Crazy, Hectic, Wild, BUT Blessed.

Well, it's been a long time since I posted so tonight, as I sat at my computer researching several different things I thought I might as well update this. Not sure if anyone even reads this but if you do and were curious as to what is going on in my life... well, here ya go!

In June I was robbed at gun point while working for the bank. It was the most traumatic thing I've ever experienced and from there it was just one thing after another. After several months of working for IBC and numerous things that caused me to question their morals and ethics AND after a lot of prayer, I took a LEAP of Faith and gave my notice with no other job lined up. Even though I didn't know what was going to happen next, I knew that my God is faithful and that He was in control. So, I applied for job after job after job and spent day and night afraid for my life since I was still dealing with the aftermath of the robbery. I finally got a lead and an opportunity to pick up and leave everything I knew and move to Colorado and work in the Oil and Gas field. Well, after selling most everything I owned the owner of the company called me to change the plan which was not a good opportunity in the long run, so I turned it down. Keep in mind, this whole time I was asking God to slam the door shut if I wasn't suppose to move... thankfully he slammed it. On a Sunday night, I went to my good friends house and her family and I stood in a circle and prayed over my situation. Immediately our family friend got a call from a lady we knew that was looking for an administrative assistant and she offered me the job, so of course I thought this was God's plan... turns out, it wasn't. In the mean time, I had a rent house that required me to actually pay for and I was broke. In a matter of a week, and lots of prayer, God gave me a very sweet family that was willing to open their garage apartment up for me to live in for much less rent and I was able to get out of my current rent house without having to pay any fee's or extra rent for breaking the lease. God is good. Through out this time, I had been researching a company to go into business with, where I would be in business for myself but not by myself. I was tired of the rat race and the corporate world so when I did my due diligence, I found that Zija was exactly what I was looking for. I had been following the success of Zija for over a year and loved the product. It's a health and wellness company that specializes in all natural nutrition, weight loss, detox, and skin care. It has not only changed my life but also my families life. My grandma feels better than she has in years and I've lost over 25lbs! It's amazing. If you are interested in learning more about it check out my website www.lindsayvick.myzijastory.com.
So that's been my life in a nutshell over the last few months. Crazy, hectic, wild, BUT blessed.

Christmas is just around the corner, where I'll be heading to my mom and Doug's house in Hot Springs... looking forward to family time, not looking forward to the drive with 2 dogs but it will be worth it! This Christmas I hope you take the time to remember the reason for the season, it's not about the gifts... it's about the birth of Jesus Christ. Remember Jesus and enjoy time with your family and friends.

In case it takes me another several months to write again, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year, may 2012 bring you nothing but great things!

xoxox- Lindsay Jay.

In the books

Well, my first week at my new job is in the books! I am excited for how God is changing my heart and how he is working things out!

I'm so ready for the first few weeks to be over... training is never fun (in my opinion) but it's a must. Fortunately for me, all of my banking knowledge has came flooding back, so I mostly just have to learn their system... which is really great news!
Lots of changes will be happening within the next few months and though it won't all be easy, I know that God put me exactly where I am for a reason!

After a long first week, last night I went to LifeChurch for our Singles Night Live... it was an incredible night of worship and fellowship with other singles! Although I was so tired and honestly thought about just going home and skipping all together, I knew I needed to go... and I must say, I'm glad I did. God truly moved in my heart and I was so blessed by the night. It was exactly what I needed to end my tiring week.

I got to catch up on some sleep by sleeping in this morning,which I can't tell you how great it felt to not have to wake up to an alarm! haha!  Tonight I'm excited for church and to hear an incredible message! It's going to be a great evening!

ANDDDDDDD NEXT FRIDAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOP WOOOOOP! Although this birthday will be nothing like my usual birthday (week) I am thankful to have a job and family/friends that support me! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEK TO ME! I believe I will celebrate by getting a Coconut Mocha Frap EVERY single day this week! :) (That's Starbucks new frap and it's heavenly)

Well, I hope everyone has a great rest of weekend and a wonderful week! Thanks again for your continued prayers! I appreciate each and every one of you!

xoxox-

*Great is Thy faithfulness*

"Great is Thy faithfulness!" "Great is Thy faithfulness!"

