Life of a Cowgirl

DAY 1

Well I arrived in Springfield, MO Thursday afternoon to find my Papaw Olson waiting for me in the baggage area. One of my favorite things about being around him is his height :-D it is because of him that I am so tall!! Well, small world (like usual), as I was waiting for my bags, a girl started to walk up to me. I had to take a double take to see that it was Lori Milton, a good friend from Flagstaff in the Springfield airport! Who knew?! I just love how small this world is! She was in missouri for the month of june to do a summer camp! Too cool!

Papaw and I headed to his farm, but first had to stop at a feed store to pick up some supplies. He surprised me by buying me my own cowgirl hat!! He had finished my cowgirl look- i had the boots, the belt buckle and now the hat... the trip was now allowed to continue :) We picked up some supplies, got a quick bite to eat, bought some groceries and drove the 100 miles to the farm. Exhausted from the long day, I slept til we got to his place.

Then low and behold we arrived to the Fingal Farm...sweet and tucked away just like I remembered it, but this time there were sheep in the pasture, two new dogs, 5 new kittens and a llama. We got started right away with feeding of the animals. I got to feed the sheep who were hilarious to listen too. I never realized how noisy they were! Papaw was able to catch a lamb for me so I could hold it and get a picture with it :)

We then headed to where Louie the guard llama was pinned. He is in charge of the adolesent ewes. Supposedly this is not a nice llama, but when you have food in a bucket he doesn't think you are too bad. I fed the llama then headed up the porch where the kittens were. These are definitely the cutest things! So little, only 3 weeks old! So I sat there for a while just loving on these sweet kittens!After petting on the kittens, I needed to go see my horse Olly. O what a beauty he is! I was excited because the next day we were gonna give him a bath and saddle him up to ride! The day had gone so well the whole time! Papaw and I made a delicious steak dinner, put on a movie and called it a night.

DAY 2Day 2 started a little later which was amazing because I got to finally sleep in! We ate some breakfast, lathered on our spf 100 sunscreen and headed out for a day of fun on the farm. We went and fed the sheep and then harnessed up Olly to get a bath. I forget how big and strong those animals are, but with just a rope or a bridal, they are so under control-very cool!! We bathed Olly up (which im not sure how keen he was on that event), picked off a ton of ticks which totally grossed me out, brushed him and let him dry. One cool thing I learned today was how to clean out a horse's hoof. That was something I had never done before- I must say a little scary, but he behaved and stood there like nothing was happening (however this is because his face was stuffed in a bucket of grain :) ) After we got Olly all cleaned up we stuck the saddle on him.

Now Olly had not been ridden since I was there the last time, and that was over 2 years ago. So, this horse was none to thrilled to have someone sitting on his back. However, whether he liked it or not, we did it anyways. Papaw rode him first, then I walked him around for a while-no trotting for me! Once I got the horse ridding in that I wanted, we cleaned up and headed to town to run a few errands. You know I just love how the Lord works. He really does allow us to go through trials so that we can encourage and comfort those who end up going through the same stuff. One of Papaw's neighbors just had a stroke last week, and so we were headed to go visit her in the hospital. Come to find out this woman had the same kind of stroke grandma judy had! So I was able to talk with the lady and her family and understand all the things that she had gone through or was going through. Man, what an awesome family! This woman looked great and was recovery quickly and her reason for feeling good: PRAYER! Why or how you couldnt believe that prayer is not only powerful but effective is beyond me. Papaw and I spent a good hour in there talking with the family. Papaw is surrounded by some pretty awesome people, coincidence? I think NOT. After our errands were run in town we headed back home to get some dinner started. Another steak dinner was on the table and it was delicious. I then proceeded to ask Papaw a list of questions pertaining to his childhood, genealogy etc. His background is amazing, and I loved hearing all of the stories from back then. I am taking these questions and asking them to all my other close relatives, because you never know when they will be gone and what a shame to have all of this neat history and memories to be wasted and never recorded! So the questions and answering will continue tomorrow.

