August 1999

Journal One Continued:

August 9, 1999

Dear God,

School starts tomorrow. I'm excited. I'm reading the book of Proverbs right now. Its about wisdom. I want to be wise. It says:

        If I store up your commands, turn my ear to wisdom, apply my heart to understanding, call out for insight, cry aloud for understanding, look for it as for silver, search for it like hidden treasure, then I will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Chapter 2:1-5)

Vs 6 You give wisdom and from your mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

I pray that I can do all those things God so that you can give me wisdom. In your name I pray, Amen.

Love,

Cara

Side notes in journal:

"I get my braces off in 2 days!"

"I'm a sophomore"

Wisdom

Can't be saved by our own works. Ephesians 2:8-9

New Memory Verse:

And whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father.   Colossians 3:17

August 10, 1999

Dear God,

Today was the first day of school. It was great! I just read Ch 3 in Proverbs. I love this book. Its teaching me a lot of things about wisdom. Thank you God for being a part of my life. Please keep me strong my sophomore year and help me to make right choices. Help me to find the time to study and do homework well. I pray for Crystal and Clint; that you will convict them God and help them grow.

Yours Truly,

Cara

PROVERBS ROCKS!

August 11, 1999

This morning I got up too early so I read Proverbs 4 & 5. It felt good reading it before school. I just finished reading 6 & 7. It talked about folly and adultressness. I found where it says (or you revealed it to me) that you hate 6 things but 7 are detestable to you:

1. haughty eyes-lust
2. a lying tongue-cheating
3. hands that shed innocent blood-abortion, murder
4. a heart that devises wicked schemes-robbers, thieves
5. feet that are quick to rush to evil-criminals
6. a false witness who pours out lies
7. a man who stirs up dissension among brothers-gossip

Yours,

Cara

August 12, 1999

Dear God,

I read ch 8 & 9 out of Proverbs. Solomon referred to wisdom as she and her. Its newat how wisdom is more precious than silver, gold, and rubies. Wisdom is calling out and I'm calling out for wisdom. Please teach me what I need to know. Provide me with knowledge. I want to be able to quote scripture off hand and witness to people like crazy. God, speak through me to others. I want to be your prophet. Help me to stay strong. God, help me to do well in school and sports. Especially this weekend.

Love,
Cara

Hey God,

I think you sent me someone but I'm not sure yet. Thanks!  

Note written next to the above comment on September 20th, 1999 "You did!"

Other notes in margin: 

I GOT MY BRACES OFF TODAY!!!

August 13, 1999

Thank you for sending me someone. Now, if only Ryan had someone too. Today in Wld His the topic of Evolution came up. We discussed it and I spoke out. Today in Proverbs 10 I found a verse that I need to keep in mind. Its Proverbs 10:19. It says:

"When the words are many, sin is not absent, but HE WHO HOLDS HIS TONGUE IS WISE."

I've been shown up quite a few times for speaking too much. I think I need to take this and learn from it.

God I want to pray specifically tonight for Crystal and Jenny. I pray that you will heal them.

Your Messenger,

Cara

August 14, 1999

Today I had a soccer tournament and Heather said some things to me that really hurt me. You have shown me a verse to help me deal with that.

"With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape."

Proverbs 11:9

righteous: 1) acting in a just, upright manner; virtuous 2) morally right or justifiable

PRIDE-Proverbs 11:2

Every person you meet today is either a demolition site or a construction opportunity. Your words will make a difference. Will they be weapons of destruction or tools for construction (I believe this was a quote from a devotional book). Thanks God.

Yours,

Cara

August 15, 1999

Dear God,

Not a whole lot jumped out at me in this chapter (12). The first verse however interests me. It says:

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."

I need to think about that more often.

Heather and I were better today. I played better and it was off her pass that I scored. We play well together. I just had a bad game yesterday. Tomorrow, I'm going to talk to coach Brown about FCA. I'm so excited!

Yours Truly,

Cara

August 16, 1999

Dear God,

When I was reading Chapter 13 in Proverbs, the thought of Coach Barnes saying that "the Bible doesn't have all the answers" came to mind. Its like each verse said something different and had a meaning of its own. God, I pray that you will make me wise. Wise enough so that I can speak up and make a point every now and then and know without a doubt that we've persuaded the other person. That would be awesome. Thank you for that reminder after I scored about who I was really playing for. I also pray for Crystal's knee. God, please heal her and comfort her. God, please soften Debbie's heart and help her to not be so hard on Crystal. Thanks! Please forgive me of my sins.

