Lots of Updating....

God is near! I love weeks like this past one when scripture speaks clearly and understandably to me, and when I see specific prayers answered.

This week I have been convicted, but also encouraged, by the passage regarding The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16). At times, I have thought of how in America I would most likely not be considered wealthy or rich. I sometimes justify myself by thinking of all of the material possessions that I dont have, and therefore dont have to feel guilty about certain things. In other words, because I drive a beat up car and live in an apartment, I have seen myself as exempt from passages like this one. (Obviously I have so much more than the rest of the world and right now, I have much more than some Americans-sometimes I just dont want to face the facts). But in truth, I have had a complete shift in my thinking this week. I believe I am exactly like the Rich Man in this story- I live my life in "luxury" and I do dress in nice clothing, and I DO in fact, work in areas where I know I am surrounded by Lazarus's. The point of this passage is not to throw me in to fear about my salvation, which is assured, but rather it has encouraged me to think of how I am going to live differently so to please to God which will in turn produce a reward in heaven. What a hard thing to do in America. Not going to lie- shopping is a hobby of mine, and so is eating. How can I live both compassionately and non-legalistically? It is a fine line....one that I am excited to walk with the help of Christ.

I was able to talk with Katie (sister serving in Jordan) this morning. I told her about friends that I have made at work and new friends that Dillon and I have, she said "thats so good, thats just what I've been praying for, for you!" Then as I checked her email that she sent earlier this morning, I read "...Each day, whether difficult or pleasant, holds evidence that He is so present..."-which is just what I have been praying for on her behalf. Very cool~

I am overdue in posting San Antonio pictures as promised, however most of you probably are friends with me on facebook so you have already seen them. Nonetheless, here are some highlights from my Spring Break

Spring Break- a luxury I didnt know I would ever get back after college! Summer is 9 weeks away- yay!

Wonderful News

Dillon's mother Cindy has been in the hospital for 2 months. She gets to go home tommorow and we are so grateful!!!! Thank you to everyone who has been praying for her. For those of you who dont know, she found out she has a rare type of breast cancer in October, and truly needs prayers for strength and hope.

Please pray:
1. For her to not be in pain- the cancer is in several places.

2. For physical strength to do things that she enjoys, and continue recovering.

3. For her to have an appetite/gain weight

4. For Tom, Dillon's dad

Wendy

Happy Birthday Momma! Im so glad we got to spend the past week together, I really do have so much fun with you and feel so blessed to be your daughter. Thank you for spoiling me every time we get together, for all the back rubs, for making me curtains, always making time to talk to me, and for all the advice that you give me. You are beautiful and I love you very much~

Blogging from Wild Wild West

AKA Midland Texas

Im on my spring break holiday, and boy is it nice! My sister and mom came to Dallas last weekend and then brought me back to Midland yesterday. Today I got a new haircut/highlights, went to Target with Mollie, and then afterwards we stopped by HEB to pick up some sushi- it was my first sushi experience, and I must admit, it was pretty good! My mom however almost threw up after her first (and last) bite, and my dad refused to try it altogether. This evening Mollie and I had dinner at Swensons (I used to be a waitress there!) and we are now watching American Idol. Fun day. Tommorow we head for San Antonio for a couple of days of R&R- hopefully these pale pale legs will transform into something non-blinding by the end of the week. I will leave ya'll with a picture of my new "do." More pictures from my break when I get back to Dallas~

Oink Oink

Ummm so one of my favorite things about living in Dallas is.... the food. There are many selections to choose from, many new places to try. Many temptations that should be resisted. This evening after work I met Dillon downtown at a place he had tried a couple of weeks ago called Eatzi's. From the outside its nothing fancy, but inside it feels like an Italian bistro (I've never actually been to Italy but its how I imagine it would be)! After snapping a few photos of the restraunt a sweet man with a white chef hat politely whispered to Dillon "Uh we dont allow people to take pictures. I dont make the rules." Without missing a beat my husband replied "Yes well she is doing ya'll a favor by advertising," for he knew my photos were blog material. I didnt get a picture of the wall of various breads but it was glorious. I LOVE bread. For dinner we both ended up with "create your own pasta" dishes; mine was a creamy tomatoe basil sauce on penne, with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic cloves. It was delicious, and I plan to have my leftovers tommorow for lunch because the portions were huge.

Shop and Save

Over at Kelly's Korner, she is doing a special on how to save while you shop. I have a few suggestions, some I have tried, others I have just heard of....

*I once heard of a family that would dye their clothes just to change things up for cheap. Sounds fun!

*Ross Dress For Less really does have some super cute things, especially in bigger cities. When we lived in Dumas I could never find stylish clothes in Amarillo but the Ross in Dallas is a treasure!

*I usually have a number in my mind of how much I am willing to spend and stick to it while shopping- it helps keep me under control.

*Borrow from the women in your life! I dont live very close to any of my family but from elementary school through college me and my older sister and I would share clothes. My younger sister has borrowed dresses of mine, and I think we've all borrowed jewlery or shoes from my mom. Free and fun~

*I have never needed to establish this rule (or had enough money to), but I know a girl who tended to shop a little too much so when she got married, they established a daily "allowance" for her. She knew she could either save the money and buy something big or shop for lots of little things. This is more of a funny story than it is a suggestion, thought I would share.


If this post is shallow, Im sorry- I think its a great idea to share money saving tips at times like these =)

Bowling and Cake

Sorry its been a while since I posted- it seems that this past week was busy but yet nothing happened worth blogging about.

Today we enjoyed an afternoon of bowling with Dillon's family at the new Main Event in Frisco. Dillons dad treated us, he is such a sweet father in law. Here are some pictures:

After coming home I made a cake that I've been wanting to try by Paula Deen (I got this cookbook for Christmas)

I ended the night with a nice phone conversation with my mom =)

(I missed Katie's call this morning- if you are reading, Im sorry =( I miss you!)