Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Confessions- St. Agustine

St. Agustine, I can tell we're going to be great friends. Never mind that your dead- your prayers are my prayers. You verbalize what I struggle to say. So I'll borrow your words.

Too late have I loved you, O Beauty so ancient, O Beauty so new. Too late have I loved you! You were within me but I was outside myself, and there I sought you! In my weakness I ran after the beauty of the things you have made. You were with me, and I was not with you. The things you have made kept me from you - the things which would have no being unless they existed in you! You have called, you have cried, and you have pierced my deafness. You have radiated forth, you have shined out brightly, and you have dispelled my blindness. You have sent forth your fragrance, and I have breathed it in, and I long for you. I have tasted you, and I hunger and thirst for you. You have touched me, and I ardently desire your peace.

Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know You, and desire nothing save only You.
Let me hate myself and love You.
Let me do everything for the sake of You.
Let me humble myself and exalt You.
Let me think of nothing except You.
Let me die to myself and live in You.
Let me accept whatever happens as from You.
Let me banish self and follow You, and ever desire to follow You.
Let me fly from myself and take refuge in You,
That I may deserve to be defended by You.
Let me fear for myself.
Let me fear You, and let me be among those who are chosen by You.
Let me distrust myself and put my trust in You.
Let me be willing to obey for the sake of You.
Let me cling to nothing save only to You,
And let me be poor because of You.
Look upon me, that I may love You.
Call me that I may see You, and for ever enjoy You

The house of my soul is too small to receive you; let it be enlarged by you. It is all in ruins; do you repair it. There are thing in it - I confess and I know - that must offend your sight. But who shall cleanse it? Or to what others besides you shall I cry out? From my secret sins cleanse me, O Lord, and from those of others spare your servant.

My God, let me know and love you, so that I may find my happiness in you. Since I cannot fully achieve this on earth, help me to improve daily until I may do so to the full Enable me to know you ever more on earth, so that I may know you perfectly in heaven. Enable me to love you ever more on earth, so that I may love you perfectly in heave. In that way my joy may be great on earth, and perfect with you in heaven. O God of truth, grant me the happiness of heaven so that my joy may be full in accord with your promise. In the meantime let my mind dwell on that happiness, my tongue speak of it, my heart pine for it, my mouth pronounce it, my soul hunger for it, my flesh thirst for it, and my entire being desire it until I enter through death in the joy of my Lord forever.

I'll share other treasures as I stumble across them

-m

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Reflections-One Year Ago

One Year Ago
Moved out of my house!
Lived with Sarah
Met Aaron Shust for the first time
Worked at Viscount Travel
Became an RA
Met Isis
Saw Faith for the first time in two years
Was not comfortable praying out loud
Was driving a Honda Accord
My closest friend at HBU was Sarah.
I was in summer school
Had only been to one other state
LA moved to Houston!
Attended Wilcrest Baptist Church

This Year
Live in a new apartment with no roomie =(
I'm friends with Aaron!!
I have a new job
Isis has moved
Have no problem praying aloud
Drive a Honda Civic
Have several close friends at HBU!
Can't imagine how boring my summer would be w/o my Colorado friends!!
Have been to 5 states
Attend Ecclessia


Where will I be a year from now? I can only imagine....

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Go forth to life, O child of earth!

Go forth to life, O child of earth!
Still mindful of thy heav’nly birth;
Thou art not here for ease, or sin,
But manhood’s noble crown to win.

Tho’ passion’s fires are in thy soul,
Thy spirit can their flames control;
Tho’ tempters strong beset thy way,
Thy spirit is more strong than they.

Go on from innocence of youth
To manly purity and truth;
God’s angels still are near to save,
And God Himself doth help the brave.

Then forth to life, O child of earth!
Be worthy of thy heav’nly birth!
For noble service thou art here;
Thy brothers help, thy God revere!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Distracted

God of everything I see, Come create again in me. You were yesterday, and You will always be. So take each breath that I breathe, and be the life that I bleed. Create again in me...

The past month has been interesting.

Blessings: made some awesome new friends who I instantly bonded with, got a job, saw Aaron, have had a lot of free time to spend with the Lord.

