God Is Good!

God is good...again! It may not be surprising, but it's definitely true. Today I met with my professor about my issue with tutoring, and she was very understanding. So I'm able to get everything done in a timely manner. 

On another note, I can't believe how quickly time is passing! Tomorrow is April! This means that we have lots of wedding and school stuff to complete. It also means we have only a month until the wedding and school is over! Time really moves so quickly. I know, I sound like an old person, "___ will be here before you know it," but it's so true.'

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge dog lover. All dogs, all ages. Well Christopher and I are planning on getting a Boston Terrier in the next few months. We are currently on a few waiting lists for a puppy. We're looking for a black and white female (they can be red/white, seal/white, or black/white). I've been receiving a lot of e-mails about puppies being born. I am so excited about our future puppy and can't wait to see pictures of it! I love being a dog mommy! I will definitely post pictures when everything is finalized. 

I realize that I don't take enough pictures, and that is definitely something I need to change, especially since Christopher bought such a wonderful camera. Last night I was craving something sweet and chocolaty, so I looked around in my refrigerator to see what I could create. I found strawberries and semi-sweet chocolate, so I made some chocolate covered strawberries. They look great but taste better. Though I am not a photographer, I am learning how to take pictures that look photographer worthy.

I hope everyone who reads this has a wonderful day!

-Christie

Faith

A question that I struggled with yesterday was, "Are you doing anything that requires faith?" God always speaks to me through Francis Chan. I was reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan yesterday after having a bad morning. I went to an elementary school to tutor my kindergartner in the morning, in which was planned. I'm doing this for a class I'm taking. I got there and the student was with another teacher working on reading. I was kind of frustrated but continued to wait for him. When he finally came back to the classroom, it was too late to begin the lesson because it takes 30 minutes, and P.E. was in 15 minutes. So I left and have to come back on Friday. I also cannot tutor next week because of testing (even though kindergartners don't take the test), so I have to skip a week. I know this shouldn't have frustrated me as much as it did, but it really got to me. I only wasted about 30 minutes of my day, but it was inconvenient. Another problem going on with this same class I'm taking is that I have to observe a first grade classroom twice for 30 minutes each. Well, I haven't been able to observe a classroom yet because the principal wanted me to wait until testing was over. Testing is next week. My project, containing the tutoring sessions and the observation is due the week after testing, giving me no time to put the project together. I am behind, and it's no fault of my own. This is the most frustrating part of it all. This is beyond my control. After I fell apart, I felt like I needed to talk to God. That's when I picked up Crazy Love and read a chapter on faith. God was completely speaking to me. God's timing is right on the money. He never fails to teach you something when you need it most. I know I have been putting God to the side because I was doing everything on my own. I didn't have a need for him because everything was going smoothly. When I hit a rocky road, I realized my need for him. This continuously happens because life is full of highs and lows. When life is at a high, I am so focused on me that I don't focus on God, but when life is low, I realize my need for Him and have to focus on Him. This makes me disgusted with myself. I guess I'm just using God, which is really sad. He loves me so deeply, and I only give Him my attention when I need Him. I can't do this anymore! Another theme in this book is lukewarm Christianity. Can you really love God if you're lukewarm? I would have to say no. The world doesn't see anything different in me (at least right now), and I can't do that for God. I don't show love to everyone, but I am called to show love to everyone. I am called to treat everyone as I would treat Jesus. Would I ever talk badly about Jesus? I hope not, but it seems like that is exactly what I'm doing. I want my life to look crazy to unbelievers. Not crazy because of how I look but how I act. I want people to say, "How can she love everyone and treat them so nicely? How is she so patient? What is it about her?" I want to be like Jesus, but I'm more like Judas Iscariot or like Peter when he denied Jesus. It seems like I'm down and have a low self-esteem, but I really don't. I'm just waking up to the truth and realize the need to change. This is going to be a struggle, but God never said it would be easy. I know I'm going to continuously fail, as humans always do, but I have to give it my all. I love Jesus, and people need to know that, therefore, it's time for me to do something that requires faith.

