Remember that time I blogged about “Doing it Scared?”

Well, folks. I did it. Scared out of my ever livin’ mind.

I did it with my knees shaking, palms sweating and even some shortness of breath, but I didn’t doubt for one second that the Lord is strong when I am weak. That He would speak when I opened my mouth. That He would receive every bit of glory from my tiny little message.

What did I do, you ask?

I taught on Sunday morning to our high school group.

Not just my girl’s bible study, but the whole entire group.

I’m not saying I did it good by any means, or that it was the worst thing ever. But, I know I did it with an obedient, willing heart that I am praying pleased our sweet Jesus.

Last week was kind of a strange, crazy week and on Wednesday morning, my boss JJ got a call from his dad that his mother had unexpectedly passed away. Of course this sent not only JJ, but the entire office into a quick tizzy so that we could make plans for him to not only leave immediately to be in Tennessee, but to be gone for at least a week. (If not longer.)

The first thing we had to figure out was who was going to teach on Sunday, despite the short notice. He looked at me, and I totally flinched. You see, he’s been encouraging me to teach for the last year, but I just haven’t felt “ready.” But, if you think about it, when am I ever going to feel “ready?” It’s not me anyway, it’s the Lord speaking through me. I’m so used to a smaller group, of especially just girls, and a larger group is so out of my comfort zone it’s not even funny.

So, after I thought 2.5 seconds about it, I nodded my sweet little head yes and was instantly committed to teaching on Sunday. I was every kind of emotion you can think of. Every kind. If this wasn’t the perfect opportunity to push me out of my comfort zone, I don’t know what is.

So, I studied, prayed, worshiped, studied some more, prayed some more, worshipped some more and eventually Sunday morning was here before I knew it.

I was so nervous I sat in my office going over my notes for almost 2 hours before high school even started.

I’m normally a very outgoing person, but the thought of teaching this many students (and adults I might add) just made me more timid.

However, once I got started, I felt a wave of peace wash over me, my knees stopped shaking (as did my voice), my palms stopped sweating, and I tried to relay to the group what the Lord laid on my heart.

I did it scared. But, I did it. With him guiding me every step of the way.

To those of you that knew I was going to teach, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your prayers. I felt them and received them! Y’all rock.

So, next time the Lord challenges you to do something that is scaring you half to death. Take the plunge. Do it scared. I promise he won’t fail you. He didn’t fail me. Praise Jesus!

"God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible." 2 Timothy 1:7 (The Message)

Like this week has been a crazy one.

Completely and utterly anxious & nervous that I am teaching on Sunday in our high school service.

Dependent on the Lord that I will open my mouth and the Lord will fill it.

Excited about a wedding on Saturday for a dear friend I’ve grown up with.

Comfortable in my new living situation.

Sad for my boss who lost his mother unexpectedly on Wednesday.

Happy that today is Friday.

Thrilled that the weather has been rainy and cool outside. Come on, Fall.

Joy that I get to study Revelation under Beth Moore every Tuesday.

Content in my singleness. The Lord will provide.

Ready for my manicure and pedicure tomorrow morning. It’s just way past time.

Confident that I’ll find something to wear to the wedding between now and 2 p.m. tomorrow.

Grateful for my small group of Senior girls and how they're growing in the Word through Living Beyond Yourself. And grateful for how much they make me laugh.

Not happy about my hour long workout that will have me panting on the floor.

Emotional over The Biggest Loser this season. It gets me every week.

Unintelligent over how to paint my bed so I can finish my room. But so ready.

Blessed because of the friends and family the Lord has given me.

Thankful for this fun idea from Amanda and Debra.

When I moved into the new house, ironically, I moved down the street from our Children's Pastor and his sweet family.

This had me excited for countless reasons, but one being the fact that I'm almost certain he has the worlds cutest children. (Now, don't go hatin' because I say that about most children, but I love me some kids, y'all!) But seriously, his little girl looks like Dora the Explorer and Jackson is just about the happiest child I've ever met. Always smiling or giggling. Love it.