However, I feel like I've been distracted. I stopped working out as consistently as I used to, I've started spending more and more time with people that I probably shouldn't.

Some days, I feel so content with my relationship with God. I can't even explain it. But somehow, negative thoughts creep in and bring me down. I'm training myself not to dwell on those things, rather on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Paul always gives great advice.

I really wanna see Robbie Seay in concert on Sunday. I need to be in a place of corporate worship soon. That's when I feel closest to God.

I feel like I've been spending a lot of time in the Word lately, but I feel like the more I draw near to Him the farther I feel away from him. Does that make sense? The more I learn about His compassion, grace, and mercy the more clearly can I feel the depth of our fall and the weight of it all.

Well, it's getting late, and I have to go in to work in 6 hrs. I should try to rest.

My favorite Psalm....

You are kind, God! Please have pity on me. You are always merciful! Please wipe away my sins. Wash me clean from all of my sin and guilt. I know about my sins, and I cannot forget my terrible guilt. You are really the one I have sinned against; I have disobeyed you and have done wrong. So it is right and fair for you to correct and punish me.I have sinned and done wrong since the day I was born. But you want complete honesty, so teach me true wisdom. Wash me with hyssop until I am clean and whiter than snow. Let me be happy and joyful! You crushed my bones, now let them celebrate. Turn your eyes from my sin and cover my guilt. Create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again. Don't chase me away from you or take your Holy Spirit away from me. Make me as happy as you did when you saved me; make me want to obey! I will teach sinners your Law, and they will return to you. Keep me from any deadly sin. Only you can save me! Then I will shout and sing about your power to save. Help me to speak, and I will praise you, Lord. Offerings and sacrifices are not what you want. The way to please you is to feel sorrow deep in our hearts. This is the kind of sacrifice you won't refuse.

Please pray for me! My prayer is the same as David's "create pure thoughts in me, and make me faithful again....Make me as happy as you did when you saved me; make me want to obey!"

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

King Canute deserved his own post!! If you never read any of my blogs @ least read this one....

Long ago, England was ruled by a king named Canute. Like many leaders and men of power, Canute was surrounded by people who were always praising him. Every time he walked into a room, the flattery began.

"You are the greatest man that ever lived," one would say.

"O king, there can never be another as mighty as you," another would insist.

"Your highness, there is nothing you cannot do," someone would smile.

"Great Canute, you are the monarch of all," another would sing. "Nothing in this world dares to disobey you."

The king was a man of sense, and he grew tired of hearing such foolish speeches.

One day he was walking by the seashore, and his officers and courtiers were with him, praising him as usual. Canute decided to teach them a lesson.

"So you say I am the greatest man in the world?" he asked them.

"O king," they cried, "there never has been anyone as mighty as you, and there never be anyone so great, ever again!"

"And you say all things obey me?" Canute asked.

"Absolutely!" they said. "The world bows before you, and gives you honor."

"I see," the king answered. "In that case, bring me my chair, and we will go down to the water."

"At once, your majesty!" They scrambled to carry his royal chair over the sands.

"Bring it closer to the sea," Canute called. "Put it right here, right at the water's edge." He sat down and surveyed the ocean before him. "I notice the tide is coming in. Do you think it will stop if I give the command?"

His officers were puzzled, but they did not dare say no. "Give the order, O great king, and it will obey," one of then assured him.

"Very well. Sea," cried Canute, "I command you to come no further! Waves, stop your rolling!. Surf, stop your pounding! Do not dare touch my feet!"

He waited a moment, quietly, and a tiny wave rushed up the sand and lapped at his feet.

"How dare you!" Canute shouted. "Ocean, turn back now! I have ordered you to retreat before me, and now you must obey! Go back!"

And in answer another wave swept forward and curled around the king's feet. The tide came in, just as it always did. The water rose higher and higher. It came up around the king's chair, and wet not only his feet, but also his robe. His officers stood before him, alarmed, and wondering whether he was not mad.

"Well, my friends," Canute said, "it seems I do not have quite so much power as you would have me believe. Perhaps you have learned something today. Perhaps now you will remember there is only one King who is all-powerful, and it is he who rules the sea, and holds the ocean in the hollow of his hand. I suggest you reserve your praises for him."

