GoodBye to 828

The year after college I lived with some of my dearest friends in apartment 828. This apartment has been in our circle of friends for several years now, and the girls that live there currently have decided to move out, so it's goodbye to 828!

All the girls that have lived in 828 gathered for one last shinding tonight before it's not longer ours. (We were sad to miss the newly married Ms. Nagel and also Ashley far away in Virginia.)

We've had great memories. Here are a few that stick out about the "mack shack":
- Finals week Disney parties
- putting together invitations for Meryl's wedding
-trapping a cockroach in a glass bowl until it could be killed and disposed of by a boy
- Ashley, Ashley, and Meryl dinners
- Liz accidentally turning on the voiceover on Christi's laptop
- David asking me to be his girlfriend
-fun trips to 59 diner
- fun stories with Melody and Liz (about 'jousting')
- a LOTR marathon
-lots of cooking
- gnoming the Richmond boys
-card nights with David and Mark

I'm so grateful for these memories. I'm grateful for the shelter 828 was to us. I'm grateful for the girls that lived there and the friendships that were formed there.

Bittersweet

Today is a bittersweet day.

I'm packing up my apartment, and it is a really weird feeling.
When I got here, I imagined making a life here in this apartment, living here for several years. I imagined what it would be like to live here, entertain here, cook here, and maybe one day, not even live here alone :) And so now that it's over, it feels weird.
Don't get me wrong, I still feel like I'm walking forward in the best way possible, but it is still kinda surreal, and very bittersweet.

I'm sad to pack up all my fun kitchen stuff. I know that I will use it all again someday soon, but until then, I will miss all my kitchen goodies. I will miss coming home and seeing that my DVR has taped like 7 Monks from me to choose from. I will miss getting to decorate and re-decorate any way that I want. I will miss quiet spaces and time.

I won't miss being afraid of being alone at night. I won't miss trying to combat an evil cockroach by myself. I won't miss trying to cook and plan meals for one. And I won't miss Waco water.

Here are some long awaited pictures.


Even though I think that heading to Houston for school is the right thing to do, I will remember this place and time fondly. I am grateful for the opportunity that has been.

To Houston tomorrow!!!

Some Very-Not-Collected Thoughts

Usually when I want to write something out, it has been rolling around in my head for a good long time. I write pretend fragments, sentences and paragraphs in my head. Sometimes I want to begin to write it out, but I find myself hesitant to even begin typing. It is as if my thoughts are not ready to be 'birthed' yet. And then, when it comes, it comes in a big way, and it is all there, ready to be written out. It's a process I've grown to love. I'm not usually disappointed when I sit and can't write, because I know it is 'cooking' in my head and thoughts, and I'm excited about when it will all come out.

But tonight, my thoughts are not together. I don't feel as if all these thoughts are ready to be 'birthed.' Instead, they are a tangled mess, confused, untested, and possibly, incorrect. But tonight, I am going to write. Tonight I am going to attempt to use my writing to help me come to grips on and solidify my thoughts.

My sophomore year of high school one of my close friends committed suicide. It was a huge crisis of faith for me; I struggled to reconcile what had happened with what I had thought and believed about God my life thus far. I questioned everything and anything. I believe that eventually God granted me huge amounts of grace to get through this tough time.
I clung to truths like:
He has a plan. He is God because he takes horrible shameful things and redeems them.
He uses bad things for good.
He is sovereign.
I am not God; I will not understand.

These seemed to suffice for the time being. I was able to learn that God was going to use my friend's suicide, that somehow in his sovereignty, he could redeem it and use it for good.

Last week a man who was an acquaintance of mine committed suicide. I barely knew the man, meeting him once or twice, but we had close mutual friends. When I heard of this happening, I was greatly discouraged. I found myself thinking the same thoughts as when Paula had died, almost reliving that grieving process. All the questions arose again.

But, I've been greatly encouraged by this man's church. They have reacted with great faith, not great despair.
"Jesus will redeem this," they say.
"We are not shaken," they say.
"We serve an amazing God," they say.

I'm encouraged by their faith, by their reaction. I am encouraged by a group of people who stand firm, whose faith is so real and authentic, that when faced with great tragedy, their response is "we are not shaken."

I didn't even know the man, and I'm not sure that that was my response. Being brutally honesty, I was a little shaken.

The church put a link to this funeral sermon by John Piper. I'm encouraged by his words too. Read it.
Take note of the end.

At the end, Piper encourages those who 'survive' a friend/family member who has committed suicide to "..be utterly committed.." in response to this tragedy.
He says:
Therefore Let This Death Not Be in Vain: Let It Make Us Utterly Committed to Overcome the Enemy That Brought Him to the Grave

• Give his death worth and meaning by letting it make you hate sin and Satan and unbelief.
• Let it make you blood-earnest about spiritual things.
• Let it strip you of unbelief.
• Let it be his last loud cry against the dangers of the powers of darkness.

What could honor him more than to let his death be a covenant between you and him, sealed with his own blood,

• that you, from this day forth, will fight with all your might the enemy that brought him to his grave;
• that you will wear the whole armor of God; and
• that you will take the sword of the Spirit, the Bible, and practice with that sword so regularly, so diligently, so earnestly that you become valiant for the Savior who did not leave him blind, broke the prison walls of his unbelief . . . and caught him when he fell.

--------------
May we 'HATE sin and Satan and unbelief.'
May we be 'blood-earnest about spiritual things.'
May we 'fight with all (our) might the enemy...'

I need His grace for every moment and every breath. I don't ever want to take for granted His grace that sustains me in every moment, the moments I understand, and the moments I don't understand. I am utterly dependent on Him. May this cause me to be utterly committed to Him.

My Cup Overflows

I feel so grateful for so many people in my life, and one of those people is definitely Meryl.

From the moment I was told Meryl was to be my freshman college roommate and we began emailing back and forth about a color scheme for our dorm room, I have been excited about being her friend. She is thoughtful, creative, honest, and one of the best friends a girl could ask for.

