I'm growing closer in love:)......

Today I spent the afternoon with the Holy Spirit, like a "date". I had such a blast! We first went to get myself an ever addicting Boba Tea from Moonstone and then went off for a trip to the Water Gardens. As I listened to music on my ipod ( Your grace still amazes me-Matt Boswell, The more I seek you-Kari Jobe, Grace Flows Down, and so on and so on)... I found joy in being alone with Holy Spirit/Jesus. Feeling the warmth of the sunshine on my back as I tranced myself into the constant flowing waters streaming down into a pit, I felt romanced by Him. I read Hebrews (picking up where I last left off) and just having such a love just being with my Heavenly father. I felt such a peace.

The song, " The more I seek you" has made a powerful mark in my heart and life over the past few days. It is a new song to me and just the words of it take me to a place with the Holy Spirit I've never quite felt before. The words amplify my heart and how I long to feel with Christ. This past weekend, I helped co-lead in a Disciple Now retreat and it seems to never fail that I think I learn more than the students I teach do. Brandon Cook spoke Saturday night (he was the guest speaker) and one of the things he used in his sermon was on love. I knew exactly what his parallel was going to be with the activity but still went a long with it. It was amazing to me to see that the teenagers answers were just like mine as a young adult. Some of the answers to what love was to them were: spending time with someone, feeling yourself thinking about this person often, serving them, etc. etc. I could relate to each one of these characterstics more than once and each time I related it to my own life, I realized how temporary and honestly in the end meaningless it all was IN COMPARISON to my relationship with Christ.

I asked myself, how many times do I yearn to spend time with Christ? How often do I jump at the chance to serve him like I do with other guys I take an interest in? Only in the end to feel disappointment and that extra part of me longing for more knowing even if the person I tried so hard to get to persue me actually ever did, thinking to myself, "would it still be enough?". It wasn't until having such an intimate time with the Holy Spirit today did I feel just how much He yearns to spend time with me. He loves seeing me happy even when it's over the smallest things like dogs swimming in water or squirrels running so fast away from me in fear that I may grab the pecan or nut straight out of their mouth. He loves spending time with me and is always thinking about me. He loves it when I ask him for advice and am willing to put His needs before my own selflessly.

For the first time today, I truly felt romanced by Him and a feeling of satisfaction I've never known before. It was quite amazing. It makes me only want to yearn to be with him more and talk with Him more. I am so thankful to have Him in my life especially at the hardest of times. I've recently had to give up a part of me that has been rather difficult but at the same time refreshing knowing no matter what happens in my life whether it goes my way or not, I am going to be okay. God loves me so much that he takes things away from me at times only to show me something even better. Can it be painful?, definitely! Is it worth it? definitely! I'm finally understanding the verse, Pslam 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord". This delight doesn't mean you/I will always be happy (delight) but that we will be delighted knowing the Lord's desires are better than our own and that you/I can rest knowing His way is so much better than our feeble, imperfect ideas/plans.

I hope that through you reading this long blog, the Holy Spirit spoke to your heart telling you that He wants that same relationship with you. He says to us, "I will never leave you or forsake you"(Deuteronomy 31:8). How awesome it is to know that he is always with you/I.

As spontaneous as I am, I'm so glad to know I can always count on Him to go with me wherever I go even if no one else (physically) will.

(By the way... the pics in this blog were taken at the Water Gardens:))

Prayers and Meditations

Prayers and Meditation:

-housing situation
-roommate situation
-my aunt dorothy (in hospital)
-time management (not doing so hot)
-my cousin ( joining the army)
-budgeting
-friendships
-michelle's brother ( in marine's)
-Soldiers
-Finals approaching
-Youth Ministry Lab
-Friends- Gabby, Katrina, Rafa, Adam, Mandi, Courtney.>they've all got stuff going on, but don't we all....

Thanks for lifting these up as you read them.

Grace and Peace to You,
Heather

Almost Extinct

I can't believe it's been SOOO long since I've blogged. I guess it just goes to show either 1) how busy I've been or 2) how many different websites I can surf and how many different email accounts I have to check on a daily basis. I almost wish at times that life were just a little more simple back in the "good ol days".. I've never really understood why so many people see the "good ol days" as so good whenever the present days aren't always so hot. I guess the other phrase that comes to my mind is " dont' know what you got til it's gone"... which by the way is a great 80's song:).
So, another summer has past by and well my days become a little wiser yet some days "not so much". Have you ever wondered why you can be so smart one day and so dumb the next? I feel that way a lot more lately. I think I'm slowly gaining momentum with the smarter days though, haha.
Right now, I'm in Panera Bread, on my laptop in a room full of people whom I've never seen before in my life. All of which have their own lives, their own problems and their own "smart" days. However, I'm sure they each have had their share of "dumb" ones too.
I'm not really sure what this blog is suppose to tell you that I'm sure you don't already know but just typing out my thoughts as I guess you are "suppose" to with one of these things.
As for now, I'm going to get to my studies that I've been pushing to the side since I've been here in Panera so I can understand all of the material I need to for my test. so, ... ta ta for now.