So, I was thrilled when Sarah asked if I could babysit for them Monday night. Needless to say, I hopped right on it, and walked down my little street to watch the kiddos for a few hours.

They put Jackson to bed when I got there since it was bed time for him, but that gave me the opportunity to play with Madelyn the whole time. She was so sweet and easy. We watched a movie, ate popcorn, colored, sang, danced, tried to fix her wallet and then we painted.

Again, we painted.

Here's how it went down.

Madelyn: "Oh, I'm excited. But, I have to take off all my clothes so they don't get dirty."

Lindsee the Babysitter: (As I was laughing) "Oh, really?!"

Madelyn: Proceeds to be naked and unashamed.

Lindsee the Babysitter: (Still laughing) "Well, maybe you should at least keep on your panties. They shouldn't get that dirty."

Madelyn: Takes my advice.

Lindsee the Babysitter: Sigh of relief.

Then we take our seats at the kitchen table.

Madelyn: "Well, I think you should take off your clothes too so you don't get them dirty."

Lindsee the Babysitter: (About to loose my dinner I'm laughing so hard inside) "Oh, that's okay! I'll just be extra careful about not getting the paint (water colors) on me!"

Madelyn: Shoots me the look of, well, don't say I didn't warn you.

We ended the night with a lovely time of painting (new) foam stamps.

Clothed.

*Disclaimer: Madelyn is 3. And when her mother walked in and saw the lack of clothing she just laughed and told me that she doesn't participate in the removing of clothing either when they paint.

So, I guess this news is better late than never, but I am now officially moved out of my parents’ house.

I know crazy right?

I moved back in with them January of 2008 to student teach and now almost two years later, I am officially out again.

As weird as it feels, it’s nice.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my parents. Love them. Adore them. We get along great, but as you all know, maybe all too well, there comes a time in everyone’s life whether if it’s when you get married, or move to college, or after college that you just know you no longer belong under their roof. Yes, it was the biggest blessing indeed to have a place to come to after college, save a little money and just enjoy my home again, but all good things must come to an end.

Not only was it time to move out, but an opportunity came my way that was a blessing for both me and my friend.

One of my lifelong friends, Claire and her husband also live in Houston, however, her husband is a part of the Army National Guard. If you think too much about that sentence, you probably know where I’m going next.

Needless to say, her husband is set to be deployed later this fall but actually left last week for deployment training.

Thankfully, she gets to see him two more times before he actually leaves, but can you imagine?

They’ve been married two years and recently bought a house this past February. Knowing he was to be deployed sometime this fall, Claire asked if I would be willing to live with her while he was gone. Of course, I immediately hopped on the opportunity, so, two weekends ago I packed my room and headed on over. Y’all have to remember that I’m a big fat chicken baby when it comes to sleeping in any type of house by myself, and so is Claire, so if I were in her shoes I’d be finding countless single girls to live with me! Ha!

It’s a mutual blessing because she’s not living alone, and it gave me the opportunity to move out of my parents’ house and to live on my own again.

Of course, I’m not her husband, nor am I anything like him, but me and the other girl living with her are quite the distraction and hope to keep it that way for the next year. Especially when I have all manner of teenage girls running around the house like I will tomorrow night!

At this point in my post I feel it would be only necessary to show you pictures of my new living quarters, however, I am trying to be all crafty and paint my bed and what not, so I’ve got nothing. If I’m going to show you pictures, I’m going to show you the finished product. Not some half-done, mattress laying on the floor type of room. It’s just not cute. But, in due time, I promise not to fail you in the picture department. I mean, do I ever?

Here’s to the next season of my life. Adjusting to not living with the folks!

As most of you know, I have a bizarre obsession with the show, The Biggest Loser. Whenever I tell people that, they look at me with an estranged look and ask, “Why do you like it so much? It’s not like you need to lose 100 pounds!” And no, if I lost 100 pounds I would essentially be laying on my death bed.