The first time I saw Meryl, she was standing by the door of Suite 12. I remember walking towards the door, wondering if that was her... would this girl be the my college roommate? Come to find out, she was! From that moment, our friendship has been steady and sure, and for that I am grateful. There has never been any drama in our relationship; she is faithful, dependable, and selfless.

We've had great memories - killing cockroaches, decorating suite 12 for christmas, carving pumpkins (and cleaning them up too!), being RA's together, dance parties with marc broussard, tuesday night dinners with nunes, a progressive dinner, a liza scrapbook, and numerous road trips and parties.

I met Meryl this morning for breakfast at Panera. We met at 9:00 and before we knew it, it was 11:30! I love that I can talk with my sweet friend for 2.5 hours and have no idea that time has passed. I love that we can share our hearts, ideas, fears, and hopes. I'm grateful that when I tell her I want to make a quilt, she shares my enthusiasm, that she will stalk buby and bleu with me loving their ideas, and tell me her honest opinion about things. I love seeing her heart open up to serving special needs childrens and Muslims, her excitement and joy written all over her face.

I am truly blessed to have such a friendship with this woman.

I love Khalil Gibran's thoughts on friendship. He says:
"And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit."

My friendship with Meryl has most definitely deepened my spirit, and I am grateful.

No Good Thing....

Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

( WHY? )

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

Psalm 84: 10-11

The Toothbrush Song

On weekends that I am in town, David usually spends Saturday night at my parent's house... so he will be closer to church in the morning.
This Sunday morning, my parents and bro were already on their way to church, and my sweets and I were going for the late service. I was putting my make up on in my room, and noticed David was in the bathroom brushing his teeth. All of a sudden I realized I hadn't brushed my teeth yet! So, I joined David at the sink to brush my teeth too...

The radio was on and this new song by Band Perry *whom I love so far* came on the radio.

It's fun and upbeat and David and I danced like crazy in front of the mirror jamming to this new song, all while brushing our sparkly whites. Silly, I know, but oh, so fun! I will never forget this fun memory.

We now affectionately call the song 'the toothbrush song.' Go listen to it!

Question of the Day

Last year on October 29, David and I started our "question of the day" messages. Each day, for a year (of course we've missed some days here and there) we've taken turns asking a question of the day. Our questions have been completely random, like:
'what is your favorite meal?'
'if you could meet a famous person, who would it be?' and
'what is your favorite childhood memory?'

of course there have been some really crazy ones too, like: 'if you were a zombie, which body part what would you eat first? (bet you can guess which one of us came up with that one...)

It's been a great experience and I have loved getting to know random and crazy things about David that I might not have otherwise known.

So, yay, for the one year anniversary of question of day!!!

David

Growing up there were several men that I really admired - friends of the family, men in my church, or wherever. Now, I know this might sound weird, but it is true that I was blessed with great men in my life. One thing I love about David is how he is a mixture of all of these great men and great qualities.

He has my daddy's ability to wrap me up in a big bear hug and make me feel safe.
He has Terry Hugo's sense of humor.
He has Jerome's dependence on guidance from the Spirit.
He has my grandaddy's patience.
He has Wes' gentle and quiet nature.
He has Jamie's love of Hebrew.

I am a very blessed woman.

LOST

So LOST is starting back up in January; I am so excited!!!

Sad news is that we will get a few episodes in January and then have to wait to March for the rest.... because of the Winter Olympics.

Check it out here!

Yummy!!!

I found this recipe in my Real Simple magazine awhile ago and have been dying to make them!!!

So last week when I was at home, I set to it!
It is a great recipe and SO delicious!

For the recipe, go here:
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/pumpkin-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting-00000000021359/

Music To Our Hearts

October 8th marked the 8th anniversary of the death of my good, good friend Paula.

I wasn't able be at home in Houston to go visit her grave that day, so David and I went last weekend when I was home. I brought my sweet friend a rose and remembered the wonderful and loyal friend that she was.

I remember a friend who wanted to be a doctor
I remember a friend who marched in the band.
I remember a friend who played basketball.
I remember a friend who loved deeply and well.
I remember a friend who was always inclusive.
I remember a friend who found great joy in singing.
I remember a friend who hurt, who struggled.
I remember a friend who died.
I remember her Savior, who sweet Paula walked with and now lives and abides with.

new things

I started a new Bible study tonight at church. I am really excited to get to know these women and walk with them over the next few weeks. Already tonight I see how they love each other well and I am excited to get to know them, and to study the Bible with them. They are all older than me, all either mothers and/or grandmothers. But I look forward from learning from them, from their places in life, and from what God is teaching them.

I want to learn, Lord.
Teach me to know you in a real and authentic way.
Speak to me what you want for me life.
Give me the ears to hear what you have to say.
Then give me the strength and boldness to do what you are calling me to.
I love you, Lord.

Soul Friends

Soul friends, or as Christy and Katie would call it: 'peculiar treasures.'

This is the friend that knows you so well. The friend that no matter how long you've been away, you can still pick up right where you left off. This is the friend that knows your good days, and your bad days.This is the friend that you will know forever.

I don't know how I got lucky enough to have so many of these friends, but I did. Lisa Lund is one of them, and Lisa Lund came to visit me this weekend :)

We ate Italian food at Baris, hit the dollar spot at Target, got Lisa acclimated to the Waco water, watched ALIAS, ooh-ed and ah-ed over scrapbook paper, jammed to new tunes, cooked tacos, studied at Common Grounds, delighted in ice cream, talked for hours, and had loads of fun.

Thank you friend.
It was great to see you.

