So, this week i have basically felt like a bum! lol. Which part of me says "hey! your on vacation! and bumming is what vacation is about!"... then there's the other part of me that says "dude! you need to get off you butt and DO something!" So, it's been nice to chill and relax, but tomorrow is the start of "doing something"! My Aunt hooked me up with a part time job at a realtor's office running errands around town and some office work. I'm looking forward to making a little money, it's been hard to see my bank account just going down for the past month! I'm also looking forward to having something that will keep me busy! It's only part time, but it is something!
I've been staying with my cousin Corie for the past week, it's been awesome to hang with her and JJ. Just watching movies, laughing, and eating taco bell! But i think i'm going to be moving over the my grandpa's this week. It will be nice to really do my own thing:). It's been awesome staying here with Corie, but it's also hard cause there is not a lot of room for me to spread out.
I'm learning my way around Wichita Falls! It was pretty weird to have lived here and visited so much till i was 12 and now try and find my way around! I'll recognize something but have no clue where it will take me or why i remember it! But the really nice thing about this town is that it doesn't take 45 minutes to get everywhere! It takes maximum of 15 min to get anywhere here! most of the time it's less then that! Which is pretty sweet and also helps with the gas bill!
I'm not sure when i'll be heading out to Colorado... the friend that i was going to try and stay with had some last minute stuff came up and she isn't going to be home much during the summer:(. So i might end up staying in Wichita longer if i don't have a place to go to in CO. We shall see:). I'm not too worried about it since i'll be in Colo. Springs for 6 weeks! I'm stoked about getting out there! and if i can get out there early awesome! if not i'm enjoying life here too:).
Well, it's late and i've got to take Corie to work early:P So peace out y'all!

This morning in my devotional time I read Proverbs 6 and Hebrews 2. Something that stood out to be in Proverbs 6:20-22 “My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you.” I’ve read Proverbs more times than I can remember, but every time I read it I’m in a different place in my life. Those couple of verses stood out to me this morning… Just in thinking not only about my earthly parents, but also my Heavenly Father. My family has lots of “family rules” and “guidelines” and I’ve followed them just kind of going with the flow. It’s been different to be out on my own and have to uphold those “rules” and “guidelines”. I now have a new appreciation for my parents and how they have “...trained me in the way I should go…” . Ugh… does this mean I’m getting old?!?! Lol.
In reading Hebrews this morning I came across several verses and passages that really made me think. The context of Hebrews 2: The chapter starts off right away with “therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Wow! I wish I could type down the whole chapter for ya’ll to read because it’s awesome! The chapter continues and Paul writes about how Jesus was made “a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” (v.9). WOW again! Paul continues to write about how Jesus put himself in the place of a man and that He experienced all the hardships and temptations that we do. In the last verse of the chapter Paul writes: “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” (v.18). I guess I had never really thought about it in those words… that He has been through temptations, and He has suffered and He has prevailed! And who better to cry out to when I am tempted and suffering but to Him?! It is amazing how in Hebrews Paul brings out the “human side” of Jesus. Every bit that I read of His Word I grow closer and closer to Him. EVERY time I read a verse, no matter how many times I have read it in the past I discover something new and wonderful! That’s why it’s called the “Living Word”.
Well, as you can see I’m no writer and I’m certainly no theologian! But those are just some things that I wanted to share with y’all. God is teaching me so much right now and I am so excited about it!

Wichita you'll always be home sweet home to me!

Well, sorta! lol. It's been good to come back, see family, and re-learn my way around town! It's been kinda weird to come back to a place where i used to live and visited so often and actually drive and try and get around! It's weird the stuff i remember!
The 4th of July is my favorite holiday! it doesn't matter what i do, or who i'm with, it is my favorite!!! I just messed around with some of my cousins and watched fireworks:). The holiday is such a good time to reflect on our founding fathers and the foundation of the country that we live in. I'm so thankful for those that laid down their lives for us so that we could live in a free country! and for those who are currently protecting our freedoms! Our country has come such a long way from it's roots, but every 4th of July i see some of those founding principles coming out in the people of America. Pray for our country and for those who are upholding our freedom and law. No matter who is President they are following some of the guidelines that were set down by our founding fathers. If it wasn't for God's hand in it all we would all truly been in deep trouble.
My plans for my time in Wichita Falls are to hang out with the family here, work a little and get back in shape! I've enjoyed having the time to actually workout!
peace out:)

Wide open spaces!