Love,

Cara

August 17, 1999

Dear God,

Today Ms. Jackson told us that she had $11 for the next 10 days and all she can use it for is gas so, her and her son are homebound for the next 10 days. I was thinking of giving her some money and making it anonymous and I think I will. I was reading Proverbs 14 and verse 31 says:

"He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God."

Proverbs 14:31

I've decided to give her some money.

Love,

Cara

New Memory Verse:

"My feet have held fast to His steps, I have kept His commands and not turned aside, I have not departed from the commands of His lips, I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."
Job 23:11-12

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but of power, of love, and self discipline."
2 Timothy 1:6-7

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father."
Colossians 3:17

New One:

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23

August 18, 1999

Today I found out that our soccer team is going to Cancun. Thats exciting. I found a verse that I like.

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Proverbs 15:1

I like that verse. God, I pray that you will help me tell Ryan what I have to tell him. Thank you God!

Love, 

Cara

August 19, 1999

Dear God,

I'm about to fall asleep. I'm so tired. I'm also confused about soccer and church. They always interfere. I'm scared. I don't want to quit but I know I'm going to if you say I have to. If you would please let me know soon. I also pray for Crystal. I pray that she will realize that she doesn't need a relationship right now. The only relationship she and I need to work on is between you and her and you and I. I found a verse that reminds me of Mrs. Cobb.

"Gray hair is a crown of splendor, it is attained by a righteous life."

Proverbs 16:31

Please forgive me for all my sins.

Yours,

Cara

August 21, 1999

Dear God,

Tomorrow we're going to try a new church. We're just going to the service though. I read Proverbs 17 & 18 and nothing really jumped out at me. God, I really need your hep in staying strong. Help me know what to do about soccer. I pray that I can get some sleep this week and that I will do good in school and b-ball. I pray for Crystal's knee again. I pray that nothing serious is wrong with it and that you will heal it. God, help her to grown in you. Help her to put her faith in you. I pray for Clint too. I pray that you will take care of him and use him God. Help him to grow too.

Love,

Cara

I (heart) U!

August 22, 1999

Dear God,

Today was awesome! It was filled with you!! We went to FBC Georgetown and I loved it! The music, the preaching, the people! Everything was great! I got some more clothes today, a Point of Grace CD, a Devo Bible, and a reference to the Bible book. Then, tonight after dinner we started discussing our house situation. We talked about it for about an hour and then we joined hands to pray. First mom prayed, then Ryan, then me, and Dad closed. After that Ryan started Amazing Grace. It was so awesome. I read Ch 19 in Proverbs and again nothing stood out to me. But, hey, it's all good! After I finish reading Proverbs I'm going to do that Devo Bible I bought. Its really cool. Thanks God. I love you.

YOURS,

Cara

August 23, 1999

Dear God,

I have a lot of conflict right now. I'm going to give all of that to you. Thanks. I found a great verse that would go great with the 1 way to Play program in FCA. Its Proverbs 20:1. It says:

"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler, whoever is led astray by them is not wise."

Proverbs 20:1

I would need to find out a little more about it though. Thanks God. Thank you for sending the rain. Please keep Granna, Papa Jim, Lisa, and Chelsea safe. I (heart) U!

Love,
Cara

August 24, 1999

Dear God,

I got kinda lazy today so I'm kind of frustrated with myself. But, I'll get over it. I found a really cool verse!

"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."

Proverbs 21:30

Thats awesome to know that our plans will always fail if their not your plans. I need a new memory verse. I think that will be it. God, I pray for Dad and that you will send some buyers to the land if it's in your will. Thanks. I (heart) U with all my (heart)!

Love,

Cara

August 25, 1999

Dear God,

Soccer practice felt good tonight. I can't wait until tomorrow night. The youth director of the church is coming. I'm reading a book called the good earth and I wish the main character could read Proverbs 22. It talks a lot about the poor. Jessica and I are starting a new thing. Every week we write our memory verse on eachothers' biology book cover. It will be a great way to help me remember them. Mine for this week is:

"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."