The royal officers and courtiers hung their heads and looked foolish. And some say Canute took off his crown soon afterward, and never wore it again.

Amazing story! What unworthy things am I praising??? What unworthy things are you praising??

A lesson in Virtues

I recently bought "The Book of Virtues" and am greatly appreciating the lessons it is teaching me. Here are some of the passages I have really enjoyed:

Demosthenes had great ambition to become an orator, but suffered natrual limitations as a speaker. Strong desire is essential, but by itself is insufficient. According to Plutarch, "His inarticulate and pronunciation he overcame and rendered more distinct by speaking with pebbles in his mouth." Give yourself an even greater challenge than the one you are trying to master and you will develop the powers necessary to overcome the original difficulty. He used a similar strategy in training his voice, which "he disciplined by declaiming and recruiting speeches or verses when he was out of breath, while running or going up steep places." And to keep himself studying without interruption, "two or three month together," Demosthenes shaved "one half of his head, that so for shame he might not go abroad, though he desired it ever so much."

Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'- Matthew 5:37

The Flies and the Honeypot- Aesop

A jar of honey chanced to spill
Its contents on the windowsill
In many a viscous pool and rill

The flies, attracted by the sweet,
Began so greedily to eat,
They smeared their fragile wings and feet.

With many a twitch and pull in vain
They gasped to get away again,
And died in aromatic pain

Moral

O foolish creatures that destroy
Themselves for transitory joy

"He that has not a mastery over his inclinations, he that knows not how to resist the importunity of present pleasure or pain, for the sake of what reason tells him is fit to be done, wants the true principle of virtue and industry, and is in danger never to be good for anything." -John Locke

I hope u enjoyed that. I had to type alllllllllllll of it!!!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

I want him to be my treasure...

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..." Philippians 3.8


I take this to mean that when I get a glimpse of Christ, because he is so infinitely beautiful and valuable, I will naturally give up anything that gets in the way of knowing Him better. Beholding Him is what dulls the power of this world around us. Gazing on Him is what releases us from this awareness of ourselves. Fixing our mind on Him is our only hope of being released from this unrelenting tyranny of self. I find that I spend too much time organizing sin and success in my life. I spend too much time thinking about, well, me. I want what Paul had. I want to be sooooo distracted by the beauty of Christ that I actually forget about myself altogether. 


Is it possible? Is it attainable?


I think it is the goal, the prize, the point. I want to know Christ. I want to become, beautifully unaware.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Trusting the Lord.....

Trust in the Lord at all times you people, pour out your heart before Him, the Lord is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

God not only gives us permission to unload on Him, but He actually commands it.

"Pour out your hearts before Him." There it is, right up front, loud and clear. Pour it out. Hold nothing back. Don't filter what's right and what's wrong. If there are no words, don't worry about coherency. God knows our hearts, and He wants it all. The good, the bad, and especially the ugly. Maybe God is simply saying, "Stop trying to make yourself presentable. Stop trying to figure things out on your own. Stop trying to play it safe. Come to me and I'll give you rest. Tell me your problems before you go complaining to a friend. I can handle it."

Being presentable is something I struggle with. I don't think there is one person that I trust enough with all of my worries. Sure, I talk to my friends about issues that come up, but I never unload it on just ONE person. I talk it out, with the ones that I trust. I don't unload on just one person because I don't want to burden them. Also, I'm afraid of being judged. I'm afraid they'll think that I don't have it as together as they thought.

I sometimes get fooled into thinking that if it isn't holy, then I need to keep it secret, but then, maybe that's the only way He can make us holy...when all that darkness is brought into the light.

Think about it. God's very own Son had reservations about the cross, but He brought it to His Father. He sweat blood, but hey, I'm sure glad that He didn't turn to the disciples for counsel. They were asleep.

God wants us to bring our whole hearts before Him. He already knows it, He just wants us to know it. I heard it said once that every man's most desperate desire is to be known completely and loved still.

When we bring everything before the Lord; no sensors, no filters, no reservations, when we finally stand as Adam and Eve once stood, naked and bare in His presence, only then will we see the true measure of His grace and love.

