Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The Season of Lent

So, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and I'm going to embark on something I've never done before. I'm going to observe the season of lent. I've half-heartedly somewhat fasted before over the course of the season, but it was always where I would hear about someone else doing it (about a week into Lent) and decide that sounded like a good idea and then go for it myself.

But this summer as I read the book "Girl Meets God" the Lord really opened my eyes to the fact that it would be good for our relationship if I sought Him in ways that were a bit uncomfortable for me. I'm really comfortable in my charismatic/evangelical/relational type of Christianity, but I have never really been around the Christian stream that follows the liturgy or practices such things as Lent. I realized that it is almost second nature to praise Him and seek Him in my own ways - so much so that at times I can do the motions but totally check out with my heart and mind. So, I'm going to seek Him and prepare my heart for Easter in a way that definitely is not second nature...I'm hoping to learn something along the way.

I am supposed to take my grandmother to the doctor tomorrow at 12:30pm...but if it doesn't happen I am going to try to go to a service with the imposition of ashes. That is a big step for me, but I'm so excited...I will keep you posted...

I'm also praying about what I should fast...would love to know if anyone else will be fasting during Lent!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Sleeping Beauties

So, as most of you know, Josh and I are college & young adult pastors...it is one of my favorite things, and I just returned from my 6th zoe (the name of our ministry) girls retreat. We spent the weekend in the mountains of Ruidoso, NM and it was a truly lovely time.

Our theme was "Sleeping Beauties" (cheesy I know, but there was great meaning behind it). We laughed, we cried, we made new friends, deepened old friendships, rested, and spent some time along with the Father. I don't know what it is about the mountains, but I always feel refreshed a bit closer to God when I'm surrounded by His beautiful handiwork...so, all that to say, it was a great weekend.

I'm tired and want to watch the Oscars, so I'm off for the night but wanted to show you a few pictures of these amazing women I get to work with!


Kathryn


Celeste & Erin


We found an abondoned VW van...


Chelsea

Julie & Tiffany

Cousins: Erin & Celeste; Lacey & Kimberly; Kelsey & I


Several of the Girls


Miranda


Hannah, Andrea, & Jennifer

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Where I am - February 2009

Where I am: As always when I'm writing my blogs - I'm sitting on my couch! But instead of a cup of coffee or hot tea. I'm eating pizza with my husband while watching the Biggest Loser (I feel that there is something wrong with that sentence...but that is the reality - at least I'm drinking water - perhaps it will help me digest these uber-calories :))...

What I am listening to: I took Sara Casas's suggestion downloaded the free Phil Wickham CD - Singalong...really like it & I find myself listening to it often. I have plans to go purchase the new Kari Jobe CD too.

What I am watching: At the moment, The Biggest Loser. I had a girls night a couple of weeks ago and we saw "He's Just Not That Into You" - I didn't really like it...it had some funny moments and cute chic flicks moments, but mostly I went away thinking just how sad our society's view of relationships are...I would like to go see the movie "Taken" and I have plans to go see "Confessions of a Shopaholic" with my sisters.

What I'm reading: We took a cruise last week (see below) & it allowed me to do some reading. I read The Shack while I was on the boat. Honestly, it didn't do much for me. I think my expectations were too high after hearing it praises sung by countless people. I thought that the message of the book was great (disagreed with a couple of points theologically - but mostly good), I can see how this message of relationship could bring a lot of healing to lives...I also read "A Wedding in December"...currently I have 10 books sitting in my office and I'm debating which to pick up next.

Recap on some memorable moments: If you read a previous blog I mentioned that I was asked to pose as a bride for Shugart's photography. So, I had a photo shoot & even got some friends to pose as my bridesmaids. I don't have any of the official pictures - didn't see the need in having a picture of myself in a wedding gown that wasn't my own, so I'll just show a quick shot of my and my girls before the photo shoot! (We laughed a lot - especially when they tried to get us to fake laugh together)...