Proverbs 21:30

Love,

Cara

August 26, 1999

Dear God, 

We met some really cool people today from FBCG. He's the youth leader and his wife teaches sunday school. She teaches my grade. I think we've found a new church.

Today in English I found out that Mrs. Anthony is married but they did where if you live with each other for 6 months then you're legally married. She said, "I'm living in sin." When she said that I looked over at Desiree and she looked at me and our eyes got wide and our chins dropped. It felt soo good to not feel alone. Thank you soo much.

I found some more verses and this could go with 1 way 2 play for FCA! Its Proverbs 23:29-35. Its so powerful. Well, I'm going to go to bed shortly.

Love,

Cara

I think I'm going to write down my prayer tonight.

God,

I pray specifically for Crystal tonight. God, please soften her heart and open her mind. Shes very hard-headed and very stubborn sometimes but not so much in a bad way. I love her to death and nothing could change that. Except you of course but I don't think that that is your plan. I just pray that you will heal her God and keep her injury free. I don't know what the reason behind all this is but I'm sure it's great in the end.

God, I pray for Clint. I pray that you will convict him God and make him a better christian. Teach him a few lessons. I just pray that you will heal him too. I pray that you will heal his leg.

God, I pray for FCA. I pray that it will really take off this year. I pray that you will open the hearts and minds of those who will be in it. I pray that we can really reach out to people.

God, I pray for Shea. I pray that you will take care of her and keep her safe. I pray that you will help her and motivate her to do well in school. I (heart) her dearly.

Dad, I pray that you will send buyers for my dad's property. God, I pray that your will will be revealed and that we can accomplish it. Thank you Father for your blessings. Please forgive me of my sins and correct my paths. I (heart) you with all my heart. 

Yours eternally,

Cara

August 27, 1999

Dear God,

Today was my mom's birthday. She had a pretty good day. I found a verse that made me think of summer league basketball.

"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him."

Proverbs 24:17-18

There was always one girl who I wished would mess up but she kept draining every 3 pt shot she took. It was probably because I wished that that she did well and I didn't. Oh well. Its a lesson learned. Thank you God for all that you have given me.

Yours Truly,

Cara

August 29, 1999

Today I read Proverbs 25. It was pretty good. I also read the answers to a few questions in the book "I Gotta Know". I learned something new. Actually, I learned how to explain why we suffer if God really loves us.

This morning I went to SS at FBC of Georgetown and it was great. Crystal went with me. Candice was there too. We had our first FCA meeting yesterday and it was great. Crystal loved it. We started "All that I am" at FCA when we pray at the end. I wished I was at Camp then. Well, I'm about to fall asleep. I love you. Please forgive me of my sins.

Love,
Cara

PS I found Romans 10:9-10. It's awesome.

August 30, 1999

Today I read Proverbs 26. I didn't find a whole lot except this one verse.

"Without wood a fire goes out, without gossip a quarrel dies down."

Proverbs 26:20

This reminds me of what happened at school today. Lauren had said something about Amanda and Amanda found out. Amanda started a fight with Lauren.

I found a new memory verse but thats not until tomorrow night. It's Romans 10:9-10. Its awesome. Well, I have early Cross Country practice tomorrow so I better go to sleep. I (heart) U. Please forgive me of my sins.

Love,

Cara

August 31, 1999

Dear God,

THANK YOU! I just felt like saying thanks. I'm reading a book called the Good Earth and you really realize what being rich does to you. I found a verse that goes along great with the book.

"Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse."

Proverbs 28:6

At the beginning of the book he is a poor farmer who is humble. Halfway through, he gets rich and bought himself a new woman. He is now perverse. I would rather be poor and come from a humble home than be rich and filled with adultery. Thank you God for my family and that we are who we are.

Yours 4ever,

Cara

Memory Verses:

Journals

I suppose I should start with my story of where and when I was born but I think I will save that for later. What I would like to do first is start typing out journal entries starting with my very first journal. I was at Camp Buckner and my counselor, Chrissy Espina, encouraged us to start journaling and so I did. I guess you could say journaling is one chapter in my life that will continue on until I quit journaling. As a mom I journal less and less but it is still a great discipline I turn to now and then.

If no one ever reads this blog I am perfectly content with that. I am creating it primarily for my own sake to recount God's work in my life and maybe so my kids can read it one day and know a little bit more about their momma and her walk with God.

So here goes nothin...

