The Waters

VISIT US!

2008-04-24T17:09:00.000-05:00

www.mikeywaters.com

New Site

2008-04-16T23:14:00.003-05:00

Head on over to our new home at mikeywaters.com

Cow in the house!

2008-04-15T19:51:00.002-05:00

So Erika has wanted a cowhide rug for a while to complement our rustic decor. When we were in San Antonio for my cousins wedding, she shared with my Aunt Melanie that we had been looking for one. A couple of weeks later, Erika got a call from my aunt saying she was at a marketplace doing some shopping and there were lots of cow rugs available. She spent part of her time looking at rugs and sending us pictures from her phone. We told her in general what we wanted, and she came back with one that matched the description. The price was right, so we went ahead and had her buy it for us.

Here it is in the living room. It looks great! Thanks Aunt Mel!

Roomba Update Week 1

2008-04-08T12:44:00.001-05:00

AWESOME.

I <3 My Roomba

2008-04-03T16:35:00.003-05:00

Ok friends....so you all know from being at my house that 2 of the three loves of my life and very furry and shed a lot...ok, so actually all three loves are furry and shed (wink) but TWO of them have 4 legs.

Again and again, we have pondered the issue of keeping our house clean while sharing our quarters with two dogs. I vacuum usually twice a week and it doesn't seem to make much difference. For a while now, Michael has been attempting to convince me that a Roomba would be the answer to our problems. However, knowing how much hair is blowing around the house like tumbleweeds, I wasn't buying it. But, all the vacuuming was beginning to wear on me, so I broke down when Mikey found a great deal on a Roomba on Woot!

Our Roomba arrived in the mail this part Monday and we tested it out last night. I HAVE BEEN CONVERTED TO THE ROOMBA PARTY! This things was amazing. It zipped around the whole downstairs for an hour, even going under couches, tables, and chairs, and picked up all the hair. It also detects if there is an extra dirty spot and does a spot clean! It is AWESOME. We even have multiple surfaced floors...it went from the stained concrete to the rugs beautifully and the fringe in on the rugs didn't get sucked up by our little vacuum man! I love it!
Now the dogs on the other hand are not so sure about it. Kona's mortal enemy is our vacuum, but this one isn't as loud and just kind of goes, so she sort of tried to play with it last night. Which brings up my next concern, Kona may play "attack" the Roomba and we will come up to find it broken or in pieces. Dixie on the other hand is afraid of everything, so I doubt that she would muster up the courage to attack a robot vacuum. You never know what will happen at the Waters' house...

Which leads me to my next concern...Michael is turning our house into a computerized robot. First a computer controls our lights, sounds, video and alarm system, now a robot is cleaning my floors...you could almost call us the Jetsons!

Financial Protection

2008-04-02T16:39:00.002-05:00

I have become quite interested in my finances over the last year or so. If you recall, we have previously been victims of debit card fraud. For Memorial Day, we have been planning a trip with some friends. We found a house to rent on the beach that would be perfect for what we were wanting. I went ahead and reserved the house online through the management company using my credit card to pay the deposit. I thought it was all ok.

I got an email the next day requesting me to call and confirm the reservation. When I called, the manager asked the usual questions, and we were just about finished when he asked the question that ruined the whole deal. He specifically asked for the card verification number on my credit card. This is the 3 or 4 digit number on the back of your card that is used to prevent fraud. The intention of the number is such that it ensures you have the card in your hand to use it. The number is transmitted only to the card company who verifies the code is valid. It is not stored, and in fact, is required not to be stored anywhere in any way so that if a database of card numbers is hacked, the verification code will not be stolen with them.

I was immediately unnerved by his request for this code that I had to tell him I would call him back on that. I gathered that his intention was to write it down, as he told me they were not allowed to store it electronically. That just oozed "secure" to me, and his assurances that the 300 lb man in their office would deter any would be thieves made me laugh. I also laughed when he told me they use this software that is the "second most secure software in the world, second only to the Pentagon, and even that has been hacked, so maybe its the most secure". There is no such thing as secure in public communications and the interwebs.

I had the feeling the guy did not really know much about his business, and only knew how to use the software that someone told him to use, so I called the software company to ask if they required the code for all transactions. The tech support, which is apparently one of two people that run the company (the most secure ever), assured me there were not such restrictions and that they could process a payment without it. When confronted with this information, the manger of the management company was shocked and had to call himself. When he came back on the line, he said he "learns something new everyday" and confirmed my reservation.

Today, I get a call again. This time he's not so friendly. He has decided that even though he can process the payment, there is a chance it will be denied without the code and he cannot accept my reservation. Even with a signed agreement to lease the house, which would give him the right to pursue the charges even if they were denied, was not enough because it might cause him more work. He was then quite rude to me and even called me paranoid.

I guess I am a bit paranoid, but I prefer to protect myself at all costs. What I can't figure out is how they have been in business for any length of time, requesting this information from people who willingly give it to them. It's analogous to giving your house key to a mechanic, or your ATM pin number to the clerk at the grocery store. Its unnecessary risk, and in my mind is stupid of both parties, those who ask for it and those who give it.