So being out on the road has given me a lot to think about. It’s made me thankful for so many things! The main thing is that I’m thankful that I have a personal relationship with Christ! It constantly amazes me to think about how I feel that I’ve grown so much in Him but there is still so much more to learn! It’s like climbing a never ending mountain, but it is the most enjoyable climb you can ever take! God challenges us, He is beauty, He provides for our needs, and we just have to keep taking the steps, trusting Him, and as we do we learn more and more about His awesome love!
Being able to rely on God is something that I have struggled with. It’s very hard to trust God with everything in your life! Through leaving home and traveling on my own I really feel like my trust in the Lord has grown immensely! Without my family and other friends always around I have really had to reach out and rely on the Lord’s strength and not theirs or my own. It’s an amazing feeling to really trust the Lord with everything! I’m still not all the way there yet, but as I learn more each day I can feel myself trusting Him with more and more of my life! It makes me so excited about life and what other new and wonderful things the Lord has to teach me! I’m sure most of ya’ll are familiar with Prov. 3:4-6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” That verse is so simple but so deep! Every time I read it I realize something new! I have always been kind of “head strong” and stubborn… and that has played into my walk with the Lord. I have realized that I am not fully “acknowledging Him” and He is teaching me how to do that! I’m so thankful for His love and forgiveness! He truly is an awesome God!!!
I’m still chillin’ in Detroit, TX. Still having a blast! The Cowans are awesome peeps, and I think I could probably live out here forever!!! Ya’ll please be praying for my Grandpa though, he had surgery on his pacemaker this week. Pray for a quick and full recovery for him! He is 91 and still likes his independence;). Please also keep Caroline and Rebecca in your prayers, they are in Brazil on a missions trip! My friend Jessica is also on a missions trip in Africa! They are all so excited to be spreading the word about Jesus Christ, please be praying that the Lord will open doors and hearts.
Love ya’ll and miss ya’ll!
Peace out dudes!

s l o w internet... but i'm happy:)

There is a reason that i haven't been updating! lol. I made it to Tyler on Monday and left on Tuesday for Detroit, TX. I've been having a very relaxing and awesome time here with the Cowans (who are basically family:). We've been riding everyday, roping, being weird (well, they are... not me:) haha. and watching movies:) and of course tawlkin;). That's about it... :).
Peace out dudes!

Aunt....Heather...? Cha!

Yup! Bethany is PREGO!!!!!!!! I'm pretty excited about it! but it does make me feel old!

Another note: won't be going to Summit in July. Oh well, I'll be there in August as originally planned :)

I'm heading down to Tyler, TX tomorrow to hang out with Trevor:)

Peace out

Wow, it has been a tough/awesome past couple days! It's been awesome cause me, Jessica, Jenifer, and Linda went to Sulfur Springs yesterday. We had sooo much fun hiking, swimming and bumping the volleyball around.

...But, it's also been really rough. I went and watch Toy Story 3 on Friday night (bear with me, I'm going to make a point with this! lol). It was a great movie, and much better then i thought it would be! anyhew, in the movie there are lots of "Goodbyes" and i teared up during every one! Most of ya'll know that i don't cry much and i hardly ever cry in movies! (yes, i have been called cold hearted at times!) It was really hard to watch so many "goodbyes" and think about my family and friends that I'm not going to see for 4 months! Furthermore, today is Fathers Day and the Callaway Garden Triathlon. I think this is the first Fathers day that i have not been with my dad! it makes me really miss him! And I really wanted to do the Tri with Ange and everyone else! So I guess in short I'm feeling a little homesick:( for the first time!

It's been hard because I'm super excited about Summit and I know this is what I need to be doing, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what else God has to teach me through this summer... but it doesn't change the fact that I miss my family and all my budd-ehys!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY! I don't need to tell you that your a pretty rockin' dude... you tell everyone that enough for the both of us!

CONGRATS ON THE TRIATHLON GUYS! You are all amazing friends and I'm so thankful for you!

Love you ALL and miss you ALL!