Yay for Relaxation: Josh and I went on a cruise last week - it was Josh's annual business conference, and I'm so glad that they chose to host it on this luxurious boat! Basically, Josh went to a few meetings and then we did our best to rest and eat yummy food! Oh, and Josh won the dodgeball tournament on the cruise! Here are a few pictures from our week!


Our waitress - Magali from Argentina - we became good friends over the course of our meals!


On our formal night...you should see my dress - it is fabulous!


Oh, I had to take a picture during the in case of an emergency orientation - these life vests were crazy!


Pictures from my 30th: I wanted to share a few pictures from my party. Josh & my mom did a great job planning this special night! And I've discovered that 30 is fabulous!

Blowing out my candles...


It was a themed party - "Around the World in 30 Years" - my cousins Shelby & Dustin came decked out in costume - aren't they cute!


My best friend growing up - Megan came into town for the event - a definite highlight for me! This is when she came around the corner - I was shocked!


I love my mom! Isn't she lovely!

What I am Looking Forward to: I'm taking our college & young adult girls on a retreat this weekend to Ruidoso - yay! It should be a great time to relax, laugh, and simply stop for a moment to listen both to the Lord and the hearts of some of these amazing women I get the privilege of working with...

Until next time...I think I'll go have a cup of tea - try to find a moment this week to stop and do the same!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

A Bit of This and a Bit of That...

So much to say, but I'm only giving myself a few minutes to blog this evening...

I turned 30 a week & a half ago, and I must say...it's not so bad! Actually, I was contemplating on whether or not I really wish that I was back at 20, and I was able to immediately say, "no way!" I feel like I'm more confident in who Paige is, I know where I want to go, and I'm much more at home in my skin than I was 10 years ago...I'm assuming that I'll keep growing in this way, so I say bring it on!

My husband and family threw me a surprise party and it was so fun! It had a theme - I LOVE themes (around the world in 30 years) so there was food from different countries, pictures from my travels and a few people even dressed up! One of the best surprises were two friends who came in from out of town. Marisa came in from Abilene and one of my dearest friends growing up - Megan came all the way in from Mineral Wells. My sweet friends who live too far to come sent me video messages & cards, so it was a really special night for me.

So, February seems to be quite a busy month (especially with speaking engagements), and if you are in the area I would love to invite you all to join me at some fun events. Here they are!

  • I'm preaching at COTR this weekend! Saturday at 6pm or Sunday at 9 or 11am...come join as I talk about "Stepping Out of Your Shoes and Into His Hands"

  • zoe Girls Retreat - if you fall in the "young adult" category we are taking our annual retreat to Ruidoso, NM - February 20-22...I promise, it is not one of those "retreats" where you come home exhausted...we are going to chill and talk about resting in God's love. This is our theme verse - Isaiah 54:10, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

  • Momentum Women's Conference (Trinity Church) - February 27 & 28...I'm doing a workshop at this conference & I'm super excited because the guest speaker is Lisa Bevere. I love Lisa Bevere - I think she is a great speaker, but mostly I love her because when I worked at ORU my job was to book & host chapel speakers. While I was there I met lots of "big name" preachers and I found that many of them were not very nice to this girl who took care of things like getting them water. BUT John & Lisa Bevere came that year, and they were genuinely lovely people who took the time to talk to everyone & even noticed me - the water girl. In that season I was tempted to get really cynical, but the Lord told me He was showing me this so I would always remember about not getting too big for my britches...anyways, since that time I've followed John & Lisa and I'm able to receive from them because I saw at that time that they lived what they preached. Sooooo...come to the conference! It will be great!

On to more totally superficial things...is anyone watching the Bachelor? I'm ashamed to tell you that I watch it, but I'm hooked this season & super glad that he sent Stephanie home last night. She is super sweet, but they just never had that connection... Also, has anyone gone to see Slumdog Millionaire? Loved it and would love to know what others thought...

I have more to say, but I'll wrap this up by telling you that I got a new zoom lense for my b-day and am having so much fun trying it out! Here are a couple pics using it...until next time...


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