So we are back looking for another location to spend the holiday weekend. Hopefully, the next company we deal with is a bit smarter. Just like boxing referees always say, "Protect yourself at all times, and let's have a good, clean fight".

Kickin' the Habit

2008-03-25T15:58:00.005-05:00

So, after careful consideration, I have decided to give up soft drinks. Even diet drinks are no good for you so I am saying good-bye fuzzy carbonated friends, and hello to more and more water. There really isn't a specific reason why I have decided this, other than on my road to becoming a healthy individual, sodas are a roadblock!

I'll keep you posted...its only day 1, so I haven't had any of those awful withdrawal headaches. We'll see what happens when those set in!

Shoes

2008-03-18T11:33:00.006-05:00

So I just recently got this new pair of shoes that are so so so cute. And really that's about what they are good for...being cute. If you really know me, you know that I love leopard/animal prints and have since middle school...I just adore it and it NEVER goes out of style.

I think that shoes are an essential part of any outfit. Shoes and accessories that is. You can change the look of an entire outfit based on how you accessorize. Again, if you know me then you know I have more jewelry than is at all necessary and that I always think I need more! I got so many compliments yesterday on my outfit...a simple black dress I've worn a million times, and chunky red jewelry I wear at least once a week...but the shoes made all the difference.

Everyone needs a pair of fun and whimsical shoes...if you don't have any, get some. They'll put some spring in your step and people will notice! Leopard and red are always good choices. I would also recommend the following...

My Husband is an Addict

2008-03-11T11:12:00.006-05:00

Ok, so no he's NOT addicted to anything bad. Unless of course you think that Harry Potter is bad...which I do not. I actually love the Harry Potter series. Forever and ever, Michael has given me a hard time about loving these books. But they are just SO GREAT! I can't recommend them enough. Michael has just recently gotten to the point where he is enjoying reading each night, so I convinced him to try Harry Potter. Well, he did, and he's hooked. He has read books 1-4 in about 4 weeks. And book 4 in LONG!
So for all the times he's made fun of us Harry Potter lovers, I had to broadcast that my hubby is now on the band wagon!

Here is my ode to Michael and Harry Potter

God Moves Mountains: Rollin' Revelations

2008-03-07T10:12:00.003-06:00

So my revelation this week was really cool....
I was driving to work (which has been really tough lately) and on KSBJ, they shared a story of a woman who was having a really tough season in her life and on her way home was praying and just said, God I need a hug. When she got out of her car, her son came up to her and said Mom I just have to give you a hug, and she knew that God had answered her prayer.
Well I was sitting in really bad traffic trying to make it to work...I had been late that past two mornings due to unexpected traffic issues. I turned the radio down and just desperately prayed...God, you know that work is hard for me and I know you are taking care of it, but this morning, could you please just get me there? Just get me there...While I was praying a missed a turn that I needed to take. When I finally got back on course, I looked down the street I should have already been on and it was backed up as far as I could see! If I hadn't missed my turn, I would have been extremely late that morning. Instead I actually got to work 10 minutes early! A song came on the radio and there is a line that says "I stand in awe of every mountain that you move." That morning, my mountain was traffic. And God was so faithful to me in taking care of it for me.
I actually wrote an e-mail to the KSBJ DJs when I got to work and shared my story and they shared my e-mail on the air!
Application Thought: We all have mountains to over come in our lives at one time or another. Traffic, hard jobs, trouble in your marriage, money issues...there is no denying that we have mountains to climb. Remember the scripture that says that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. God is in tuned with your every need. Even when your faith seems like its run out (believe me I've been there), God hears your prayers and is working things out. Cry out to Jesus when you have mountains to climb. Even when your strength has run out, he will carry you.
Psalm 116:1--
"I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy."

Rollin' Revelations

2008-02-29T08:16:00.002-06:00

So this is going to be my new series of blogs. I call it Rollin' Revelations, becuase during my hour commute to work each morning, as I'm ROLLIN' to work, the Lord often speaks to me through the songs I listen to on KSBJ (christian radio station in H-Town). I started listening to KSBJ at Christmas time when I began this long commute from our new house becuase I discovered that I can have severe road rage. So I thought that listening to Christian music in the morning would help with that. It really has. Anyone with road rage, I HIGHLY recommend it! Its hard to cuss some one out and yell when people are singing about Jesus in your car!
So anyways, I have learned a lot of new songs since I began this and as cheesey as they are sometimes, they have really just spoken to my heart. So, every so often, I will share my Rollin' Revelations with you.

There is one song this week that really had an impact on me. Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin.

