A month already??

Friends did i tell yall its a short week of work this week? WOOO!!!! ha. So that means after tomorrow there will be only one work day left of this week=)=) ha. Actually. Working hasn't been that bad. Lately i've just been riding around with dad in the mornings and we've been talking. So good. After we did our morning rounds, i came home to have lunch with moms and grandma. They were spring cleaning today. Ha. This morning steph and mom were sitting silently in the kitchen and out of the blue, mom said, "i think i'm gunna vacuum the ceiling today." Bahahaha. I'm laughing to myself right now. Anyway. After lunch i cleaned out the barn. Then. went with steph to pick up dads truck, then back to the shop to help dad do some random things. Then while he did stuff that i couldn't do, i sat in the office and kept Melissa company. I enjoy doing that. Once we got home we went for a nice run, then i drove the tractor for dad. Ha. Nice evening it was. Steph said today, its like we live in the old day. We run the family business,we have chores around the house, and we even grow our own food. haha. Dad laughed when we told him that.

Crazy to think its almost been a whole month that i've been home. The Donald Miller book i'm reading is all about story. All this kind of crazy stuff about stories. Anyway. I can't stop thinking about my story. What kind of story am i living right now? Ah. Anyway. This prolly doesn't make sense to ya unless you've read this book. But. Last week i was telling Steph and Jake about the story i was living. But. Then today. Steph and i were talking today about Dad. And yall. Apart of my story is about Father. My earthly father and heavenly father. Over the past month. I have spent more time with my Dad than i ever have. I'm actually learning about him. He's the hardest worker i've ever seen. My dad wakes up at 5 every morning and doesn't stop till around 8pm. Crazy. So it makes sense to me know why he comes home and sits, and usually falls asleep on the couch. He's not one of those workaholics not forgets his family. He's just a super hard worker. Another thing i have learned about him is when he does a job, it better be right. And he cares about his customers. He wants them to be pleased with the work. He is so good. Things that my Dad does, other than want i've said, reminds me so much of my heavenly Father. Some people know i joke about being a man often, but i'm being for real right now. My dad is my definition of a real man. Legit. He provides for his family and protects us. Only wants the best for us. Im just a crying while i type this, but its just an emotional connection i have with my dad. that we all have with our dads. I never understood him, and i still don't really, but. I do a bit more now, and hope to understand him a whole lot more by September. I'm so thankful for the example he is for me and my family. I'm glad he is hard on me, maybe not all the time, but i just understand he wants the best for me. I love my dad. Keep praying friends. Right now my dad is just dealing with a lot. He's super busy with work and his phone never stops ringing. ha. Anyway. So much. But so much good stuff.

Tomorrow should be an interesting day. And. Sorry there aren't any up to date pictures. Emillie decided to sneak my camera with her to South Carolina. ha. Anyway. Tomorrow=)

We are WOMEN!!!!

The things i have do and i have done, people probably wouldn't believe me if i told them. But. Take this.
Today, i cleaned dads boats. Scrubbed them cleanT. ha. Then. I got a SNOW CONE!!!! Yummy! They are one thing i look forward to for summer time! Then... my Granny's water heater went out. So. Steph and I went to help dad switch them out. Well. Once we got to working, after we already ripped the box all up, we realized it was the wrong kind. Dad had bought a water heater for a mobile home. haha. So. Steph and i had to pack the wrong heater back up and bring it back to Lowe's to get a water heater for a house. ha. By that time we were pro's at it. Ha. So as dad installed the new one, we got lessons, well, kinda. We were chatting with our granny. Anyway. Once we were done, we stayed to hang out with Granny for a bit, and while we were there our cousins kyle and Jaymee came by. And then Jaymee's parents were there too. It was so fun. Most of the time the only time our families every get together is for holidays. So it was fun to see them and hang out. Once we left there, we just came home to a lovely homemade cooked dinner by our mommy=) so good.

