Went home this weekend, because well i could. Had no plans here at school going on, no real crazy tests coming up on monday or anything like that, and realized how long it had been since i'd been home last. Let's just say wayyyyy too long! The last time i was home, was coming back from camp, unpacking repacking doing laundry within two days and then heading up to school to start off welcome week stuff. So it was needed, the seeing the family and a few really wonderful friends and the relaxing. God is good, and it shows through the people who love me. Went to the bonfire and peprally for ASU, definitely still San Angelo, not much has changed haha. Gosh i've missed mo and jill, so freaking much! The best part, is knowing we can go forever without talking or seeing eachother and or talking and when we do get to, its like we never left. Can't wait for summer, to be home around them, just that much more. And Peru comes as well with summer! So stoked! Anyhoo, it was good to be home, and aghh sleep in my wonderful haven of a room, thats so cold and dark, and my big bed, that you just crawl into and hide in the mesh of pillows and covers. The only downside to that room is it's little brother morris' domain as well( our pet cat), so i get woken up when he's ready to leave, or come in.
Did i mention i love my family? Squirt is getting taller still...that is not ok, i don't think the concept of a smaller bigger sister will sit well with me...yeah no! She's supposed to be my little 8 year old sister, who still pals around with the boys, and plays with woody and buzz. Nope she's a sixteen year old junior, taking more classes than anyone at her age should, she's brilliant, more than me thats for sure, she's gonna do big things in the world, and she loves jesus more than you can imagine! she's kinda my hero.
Meme and pawpaw are still doing there thing, gotta love them. They always have something to do, or trying to fill there time with something...usually pleasing little bit (brianna) or attempting to. Pawpaw cracks me up with his camera (cannon rebel xrs..yeah serious) and taking pictures without anyone paying attention, and telling me i couldn't leave until he got one he liked. Its so good to see him back again, back to his old self, God is good!
So far this week isn't looking to be too terrible, thank goodness. Really wanting to try and strive to make pageant a higher importance, to give it the attention it needs, and the attention the directors deserved. Ya'll rock just so you know, thank you a million times over!!! Probably should practice the talent more than just during pageant practice, and need to definitely edit the platform and polish it up. Goal- be positive while i'm there, and intentional with the other girls, and can fall apart after. Be in the present not look to the future, as far as practice time period goes, oh and life in general. Still waiting for God to point out my purpose in pageant, hasn't really hit me yet, i mean i got the basic gist, but still not 100% sure. But it's good, yep.
Really going to make a point to keep up the quiet times daily this week. Monday's always are the best, starting it off first thing in the morning, with a little coffee, and ang :) Started reading in James last week, and liked it, probably, no actually..will be going through that book some more. Yup time to get this week going, it's not a bad one, just need to give the lord the glory he deserves and giong in halfway just doesn't cut it.
Love you family, so so so much!
ending the rant,
love mare
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
So...It's been awhile
Alright so i realize i suck at following through with the commitments i've promised over this blog, with the two different books and such. Therefore when i get the inkling to do something new, i just won't tell you, and it'll be a surprise when it follows through. We'll just stick with updates and day to day thoughts.
However, I would like to inform ya'll that over the summer while working at Pine Cove I did finish, A Love Worth Giving, by Max Lucado. I can't tell you how good it felt to accomplish finishing a book. Believe me it felt amazing, because the book was ridiculously wonderful. So much truth in it!
Now for an update on where the Journey is at this moment for me. It's taken me into Pageant this year. Yes the one and only Miss MHB Pageant. Still funny hearing it put together, me Mary Catherine Baucom in a pageant, definitely made it's statement of irony tonight, as i fell down the steps for the second time since we've started practice. Typical. As weird as it is, I'm loving it; even as stressful and overwhelming it is, i really do love it. So far, i've gotten closer with some girls, i just didn't expect to outside of this setting. I am thankful for that. He's got a plan, and I'm seeing little nuggets of purpose in it, daily. Still trying to see the big picture of why he has me there though...guess it's a little more patience, and understanding that i possibly may not ever know. Oh well, nothing to worry over. What else, lets see...Oh i'm painting for my talent, while the song "Beautiful Things", by Micheal Gungor Band plays in the background. If you haven't heard this song, go listen...NOW... Google it, itune it, groove shark it, whatever you gotta do to find it, do it. It's powerful, or at least i think so. What is the painting? Well thats a surprise, if you really want to see, you'll just have to come to pageant in November (cough 12th&13th). My goal is just to do it with a humble heart, so that the painting isn't for man's pleasing eye, but to bring my heavenly father glory. Learning that more and more everytime we have talent night practice. As for the rest of pageant, eh it's a typical pageant with dance and stroll in an evening gown, platform, and interview. It'll be good.