There are many reasons I love that show, none of which are the mere fact that I feel like I need to lose tons of weight.

Truth be told, that show is so much more than big people losing insane amounts of weight. It’s about getting their life back, changing their life completely and becoming healthy from the inside out. And that, folks, is why I am more than intrigued with this show. I love nothing more than watching people who are willing to do the work change their life. I think that is why I love working with girls doing the ministry I am doing as well. When the girls decide that they want to pursue Jesus and love Him more, it thrills my heart. There is nothing sweeter than watching a life being transformed!

Now, clearly Biggest Loser isn’t a show that presents the gospel in any way, shape or form, but they way that Bob and Jillian get down to the nitty gritty with the contestants, reminds me of how Jesus gets down to the nitty gritty with us. There is a reason these people are obese and when they are willing to face the deeper issues, is when change takes place. It’s the same with us. When we’re willing to face our real issues and let Jesus deal with us and heal us, is when change takes place for us, too.

This may sound extremely cheesy, but when I see that they are strong enough to face the real issues and get better, it inspires me to do the same. Both physically and emotionally! We all have junk to deal with. And seriously, if they can work out for an insane amount of hours a day, and push themselves to the limit, I think that when I am doing Shred (by the sweet, understanding Jillian Michael’s herself) I can do the same. I can push myself in my workouts!

It also reminds me that we need a community of people to do life with. A community of people that understand what we’re going through! Even though the contestants come to the ranch complete strangers, they leave as best friends. Why? Because they all fight a monstrous food addiction and encourage one another where they’re at. No judgment. No nothing. They are in the fight together.

We too are in a fight together. Shouldn’t we be encouraging one another instead of tearing one another up?

As much as Bob and Jillian yell in their faces and are more than rude at times, it’s essentially tough love. (Disclaimer: That does NOT mean I endorse the cussing. I really could do without! Especially last night in the premier when Jillian dropped the “F” bomb a gazillion times. Not necessary!) However, sometimes we all need a little wake up call. No more excuses. When is enough enough? When are we finally tired of our sin like they are tired of their weight?

This may sound completely crazy to all of you, and frankly, I could be way off base, but those are the reasons I love that silly show. It’s inspiring. It’s emotional. It’s thrilling. And it is a fun journey to watch and completely guilt free, unlike so many other T.V. shows out there today!

I may not have 100 pounds to lose, but I have more sin to lose than I’d ever like to admit or own up to.

And seriously, I mean come on, who really does not love Bob and Jillian? (First confession: Bob is certainly a catch. Eye candy. Whatever you want to call it, he’s mighty fine. Confession is the first step to healing, no?) Or this seasons contestants for that matter? Sweet Abby? Hello, homegirl lost everything, yet still get’s up every day and is willing to fight to get her life back. Plus, straight out of her mouth last night she flat out said that “her weight does not define who she is!” Amen, sister! Nor does our sin define who we are! Ten huge fists pumps, folks! And we can’t forget Shay, or Daniel or Sean, our in house youth pastor. This season is going to be huge, and needless to say, I am pumped.

So, there you have it, folks. Now you know why I love the show so much! It’s the only show, in my opinion, that is actually doing some good. It’s making a difference. It’s changing people’s lives. It is plain inspiring in ten million different ways.

Maybe I’m just living vicariously and need to deal with my own obsession issues, but either way, it will always be a favorite.

Now all I need to do is figure out how to get to L.A. and see the taping of the live finale! Ha! Wouldn’t that be so great? Best Bucket List item ever. Who wouldn’t want to give those precious ones a hug? Oh, I would love that.

Hmm, maybe for that matter I should just move to L.A. and work for Biggest Loser. You think they need a chaplain?

I kid, I kid.

Maybe.