JOURNAL ONE

SUMMER '99 (I found a small green and white plaid journal with a few random entries dating prior to the journal pictured above so I am adding them below)

May 5

Today was the first day of summer. I spent the night at Ashley Schlottman's house last night after church. I went home around 4:30. We rented two movies (mom and I). Hard Rain and Basketball Diaries. We just got done watching Hard Rain. Clint left this morning for his ranch on the Colorado River to go fishing. Today was our 1 month anniversary. He asked me out on April 29th before reading class. I miss him very  much already. He's going to church camp with me on June 14-18. Also, this summer I'm going back to Camp Buckner (like always), UT Soccer camp with Sara Gillam, a girl from my soccer team. I can't wait!
  My freshman year went by fast. I grew a lot in my christian walk. I was secretary of FCA and now I am co-captain. I ran cross-country, played B-ball and softball. B-ball was awesome w/ Coach Laws (Coach Brown). We prayed before and after every game. It was awesome. I played softball for you so it had to be awesome. I met Lyndsey Joe Lauder, who is a real blessing in my life.I also participated in One Act Play. Mrs. Cole directed it. It was fun but not too successful. I made new friends but still kept my old ones. Crystal is still my best friend. Eileen and Cori got cut from my soccer team. We are going to play D1 now. I'm excited. Well, that sums up my year and today. Talk to you later!

Your lamb,
Cara

Thank you Jesus for giving me Joe.

May 28

Jesus,
   I got up at around 9 and cleaned the whole house. At around 12 Mom came home from work with food and then I went back w/ her at 1 and worked until 4. When we got back I watched Basketball Diaries. It was good and I actually learned from it. That's pretty much all I did.

Heart with cross,
Cara

Thank you God for understanding people.

May 29

Jesus,
    This morning I woke up at 10. I went to see if there was any water in the pool and there was. I was gonna go swimming so I called Crystal (cause I didn't want 2 go alone.) She came over and we went swimming. We walked back and then went swimming later that evening. Thats all I can remember.

Heart with cross,
Cara

Thank you God for friendship!

May 30

JESUS,
   Crystal came to church with me! She thought it was fun and wants to come again. We were going to go swimming after church but she had a graduation party 2 go 2 so I went with her. We left around 730. When we got home we went to my house at around 9. At 930 we went to the pool. We had a key and it was locked but it was a combination lock so we just climbed over. A car came so we were real still. It was going real slow. It turned on a street near the pool then did a u-turn, peeled out and drove back by the pool. We were scared b-cause we thought they saw us but they didn't. We left around 10 and my mom took us to Crystal's house. We finished watching Twister and then went to bed.

Heart with cross,
Cara

Thank you God for being AMAZING!

May 31

Jesus,
   Today was memorial day. I woke up at 10 and Crystal and I got ready and my  mom picked us up at 11:30 to go eat at the ranch house. We had steak. It was yummy. After that Crystal and I called Kyle Piña to go swimming. We swam from about 2-415. We took Kyle home then we layed out on top of our suburban to tan. It was fun. We laid the sleeping bag up there and we had food and drinks. After that we came inside and watched the beginning of the Cutting Edge. Kyle called us and so we went to the pool again. We swam from about 6-845. We went home and changed into dry clothes. Then we went across the street to talk to Kyle. Crystal likes him sort of. It's now about 12:45 and Crystal's asleep in my room. I'm in Ryan's room. We're most likely going to go swimming tomorrow. We have our 1rst B-ball game 2morrow night. I think I'm ready to play. Clint gets home 2morrow also. I'm so happy. I miss him. I haven't seen him in about a week! Well, I better go. Crystal made me set my alarm for 9!

Heart with cross,
Cara

Thank you God for summer!
I (heart) U JESUS

I (heart) CLINT!
      /\
       l
     Phil. 2:3-4

June 1

Jesus,
   Today was great! I'm soo tired but it was great! My dad came and woke me up at 8 telling me that I had to ride behind him in the mini van while he drove the back-hoe back to Cat Trax Rentals. That was cool because I got to drive the van into town by myself (sort of). When I got back Crystal made us cheese eggs. They were soo good! We watched the Cutting Edge again. Then we called Kyle and walked to the pool. We swam from about 11-1. We came back to my house and ate pizza while watching the Wedding Singer. I cleaned the kitchen and Clint called. He got back today but he had to work. We went back to the pool at about 3 and came back at 5. Crystal and I washed our hair in the shower 2gether in our swimsuits. We got into our b-ball clothes and drove to Florence. We played a game and lost. It was ok. I think it will get better and more fun once we get started. After that we came home. I ate dinner while watching Mrs. Doubtfire. Clint called and we talked for awhile and now I'm here writing all this down. I'm so tired. Goodnight.

Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you God 4 beds!

June 2

Jesus,
   Today was great! I woke up at 11:30! I then cleaned my room. Once that was clean I watched TV while eating shells and cheese. I did some laundry and dishes. Clint came over around 5 and we went swimming. We ate dinner and then went to church. He came home with me after church for awhile and then we took him home. That was the first time I had seen him in a week! I missed him. I can't sleep. (I stayed up until 3 and then finally went to sleep.)
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you God for Clint!

June 3

Jesus,
   Today rocked! Shea woke me up at 8 and I went to ACC with her. While she was in class I played basketball in my bare feet for about an hour. My feet are all blistered now. After that we went to Town Lake and went kayaking. It was so beautiful. When we got out to the middle of the lake we laid down and my whole front side got burnt! After that we ate lunch, then picked up her paycheck, cashed it, picked up her dog Sam, and then came home. I had a great time. When we got home I had to give Dad a ride into town so he could pick up the back hoe again from Cat Trax Rentals. After that I washed my hair in the sink and got ready for my b-ball game. It ended up that I didn't have to go until 9. So mom, Shea, and I ate dinner. We started talking about Papa Jim and I started crying, then mom did so we changed the subject. I miss him. It's like I can't talk to him anymore because he doesn't remember who he's talking to. Anyways, I still love him. We went to my b-ball game and played the same team we played last time. They beat us again. I actually took a charge! I was so happy. I also think Crystal and Brackston are going to get back 2gether. Well, I gotta go. I have plans 2morrow.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you God for sisters, especially Shea!

June 4

Jesus,
   I was planning on getting up at 9 this morning, calling Clint, and going over to his house. Well, my dad came in at 10 til 9 and said that mom needed me at work and Shea would take me. Shea had to leave in 2 seconds and I still had to shower. Anyways, Dad took me and I answered phones and shredded paper all morning. At lunch we went home and I stayed home. I had called Clint telling him I wouldn't be able to come over. That afternoon I moved the bench press from the garage to my room. It stinks (smells bad) really bad. After that I took a nap from about 330-5. I went downstairs and started to watch the Cutting Edge and Kyle called wanting to go swimming. Actually, I didn't start to watch the Cutting Edge, I started baking Peanut Butter cookies. Later I went swimming with Kyle then came home and met Kim, Shea's friend. I called Crystal to spend the night but she just came over for awhile. Drew was going to spend the night with Kyle but he didn't and Crystal and I went over to pick them up to go swimming but when we found out that Drew wasn't there we just sat on his front porch and talked. We came home and Crystal got picked up. Until then we were in my room trying to figure out the girls name on Friends, the TV show. There's Rachele, Phoebe, and ?? We couldn't figure it out. Anyways, she left and then I lifted some weights, then went to bed.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you God 4 best friends!

June 5

Jesus,
   Today was great! Lyndsey Joe Lauder got married to Corie Cunningham. It was a beautiful wedding. Afterwards, Mom and I went into town. We first went to H.E.B. to drop off some film. Then we went to the mall. I got some butterfly clips, a toe ring, and 3 pairs of earrings from the Icing. I also got some shorts from GAP. Then we went to Old Navy and I got 3 new shirts. One's yellow and I got it for $10.50. It has a print on it going across the top and it says Old Navy. The other two I got in the boys children section. One's an orange tank top (mesh) w/ blue trim. It says Old Navy in the top left corner in blue. I got that 4 about $8. The other is a brown tank top with two surfboards on it. It says something on it but I don't remember. I got that shirt for about $7. I should shop in the kids department more often. I forgot to say, Clint called me this morning and I was so happy, even though he woke me up, because I missed him terrible the night before. And I do now too. NEways, after Old Navy, we picked up our pictures and went to see Notting Hill. It was a great movie. It made me miss Clint even more though. When we left I saw an old friend, Meggan Amos, and she told me to call her so we could do something sometime but I don't know if I will. NEways, so we came home and now I'm writing this. 
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you God for Mothers who take you everywhere until you're old enough to drive!