Hope

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

Psalm 33:20-22

a great weekend

The sight of: David's face when I surprised him on Friday, Jamie and Mimi, the old Tallowood worship center transformed (sad), new Monks to watch (yay!), the GREASE set at the Hobby Center,

The smell of: mom's new Bath and Body Works fall plug-in, David's cologne on the way to Grease

The taste of: a banana chocolate vivanno, delightful hummus and tabouli on friday night, a Prince's hamburger, a M&M and Reese's blizzard, creamy tomato soup from Panera,

The feel of: David's strong arms around me, my daddy's bear hug, my big nice warm bed at home, excitement as we are getting ready to see GREASE

The sound of: Vince Vontaine introducing GREASE to us on Saturday night, "I love you," Austin and me jamming in the car to "accidentally in love," Angela and Gabriel's encouraging words, the GREASE music

God's foreknowledge & prayer

In our theology class we had a discussion about open theism... the idea that God does not have the future planned or settled. Those who uphold this idea stand in contrast to Calvinists and traditional Arminians who believe that God does have the future settled. Calvinists believe this is so because they believe God has predetermined the future. Arminians believe this because they believe God has 'exhaustive foreknowledge.' Open theists (can, but doesnt have to, include some Arminians), though, claim their view is helpful; they claim it answers many questions we have about God. How do we deal with verses in the Bible that talk about God changing his mind? If our prayers don't have an effect on God, why do we pray? Why is there evil in the world?

Open theists claim that these questions can be answered by believing in a God who knows all that might be, but who doesn't know what will be.

I tend to lean away from the open theist point of view. And I get really riled up when they go to prayer as a reason why we should believe in open theism. I think it is presumptous of us to say: why pray if we can't change God's mind. Our changing God's mind is not our purpose in prayer, and if it is, we need to do some reevaluating. It makes prayer selfish.

There is tons of worth in praying even if we will never change God's mind. In Jesus' model prayer, the first half is spent adoring, praising, and thanking God. This should be our primary foucs in prayer. This should be more than enough reason to pray.

And when we do intercede for others, our prayer should be like that of Jesus'.... that we pray for His will to be done. This affirms in us an inner trust in the fact that His will is the best way. If we don't believe that, we will have a hard time authentically praying for His will. So if we are not at that point, maybe our prayer should be "make my will in align with yours..."

Hippodrome

On Friday night, Amber and I went to see Singing in the Rain at the Hippodrome.

It was an appropriate movie because it was pouring outside!!!

Anyways, I absolutely fell in love with the Hippodrome in downtown Waco. It was built in 1914 and is beautiful inside. It is such a fun atmosphere.

So, if you have any free weekends in Waco, check out what is happening here.

Hebrew

Last night, I got really discouraged with my homework. I felt behind and rusty and just overwhelmed. It was taking me at least forty minutes to translate a verse, and then I realized I didn't even have the parsings right. Ugh.

________

I have loved Hebrew from the first time I laid eyes on it.

From learning to write the alphabet, to analzying syntax and grammar, I have loved it. Every minute of it (okay, maybe not every minute of it....)

I loved the community that Jamie helped to create in our class. I loved that we sang Psalm 133, about how good and pleasant it is to dwell with brothers. I loved studying like crazy, forming my opinion about how this certain participle was being used and then going to class and arguing for it till I was blue in the face. I love seeing a kid and asking their name and then writing it out in Hebrew for them. I love the smile on their face.

My favorite story about Hebrew: I was with Laura in Provo, Utah at a nursing home. There was this lady there who saw my necklace (it is a charm with the Hebrew symbol for 'life') and wanted to know what it meant. I explained it to her and she was instantly mesmorized. "Will you teach me the Hebrew alphabet?" she asked cautioulsy, gazing up into my eyes. "I would love to," I replied.

She took me to her room, pulled out some paper and crayons and set me to work. As I wrote each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, she asked how to pronounce it. Then she would take the crayon from me and write out a way that she could remember it. I was amazed at how earnest and excited my new student was! So for 'alef' she wrote 'all-if' and so on. It was great.

Finally, after we finished the alphabet, I asked if I could tell her about my favorite Hebrew word. She of course, said yes. I wrote out for her the word 'hesed.' I told her that this word told us about God's love for us, but that it wasn't just any type of love. It was a special love. It is a love that pursues us. It is a love that is stubborn. "Aren't you so glad that God is stubborn in his love for us? That he doesn't give up on us?" I asked. "I am," I said confidently. She was mesmerized.

I hope that this lady saw a true picture of God's love for her that morning. That this helped her to see Him more clearly. I know that somehow God is still stubbornly pursuing this random woman in a random nursing home in a random city.

This is why I study Hebrew.

I can do this, and I can be self-disciplined enough to review the things I need to. I can go over vocab, and re-work my way through the grammar book. I can do this. I want to do this.

I want to create a community like Jamie does. I want to teach people like the lady in the nursing home.

I'm gonna keep working towards it. Even at forty minutes a verse....

newness

things i am grateful for:
- David, my best friend, my love,
-a new apartment, all to myself
- my sister in waco
- my other sister coming to visit :)
- provision, found in a job
-my brother and parents who can make a weekend at home so much fun :)
-new seasons of monk!
-facebook messages from meryl, liz, larissa, laura, lisa
-pictures of baby Rachel Lund
-fun trips to Hobby Lobby with my momma
-3 hour road trips all to myself
- a Greek party in September to look forward to
-chocolate cookie dough ice cream
-new things to learn
-Hebrew, in a completley new approach
-a new journal, that looks like a nancy drew novel (so excited about this)
-a wedding this weekend, that will reunite family :)
-chocolate chip muffins
- a prayer time with David that helps me to remember that YHWH is my King. He will provide for me all things in His time.

In moments when I begin to feel torn, between old things and new, comfortable things and scary things, I can remember that YHWH is my constancy. He is my sufficiency. He is my King.

Be joyful always...

David and I read this last night, and I like it. I think it's a good reminder for any and every situation that we find ourselves in.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances."

I want to be more joyful.
I want to be more prayful.
I want to give thanks in ALL circumstances.

Back to School

This is a moving/back to school kit that David made for me. It is so thoughtful and so put together. Everything in it has a reason for being there. I really liked it so I had to brag on it :)

Friends

Tonight I met some of my closest friends for dessert at 59 diner. I'm wanting to see as many friends as possible before I relocate, so we all gathered tonight. Meryl, Jessica, Leah, Liz, Christi, Melody, Val, and Christine.

I was grateful for our time together. These girls (and a few others!) have been great friends to me throughout college. When I think about how I've been blessed with friends, all I can say is "my cup overflows." And it's the truth; these girls are hugely important and influential to me. I love them all.

