Remember back in the day when we discussed thoroughly about my ring situation?

Remember how I told you that my Pastor and Boss, mind you, texted me to tell me to take the ring off?

Well, of course after that text I had to summon my blog peeps, and frankly, y’all did not disappoint.

Well, this is pitiful of me to say, but since then, I have thought long and hard about that stupid ring than I have ever cared to think about it.

It wasn’t so much that I kept wearing the ring, but I finally got down to the bottom of it and asked myself why I was wearing it? Was there a reason, or did I just enjoy it? I mean, if there wasn’t a reason, than why did I think about it so much?

The honest truth is, I have such a love for that ring (for no particular reason) and just enjoyed it on that hand, and that ring finger. It’s where it fit best.

However, the other day as I was watching something, a little birdie in my head just said, “Take it off!”

I was so confused and didn’t do as told, ignored the thought and went on with life.

Until that is, I heard it again. And people just flat kept telling me to take it off.

You see, after much searching, I have realized that one of the main reasons I keep it on is because of fear and safety. I know, how in the universe do those things go together?

Fear of, what if there is never a beautiful shiny diamond to replace it?

Fear of, what if someone did ask me on a date?

Fear of, what if people thought I was desperate by moving my ring?

Fear of, who would ask me on a date?

Fear of, what if that date was really awkward and we had nothing to talk about?

Fear of, what if I did go on a date, and he never called me back cause he didn’t like me?

Fear of, what if I never got married? (Yep, I said it!)

The safety part, you ask? The safety part is, I think unconsciously in my mind my ring has kept me safe from all of these fears.

I think the thought of any of those coming true scare me half to death. Honestly.

Part of the reason is because I have never experienced any of that and so I just don’t know what to expect. It’s a whole new ball game. And part of it is the fact that we all have the desire to be loved and accepted and the fear of rejection is gripping.

The other part of it is that, for my whole college career, except for the last year, I didn’t wear a ring on my ring finger. Nope. Not one. You know how many dates I got? Not one. Hence the reason I think this whole ring thing was silly. In college I was surrounded by guys, and clearly, the ring off didn’t determine if I got one date or not.

Since then I’ve worn a ring on that finger.

However, my pastor Dave said it best the other day when he said to me, “Lindsee, you can’t give boys credit. They’re stupid.” Meaning, they take one look at the ring and I’m off limits. I’m automatically taken.

My response to that has always been, if they want to know, they’ll get to know me better and know I was single.

Which leads me to my next issue, am I letting any guys get to know me? Would I give them the time of day?

Sadly, I think the answer to that question would be a big, fat, ugly, “No!”

I say “No” for fear of being vulnerable with somebody. Or really, someone of the opposite sex.

In a Q&A session between Christy Nockels (who is my forever favorite) and Beth Moore at a fun event called “Tell Me How” , some of the girls asked where we can find a man besides church. The answers were pretty funny, and then someone yelled out, “He’ll find you!” Yes, as much as that is true and we want someone to find us and pursue us, Beth said right back, “But, we want to stay findable!” Hilarious.

However, am I staying “findable?”

I know He is bigger than my ring, I know that without a shadow of a doubt, but I believe part of the reason my ring has been such a big issue is because I know I am safe with it on.

I already am not around many single men these days, and when I am, I have on that ring and who knows what they’re thinking? I’m honestly not giving them much of a chance.

So y’all, the ring is off. Yes, folks, it is. There you have it.

What’s so funny about all of this is one of my best friends, while hanging out today, gave me a booked titled, How to Get a Date Worth Keeping.

Normally I wouldn’t read a book like this, but as Dana was sitting at my table this afternoon reading snippets from it, I was very intrigued. It talks about fear and really just putting yourself out there and being “available.” I’m not saying I’m going to live by this book, but I think it will have some interesting points that I could definitely put into practice.

