Happy Thanksgiving!!

TOP TEN THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR...

1)JESUS CHRIST, MY SAVIOR.
2)MY FAMILY
-NO PLACE LIKE HOME
3)SOUTHERN FOOD!!
-CASSEROLES!, PIES!
4)DOGS
-GOOD MEDICINE
5)EDUCATION
-WELL ROUNDED PERSPECTIVE
6)GOD'S WORD
-MY SWORD
7)FORGIVENESS
-FOR ALL THE TIMES I'VE MESSED UP
8)FREEDOM
-WHERE OTHERS ONLY DREAM OF IT, I GET TO LIVE IT.
9)MUSIC
-SO I CAN HEAR PEOPLE LIKE JIMMY NEEDHAM, WARREN BARFIELD, MARC BROUSSARD..
10)FRIENDS
-WHO MAY COME AND GO BUT LEAVE THEIR MARK.


HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE THANKSGIVING..


"GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD, HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER." -Psalm 118:1



BE BLESSED!!

Tomorrow's Election Day...

Please pray for our country and the new President,for him to allow God to guide his steps in every decison. This world desperately needs to seek God in order to survive and with taht said, we need a Christian President to help make that happen.

May God Bless America!

Happy "Dress Up" Day!!

Simple Pleasures in Life...

Man.. reading my previous blogs.. sounds so drab.. so to turn things up a bit instead of down.. I wanted to share with you some simple pleasures in life I've found....
1) farmers markets!!
2)pumpkin pie!
3) running!
4)family phone calls
5)hot tamales cinnamon candy! ( my dentist wouldn't approve)


What about you .. what are your simple pleasures?

No place like Home..

Quotes you've heard before, .. " there's no place like home", ... " Home is where the heart is"...these words couldn't be truer!(is that a word?). Today was a tough day... I haven't been myself lately and been struggilng to figure out why. I thought I had thyroid issues (and maybe still do), but while I called my doctor asking questions about my symptoms of sleepiness (even after long hours of rest) and why the lack of appetite... I without knowing was being questioned over other symtoms, while saying yes to many of them, the nurse proceeds to tell me that I just showed several symptoms of not tyroid problems but depression. Needless to say, I didn't take it very well. Me, Heather Morris?... depressed... yeah right! The girls who is (or was) always smiling and laughing?! It's been tough to admit it all to myself. To be frank, I felt like I was in an AA program going through my first step!( NOt that I've had experience first hand wtih that). So,I'm not writing this blog to shout my mentally ill state of mind persay but just to hope for some sort of normalcy. I'd like to say I'm normal (for the most part;)).. I've always been a little different, hehe. One thing is for sure, I want to old fun, carefree Heather back. I never unerstood how someone could be depressed, I thought to myself, " just snap out of it", but now going through it I now understand. My entire world in a way has been turned upside down (positively or negatively), it's not the same at all anymore. I'm not close to my old friends, my family, my roots, my anything.. for the past 2 years I've created my life to what it is today. When I came to Southwestern, it was my first trip ever to Texas. With my youthful spirit, I thought I could do anything. I still believe that just now with a little more thought behind my steps. Don't get me wrong, coming here was defintiely in God's plan and I fully feel like I'm suppose to be here (at least for now), I jsut never thought about the adjustments once I got here. Hopefully, my past and present can start to unwind as I talk my way out of my problems with a stranger. Maybe I should just go to NYC and take the subway, it may save me a little dough talking to a stranger that way;).. jk. My insurance believe it or not actually covers it. So, with free visits, mine as well jump on the bandwagon, right? Maybe thanksgiving dinner will be the remedy too to getting back to me, whoever and whatever that is.

Everyday we change, never knowing what we become until we look back on our lives. Hopefully, one day I'll look back and not cover my eyes in shame but in excitement for His names sake!

I have a few prayer requests tonight:

Manning family- lots of changes and sicknesses

Dad-closeness with Christ, his job, his role as a father and husband.

Friend-blood work

Other Friend- testing for graduation

Nick-marathon this saturday (not to be sore, pace,endurance, strength mentally and physically)

Friend-to come back to Christ and get His life straightened out for God's glory, not his own.

Lindsey Jo-MIssion work, orphans

My roomie-youth, classes, balance, rest

Robert- mother

ALl the Soldiers... thank you for your bravery, strength and love for your country.

I Want My Eyes To Shine..