I'm excited to get to school and make new friends too. I know it won't happen immediately, but I'm looking forward to making new friends and new memories...to add to the already wonderful ones I have.
This picture isn't from tonight, but it's pretty much the same girls, so it works :)

Love will see us through

Last night David and I went to see G.I. Joe in celebration of David being
 finished with summer school! I am so proud of him!

On our way to the movie theater, David sang this song to me.
And of course, I lost it. I bawled like a baby. 
I am so grateful for him. I will miss him like crazy.
I know that we only have three hours between us, but it will still
definitely be a transition for us. 

But he is so sweet; I so appreciate this song. I told him
he's gonna have to sing it to me over the phone....
Love will see us through. Out where dreams come true, we'll be together. 
________________________________________________

Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight

Somewhere out there someone's saying a prayer
That we'll find one another in that big somewhere out there

And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true

Provision

I am grateful for God's provision.

I see it all around me. He is truly my Provider. I am safe in His hands.

Rather Sweet

Me and the roomies took a two-day vacation over the July 4th holiday weekend. We loaded up and headed to Fredericksburg, TX. It took us a long six hours to get there... a few stops and a yummy sit down dinner @ Stonewerks in San Antonio.

We settled in our hotel room late Thursday, tried to go swimming (but the pool was disgusting...), and finally just hung out in our hotel room. Friday morning we started early and started shopping around the town. There were a ton of cute, cute shops. My favorites: Henfeathers, Grandma Daisy's and a scrapbooking store.

We stopped for lunch at a place that was recommended to us, and it was DELIGHTFUL. "Rather Sweet" was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Their sandwiches were to die for. Such incredible bread. We felt a little ripped off my our desserts. They all nuts in them which we didn't enjoy and they cost a fortune... so if you ever go, just make sure you know what you are getting and how much it costs. Liz's brownie cost 6 dollars! And my chocolate chip cookie (3$) was very nutty and not very chocolate-chippy :(

After that we headed to the hotel for a quick nap before we embarked on climbing Enchanted Rock. It was hot, and the sun was baring down on us but we did it. The view was great.

Back to the hotel for showers and dressing up for a nice dinner. We went to Pasta Bella (delightful as well... it comes very highly recommended!) At Pasta Bella, Christi found her new husband and that was fun :) I left her number for our waiter just as a joke (because I knew it would drive her crazy...) and he called! Haha!

It was a good trip over all.. I'm glad we went.

For the fourth, David and I hung out with my family (my daddy cooked hamburgers! yum!) and then headed over to his family for some fireworks. I did a Roman Candle for the first time! I'm proud :)

Me and David after the Fourth of July celebrations
About to climb Enchanted Rock :) 
Christi and I at Rather Sweet, about to eat one of the best meals of our lives :) 
Roommates, about to go swimming...
3/4 of us at dinner. 

Urumqi..... where my heart is.

There has been lots of violence on the streets of Urumqi the last few days. Several are dead, several hundreds are hurt. Hundreds of buses, shops, homes, restaurants and more have been burned.

YHWH, this is your city. I have very clearly felt you claim this city. I have never been more convinced of anything ... you are going to do a mighty work in this city. I ask you that you protect the people there... keep the rest of them from harm. Bring peace, reconciliation and restoration between the Uighurs and the Han Chinese.

I pray for Sunny, for Jenny and her family, for Dong, for LiFei. Protect these people. Guard them. Hold them close.

Bring us back there so that we may continue to love and grow with these people. Until then, help us to love them from afar. Remind us to pray for them.
______________________

Check out this link.

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/tension-mounts-in-chinas-xinjiang-region-20090707-dbp9.html

or this one....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/06/china-urumqi-uighur-united-nations

one more....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/07/uighur-china-xinjiang-urumqi

Katie, Dong and I.

Sunny and I.

Li Fei and I. I love her dearly.

Top Ten

So I wrote this over a month ago, and somehow never posted it:

Last Sunday (May 17) marked six months of David and I being "together" "officially." So on Monday night we snuggled up with a blanket and a laptop to write out some of our favorite memories... then we made a top ten list.

Here's just a few of our favorites:

The SMOOTHIE: Last year, BYX was selling smoothies in the MDA as a fundraiser. I was sitting there working on some homework, when a dashingly handsome man came and asked me if I wanted a smoothie. I didn't have any cash on me and so he bought one for me. This stands as one of our first real conversations and encounters. I remember wondering if maybe he liked me because he bought me a smoothie, but I convinced myself he was just being nice. Little did I know....

The UHAUL. Just a few days after David and I started dating, I was starting to walk across campus. I saw him and some of his buddies walking towards my building. But there was this big UHAUL in between us... I saw his feet move around to the back of the UHAUL while he buddies kept coming towards me. When I reached them, I asked where he went but they denied that he was ever with them. I knew better. I walked around to the back of the UHAUL, and there he was :) My David, sitting there, in the back of this UHAUL that wasnt even ours, and he had flowers for me. I joined him, smelled my flowers, and felt overwhelmed that I had this great man loving me. I found out later that he meant to bring them to my desk, but since I accidentally intercepted him on the way, the UHAUL became the impromptu location :)

FIRST DANCE. For David's birthday, I had made him a CD of our favorite songs. One of his songs was "Go the Distance" by Michael Bolton. We were listening to it one time, and I mentioned that I didn't think it was very "danceable." Mr. Ashcraft took that as a challenge I think because he stood me up and swept me off my feet. I learned that the song was very "danceable." It was a great first dance. His hero's welcome is waiting in my arms :)

STUDY DATE. Last fall, David and I were both writing papers on Isaiah. He asked me to meet him and work on them together. And of course, there was very little talk of Isaiah. It was not much of a 'study date' at all. That was an incredible night. We talked for hours and everything and anything. Something that sticks out to me is somehow I got on the topic of American Girl Dolls (we had been talking about our sisters, and this was something my sisters and I did a lot!) He had never heard of them, so I googled them real quick and was going to show them to him. As I was waiting on the website to load, I thought to myself: Ashley - what in the world are you doing? He does not care about American Girl Dolls, and he probably thinks you are crazy for showing him... but then, I looked up at him. And he wasn't looking at me like I was crazy; he was looking at me like he adored me. I knew then and there that this man was special. He was patient, and kind, and for whatever reason, he liked me.