The tagline is, “Be Dating in Six Months or Your Money Back.” (Or for that money, my BFF’s money back since she got it for me! And, for those of you who think that is the meanest BFF ever to get that book for me, think again. I love her to pieces and she’s just heard really good things about it! She’s the kind of BFF that can do a thing like that!)

Also, before you go thinking that this is what I will consume myself with for the next “six months” rest assured, I will not.

I know that my relationship with Christ should take top priority over any other relationship in my life. He just want’s me to do my part, and of course, trust Him along the way. And that’s how it should be!

So, how’s that for a counseling session between me, myself and I? I do apologize if you think this is TMI, frankly, it is just my heart!

On that note, here’s to the next six months!

This weekend was nothing short of a God ordained and God honoring weekend. I can honestly say that, and with great joy.

As you remember me telling you Friday, the theme for the weekend was Live Love. Oh y'all, it could not have come at a better time! Francis Chan is a wonderful communicator. I am now on the hunt for his book, Crazy Love. The Lord has gifted that man tremendously and is using him mightily to further the kingdom. If you haven't heard of him, or even heard him teach the Word, you are truly missing a treat. He definitely does not take the Word of God lightly and it is very evident.

However, before you read any further, I need you to go read Revelation 4. Go. Now.

Y'all, do you realize that that is the God we are praying to? Francis taught on this passage Friday night and I think it changed all of our perspectives for the better, and rightfully so. We serve a Mighty God who sits on a Mighty Throne. Amen!

Of course we all went back to our host homes Friday night and were pooped. Fridays are always hard nights because of the day you've had. However, even our exhaustion kept us up till 2:30 to arise at 6:00 a.m.! I don't think I've ever prayed more for supernatural energy from God than I did this weekend. And I am so serious!

Saturday Francis really took us into the Live Love part of the retreat and boy oh boy did he pull it all together in an awesome way.

I am going to spare you every detail and topic because frankly, we'd be here forever, however, the thing that got each of our hearts stirring was the end when he used the analogy that we as a church are like a football team. Or really, a poor one. We get in our "huddles" make all these plans and talk all this talk, then go sit on the bench. And that's it. Y'all, the sad thing is, that is the church these days. We're talking the talk, oh yeah, and doing a mighty fine job, but when it actually comes to serving and living out love, we stink. And no, I am not blaming all of your churches and not looking at mine, I am putting my church in this category, too. It's not that we aren't doing anything, it's just the fact that we could be doing so much more, but sadly, we aren't.

That struck a cord.

That afternoon when we got home, I threw out the curriculum (which was fabulous, by the way, and very thorough!) and got down and dirty with the girls. Because honestly, we'd just heard a Word that was not to go unnoticed. So, I asked them two questions: Is your relationship with God growing and if not, why not? And, how are we as a group, and as individuals going to start living love? If we didn't make a plan right then, nothing was going to happen. Needless to say, it brought up some great conversations.

Little did we know (because I forgot my cell phone in the car) that the seniors had been moved also, and were planning a trip downtown the next morning to feed and clothe the homeless. Amazing! Our group was immediately on board and we started doing what we could like collecting things and getting food together. Four groups ended up going!

There is nothing neater than to see the Lord work in the heart of a teenager. It is a blessing!

That night, as a large group, a game was planned that was very similar to a scavenger hunt sending each grade group door to door. Basically, they had to collect things that were "bigger and better" than the thing they'd been given.

Well, my girls really didn't want to play the game, and since we were already going from door to door, they wanted to instead, collect things for the homeless! I didn't object! So, our group split up and some of the girls played the game, while the rest of us went door to door to collect things like blankets and jackets and food for the homeless. It was so neat to watch the girls interact with complete strangers and explain to them what we were doing! They were totally out of their comfort zones (by choice!) and were being so bold. Little did they know they were sharing Christ just by explaining what they were doing.