Have you ever met a person and just thought, wow their eyes shine!, you know what I"m talking about, the person full of excitement and you think to yourself, what's he/she on?! I want some of that! ;).. well, some things I've read this week have really got me thinking, .. you see in Psalm 63:1, it says,( verse 1), "Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my body longs for you; in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Also, in Matthew 6:22-23 it says,
"The eye is the lamp of your body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. (23)But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" SO, what that means to me is if we SEEK Him earnestly and if our body longs for you in a dry and weary land and if we seek to the point and finding peace through HIs assurance then how can we not start to have sparkling eyes for him?;)...

Well, that's my prayer.. I've not been myself for about 5 months or so and I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever be back to my old self again. The person who was free spirited, spontatneous and always smiling. My prayer is for my eyes to shine more for Him and to get past this "feeling" i have.

Thanks for "listening" and praying..

His,

A few big events have now come and gone...

Well since I last blogged, I started classes, passed my written exam for national certification and coordinated the Southwestern Savvy women's event so needless to say I've been just a LITTLE busy but no sweat, life is grand and I'm thankful for getting those things accomplished and behind me.. well for the most part. More than just those things have got myself busy, I've now moved in and decorated the house to look "homey", well my roommate, Skye, and I did. We recently had a back to school party at our place and had over 40 of out friends come, it was a lot of fun:). I'm attending a bilingual church (spanish/english) and helping out with the youth. I'm nervous but looking forward to seeing what God has in store.

My Brother Came To Town!...

Since my last post, I've had plenty of hugs from my "little" brother who came to see me out in Texas which by the way was his first flight ever! I don't think he minded it much either. He has a big help with me moving into my new apartment. I didn't slave him the entire time, we did go out to eat quite a bit, to the water gardens, wildcats game, working out/played tennis, pool, and believe it or not watched a few movies-good chill time. I didn't get to finish his blanket as I had planned which was kind of a bummer but it will get done at some point.

This morning was the best weather, the clouds were out and it was just great. I sat out on my "porch" like a retired old lady soaking up some reading. A verse I want to share with you taht I read is Psalm 56:3, it reads, " When I am afraid, I will trust in you." I dont' like to admit much that I'm afraid of things because it shows weakeness but the truth is I'm afraid of a lot more things that I many times care to admit, so reading this verse was a weight off my shoulders.

I found a church home... big blessing.. looking forward to seeing God do His thang with my weakling self. " When I am weak, he is strong".

Take care and God bless!,

Heather

My Love language...

Many of you I'm sure have read or heard of the book/workbook " The Five Love Languages".In case you want to take the survey too.. Well, just in case you needed a refresher of what they are.. here goes: Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts, Words of Affirmation, and Physical Touch. Most men from what I've heard are typically physical touch. Women tend to be acts of service, well... I guess I'm a "dude" because my top love language is physical touch according to the survey I completed a few weeks ago. I think that is why it's been so hard for me for awhile no,here in Texas, without someone who I can count on to live with, check on me, hug me, you know. I'm not trying to throw a pity party, to be frank, I'm just trying my best to figure out what my deal is with my lack of personality lately. The funny thing is most people are typically one love language or another but for me, . I was pretty "needy" all across the board so I guess sleeping, eating and working all the time is just starting to wear on me. I'm hoping once classes begin again it wil take my mind off of myself so much and more on other people like it should be anyway. I know I'm not here in this world to be catered to but to cater others. Once again I just need to remind myself that there are people way worse off than myself and to look on the bright side. Thinking of all the kids in Africa and how many are literally dying due to lack of touch. Crazy! Not that I'm going to die, but it just shows how serious/needed it is for humankind to be physically touched.

Let me know your love langauge if you google "love language surveys" to see or if you already know. I didn't expect mine to be physical touch but after doing the survey I completely agree with it. Have fun with it.

Summer's Almost Gone...