Let's see, i'm most definitely confused with my life as far as career goes. Yup right back where i started, I feel like such a huge hypocrite when it comes to this subject. I decide on something and seem to be super excited and goal minded and as i go along i see that its really not that at all. Where am i at now? Business...Am i happy? Take a wild guess.....NO. It's driving me crazy, I've been in college almost 3 full semesters, and have switched majors for each one, and with the possibility of doing it again. I really wouldn't mind it if God was like here neon flashing sign for this major! Hint Hint dude! But thats not my place to say, it's his plan, not mine, just getting a little impatient is all. I feel like such a horrible steward of my time and my families money, UMHB as you all know ain't super cheap. Whatevs, the experience i've had so far is totally worth it. Besides the major thing. All i know for sure is that I love people, which is what keeps me motivated, and overly involved and committed to too much! I can't say no! Ever...Oh well. Anyhoo there is my dilemma, and i can't let suggestions from family or friends bog my mind, because i'll never be able to hear my heart in all of it, and especially the suggestions he's got for me. Kinda need to hear him out a little more.
Mhhhhhh anything else new...loving life in the apartments, God has given me so graciously the best roomates a girl could ask for. Gosh they put up with me on every level, i'm a mess and i'm not afraid to admit it. No denial here.They put up laundry for me when i forget to, they listen to my random rambles about whatever happens to be on my mind. They deal with my frog obsession, it's a little ridic i know i know. They are a blessing on many other levels, holding me accountable daily. I hope you three know i love you very much, and am so thankful for the love i receive from each of you. Ya'll are nothing but blessings, and i don't give ya'll enough credit ever. And on a lighter note, thank you for having a rocking sense of style, and freaking amazing taste in food, and MUSIC! I'd be lost without ya'll.
Sarah visited this weekend! Missed the girl like crazy. First time i've seen anyone besides the family from home, in a lonnnnnnnggg time. We had a fabulous weekend, much needed conversation. Believe me when i say the girl is Wise! Love you best friend, you are a blessing as well. You are strong and passionate, keep trucking along. Be happy! Can't wait for May!!!!
Miss the family, can't wait to see All of them this weekend, when i make my first trip home this semester!!! Whoooo hoooo! Mom,Dad, Cally, MeMe, Pops, Oma, my girls, etc....Family is good! So good! I love you all so very much, just another wonderful blessing I'm so thankful for. Sorry, i know i've neglected our relationships a bit.
Got an update not too long ago about summer. Ladies and gentlemen God has opened a door for me, to go back, to yes yes yes....PERU!!! Praise!!! I'm so overjoyed, they have a piece of my heart, and i cannot wait to be back there with everyone!
Alright, a rant, an update, with a few pointless statements, but none the less a rant.
Thank you for making my mess beautiful! God, you are good
love mare
However, I would like to inform ya'll that over the summer while working at Pine Cove I did finish, A Love Worth Giving, by Max Lucado. I can't tell you how good it felt to accomplish finishing a book. Believe me it felt amazing, because the book was ridiculously wonderful. So much truth in it!