Its just been so good at home. Still hard everyday. But. i continue to see the Lord working. I'm seeing him change me. The book i'm reading talks about how we are changing all the time. Anyway. Thats one thing i'm so fascinated with. How we change and how things are never the same. That seems like it would almost be sad, but for my thats so encouraging. So when there's times i don't like how things are, i just remember that things will change. Its inevitable for things not to change. That David Crowder song, "For the Glory of it All," that song just fills me with joy. It is so encouraging to me. Ah. i just love it! I know this is somewhat vague, but i'll get to explain more later! One thing i just want yall to continue praying for is trusting the Lord. AND. Sometimes i am so selfish and i just want to be by myself. And when i'm at home, its sometimes not possible. Going to work when everyone is up and going and then lunch break is always with people, and then by the time i get off work my whole family is home and i feel bad if i'm not around them. Ya know what i mean??

Day of Rest. Like for real.

Sundays=) One of my favorite days! Church with the fam, lunch with the fam, life chat with the parents, ha, nap with the sister, run with the sister, dinner with the fam, and SLEEP. ha. That is pretty much what my day consisted of. Lots of fun interesting things here and there.
First. I taught sunday school for the 9th and 10th grade girls. Sweet time it was. I could tell about half the girls were just so drawn into what i was saying. And. We just got to be real with each other. I got to share with them things i went through at their age, and the things i'm going through now. They love me and are just excited to see me and thats such a great feeling! A few of them i'm pretty close too. So when they share life with me its great to be able to specifically pray for them.
Overall. As always. Good day=)

Random Saturday

Friends. Many things happen today. I feels like it has been a suuuuppppppeeeeerrrrrr looooonnnnggggg day. Again. A good day, minus the few mishaps this evening, but. Still just a good day. First let me say, i got up at 5:30 to bring Emillie to the airport this morning. She's going to SC till thursday. So. Needless to say i only got about 4 hrs of sleep. When Jake comes to town we tend to have late nights. haha. Anyway. Once we got to the port Em's flight was earlier than we thought. So i dropped off, prayed for her and left. On my way back i got to see the sunrise. Sorry i talk about the sun so much. It really is just one of my favorites. REALLY. Anyway... Zell had a soccer game at 9. So on my way to there house i stopped to get them donuts and then when i got to their house, the kids were still asleep so i got to go wake them all up. They were precious. All smiling when they saw me. Rhys just wanted me to lay down with him and go back to sleep. ha. So we got the kids ready and left for Zell's soccer game. It was a fun time. Zell's team won 8-4. Zell scoring all 8 goals! He LOVES soccer. and as you can tell. He's pretty good at it=)

After that i came straight home and took a short 20 min nap. Then i left and went with Dad to a cow sale. Friends. If yall didn't know my family use to be big in showing cows. I showed them until 8th grade i think. So. My cousin Jaymee still shows but she was playing softball today and couldn't make the sale. So Dad and i were on a mission to get her a good beefy steer. It was sweet to see people i haven't seen in years and catch up on life. And. I hung out with dad without him paying me today. It really is good. I mean... we get along better whens it just me and him. Its getting better.

Once we got home i took another nap for a few hours this time. ha. When i woke up i took some pictures of steph and jake. We'll have many more to come. We're just gunna have short lil photo shoots everytime we're all together. If ya didn't know. I also REALLY love photography. Taking the photos and the actual photos. They were fun to take pictures of. They really love each other and its evident. I couldn't pick anyone better for my sister than Jake!

Then.... The whole fam, minus em, went to eat dinner and a walmart trip. ha. When you go to walmart with my parents it usually isn't a short trip. So. Jake, Steph, and I walked around for good bit. ha.
As i said last Sunday, i was now helping out with the 9th and 10th grade girls sunday school class. So in the morning i'm teaching. The one thing i want to do with these girls is be real with them. This month they're studying the bible. Like the use of it and stuff. Tomorrow we're just gunna discuss what it is to each one of them. I want to break this traditional southern baptist, sunday school answer crap. I want them to be real with me, and if i want that i may take awhile but i'm gunna be as real as i can be with the girls. There is about 10 consistent ones that come each sunday. Be praying the Father just speaks through me. I know that was about the time i really started understanding the word, well, praying for understanding of the word. I know it can be boring sometime. But. I just want them to find out for themselves what it is. Besides all the sunday school stories that we have been told since birth and that we know every detail about. What about the rest. Ya know? Or even the stories that we do know. Realizing they were REAL people, with insecurities, lies in their heads, doubt, flesh, family. All the things we struggle with, so did they. Anyway. Pray the word becomes real to them. Pray the Father speaks through me. Only His words would come out of me. Spirit of calmness and wonder and desire would cover that sunday school room and each girl this week. I will update yall on how it goes tomorrow night=) Oh... one more thing. Pray the Lord puts a guard around my heart and eyes the discouraging things people may say. And when its said, that He reminds me of His truth!