"Time flys by when your having fun".. Classes are coming up fast. At Southwestern they begin August 21st. I have a big test coming up August 25th I'm preparing for and trying my best not to freak myself out over my brother coming to see me in less than a week without his blanket complete! Eek! I'll be ready when it's complete not that I havent' enjoyed doing it, I'm just ready to see the end project. I guess it's much like life, huh. We hurry through life only because we are so anxious at paying off debt, completing our degree to be out in the "real world" only to find out that the real world can be a very scary place all the while wondering if or when you'll be married or if already married when you'll have a baby or whatver the case may be you get my drift. There seems to be more and more people as days go by bringing up the topic of choice, Recession, and following along with the words,"well if we're not in it I'd hate to see what it's like". While driving to work today as I drank a starbucks drink merely because I was driving by and felt like having a caffeine/coffee rush before work. As I drove to work with gas in my tank, the ac on, radio blaring, cellphone by my side, starbucks drink in my hand I realized just how spoiled I was. How many people can just grab a starbucks drink just because they feel like it or even have a car to go through the drive thru for it? I once heard the percentage of people who own a car in the world and well I dont' remember the exact number but know that it was a VERY low percentage. I complain about so many things hourly, daily, weekly that when it comes down to what I'm complaining about, it clearly DOESN'T MATTER. Who cares if I'm single? Just because I think i'm " behind" doesn't mean I am. Who cares if I don't have kids? Who says having these things makes life any less complicated anyway? Life is waht it is and I firmly believe it's what you make of it. A goal I'm going to do my best at before this year is up is to work hard at what I do but make time for things that maybe I dont' have to make time for but want to, to help others in need or to put a smile on someone elese face other than my own. Have you ever heard someone say that the harder you work at not becoming what you don't want to become.. the more likely you become it anyways if not careful? Well, if you haven't, . maybe I made it up? but the point is I think I've become so closeminded with my own priorities that I've neglected everything else I ever or aspired to did/do.

I'm moving in an apartment soon ( next week) in fact, maybe I can start through hospitality and being a listening ear. I talk enough for two people at times, it's time for me to take a back seat.

A Different Perspective

http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh289/Impish_Dragon/?action=view¤t=Untitled.flv


Check this out.

What a great day... considering..

Nothing like a day with the sunshine pearing through my blinds waking me up this morning only as a gentle alarm clock instead of the blaring radio or loud beeping noise I swear someone invented that out of pure spite. I mentally prepared myself to work today from 3pm-12am which is a longer shift than I normally take so when I realized i didn't have to be in until 5pm well... it felt really nice! My plans instead of heading straight to work now became a trip to Chipotles for my regular chicken burrito. While I was at Chipotle I got my food and proceeded to get my drink and such and once I sat down I had a man hastily run to me enough to scare me only to tell me I left my car keys behind. I couldn't help but think to myself, " Thank you for not stealing my car" but aloud I just poiltely said, " Thanks!"- with a sigh of relief. After I inhailed half of the burrito I headed to Albertson's for some fruit (balancing out the calories;) )haha but I guess I spoiled that thought when I found the starbucks coffee drinks on sale!

I arrived to work in enough time to read a free newpaper catching myself on music concerts and events in the Forth Worth area but only to soon disappoint myself when realizing that the concert I've been wanting so badly to go to will be THIS Saturday at Billy Bobs!! HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH! Now if you don't understand my pain then you just don't know good music. Ever since I realized I will not be attending the awesomely "old school" band I've decided to sing, "Time" and "Let her Cry":( (in my head), nonetheless, now first on my list once I have enough "play money" is to buy their greatest hits c.d as well as thier cracked rear view c.d.:).

My friend, Sarah is still in town however I've been a workaholic lately all because Im going to Houston thursday for an interpreter's conference. It's actually not as boring as it sounds or at least not to me. I get to hang out with people that actually do the same thing I do on a daily basis with the same fun stories and can talk half way across the room if I want to because every one knows sign language. My favorite part is just hanging out with my co-workers, they are amazing people! Maybe we'll even have a "girl's night in" slumber party at the hotel:).

Random-I'm about to finish up a doubleshot Starbucks 15 oz. coffee after already drinking a Godiva mocha- I think this is the closest to on overdose that I'll ever get-but I sure feel good!


Guess that's about it...Hope you have an amazing rest of the week soaking up the sun and thanking God for all the awesome things He brings your way.

Came and Gone

I went home to see my family and most of all to see my younger and only brother graduate from high school. He is so amazing! It's crazy to know how much you can learn from someone younger than yourself. The older I become the easier it is to take people more seriously than previous years. It really is true how egocentric you are as a young person but the older you become the more you realize how we all have experience, it's just in different ways, some learn faster than others and none of us are out of reach when it comes to hearing someone out, after all they may actually have a good point.  

My brother and I went parasailing, it was quite a treat if I do say so myself however I started the morning off with a run on the beach, it was heavenly:).  I wonder if I'll have cool running shoes in Heaven? Just a thought:)haha.  We went parasailing at Myrtle Beach.  We had a good time or at least I think we did despite my brother saying, " Man there's a lot of jellyfish down there, hope we don't fall." We got a few good pics taken of the first and possibly last time we went parasailing.  My next thing to cross off on the list is skydiving!! Anyway I am pretty sure I'm getting off topic which is what I typically do best at.