Now for an update on where the Journey is at this moment for me. It's taken me into Pageant this year. Yes the one and only Miss MHB Pageant. Still funny hearing it put together, me Mary Catherine Baucom in a pageant, definitely made it's statement of irony tonight, as i fell down the steps for the second time since we've started practice. Typical. As weird as it is, I'm loving it; even as stressful and overwhelming it is, i really do love it. So far, i've gotten closer with some girls, i just didn't expect to outside of this setting. I am thankful for that. He's got a plan, and I'm seeing little nuggets of purpose in it, daily. Still trying to see the big picture of why he has me there though...guess it's a little more patience, and understanding that i possibly may not ever know. Oh well, nothing to worry over. What else, lets see...Oh i'm painting for my talent, while the song "Beautiful Things", by Micheal Gungor Band plays in the background. If you haven't heard this song, go listen...NOW... Google it, itune it, groove shark it, whatever you gotta do to find it, do it. It's powerful, or at least i think so. What is the painting? Well thats a surprise, if you really want to see, you'll just have to come to pageant in November (cough 12th&13th). My goal is just to do it with a humble heart, so that the painting isn't for man's pleasing eye, but to bring my heavenly father glory. Learning that more and more everytime we have talent night practice. As for the rest of pageant, eh it's a typical pageant with dance and stroll in an evening gown, platform, and interview. It'll be good.
Let's see, i'm most definitely confused with my life as far as career goes. Yup right back where i started, I feel like such a huge hypocrite when it comes to this subject. I decide on something and seem to be super excited and goal minded and as i go along i see that its really not that at all. Where am i at now? Business...Am i happy? Take a wild guess.....NO. It's driving me crazy, I've been in college almost 3 full semesters, and have switched majors for each one, and with the possibility of doing it again. I really wouldn't mind it if God was like here neon flashing sign for this major! Hint Hint dude! But thats not my place to say, it's his plan, not mine, just getting a little impatient is all. I feel like such a horrible steward of my time and my families money, UMHB as you all know ain't super cheap. Whatevs, the experience i've had so far is totally worth it. Besides the major thing. All i know for sure is that I love people, which is what keeps me motivated, and overly involved and committed to too much! I can't say no! Ever...Oh well. Anyhoo there is my dilemma, and i can't let suggestions from family or friends bog my mind, because i'll never be able to hear my heart in all of it, and especially the suggestions he's got for me. Kinda need to hear him out a little more.
Mhhhhhh anything else new...loving life in the apartments, God has given me so graciously the best roomates a girl could ask for. Gosh they put up with me on every level, i'm a mess and i'm not afraid to admit it. No denial here.They put up laundry for me when i forget to, they listen to my random rambles about whatever happens to be on my mind. They deal with my frog obsession, it's a little ridic i know i know. They are a blessing on many other levels, holding me accountable daily. I hope you three know i love you very much, and am so thankful for the love i receive from each of you. Ya'll are nothing but blessings, and i don't give ya'll enough credit ever. And on a lighter note, thank you for having a rocking sense of style, and freaking amazing taste in food, and MUSIC! I'd be lost without ya'll.
Sarah visited this weekend! Missed the girl like crazy. First time i've seen anyone besides the family from home, in a lonnnnnnnggg time. We had a fabulous weekend, much needed conversation. Believe me when i say the girl is Wise! Love you best friend, you are a blessing as well. You are strong and passionate, keep trucking along. Be happy! Can't wait for May!!!!
Miss the family, can't wait to see All of them this weekend, when i make my first trip home this semester!!! Whoooo hoooo! Mom,Dad, Cally, MeMe, Pops, Oma, my girls, etc....Family is good! So good! I love you all so very much, just another wonderful blessing I'm so thankful for. Sorry, i know i've neglected our relationships a bit.
Got an update not too long ago about summer. Ladies and gentlemen God has opened a door for me, to go back, to yes yes yes....PERU!!! Praise!!! I'm so overjoyed, they have a piece of my heart, and i cannot wait to be back there with everyone!
Alright, a rant, an update, with a few pointless statements, but none the less a rant.
Thank you for making my mess beautiful! God, you are good
love mare
Friday, April 23, 2010
a challenge... with a little love
Alrighty, so today i started a book. Yup another one, that fingers crossed, i will actually complete. Not that i haven't and won't complete crazy love, but this one's different. I am reading this new book, with my lovely friend and mentor. "A Love Worth Giving" by Max Lucado. I started on the first chapter today, and found myself rather enjoying it. It's not so harsh and convicting as Crazy Love, still a magnificent book, but Max takes a softer approach and his just appeals to me differently. I really liked what i read today and wanted to share a core value of what spoke to me the most, with you people...so here goes...
