MIA & Texas.

For a second, I was on a nice little roll there with my blog, and then life happened.  I forgot how busy I was prior to surgery... never a dull moment in the Ayala Casita. And now that I can move significantly faster than I was 2 weeks ago, mama is on a roll!


I promise, I'll be back next week, or perhaps the following week. eek.  I know, I'm horrible! I have lots of catching up to do.  I actually have blogs ready to be posted, but the images are MIA, and with me being a photographer and all, that's a negative on going live.  So, they are sitting there, patiently waiting until I hit "publish".


As some you know Texas is practically burning to the ground.  Yes, my beloved great state.  Its so sad, and I can't seem to get it off my mind, especially when I can see the cloud of smoke from my driveway.  Its just incredibly devastating, and I can't even begin to imagine what the evacuees, victims, firefighters, and EMS are going through.  Some of them have already lost their homes, yet they continue with their call of duty.  WOW.  Goodness, they are a true blessing!  So so blessed to have these people give so much of their time and energy so selflessly.  It warms my soul, and gives me warm fuzzies to know that in the midst of this fallen world, there is still good, and even in the dark, God shines His light, and uses others to do the same!   What a mighty and powerful God we serve!


On Wednesday, my sister and I were out and about, and when we get together, who knows what might happen. hehe  But on our trip to Hobby Lobby, we "missed" the exit off 249, and drove right into Montgomery and all the way to the Waller County line.  As we inched our way closer to the smoke, it got darker, thicker, and scarier.  From far away, it looks like a big random cloud low in the sky, but when you're under the sky of smoke, its gut wrenching.  My sister and I sat in her truck at a local gas station, just gazing at this inferno that is wiping out homes, neighborhoods, and ranches.  We couldn't believe our eyes, and others around us seemed to have felt the same as they sat waiting patiently with radios and transmitters on, each passing around information as it came in.   So many emotions overcame me... loss, tragedy, worry, scared, hopeless, hopeful, faith, love, disbelief, anger, sorrow.... just everything.  I couldn't manage to hold on tight to just one.... it was an experience that simply cannot be explained.

I must say though...  Although this is a very terrifying ongoing situation, I couldn't help but think, "Wow.  The power of God... the power of all that He created."  I was in awe.   For a second, it put a smile on face.  A smile of knowing that although this is a horrible horrible time for Texas, we serve a God who is greater than it all.  A God who's timing is perfect, and a God who we can fully trust with every fiber of our being.  He is there... in that smoke, in that fire.  He weeps with those who are weeping. Through the smoke and the ashes, He breathes life into those who once never believed.  He brings a new hope, a new trust, and a new calling for the victims, and those with a helping hand, and a loving heart.

"The God of all comfort" comforts us in all our troubles "so that we can comfort others in any trouble." 

-- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Faith, Love, and Texas,
Casey

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for loving me. 
Unconditionally.   {1st Corinthians}


Thank you for choosing DEATH so that I may be redeemed and LIVE eternally through You.  {Mark 15:37}


Thank you for choosing LIFE.  {Jeremiah 1:5}
That I may walk this earth yesterday and today. 


Thank you for leaving tomorrow untold.  {James 4:14}



Thank you for the story of the Prodigal Son.  {Luke 15:11-32}
I was lost.
...But, am now found.  {Luke 15:32}



Thank you for choosing Me. 
Thank you for preparing me a path.  {Jeremiah 29:11}


Thank you for Your Word; the Word which illuminates my every step.  {Psalm 119:105}


Thank you for the darkness, so that I may always look to You; The Light of the world.  {John 9:5}



Thank you for instilling FAITH in this flesh.  {Isaiah 41:10}



Thank you for your love.
Your unfailing love.  {Ephesians 3:17-19}



With love, 
Your Daughter

Faith and Love, 

Casey

One Year Anniversary

This Easter will mark our 1 year anniversary.  A celebration of many anniversaries.  One being a year at Community of Faith.  And the rest... history.  Wow.  I can't even begin to describe how much our life changed for the better after attending our very first service as a family.  

You know, I was always the one to say that going to church wasn't a big deal, and that it wasn't needed to be a Christian. But honestly speaking, my entire view on church has changed since the very first time we sat as a family in that church.  It was like God breathed life into our little world, our marriage, and into our hearts. 

I can't imagine life without church.  And I can't imagine life without THIS church. 

Only being there a year, and I have met some extraordinary people.  None of which are perfect, and all of which have their own set problems, worries, and drama.  Nonetheless, beautiful passionate people.  I can't describe how each of them has impacted my life in so many different ways.  And that's considering I've only been there a year.  I am so so excited to see where the Lord takes us within and around this church.  

So far, we've been apart of Serve Saturday, which is a Saturday out of each month where the church goes to help around the city! And boy, do they help!!  Unfortunately, due to Jr's schedule, we haven't been able to attend as much as we'd like, but in just the times we have gone... wow.  Talk about humbleness. 

We've also attended small group, and again with Jr's schedule that didn't last too long, but during the time we were there, we learned the importance of tithing... something that never crossed our minds before then. 

My sister is also apart of the Praise Team. Yes, indeed! And both sisters are apart of the choir!  

Aislynn is known for her artistic skills in the daycare/school area. This cracks me up!

I've also been personally mentored by two of THE most amazing women I have ever met. And funny thing is, I've only been mentored by them once, and that once was WOW.  Eye opening, humbling, and convicting. 

We've also been to couples coaching... fun fun! And Jr and I are looking to take it further and get profession coaching.  Not saying we have any major major problems, and I don't think you need to have "problems" to seek outside counsel, but we love to talk about our marriage, and what we as individuals can do to make a difference for each other. 

Really, there's just too much to say about how God has used church (and this church particularly) to help shape and mold our lives, today.  I think humble is the key word, here. It has completely changed our lives, and I can't imagine going back to our way of living before we stepped through those front doors.

If you're in the Houston area, and are looking for a church to attend, stop by COF!! You'll be glad you did!

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 

-- 1 Corinthians 12:12

Faith and Love,
Casey