June 6

Jesus,
   I went to church this morning and then we ate at Hiway Cafe. Ashley had to get stitches on her wrist. She cut it on the meat cutter at Don's BBQ. When we got home I laid out on top of the suburban for awhile. Then I came inside and cleaned my room a little. After that I slept for awhile. Then mom and I drove to Georgetown and picked up groceries. We rented Simon Birch and Beloved from Hollywood Video. We came home and then watched Simon Birch. After that we went to bed. 
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you God 4 making me normal.

June 7

Jesus,
   This morning I woke up late. I started to watch Beloved but I didn't understand it so I turned it off. I did a few dishes and laundry and then just chilled. When mom got home we started to watch Beloved and ate dinner. Then we went to her booster club meeting from 7-830. I played b-ball in the gym and talked to Emily and Maurine. When we got home, Dad took me over to Crystal's house. We went swimming then watched a movie. Then we rearranged her room. She has so much more room now. We went to bed around 330. I had fun.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you God for best friends.

June 8

Jesus,
   Today I woke up around 1030. We watched TV all day until 330. Crystal and Debbie went to Crystal's orthodontist appointment and then to the mall. Ricky took me home around 3:45. When I got home the phones weren't working so I drove to the Ranch House in Shea's jeep and Dayle called Southwestern Belle. We fixed it for awhile. Anyways, Clint came over and went to my basketball game with me. We won for the first time. 62-35 was the score. Candice and I were tearing it up. I had to play point and I would always pass it to Candice down the court and she would always score. She had at least 20 points. I did our fake lay up and passed it to Candice. It was awesome. She didn't make it but that doesn't matter. She had 50 other baskets. It was fun. Crystal, Valerie, Kamy, Katie and Jenny weren't there so we only had 4 people. We borrowed one of their's and played. It was a lot of fun. Crystal and Debbie had eaten something at the mall and made them both sick. I had two more beanie babies to give her and she wasn't there. When arranging her room we counted and made a list of all the beanie babies she has and she has 35. Now she'll have 37. I have Doby and Loosy (the goose). I can't wait to give them to her.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you for sports and Candice.

June 9

Jesus,
   I don't remember when I woke up considering I'm writing this on Fri. morning. All I did all day was sit at home. I did some dishes, cleaned the toilet in the half bath, kitchen, and my room. After that I finished watching Cool Runnings. I kind of snacked all day. I didn't go to church because me, Shea, Clint, and Berry were going to go do something but Berry had to go. Clint and I talked for awhile and then I watched the rest of Beloved with Mom. After that I came upstairs, had my quiet time and I was supposed to call Clint but it was 11:30 so I didn't. Instead I went to bed.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you God for the house I stayed in all day.

June 10

Jesus,
   Today I woke up at 9:30, read some out of my book The Power of One, which I started last night, then went back to sleep and woke up at 10:30. I got ready and then Clint's mom picked me up at 12. We went to his house and he took me out on his 4-wheeler. When we came back we got into our swimsuits and we drove down to his river on his 4-wheeler. We swam and then went to another part of the river. I climbed up on this ledge and looked into a hole. A ringtail was in there looking back at me. It was so cute! After we swam we went back to Clint's house and watched A Night at the Roxbury. That was a funny movie. At 5:15 my mom picked me up and we went to my b-ball game. We played the red team. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but we lost by at least 20 points. After that we came home. I talked to Jessica last night. After that I called Clint and watched the Wedding Singer. Then I went to bed.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you God for never giving up on me.

June 11

Dear Jesus,
   This morning I woke up around 10:30 I think. I cleaned up, took a shower and then packed my bags. After all that was ready I went downstairs and watched the Wedding Singer. A while after that mom got home and then dad. All 3 of us went under the house because Chance (Ryan's dog) had puppies. We counted 9 puppies. Some are brown and some are black. Finally we left for Tyler. We arrived around 930-945. We went to bed at around 10:45. I couldn't sleep but I finally fell asleep around 2.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thank you for pets.