ANNOUCEMENT: Last November, David's birthday was a special day for us. I had written him about what was then just an idea and what is now the impending move to Waco. We had a long converation about it that night, and it was in this conversation that David

asked me to be his girlfriend. David was leaving for the night, and I walked him to the door (all of my roommates were in the living room.) When we got to the door, he smiled at me and asked if he could introduce me as his girlfriend. So we went back into the living room, and he

said to them "I would like to introduce you all to Ashley Hatchet...my girlfriend!" As LMA would say, "a general cry arose" and my roommates freaked out! It was such a fun moment. Here is a pic from that night.

Pictures!

Here is a family pic of us before we went shopping at the RoundRock outlets. There is a perfect amount of room to photo shop Amber in right in front between mom and dad. Except I don't know how to do that...Anyways, we had lots of fun! Lots of good shops.
This is a pic from our day at the Capitol. We had lots of fun there too. We had a great tour guide and learned a lot about the Capitol.
This was taken while we were at Book People. The bumper sticker says "Keep Austin Reading." Aus really liked that.
And here is one of his favorite parts of the trip! Austin LOVES this building. Its the Frost Bank Tower in downtown Austin. It is a pretty impressive tower.
Me and Amy after Night at the Museum 2. I liked the stars :)

A good get - away...

Last week was a vacation for the family (minus Amber, who was working hard in CT)

We packed up and headed to Austin, TX. We visited there and also Wimberely, Gruene, Smithville... it was fun!

The sight of: downtown Austin, the beautiful Driskell hotel, our state Capitol, Austin visiting Frost Bank, Night at the Museum 2 (funnier than I thought it was gonna be... ), Book People (one of our new favorite bookstores), Austin's freebirds hat atop his head (most days at least..) lots of crossword puzzles, the house that Hope Floats was filmed at (http://www.smithvilletx.org/hopefloats.html), the sight of my sweetheart when I arrived home...

The taste of: yummy mac and cheese from Threadgills, chocolate orange gelato from Whole Foods (to die for... oh my goodness!), delightful french fries from Pocket's Grill, a yummy starbucks banana chocolate vivanno, a salsa burger from the Gristmill, Blue Bell ice cream from the Old Mill Store at Wimberely, diet coke.

The feel of: excitement because Amy is home, crowding 5 people in one hotel room, heat... lots and lots of heat!, anxiety as I hear Amy and Berna talk about Truett, fear as a lady collapses at Pocket's Grill, missing Amber and David, wishing they could have both been with us, excitement each morning as I open that day's letter from David


A great trip. A great family. So grateful.
Pictures to come!

sick of being sick

I woke up Monday night, feeling awful... a pounding headache and very sore throat. I was frustrated because I've already had strep throat TWICE this year... I woke up, showered, even wore a skirt to work, in an attempt to feel better... but it just wasn't happening. My throat was still on fire, and I was chilled.... chilled like I don't remember ever being chilled before.

I finally left work and managed to score a late doctor's appointment. I absolutely despise getting the throat swab thing, but oh well.. I did that and a flu test but both came back negative. My doctor sent me home with no diagnosis (except a really high fever) but with an antibiotic.

I was house/dog sitting at my parent's so I decided to crash there... my sweet David came over and took such good care of me. I am so grateful for him. He even brought me a rose. I'm sick/nasty/scary-looking in my pj's and the man brings me a rose... too sweet. He wrote this prayer for me later... "In your infinite grace heal my Ashley's weak body and fortify it, and prepare us both for the good work that you set aside for us..." ... so grateful for this man.

I'm back at work today...not sure if I should be... but oh well..
We'll try.

Psalm 13:5-6

"But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord,
for He has been good to me."

He has a plan, an incredible one.
All will be well.

Ugh

Decisions are monumentally hard.
I am a horrible decision - maker.

I've decided to go to grad school. I got a scholarship and I've decided to go. I struggled long and hard with this. And even now, I wonder every day if I have made the right decision.

Going to school means leaving David, leaving family, leaving home, leaving friends.

I have lots of forces in my life and several of the main ones, parents included, are saying to me: stay here. it's what is right. Other influential forces are saying: No! Go!

I know in reality that neither of these sides/forces should make my decision, but it is hard to not hear them... it is hard to not wonder if God has put these people in my life and he is now speaking through them.

So many people say you have to get up and move, and go away from home, and leave... and grow. Honestly, I get frustrated with this. I dont think a person has to move away from home to grow up. I think that is not truth. People grow in different ways. I grew when I lost a friend to suicide. I grew when my daddy had cancer. And these things happened right here... at home.. Yes, some people move away to grow up... but that isn' t the case for everyone.

People say: do it even though it is hard. But part of me wonders if I am just doing it because it is hard... because i feel like people expect me to do something that is 'hard to do' and 'monumental.' But then i think...well, it would be hard to up and move to Africa next week... that doesn't mean i should do it. I shouldn't do something just because its hard and i think i have to do something 'hard.'

On the other hand... i think i will always wonder what would have happened had i gone...
But then my friend... always being the devil's adovcate, says: if you go,won't you always wonder what would happen if you had stayed?

I need to get myself away from these voices. I need to submit myself to Him and asks what he wants of me... but the hard, honest truth... is that i lack the faith that he will give me a straight answer. and if im not praying with faith behind my prayer, will i get an answer?

I think I know that I will go. It will be hard, and I will learn from it.

Things I can hold to: I have a God who is in control. I have a sweet and wonderful man walking by my side. I have a wonderfully supportive family.

Home

Tuesday was my daddy's birthday, and Monday marked the 30th anniversary of my parent's wedding.

I am so grateful for my family... for my parents and all they taught us... for my siblings and all the fun and companionship they have brought throughout my life.