It was thrilling to see how gracious the people were and to see the girls keep going even when some people could care less what they were doing and shut the door in their face. (Or just didn't answer even when we could see them inside!) We collected a whole Yukon XL trunk of things. The girls were so encouraged and pumped!

That night we went back to church where we had a time of worship with Roger Cullins and also spent time worshipping through spoken word! It was a time the students could share either something they had learned that weekend, or share their testimony. It was a great night and Roger did a great job at leading us in song!

After we left church that night, we went home to make our PB&J sandwiches, and then started our devotion/encouragement time at about midnight. Y'all, this is where I tell you that we were up until 5:15 a.m. No joke. My eyes are heavy thinking about it! However, I wouldn't have traded my sleep for anything else. It was such and edifying time! Really, that night, we just took a short nap.

We woke up Sunday morning, with the heaviest of eyes, got dressed, cleaned up and headed downtown. Of course, our group was late because we took the road that happen to be shut down, so we had a little detour, but, we finally made it, took in our clothes and food, helped sort everything and then left. Since there were so many of us, only the seniors could stay and serve breakfast, but, the girls still felt that the time there was not wasted. And, it got them thinking about what else we could do, and when they could go back!

On our way to church we, of course, stopped at Starbucks and I loved nothing more than taking a sip of caffeine. Oh, it was nice!

Y'all, the weekend was such that the Lord planned every detail ahead of time and the students obeyed Him. It was probably one of the neatest and best retreat weekends that has happened in a long time. And has not doubt gotten each of our minds on how we can be the church and actually rise up to Live Love. I pray that this is true of your church, too. If not, be the one to start something. I'll tell you what I always tell myself and pray, "And let it begin with me!"

If you made it to the end of this post, bless you! Sending much love your way!

Lindsee

I have been one of the worst blogger as of late. The issue is, I have about 5739 posts whirling around in my head, however, sometimes I get so overwhelmed by it all, so I just don't blog about anything. I feel like I used to have a better 'happy medium' and now I can't seem to be consistent. Oh well!

With that said, here are a bunch (or maybe two) randoms going on in my oh-so-splendid life.

1) I need y'all to know that "The Inheritance" Bible Study has been nothing short of amazing. Oh my goodness, I can't get enough of it. I also can't believe that we only have three (or four?) more sessions left. This semester bible study has flown by and I am so sad for it to end. I could go on and on and on about it, and write a gazillion posts, but then again, it's one of those times that I don't know if writing it here will do it any justice. But, know that HE is so working and is using Beth mightily. One thing that I do plan on sharing with you, hopefully sometime next week, is a quote Beth told us that Melissa said. It was really nothing just jaw dropping, and really, I don't know why my heart attached to the statement so much, but since Tuesday, it has been pressed so heavy on me and brought me much comfort. Okay, so how's that for a teaser?

2) I had Chinese food for lunch three times this week. Y'all, that is flat out wrong. I mean, I don't eat the healthiest when eating Chinese food! I tend to lean more towards the fried foods among the many options, however, I truly can't get enough of it, it is my absolute favorite.

Side note: As much as I love it, I don't plan on eating it ever again on a night I will be attending Jazzercise. At Monday night's class, I was burping up General Tso's Chicken and Fried Rice the entire time. Disgusting.

3) I rented High School Musical 3 last night. I know, go ahead, laugh all you want. However, these movies highly entertain me! Yes, it is so far from any reality high school, but I eat it up. I will say, however, that they definitely cranked it up a notch for number three and really went all out. It was more of a "musical" than any of them, in my opinion. Meaning, they were actually performing on stage a lot of the time. Unlike the other ones where they bust out in song, you know, in the swimming pool with a pink grand piano.

Side note #2: After watching each of the movies, I always feel the need to call my friends and family by their schools mascot. Like, "Hey, cougar!" (Which would be my high schools mascot.) So cheesy.