June 12

Dear Jesus,
   Today was awesome! For the most part. I woke up around 10. I hung around until we ate lunch and then we talked for a long time. We decided to go shopping even though the weather didn't permit. First we went to two little shops that had women's clothing and little items. Then we went to Steinmart. There I got a pajama outfit and two bra's. The pajamas are made up of pants with hawaiian print. They're green and white with a hawaiian print of flowers across the top. After that we went to Old Navy. Aunt Carye had a coupon that was $10 off any $50 purchase. She gave me that coupon plus $50 to go with it. I was so amazed! I got a khaki skirt that's long, some blue shorts, and an Old Navy T-shirt. I got all that for $47.95 or something like that. After that, we came home. I hung out til dinner. We ate dinner then Clay and I went swimming. We were the only ones there. So we came home shortly. After I changed I had some cake and watched a designing show with mom, Carye, Linda, and Mamaw. Then the men came down and we celebrated Carye and Jim's 50th birthdays and Mamaw's b-day. Then we celebrated father's day. Now I'm in here writing all this down. Who knows when I'll go to sleep tonight. You do actually.
Heart with cross,
Thank you for Aunt Carye.

July 2000

(Apparently I lost the little green and white plaid journal and found it again in the year 2000 and recounted the story of me and Clint so I am including these entries here though out of order)

Jesus,
    I just finished reading all these journal entries and I just wanted to write down what happened to Clint. We broke up later that summer. He went with me to church camp. He became a christian and then later that week we broke up. (while at camp). When we went back to school we never talked really. I wrote him a few letters but that's it. I pray that you will give me the strength to talk to him this year. I'll be a JUNIOR!.
Heart with cross,
Cara

July 2000

Jesus,
   I didn't really get to finish writing b/c Cindy called and asked me to babysit. So, we let the Stifflemires borrow Hunter so that he could make puppies w/ their dogs. Well, he just had a litter and so we get him back and the pick of the litter. Maybe this will spark some conversation now. I just pray that you will give me the strength to say whatever it is you want me to say. If you want me to say anything.
Heart with cross,
Cara
PS I still don't know what the date is!!

THERE'S NOBODY ELSE YOU WERE BORN TO BE!!
-Phil Joel
STRANGELY NORMAL

September 8, 2002

God,
  That's real funny because once again I just got through reading these entries and now I'm a freshman in college. My how time flies! Clint was the last boyfriend I have had and it will stay that way until I get married. Also, I am in a completely different town now. San Angelo. I realized today that I am going to college where Lisa would take us skating when we'd visit her here in San Angelo. It's funny how I remember things so differently. Well, I really need to go study or finishing cleaning my room or something productive. Maybe in a few years I'll finish this journal. I just bought a new one. Well, I'm through writing!
Heart with cross,
Cara

I don't know if I really told a good story of Clint. When we broke up it was all You. I was walking back from rec games (we were playing dodge ball game in a wrapped in area. They had large black trash bags wrapped around a group of trees and we used cardboard shields to protect ourselves). Anyways, Clint was going to play one more game and I took that opportunity to jet. Jessica and I were walking up a hill back to our dorm and we were talking about me breaking up with Clint. I told her I was going to write him a letter. She encouraged me to just tell him. I got pumped and prayed, "God, give me the strength to break up with him face to face." Not 2 seconds after I prayed that I heard Clint yell "Cara!" I turned around and thought, "God, I didn't mean this soon!" But as things worked out Jessica went on her way and Clint and I talked. I broke up with him and told him how God had convicted me of it through that Pebbles and Bam Bam session. (How in the world am I remembering all this?) We sat on a rock and talked about all these things. It was on top of a hill above the basketball courts. Anyways, that's how things really happened. That night he got saved and at first I thought he was doing it because of me. Later that night though I saw him sitting by himself in the dark when me and 2 other girls were going to get a powerade. I gave the girls my dollar to get me a drink so I could go talk to Clint. I did and he asked a few questions (I think) and we just talked about I think family life and being christian. I think that's what we talked about. Anyways, I have an 8 o'clock class in the mornin. Adios!
Heart with cross,
Cara

July 11, 1999

Today I'm reading the 16th chapter of Job. I also read chapter 17. It was Job talking, mourning to his 3 friends about what has happened. He is wishing for death. I don't really know what I'm doing but hopefully I will have an idea of what I'm writing in here about my quiet times. I'm not real sure how to do this. Please help me God. Just take notes of everything. Thats what I'm going to do. Now I'm going to make a prayer target.