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—

"Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord, unto me!

I woke up this morning singing this hymn. The neat thing about the words in this song is that it is such a reminder to how faithful God is!

I know I haven't posted lately so let me catch you up to speed. About a month ago I applied for a job at IBC bank and after God teaching me a little patience, I found out yesterday that I got the position. I am now the Branch Manager at the Gillardia branch in OKC. While I waited for the phone call, I kept praying that God would provide (I knew he would but I just needed the peace in seeing him provide for me) and let me tell you, he provided over and over and over again as he always does (that I'm usually too stressed to see). In April God kept telling me it was time for me to join a LifeGroup (which is like Sunday School any night during the week for all different types of people with different interest and what not) So, my friend Megan and I picked a "singles" LifeGroup and jumped right in. The first night I was there, I met some really nice people and at the end of the night when we were asked if we had any prayer request of course mine was that God would provide me with a job. The next week at LifeGroup a man named James told me that he had been praying for me and God had told him that he needed to tell me about some Branch Manager positions at the bank he works for. I was very appreciative and went the very next day to apply. The following Monday I went in for an interview with the Area Manager and things seemed to go great... then became the waiting... finally after a few minor issues everything got ironed out and I was offered the position to start Monday. (In the meantime) While I was waiting on an answer, I kept applying for jobs knowing that my money would soon becoming to an end and if I didn't have something(anything) I would be in major trouble! Thankfully, God is faithful and I received a notice saying that my benefits were being extended for a few more weeks!!!!! GOD IS SO GOOD! That means, that I will only have to go without a paycheck for two weeks!!!! AND I'll still be able to pay the bills I have because at the end of the month is my birthday and birthday money always helps! =) Isn't it incredible to see how God works and provides? I am beyond thankful for where God has put me and I know he will continue to carry me through.

I appreciate each and everyone of your prayers!

Here's to another new chapter in my life!!!!

I hope you all have a fantastic rest of the week!

xoxox

And so the job hunt continues....

I didn't get the job I interviewed for last week, but that's ok! In God's perfect timing I know something will come along! Just trying very hard not to get discouraged, although it is VERY difficult not too!

The new LifeGroup that Megan and I went to on Tuesday was AWESOME! I am so excited about what God is going to do through this group and pumped to be apart of it! Looking forward to next week! I also started volunteering in SWITCH (which is the LifeChurch youth group) and it was pretty great too! I am going to be with 6th grade girls, which should be interesting! Last night I found myself thinking of what I was like in 6th grade... had my first boyfriend in 6th grade, as well as my first kiss, and I loved the color lime green! That's about all I remember about it! haha! Please say a prayer for me as I pour into these childrens lives!

Me in my SWITCH shirt



Took grandma to another doctors appointment today... they scheduled another text for next Wednesday. Poor woman has had so many test and seen so many doctors and NO ONE HAS ANY ANSWERS! I am so frustrated with it all, so I can only imagine why she's so frustrated! They did some more blood work today, so maybe something from that will come back and give the doctors a clue!

Well, I guess I'll get back to my job hunt... certainly not fun, but the show must go on!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

xoxox-

Praying a Sun Stand Still prayer...

So, last week my mom was in town and I can not tell you how much I enjoyed her being here! Unfortunately I forgot to take any pictures, I know... me not take pictures??? Crazy huh? But none the less, no pictures were taken ... I've got to get back on my A game!
Thursday I had an interview at a great company, I feel like the interview went really well... hoping to hear some news this week on if I got the position or not! I'm trusting in God's plan for me and praying a "Sun Stand Still" prayer. (If you attend LifeChurch.tv you'll understand what that means... if you'd like to know what that's all about, check out this link of the series called Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick)

Saturday night I went to church and was super pumped to get Pastor Craig Groeschel's new book Weird, because normal isn't working before it was even released in stores! It was a great service and I spent most of the day Sunday reading the entire book! It's really great! I hope you all pick up a copy! You can find it here (it comes out Tuesday, April 5th, 2011!) AND one of the coolest things about buying this book, is that all of the proceeds go to charity! How awesome is that?