Imagine that....

God knowing every dark and hidden place that you've worked so hard to keep secret, and then saying, "You are my child. I love you. I died for love of you." I cannot think of a more confident refuge in all this world or the next.

What have you held back? What are you afraid to bring before Him?

I need to trust in the Lord's forgiveness, it's been bought with the blood of Jesus. There is no stain so deep that it cannot cleanse. I need to pour out my heart, let loose my soul, throw down every question, dream, hope, fear, and failure at the foot of the cross.

The Lord bids us to come.

Come and rest, for He is our refuge. His love never fails.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

~Locker Room Connections~

I must confess that I've been really bad the last couple of weeks! How so? Well, today was the first time I worked out this month, and I've been going out to eat..a lot! I can blame it on a lotta things...stress, finals, drama, injuries, but ultimately it was my lack of willpower. If I really wanted to, I would've kept going strong.

Today, I finally went back to the gym. Thank goodness! I forgot how much it can help with clearing your head. While I was running, I started thinking about working out in a spiritual manner. Hope it makes sense.....

  • When I workout everyday I don't make as many unhealthy food selections because I remember how long I have to run to burn it off.
    • Same with Jesus. When I'm in a season of constantly spending time with Him, I easily resist temptations and can more clearly recognize his voice.
  • Another example is the pain/discomfort that accompanies a good workout. I welcome it because I know that the pain is temporary, and helping me be healthier.
    • It's the same way in our spiritual lives. When we face trials of any kind we can trust that God is just helping us mature: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
So far, I've had an awesome summer. I wish I could go into all my blessings but I won't because I'm exhausted and I still have some other things to do before I go to bed.

Next week I'm going to Colorado with Younglife! I'm excited and anxious. Please join me in prayer, I need the Lord to prepare my heart for whatever I encounter there.

Thanks for reading! I love you!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

!!!FRUSTRATED!!!/Prayer request

Last night, I sprained my ankle. Normally, it wouldn't be such a big deal buuuuuuuuut look at my schedule:

Thursday: Move to my new apt and Check out my residents
Friday: Continue to check out my residents and YL/Astros Game
Saturday: Mother's day thing in the afternoon, babysittin in the evening, and continuing to checkout residents.
Sunday: Finish moving into my new apt

NEXT WEEK

A trip to Colorado.


I'm also afraid of losing my motivation to workout by the time I'm healed =(

AHHHHHHH, Please pray for quick healing!!!

Also, if you have crutches can I please borrow them? Plllllllllllllllllllllllllease!!!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

pt 2 of Belief over Misery

I talked to a friend about how I was feeling, and just telling him made me feel a whole lot better!!! I feel like I'm no longer carrying this huuuuge burden! I love when friends lift you up like that because you can feel a hint of God's love in those relationships.

Maybe, that's why scripture calls us to confess our sins to one another..haha. God knew what he was talking about!! =)

I'm working on being patient.

I need to be patient.

Lord, help me be patient!

I just have one more week and then school ends. How crazy is that??? Ahhh!

I'm giving myself a challenge for the month of May. Depending on how well it turns out I may challenge myself to do something every month.

Anyways,

In May, I want to tell 4 people that I love them. I'm sure they assume it, but I want them to hear it from my mouth... for the first time ever.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Belief over Misery

I'm scared.

Lately, I have been living a life unworthy of the calling I have received. I'm being convicted by God. I guess this is my confession...

For some reason, I feel like I know what's best for me, which is ridiculous because when I walk in God's will he blesses me.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; Jesus comes so I may have life, and have it abundantly! If I know this, then why am I still doing thing's that I probably shouldn't? Don't get me wrong, I'm not participating in some terrible sin that would surprise you, but then again all sins are equal in our Fathers eyes, aren't they? I guess I should stop trying to justify my behavior. I am called to be a light in this world, and currently I am not.

I'm tired of this world. I hate it. I'm tired of waiting. Why can't he just come to rescue us all? I'm done with it all. I'm thankful for the lot in life that the Lord has given me, but how long must we wait? I'm ready for the day when He will wipe every tear from our eyes and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, because the old order of things has passed!

