthy. I dont have to be a certain size to be happy. My happiness comes from those around me that I love and just being healthy and able to live life to the fullest. 

I was reading through old facebook messages today. I came across a lot from my husband. It was during a pretty dark time for me. Some of you know about this and some dont. You are more than welcome to ask. Anyway, most of his messages during that time said “i just want you to know i love you and that will never change. I am also praying for you everyday and that you will be ok.” One of them he said ” I pray to be only yours”. He may not want me to put all this up but thats ok. I realized how truly thankful i am for him. he stuck by me in a really hard time. I love him more than words could express and I thank God he placed him in my life to be my husband. I take him for granted sometimes but he means more than anything to me. Thanks for being amazing aaron. You are an amazing husband, brother, friend, and son! 

well now that this is forever long i will let you go. Have a great day. Count your blessing and remember to be thankful for the small things in life.

kar

Here and now

So my parents brought us some furniture last weekend. Along with the furniture they brought boxes from their garage of my stuff. I found lots of junk and threw a lot away. I found tons of pictures, some were very interesting. I found one though freshman year at a retreat with both aaron and i in it. It is just interesting because at that time we had no earthly idea we would get married. kinda cool. 

I got to meet aaron for lunch. I love doing that.I am so blessed to be able to do that right now. I try to do it often since I wont be able to next year if I get a job. I am sending out my resumes this week so hopefully I will hear something soon! Please pray!!

I am going to hang out with my cousin Kayce tomorrow! That will be fun. We are going to see confessions of a shopoholic. We may be spending 40 days straight together around september. we will see!  

Tex is good. He is in this bad habit of jumping on people. I made some obedience spray and that has been working some. I do love him bunches though and am so glad I have him with me everyday. 

We are going to chandler and kim pardues house tonight. Yes, there are related to keith pardue. Kinda cool. There will be 3 to 4 couples there. It should be really fun. We are enjoying getting to know couples our age. 

My jaw has been killing me lately. My doctor thinks i may have TMJ. i really hope not. I dont want to go to the dentist because 1) i hate it 2) my insurance does not cover it right now because i am just buying the smallest package hoping i get it next year with a teaching job. If i dont get a teaching job i will have to up the insurance. 

That is all that is happening here in houston. I am excited to go back up to okc in march to be there for baby cooper to be born. I am excited i get to be in the room. I also get to see my okc friends. The only thing that would make it better is if my hubby could go! i hate being away from him. 

kar

Oh the Unknown

My life is full of unknowns right now. I dont know if I will have a job anytime soon. I dont know how many photography jobs I will have this year (3 right now). I dont know when I will have my first child. I dont know how long Katy will be my home. I dont know when I will get to see my family and friends in OKC again. I dont know when we will see aarons family again. I have no idea what I will do next week. 

Although i have many unknowns, I know a lot as well. I know I have a husband who loves me with all his heart. I have a family who supports Aaron and I so much. I have  friends that love and miss me. I know that when we do have a child it will be Gods timing. I know that I will have a job when I am supposed to. I know that God will take care of me no matter what. 

Life is full of unknowns. I have realized that to focus on the unknown does me no good. I need to focus on what I do know, thank God for it, and trust Him in the unknowns.