Today I spent most of my time looking for a j.o.b. and cleaning the house, oh what fun! ha! But tomorrow night, me and my new friend Megan are going to check out a LifeGroup! I'm excited to have someone to go with and to step out of my comfort zone a bit and meet new people! Also, looking forward to what God is going to show me by getting involved and making new Christian friends!

Well, until my next post, please continue to pray for my job/financial situation!

I hope you all have a terrific week!
xoxox-

God's timing, not mine.

Last week I went to see my friend, Hillary's new baby girl, Harper! She is sooooo precious! I love holding babies... best part is I get to give them back to their parents whenever I want! It's really the best of both worlds!  Here is a pic of me and that sweet little girl!

Harper and I

I've spent most of my time looking for a j.o.b. I must say, I HATE IT! I've looked into part time gigs, where I can be my own boss/make my own schedule (such as Scentsy and Thirty-One). As I began my search and asked around two of my friends suggested I look into Thirty-One Gifts. I was super stoked to find out that it was a Christian based company and everything I read and looked at seemed that it was going to be the perfect fit for me! Well, after I decided that it was something I'd like to try and praying that God would show me if this was a good opportunity or not, I went to the website to find out that just that day they stopped taking in new consultants. WOW, talk about God shutting that door! So now, I'm back to trying to find something... I need to be making some money, like yesterday,ha! BUT seriously, I'm doing all I can to trust that God is going to show me his plan and all the doors will open just when they are suppose to but I must admit, I'm nervous. It's also disheartening to be putting out my resume to TONS of places and filling out endless amounts of applications and not even hearing one word. It's not like I'm applying for jobs out of my potential, honestly that might be part of it, maybe I'm over qualified. I don't know, I just keep praying and hope that you would continue your prayers for me that I would find something and quickly.

I'm very excited because on Sunday my mommy is coming to visit!!! WOOOO HOOOO!!! I miss her so terribly, I've been looking forward to this visit ever since I left Arkansas, I must say, it's has been keeping me going! Sunday night my cousin, Ricky and my Uncle Rick are coming up to celebrate Ricky's birthday, I'll make sure to take pictures for my next blog post!

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

xoxox

Busy last few days...

I've been pretty busy the last few days... Thursday, my dad and Starr came down to watch Taylor (granddaughter) in the basketball State finals... After a VERY intense game on Thursday, the Fort Gibson Lady Tigers won and made it to the next round! Friday the game was in the morning and even more intense than Thursday nights game... but in the last seconds (yes, I said SECONDS) of the game, one of the players hit a shot and won the game by 1 point!!!! WHEW!!! So they advanced to the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP and after overtime and an even MORE intense game, THEY WON!!!!! Here are some pictures from the Championship game! So proud of Taylor London, she is a rock star!

Score after the Championship game

Fort Gibson Lady Tigers

Me and Taylor, the STATE CHAMP!

It was a crazy few days full of exciting basketball games! So glad I got to be there!

Saturday night, I spent the evening at my best friend Stephanne's birthday party! We had a great time and I laughed harder than I have in a really long time! BUT I forgot to take any pictures, I know, most of you are surprised by that! Sunday, I just didn't feel very good and spent most of the day asleep in bed. I'm feeling much better today and finally well rested!

Today, I've been looking for jobs online, I feel like I have applied for 100 jobs within the last week... that's of course an exaggerations but I know I have applied for a TON! Just waiting to get some calls! I hate waiting, but I'm trusting that it will all fall into place in God's timing.

Well, I hope you all had a great weekend as well! Enjoy your week!

xoxox-

Trusting in His plan...

"For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Well, I spent yesterday in the car, driving home from Arkansas... over the course of my week there and looking for a job I kept feeling like God was telling me I was suppose to stay in OKC for awhile and really get involved with Lifechurch.tv and stop just being a spectator. So, on Sunday morning, I broke this news to my mom... after crying most of the day at random times, I got up on Monday and took the long drive home. I have to say, I know that this is God's plan and not mine, because my plan is to be close to my mom... she's my best friend and to be 6 hours away from her is dreadful. I'm use to seeing her EVERY SINGLE DAY! But I have to rest assure that God's plan is bigger than mine and he's going to open the doors and provide for my needs. ***Side note: as I was just typing this I got a call from Lifechurch about serving in their youth department, the funny thing is, I just literally said that I'd be interested in doing that online right before I started on this entry... I know God is in control.