OH Sorry sorry!!! One more thing! Just be mindful of MLK tomorrow. Pray tomorrow the Lord will fill our students with a patience with each other and the kids! MLK friends. Know i am always praying for yall! Know it!

Finally Friday

One of the best days at home yet! It was just so good. It was evident that the Father was working. I saw it. All day.
Started off with a nice 7:30 morning meeting Dad at the office to load all his stuff up and prep him for the day. We had to transfer all of his items from his truck to the other work truck. ha. He was in a great mood and we joked all day. We were working back at Kisatchie Bayou Campgrounds. Friends. It was so beautiful out there today. But. Anyway. The ride out there was completely from the Lord. I was reading my new book, btw i'm already in like chapter 9, and dad was just chatty this morning. I mean... my dad likes to talk but usually he's on the phone talking. While he was on the phone i read, and when he wasn't we were talking. Not just ramdon talk but good things. He jokes a lot that he has to pay me to hang out with him. And friends. I don't want him to ever have to joke about that. I want to hang out with him. I like it. Sometimes its just hard. I feel like we have to talk about things, and we don't. We don't really like the same things, and we don't have deep conversations. But my friends. We did today. Remember how i was telling yall about how i was just going to be praying more about the things to happen then for me to try and make them happen? Well. I had been praying about my dad and I just having a real conversation. And he just randomly happen to ask me if i was ok or if there was anything i wanted or needed to tell him. And friends i couldn't even speak for like a minute cause i was in such awe of what just happen. More or less just thanking the Lord. I proceeded to tell Dad how things are just hard for me right now and some other things. YALL. He was so understanding and compassionate and encouraging and comforting. HOLD UP. My dad is not those things too often and so divinely the Lord gave me one of those sweet moments with my daddy today. I just kinda cried while talking to my dad. Like i was just filled with so much joy. That one moment with my dad i think will be the turning point in our communication. Not to say its all fixed. Because there will need to be many more of those conversations. We talked about me being at home, abt the future, about jobs, about life. So good. The best part of the day by far.

Once i got home from work i pulled up in the driveway to find steph sitting in her car on the phone. So i decided to treat her with a lil dance to "I Gotta Feelin." We were celebrating the weekend! ha. Then all us girls went to go run the route for our churches 5k next friday. Some other girls from our church came and ran with us. It was fun to. Jake got there right as we were finishing. Then Em and I went and picked up pizza's. It was also fun. ha. We listened to Needtobreathe and talked about each song of their new cd and what we thought the meanings of each song was. ha. One thing we realized that as Christians we understand what they're talking about. Like, "Lay em down," "Outsiders," "Let Us Love." They're just so good. Check 'em out.
Now we're all sittin in the living room as a lil family, adding Jake in the mix, watchin "Kite Runner." Good movie. I mean... i think so. I'm been back and forth writing this and watchin. ha. Anyway. FRIENDS. its the weekend!!!

Even though things are often hard. Its always worth it. I'm learning that. i"m reminded often of Romans 8:18," Our present sufferings cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us." That just brings me hope, and much joy to my heart=) I usually make things out to be worse than they usually are gunna be. But the truth is. Things are never really as bad. I also am reminded of that often being at home. My heart is full today. The Lord is so true. So faithful. I love him. Today. Today i am content being at home!

SNAKES!!!!!