Most people don't want to be at home... they would rather be out with friends. Not me. I would rather be with the family. We have so much fun together. I couldn't ask for a more incredible home. God blesses lots of people in lots of ways... but this is one way He has blessed me.


I love you fam.

Here is a pic (not great thanks to the lame self timer... ) from daddy's birthday. Amy is there in spirit.

















Here are some other pics from things recently.


David and I got free tickets to the Media Preview party at the Musuem for the Terra Cotta Warrior exhbit. Here we are in our terra cotta masks.

A great night!

And here is a pic from an Astros game recently. We attempted to have a triple date, but 2 of the significant others couldnt make it. At least we had 2/3s! We had a great time!!

Granny

My grandma would have been 89 years old yesterday.

I loved my grandma dearly. I always felt we had a special connection.

When I was really little, she would rock me to sleep in her big blue chair. She would chase me out of the kitchen when I went into to grab a pickle... no matter where she was in the house, she could hear her fridge open as we dove into it for one last pickle...

Her kitchen was HER spot... it wasn't big enough for anybody but her. If you got permission to
be in her kitchen, it was quite the privilege.

My favorite nook in her house was behind her big blue chair. A bookshelf, her chair, and an end table would form the perfect little spot behind her chair... and the bookshelf was full of great books, books we read over and over again, books we came to love.

I remember her room... Her closet held about every single color of high heel shoe. Every color imaginable! Being a little girl, looking in and seeing yellow, orange, and purple shoes... oh! It was very exciting.

I remember going to church with grandma. She had so many friends. I loved to meet her friends in her sunday school class. I came to love Hattie Belle and Lois Gray. I loved how social she was. I loved how important her friends were to her. I love to sit next to her in church and hear her sing... at the top of her lungs, loud, and not always on key (perhaps I got my lack of musical ability passed on from her...) but I know without a doubt that her singing was a sweet sound in His ear.

I remember the room that us girls would sleep in.. it used to be my mom's room. I remember the picture on the wall of Jesus walking up to the door and knocking... I loved this picture. I told her I loved it and I wanted it. I loved how the plants around the door formed the shape of a heart, and so this door symbolized the door to our heart. I loved how there was no doorknob on this door.... that it stood as a reminder that He would stand and knock, but that we had a responsibility to answer His call. Years later, when grandma had passed and we were going through her house, we took the picture off the wall, and my name was there. She had planned to give it to me all along.

I remember how grandma would talk so loudly... she told us that we should come up with a sign to do in public to let her know that she needed to talk a little more quietly. But then when we did this sign.... instead of lowering her volume, she would just explain it to the salesperson or waitress who was helping us, thereby completing negating the need or purpose of the secret sign in the first place!!!

I remember a trip to Blockbuster to rent a movie...everyone went in but us; we stayed in the car to chat. And we talked about boys, and I loved that we could talk about boys.

I remember her sleeping in my room when Austin was born. I remember she laid certain clothes out that she would wear to the hospital (a Glorieta sweatshirt and a pair of jeans... ). I remember waking up and those clothes being gone, knowing my sweet brother was on the way....

I remember a trip to Salado when we shared a hotel room... and she got very sick.

I remember a trip to spend the night with her in the hospital. I remember not being able to sleep that night at the hospital. Her breathing was so deep and so heavy and so slow. There was just enough time in between each breath to wonder if it had been her last. It never was her last... at least not that night...

I remember making a special trip up to the hospital to look her in the eyes, and tell her how much I loved her.... to be sure that she was sure of my love for her.

More on Reconciliation

I've been thinking more today on reconciliation.

In the earlier post, I came to the conclusion that we need to be more fully reconciled to God as we seek to be reconcilied to others. But how do we be reconciled to God? What is that first step that we take? It is easy to say that we need to take that first step, but what is it?

Is it a humble prayer of surrender: Lord I need your discernment.
Is it a turn to the Scriptures: Lord I want to love your word. Teach me to love it.

What is it? I'm guessing it begins with a prayer... an honest and vulnerable prayer to Him explaining our heart desire...

May He honor that simple and honest prayer.

The Ministry of Reconcilation

2 Corinthians 5:17 - 21
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

I looked up these verses at first with the mindset of being/not being reconciled with other people...but in my reading, what I really find this verse coming down to is this: our being reconciled to God. THE CALL IS TO US TO BE RECONCILED TO GOD!

So what happens if we aren't reconciled to others? Does this tell us that at the root of this dissension is our not being reconciled to God in the first place? Perhaps not always, but this is something we should think about. We are quick to hate tension and hurt with those we love, we want to place the blame, we want to jab someone, making them feel bad for what they've done, (but not too bad, or then we'll start to feel bad). It's a sick, crazy game. And what if, at the root of it, we aren't fully reconcilied to God? What do we need to do to become reconciled to God?

Charles Fredrick Akhed in his book "The Ministry of Reconciliation" says, "And the minstry of reconciliation does not end, it begins, when by conversion and avowal of faith in Christ the individual soul takes its first step back to God."

The message of reconciliation has been committed to us; it is in our hands. Sometimes, we can't deal with the people; we need to realize that they are beyond our control... and sometimes, it is just best to hand this all over to God, to take this first step back to God.

Mary Ann Fatula says, "Though it may meet with silence or rejection, forgiveness is always directed ultimately at the miracle of reconciliation. This means the desire, at least, to overcome bitterness and estrangement, and to unite again in a different way, on a deeper level of peace and acceptance. To be reconciled, therefore, means seeking to be related in love, yet not by simply repeating the past. It means to enter into an entirely new realm of understanding, of ourselves and of those forgiven, to see ourselves and them in a new way. By its very nature, reconciliation means committing ourselves to the hard and sometimes tortuous task of speaking and doing the truth in love. "

From this we can look at some of the thing that reconciliation involves: forgiveness, overcoming bitterness and estrangement, seeking peace and acceptance, and being related in love. These are just words without Him by our side. We cannot do these things and live them out without his help. We cannot undertake this task of reconcilation without His grace and Spirit leading us.