 Random thought #3?: My cousin is in Georgia right now doing more basic training.  In a few weeks he is going to airborne  school.

Random thought #4:I get bored easily, hence that's why I'm always doing something.

Random thought #5:I really like Matthew Paul Turner's books, I should buy a few more.

Random thought #6:You ever heard of the quote, " The more you know the more you realize how much you don't know?" well yeah I agree.

R.t.#7:I have some pretty cool friends.

R.t. #8: It's almost 3am and I'm still up.. time for bed.

Goodnight.

Deaf stuff..

http://www.d-pan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=45

check this out....

Undo-Rush of Fools

How many times have we felt this way? I know I sure have. I hope as you watch this video you are reminded of how awesome and graceous our Heavenly Father is! We aren't good enough and honestly never will be but he still chooses to love us and use us if only we'll let Him. My prayer is to be more and more like Him daily pressing on towards His greatness and not looking back at where I've been but to be encouraged and enthuiastic at becoming more like Him! It's easy to feel discouraged at the mistakes we've made against our Father but when it's all said and done, guess what? He still takes us as we are and sometimes is even carrying us through the toughest times, the thing is, we have to let Him. So many times we/I try taking control over our circumstances, work, finances, even lack of sleep forgetting He gives us rest and peace we just have to step back a little and let him take the lead. If any of you know me, you know I'm pretty stubborn and have a hard time taking the " back seat" to anything so God reminds me daily, or so it feels, to let him take charge and for me to just chill out. If you're going through some hard times right now, just remember, He knew you before you were ever born. He loves you and cares about you more than anyone ever can. Trust him to turn your life around and to "Undo" you to be more like Him. I hope that through this video you are also encouraged and humbled at His greatness!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_DMuahD5o

June 2nd.....

I'm in the midst of making myself a tshirt quilt but have yet to complete it mainly because I need a sewing machine so I'm gonna use my Memaw's once I get home to the Carolina's! I also have plans to make my brother a tshirt blanket. Who knows when I will complete that?! Hopefully, sooner that I think:).

oh one more thing before I forget, .. I have some prayer requests if you wouldn't mind lifting up as you read this, I and others I know would greatly appreciate it.:) Thanks and God bless!:)

- Co-worker: daughter's pregnancy

-Co-worker:recent death of father in law and husband is leaving soon ( military).

-Friend-obedience to the Lord's plan in his life.

-cousin-U.S. Army training/keep his faith strong as he is surrounded by unbelievers daily.

-Brother-college prepartions/future roommate

-Parents-obedience to the Lord's plan for their life wherever He leads them.

-Sarah, friend-grad school decisions/living situations

-Brandon, friend- summer camp, kids and peers and others he will be shining Christ around.

- Adam, friend- continuing dependence on Christ.

-Anna Paige, friend- Hungary Missions and Preparations

- Lindsey, friend- Kenya missions ( in orphanages).

-Emma Lynn, friend- financial circumstances, pray God continues to provide as said He would.

-Joy, friend at Beautiful Feet-to realize her body is the temple of Christ and to not allow it to be abused and to fight to have a better life.

-Dennis, friend-continuous inner joy through Jesus.

-Me- sickness, contentment, rest, obedience to Christ.

I'm sure I'm missing some... I could probabaly go on and on but I won't. If there is a prayer request you would like to have prayed for please send me a comment/post and I wil be sure to lift it up. Thanks for reading my blog. Hope you have a great God-filled day!!

end of days or end of classes? could be both

lots going on.. finals around the corner... when life slows down will write. no worries.. i'm still alive:)

Just a Follow up...

I'm back to "the great state of Texas" and as crazy as my weekend was traveling, I still am convinced it was more relaxing than my usual days have been for the past weke or so... Southwestern Savvy ( women's event) is this friday and in case you dind't know already, I'm the coordinator of it all which aka mean A LOT OF WORK! All the logistics I get to take care of however I'm looking forward to an awesome night of worship with women of Southwestern! The outline of the night is going to be worship, games (nothing cheesy) along with giveaways and then settling down with a guest speaker with the focal passsages being in Matthew 14: ending with music, fun fellowship, food and ministry opportunities! We even have a tshirt made for the night to reminisce over later on down the road:). The picture below is the shirt available in the campus store ($10).