-Heather Brooke

.............................yeah....................

Tomorrow is the last day of finals and the first day of a good night's sleep or at least that is the plan! I am flyin home thursday ( Lord willing!-stand by ticket) and then will be officially graduating from Gardner-Webb University:). I'm looking forward to the summer months ahead and times to get closer to God and finally get to enjoy a little more of Texas without all of the papers so often due.

I can't wait to get back to the Carolina's to see my family and my friends. I am startin to miss them all a little more than before. Who knows what my life will be like in five years! I sometimes see it far away from my family but then there are times where I see them pretty close to me as well, I'm just a little closer to the big city:)haha. Only God knows what tomorrow brings so I'm not going to worry about it.

I pulled an allnighter studyin and workin on papers last night so off to bed soon. Goodnight!

-Heather

Just Catchin' Up..

It's been quite awhile since I last blogged so lots to catch up on. I know I won't remember it all so I'm not even going to try. I will start ( and end ) with what I remember:).

I went home with Bradley for Easter weekend to meet his family. It was alot of fun:). I was a little apprehensive at first just because the thought of "meeting the fam" but it turned out to be a great decision in the end.

Midterms and final projects ( and now finals) have been not only in my mind but everyone else around me so it has been a challenge to not feel the stress coming in all directions at times but God is still God and is seeing me through.

A week or so ago my friend, Katrina and I went to Downtown and planned to watch TMNT but instead we cancelled that idea and went towards Sundance Square. Much to our surprise and advantage, Tracy Byrd and Charlie Daniel's Band was playing for FREE:). We had a blast!!

Just a few days ago, Bradley and Brandon had a cookout at their apartment. I must admit they both surprised me with their cooking. It was great:). Afterwards, Charis and I went to the Water Gardens in Downtown Fort Worth and then headed over to check out the Arts Festival all at the last minute. I love living life that way:). Never a dull moment haha.

Oh, and I almost forgot, I started my new job working with Sorenson Video Relay Service. It has been quite a challenge but also a wonderful opportunity and experience. Daily God reminds me of how much I have still to learn and to be patient and humble with it all. It is difficult, I must admit but I am getting there, slowly but surely.

In only a matter of weeks, will be me graduating from my undergraduate school ( officially), Yes I am doing it a little backwards, but it is because my school back in NC is so small they just postpone the december graduates until then.

Well, guess that is about it for now. Just a quick catch up. Goodnight!

Just a recap of the week so far...

This week has been better than most.

I have actually been more awake at 6:30am than usual ( to get ready for the day). This may not sound like a big deal to most but for me God definitely has interveined ( spelling?) with my motivation.

I recieved an ebay package in the mail. That is always nice.

God also reminded me in the midst of my busy agenda to just look around (on campus) and remember His beauty. So what'd I do?!... I headed to the small waterfall on campus and admired the fish. Did you know there are four small "baby" fish in there. Bet ya didn't! haha.

Oh! and my roomie, Rachel brought home a carton of "Chunky Monkey" Ben and Jerry's icecream, .. JUST FOR ME:). She knows the key to my heart:) haha... FOOD!

Overall, the week has been pretty great... there are other great things I didn't mention too just because there were lots... so .... yeah! God is good:)... ALL the time!:)

God Bless!-
Heather

How Great is Our God:)

"Sing with me, .. How great is our God, .. and all will see how great, how great is our God:)"... having a song in my heart always makes me happy and well right now I am happy because I was able to go with two of my friends today, Katrina and Josh, to a coffee shop near TCU. We went hoping/praying that God was allow us to meet someone new, get to know them and tell them about our awesome Savior, .. well he did just that:). We got to meet an awesome girl and share with her Jesus. She was not a Christian but was open to what we had to say as we were to her own beliefs. We were able to get her phone number and well from this point I just pray that a friendship will bloom to where she will see Jesus the way we do, "the way, the truth and the life!"

I am constantly amazed to see God at work when I decide to just step out of the boat. The thing is I don't do it nearly enough. As much as I want to, I find myself spending my minutes/hours/days wasted away on things that are merely temporary.