Please be praying for me. I keep repeating the verse I put above in my head over and over... because to be honest, I'm afraid. I have a very short amount of time to find a job, get moved out of my grandma's house so she can put it up for sale, and then when her house sells she'll be moving to Hot Springs to be with my mom and Doug, which will leave me in OKC, alone. I'm trusting in God's plan and not in my own and trusting that He is going to comfort my heart and my families as we will be so far away and not be seeing each other near as often. But again I know God is in control.

Anyways, it's time for the job search to begin yet again, but this time... I've got to take almost anything I can get that will pay the bills.

God is in control.

God is in control.

God is in control.

Ok Ok Ok, I know he is.

I hope you all have a great rest of the week! Thank you for your continued prayers! I appreciate them more than you know! :)

xoxox-

Oh Arkansas...

Well, I brought my mom home (to Arkansas) on Monday... it was an incredibly long drive (longer than usual) but we made it. I've been really having a hard time trying to adjust to the Arkansas way of life... everything is a much slower pace and NO ONE gets in a hurry. Considering I'm a CITY GIRL at heart, this new way of life is far more difficult than I ever expected. I have been looking for a job here, preferably in Little Rock but trying to keep my focus on God's will and not mine (which is VERY difficult). I'm not sure where he is leading me, but I am trusting in his plan. I ask that you would pray for me, pray that I would be placed right where God needs me to be and that I would have peace about it. Right now, I'm away from my doggies (which are my pride and joy) and even though that may sound stupid to you, it's VERY VERY difficult for me. I'm praying that God shows me where he wants me and opens up the doors quickly, I know it will be in his timing but I am praying that it's sooner rather than later so I can get to where I am going to be, settle in, and get my pups back by my side!

Please also be praying for a friend of mine that is traveling to Africa on a Mission Trip in a week... pray for safe travels and the people that she will come into contact with! Her blog is http://accordingtomechel.blogspot.com/ please follow her amazing journey! She inspires me daily with the life she leads! Talk about a woman of God!  :)

Tomorrow, we (my mom, Doug, and I) are headed to Little Rock for me to check out the scene... If anyone knows of a good job in the Hot Springs/ Little Rock/ Benton area PLEASE let me know!

I appreciate your continued prayer! :) Have a great night!

xoxox-

Doctor Doctor, give me the news...

Took my grandma to the heart doctor today... they scheduled a Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) for next Friday, they are hoping to find exactly what is causing her trouble breathing and the pain in her chest. Please be praying for her! Thanks so much!

My grandma

She is headed to see my mom and Doug this weekend... which means I have the house to myself! WOOP WOOP! :) I love my grandma but I miss living on my own, it will be nice to hang out and enjoy the "me" time! :)

Nothing else exciting is going on in my life... hope everyone has a great rest of the week! Thanks again for your continued prayers for my grandma!

xoxox-

Behind The Scenes

This song hit me in such a strong way today... I thought I would share it with you....

Behind The Scenes

by: Francesca Battistelli

You may think
I’m just fine
How could anything
Ever be out of line?

I take my time
To set the stage
To make sure everything
Is all in place

Even though I’ve got the lines rehearsed
A picture only paints a thousand words

(Chorus)
Things aren’t always what they seem
You’re only seeing part of me
There’s more than you could ever know
Behind the scenes
I’m incomplete and I’m undone
But I suppose like everyone
There’s so much more that’s going on
Behind the scenes

Sometimes I can’t see
Anything
Through the dark
Surrounding me
And at times I’m unsure
About the ground
Beneath my feet
If it’s safe and sound

When it’s hard to find hope in the unseen
I have peace in knowing it will find me

(Chorus)

You may think I’m just fine
How could anything ever be out of line?

I hope you have a great rest of the week! :)

xoxox-

Snow storm number two...

