He Doesn't Waiver, Even When We Do

Desert Song by Hillsong

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've recieved I will sow


"Believe God is always the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him."
-Oswald Chambers

Happy Monday!

I'm Not the Realtor of the Family, but...

I think I could do a better job of advertising than this...

Clearly they only want hawk-eyed people renting their house.

Birthday Blog

So tomorrow marks 1/4 century in the life of Cristin.  Kinda crazy.  25 sounds very adult.  Not having a job doesn't - but we won't go into that now.  I was thinking about past birthday celebrations, because I was going to try to list as many as I could, but it turns out I can't remember a lot of them (Carlyn, no comments about my 18th.  I remember).  

One of my favorites was in elementary school, maybe 2nd grade, with my grandmother, Erma.  You see, every year, Erma would plan an outing for each of the grandchildren on their birthday (Williamsburg, Jamestown, The Mariner's Museum, etc).  It was cool as a kid, but I appreciate it much more now.  This one particular birthday, she took me to the Ft. Monroe Officer's Club for lunch.  I don't remember much about lunch, but Erma said that they had nothing on the menu I would eat, so the chef made me a hamburger and fries and they brought ketchup out in a silver goblet.  All I remember is this delicious chocolate raspberry cake they brought out for me.  Amazing.  I know I have a picture this event somewhere, but I can't find it. 

I've had 2 surprise parties that I can remember.  One was when I was like 8 or 9, I guess.  My mom and dad planned a surprise party for me after my swim lessons.  They didn't know who to invite, I guess, so they just invited my whole class and a few more people.  As a result the only thing I remember about that birthday was that I came straight from the pool to my house for the party and there were a lot of kids I didn't like there.

The second surprise party was when I was 22.  Byron and Erica took me out to dinner and then when I got back to the apartment, there was a party.  DiAnna followed me around with the video camera, which I didn't like.  Side note:  Byron isn't a very good sneaky surpriser. :)

Coincidentally that year, my actual birthday fell on the SuperBowl, so about 30 people sang Happy Birthday to me at the party.  If you know me, you know how much I enjoyed all that attention. :)

I spent 2 birthdays overseas - one in China (23) and one in Thailand (24).  They were both really fun and memorable.  On my 23rd, I had a 2 cakes, plus an awesome french toast breakfast.  We listened to the SuperBowl that morning (12 hrs ahead) and went to a really good restaurant for dinner.  Then we had coffee at this revolving restaurant where we could see the whole city.  Pretty sweet.

In Thailand, my awesome sistah, Mariah, provided a crown, sash, and scepter for me to wear to all of our meetings.  Then we got to go to Starbucks that night to celebrate.  They lit a stirrer in a muffin for my cake and candle.  Nice.

We'll see what this year brings.  :)

25 Things

Ok, so Carlyn did this, so I figured I would, too...

This '25 Things' Note is going around Facebook, so I decided to put it on here too.

I used (my sister) Carlyn’s ’25 Things’ as a template, so some of mine are responses to hers. 

1. I love naps.

2.I am left-handed when it comes to writing, eating, and dexterity, but right-handed throwing, hitting, shooting basketball, kicking, and other things more strength oriented.

3. I am a nerd when it comes to sports medicine…Actually, I’m just a nerd, in general, but I’m ok with that.

4 I’m in training to be a music elitist.

5. I really like getting dressed up, but won’t do it unless I have a reason or someone else is doing it with me.

6. I spent almost 2 years in China.  Yes, I can speak Chinese and use chopsticks.

7. I love real flowers.  I don’t care if they die in a week. 

8. Habakkuk is a good book.  You should read it.

9. I have been to England, Ireland, France, Russia, Italy, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, Brazil, Thailand and China and still have not been to Disney World (or Disneyland).

10. After about a month in China, I realized I wasn’t as tough as I thought I was.  I like showers and heat…but I would do it again if God called me to.

11. For 2 years many words were taken out of my vocabulary, especially over the phone.  I still occasionally have panic attacks when I hear them or say them.

12. I love baseball.  I always have and always will.  Wilkey (my grandfather) taught me to love it.

13. I love college football, and bleed garnet.  The phrase ‘wait til next season’ comes out without even thinking about it.

14. I worked as a student athletic trainer for USC football, track and field, and swimming and diving.

15. I would like to work as an athletic trainer anywhere, now.  I need a job.

17. I honestly believe God laughs at my life.  And I’m ok with that because He’s God.  He made me and He invented laughter.

18. If I had a house and the money, I would have a batting cage in my basement or backyard.

19. God speaks to me most when I’m writing.

20. I can speak Carlyn’s movie quote language.  Kyle is a close second to Carlyn in being able to speak in quotes, but wins by a landslide if you change it to sports metaphors or clichés. 

21. I am Southern.  Please do not argue with me.

22. From the time I was about 7 until I was 13 or so, I wanted to play baseball for Florida State on my way to playing in the majors.  And I actually thought I could.

23. I love ultimate Frisbee and flag football.

24. Music and sports are always better live.  Always.

25. Colossians 3.17.