Although going to bed a little discouraged, I need to know and trust that God is still in control. As my friend told me "pray and that's it". So that is what I will do. As I lay my head to rest tonight, I will pray. Pray that the Lord will continue to soften the heart, that opportunities to be bold will present themselves in the Lord's perfect time, and that I can approach the throne of grace with confidence! Lord, I do thank you for being faithful, and I do trust that you cause all things to work out for the good of those who love you!

Looking forward to another day on the farm being a cowgirl!

Life is Fragile, His Grace is Enough, Prayers Work

PRAYER WORKS

Well im sitting in Grandma Judy's room on my last full day here. It has been amazing seeing her improvement over the days!! She really is a miracle!! God has answered so many of our prayers so quickly and I couldnt be more thankful!! She is talking a lot better, a lot clearer. She is able to somewhat stand and sit with little help of others. She is eating on her own. The Lord is truly healing her body and I think the coolest thing is that the doctors dont understand how- but I know- GOD IS MORE POWERFUL THAN A STROKE!! I cant tell my friends thank you enough for the prayers and support yall have given in this situation!!!!

Man the verse in James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" has been so evident over this whole semeste- I swear the Lord never seizes to amaze me. 

After lent, I felt convicted that I wasnt praying for others as much as I should have. My eyes were opened to the realization that it's not about me and how fulfilling it is to put my focus on others. Getting on my knees and lifting up those who I love and care about was such an awesome escape... A couple nights were spent sitting on a picnic table, listening to music, prayin and crying...what a release it was to lay everything at His feet- health, school, internships, uncertainties with summer plans and life, friends and family in need of a change of heart...everything... and each time I felt like the burdens, hurts and doubts were lifted.

I never would have thought of myself as a prayer warrior, but its always something to strive after! I have seen the power of prayer and it makes my faith so much stronger.. the Lord is so gracious and so faithful and when I see huge prayers answered it makes me want to pray even harder.... nothing is impossible for God and it has been proven time and time again... PRAYER WORKS :) 

Life is Fragile, Grace is Enough and Prayer Works.. part 1

I had heard the saying life is fragile, but it wasn’t until this semester it truly hit me how precious and fragile life really is. It’s so easy for us to go through the motions of everyday and miss out on some amazing opportunities as well as blessings that are right in front of us.  How often do you tell your parents thank you for all the sacrifices they’ve made for you? How often do you give one of those hugs where you don’t let go until the hurt is gone? How often do you tell the ones you love, that you actually love them? How often do you take the time to help out a complete stranger? All of these things have been coming up lately and I wasn’t sure why. The idea of me being a selfish 20 year old came up quite often too.  I kept pushing these whispers and thoughts away and kept on with my busy life. It wasn’t until there were a couple of unexpected deaths in families of friends of mine that this idea of life being fragile became real again. Death stings for sure, it’s never an easy thing to grasp or deal with. However, the only way to really get through those times is holding onto the Truth we believe in our hearts- and that is God is sovereign, He is in control and His glory will shine, even in the dark times.  So, watching my friends hurt made me really take a step back to see all the people in my life that I needed to reach out to.  I needed to encourage those who were hurting, those who were succeeding and those who were stuck in a rut. As I was doing this, the Lord turned the tables a bit.

An unexpected phone call came about my grandma last Friday. My dad said she had a stroke and that was all we knew.  It’s one of those phone calls where your knees give out, your heart pounds and tears start to stream down your face.  It’s almost this feeling of being helpless because you can’t be there with her in the hospital, you can’t give your mom a hug…all you can do is go to battle-pray and pray hard. God is a God of comfort and He who promised is faithful…so that’s what I held onto and I prayed.  The Lord has done some major miracles the past 48 hours and has answered some major prayers.  My grandma had a Hemorrhagic stroke  at about midnight Thursday but wasn’t found until 11am the next day. This would normally cause some major damage with victims of a stroke of this severity. However, she is awake, alert, sitting up, talking, eating and even joking around! I’m sorry but the only way to explain that is GOD did it! Her speech is still slurred, her right side is weak and there is a lot of rehab to be done, but she is improving every day.  I believe with my whole heart that things don’t happen by accident- that this was no surprise to God and that He is going to use this hard situation in a huge way!! The Lord was gracious in allowing me a free week to come up and spend it with her in the hospital.