When "stepping out of the boat" I find myself "spiritually drunk" with God's awesome power to share the gospel through my feeble efforts. I am amazed so often by his constant flowing grace ( Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, amazing grace, now flowing down, ... ( another song in my head)).

Different subject....





Last year I guess about this time, to be honest I can't remember the date exactly but I got the opportunity to interpret for my favorite author, Matthew Paul Turner. He is such a down to earth, genuine guy. Posted to the left is a picture of him signing a recently bought book of mine. What a cool day that was:)

Back in Texas

I never realized how much I really do like this state... for those of you from here. Don't get a "big head" about it though. I still don' t see it as the "texans" do around here, haha. However, I have come to appreciate the flat ground more so than I did before. But I think what I like the most is the fact that everything is within 5 to 15 minutes away! I have grown to be impatient with regular roads back home and slow people and trees covering up my sunsets. I was ready to be back and see the sunset on the horizon as well as seeing the city lights. These things is what I have grown to love since I have been here. Others things ofcourse too but as far as state to state comparison goes, that is it. On the other hand, I was not able to travel to the beach or the mountains while at home so those things definitely make my state a great one too:).

The highlights of my trip home to North Carolina...
-ofcourse seeing my family
-taking my cousin out for icecream and to a nearby school playground
-watching my brother's games
-seeing my other cousin practice tball for the first time
-sunday pot luck with all my family (approx. 30 of us)
-eating at all of the local restaurants with family and friends
-spending time with Courtney and going to Plato's Closet

So, I got a lot in as you can see, now i'm ready for a REAL break!:)

Court-jar,Court-Knee,Courtney!!!

My brother's game was cancelled due to the rain here. It is now today ( Saturday). The good part about that though is I got to spend time with Courtney!! For those of you who do not know her yet, she is my other half. When God made her ( since she is older:)) he had a little left over and well, I think he use the rest of her to create me. We think so much a like and are just so goofy together, IT's GREAT!! haha.

Alright enough intro:), .. yesterday I meet up with Courtney in Gastonia ( half way point) to charlotte and before she could even drive to my (mom's) car I was already out of the car thrilled with excitement. We hugged each other to death as if we were married. So, after the long "oh I've missed you" speech was over and the "You look great" speech was over too haha, we headed to Charlotte!!, What for you may ask... Plato's Closet!! Now, to those of you who live within 5 minutes from a Plato's Closet ( Seminary students!), you may be thinking why are they driving (45minutes) so far to this place?! Well all I can say is that is my small town for ya and I guess my state too. There are only 5 or 6 Plato's in the entire state. If I had an extra $200, 000 on my hip I'd have to invest.

When we finally get there, you should have seen us! It was hilarious.. I should have taken a picture of Courtney, she was the funniest! I think she had 30 pairs of jeans hanging off of her one arm to try on and then whatver else she could lay on top of that without breaking her arm off or falling over ( whichever would have come first). As I make my way with all of my things to try on, these two high school girls ask me (without even knowing my name), are you buying all of those clothes? Do you have that much money? Being the girl that I am, I first thought, "I didn't think I had that much!, then I thought, wayy more than half of these things I have will not fit on me. Same went with courtney and her philiosophy. But man! I wish y'all could have seen those girl's faces when Courtney walked up to try on all of her clothes. I just busted out with laughter knowing Courtney was clueless of my recent conversation with these high school girls. haha.

We made it out of Plato's with fun things and reasonable prices so we were both happy:). After that we headed to RJ Gators but once I aw the sanitation grade (90.5) we didn't stay. For those of you who do not know me, I am the world's worst when it comes to a sanitation grade. Somehow God has helped me out a lot being in Texas, I haven't seen one yet and to be honest with you, that didn't stop me in DC. but that is another story.

To tie this up soon because most if not all of you probably are bored reading this long thing......

Courtney and I went to Applebees instead for dinner and then headed back to her nw apt for the night ( Last year we lived together in a different apt). It was so good just to sit back and have fun with her:). For lunch today we are going to BEEFY'S!! They have the best food an lemonade ever. AND they are a Christian owned company which makes it even better:)

Thanks for reading my ramblings:)

