Finding Balance

It’s been a while since I wrote down my deeper thoughts, mostly because I honestly have not been able to put any of them into words. It’s as if God is speaking to something much deeper in me than what my mind can understand. A million different subjects fed to my soul at one time and yet it’s been months. Through this confusion I can still feel God speaking softly to my soul; feeding me a few lighted words and concepts in the darkness that continually surrounds me.

About the darkness.

I’m learning to embrace this place knowing that God is in the midst of it all, and with God, there is no true darkness. "...that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all..." ~1 John 1:5-7~ "For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness." ~Psalm 18:28~ What is perceived as darkness to my mind and soul is only hidden aspects of life. Some hidden only because of lack of wisdom or time and some hidden by God for various purposes. For He knows that too bright of a light can blind us and our focus is removed from Him and fear sets in. So I continue to take my daily steps as God shines just enough light for the next one. Some days I can see a faded light in the distance, reminding me that there is a greater plan ahead, and yet others I must rely only on faith. God is faithful and His will be done and His plans fulfilled. I’m thankful that this darkness I am in is not a separation from Him; not a depression if you will, but only a valley in the dessert. With time my walling will be turned into dancing and perhaps some light shed on the questions of my soul. I pray as more of my path is illuminated, that I can look back and see the growth He wishes and a greater dependence on Him.

So as I go through this darkness, relying on God’s light, I realize I’m struggling with a sense of balance in my life. Not the balancing one might often quickly think of in the area of life. I’m not struggling to find time to manage being a wife and work, home life and outside activities, friends and family. My questions come from some place deeper than what my mind can comprehend.

How can I find the balance between striving to feel God here with me and ‘just being’ knowing that He is right here?

How can I balance stretching as God is teaching me to do so, and yet sitting by quiet waters as He restores my soul?

How can I let go of clinging to God knowing He’s asking me to stretch while reminding me He’ll never let go?

How can I find the balance of faith and hope and yet understand that God’s ways or timing might be different than my desires?

I don’t know the answers to my questions. I do know where to find them though. It will take time, but God will reveal them and by staying in His Word and keeping my eyes focused on Him, I know with time, more light will be shed on my path and His ways revealed.

So for now, I pray God leads me to know the balance of prayer, devotion, time in His Word, silence, fellowship, reading, writing, and just being. I pray I do not live on yesterday’s bread alone, but seek time daily to be filled with God’s goodness. May I realize satan’s lies and know that God’s Word brings fulfillment and nourishment always.

...come and let us walk in the light of the Lord. ~Isaiah 2:5~

Just Enough Light
~Stormie Omartian~

Sometimes only the step I’m on,
Or the very next one ahead,
Is all that is illuminated for me.
God gives just the amount of light I need
For the exact moment I need it.
At those times I walk in surrender to faith,
Unable to see the future
And not fully comprehending the past.
And because it is God who has given me
What light I have,
I know I must reject the fear and
Doubt that threaten to overtake me.
I must determine to be content where
I am, and allow God to get me where I
Need to go.
I walk forward,
One step at a time,
Fully trusting that
The light God sheds
Is absolutely sufficient.

Summer Pics of Pickles and Noodles

I would love to know what she was thinking in this picture! Either she's on a diet and is trying to convince herself that she doesn't want the food, or she is so sick b/c she ate too much and can't believe she let herself pig out!


Jason and I bought our babies a kiddie pool for the summer time heat. Neither of them enjoyed it too much the first evening, but the heat of the following day brought along welcomed 'water time'!



Even Bailey got to get out and enjoy the day!



The rest are some good patio lounging pics!

Top Secret Mission - 8th Grade Celebration Breakfast

This past Saturday, adults and HS youth at St. John 'kidnapped' the 8th grade youth and took them to Luby's to celebrate the ending of junior high and the beginning of high school! We gathered at the church parking lot and broke into teams. There were 5 girl teams and 4 boy teams. We then headed of to our destinations. The adults drove and once arrived, the parents welcomed us and let the high school youth 'kidnap' the 8th graders. You should have seen the laughter from all parties, including the parents watching! Once all children were picked up, the last stop was at Luby's for breakfast and fellowship. It was wonderful watching all the youth laugh and share over eggs and pancakes! There was over 55 of us total. Below are some pics I took.