In our desire to be reconciled to others, we need to start by being reconciled to God. And in our attempt to be more fully reconciled to Him, we can pray and ask and seek that he would honor our attempt at reconciliation with others.

The Big To Do!

- finally get off that waiting list and secure my apt!
- organize so I can pack (last big thing to organize: scrapbook and craft supplies... they are a mess!)
- buy a kitchen table, desk and mattress
- need kitchen supplies?
-find a job!
- pick out paint colors. im thinking yellow for the living room and a greenish for my bedroom
- buy books and school supplies (yeah!!!! love this.. no sarcasm here)
- confirm registration/classes
- pray like crazy
-be prepared to miss him and them like crazy
-miss him and them like crazy

Seven Months

Seven months ago TODAY, a bold, handsome, and good-to -the-core man took me out for coffee.
Our conversation was full of information, smiles, and laughter.

I remember some interesting characters walked past our table that day, but his eyes did not move from me. For whatever reason, they were fixed on me. This made me giddy, nervous, enthralled, and anxious all at the same time.

And then towards the end of that conversation his words came, slow but strong: "I like you."

Two months ago TODAY, my incredible sweet and wonderful boyfriend was out of town with me visiting a school. Past my tears and worries about an upcoming move for me, his words came again. Faster this time, perhaps more nervous: "I love you."

I like you, too.
And, I love you, too.

a week in oklahoma

the sight of: horses and sheep and cows on the oklahoma countryside, jacktown (which ive heard so much about), davids momma working hard at her bible study, adorable little blonde-haired Meleah and Mallory, David as a little boy in countless pictures i got to look through, utter excitment on my 26 years old's face as he walked through the Toy and Action Figure museum (http://www.actionfiguremuseum.com/), a old lacey wedding dress that made my sweetie gag (haha), serveral pics on walls in memory of sweet Amy, pictures lining the walls of Grandma A's, David's loving and sweet face, numerous crossword puzzles,

the smell of: sausage and eggs prepared for me by David's mom in the morning (so sweet, thank you),

the taste of: Carl's junior charbroiled hamburger, a ABSOLUTELY incredible Peanut Butter Cup shake from Braums (yum), my chopped beef sandwich from Rob's Smokehouse, and my yummy tacos (with sauce!) from Taco Tico, amazing crushed ice anywhere you go Meeker/Shawnee, nasty cough syrup,

the feel of: riding a water taxi along the canal in Bricktown, with my baby's arm around me, a cool day and breeze as we walk through OBU and downtown Shawnee, a nasty cough residing in my chest, my too-good-to-me boyfriend rubbing VicksVaporRub on my feet so that my cough would go away, frustration because I can barely speak above a whisper, moching,

the sound of: a storm blowing strongly outside, LOST on the televsion *and internet*, David as he 'hosts' Family Feud for me, Grandma R explaining her bowling traditions to me, Grandma A telling me how her and Grandpa A met, Ricky telling me he is proud of me, Transformers on in the background at the Toy Museum, David's incredible "mix" for our road trip

Graduation!

the sight of: David in his black cap and gown, my mother meeting his mother for the first time, my sweet brother's chocolate brown eyes, my daddy's blue-check shirt, David's life-changing smile...

the taste of: jumbalaya and gumbo, mint oreos in my chocolate ice cream, sweet tea, and mocha flavored coffee, hamburger and fries at five guys, cherry coke...

the feel of: my hand in his, his arm around me, utter pride as he walks across the stage, anxiety as all our families meet for the first time, creativity as I make a mother's day gift...

the smell of: cornbread cooking in the oven, my clinque moisturizer, coffee brewing at the Picards, spray adhesive as I get my 'craft' on...

the sound of: "I love you" "nice to meet you" "3 back at the door," clapping at graduation, "let's dance" playing on the radio as David and I jam in the car...

Wisdom

James 3.13-17 (go read the whole chapter, or better yet... the whole book...)
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Truths:
Humility comes from wisdom.
There is fake wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual and from the devil.
Envy and selfishness lead to disorder and evil.
There is true wisdom that comes from heaven.
True discernment leads to peace, submissiveness, mercy, and more....

Is our 'wisdom' earthly, unspiritual, and from the devil?
OR
Is our wisdom pure? Is it peace-loving? Is it considerate? Is it submissive? Is it merciful? Is it fruitful? Is it impartial? Is it sincere?

We often seek wisdom and discernment, but what if we are seeking it incorrectly? What if we are seeking worldly wisdom?
When trying to make a decision, when trying to do what's best, we can present these things before YHWH and ask: Is this pure? Is this sincere? Is it merciful? This may not solve all our problems or answer all our questions, but it will put us on a correct and right path.

May we be wise, understanding, and discerning as we follow...

A Sign of God's Grace and Goodness

After an intense season of hardship and waiting and even some depression, God showered me with even more grace than he has already given me: He lifted my spirit. His changing my heart is almost impossible to explain; I don't know what it was or when exactly that it happened. But I know that He did it and He alone. And I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am. His grace was offered to me when He lifted my countenance and restored my joy. This grace, this restoration of joy, played out in several ways. One of those ways is David. David is a sign of God's goodness and grace to me. He will always stand as a marker of a work that He did in my life.

From the very beginning of our relationship, David has taught me about patience. I remember hearing about people messing with him, and even me, about how we were not moving faster... it was one of those things where it was clear that we liked each other, but we didn't jump into this dating world automatically. I so appreciated David's pace; it is one of the first things that struck me about him. David cared about me enough to be willing to wait to ask for my phone number, to wait to ask me for coffee, to wait to ask me to be his girlfriend. He didn't rush anything, and we are better for it.

I had lunch at Pei Wei the other day and my fortune said "The pleasure of what we enjoy is lost by wanting more." There is something to be said for enjoying the moment, living in the present, and embracing the fullness of what is, and not cheapening it by thinking about what will be or rushing towards it. David inspires me to do this.

He's taught me that by waiting for things we place a significance and importance on them. If we were to rush ahead and spoil things immediately, we lose part of the pleasure. If we wait, and fully experience something when it is good and right, it will be all the better than had we rushed ahead.