Well ,.. I made it!:).. I sat beside of Brett Summers on the way to NC...(well sort of.. this woman was a "look a like"). My grandparents and uncle came to get me at the airport. For lunch we went to Bojangles.. for those of you who arn't from the southeast, you are missin' out on some great "chicken and biscuits"!. My grandmother, bless her! She stuffed BBQ sauce into my purse just so I could "savor the flavor" of Bojangles once I got back to Texas, haha. That afternoon I picked up my cousin and we went to get a hawaiian ice and a sundrop. Again this is a Carolina thing:). I've been to most all of the restaurants I have tried my best to eat at before the trip back. Court Street Grille ( my old waitressing job)-Steak and Ranch Pizza!, The Ranch House with the grandparents (breakfast-ordered livermush!),BBQ King (vinigar based bbq sauce!),Set up from ITs Drive In ( a set up is a cherry sundrop with two cherries and a lemon),tomorrow I'm eating lunch with my friend, Loy at Japan (Japanese restaurant). I'm not sure if I will make it up to Beefy's or not. I kind of hope I do, .. but it is "iffy". Courtney is driving to see me tomorrow. My brother has another ball game ( baseball). This will be the third one since I have been home so that has occupied a lot of my time. I think I have gained 4 or 5 pounds in only a matter of days. I'm ready to hit the gym when I get back! haha.well, enough yappin' just wanted to type out what's been goin' on with me lately.

I'm going to NC... that is if Jesus doesn't come back first:)

yay!, .. so last night around 10pm I get a call from my "travel agent" (choke choke).. telling me he has a flight booked for me tuesday am and then arriving back monday. At that point, anything would have been fine... thursday friday, .. whatever... i just hated not knowing when i was leaving especially with my bags being packed for two days already... now three days. One thing I know for sure though is I have to leave at 6am tomorrow so I will be hitting up the starbucks for sure!

Oh and an update on my Interpreting job, .. the company lost my paper work so I have to go back up there this monday and fill it out again and then I won't be able to start until april 9th. Surprisingly though, I am not upset but just anxious to get started.


One more thing, not sure if I have mentioned this already or not but I got to drive a Chrysler Crossfire thursday night and I couldn't help but drool all the way home (even while I looked online to see if I could ever fathom actually buying this car.) My conclusion is this, .. if I live in Barnard Hall for the remainder of my years here then it is possible. I would be ddaving wuite a bit on rent and then that would also mean i would have to work 25 to 30 hours a week which is feasible for most but I am almost spoiled at being a full time college student haha. So still weighing my options, .. i may hold onto to Bessie ( my car's name) until she dies. I'm not sure how she would feel about me trading her in for a new model.

-Heather

March 11, 2007

It's almost 6pm. Today has been a great day. I got to go to Fellowship Church again and this time my roomie, Yukki went with me.. she loved it just as much as I did so that ofcourse excited me:). Both of us are interested in serving with the children's department. More specifically for me, I am interested in the helping out with deaf kids!:). After church we went out to eat. It was a fun unexpected experience being able to just chat it up with her one on one about life. And God definitely kissed us with the sun rays as we sat out on the patio:).

After that, I topped it off with a very nice nap. Sundays are the best! As of now, who knows what I will get myself into. I want to hang out with some seminary peeps I don't normally get to hang out with so hopefully that:).

Then tomorrow praying for a flight to NORTH CAKALAKI!!( for those of you who do not understand... North Carolina:)) haha.

In His Service:),
Heather

March 10th, 2007

As I wake up earlier than desired... ( 7am).. I proceed to get ready for the day in hopes to catch a flight to North Carolina to see my family. It is now 8:45pm and I am still in Fort Worth, in fact I am in Barnard Hall. The day was full of unexpected events but all of which were fun and spontaneous. Two words that ring in my ears like music(Fun and Spontaneous):). I went to IHop with a cool friend and then afterwards headed to the airport in hopes to fly out of here... four hours later no luck so then My friend and I went to a small airport, wendy's, and then to a cool castle place at Lake Worth. I saw parts of Texas I had never seen before,it was cool. Even though I am exhausted as I type this to you (BEFORE 9AM!!) The adventures of the day were much appreciated and longly awaited. So eventhough I was not able to see my family today, the agenda or lack there of was a good replacement to help carry me over.

I found Plato's Closet off of Hulen.. too bad I had NO money. haha. I didn't get to buy a thing.

Blessings:

Considerate and selfless people...

Things brought to my attn:

to be a better listener, to be more selfless, judge less!, to shine forth Jesus in a genuine and accepting way.

Praise!!

I visited Fellowship Church of Grapevine today and it was sooo amazing!. I have never felt so pumped about church ever! I can't wait to go back and get involved with this awesome church doing God's work. If you odn't have a home church yet and live in the Fort Worth area, You have GOT TO check out Fellowship Church of Grapevine. Ed Young is the pastor. He didn't speak this morning, another woman filled in for him but the service was still just as great ( from what I heard from other people). It was so well organized and seemed like everything they could possibly get their hands on, they were doing it already. The message this morning was about Serving. The speaker mentioned Phillippians 2:. I really like this chapter. It was a good refresher:).