Back to the out of town trip, It was great seeing my friend, Cay. I met her whenever I interpreted/lived in DC a few summers back. She was very hospitable allowing me to be the "laid back" one, it was nice! ( Thanks Cay), that was wednesday, then thursday evening I went out with my friend from the church I attended previously there, Stephen. He took me out to a meditteraen restuarant. It was a first time experience for me, but definitely a memorable one, ( in a good way of course). .. then it was off to finally see my college grls!! ( 301b!)... right away it was awesome! junk food!, girl talk and even down to knowing which gingerale I prefer over another ( which by the way is NOT Canadra Dry). Ahh, .. the joys of close friends! The following day (friday) we went out on the town (DC!) and not really sure what all we did but nonetheless it didn't really matter because we were together again and that's what was important! Saturday, was when I woke up extra early to catch a plane to NC in order to take a shower and ready for an hour long drive ahead of me in order to make it to my other friend, Courtney's bridal luncheon. It was definitely worth it though, a home cooked meal!!, .. oh and seeing my friend COURTNEY of course haha!MUAH- Court;)! Afterwards, checking into a motel only to catch a cat nap and then off to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner for the wedding the following day... oh and the lingerie shower after that! Yeah that was fun!:).. sorry no details. :p

The wedding was Sunday at 3pm; my mom ( in the pic) came early,that was nice, and then after the wedding (which was beautiful!) I got to finally see my dad and brother along with the rest of my aunts and uncles and cousins! Seeing my brother was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip even though I saw him for maybe 2 hours or so, it was still a great 2 hours. The following day (Monday), I woke up extra early once again to catch a plane out from NC to Texas so I could be in my seat by 12pm for a three hour long class.. yippee!!.. Now, I'm here in the library ( taking a study break- choke choke)... on a paper that I am struggling to finish. I feel like I have a bad case of senioritis and the bad part is, I'm no where near close to being finished ( or so it feels)..well.. sorry to chat so much, so fast and with so many useless details but that's what I've been up to... What about you?:)...

Seminary Stride- 5k April 26th @8:30am

To register to participate or to become a volunteer, check out the website below and follow the link to southwestern;).

http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/racefinderdetail/1,,s6-239-283-284-0-0-0-0-1882091,00.html

The Seminary Stride on campus made it to one of the largest ( f not the largest) website for runners, www.runnersworld.com ,pretty cool and it's a certified course ( whatever that means- sounds good). Go SWBTS!!

I'm in DC!!!... it's good to be back!:)

I'm here in DC at a friend of mine's place. I'm here for a "college girl time" reunion! My girls are coming in tomorrow night so I'm here hanging out with one of my interpreter friends I met from when I use to work here in the Nation's Capitol. Today, the Pope came into town. I'm so out of the news scene though that my mom actually was the one to tell me about him coming. I'm not doing much of anything right now which is kind of uneasy for me in a strange way but at the same time super great. Dominick, I know you'd be proud as I sit here on the couch doing nothing but bogging in pj's while it's still light out... wow, that's a first I think ( unless I'm sick), howveer I am sleep deprived and instead of napping as I should be I have decided to still do "something" so my anxious self decided to blog! In a few days I'll be on my way to NC to be in one of my best friend's wedding, Ms. Courtney Eller, soon to be Mrs. Courtney Wilson:).

Not too much to say really, just been working a lot and trying to hold everything together. Southwestern Savvy is next friday. Southwestern Savvy is a women's event that is held at Southwestern Seminary for women of SWBTS to worship together while getting to know one another at the same time. There are shirts available for sale and they're only $10. They're pretty cool looking if I do say so myself. My friend, Erin Edwards was the one who made the design possible:), so thanks bunches Erin!!- you rock!

My friend, AJ posted a blog about a 101 year old man running a marathon and well I have to add the link to this blog post becasue it's just too cool not to see it for yourself. How awesome.. and man do I feel like the biggest loser ever!

http://ajayne.blogspot.com/2008/03/this-man-is-oldest-employee-in-britain.html#links

Well, ... lots to do, sure you'l hear a little about it.. until then!

Prayer Requests-

Anna Paige-IMB Conference
Emily and Lindsey- traveling
Sarah- big life decisions ( grad school, job, housing)
Keturah-job placement/summer plans
Michelle- traveling ( Nashville, Tn.)
Southwestern Savvy-for it to be a great success honoring Him!
Todd- my cousin serving for our country as well as the other men and women serving.
Brandon and Adam- trip to Africa, housing plans
Beautiful Feet- for all the hurting hearts and brokenness.- for the people to seek His face and His plan for their life.