We saw a snake today!!!!!! Ah. Can i just say that snakes are one thing I DO NOT like!! They flip me out! ha. Well... let me tell yall the story. We were at Dads new camp cleaning up and whatnot. And since its not finish, there is once again, no plumbing. So. This only left us with plan B. Which was to pee in the woods. ha. So steph and i went to go use the bathroom behind an old building thing. We were just standing by the bank of the river looking out and i notice steph was staring at something. Once i figured it out she said, "you think thats a snake?" and i said "well YEA. Thats its head right there!" hahaha... Then steph took off running back to the camp and i followed right behind her. Once we got back to the camp we told Josh, Michael, and Bryan about the snake and they were gunna kill it! ha. Once we got back to where it was it was gone. Too bad. Needless to say Steph and i were on the watch for snakes the rest of the day. I mean... who knew snakes were out already. When we were on our lunch break, before we saw the snake, we were sitting on the rocks by the river just admiring the creation. Steph and i just got to talk about real stuff. About the things we feel. About insecurities, and how everyone struggles with them. It just became real to me. And steph just said something that she says often, "we're all the same." And ya know friends. We are. We're all the same. We all deal with things. We all feel lonely at times, we all have insecurities, we all want to be loved. And it all hit me again. Duh. We were made in Gods image. All created by the one and only creator. I sometimes think how life just sucks sometimes. and yea. it does. But. Heck i can't even image what it would be like without my Savior. He didn't just save me from my daily sins, but he saves me from the daily lies the devil puts in my head, the daily insecurities i have, the daily defrauding of my contentment, the daily discouragement. He is so faithful. I have received at least 5 encouraging phone calls, messages, and emails, maybe even more, the past week. One that was so encouraging was a lady from my home church that i've known for a long time but we have never been really close or anything. She's in her late 30's ish. Ha. Sorry if i'm so off. But. She just told me how she still doesn't know what she's doing here. But she knows the one thing that is for sure and never changes about her life is that she is here to bring the Lord glory. And friends. Thats it. Thats all i want to do. I know i mess it up sometimes and don't always bring him glory in every action, but thats my hearts desire. I'm holding to that right now. That if i'm here or in Ruston i'm going to bring him glory. Pray that i can do that.
I also finished a book today, and i'm starting a book by Donald Miller, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years." Stephanie recommended it. She said it is a must read for me in my 'New Season.' ha. Besides the random lies from the devil and self discouragement, that i will prolly battle for awhile now, it was another day for me to try to become the best for Jesus.
One more thing. I may have said this already, but i don't know if its because i'm home or what, but it day is literally like an adventure for me. And i continually look for Jesus to be moving and working. I'm just more aware of what He's doing. and i like it. Each day He's molding me to be more like Him. Each day He is using someone to encourage me. Its so sweet.
After tomorrow its the weekend. And as steph always says,"We're always working for that weekend!" haha. Jake's coming in for the weekend and we have some fun things planned. It'll be good. I think i'm working with Dad tomorrow and all the men. hahaha. Makes me laugh. So pray for conversations. Life giving conversations.

It's already Easter Time??

Today was a good day. Worked with Steph all day. Fun we have. We sing and dance around to very loud rockin music. ha. We make up new dance moves. Our new names for each other are "baby girl." and we try to see you can use it the most. haha. We give each other bones or dap about everything. We laugh at construction worker selves. haha. So many things. Its been so neat to see how much i've learned about her the past two weeks. Literally we spend everyday together and its AWESOME.
Once we got off work i watched the kids while Jen and Colby went to life group with Em and Steph. I mean... i think yall get it. I LOVE those kids. They came to our house first and we dyed easter eggs and they loved it! Once we dyed them all they started "accidently" cracking them so they could eat them. ha. Ella wasn't so into it. That face she is making in that picture is a normal face of hers. If she's not smiling thats the face she's making. Mom made them waffles and then we went back to their house to take baths and snuggle. They were sweet. They bring much joy to my heart.
Its a daily struggle being at home. I miss my friends. I miss people always being around. Things keep defrauding my contentment. Pray that i'm daily choosing to trust the Lord.

12 hours!!!