Most of the chapter is explaining how we can never truly show love, unless we are given it (in the correct form) first, ultimate experiencing God's unconditional love. If you are shown little then you love little, however we are called to love one another, it is one of the greatest commandments and we "believe" that we can do this, but normally fail, because we lose the genuine attitude that follows behind it.
Personally i don't want show someone love unless it's out of the depths of my heart and shown in a way that portrays that of the love of christ or mimics his to a certain degree. I don't want to pity love someone, because it's the right thing to do?! you know?! i wouldn't want that done for me, so how can i expect to give that and have a sufficient meaning for someone else.
As i read on, it continues to explain how we really cannot love someone, or multiple people correctly unless we have experienced true love from him, ourselves. The only love that never fails us, is the love that comes from Jesus Christ.
-1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says,
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Those are powerful and comforting words! It gives us hope to just read and have an understanding of it.
Now that you've been given the scripture, like the book did, i'm going to challenge you to place your name where "love" or "it" is and read it over and over.
"Mary is patient, mary is kind. Mary does not envy, mary does not boast, she is not proud. Mary is not rude, she is not self-seeking.....and lie and lie and lie...."
You really can't continue it, because as you start the first line you ultimately realize that it isn't a true statement once you put your name in...kind of humbles you huh?! Shoot it sure did for me. As i read it all the way through with my name, God was like ha funny isn't it?! No it's convicting in a good way and kinda becomes an eye opener. However, with it coming off as a lie, we are able to realize that this is the ultimate task we are given to drive our lives towards. These verses, with our names placed in, should be what we strive to become and live for...or how i understood it at least, unless the Big Man is wrong...and newsflash, he's that guy that GOD, he's always right!
Looking for a little less guilt, well read the verse again like normal, and then replace it with this.
"Jesus is patient, jesus is kind. Jesus does not envy, jesus does not boast, he is not proud. Jesus is not rude, he is not self-seeking, he is not easily angered, he is keeps no record of wrong! Jesus does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Jesus always protects, Jesus always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Jesus never fails!"
Tell me please, where you do not find that comforting and try to tell me you don't feel loved after reading it?!?! You can't! It's the plain truth. There is no greater love than the love of our father and jesus christ. He's always going to be there! And with that being said, maybe we need to strive to be more intentional with those around us and a little more flexible in our daily lives, i mean come on, God is always there for us, always waiting, he is patient!!!
I struggle with patience alot! Believe me do i ever, ask any of my friends, i have good moments i really do, but many other times, geeeeez i don't. So today i made another little bracelet and added another simple one, but with the word patience...as a reminder of what i need to seek throughout my walk over the next couple of months, and however long this bracelet lasts, and if it's awhile then hopefully it will become a part of my daily life.
But enough rant for today, take the challenge as you will...
Love never Fails! Jesus never Fails!
-mare
Most of the chapter is explaining how we can never truly show love, unless we are given it (in the correct form) first, ultimate experiencing God's unconditional love. If you are shown little then you love little, however we are called to love one another, it is one of the greatest commandments and we "believe" that we can do this, but normally fail, because we lose the genuine attitude that follows behind it.
Personally i don't want show someone love unless it's out of the depths of my heart and shown in a way that portrays that of the love of christ or mimics his to a certain degree. I don't want to pity love someone, because it's the right thing to do?! you know?! i wouldn't want that done for me, so how can i expect to give that and have a sufficient meaning for someone else.
As i read on, it continues to explain how we really cannot love someone, or multiple people correctly unless we have experienced true love from him, ourselves. The only love that never fails us, is the love that comes from Jesus Christ.
-1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says,
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Those are powerful and comforting words! It gives us hope to just read and have an understanding of it.
Now that you've been given the scripture, like the book did, i'm going to challenge you to place your name where "love" or "it" is and read it over and over.
"Mary is patient, mary is kind. Mary does not envy, mary does not boast, she is not proud. Mary is not rude, she is not self-seeking.....and lie and lie and lie...."