-Christie

Huntsville, Here We Come!

Last week Chris accepted a job with Boeing in Huntsville, AL. We're so excited to know where we'll be living and to know that at least one of us will be with a job. I've been applying, but there aren't too many elementary teacher job openings in the Huntsville area at this time. I have applied to a brand new school, and if I had a choice, I would love to work at that school. That way I won't feel too new because others will also be new in that school. 

We need to find a place to live, which will probably be an apartment for now, which is too bad because his company is paying for moving expenses. We'll probably have to store some stuff either with parents or rent a storage unit. 

We're so excited to begin this phase of our lives. We look forward to our new home, new jobs, and new puppy. We're getting a Boston Terrier after we're settled, which will be named after a hotel we stay at in Boston during our honeymoon. I'm really excited about our upcoming vacation to Boston and Martha's Vineyard! Please pray for my job situation. Thanks!

-Christie

Love

Christopher is on his way to Gulf Shores with a friend and his friend's groomsmen. I guess it's kind of like a bachelor party get-away. It sounds like a lot of fun. I think Chris brought the most stuff out of any of those guys. I'm surprised they had room for everything. He brought a suitcase, my backpack, golf clubs, cranium, his camera, and cookies. There could have been more, but I don't remember. They went in an Expedition, which I know doesn't have a lot of trunk space. We haven't really been apart from each other for long periods of time since we've been engaged. I'm not saying a weekend is a long period of time, but it's weird that I miss him even though he's only been gone for 3 1/2 hours. I think it's just the thought of him being hours away from me. I think absence does make the heart grow fonder. Missing him teaches me how much I love him and want to marry him. 

I'm really excited about our future! Chris received a job offer from Boeing in Huntsville, AL, so I'm 99% sure that is where we'll begin our life together as husband and wife. I know God put us there. After all, He didn't give us too many choices to make...job or no job. I am concerned about myself finding a job, but I know more jobs will open up in the next couple of months, and hopefully I will be able to get one of those. I have applied for jobs already though. 

Our wedding is offically 79 days away. It sounds further away than it is, 2 months and a couple of weeks. I know it will be here before we know it, and I can't wait. I hope I am relaxed so I can truly cherish that day. 

P.S. I took bridal portraits, and if you want to look, go to our photographer's blog. They're pretty amazing!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! School is busy, so I haven't been posting lately. I have comps on Monday, so I've been studying like a madwoman. But I thought it would be fun to post something random, so here you go...

This is the google game. I went to google and typed in "Christie likes to" and typed in the first 10 search results.

1.) Christie likes to paint outside whenever work allows.

2.) Christie likes to skate to classical music.

3.) Christie likes to depict her characters at length.

4.) Christie likes to scrapbook with pictures taken of her family and friends, and the children in her class.

 

5.) Christie likes to be the one in charge and she puts a lot of energy into making it the way she wants it.

6.) Christie likes to use fresh ingredients in her cooking whenever possible and says she is always looking for ways to include healthy food choices in her family's diet.

7.) Christie likes to call it.

8.) Christie likes to play Super Smash Brothers.

9.) Christie likes to go to the gym and work on her cheers.

10.) Christie likes to read.

I also did this for Christopher...

1.) Christopher likes to listen to Disney tunes and watch animated movies like "Beauty and the Beast."

2.) Christopher likes to write a letter, but not a note.

3.) Christopher likes to do.

4.) Christopher likes to fly!

5.) Christopher likes to play the guitar while singing in the shower.

6.) Christopher likes to run!!!

7.) Christopher likes to explain his reasons, even when they are obvious.

8.) Christopher likes to be, and sometimes also likes to hide himself.

9.) Christopher likes to hide in plants.

10.) Christopher likes to learn and most of all he likes to be given jobs to do at home.

I hope you had fun reading that!

-Christie

25 Things About Christie!

1.) I like to cook, but I'm usually stressed out when I cook. 

2.) I love to bake because I've never messed up a baked item...one of my greatest accomplishments.

3.) I am sarcastic, but I wish I weren't. I guess that means I'm negative.

