Much to say, little energy to do so

This Thanksgiving vacation was pretty eventful. There was much cleaning, rearranging, moving and sweat. 

Here is a photo journal of some of the events that took place:

I helped my gramma prepare for company for the Holiday by cleaning many rooms of the house. This is the bathroom. She thought I did such a nice job that she paid me for my work. :)



I also decorated a mini Christmas tree. We love Christmas. I wrapped TONS of presents!






We even bought a new couch as a surprise to the company. It looked like a completely new place when we finished.

So many people showed up that this is what my room looked like:
There was a bed, a couch, and two air mattresses. 5 people slept in there that night. Talk about a sleepover.

It was a beautiful weekend. My sister, Kori, went to the beach to take a few pictures for her UTSA graduation invitations. 


I headed to San Antonio to help move and organize my mom's garage.
It was a LONNNNNGGGG day.

As hard as we worked God gave us many things to be thankful for.

At the end of this week I don't feel like I had a week off of school that was full of relaxation or sleep or movies.

It was a week of hardships, blind faith and thankfulness despite it all. 

I am thankful for it all, good and bad and ugly and bitter. I am glad to be where we are.

At the end of the day

We are rich in love.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.

1 Chronicles 16:8

God's Garden

As the chapter I have created here in Corpus Christi, Texas comes to a bittersweet, anxious close, I have begun taking it all in so that the things I have learned here may continue along with me. I've taken notice of the little details of everyday life here and wonder what my "new normal" will look like when I move on.

If you didn't know: I am a planner, an organizer, I love to get things done in a specific way. I like things that way, it's how I like to present myself. Although, lately, I feel as though I am flying by the seat of my pants, which is not usually my style. I even sometimes, reluctantly, schedule time to spend with the Lord.

As I sat down today I refused to hide from distraction to give focus to the Lord. I wasn't ready to understand what He was putting on my heart.

I came to a realization anyway.

Maybe God is preparing me for this change in ways I was least expecting. It seems He is undoing the routine of lists and 'self-improvement mind set' I have fallen into. The Lord is peeling back my layers, taking control, forcing me to put aside my own need for control. He is coming back to personally groom the seeds planted within his sweet and very trying Danielle Christine garden, pruning the parts that so desperately need attention. He makes my lists of to do's seem so silly.

But for now, I don't "schedule in" my time with God. I don't plan it. I just need it. I need it multiple times throughout each day. It's changed from a specific time to ...just every moment. I need His presence while I'm walking alone to class. I need His strength when I begin each day and as I move to this new uncharted place in my life. I need His Love to share with others when it is hard during personal/family trials. I need His comfort when I am offering what I feel at times may be useless acts of Faith. And I need His word to capture me on its own with having a schedule to find it.

I have heard that if you talk to your plants they actually grow to live longer and healthier lives. That's basically what this garden of God's needs at this point in time, a little talking to, a little evidence that it is loved and perfect and being completely dependent on its gardener is not a scary thing.

Hydrate your seeds, Lord!


Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will He also reap.
Galatians 6:7


For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the onw who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:8

Tragic Thankfulness

Today as I was scanning through channels a particular show caught my eye: The 15 Most Shocking Violent Acts. And while it may seem disturbing, it was interesting to me how thankful those surviving these tragedies were to be just that, survivors.

Why must a tragedy strike for us to be truly thankful for what we have?

Why must we lose those we love and care for in order to realize how impactful they were to our lives?

Why must we take for granted each breath that we take?

And more importantly, when will we set aside ourselves to give thanks to the One who deserves all of the credit?

A tragedy should not be what turns our vision upwards. Our focus should be there everyday rather than only in times of need or weakness. Thanksgiving should be an everyday occurrence, not only celebrated once a year.

What are you thankful for?

Enter [the Lord's] gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100: 4-5

Read that verse and remember that you have an Eternal life of thankfulness to look forward to, so enjoy and be thankful for this part of it too.

Beautified Proof

I really love Fall, it may be one of my favorite seasons.

I have also begun an obsession with photoshop and making things for my blog (ie: new graphic header), although I'm not much good yet, I am learning. Slowly learning. I have noticed today that each time I make an addition to this new blog I name it something random, the first thing that pops into my head, like, "fally" ? I'm not exactly sure where this randomness comes from but it's pretty entertaining to me. In the midst of this randomness I spotted a tree with a face.