Friends! I worked 12 hours today! Wow. It was the first day that i actually wanted to be back in school not working. ha. It was such a stinkin long day. Good day. Just a long day. Dad and I and all the men, went to the middle of no where to this beautiful campgrounds. It looked like we should have been in Ark. The beautiful water rushing over the rocks. So pretty. It was so far in the middle of no where that there was no plumbing. So there was these really nice bathrooms but then i realized it was just a huge hole in the ground. hahaha. Gross. It was a good joke with dad all day. Then i put a whole lot of stickers on camp sites. Then I go to follow dad around and just act like i was busy. ha. Thats what my coworkers tell me the trick is, to just "look" busy. AND. People. It was me and 6 men today! ha. They keep me giggling all day though. I do enjoy my coworkers.
Then I brought my granny collins dinner tonight. We sat and watched 7th Heaven and talked about sewing and me working for dad. She thought it was funny. Then i was just so pooped i just came home took my bath and read and now i'm just updating yall on the day.
I believe i my soul is more at peace with things today. But. Like i said. Today was the first day i did not want to be working and i would have rather been in class. It was good though to get to hang out with dad all day. I can say the communication around here is getting better. You would think since i love to talk and i'll talk about anything that communication would not be our problem in our family. But. bc we don't communication a lot i think thats why i do communicate a lot with others. So communication with my parents is just something i'm working on. I can say, its getting better. Little by little. Sorry this is so short. but as i'm typing this im falling asleep. I'll try to do better tomorrow=)

Its only Monday??

Half way thru the day i couldn't believe it was ONLY monday. Ha. It felt like tuesday already. It was just a long day. Nothing really special happened today. I washed dads truck, ran errands with steph, swept out mini storage buildings, and then we washed the mens filthy work trucks. They we SO gross. ha. Anyway. After that long day of work, i came home to help Em make a bread pudding to bring to my grandma's for dinner. My grandpa's cousins maybe? ha i think they were his cousins. Anyway. THey came from South Dakota maybe. So they were in for the night, and all my aunts and uncles and their kids all met at my grandparents for dinner. Can i just say i REALLY love my family. Its just so fun when we get together. The older i get the more i look forward to seeing them. It was fun joking with the Uncles and playing with the kids. We had an early easter egg hunt with Rhys and Ella. They were cute. It was a sweet time=)
Once we got home Mom and I watched "Dancing with the Stars." It use to be our favorite show to watch together. So it was fun to laugh and talk about the costumes and stuff. Once it was over, the Lord just lead us into a very deep, much needed conversation. We talked about so many things. And friends, this is what i have been praying for. I will continue to pray the communication barriers continue to fall. I don't even know how the conversation started. But it was prolly about a good half hour, about deep, meaningful, true, stuff. It was good to hear what my Mom thinks about things right now. How she just loves and cares about me. It was good to be reminded of it. I sure can tell you one thing, the Lord has allowed other people to remind me of SOOO many things in the past 2 weeks. Everyday something real and meaningful is happening. I don't know if i'm just more aware of things right now, or if i'm looking more, or what. But everyday something is happening. Good things. Hard things. True things. Thanks friends who have been praying. Know that when we get to talk face to face everything will be so much sweeter to actually get to tell you how i feel. But do know. The Lord is answering your prayers. I know the conversation tonight with my Mom was from the Lord. All i can say is it just happened. Tomorrow should be a good day. Dad told me to be at the office at 6:30am. Woo! I'm actually excited. I'll get to see the sunrise and spend the day with dad and my coworkers!

Swell Sunday

My friends=) Today was a swell sunday! Since i am back at home a have a desire to be investing somewhere. So today i was in the 9th and 10th grade girls sunday school class. I will be team teaching with B. Its gunna be awesome. I just love all those girls. And i wish i had someone my age investing in me when i was there age. Well. I pretty much did with my two older sisters. But. Now i get to invest and poor into them. Its awesome. I can't wait to spend more time with them. Im teaching next sunday. So it should be good.
Then i hung out at my house with my family. Had a nice nap, and then went to play with the kids. They are just my favorite. I just hope my kids are as cute as them. They are just so beautiful and precious and funny. I wish i could spend everyday with them! So. Today i got to spend a few hours with them watching Alvin and the chipmunks, eating dinner, playing Ben10, bathing, and putting them to bed. I just LOVE them!!!!! That picture of Rhys up there is sooo funny. Ella was in a pageant yesterday and won queen. But Rhys just LOVED her crown. He wants to wear it all the time, and he says he's gunna be in a pageant next time. hahaha. So funny. Then we took bubble baths and we snuggled in bed till they fell asleep=)
The day was good. Its just still so hard. I feel like i have absolutely NO control over myself or the future right now. I have no idea whats gunna happen in the next few months. I have no idea. And ya know, it kinda sucks. I'm at peace with things most of the time, then i start thinking about it all at one time, and WOW. i get so overwhelmed. But. I just have to daily bring this to the Lord and let it be in His timing. And, just praying about it. PLEASE. be praying for a peace in my spirit, and an obedient spirit to the Lord leading me, AND an obedient spirit to my parents. I really want to please them and be ok with whatever they want me to do. Even though, i would prolly want many different things. They just still have a say so in what i do even in the small things. and thats hard coming back to their house after being gone for 6 months. I just want to WANT to be obedient and be ok with what they want. Ya know? First to submit to the Lord, then to be obedient to your parents. I thats what i want to do.