 Ya, it’s hard seeing her in this state, but it’s a chance for me to shower God’s love, encouragement  and joy on not only her, but my uncle, mom and whomever else I come in contact with. I’m done being a luke-warm Christian- I am going to live a life that truly reflects Christ wherever I go. I want people to see me and see my heart for the Lord just seeping out of my pores. I am excited to see what opportunities pop up this week as I’m here.  Lord, hide me behind the cross so that you are seen!! more about Grace and Prayer later :)

In the Morning, Give Me Jesus

It has been a long time since I've written :-/ Lots of things have been going on lately. My day usually consists of wake up, quiet time with the Lord, class, chapel, class, practice, internship. So my days are very packed, and I am daily tested- I am I going to try to make it through by my own strength or His? This definitely determines if the day goes well or not :)

There have been a lot of things on my plate lately which has caused me to be not only physically tired, but mentally and spiritually. I still havent grasped the concept of "giving it to God", but its a slow proccess. This poem I got in my daily devotional email, and it is exactly what I am going through! I know these things: I know the truth, I know God has made me just right, I know He has a plan and purpose for me... so why can't I grasp these things in my mind?

"I Know"

** I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end?

** I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy?

** I know He has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself?

** I know He is a healer, so why do I speak of sickness?

** I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can't?

** I know He will protect me, so why do I fear?

** I know He will supply all my needs, so why can't I wait?

** I know He is my strength and my salvation, so why do I feel weak?

** I know that everything and everyone has a season, so why when someone's season is over do I weep instead of rejoice?

** I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way?

** I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness?

** I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, so why am I scared to ask?

** I know tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today?

** I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie?

** I know He gives us revelation, knowledge and understanding, so why do I lean on my own understanding?

** I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, so why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh?

** I know that when praises go up, blessings come down, so why do I refuse to praise Him?

** I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me?

** I know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it because

** I am eager to do His will, when it is His time not my time?

On a lighter note, we had a winter ball this past Friday (48th floor, Empire Room), and I am pretty sure that it was the funnest dance I've been too. No, I didnt have a date, but the group of people I went with were amazing! There were 4 guys and 5 girls and we just rotated with everyone. The only bummer was the fact that I was taller than all the guys (figures haha) But it was a blast! I am so glad we went!

Power Made Perfect in our Weakness...

February 7 11:46pm

I must say, this has definitely been a roller coaster of a week. My emotions and moods and thoughts have been all over the place. I have felt sad,overwhelmed, overjoyed, shocked, thankful, humbled, strengthened, hopeless, hopeful....the list could go on, but one thing remains to be true- He was there, every minute of ever day...through every tear and every bit of laughter.

Why is it that one minute I can have all the faith in the world and not be fearful of the unknowns, and man the next fall flat on my face and wonder if there is any hope? I guess sometimes those questions will never be answered, and I will continue to ride this roller coaster we call life.

One thing I know is certain is that "He who promised is faithful" Heb. 10:23, and He has proven that time and time again. I know these trials are only going to make me stronger, its whether I choose to ground myself into His truth every morning and cling to His promises...