Today was a productive day but I also found some time to be quiet and still in awe of the beauties giving evidence of the Lord around me.

But He has given proof of what He is like. He has shown kindness by giving you rain from Heaven. He gives you crops in their seasons. He provides you with plenty of food. He fills your hearts with joy.
Acts 14:17

Have you taken the time to just go outside and enjoy the beauty around you today?

Silent Answers Scream of God's Great Will

I am going to make this short and sweet:

This past summer I worked at a Christian Adventure Camp (Camp Eagle). It was the most fun, hot and rewarding summer I have had in my entire life. I wouldn't have traded the relationships I formed there for anything else, it was and still is truly encouraging to my life.

Throughout the summer I learned what it meant to genuinely trust and surrender to the Lord. I vowed (again with the self-talk vows) to let go of financial worry and lean on He who has my best intention in mind. I prayed and I prayed this summer to take that burden money has been and make it meaningless to me.

This is the present turn that constant prayer is making now:

I have recently been accepted into Texas A&M University as a Fightin' Texas Aggie transfer student (another story of the Lord's amazing answers to a long-term prayer) and as many know, college is not a cheap expedition nor is Texas A&M a cheap school.

Today, the Lord answered another prayer.

I logged into the Howdy portal for my new University to check my financial aid status. I waited forever for the page to load when it finally popped up. I had graciously been awarded $8,000 in "gift aid" for being in good academic standing, this award will completely cover tuition, rent and have a little extra for the upcoming semester.

I am thankful today and always, for ways that He silently hears us and makes things happen.

HE IS GOOD!

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
Psalm 37:7

Organized Enemy.

We are our own worst enemies.

I have vowed to be faithful to this blog because it is a push towards being faithful in seeking the Lord daily, which I have also vowed to being better at.

I have an abundance of conversational emails flooding my inbox between I & various friends, mentors, encouragements. One I respond to fairly often, particularly, is always very neatly organized from my end & a comment always arises concerning it,
"Are you this organized in all aspects of life or only writing?"
My immediate mental response was
"everything, I'm on the sticky note system."
Anticipating a little comic relief. But as I came across a confrontational opportunity of self-evaluation today, I realized, my spiritual life has no organization.

That brought another vow-to-self to mind.

I created a list of 21 things I wanted to do before my 21st birthday and reading the entire bible was one of them. Honestly, I can't say I've ever read the entire thing, I wish I'd had but there are plenty of stories I have yet to come across. I find myself sticking to comfortable verses, chapters, books, ones that are highlighted and make me feel as though I know exactly where to find what I'm seeking. Organization lingers over my head again like Christmas lights in February.

I am my own worst enemy. I get so busy indulging myself in what seems a more proper way to present myself. My life is a mess, organization is simply a mere optical illusion to make myself believe that I've got everything under control, that I've got it all planned out.

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps
Jeremiah 10:23

Therefore, I encourage you to examine the vows you have (sub)/consciously made with yourself or with God, you know the ones, and to hold yourself accountable for the progress or lack of progress, in that personal journey.
Do not let you stand in your own way.
Do not let your life get so unorganized that the mess consumes you until the sight you had on your goals are no longer able to see.

You can overcome this enemy.

Uniquely Beautiful

When the country was recently confronted with the truth that the youth of our generation were being bullied at many schools and committing suicide, a call for action was quickly taken. Love is Louder, I recalled it being titled. If only they had heard the words of Albert Einstein that within diversity there was beauty, strength. If only offering ridicule, those kids were offered words of the Lord.

Just take a second to walk outside. Breathe in deep and let it out. Look up to the sky. Sit down. Close your eyes. Focus on each of your five senses one at a time. Endure all the beauty around you and the Maker who created it all. This creator crafted you as well. & He looks at you and endures your beauty, just as we endure His. He thinks you are more beautiful than all else.

When will we start to believe these things about ourselves?
When will we let go of waistline dreams and adopt the Lord's eyes as we look into those mirrors?
When will we be convinced that the diversity between us, making us unique from others, make us beautiful?

Do not let your adorning be external--the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear--but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
1 Peter 3:3-4

Do not be so focused on the things that make you less or put your energy into what may make you "better."