The Wedding Dress

Today was the day. The day to find Stephs wedding dress. So. We all, Emillie, Stephanie, Krista, Mom, B, and me, loaded up and went to Baton Rouge this morning. First stop was at Forest Hill for the nursery festival to get some kinda decoration thing mom wanted. ha. Then we continued on our way to BR.
Let me just say. That we were not shopping for just any dress. But. THE dress. a vintage, short, ivory, detailed dress. So. we didn't even start at a bridal shop, but a high dollar vintage, thrift store. No luck really. Then we had lunch at Carrabba's. A nice lil italian restaurant. Then we started off on our mission again. We went to a few more boutique type places and next door was a Barnes and Nobles. Can I just say, I could spend HOURS in bookstores. Like really. I will read half the book while sitting right in the middle of the aisle. Anyway. I happen to pick up a book cowrote by Shane Claiborne, "Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers." Wow. I just read the intro and the first chapter of the book (didn't buy it. but its on my list of reads). And how my eyes were open to a few new things. One thing they talk about in the book was how important prayer is. I know we always here about that. but really. Just how if we would spend more time praying about the people instead of trying to talk to the people or do stuff to them or for them, when the Lord hears our prayers He's going to work through it all. Basically, it was saying its more important to spend time praying about something than it is trying to do something. Got it? That really just hit me today. Friends, i can't be in ruston right now, and i can't be with MLK right now. But i can be praying about it. And its more important for me to be praying about MLK than it is for me to be there. Don't get me wrong, its important to do too. I wish i could explain this better. I just know now that instead of me trying to figure out the future, and trying to talk to my parents and change their mind about things, that it will devote that time to praying about it. I was telling yall yesterday how I wanted to see so many things change. And one of those things about me is me becoming a woman of prayer. I can just tell often how the Lord is molding me into that. This is just another little thing that He is teaching about prayer. So. I'm saying this because i want to be challenged. Let me pray for you. Tell me what to pray for. How to pray specifically for you. I want to. I have nothing but time on my hands at home. Especially working most days alone. ha.

After our long day, on our way home, i got a random phone call from someone in Ruston. When we started talking it was just about how they heard i wasn't in Ruston anymore and how they were missing me. Anyway, the phone call was about some other things, but it was so uplifting and encouraging. It was THE highlight of the day. Soon i will be sharing about the phone call, but right now i just really need yall to be praying that the Lord is leading me. My verse i'm memorizing this week is my prayer. Pray this for me:

" Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalms 25:4-5

My first week!

Ok. I know there are a whole lot of pictures. But. Let me tell ya. It was a VERY VERY LOOOOOONNNGGG day. ha. Shall I begin?