I went on a run this evening, already exhausted from a long day of touring people around campus... I put on my calm playlist and started to run. As I started running, the words of each song penetrated my heart in a way that I knew it was the Lord speaking to me... it was encouraging and reassuring that things were going to be ok...He was right here with me every step of the way... some of the different song lyrics that stuck out are:

*"its ok, answer me with silence, its ok if you dont say a word, you're testing me to trust you'll be faithful in this quiet, so ok answer me with silence"

*"to say goodbye to all the things that i thought i loved but never needed- to lose myself and just believe- to reach for hope but not a reason....and id give my life, to spend one day with you, to see through the rain and know the skies are blue"

*"'cause ill be by your side wherever you have fallen....my hands are holding you"

*"pour out your mercy, clear this busy mind, your love is like eating a slice of pie...it is like honey on my tongue, so pour out your mercy clear this busy mind- your words are a lamp unto my feet, when i walk down these dark and lonely streets- you are all i need"

*"hope is strength to walk alone...hope ill be waiting, and ill be holding onto- im never knowing, so ill be holding onto hope"

there are just a few of the songs that really hit home tonight... i had a great talk with God out in the grass, under the stars (well the 3 i could see). It was great, very humbling and once again laid everything at His feet.

I must say, I am blessed to have the most amazing family and friends in my life who are supportive, encouraging and so loving... and I have realized I dont thank you enough... so thank you from the bottom of my heart! I wouldnt be who I am today without you :)

Up at midnight but class at 8 am...

I should be in bed...

Well this week has flown by! I cant believe its already Thursday! Its been a great week with surprises around every corner. I have class in 8 hrs, but I cant seem to go to sleep, too many things on my mind I guess. warning: This will be random

Let's see first, I must comment on my global marketing class. One word: LEGIT! Man our teacher is hard core- I know I am going to learn a lot and definitely be challenged (which is what I need!) We have no text book, but we are required to read about a book every week- now Emily does not read like that unless the book is about vampires or some sappy romance...unfortunately these books wont have those characteristics, but they will be about business and that should keep my attention :) I am excited to see what I will take away from this class!

Next, so I was looking forward to some interviews this week for potential summer internships... going into them I prayed, and prayed hard. I am done with living my life according to me, satisfying MY desires...no! things are changing and now I am laying everything at His feet and praying for His guidance and peace- this includes career, relationships whatever! I am confident the Lord already has some sweet job/internship for me for this summer, it is just going to take some work on my part to search those out and simply have faith. So, the internship I thought my be a for sure didn't happen, but I was so encouraged by what the woman said to me and she gave me some great alternative options. So, what i am thinking at this point, if not this amazing one, God has something else amazing for me- no worries. So now its onto the next contact, the next person i can get to know and some more doors of opportunity for the Lord to open- man life is exciting!

I have been very blessed to have the past few days pretty much free due to icy weather conditions. No practice for the past 3 days! I have had some time to do some shopping (getting new business clothes is way too fun!) I have spent some quality time with people in my life who bless me in so many ways! I am so amazed by God and how perfect He does things. He totally puts the exact people in your life at the perfect time, for the perfect reason (understanding that reason sometimes is the tricky part). I need to be a better friend and invest in their lives as much as they do in mine!

I love how small of a world this is. I went out to sushi with some friends the other night and overheard the waitresses talking about some kind of fruit. One mentioned that it tasted like Rambutan and so I instantly butted into their conversation. The girl was actually from Bandung Indonesia and had met the family that works in Molly's school who were from Texas! I knew them too..wow what a small world- I love it when God does that!

Today I went to Panera to read the rest of my text book for my spring internship. While I was there God totally reminded me the simplicity of life and how much joy it should be. I guess getting older, you just get stressed out about dumb things and you forget about how good life is. I was sitting on the comfy chairs by the fire when this family sits at the table next to me. The kids sat at a separate table than the parents-the typical set up when the parents dont want to deal with the kiddos. I was watching the kids and it was just funny remembering how fun it was to be that young and not really have a care in the world. They were laughing about who knows what, but that totally changed my attitude for the rest of the time there. It was a nice reminder to just be happy. Focus on the good things of the day, of all the ways the Lord has blessed me...when you count your blessings, all the "bad things" dont even matter.

While at Panera I was also reading my daily walk bible. Good challenge for the day:

Take 10 words to capture the most important thought on your mind right now

* "the unknowns of the future cause me no fear "

Last random thought for the night. I went to church tonight to watch Fireproof with a group of people. Can i just say this was absolutely amazing! It was such a powerful movie that totally proves the importance of 1. having Christ in your life 2. that your relationships must be based on Christ 3. love is a choice not a feeling.... great, clean, moving movie that i definitely recommend to everyone!