You are beautiful, let that beauty start inside from the seed the Lord planted in you long ago and bloom all the way out. Let it be known by others and do not be fearful of it beacause you are wonderfully made.

Depth of Desires

Earlier today I was reading through a very insightful book called Sex God By Rob Bell. Now, though this book may sound uniquely odd, it is a sound Christian book exploring the connections between God-given, natural sexuality and spirituality. I had started this book after a friend referred a small group of women I worked with this summer to look into it ourselves. Rob Bell takes the opportunity to examine a chapter in Ephesians.

Ephesians 4:28
Those who have been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their hands that they may have something to share with those in need.

Although these few verses deal with stealing, it could be related to many other various topics in this chaotic life. Rather than telling us, as Christians, "Do not steal," or do not sin against God, the verse offers a solution to the adrenaline rush you are being asked to omit. To set our minds and our hearts on more useful things and offer them to those around us that are not as fortunate as we.

"Whatever it is that has its hooks in you, you will never be free from it until you find something you want more. It's not about getting rid of desire. It's about giving ourselves to bigger and better and more powerful desires."
Rob Bell, Sex God

I must confess that I started this blog in hopes of followers, hopeful that someone would compliment my writing, or think I was someone who had something interesting to say. I have to give this hope away. I have to let go of the desire to be pleasing to people and instead trust. I shall trust that our God will not bring glory to me but to Himself, rightfully so. Now, I just hope that whoever needs to read or be touched by the words set upon my heart to share will find this blog, even just once. It's not about how many people follow us, it's about trusting that the Lord is doing good things through His callings for us, whether we get to see the benefits or not.

Life is not about toning down and repressing your God-given life force. It's about channeling it and forcing it and turning it loose on something beautiful, something pure and true and good, something that connects you with God, with others, with the world.
Rob Bell, Sex God

I am inspired by the rest of chapter 4 of Ephesians:
When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need- words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you...

So, what is your greatest desire in this point of life?
I encourage you to examine your intensions in this desire.
And share your journey as you overcome this adrenaline fix to focus on how you can channel & turn it into something lovely, something that inspires those around you.

Title Basis

I decided on the title of this fresh blog journey based on a script read at Camp Eagle, a Christian adventure camp I had the pleasure of working at this summer.

Fellowship of the Unashamed:
I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.

My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is Heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear. I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My banner will be clear!

Stained Selfish

My best friend is getting married. She got engaged and I found out through facebook before she called. The bedroom that should belong to me at home is now occupied while I'm away at college by an unrelated boy. I am transferring schools and leaving the place that has kept me safe for the past 18 months & some parts of it I'd like to bring along, mesh old with the new, the best of both worlds. Life has been pulling me in a hundred different ways, tugging various emotions as I lie here dully, unchanging.

I've found myself in one of those seasons of life where everything is changing around me, yet, I'm falling behind. I have been praying that my will to seek the Lord would grow, that my interactions with those around me would be instituted with love from above. Yet, I still feel hurt and abandoned and it shows. I feel more upset that I have to let go of good things in my life and let them change, let them grow. I feel more hesitant than joyful. This is because I am selfish. I am sinfully selfish and my life is stained with selfishness in every aspect, evident to everyone, including me.

'Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'
Isaiah 1:18

I like to imagine God and I compromising a conclusion together, like friends. He would sit on his silver lined cloud and ask me hypothetical questions, revealing my purpose in this life. I do not feel anxious when I am speaking with the Lord, He brings a peace that surpasses all of my understanding, adding another point on the track record He keeps on my heart. He tells me that I was not created to have these selfish feelings, that He forgives me before I forgive myself for acting this way.

Then, there is silence. Silence has never been awkward to me but peaceful. I feel the presence of Him close to me but I close my eyes tightly, clinging to that feeling, hoping it will last. When I finally open them I see nothing but the feeling is still there. I still feel at peace and I am completely aware of my forgiveness, the sins of selfishness no longer linger. In fact, the selfish feelings are not remembered at all.

I am moving forward with my life at a slower pace than those around me because it was God's plan for my life. I do not have to keep up with friends or family or places changing around me. I will not be anxious or held back by selfish feelings but rather, I will stand alone in the presence of our great and forgiving Lord letting His plan prevail again.

His offering of peace will bring me joy.