Praises-

My co worker, Marci's little boy's blood count is back to normal!!
Stacy's grandfather is in heaven with Jesus!
( he accepted him into his heart and life just before passing)
My grandparents made it to California ( pray they make it back safely on Saturday)

Just another day....

Today is April 8th, in two months I'm going to be 24! Wow! Time really flys! I'm here at work, my second home, interpreting and doing my best to take everything in one hour at a time. I have a lot on my plate this week, working over time plus two 10 page papers all before Tuesday. So with all that meanas absolutely no social life for me!.. Eat, Sleep, QT, Shower, Work, Paper, yep that's it... so for all my friends in Texas, .. see you when I get back April 22nd:). haha. I'll be on my way to Washington DC next week and then to Charlotte and then back again... busy busy haha..

alright enough about me...

Prayer Requests:

Woman at my church- raped multiple times recently
Daniel Rojos-daughter beaten to death by jealous ex husband.
Me- to finish my papers!
Courtney and jason- Wedding day coming up soon! ( April 20th)
Tax payers! ( April 15th is right around the corner!)
Stacy Manning and Family-grandfather's death recently/Praise- he accepted Christ into his life!
Adam Bostick and Brandon Stiko- upcoming trip to Africa
Sarah Moody- life transition/planning/new job/finances along with it

To anyone who wants to know....

First off, I want to thank all of you who have been such an encouragement to me not only through words(prayer) but also in action (financially) as I have been training for this race. It means a lot to me and to the people who are benefitted by the words and actions of your efforts are even more thankful than I.

However, due to the lack of funds recieved and the crunch time that is ahead of me, I have chosen to withdraw myself from the "team in training" to prevent the risk of not meeting my fundraising quota and in regard reeping the consequences of it. With all of that said, all of the money raised at this point will go towards finding a cure which was the top reason for running to begin with.

I'm trying my best to not look at this as a losing effort but as a great learning experience. I was able to learn about blood cancers and how big of a need there is for finding a cure as well as learning how to train and run disciplining myself as well as enduring hardships in order to become stronger. Proving my mind that even when I am mentally fatigued I must press on. With taking a chance on team in training I have gained great long lasting friendships as well as a new found hobbie:).

As for my honored hero whom I was running for, she is still in remission and just two days ago went for a check up and everything came back normal, PRAISE God!:).


Even though I am not able to continue with team in training I have learned a lot about myself and what I can do if I put my mind to it. If you've been reading my other blog posts then you know what I mean by that:).

I still continue to run just not as "hard" at least until I have trained my knee to handle the impact of the cement landings every step I take.

I'm not sure what race I will be running at this point but you can be sure that I will race in one in the near future!

Thanks and God Bless!

Run Ugly- Coach Russell

Check out my friend's blog...

http://chickchatwithgod.blogspot.com/2008/02/run-ugly.html

Just A Thought...

Today is March 30th and I'm at a random person's house with my two guy friends that I haven't hung out with in FOREVER. Of all the things, I am watching Halo completely lost and wondering what in the world. Ha ha!.

I typically sleep pretty well but last night I had the worst night's sleep in a while, then to make it worse whenever I took a nap today to try and catch up on my ZZZZZZ's, I had an even worse "dream". Anyway so who knows what I'll feel like "tomorrow" whenever I wake up for two three hour classes yuck!...

I can't believe April's practically here already ,craziness. One of my best girl friends is getting married AND my brother's graduating from high school AND I'm turning 21!... JUST KIDDING!... 24. All this is going on within the next couple months. Wow!

I'm looking forward to my trip April 16-21st. Where am I going you may ask?... well... Washington DC for a few days and then heading to Charlotte, NC. I'm gonna get to see 4 of my favorite girls during this time. woo hoo!!

Alright, well guess that's all for now..

....... Running......Running... And More Running......

I woke at my usual Saturday morning time, 6 AM!... and headed to trinity trails to meet my coach and team mates training along with me. As I drove there I prayed for God to help me keep a positive attitude about my distance running because I was suppose to run 7 miles to stay on target for my running, but you see, I didn't plan to run 7 miles, instead and at most,5.5 miles was my goal due to my knee hurting me within the past week or so. I went to the Physical Therapist last Monday and he told me it was my I.T. band, I wasn't stretching it enough. He gave me different stretching techniques and also advice on how to keep it conditioned properly, one being icing it ALOT! (after each run for sure!).