4.) I hate to admit it and rarely do, but I love girly tv shows like The Bachelor, The Hills, etc.

5.) I'm very sensitive to smells. I can't stand stinky things, but I love smells like clean laundry and some floral perfume. I like to smell people that smell good.

6.) I hate wedding planning, but I'm so excited about the wedding and the marriage!

7.) I love to eat...a lot!

8.) I have a passion for muffins. I am on a lifelong quest to perfect the triple berry muffin. The best muffin I have ever had is from the Bougeois Pig Cafe in Chicago. It's amazing...really! I've made some good muffins, but none that can compare to theirs.

9.) I really really want Guitar Hero World Edition, Band Edition for my Wii! It's so much fun, but it's so expensive.

10.) I love my dog so much! I am allergic to her, but I get allergy shots once a week and take medicine daily so I can have her. 

11.) I don't just love my dog, but I love all dogs so much that I get a dog magazine monthly. Yes, I receive Dog Fancy. Go ahead and make fun of me. My schnauzer can take you.

12.) I want to have a big family. This is probably because I had such a small family and had always longed for a sibling. 

13.) I love coffee, mostly lattes. I have an espresso machine and make myself a latte with 2% milk daily. Lately my favorite espresso is Jittery Joe's, though I have many favorites.

14.) I was born and raised in Houston, TX.

15.) I love the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! I haven't been to the rodeo since 6th grade, which makes me really sad...I can't wait until I can go again.

16.) When I was in elementary and middle school, I was obsessed with basketball. I went to many Houston Rockets games and knew every player.

17.) I've always had an obsession with Charles Barkley. I think he is hilarious and says the most random things. He calls everyone a knucklehead and does some great commercials. Look them up if you don't believe me. I also thought his temper was funny...not a normal comment, I know.

18.) I love big cities and always want to live in one, though I would learn to be happy anywhere I end up.

19.) I want to live in Chicago at some point in my life, probably earlier rather than later. It's a great city with so much to do and see!

20.) I never thought I would say this, but I love my Wii.

21.) My favorite flowers are gardenias, tuberose, hydrangeas, and roses. Smell has a lot to do with it, of course.

22.) I would rather buy something for my dog than I would for myself.

23.) I have never been camping. The closest I've been was sleeping in a tent in Shannon's living room because we were too scared to sleep in her backyard. 

24.) I am a travel wannabe. I really long to travel, but it's expensive and I don't do it much. When Christopher and I retire, there's no stopping us!

25.) I love Oreo Blizzards from Dairy Queen. I also love surprises!

Crazy Love

It's been a while since I have written on here. I wanted to share a book that is transforming my thinking and hopefully, my life. Crazy Love by Francis Chan is so relevant to life today. God has this crazy love that is unconditional, everlasting, unchanging, etc. There is not way I can accurately describe God's love for us in words. I highly encourage everyone to go to this website and watch the videos (everything but the chapter ones first unless you're reading the book). After reading this book, you will never be the same again. You will go from a "lukewarm Christian" (if that is even possible) to a passionate Christ follower. I want people to think I act at least a little like Jesus, and I have to transform my life to do that. I can't wait to finish the book! And if you ever get a chance to see him speak, go! God shines right through him.

On another note, the break was good. Christmas time is always really busy and stressful. Next year, I'm going to be prepared and will learn to enjoy Christmas. We also went to Houston to visit family and friends, which was really fun! I saw some old friends, and Christopher was able to meet them along with my family. We also ate lots of great barbecue, Tex-Mex, and Shipley's! Then we went to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl...enough said.

I'm glad to be back, but a lot of going on. The final touches to the wedding must be made. I have to make lots of appointments and decisions, which as many close to me know, is really difficult for me. I really don't enjoy planning, but I am beginning to get excited since a lot is coming together. I can't wait for the day to come, but I'm not looking forward from now until May 16th because of the planning and school work. I have to take the COMPS on February 16th, and I just found out two days ago, so that was scary news. I've got lots of studying, traveling, planning, and celebrating to do, so I better go do some work so I won't fall behind.

-Christie