I guess I really need to pray that the plans I have for myself align with what God has in store for me because I keep on getting dissapointed. I just really wish he would take these desires away from me! That would keep me from going off and making my own plans. I'm sure the summer will help. I know it will.

My God is a faithful God. Come and comfort me Lord! I need to feel your presence. Make me believe that you are all I need when I'm surrounded. Be my feast in the presence of enemies! Let Your rod and Your staff comfort me. I'm empty Lord, please fill me!

EDIT

If I claim to love God, then I will follow his commands. I'm either Hot or Cold...not Lukewarm.

I see the Heart of God in His commands. He doesn't give commands to limit my life, but He gives them to direct and guide my life into the joys he has in store for me!

I will try not to push back from His commands. I will accept them as the gift that they are because He loves me!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Faithful Advice

So i have a friend who is so very wise. I was reading her blog and found out that she was also trying to get fit. I found the following to be very encouraging. Hopefully, you will too!

"I need to be a good steward of my body. Jesus made it and loves it. I need to take care of it. If I keep my weight in perspective and not make it my treasure but to make it my act of worship. By keeping myself fit- I honor God with my body. I don't have any illnesses, I don't have any genetic things that make me more likely to be in bad health. I honor God by taking care of what He has entrusted me with."

Me losing weight will be an act of worship to God. I won't make it my treasure! Also, i hope to make it a bonus for my future husband...wherever he is! haha.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Blessing

I have a friend who encourages me to be a better person. Both spiritually and physically.They are such a blessing to me and they don't even know it. Mostly, because I'm afraid to tell them.

...Maybe, cuz it's a guy and I don't want him to think that I'm in love with him. We're friends, but we're not that close.... I believe he'll get his treasure in Heaven. Or maybe one day, I'll be comfortable enough to tell him.

But for now this will have to do: Thank you! I dunno if you'll ever read this, but thank you for making me a better person!

I just had to throw it out there =)

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Happy!

The Lord has heard our cries and prayers! My dad's biopsy proved that the masses he has our not cancerous.

PRAISE THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Sad

My dad went to his oncologist today. Turns out he may have Hodgkin lymphoma again =(

I'm gonna go to the doctor with him tomorrow. he's getting a PET scan. We'll know more when he gets the results of that.

I'm sad. I really really am. How do you feel at peace with a situation like this? I need prayer for him and for me. lots and lots and lots of it.

when your dad is sick, how can you worry about anything else?

other things just don't seem to matter as much....

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Seriously?

It seems to happen every 2 yrs: Dad gets sick.

Why?

It's all I can think about, and it's all I can focus on.

My head hurts. It's throbbing, I can hardly breathe.

Why him? Why us? What are you trying to teach us Lord?

I don't even know what to say

Please, pray for my dad's health! I'm afraid he doesn't want to go through another operation or chemo. My mom said he's scared. Please pray for strength!

*edit*

so, I realize i was being a bit of a brat.

Praise God that my dad did survive 2 other bouts of cancer

Praise God for EVERY extra second that he's given me with him

"Belief over misery" as jon foreman said in 'Home'

I believe that God is faithful

I believe he will be by my side

I believe anything that happens will glorify him

I believe He is a God of comfort....

So come Lord! Come and comfort me! Draw closer to me as I lean on You.

Please show me that You are everything that you say you are.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us"

White"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Weird Human Tricks?

Lately, I've noticed that I can do "weird" thing's that others can't. Not all of them are special. Just some.

I can wiggle my ears

I can wiggle my scalp

I can raise both my eyebrows

I can raise just one (only on my left side)

I can cross both of my eyes

I can roll my tongue into a taco shape

I can flip my tongue on both sides

I can scrunch it up (my tongue) like a clover

I can whistle

I can snap my fingers

I can crack my thumb by moving it in a circular motion

My hand is not flat. It curves up

My pinky isn't right next to my ring finger when my fingers are closed. (does that make sense?)

I can pop my knees

My toes can spread (i can use them like hands..haha)

umm i think that's it.

WHAT CAN YOU DO???