You really can't continue it, because as you start the first line you ultimately realize that it isn't a true statement once you put your name in...kind of humbles you huh?! Shoot it sure did for me. As i read it all the way through with my name, God was like ha funny isn't it?! No it's convicting in a good way and kinda becomes an eye opener. However, with it coming off as a lie, we are able to realize that this is the ultimate task we are given to drive our lives towards. These verses, with our names placed in, should be what we strive to become and live for...or how i understood it at least, unless the Big Man is wrong...and newsflash, he's that guy that GOD, he's always right!
Looking for a little less guilt, well read the verse again like normal, and then replace it with this.
"Jesus is patient, jesus is kind. Jesus does not envy, jesus does not boast, he is not proud. Jesus is not rude, he is not self-seeking, he is not easily angered, he is keeps no record of wrong! Jesus does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Jesus always protects, Jesus always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Jesus never fails!"
Tell me please, where you do not find that comforting and try to tell me you don't feel loved after reading it?!?! You can't! It's the plain truth. There is no greater love than the love of our father and jesus christ. He's always going to be there! And with that being said, maybe we need to strive to be more intentional with those around us and a little more flexible in our daily lives, i mean come on, God is always there for us, always waiting, he is patient!!!
I struggle with patience alot! Believe me do i ever, ask any of my friends, i have good moments i really do, but many other times, geeeeez i don't. So today i made another little bracelet and added another simple one, but with the word patience...as a reminder of what i need to seek throughout my walk over the next couple of months, and however long this bracelet lasts, and if it's awhile then hopefully it will become a part of my daily life.
But enough rant for today, take the challenge as you will...
Love never Fails! Jesus never Fails!
-mare
Friday, April 16, 2010
"creek bliss"
so typical me..... i wrote down in my journal my "blog" because the wi fi couldn't reach down by the creek, but what happens...it doesn't get typed up till today the 16th, and i dated the journal entry the 8th...
anyhoo, here it is...
So today i get the privilege of blogging at the best location possible. "The creek". And i'm lucky enough that it's just me, the falls, a very chipper bird and some kyle park and aaron watson...good' ol texas country. I just almost can't get over, just how amazingly beautiful it is outside today. I wish that the scene that surrounds me now, was the exact picture i woke up to face the beginning of my day, everyday. It's moments like these, that i can just sit and bask in the "aww" factor of God's glory and beautiful works. Like seriously, the big man knew what he was doing. From designing it ALL from the creek, to the rocks, to the people who made my necklace, to my scar on my foot, to my bike that caused this stupid scar. And each thing in his eye is beautiful and has a purpose in his creation.
I like, no LOVE, knowing that the same God who made such a gorgeous day, made me as well!!!
Besides today's weather, its been a good day because i only have a single class and work on thursdays. Therefore i get to wake up, get ready, go to a great job, that i'm blessed with it's flexibility, and sold formal tickets in the sub as well and enjoyed great company of some of the world's most fantastic friends. If you asked me this time last year what my life would look like now, it wouldn't look even close to this. I honestly can't imagine being anywhere else and being this happy!
Another joy added to my day, is i finally asked this certain someone to be my mentor. I've thought about it alot and realized how much an impact it would help with my spiritual walk and i would just get to become closer friends with her as well, to top it off! She is so incredibly joyful and i know that it comes from her love of the Lord and living a life that glorifies him.
All this being said... I came to a decision last night. For the longest time my life has consisted of living for christ but slacking in a personal relationship with him. I have come to realize alot lately, recently, previously and notice i get back into my routine of feeling and thinking "i can do it on my own god, i'm good but thanks anyways". I'll pray here and there, and have a "quiet time" when i "feel" like it...(man the quotations are heavy today)...Then something like focus or revival or biblestudy comm group comes up and i realize it again and have a longing to change it and two days later i'm back to square one. I know this sounds like i had a realization moment and i did, yes, but i know without a doubt in my mind that i want to get off my treadmill of a life and start blazing a trail, a trail that consists of living for him but also loving his people and truly understanding and seeking what it means to be "in" Love with him. It's going to take time i know that and i'm glad, no reason to rush, because he's always there, but no putting him aside and abusing his patience and persistence .