Ladies Summer Prep Fun

Last weekend some of the young ladies of St. John got together for some 'spa time' in prep for summer. This was the 'kick-off' activity for the mentoring group we are starting in which young women in the 20s and young ladies grades 6-12 mentor each other. Friday the 14th the HS ladies gathered for an ice cream social. Natalie had the great idea of making sundaes in gutters (new and cleaned of course). It was great fun and I highly recommend trying this! We spent the first part of the evening chatting and sharing, then enjoying ice cream, playing an ice-breaker game involving cotton balls and petroleum jelly, and then we had fun playing with make-up, lotions, etc. The main point of 'summer prep' was learning to bring God into EVERY part of our lives; including the girly things of fashion, make-up and summer fun! Below is a preview of the prayer God led me to write based off of Ephesians 6:10-20! We handed out copies of this to each lady; printed on girly paper! Hope you enjoy as well!



The next morning, we meet some of the 6-8th graders for a 'brunch'. We spent the morning doing the same events as the night before. By the time Satuday afternoon had come, I was so happy reflecting on the beauty and uniqueness of each young lady. My heart fills with joy as I enjoy watching the differences between the 6-7th graders, the 8th graders, the HS girls and the seniors. Praying for each lady and so thankful God brought each of them into my life!

The 6-7th graders decided to be adventurous and tried out the make-up as war-paint! Pretty creative if you ask me ;)

Ephesians 6:10-20

The Whole Armor of God

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.

Stand therefore,
having girded your waist with truth
having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

above all,
taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

And take
the helmet of salvation,
And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end which all perseverance and supplication for all the saints – and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.











A Woman’s Prayer: As She ‘Prepares for Battle’

~Shanna French~ May 2010

Lord, as You have taught me, I want to clothe myself in the full armor of Your blessings each day You give to me. Being a female in today’s world, I can easily get wrapped up in things of vanity and self. Let me focus instead on Your truths and how You would have me live. May my every action reflect You and bring glory to You and Your kingdom.

Having exfoliated, just as You have done for me, the old-self has been removed so the new may grow and shine. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

May the cream used daily show the softness and gentleness you wish me to share with the world. (Philippians 4:4-5)

As I apply the foundation to my face, may I be reminded that it is purity in mind and actions that You seek. (Proverbs 22:11)

Just as the blush brings about color to my cheeks, so may I bring color and joy to those around me. (Romans 15:13)

I pray that You shield what I see and focus on today as I apply make-up to my eyes. (Proverbs 4:25 and 23:26)

I pray that the words of my mouth be pleasing to You Lord as I apply moisture and color to my lips. (Proverbs 16:24)

Please protect and grow my mind as I clean, shape and style my hair which covers it. Let the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You O, Lord. (Philippians 4:7)

Just as my perfume fills the air, I want my worship and my love to be sweetness and pleasing to You Lord. (Colossians 1:10)

As I place the necklace around my neck, I pray for the heart it rests upon to be one after Your own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14, Psalms 13:5)

May these earrings symbol filters placed on my ears that I may discern what is truth Lord. (Psalm 25:5, Proverbs 2:3, Philippians 1:9-10)

I place this bracelet on my wrist and pray that my hands’ work bring glory to You. (John 15:5)

Often representing commitments, may these rings remind me to first love You with all my heart, mind and soul, and then my neighbors as myself. (Matthew 22:36-46)

I know my body is a temple in which You dwell my Lord. I pray that the coverings I clothe myself in allow You to shine through. (Colossians 3:12)

As I know the devil is like a roaring lion, waiting to attack me, I pray that You provide me the protection I need daily. May my nails reflect my readiness to protect what is most dear to me; my life in You. Thank you for equipping me with The Full Armor of God. (1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:10-20)


May Our Focus Be On Christ!! ~Shanna French~ May 2010

Anniversary Weekend!!

Jason and I have been married four years! Wow how fast time flies. I feel so blessed to be married to my best friend; so thankful to get to go through life with Jason by my side. I'm one lucky lady. I love you Sweetie!

We celebrated our anniversary the other weekend and had such a wonderful time together!




We went out to dinner at Flemmings (where Jason proposed almost 5 years ago) and then went dancing for a little while the evening of our anniversary. It was great!





Then we went to Brenham... went to Blue Bell Creameries

Checked into our room at the Inn where we stayed on our wedding night and our first year anniversary.

Then headed to a miniature horse farm. They had so many new babies since March... way too cute. We even saw some that were 6, 5 and 3 days old!

More pics from our anniversary...

Some Spring Flowers

Just thought I'd post some 'sunshine'! Hope you enjoy :)