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Corporate Worship

Last weekend I saw Chris Tomlin on his Hello Love tour. It was AMAZING!! I also had the opportunity to meet him and he was very kind to me.

Something, I've been wondering about is corporate worship. Most of the Christian concerts that I go to are amazing. There have been some, where I don't really connect, but most of them are spectacular. I go to a different place. I'm not sure I can even describe it, my worship becomes transcendent.

I wonder why I get that feeling at concerts, and not at church, bible study or quest. What's the difference? Why do I have to be at a concert to experience that? I wanna experience it all the time!!!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

A Prayer for Lent

How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent? How can I rejoice fully in your Resurrection when I have avoided participating in your death?
Yes, Lord, I have to die—with you, through you, and in you—and thus become ready to recognize you when you appear to me in your Resurrection. There is so much in me that needs to die: false attachments, greed and anger, impatience and stinginess.... I see clearly now how little I have died with you, really gone your way and been faithful to it. O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.

Henri Nouwen

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Cyberfast

is going on a cyberfast. for real. if you need me, call/txt. i need to be mastered by nothing! i'll let you know when i'll be back!!!

Friday, January 30, 2009

25 random "Mayra facts"

Please join the club!

I would love to learn more about YOU!

1. If I'm out during the evening I look for the moon, stare at the stars and tell God that's he's beautiful.

2. I like to blog, a lot.

3. i secretly want Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears to get back together =)

4. Corporate Worship helps me feel closer to God.

5. I love listening to classical music.

6. I prefer Facebook and Twitter over Myspace.

7. "when i grow up" I would love to be involved with Christian Concerts (in some form or fashion). For now, I'll volunteer =)

8. I don't sleep very much.

9. I love warm weather

10. I love hanging out with my friends. I especially love it when we just sit around and praise God..too bad Abby no longer has her guitar =( .

11. I'm very empathetic

12. I collect crosses and Frank Capra movies

13. I love drinking hot tea. My favorite is peppermint with honey.

14. I long to travel the world alone, and stay in random hostels, but I'm not brave enough.

15. I'm awesome at Monopoly...I NEVER lose. I'm also pretty passionate about Taboo, and think Catchphrase is really unfair.

16. My favorite show EVER is Felicity. If I ever have a baby girl I wanna name her that.

17. The most useful advice I have ever gotten is to never stop preaching the love of God to myself... over and over, day in day out....

18. I truly believe that "We never touch people so lightly that we do not leave a trace." I'm sorry if i have ever offended and left a bad trace. i also wanna take the time to apologize for other Christians who may have offended you and made you think that our "religion" is for hypocrites. I love you. I'm sorry that we have sinned against you. Please don't judge our beautiful Lord based on a few.

19. I learned the hard way that God's way is the best way. All other roads lead to pain and heartache.

20. I've also learned that time heals all wounds.

21. I miss the Piney Woods of East Texas. One day I wanna move to the country. Aww, thinking of Nacogdoches makes me wanna cry..haha. Axe Em Jacks!

22. Being a History major is really tough because historians claim they can disprove Christianity. Sometimes, they provide pretty convincing evidence, but when I feel myself falling into that trap I remind myself that "i am not skilled to understand" and I pray. I believe EXACTLY what the Bible says. I still believe Genesis 6-9 and don't care what you claim to prove with the Epic of Gilgamesh. Ohh, I could go on and on but I won't! haha.

23. My favorite smells include cinnamon, apple, vanilla, freshly cut grass, lemon, pine sol and clean laundry.

24. I have to have a blanket covering me while I sleep!

25. A lot of people have told me that if I had a reality show they would watch it!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Fine in '09!!!

Well, at the beginning of the year I resolved to stop procrastinating, memorize the book of James, and learn to love jogging..... SO far I have put off a million things, I've only memorized the first 3 verses (i'm supposed to memorize 2 a week) and I HATE jogging! I love how idealistic I am New Year's Eve, and then January 2 rolls around all my plans fly out the window. I think part of the problem is my personality. I hate being made to do things. When I make rules for myself saying you have to do blah, blah, and blah I end up giving up because usually I don't see any eternal value in my "rules."

