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

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!

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...

25 Things about me

1. I have been tagged by at least five people to do this tag or one similar... So, Leslie, Jennifer Watson, Liz, Amanda, and others this is for you!
2. I don't normally do tags (it is a way for me to rebel :))
3. I am a Jane Austen fan. I've read all of her books, read several cheesy books that ponder her own life, and have seen most movies about her. Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion are my favorite of her novels and the BBC always portrays her books the best.
4. If I started with a new "career" I would like to be an event planner (for fabulous parties) or try interior decorating.
5. I've killed every plant that I've ever purchased in my life (except the two that are currently alive in my house - I'm counting the days until they are gonners).
6. I think I have OCD tendencies. I count ridges on objects constantly but I can't stop counting until they end on a multiple of five.
7. I once wore jeans with with cow fur on them and I thought I was so cool.
8. My dad's nickname for me is Paigey Poodle - nothing says I love you like naming you after an annoying dog!
9. I have been to the following countries: Mexico, Canada, Guatemala, Greece, Israel, UK, Czech Republic, Belgium, France, Thailand, India, & Ukraine.
10. I was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" in Jr. High
11. I always make a wish when I see the clock turn 11:11
12. I cry at inappropriate times and rarely cry when I should
13. I'm allergic to most things outside - grass, most trees, hay, etc.
14. I once had a job where I announced baseball games even though I didn't & still don't understand the many rules to baseball.
15. I showed steers (bulls without their boy parts) one year. My calves did not do good but I won the showmanship award (pretty sure it was because I was the only cowgirl with a color-coordinated outfit - from big bow to my yellow boots!)
16. The only stitches I've ever received were due to the fact that I ran into a shopping cart (I can be clutzy sometimes)
17. Even after YEARS of braces my teeth still angled so they just added onto the bottom of my teeth (I have something like concrete added to the bottom of some of my teeth)
18. I often thank God that I was born in this time period - between bad teeth, acne that was helped by dermatologist & bad eyes...I'm aware that I would be the homely girl if I lived in the 16th century.
19. I'm allergic to most perfumes - I will literally vomit if someone gets too close with strong perfume
20. I have motion sickness & have gotten sick on a plane, bus, vans, & cars! Is that TMI?
21. I take a bath almost every night before I go to bed.
22. I have been to 3 international hospitals & once had to run for cover from bombs (literally)
23. I have seen & run from a tornado
24. I once went on an all cereal diet (didn't lose any weight)
25. I have run two marathons and am contemplating another one...

So, I'm not going to tag anyone, but I'd love to learn interesting things about any of you!

Where I am - 2009 Edition

So, Liz Langford asked me last night what had happened to my blog. Yes, I quit blogging for awhile. I've been in a season where lots is going on (both externally & internally) and I just don't know where to start when I think of blogging. So, I'll just do a quick update...

Where I am: It is Saturday morning and I'm sitting on my couch...sipping coffee & talking to my husband. I love talking to my husband...he's funny, insightful, and so smart!

What I am listening to: Ella Fitzgerald singing "I Get a Kick Out of You" - technically I'm listening to Pandora.com - if you haven't found this yet, you should totally check it out. You can create your own radio stations based upon singers that you like - they play other singers or bands that sound similar. So, this is one of Josh's pandora stations...

What I am reading: Currently I'm reading 3 books...Gifted to Lead: The Art of Leading as a Woman in the Church by Nancy Beach (this book has actually brought some healing to my heart and given me really good advice - it's hard sometimes being "the girl" that works alongside so many men - maybe I'll write a blog about this sometime...maybe not). Also reading Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner, reading Streams of Living Water by Richard Foster with my small group, & I've been revisiting LOTS of books for two classes that I'm teaching right now...

What I am watching: Yesterday Josh and I went to see Slumdog Millionaire (it was the first day it showed here in Lubbock) and I LOVED it! For anyone who knows me you know that India has captured my heart so I was really interested to see how India was portrayed and it was just right. They showed the reality of slums coupled with the beauty of the people...the plight of so many children right alongside the opulence and corruption of many in that country. So, I HIGHLY recommend going to see it - open your heart to India...maybe you should go with me! As far as TV watching goes...here are my new favorite shows although I must say I'm watching less TV and I've stopped watching many shows that I used to see faithfully. My new favorites are: The City (I think it is much better than the Hills actually & I love NYC so it is a guilty pleasure for me), Privileged (so random, but I find it hilarious), Samantha Brown's Cruises - I LOVE Samantha Brown and secretly want her job (shout out to Vanessa Brandiger who gave me the heads up about the fabulousness that is Samantha Brown) - who wouldn't love traveling around the globe and showing an audience little tips about cities and locations around the world! Anyways, I've been watching her cruise shows lately...(whenever I flip on the TV they seem to be on)...