July 19, 1999

Today in Job ch 18 Job's friend spoke to him and said that since he was an evil man he could not know God. I'm sorry, he was not evil but the dwelling of an evil man. Then Job said that God had struck him and asked his friends to have pity on him. His heart yearns within him. Verses 28-29 of ch 19 are interesting.

          "If you say, "How we will hound him, since the root of the trouble lies in him," you should fear     the sword yourselves; for wrath will bring punishment by the sword, and then you will know that there is judgement."

Job firmly believed that in the end God would be on his side. This belief was so strong that he was one of the first to talk about the resurrection. 

(There's a note at the top of the page in my journal that says in all caps, "I GET MY BRACES OFF IN 3 WEEKS!" :)

July 20, 1999

Dear God,

I learned a lot today at UT soccer camp. I realized that i I really want to play college ball or even the next level I better get working. I realized that there is so many other people that would get chosen before I would so I need to improve constantly. I know how Job feels. Maybe not to that extreme but I know how he feels.

         "God, I pray that you will give me confidence in myself to play and not get discouraged. Thank you God for my christian family and an awesome life. Life is best when I'm living for you. Give me strength to be your disciple. In your name I pray, Amen."

No date:

Dear God,

I talked to a girl tonight who's going into 5th grade. I think you wanted me to witness to her but I wasn't sure and I didn't. I wish I had. I know her brothers. God, tonight I learned that if I get a feeling at all then I need to. I know I should have witnessed to her and I failed. Please forgive me and give me another chance. Thank you God for using me. I'm sorry for not doing what I felt I needed to do. I love you. Please forgive me of my sins. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me and everyone else. God, I need your help on something right now. I don't know if I want to play basketball or not. Soccer just seems like thats what I'm gonna do if I do sports. I know I could get better if I practiced but I want to train for soccer. Thats where my desire is. Please help with this. We're moving tomorrow and I'm real excited. I can't wait! Goodnight God. Please take care of us all. In your name I pray, Amen.

Love

Cara

PS I also pray for Kaitlin's mom and her leg. I pray that you will heal it. I pray for Ryan, that he will find a good christian friend here OR someone will move here thats a strong christian. I pray for Ashley.

July 30, 1999

Dear God,

I was thinking about Crystal and how she can't wait to get married and all that stuff. Well, I know one way I can find out if the guy I meet is the right one or not. I will continually talk to him about you. If he gets tired of it or blows it off or doesn't want to talk about it then most likely he's not the right one. I pray for my husband. I pray that you will keep him pure. I also pray for Clint and Crystal. God, help them to grow in you. Convict them of things. Thank you God. Please forgive me of my sins. I (heart) u!

Love 

Cara Bebee

1 week and 6 days before I get my braces off! YAHOO!

August 2, 1999

I finished the book of Job today. The ending is very powerful. The man named Elihu reminds me of my dad. I'm Job and when I'm troubled my dad comforts me and acknowledges me with what I need to know in a Godly way.

At the beginning Job had

• 7 sons and 3 daughters
• seven thousand sheep
• 3,000 camels
• 500 yoke of oxen
• 500 donkeys
• a large number of servants

then Job lost all these things because God was testing him. He is a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil. God gave permission to the devil to take everything he has except his life. Job never cursed God. All the things listed above the devil took or killed. Job got a terrible skin disease too. 3 of his friends tried to explain Job's situation but failed. Then Elihu came with word from God. Then the Lord spoke to Job through a storm and gave back to Job what he lost. He blessed more than before. Now Job has:

• 14,000 sheep
• 6,000 camels
• 1,000 yoke of oxen
• 1,000 donkeys
• 7 sons and 3 daughters

His 3 daughters were the most beautiful in the land. Job got to see his children and their children to the 4th generation.

August 2, 1999 (Second entry of the day I guess!)

Today I'm beginning the book of Proverbs. A proverb is:

       A short, concise sentence that conveys moral truth.

It comes from a Hebrew word that means "to rule or to govern."

• Knowing God is the key to wisdom.

"knowledge"-having the facts

"wisdom"-applying those facts to life

Wisdom- Proverbs 1:7

                2 Timothy 1:6-7

                James 1:5

NEW MEMORY VERSE!

2 Timothy 1:6-7

Kai is officially awake and crying in his crib so thats all for now!!