I know I don't serve enough, I'm not sure if I know anyone who would admit they do, but I know I enjoy doing it and really like seeing other people serve others ( the speaker mentioned this as well). It's fun to see people working together hand in hand and especially when the serving is not always the most favored job.

Overall, today was a great day:)...

Emily Woody's Birthday bash helped tie my great day all together into an even greater day:)

Happy 25th Emily!!

Friday/Saturday

So yesterday morning I wake up for my first real test in Seminary. I realized in the middle of the test that I should have studied more than I did. Ofcourse! If anyone from Gardner-Webb is reading this right now you are probably laughing because you probably are well aware of my great procrastination abilities when it comes to "crunch time".

IHOP around here has free WIFI ( for those of you who live in the sticks this means free wireless internet). The other night I went out with one of my friends and well since it was after midnight you never know what to expect. This man comes in "drunk as a skunk" and on the verge of alcohol poisioning (in my opinion). This guy was beyond wasted and it was just sad. You see I live in seminary housing in a bubble.So as I was this man it reminded me that people over and over again head for the bottle when times get tough. I wanted to turn around (at the booth) and start talking to him right then about Jesus and just ask him why he chooses to drink but I knew it would not be the smartest idea for a girl my size to do especially with a drunkard so I didn't.

Today has been a pretty low key day, ... just kickin' back enjoying all the phone conversations, playing "catch up" with all my buddies back home and even the family so that was good. Now I am just kickin' back blogging to you guys/gals.

Tonight I am planning to go to an Upward Basketball Awards Ceremony and see a bunch of kids. I'm actually lookin' forward to it. I've been scared of kids quite honestly for the past few years or so just because I guess. So lately, God has been pushing events and activities involving kids so I'm just seein' what's next I guess. I just got back from a Disciple Now retreat ( last weekend). That was pretty great. I got to lead a group of 9th grade girls. It was my first one. I didn't expect to be as blessed as I was but then again God does/allows a lot of things that I don't always expect:)

After the game, I am going to meet up with two people I met recently and look forward to getting to know them better. It should be fun:) My prayer is to show GOd to them in a real way. They are not Christians, so prayer would be great:)

Well, I guess that is all I have to say for now. Thanks for "listening". Catch me lata!

I'm out!:)

Things To Know:)

Things I am Passionate About:

1)Serving Jesus Christ
2)Seeing People Happy
3)Human Trafficking
4)Deaf people
5)Morals
6) Teaching parents how to be parents ( there should be a liscense for this!)
7)Seeing People accept Jesus into their heart
8)Signing

"Querks" and Pet Peeves

(P)1)When someone smacks their gum or chews food with their mouth open.
(P)2)When food is left on a plate/bowl and left in the sink to be washed (gross!)
(P)3)toilet seat left up ( I'm getting better at getting over this haha)
(Q)4)I use straws waayyy more than most people. I buy them at the grocery store.
(Q)5)I bite my nails (gross bad habit, I know)
(P)6)Overloaded trash cans ( but then I'm the one who is "disorganized" everywhere else.)
(Q)7)commitment ( I prefer last minute ideas)
(P)8)boring people ( I live for "Ceasing the Day")

Cool Points Recieved Lately:

1)Recieving Bluebell Icecream (A Surprise)

2)A card from a friend (encouraging words)

3)A friend went with me to witness

4)Friends sharing their testimony

5)Recieving mail

6)Encouraging phone calls

7)Words of wisdom

8)Manners

Your Grace Still Amazes Me

Jesus places random songs in my heart that are like his love songs to me. I find myself singing songs I havn't heard in years but when certain words or situations are brought up, that is when God pullls them out of my "filing cabinet" (a.k.a. brain) and reminds me of his greatness. This song below is just one of the many that I have enjoyed playing over and over again in my head:)

"you traded glory for a manger
to redeem a dying world
and made friends with this sinner
so that i could be restored

... your grace still amazes me"-Written by Matt Boswell

It pains me to see lost people. I am finally beginning to feel a small part of how Jesus must have felt when he came to Earth. He died for me and you and how amazing is His grace?! It still amazes me I am so thankful for his constant forgiveness and mercy. Remember!......

Jesus Paid it All, All to Him I Owe.


(Check Out Matt Boswell on Itunes.)


~Heather Brooke