4) On that note, I'll inform you that we have been gearing up for our high school retreat this weekend. It has been a fast week, if you ask me. We always hook up with Student Life for our "home" retreat and they never fail us. We are so excited and ready. This years theme is "Live Love" and I know without a shadow of a doubt it will hit home for all of us, including the leaders. The bottom line is that we as Christians do an awful job at "living love" to not only those around us whom we love dearly, but especially to the "onlookers." Non-Christians see us as hypocritical and judgement, and rightfully so, in my opinion. I think all of us, including myself, could live a little more love like Jesus did. Because if we want to reach anybody we need to remember that "By this ALL men will know you are my disciples, if you LOVE one another." John 13:35 So, if we come to mind this weekend, we would love a prayer lifted up on our behalf. That the Spirit would move and that hearts would respond. The conference can't change hearts. The speaker can't change hearts. The worship leader can't change hearts. Only God can, so we are asking Him for just that. This is just a tool! Thank you so much, in advance, for praying! We appreciate it more than you know.

5) And lastly, as we've been gearing up for our retreat this weekend, I keep referring to this exact weekend last year, when we had our retreat and I am pretty sure it was one of the craziest, most exhausting weekends of my life to date. I was student teaching, had the biggest project due that next Monday, was leading a retreat, and in the middle of the retreat had to go take an exit exam in Huntsville for teaching. And after all was said and done, I was up way to late Sunday night (after no sleep anyway) to wake up at 5 a.m. and drive to Huntsville, yet again, to turn in my project. Needless to say, I am more than thankful that it is not as crazy this weekend. Yes, retreats are always a crazy, exhausting weekend, but to have that much going on at once was just plain nutty.

Well, I'm out! I've got a bag to pack, and some copies to make. Have a great weekend, y'all!

We as women, especially women in Texas, consider hair to be a big deal. (No pun intended.)

It is of much value and is highly important.

However, here in Houston we have a little friend we like to call humidity. It's really not so much our friend as it is our enemy, but they say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

I've never known how to keep humidity, as my enemy, close until a glorious recent discovery I made on my new favorite website called Just Weather.

If you're wondering, the website really is, just weather.

As a meteorologist wannabe, this website brings to my heart a joy that was unknown until this discovery. I love nothing more than pulling up this website each morning to assess what my wardrobe will behold that day. And just by the click of a button. And just for Houston, Texas. (Don't be discouraged by the "just for Houston, Texas" part, there are other cities available for this gloriousness, too.)

However, I was elated the other day upon my findings of the haircast this site also provides.

It is as easy as one, two, three.

1) Scroll Down.

2) Enter your zip code.

3) Press enter.

Automatically a precious, curly headed girl has your haircast for you. We'll call her Suzy for kicks.

Bad. Fair. And Good.

Those are her choices.

Suzy is not really my BFF because each day, except today, have been "Bad" hair days. And homegirl was right on. The humidity, plus the rain made for a Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad 'Hair' Day.

However, I appreciate what she does for me and my hair.

Honestly, why mess with my hair for an hour each day if the minute I walk out it's going to poof like a puffer fish. (And yes, those exist.) Those are the days the ponytail is in order.

I just felt the need to share with you, ladies, about this find of mine that has changed my life. I so hope it can change yours, too. And if not your life, at least your day.

If you are on a reader of some sort, feel free to make your way over to my actual blog to see the fun, new design. I am still playing with some of the colors, but for right now will leave it as is!

I found some of the cutest designs from Aqua Poppy Designs. It is very similar to the Cutest Blog on the Block designs!

There were so many fun ones that I didn't know which one to choose, so, don't be surprised if you see my background change often. And, feel free to make your way over there, too. I seriously love nothing more than free, cute blog designs!

Hope you all have a great weekend! I am working than am off to our ladies retreat in Kemah!

For the record: I am totally kidding about the above title. It is a funny quote from 'The Devil Wears Prada.'