Yesterday, it snowed yet again... thankfully we didn't get as much as the first go-a-round but I am still not a fan of it. So, I spent my day inside of course... drinking my Diet Mtn. Dew and reading a book by Lynne Spears called Through the Storm. At first I was not really interested in reading it... I figured it would be about how hard her life has been, blah blah blah. To my surprise, it was a great read. It was interesting to find out how Britney and Jaime Lynn got to where they are in life and actually how their entire family has had to deal with the fame. I know that the media can spin any story any way they want to, but I think sometimes we forget as humans, that the stories the media are telling us, are the stories of other human beings that are more like us than we think. I can't imagine living my life through a microscope... and thankfully I don't have too! If you are looking for a good read, I would highly suggest this book. You might just be surprised with what you learn from it. :)

The 2nd snow storm in 2011

Delicious Diet Mtn Dew

Through the Storm by Lynne Spears


Well I hope every got their fix of snow for awhile! I hope we don't see it again until next year! Bring on the warmer weather and sunshine!

xoxox-

Snow, snow, and MORE SNOW!

My mom and Doug came back from Arkansas to close on their house and pick up what was left of their things at their old house on Friday. After a foot of snow and the snow continuing to fall as we loaded the left over things in the uhaul, they made their way back to Arkansas in a wintery-mess.

I found that my new rain boots (which I had yet to wear) were the best for walking around in the snow... and while shoveling the driveway I stepped on some ice and slid right into the splits. On a good day, I can do the splits with a little stretching... but considering I hadn't stretched for my unexpected, highly entertaining, splits, I've been in a bit of pain since.

Here is a pic of my new rain/snow boots!

The snow fell the entire time we were trying to load the truck and u-haul trailer...

These pictures are of the snow falling and us loading

Finally yesterday the sun came out and it got ABOVE freezing... I wish we could get excited but unfortunately it looks as if we will be getting another snow storm in a few days. I don't think I have ever hated the snow so much! I hate being trapped inside due to my car not being able to go on any kind of weather but dry and sunny! It's very annoying. But none the less, today we were able to get out (in my grandma's car) and grab some Taco Bueno and a few groceries! Now, I suppose I'm as ready as ever for more snow. :(

I hope everyone is staying warm! Have a great week!

xoxox

Probably shouldn't... but I'm gonna!

I should start this by saying... I probably shouldn't be writing this. Partly because I have nosey people that read my stuff whom I haven't seen or spoke to in 10+ years and partly because I'm going to ask you guys to pray for my dad and he's not much for being brought up on my social networking sites, but none the less... I feel like I need to say a few things and I feel like I need my prayer warriors help!

I found out Tuesday that my uncle (dad's brother) was found dead on Monday, now let me say, I have only met this man once (that I can actually remember) and so I really had no relationship what so ever with him, for good reasons. (Wayyyyy to personal for me to put here and really none of anyones concern) So the last few days I have been processing and trying to sort emotions that I really thought were non-existent... this will sound heartless but my feelings and emotions really have nothing to do with the death of my uncle, but more for my dad who is and will have to continue dealing with things that he hasn't had to for 20+ years. After I was born my dad had to make some decisions that would be best for me, my mom, and him in the long run, decisions that no person should have to make or have to deal with/ go through, but like I said, were for the best. The most altering decision was having to remove himself, my mom, and me from any relationships with some of his side of the family. Of course there is a lot that goes into this story and what brings me to writing this blog in the first place but I feel you just need to know the basics. I am asking for prayer for my dad because he is and will continue to have to deal with his family (the part that he hasn't seen or spoke to in years) and you can imagine how difficult this is. Not only did he lose his brother but he has to deal with ghost of the past and we all know what a pain that can be. And even though I did not know my uncle very well, there are still people (as with any death) that are affected by his untimely passing, please say a prayer for those people as well.

Thank you in advance for your prayers, I know I can always count on you guys to lift me and my family up in prayer when needed! Thanks again!

Try to stay warm! xoxo

Good thing I like change.

So I've been up since a little after 4am, I couldn't sleep because today Doug and I are taking my grandma's dog to her new home... you'd think because she is technically not my dog, that I wouldn't be such a mess, but think again. It's funny because I know the home she is going to, and I know that she will be spoiled rotten, it's just always hard giving away a pet... especially one that likes to sleep in your bed most of the time! lol! :) But it's really for the best.