School starts Monday, and I'm super excited. It's my second to last semester.... I can see the finish line...haha. I'm not sure WHAT i'm gonna do when I graduate. I have faith that God will put me exactly where he wants me to be .

It's only the 10th of January, and I have already been given so many blessings! Lets start with the one that's most evident on my facebook page:

In November I went to itickets.com to look up when Tenth Avenue North would be coming to Houston when I saw that David Crowder was coming in January. I was soo excited because c'mon DCB..'nuff said. Anyways, On Monday, I decided to call the church to see if the concert was free or if you had to pay money at the door because there wasn't any ticketing information on itickets.com. When I called the receptionist and asked about the concert she informed me that the concert sold out when it first when on sale to the church members. I was soo crushed. Seriously, I felt my heart drop! I couldn't believe that DCB would be in Houston, and I wouldnt be able to go. I'm used to going to whatever concerts I want, whenever I want. So, I really thought that would be the end of the story. However, on Tuesday, I had a dream that I was at the concert and it really bummed me out. I tried to push it outta my head, but I couldn't. On Wednesday I decided to call the church and see if I could volunteer to be an usher or work at the merchandise table or volunteer for anything. I just wanted to help and be there! Unfortunatley, all those positions had also been filled. So, i thought "mayra, you've done all that you can do. let it go." but you know me. I couldn't! So i went to the church website and I e-mailed the youth pastor. I asked her if she knew if there was any possible way i could buy a ticket to the concert and Lo and Behold SHE KNEW SOMEONE WHO WAS TRYING TO GET RID OF A TICKET. You can just imagine how happy I was. I called Melissa and asked her if I could please buy her ticket, but she refused to sell it. She wanted to GIVE it to me. Not only that, but she wanted to give me 3 FREE tickets. That woman was a total blessing. How many people can get 3 tickets to a private sold out show? The concert was amazing. I lost my voice. You can check out the footage on my youtube page. I was also able to meet David for the second time in the past year. He didn't remember me, but that's to be expected. I bet he meets thousands of people a year.

That whole experience helped me learn 2 important lessons. 1. Humbling yourself and begging. E-mailing the youth pastor was really a hard decision, but it was worth it. It was hard because I don't really like asking people for help/things. Maybe it's a pride issue? 2. The Lord delights in me when I delight in him. Does that make sense? I mean honestly, he meets my every need! MY EVERY NEED. I just had a revelation. I think I'm gonna start a blog about all the positive things that happen to me so I can remember when I'm having a bad day. I mean I already have a private blog about my "lamentations" I might as well do the opposite.

This blog is a lot longer than I originally intended, but I'm gonna go ahead and quickly list the other ways that the Lord has blessed me this year.

* The Lord helped me meet my financial aid needs for college
* My dad gave me a new car
* I got a job, possibly substitute teaching.
* Connected with people that I havent seen in awhile!
* and the biggest thing is I think I found a home @ a new church!!!

So far, It's been smooth sailing =)

I pray that it stays that way.

I truly feel that the Lord has great things in store for me in '09.


Psalm 103
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
The LORD performs righteous deeds
And judgments for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the sons of Israel.
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows [c]our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
To those who keep His covenant
And remember His precepts to do them.
The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.
Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
Bless the LORD, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Male Wishlist

The following qualities if not met are dealbreakers:
  1. Christian
  2. Musically Inclined
  3. Good in Math
  4. Must be between 5'7-6'1.
  5. Manly Voice
  6. Introvert
  7. Deals with anger in a passive agressive way.
  8. Can challenge me/Teach me things
  9. Opens Doors for me
  10. Patient
  11. Can properly use commas, semicolons, and colons.

The following qualities are preferred BUT negotiable.

  1. Strong jaw line
  2. Cleft chin or Dimples or Both
  3. Accent of some sort
  4. Facial Hair
  5. Light colored eyes
  6. Appreciates Coldplay, Aaron Shust, John Mayer, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Jack Johnson (You have to like at least one!)
  7. Enjoys Board Games or Uno

I have the right to add or ammend at my discretion with or without notice =)

Good day!

P.S. I'm halfway kidding!!! lol =)