Paul is always encouraging the church to be content with what is. We would do good to heed these words. (*Don't get me wrong, I think it is good to hope things, but it should not overtake us so much that we do not enjoy now... )

At the beginning our relationship David spoke about how he wanted our love and our care for each other to be selfless. David spoke clearly about this conviction, and I was grateful for a man who wanted to love me for my sake and not his own. Even though this is at the root of the idea of love, this is still revolutionary to me. Because of this, we are able to step back and think about our motives, for everything we do and say. Am I doing this because it is an overflow of my care for David? Or am I doing it for me? And if I am, how can I change my heart to better care for him? What if everything we did was out of love and a desire to serve, to better the other person? We would be more like Christ, and we would all be better for it (not to mention, YHWH would get more glory out of this...)

I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be in relationship with a man who has thought about these things. I will never forget this lesson about love. I can apply it to anyone that I come in contact with.

David is fiercely loyal. He is supportive of me as I wonder about going to school in another city. He tells me that I will be his, where I live is just a detail. He doesn't drop me as soon as things become inconvenient. He is standing by my side, and I have never been so happy. I only hope that I can be as loyal as a friend as this...

David wants the best for people. Even though he tells me that he wants me to stay next year, he tells me that more importantly he wants me to do what is right, even if it is hard. He is willing to deny himself to better others (Just for the record, I'm not saying that my being away from David is for my better :) I'm pretty sure its not... I feel confident that anybody is better off the closer they are to David!!!) He is sacrificial.

David is bold and strong in his convictions. When I am tempted to blur the line, or let things slide, David wants to stand strong in what he believes to be good and right, even when it is difficult, and perhaps, especially when it is difficult.

David is an honorable and good man. He inspires me daily.

Guilt vs Conviction

2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - The Message

"I know I distressed you greatly with my letter. Although I felt awful at the time, I don't feel at all bad now that I see how it turned out. The letter upset you, but only for a while. Now I'm glad—not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss. Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets. And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you've come out of this with purity of heart."

When we find ourselves in sin, it seems common that our initial reaction when coming out of said sin, is guilt. We sense guilt over what happened, what we let happen, and in turn something in us wants to change... For so long I felt like this guilt was okay. Now, I was not a believer of wallowing in it or letting it take over us, but to some degree, I felt like this guilt was okay, because it showed the Holy Spirit's work in a person's life. If there was no guilt or regret present at all about a wrong-doing, then we should be concerned!

However, I'm beginning to think differently. Perhaps, a better word for guilt is 'conviction.' Perhaps I should be grateful for the Holy Spirit's conviction in a believer's lives, but not the guilt. Conviction "jarr(s us) into turning things around." Conviction "gets us back in the way of salvation." Guilt will simply overpower us, if we let it. Guilt will lead us to a "deathbed of regrets." I will never forget a professor who told us that our feeling guilt admits in us a belief that we have to "earn" His grace.

And to take things a step further, we need to stop wrestling with the guilt. Andrew Murray, in his book "Experiencing the Holy Spirit" deals with the effect of the self-life on the Holy Spirit's work. Chapter 5 of this book, "How the Blessing is Hindered" deals with our tendency to try to solve our own problems of selfishness, to bulk up our own desire for discipline... If we would simply stop wrestling with the guilt, stop trying to solve our own problems or willing ourselves towards change, and instead spent that time laying down our lives before the One and Only, perhaps then, and only then, we would begin to see the work and conviction of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

May we be grateful for the conviction in our lives. May we move past the guilt and the desire to problem-solve. May we get in the habit of denying ourselves, even in those things that are seemingly unimportant, and ask, whole-heartedly and expectantly, for Him to do a work in our lives. May we be, as the Scripture says, " more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible."

Fasting for Others

The idea of fasting is popular this time of year since we approached the season of Lent yesterday. I've been thinking lots about fasting: what it means for us, for others, what its purpose truly is.

Mark Driscoll, pastor at Mars Hill church, defines fasting as "the voluntary act of abstaining from something for the purpose of growing in self-discipline, which is the essence of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ."
http://theresurgence.com/Spiritual_Disciplines_Fasting

As we grow in self-discipline as we fast, what if we oriented this idea towards others? What if we took our sacrifice, and asked YHWH to honor it by blessing someone else? What if this season we abstain from something, something that is dear to us, but what if we did it because our heart is so breaking for someone who doesn't know Jesus in truth?

Do we fast because we are heartbroken over sin? Are we devastated with the misguidance and misconceptions of Christ and his followers in our world? Do we, with every emotion in us, long for redemption, reconciliation?

What if, with every "sweet" that I refrained from, I thought of my dear friend, my dear friend that doesn't know Jesus in truth, that is misguided in her love for Him? What if I denied myself, begging YHWH for her redemption and salvation?

So, ask yourself, what is the purpose of your fast? Why do we do it?

Our hope and prayer is that we would grow closer to YHWH, that we would come to know Him in a more real way, that we would become selfless in our sacrifice.

Loving Well

My dad loves really well.

We meet several times a week to go to the on-campus Starbucks. There is a woman who works there; she's there every time we are. My dad has taken it upon himself to love on this lady... he doesn't know her, but he has such compassion for her, not in way that he pities her, but in a way that shows that he is genuinely interested in her life.
He knows her name, he knows her favorite drink from Starbucks, he knows that she had a bad fall over Christmas break and lost her baby.

Did I know this? Does anyone else, out of all the people that stop by that Starbucks all day long??

I'm so grateful for my dad's love for people. It is a picture of God's love for us all. I want to be more like my heavenly Father and earthly Father. I want to love people. I want to stop and love people.

I want to wonder about the woman at Starbucks, the couple at the table next to me in the restaurant, the teller at the bank... I wonder if they know Jesus, I wonder if they know He loves them, I wonder if they feel welcomed and loved by Christians, or looked over?

I led a DNow this weekend where the theme was "LiveLove." Do I live love? Did I live love towards this woman by never caring about her or giving her a second thought?

May I be a woman who lives love....