Alright that's all for tonight, I think I'll be able to sleep now :)

Reflection of the First Week Back at School

One week of school down 15 more to go :-D

Looking back on the first week I think one word to describe it would be "Encouraged". Man I am so encouraged! Although there are a lot of unknowns concerning the summer, this semester's internship, and life in general- I am so encouraged by the Lord and the amazing ways He works. I have been doing really good with spending time in the Word thanks to the Daily Walk Bible- a day-by-day read (in theory so i can read the bible in one year!) I have gained so much understanding and appreciation for God's Word and its so cool to see how applicable the Word is to my life's experiences! So that has been really neat to see god speak to me through His Word. It was my roommate's birthday this weekend, so we had a surprise party for her on Friday and then had a girls day out on Saturday- nails and shopping it was great!
We have acquired a new decoration for our apartment to help remind us to focus on our studies...haha its kinda the running joke in the house :

This week I will start back up with soccer training and I am really excited about that. I have really gained a passion for weight training so practice wont be a burden, rather an escape! I am going to have my first meeting for my internship for the spring this week to talk about all the details- and I am so excited about the fact that I will be working on the 20th floor of a high-rise in downtown Dallas!! Yup, the Lord is so good.
I heard a really neat quote by Jim Elliot today, and I really want it to be the cry of my heart as well as every follower of Christ:

“Father, make of me a crisis woman. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me.”

After A Few Days in Class

Well, class started on Tues, but my week started off amazing when i got the opportunity to go to a free Phil Wickham concert at school on Monday evening. Wow! His lyrics really hit home to me that night and really set the week on a good note- helped me get my focus on the Lord. I want to post some lyrics of a song of his just because they are constantly my prayer.. soo good :)

Grace
The sky is grey and the light is far
The sea is a rage within my heart
I turn my sight to the crashing waves
I cry in the night just to be saved
I need eyes to be my guide
I need a voice that’s louder than mine
I need hope I need You
Cause I can’t do this alone
Grace I call Your name
Oh won’t Your smile fall over me
I’m cracked and dry on hands and knees
Oh sweet grace rain down on me
I need You grace
I pray for dawn a new day to live
I pray for mercy only Jesus gives
Though darkness falls and a million cry
I believe over all there’s a greater light shining for us
Come down and save me

Man, God is so good and I am reminded of his amazing mercies and grace every day! I love my classes so far- promotional strategies is going to so fun, Hebrews will be awesome, Spanish went really well today I understood her when she spoke in Spanish :) Um Economics is interesting...so things are great! I am really looking forward to what this semester has to hold and what I am going to learn.

Today's chapel was so powerful. Dr. Cook talked about his journey with Leukemia and how he was so encouraged by Ann Graham Lotz thing "Give me Jesus"...we turned down the lights and listened to it..and wow!
I encourage you to listen to it, close your eyes and take in every description of who Jesus is- one is bound to hit home. Not gonna lie, I shed some tears.... so now every morning I am going to say
JUST GIVE ME JESUS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVGIoeuC_uo

back in dallas

January 18 Back at DBU

Its kinda sad that I got to spend a whole 24 hours with my family before I headed back to Dallas. However, it was the best 24 hours- lots of bonding (including sushi with dad!) I won't see them until school gets out, and then who knows how much time I will have with them this summer since I am planning on staying in Dallas for the summer. O well, the time I had with them was a total blessing!!

Well I just got back to DBU late Saturday evening. I am definitely experiencing jet lag and its pretty rough! I had no idea what to expect with jetlag, but its definitely not fun. Im kinda crabby and really tired! I have yet to take a nap during the day and drink coffee so that my body can readjust naturally :-/ So I have kept myself busy and awake with working out, playing volleyball and watching movies with the roommates. School doesn't start until Tuesday, so I still have one more day to rest. So it will consist of shopping for groceries, a new phone and random school stuff. I am really looking forward to this semester and what it has in store.