I am blessed with so incredibly much. I have a health and happy "together" family. Amazing, Amazing friendships, and so much more...and i can't rely on him or give him my best? and i have a friend who's mamoo is pretty sick and she's going through so very much and my friend finds joy in suffering and my friend finds joy in it, and stands strong in her walk and manages to do her job and school work and never ever gets stressed because she knows it's not worth it, when it comes to eternity and gives it all to one creator and i am absolutely blessed and manage to let worry and stress rule my life and slothfulness and lazyness as well, run prevalent through me. It's not fair to bug, not fair to me and definaetly not fair to GOD who deserves nothing better than all of me and can handle all my worries. However, i can not let my faith and personal relationship be motivated out of guilt, and i won't.
Soooo...No more treadmill
Grabbing a walking stick (God) and blazing a new trail.
"For this is the day the Lord
has made and i will rejoice
and be glad in it!"
-well that was quite an extensive rant...making up for time missed...ish
love much
-mare
anyhoo, here it is...
So today i get the privilege of blogging at the best location possible. "The creek". And i'm lucky enough that it's just me, the falls, a very chipper bird and some kyle park and aaron watson...good' ol texas country. I just almost can't get over, just how amazingly beautiful it is outside today. I wish that the scene that surrounds me now, was the exact picture i woke up to face the beginning of my day, everyday. It's moments like these, that i can just sit and bask in the "aww" factor of God's glory and beautiful works. Like seriously, the big man knew what he was doing. From designing it ALL from the creek, to the rocks, to the people who made my necklace, to my scar on my foot, to my bike that caused this stupid scar. And each thing in his eye is beautiful and has a purpose in his creation.
I like, no LOVE, knowing that the same God who made such a gorgeous day, made me as well!!!
Besides today's weather, its been a good day because i only have a single class and work on thursdays. Therefore i get to wake up, get ready, go to a great job, that i'm blessed with it's flexibility, and sold formal tickets in the sub as well and enjoyed great company of some of the world's most fantastic friends. If you asked me this time last year what my life would look like now, it wouldn't look even close to this. I honestly can't imagine being anywhere else and being this happy!
Another joy added to my day, is i finally asked this certain someone to be my mentor. I've thought about it alot and realized how much an impact it would help with my spiritual walk and i would just get to become closer friends with her as well, to top it off! She is so incredibly joyful and i know that it comes from her love of the Lord and living a life that glorifies him.
All this being said... I came to a decision last night. For the longest time my life has consisted of living for christ but slacking in a personal relationship with him. I have come to realize alot lately, recently, previously and notice i get back into my routine of feeling and thinking "i can do it on my own god, i'm good but thanks anyways". I'll pray here and there, and have a "quiet time" when i "feel" like it...(man the quotations are heavy today)...Then something like focus or revival or biblestudy comm group comes up and i realize it again and have a longing to change it and two days later i'm back to square one. I know this sounds like i had a realization moment and i did, yes, but i know without a doubt in my mind that i want to get off my treadmill of a life and start blazing a trail, a trail that consists of living for him but also loving his people and truly understanding and seeking what it means to be "in" Love with him. It's going to take time i know that and i'm glad, no reason to rush, because he's always there, but no putting him aside and abusing his patience and persistence .
I am blessed with so incredibly much. I have a health and happy "together" family. Amazing, Amazing friendships, and so much more...and i can't rely on him or give him my best? and i have a friend who's mamoo is pretty sick and she's going through so very much and my friend finds joy in suffering and my friend finds joy in it, and stands strong in her walk and manages to do her job and school work and never ever gets stressed because she knows it's not worth it, when it comes to eternity and gives it all to one creator and i am absolutely blessed and manage to let worry and stress rule my life and slothfulness and lazyness as well, run prevalent through me. It's not fair to bug, not fair to me and definaetly not fair to GOD who deserves nothing better than all of me and can handle all my worries. However, i can not let my faith and personal relationship be motivated out of guilt, and i won't.
Soooo...No more treadmill
Grabbing a walking stick (God) and blazing a new trail.
"For this is the day the Lord
has made and i will rejoice
and be glad in it!"
-well that was quite an extensive rant...making up for time missed...ish
love much
-mare
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