Favorite Moments: I have three that come to my mind, so I will be brief

1. Josh as my nurse - I was sick last week (the most sick I've been in quite some time), and Josh was WONDERFUL. He waited on me with medicine, ran around town buying soup, and he even took me to the doctor. I didn't enjoy the sickness, but it was a reminder of how wonderful my man is...
2. Lunch with Alyson - I got a surprise last week...my friend from high school called me up and said I'm coming to town and want to see you! She is my fancy friend now because she lives in NYC and is the Senior Designer for Domino Magazine (if you ever buy the mag you should go find her name in it)... But don't you love those few friends that you have where no matter where you go or how "important" you become they are still just the friend you know? We tried to catch up over a late lunch at Jazz last week, and though the conversation was fun and refreshing, I enjoyed this time mostly because it was a reminder of so amazing friends I have from my past.
3. Running - I started running again! Mostly this is to the credit of a new friend - Katie Skeens. She is motivating and getting me back into the swing of things...and guess what I've discovered - I do love to run! So, I've enjoyed conversations with Katie and I'm enjoying my muscles aching in the morning. What stands out the most about running was one amazing run that I had this week. On Tuesday evening I came home after a long day and I decided to lace up my shoes. I was by myself and I experienced what I had not experienced in over a year - that running is medicine to my soul - I let the stresses of the day melt off - I ran too fast as I talked to God and I let my legs and the music I was listening to lead me - no overanalyzing, no pleasing people, no burdens - just me, God, and the road. I'm so glad to be back!
   

Favorite Funny Moment: I was talking with some ladies a couple of weeks ago and Callie Boyd shared a typical "woman story" along the lines of wetting her pants & stories just poured forth from our little group. What is it about the female bladder that we all have some experience where laughter or something else overtook us and as a result we were left with wet pants? Anyways, it was my favorite funny moment because here was this group of women in the middle of Sugar Brown's Coffee laughing and letting loose our stories without a care as to who heard us! I love being a woman!

Favorite Random Request: So, I got a call from my friend Holly yesterday (if you read this, I WILL call you back this afternoon)...and she wanted to know if I would pose for some pictures as a bride. I have to be honest, my pride cringes at this - what will people think when they see this...I was a bride over 8 years ago, and I feel silly thinking about being a bride today...but, I would be doing this for Shugart Studios and Aaron Sugart is WONDERFUL! He has helped me in so many ways, so I know I will say yes - ONLY because of Aaron and because I want to give back to him...I'll let you all know how the bridal portrait goes - ha!

What I'm looking forward to: Again, 3 things:

1. Having a phone conversation with Christie Weehunt. We have been playing phone tag for the last three days and I hope to talk to her today. She is my friend who is a missionary in India. I "mentored" her while she was in our college group, but I feel like she mentors me now...so wise...and I think she is in love so I'm excited to hear all about it!
2. Our cruise. Josh and I are going on a cruise in February! Yay!
3. My birthday. I turn 30 tomorrow. I've been a little sad about this one - I know my 30's will be great and all of that...but I LOVED my 20's...and I'm feeling a little "old." I'm sure it will be great, so I'm looking forward to it and trying my best to NOT look back.
   

Happiness...

Just found this on etsy.com and I absolutely love it! I've been thinking about happiness a lot lately and the Lord has been speaking to me about finding His joy in the mundane...

Anyways, I'm thinking I just may buy this piece of art for 2009...how many little things do I take for granted? I want to be a bit more like a bird with a french fry!

Hope you have a Happy January 4th!

New Year Thoughts

Happy New Year everyone! If you made resolutions, I hope you are still keeping them up, and I hope that you are feeling rested and ready for 2009 (I have this feeling that it will be quite a year)! My 2009 thus far has been a mixture of rest and working outside of the box. I've already gotten to stretch myself in a couple of ways (helping to oversee a little "face-lift/remodel" at the church - it's got me thinking that I don't want to ever build a house - so many little decision! And going on a little photo shoot with my friend, Heather).

All in all, I'm not making resolutions this year, although I have started running again (thanks to my friend Katie), reading a bit more intentionally, and trying to make the most of my many relationships. In essence, I'm trying to simply obey a simple word that the Lord spoke to me on our zoe ski trip - to live a Spirit-led life in 2009 rather than a Paige-led life. I realized that I've figured out how to do a lot of my work, relationships, and even my walk with the Lord in a way that looks fairly successful, but in truth it's often lived out of my head and what I know will work rather than how He wants me to live. So, that is my goal for 2009...

Thought I would leave you with my favorite pictures from the photo shoot with Heather...Isn't she a cutie?