As far as my mom and Doug go... they are moving THIS weekend to Arkansas... holy cow, time is flying! Once they get moved in then I will go down and stay with them until I find a job and can get back on my own two feet! God is still working in me about moving to backwoodsy Arkansas but I really do think it's where he is leading me and I think that when you tell him, "I'll go where-ever you want me to be" you kind of have to actually go! ha! After I get down there then my grandma will put her house up for sale and will not be far behind... so LOTS and LOTS of changes about to happen in the next few months. Trusting in God's plan and looking forward to another chapter in my ever changing life. Good thing I like change. :)

Alrighty, well, off to Tulsa with Doug then to Skiatook to drop off some things at Doug's parents then back home... a quick trip none the less! :) Hoping to get to Tulsa very soon to see a few friends and catch up before I head to Arkansas.

I know you will be sitting on pins and needles waiting for my next exciting update! hahaha!
Hope you guys have a great rest of the week!

xoxox

Hot Springs, AR

Well, Doug got a job in Hot Springs, AR so we've spent the last week trying to finalize things for them... getting a rental house, then them being called and informed that the rental property they had put their deposit on was not going to be ready for rent for another month! So they are back to the grind trying to find something, and fast! Hot Springs has little rental properties that are available and the ones that are available are pretty bad and would not nearly hold all of their stuff! But closing day on their current house is fast approaching, 2 weeks to the day, which leaves not much time to mess around. My mom has pretty much got the house packed up and ready to go... The sooner they find a place to rent, the sooner they will be able to move and hopefully not be so rushed when it comes to Feb. 4th! For myself, I'm not sure where God is leading me... the thought of moving to backwoodsy, hillbilly, laid back Arkansas is really not my idea of a good time but I am trying to be open to where God wants me to be. I've always pictured myself in a more fast paced town... one that I don't have to take motionsickness pills everyday just to go from one end of the town to the other. I'm praying that if Hot Springs is where I'm suppose to be that God will change my mind about it, until then I will be staying in OKC until my grandma is ready to sell her house in the next few months and move to Arkansas.
Please be praying for my family, pray that my mom and Doug would find a place to live and everything would fall into place there, pray that God would show me exactly where he wants me to be and that I'd be open to it! :) Pray that when the time is right my grandma would be able to sell her house and find a new one in AR and pray that I would figure out where I am going and find a job, sooner rather than later! Clearly God's timing and mine are a little off! ha!

I hope everyone is having a great week and that your weekend is fabulous as well! I'll update soon!

xoxox

A new year and lots of new changes await.

Well, I took a little break from blogging... honestly just didn't have much to say, not sure I really do now either, but I figure I might as well start the new year with a blog post... lots is happening right now and in the same sentence, nothing is happening. I'm sure that doesn't make any sense but maybe I can explain.

I'm still unemployed, and trying to figure out what I should do. In November my step-dad lost his job (it's a very complicated story and one far more personal than I should share on this blog) needless to say, he's been looking for a job ALL over the U.S.! My parents put their house up for sale and they got a contract on it this week... not sure where they will be moving but also know that God has a perfect plan and will open all the doors when the time is right. With them undoubtedly moving, that leaves my grandma and I here in OKC, for now anyways. She will be putting her house up for sale as soon as my mom and Doug figure out where they are moving. Which also means I will be moving again as well, but I must say, I am excited! It's been a little over a year since I moved to OKC and I'm not sure it was far enough away, I need a fresh start... a new chapter that is an adventure all in the same. I'm ready for a new place, a new job, a new beginning in some way, I guess. I am ready to try somethings I never have before! I'm ready for 2011! :)

Grandma is doing better, well, breathing a little better... She has returned to work half days and that pretty much wears her out! We go back to the doctor in about 2 weeks to see what the next step is for her (health wise) and hoping for some answers!

As for me and my pups, we are good... like I said, trying to figure out what to do... seeking answers and trusting God will provide.

I hope everyones 2011 has started out great! May this year be one like none other and may God bless you in ways you never thought he would!!!

I can't say I'll be back to posting more often but I'll try to keep y'all updated on where this year takes us! Happy 2011!!!
XOXOX