I am taking some pretty exciting classes like global marketing, promotional strategies and Hebrews! I am also doing an internship with Buckner International!! So there are a lot of unknowns concerning this semester, but I have no doubt that God is going to do some awesome things and He is going to be there every step of the way- in the good times and bad.

I will definitely keep the blog going this semester, just because it help me remember the awesome ways the Lord works and keeps others updated on the Life of Emily Ruth :)

Last leg of the trip LA-Flag

January 15 Last Leg

Flying from korea to tokyo was quick and I saw the most beautiful thing- I think this picture says it all (Mount Fuji in Japan) Well the trip was almost over when I finally reached LA at 7:25 am. I headed to customs to be legally allowed to enter the states when I successfully got in the slowest line EVER. It seriously took 45 minutes when it should have taken maybe 20. Again, when you ask for patience, God gives you situations like that. To add the annoyance, I almost got my phone taken away by the security haha. I totally forgot that when you get off the plane from traveling internationally, you aren't supposed to use your phone. Well someone from DBU had called me and suddenly the security guy yelled at me telling me to get off the phone- I was totally shocked that I didnt know how to explain myself to the person on the phone and when the security guy started walking toward me I just hung up. Oops. Well after waiting in line for forever, I got through customs and headed outside. I kept forgetting where I was (maybe the lack of sleep was starting to effect my though process). I was super excited to have a 7 hour layover because I finally had the opportunity to spend time with a former eagle- Ana aka OC!!! She's from the OC and because of the horrible snow storms she was unable to come out and visit me- but now I got to visit her! She came and picked me up and thats when the adventure began!

I had told her I had a few hours to kill and just to keep me busy- well she took those words and did exactly that! We first hit up a mexican restaurant to get a breakfast burrito (that weighed like a pound!), then we drove to her school and checked out her dorm room, then we drove to downtown disneyland to get a caramel apple and play around in the disney store. We tried on all the funny hats and I bought a few souvenirs.

We then left downtown disney and headed to find a coffee bean. We grabbed some coffee (to help keep me awake because I hadn't gotten a bit of sleep for 24 hours!) and headed towards the beaches. I saw Long Beach and Huntington Beach- they were beautiful and I got a full tour of southern cali within 4 hrs. We wanted to get a picture at a beach and stick our toes in the water before I had to be back to the airport, so Ana parked the car on the side of the road, we ran to the beach, snapped a few pictures and I picked up a few sea shells and hopped back into the car. We were able to get all of these fun random things done and it was a blast. I was just expecting to grab a bite to eat with Ana and that would be it, but she totally blessed me and took me everywhere! It was so nice to finally reunite with an eagle!We got back to the airport just in time for me to check in and have a few minutes before I got on the plane. Once I got to my gate, jet lag hit hard. I was struggling to keep my eyes open, but I knew I could hold on until I got on the plane. Once I sat in my seat I passed out and woke up when we were flying over Sedona. The trip from LA to Flag was quick and a total relief when we landed. We got there earlier than expected, so I didnt have a warm welcome from the parents (which was ok). They arrived a few minutes after I grabbed my luggage. I then shared everything about the trip- I showed some pictures, gave them their little goodies- it was great! We went out to dinner and had an awesome time talking about life- Im not even sure Indonesia came up, but it was really neat to open up and talk about things that arent a typical dinner meal topic. God's presence was at the table that night and it was awesome (even a little emotional, so weird!)

So ya the first night back was good, very overwhelming. I had no idea what to expect when it came to jet lag, so I was in for a treat :) I eventually called it a night by midnight. I am still hoping for some time to reflect and be alone, but I am not sure that is gonna happen unfortunately :( Thank you Lord, for you are good and your love endures forever. I am so thankful that you never fail me and that you never leave my side. This verse gave me some comfort when I was on the plane thinking about life and it was kinda interesting that it was the verse on the wall at Molly's school :) lamentations 3:21-24