With all of that said, here comes the fun part:). I made my assumed goal and not only did I meet my 5.5 expected goal I passed my on target goal by one mile!I RAN 8 MILES!! I couldn't believe it. Running with at least one other person really made a difference. Along the way (while running) one of the mentor runners even gave me some advice on a specific breathing technique he learned from yoga, it did wonders!! However as soon as I finished my run my knee was KILLING me! I iced it almost right away and then icing it again before going to sleep. It hurts more now than it ever has but at least I know what stretches to do to speed up the recovery.

It's still crazy to me how much running is like my walk with Christ. Getting hurt or "injured" can really bring you down and even at times instill fear that normally would not be there if you/I were at your/my peak in physical health and well being. Same goes with our relationship with Christ, we at times are afraid of things and because of the fear never move ahead to see God's bigger plan. Instead we sit on the sidelines watching other people "Run hard" after a goal and wish it were us thinking it never could be. Just like running, I NEVER thought I'd run 3 miles, I never thought I'd run 5! But now I can say I've ran 8! I didn't get there overnight. It took a lot of work, just like following Christ does. No one ever said it would be easy, if anything it's tough and just like running if you get out of a routine then you have to start back where you USED to be because the pace you once were running so easily has now gotten harder.

Endurance, discipline and determination are great words that help a person achieve great things whenever you or I put our mind to it. Believing in yourself is the hardest part, after that you've got it in the bag ;)

Anyway, thanks for listening to me spill about my running sprees.

G-DUBB!!!

Isn't my college mascot cool?!...

I attended Gardner-Webb University from 2002 until 2006 recieving my degree in American Sign Language with an emphasis in Interpreting:)...

Now I work for Sorenson Communications video interpreting:)
http://www.sorensonvrs.com/

An answered prayer

I recently visited The Village church out in the middle of no where but at least 45 minutes or so from where I currently live. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to going back! You see I've been going to Beautiful Feet ministries for church for almost 4 months now and don't get me wrong I LOVE IT, however I felt like I was needing something more. I was needing a place to worship for my own spriritual growth not that I can't have it at Beautiful feet, Lord knows I do, the homeless people there teach me something new each week! Still, my heart's desire was to be around people who weren't necessarily from semianry but weren't necessarily nonbelievers, married people or near my parent's age. These people are great and all but I was just feeling this emptiness to be around people more who were out tof the "semainary bubble" persay. So with all of that said, I feel like God is answering my prayer to have a church that I can go to for me and be surrounded by people my age learning abou Him and that being all that matters anyway and then on to serving him in the rejuvenated capacity through the homeless ministry, Beautiful Feet. I'm pretty siked to see God at work through me. With this, brun out hopefully will not be a factor, I can sign during the service with out feeling drained and instead can be reminded the night before that it isn't about me in the first place, it's about HIM.


Also, God's been showing me a lot about how running and discipleship with him go hand in hand. But considering I'm out of time for what I have to do next, I'll save that "lesson learned" for another time.

Thanks for reading,

P.S.: my friend, Sarah- job situation, big life changes, my friends Christina and Katrina- God's plan for them ( to make it clearer than it is now), My friends, Adam and Brandon- they are hiking 60 miles and camping for 5 days in the Smokys ( pray for their safety), my friend, Dominick-direction and comfort from God, my brother's knee, .... okay I'll stop there for now:), thanks again.

My Days, ...

This week has been quite busy to say the least. A great friend of mine came to visit me and it was fantastic! I'm so blessed to have great friends and I still have a hard time believing some are even willing to fly half way across the nation just to see ME. My days lately have been filled with quiet times ( not as much as I'd like), runs ( increasing mileage weekly for a half marathon I'm training for), working, classes, mentoring, Mary Kay, church, oh and somewhere maybe even a social life. ALthough, I'm busy I'm doing my best to work hard and be content with my blessed life. I have a lot to be so young and in fact some may even think spoiled but I prefer the word blessed haha.

I'm currently overcoming challenges in my life and being reminded over and over that I HAVE TO give mysefl over to CHrist DAILY, not weekly, not monthly, not every sunday or sunday night, but DAILY. I remember to pray, I remember to read my bible but I am still struggling with the idea of giving it up to Christ.