This past weekend, actually, a week ago today, I flew my sweet little single self to Great Falls, Montana to see one of my precious BFF's, Joanna! See, there are so many perks to being single. So many! It means I get to visit all of my BFF's around the US of A without any strings attached, and folks, it is more than worth it. She lives there with her precious hubby, John who is currently stationed there in the Air Force! They've been there two years and I had yet to visit her, and before they get re-stationed, I really wanted to visit, but Great Falls just isn't the easiest place, or cheapest place, to get to. However, after talking to her and biting the bullet, I bought my plane ticked for Labor Day weekend and never looked back.

I really can't believe the time has already come and gone, but we had absolutely the best time, and that is truly an understatement. From the moment I got there, to the moment I left, side splitting, tear inducing laughter never ended. That's just what we do! Of course, plenty of sweet conversations and quality time was had as well, but I just love laughing with sweet Joanna and it was much needed.

Before I bought my ticket, she told me they were going camping that weekend, so I was excited to join them on this little journey. I really had no expectations, because frankly, I didn't know what to expect, but y'all, oh my gosh was it gorgeous.

I arrived last Thursday pretty early because I took the earliest flight out. So, we had basically all day Thursday to toot around town, get ready for camping, and then the three of us headed out early Friday morning for Glacier National Park. Since I'd never been to Montana, let alone Glacier, I had no idea how breathtakingly beautiful it was. Needless to say, camping in Houston and camping in Montana are two totally different experiences. Both fun, nonetheless, but Montana just has a bit more eye candy.

John rented a camper from the base, and after a trip to the grocery store, we were set to go. Since we got there early Friday morning, we were able to pick out a great spot! We were so lucky. It was very windy and chilly at first, but a few hours into it the sun broke out and we had perfect weather the whole time! It was a sweet gift, because it could have been miserable, cold and windy the whole time! Thank you, Jesus that it was not.

We camped from Friday to Sunday, had the best time and then headed back to the greatest of falls. Sunday after we cleaned up the camper and ourselves, they took me around town and we ate at a glorious pizza place. When we got back home after dinner, we all literally crashed on the couch!

Monday we woke up, laid around for a while then after we were showered and made up, Jo and I took a trip to Ross and Target. I mean seriously, no trip would be official if a shopping spree to either of those places were not it order. Ross is really a hit or miss type of store, and it was really more of a "miss" this time. I did get one top and Jo got some cute throw pillows for her couch, but the experience was fun! It's been forever since we've been shopping together, and that is just flat our thing.

John grilled some hot dog looking things for us for a late lunch, and the after lunch, I pretty much packed up, said my goodbyes, and headed for the airport. I was sad to leave, but super happy that I'd now been to Great Falls and got to see a glimpse of Joanna's life up there. There is just something about knowing where your BFF lives and what goes on day to day. As strange as it sounds, it's comforting!

Needless to say, I had the best Labor Day weekend ever. I would not have wanted to spend it anywhere or with anyone else! It is a memory that will forever be in my heart and I will cherish it always. I miss that girl dearly, but it makes the times so much sweeter when I get to see her. John and Joanna, thank you is so not enough for everything y'all did for me this weekend to make it extra special! I love y'all to pieces and can't wait for our next adventure. Even if it means sleeping on my back, forgetting mustard or whatever other necessities we forgot, dogs almost dying, or wearing make-up even if we're camping. Y'all mean the world to me!

I truly could go on and on, but we took, between the 3 of us, close to 400 pictures, so I'll just let the pictures do the rest of the explaining. No, I didn't post all 400, but there are more than enough to keep you entertained. Hope you enjoy a glimpse of Great Falls, Montana!

The fun "sussy" (or surprise!) she left on my bed!)

The sweet note she left me on her "Write Plate!"

When I arrived on Thursday, John was at work but we wanted a picture. Solution? The timer on our cameras. However, we were beyond tickled when our cameras were beeping in unison. This is what it got. Perfect! SO US!