The day started around 6am. We had to go to Cottonport, La. Ever heard of it? ha. But. We had to get tools first so we had to stop at Lowes. Might i add that we were there before they even opened. ha. So the picture above is dad deciding on which tools to buy. And when it comes to my family making decisions, it all stems from my dad. ha. Anyway. Once we left there we were on our way to Cottonport. One plus to getting up this early is getting to see the sunrise. And these days... Its become one of my favorite things. Once we got to Cottonport we got straight to work. Well. First i helped the boss man to make a decision about what we should do. Thats another picture up there with dad. ha. Then steph and i got to raking. We raked that whole lot. Spreading all that rock. hahaha. On site there were a few prizes for us. ha. The potty being one of them=) And the guy holding the rake in the picture is Chad. He hired dad to do the job. Anyway. He was so friendly and talkative. We talked about college and his experiences with it. It was a great conversation. College is different for everyone. And our conversation helped think about a few things differently.
After we left there we went to Marksville, La. Had to do some cleaning up from a wreck last week. While we were there Mr. Tommy and Mr. Joel found several crawfish. So steph and i had fun with that lil guy in a our pic. Also, during that time Joel and i had a very unexpected legit conversation about his life. It's always kinda crazy and humbling when me, a 18 year old girl, gets to encourage a 35 year old man. Be praying for him. It was just so good to get to listen to people talk today. Along with all these great talks, came more burned skin! =( who knew the sun would be so bright today. and its pretty much the first suns my skins has seen since october. haha. Steph's burned up too.
A few things today that made my heart happy were... Conversations with Chad and Joel. Em breaking it down to her secret love to rap music. My coworkers. Laughing with Steph. Being at home by myself a few hours (ya know. sometimes being by yourself is so refreshing). A sweet, encouraging message from a dear camille. and my favorite, watching the sunrise and sunset.
Friends, can i just say. it has not been easy at home. I'm learning to be content in my "New Season." And friends... its SO hard. There are so many specific things that i want to see change. Please. Please. Please be praying for my contentment. That stupid things will not defraud my contentment. Paul in so encouraging in Phil 4 about being content. Know when i sit back in look through this time through the Lords eyes my heart is at peace. I just have to be reminded often of that=) Its the weekend. And tomorrow we're road trippin! Details coming tomorrow!!!

An Undivided Heart

"Teach me your ways, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11

Wow friends. It's so funny how an undivided heart is what I was struggling with today. First let me tell you that I decided that each week i'm home I will memorize scripture. One a week. And psalms 86:11 just divinely happen to be this weeks.
Yesterday and today have not been the most encouraging days. All morning I just began questioning why I was here again. I was just not content, this morning, with being home. I was missing my friends, my MLK kids, and just everyday encouragement surrounding me. My parents aren't the most pleased with me right now, so anytime we start to talk about the future or whatnot it's just discouraging. Not that they mean to be at all, it just happens to be. All day long I just battled with being content. Having to rebuke the devils lies and then remind myself that the Lord is not withholding any good thing from me (psalm 84:11). That he is working for the good of those who love him. AND. That these present sufferings cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8). So. I just have to keep rebuking and reminding.
The turn around of the day was when my sweet friend Bonnie called. She is so good. So encouraging. So faithful. I miss her. But. It was such a good conversation. Just catching each other up on our lives and encouraging each other. She just spoke a whole lot of truths to me and she listened. Again. She is so good.
Then when I got off work I got to go play with my sweet kids. They were so fun today. When I pulled up in the drive Rhys jumped off his lil toy and was just yelling my name running to me=) Oh thats such a good feeling. He now says Allyson and its precious. Ella was clapping and Zell was even glad I was there! Thats such a great feeling when even small children are excited to see you. We rode in the wagon and even Rhys pulled me in it. ha. Then we picked their mom flowers, helped Zell practice t-ball and only my favorite, we swung. It made my heart happy and it brought me joy to see them. The way they want my attention and want to show me everything is just so exciting. I absolutely love it!
The day turned around. The Lord is faithful and His word is true. He will give me an undivided heart. Be praying for encouragement. Pray that I am clinging to the word. And that the Lord is changing my parents hearts.

Top 10 things of the day
1) Talk with Bonnie
2) Getting a tan... aka sunburn
3) Working with Steph most of the day
4) Playing with the sweet kids
5) Cooking dinner with Em
6) Bike ride
7) Reading in the hammock
8) Oranges
9) Being reminded of the truth
10) PAY DAY!!!!

A Sweet Day

I finally finished cleaning and organizing my dads shop. Ha. It took me about 2 and half days to do it because it was so bad. And now it is lovely. well. As lovely as a man's shop can be=) I also got to drive a TRACTOR today. Haha. I had lessons this morning from dad. This is just all so funny to me. Hello. People. I operated a tractor today.