My prayer Requests:

-Submit to Him daily
-To not worry ( especially financially)
-My friend, Sarah- big life changes ( acceptance to masters program)
-My friend, Courtney-preparation for wedding, job placement
-My friend, Lindsey Jo-traveling to Kenya, fears, anxiety, preparation, finances.
-My friend, Amanda-job placement, career adjustments
-My friend, Emma Lynn-career, husband, baby, time out for her.
-My friends, Brandon and Adam-money for their trip to Africa.
-My goal of $3800 for the Half Marathon I'm running for to help find a cure for blood cancers
http://www.active.com/donate/tntntx/tntntxHMorris

-My friend, Shelley and family- parent in law passed away
-To all the people who do not know Jesus as his/her personal Lord and Savior.

Changes

I for once decided not to make any "new year resolutions" and the crazy thing is I have done better just by balancing my life out more than I ever have with setting goals for myself. What I've figured out that works for me is actually not fearing a routine or even making plans. You see last year (which was only a little over a month ago), I feared committing to anything. In result I commited to so much (last minute) that I had no direction. Well, when you have no direction whether it is physically or spiritually you just can't see straight. I had no clue that I was so blinded from all of the junk I was allowing to filter into my daily routine. Long story short, I have been tring to unclog the drain in my "not so committed self" ever since. Surprisingly enough though I've been pretty happy with the way my days have been recently. I tend to work at night so my mornings are "ME/God time" and then lunches and afternoons are either friend time or catch up on chores and errands time except for today. Today I woke up around noon because I didn't get off work til 3am last night (working at Sorenson Comunications-NOT on the corner;)). Back to me waking up. Whenever I decided to actually get up I felt this horrible pain in my lower back. To make a boring story short, I think running on the treadmill is messing me up. You see, I am "training" my body to run a 13 mile/half marathon in San Diego in June. It's to help raise money for kids with Leukemia in the North Texas region. We'll see how it goes. If you would like to help support me in this race for the cure that would be awesome and many thanks in advance. If you can't spare some change then prayers are great too so whether or not you can pitch in prayers are always helpful! I'm still at The Feet:). I'm changing my schedule around at work soon so I can hopefuly get to The Feet earlier to help out. If you are in the area and are ever interested in coming to The Feet
(a homeless ministry) then let me know, we can carpool or something:). Well guess that's all I have to blab about for now. Have a great God-filled day!

-Heather

A new semester...:)

Another semester has come and gone. It's hard to believe that around this time last year I was managing culture shock... NO TREES!!... no mountains... five lanes of traffic?? who would have thought?!:) It's been quite an adventure thus far being here in Texas in comparison to the good 'ol stat of North Carolina:) ( sweet carolina girls). As usual I have grown so much with all the things God has shown me. Showing me that even as a seminary student I am just as tempted by the things of this world as someone out of seminary, in fact I feel like I'm even more tempted by Satan by him knowing how I want to make a difference in the world by telling others about Jesus Christ,my Lord and Savior! He has been there for me through thick and thin, good times and bad. I've always had someone to disappoint me, my mom, or dad, my best friend, the list could go on and on but with Christ He's always been by my side. The words that come to my mind when I think about the Lord, Jesus Christ is comforter, protector, almighty father, prince of PEACE, loving, just, faithful! Not knowing from one day to the next what tomorrow brings can be tough but knowing Christ knew me before I was ever born as the scripture says and how he even knows the number of hairs on my head, wow!, my first thought is why? who cares?.. but guess waht.. He does! haha. Knowing he knows my future keeps me sane. I know though if I knew all the things God has planned for me, I'd flip out and probably be so overwhelmed I'd give myself a heart attack! haha. I'm such a fickle person. Last semester I dabbled in youth ministry which don't get me wrong was awesome but now curently I'm really interested in inner city missions!! I attend church each week where homeless people come and are fed soul food in more than one way:). Preaching is first, then lunch is provided. Beautiful Feet ministry is the name of the minstry. www.thefeet.org and there is another site you can check out too:) http://www.baptiststandard.com/1998/4_22/pages/soulfood.html .... the people here have blessed me more than I think I ever could them. Getting back to the basics of life is such a reviving experience. These people aren't worried about debt. They are worried about living from one day to the next. This got me thinking about that Tim McGraw song, "Live like you were dying". With that said, maybe this is why I stay busy so much cramming every second of every hour into something for me to do, however I am getting better at taking time out to actually rest, a new hobby I've found to enjoy more and more as I get older;). Speaking of working, I'm getting off work now and soon to be on my way "home" ( my dorm room) to rest. Take care and I pray God blesses you today and every day. Remember to take time out to read his word, if you don't then it's tough to hear what he has to say although it's not impossible it's still harder;). Much love:)