Let me just start by saying that this has been the year of sickness. Seriously. Everywhere I turn someone either has the flu, a cold or a stomach virus. I think I'm starting to talk myself into illness, you know, because I'm a hypochondriac and everything, and my obsessive thoughts take me places I would never like to go.

With that said, do you know you can talk yourself into being sick? Oh, you surely can.

However, there is no way I talked myself into the stomach virus I got {whenever I got it}, I'm still not too sure. I don't know if it was a continuation of what happened on Saturday, or if I caught something in a day.

But, Monday I came down with some type of stomach virus, and it was far from attractive.

The truth is, Sunday evening I truly thought I was feeling better from Saturday's drama. So, I forced myself to eat some veggies at a Super Bowl party. And of course a brownie.

Fact #1: Do not force yourself to eat when not hungry.

So, Monday I got up, went to work and honestly felt fine that morning. Yes, I was weak and a bit tired, but I assumed it was because of the lack of food I had eaten since noon on Saturday. I had a scone for breakfast and fixed myself a cup of coffee. All went downhill after that. At about 1:00 I forced myself yet again {please remember fact #1 in the future} to make a Lean Cuisine for lunch. I brought it back to my desk and literally took all of two bites, and tossed it. I felt so wasteful, but the smell of it made me want to gag.

I figured by then I should probably go home because I was decreasing fast. But, I am one of those people who feels awful if I have to leave early. So, dumb me stayed at work till 5:00 and was everything but productive.

I came home and crashed in my bed.

As the night went on, I did nothing but lay in a chair, and drink all of three sips from a Gatorade and a water.

However, I could keep nothing in me.

And I hadn't been keeping anything in me since about noon that day.

Fact #2: The Stomach Virus is the fast track to loosing weight. I'm not saying it's the healthy way, but whether you like it or not, the pounds fall off.

I finally got the strength to go to bed around 11:00, however, I was up till 3:00 am. It was brutal.

Needless to say, I stayed home on Tuesday. And slept. Pretty much all day.

I did make it to Bible Study Tuesday night, but was well enough to go, and laid pretty low there, too. It really was a 24 hour bug and by then I was over it, just a little weak. {And just for the record, Beth was a ball! She was on fire! The teaching was awesome, and she was overjoyed to where it spilled over. It was the funnest thing!}

Fact #3: Feeling weak, tired and nauseated during said virus is normal.

Since Tuesday, I have eaten the most bland foods you can imagine.

Fact #4: You eat very bland foods that won't upset the digestive system after all is said and done and pray it stays in you.

My diet as of Saturday has consisted of: water, Gatorade, vegetables (Sunday night), a scone, two pieces of toast, sprite, white rice, and crackers.

And yesterday for lunch I had the most bland Subway sandwich. I don't think Subway should even make a sandwich that bland legal.

Do you want to know the miracle in all of this? I have not had a Diet Coke since last Friday. Gasp! I do have a feeling that's part of the reason I am feeling more tired than usual. I'm secretly thinking about giving up all caffeinated beverages since I'm already on a roll, and because of the start of my "Take It Off" challenge at Jazzercise. I'll let you know how that challenge to myself goes.

I have slowly been getting my energy and strength back especially after Saturday's episode, and thankfully so, because tomorrow I am going on our ladies retreat. It should be a good time and a nice get away from all the busyness!

So, how's that for a Debbie Downer couple of posts? I hope you all are staying healthy and well.

Don't forget to be OCD about washing your hand, friends! Healthy blessings your way!

This weekend has been, hands down, one of the laziest weekends I've had in a long time. However, I needed it more than I realized. Normally when I have lazy weekends like this and I do nothing of productiveness whatsoever, I feel guilty. Nope. Not this time.