Also, my cousin jeffery came to help my mom do some spring cleaning today. It was so good to see him. He is a senior in high school and is just so sweet. Within the short 15mins we got to spend together. We got to have an awesome conversation about life. Things are really kinda crazy for him right now. Trying to graduate high school, his truck is not working, can't find a job, and with all that, his parents are going through a divorce. Just all kinda crazy and sad to me. He's not a believer. Pray for him. Pray that i get another opportunity to hang out with him. To just listen to him. Be praying the Lord provides for him.


Oh oh oh. I did learn today a bit about my dad playing slow pitch softball when he was in his early 20's. When I was cleaning out his shop i found a bunch of his old softball stuff and he loved going through it and telling me about it. It was fun to hear. He also wouldn't let me throw any of it away. So its just all back in the same place i found it. ha.

Just call me Herman Jr's (aka Dad) Chauffeur

Today I went to work with dad. It was a much needed day. Most of the time when it's just me and dad we get along much better. Don't know why, it just kinda happens. Anyway. First funny story of the day. Not even 5 mins on the road, there were these two young boys, probably in elementary school, riding down the side of the road. One on a four-wheeler and one on a dirt bike. When I first spotted them I said, "Why aren't these kids in school?" and dad said, "My sentiments exactly." hahaha
First stop of the day. A huge railroad factory. Who knew they still built railroads. Cause I sure didn't. ha. And I asked dad, "So thats where they crisco the wood?" and then he just laughed saying, "Creosoting Al. Not crisco."
Second stop. Eunice, Louisiana. about and hour drive from factory. Note to self: Stop drinking so much water when you travel with dad, he doesn't enjoy making many stops=)
Last stop of the day was at my roommate, Emily Switzers, house. Her dad and my dad are good friends. Anyway. Dad had to do some work for him. So. Yesterday i learned how to shoot grades. Ha. Thats what i'm doing in that picture. haha.
Like I said, it was a much needed day with my dad. I feel as if i don't really know my dad. So on this break of mine i want to get to know him. Like really know him. I want him to know me. I want him to get me. To understand me. And i want to get him and understand him. He is really so great. So if ya want friends. Yall could be praying for Dad.

Weekend

This past weekend was much needed. As Steph would say, "We're working for the weekend." ha. So friday night, the future brother in-laws came to Bentley. It was Logans first time to meet the family and it was so fun! As his acceptance to the fam we gave him a pink shirt with Dads face on it. haha. Then he asked if we could all wear them on the same day. baha. Funny.
Then Saturday morning Logan and I drove back to Ruston for the weekend. We celebrated Jakes birthday weekend and I got to see some of my sweet sweet friends that I have been missing.
Monday afternoon when we got back to Bentley, Steph and I helped mom and dad till the garden and pull up onions. It was interesting. I have to say I enjoy learning to do odd things and doing them with my family. After that steph and I got to clean the onions and sit on the back porch with the beautiful weather and have sweet conversations. It was a good monday. And it was a refreshing weekend.

The First Days

So.. Last wednesday it was official. I got to Ruston that morning only to withdraw my money from school and pack all my things. It was a whole lot sadder than I thought it would be. That night was not the most pleasant. I just had all this confusion in my head. All these questions floating around. And that night my dad said, "Be at the shop at 7:30am with your work boots, pants, and a hard hat." I laughed. He was being somewhat serious.=)
I went to sleep that night only to be awaken a few short hours latter. The next morning, which was Thursday, I woke up a bit before 5. Wide awake I all I could do was to think about all the many things that was all up in my head. Within those 2 hours before I went to work the Father had just changed my mind and heart completely and reminded me about this 'New Season' that I am in. It was one of the most refreshing times with the Lord.
This time at home, my friends, is going to be so sweet. It's a time for me to grow. A time for me to change. A time with Stephanie before she gets married. A time to really get to know and appreciate my parents. A time to love Emillie before she moves off. A time to spend with my cousin's sweet kids. A time with my grandparents. A time to try to figure out a bit more about me and where the Lord is leading me. It's a divine time the Father has given me. I really am so excited about the next 6 months. And I am excited about sharing it with yall.