It all started Thursday night when I decided not to do anything. My parents were going to dinner and I was invited, but I declined the offer because I was flat out exhausted. So, instead I rented Fireproof and watched it by myself. Y'all, in my opinion, it was so good. I know I'm not even married, but I would encourage every married couple to watch it if you haven't already. It is just such a Godly example of marriage and that love is worth fighting for. Actually, it is so good that I got home from the Super Bowl party early (as if I was ever interested in the first place) and put it on again. I know, super dork here. Anyway, I just think so highly of it.

Friday night I had my Jr. High girls bible study and it went great. I think they are so cute, and love their honesty and all of their questions. I am pretty sure we had "bible study" for an hour and a half, and if you know Jr. High girls at all, you know that is a record. One for the books, folks.

Saturday was when everything went funky.

I, first of all, slept in really late, just like Thursday, but I couldn't seem to shake the tiredness that had taken over me. I just wanted to get back in bed and sleep. I didn't do that despite how bad I wanted too, so, around 4:30 I decided that if I was going to do anything that night, I needed to be somewhat presentable. Like any other girl would do, I hopped in the shower.

Oh, y'all. It was weird.

I was in the shower for all of 3 minutes, enough time to shampoo then put conditioner in my hair, when a very strange feeling came over me. My heart was racing and I felt like I was going to pass out. Was I really that tired? Of course, in my mind I just kept telling myself to hurry up and I'd be fine once I got out of the shower. Well, in all of two seconds I sat down because if not, I would have fallen down.

Then, it became really hard to breathe and I got really hot. However, I could not move one inch of my body I felt so weak. After a good 10 minutes, I was finally able to stand up and try and rinse the conditioner out, but that didn't last long either. By this time, I was feeling completely sick to my stomach and way nauseous.

Now, I don't think I have to preface this for y'all, but I am the girl that has thrown up all of two times in her life. I hate it. And most the time talk myself out of it. It's a huge fear, folks, throwing up that is.

However, there was no stopping it this time. I was going to be sick. I grabbed the trash can and did the whole cough/gag thing a few times, but nothing came up. (Sorry for the visual.) I honestly don't know what is worse.

I sat there for a while, completely weak and faint, thinking I should tell my Dad to take me to the ER because I had never felt so strange. All the while, the shower is still going. I don't know how long I had actually "been in" the shower at this point. So, not knowing what to do, I got back in the shower, tried to rinse out the conditioner and then got back out. This time turning the shower off.

My mom came upstairs right then to tell me to hurry and get ready because we were meeting people for dinner, but the minuted I opened my door, she knew I wasn't okay. I was as white as my robe. No joke.

I literally just collapsed on my bed and put a few bags close just in case I should get sick again. I laid there for a good while and finally got some color back.

We still aren't sure if I had a fever, because I was still hot from the shower, but as the night went on and I think back, I am pretty sure I did.

Since than, I still feel kind of weak and tired and have only eaten one meal, but I am just not hungry. However, I did just make myself eat a plate of vegetables. And, I did enjoy being around people again today, too.

Y'all, it was seriously the weirdest thing that has happened to me. And so suddenly. Needless to say, I stayed on the couch all night long with a pounding headache, and slept like a baby last night. I've been so much better today, but now have this fear of taking a shower. Like that was what did it to me or something. Ha!

So, I have self-diagnosed myself with Anemia. Actually, my mom thinks I am anemic and the minuted I looked it up on WebMD, I was convinced I have it, too. Every symptom they listed was every symptom I had. I have been know to be a hypochondriac at times, but I certainly believe this could be legit. I just tried not to pay attention to everything else it listed so that I wouldn't freak myself out! I've learned my lesson in looking up illnesses online.

If you are still reading this highly entertaining story, bless you. However, know that I am okay and plan to make a doctors appointment real soon so I can avoid any more "spells" like this!

Y'all are great and I so hope you had a great weekend. This week my calendar is much calmer, so I am thrilled. I plan on taking it easy!

Also, please keep praying for Chase! He is doing much better but isn't quite out of the woods yet. Thanks, sweet friends!