I am in a women's bible study right now and we are going through "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore. I love the words of this song, "My Chains are gone, I've been set free. My God, my saviour Has Ransomed me. And like a flood, His Mercy Rains. Unending love. Amazing Grace." I started thinking about the things in my life that have held me in bondage and prevented me from experiencing abaundant life in Christ. The more I thought about breaking free from those chains, the more I realized that they have already been broken by my Savior who rescued me. A-Men! The day I declared I believed and anwered God's call on my life, those chains were broken...I was set free. It was for freedom that Christ set me free (Gal. 5:1) And there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jeses (Romans 8). Why then do I still live in bondage? Becuase I am picking up those chains and putting them on. Sometimes, the weight of those chains is so much to bear that I don't feel they'll ever come off. But this song reminded me so much that though I may have those chains on, the lock has been broken and God can remove them. Another A-Men! They aren't permanent. I can never lock those chains back on again becuase God has paid a ransom for my life....there is always a way for them to come off with the power of my saviour!
Through this message, the Lord has also been speaking to me about mediocrity. I keep hearing, "Child, you have been set free. Why are you living in anything less than the abundant life I've given you?" Through my prayer times, I have been asking the Holy Spirit to show me the areas that I am settling for less. And asking what is holding me back. The answer that I've come up with time and again is "good intentions." I intend to be an excellent wife, to share God at work and with my neighbors, to grow deeper in my relationship with God. I even come up with plans on how to do it. But as my pastor said at church on Sunday, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." So I've started asking myself, its good to WANT to do something, but ARE you doing it?
So I sum up my Rollin' Revelation this week with two points.
1. Do you know that your hope is secure in Christ? He came to set the captive free and no one can snatch you out of his hand. He has taken off your chains and you are FREE!
2. Are you wearing needless chains that are causing you to settle for medicrity in life and not experience that abundant life that Christ died to give you?

This is a VERY long post and thanks for reading...maybe my other revelations won't be so long!!

Random Thought

2008-02-25T16:32:00.002-06:00

So Tonya and I often have "counseling/encouragement sessions" over g-mail chat. Today we talked about the word SPEW...as in:
"Water spewed out of the broken fire hydrant"
"Coke spewed out of the can when I opened it up"
"Old Faithful spews"
"I laughed so hard I spewed out my food"

You get the idea. What a gross word right? Who says Spew? There are so many more eloquent words. Though "spewing" is what we often do because of the messy lives we lead. We go to our friends and spew all of our drama, excitement, stresses, triumphs. We may even go to the Lord and SPEW our stuff on him...which by the way, he wants us to do. But are you always the spewer and not a spewee? Ask yourself that question. We long for someone to spew on, but are you a spewable friend? Are you a spewable disciple of the Lord? Are you letting him speak to you, empower you with the Holy Spirit?

As much as I SPEW, and Lord knows that I do, I want to be spewable. So here I am! Spew on me!

Cinderella

2008-02-18T08:42:00.003-06:00

So the first time I heard this song, I broke down and cried. I have been a dancer my whole life and was always begging my mom or dad to watch or dance with me. Cinderella also happened to be my favorite Disney movie for as long as I can remember. I wore my VHS version of it out. Anyways, listen at your own risk...you may need some Kleenex near by.

Cinderella, by Stephen Curtis Chapman

A cute Picture for Valentine's Day

2008-02-11T13:06:00.000-06:00

Just something to make you say, AWE!

I Heart Michael!

2008-02-04T13:36:00.000-06:00

This year, Michael gave the best birthday present! For a while, I have wanted to go to the outlet malls in San Marcos to go shopping. Although Michael didn't necessarily want to go, he agreed that for my birthday, we could go. So Saturday morning, we got up and headed to San Marcos. We had a great time! We jammed out in the car and had great conversations. We had lunch in San Marcos and then hit the malls. (Oh yeah- and on our way, we stopped to get gas, and 3 little girls were selling Girl Scout cookies there--we bought 7 boxes!)First we hit Nike and got a great deal on some work-out attire...like dry-fit running shorts for $19. Next, we went to Crate and Barrel. We replaced some glasses that we broke during the move and one that our dear friend Chris Normal dropped and shattered (love you Chris!). We went to Ann Taylor where I was able to find some great work clothes, and Michael got work clothes at J. Crew. We also got AMAZING deals at Banana Republic. The most surprising thing was at the Coach store. If you know me, you know that I have wanted a Coach purse for a long time. If you know Michael, you know that he thinks they are ridiculous and need-less and refused to get me one. That all changed this weekend. We walked in and I found a purse that I had looked at on-line--and it was in the clearance section! Yay! And then, the most surprising thing of all was that Michael actually bought it for me! Wow!
After shopping, we met my friend Molly for sushi in south Austin and then headed home. It was a great, great way to celebrate my 25th birthday.
Thanks Michael! I love you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much! (Actually more, but you get the idea)

I found it...

2008-01-30T11:35:00.000-06:00

The greatest Backyardigans song ever...

And from the same episode...I like this one too!

Ha Ha Ha-- For your Viewing Enjoyment

2008-01-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

Michael and I have lots of little ones in our lives. Our nephew Westin is 3 and my little brother Andrew is 5. Between the two of them, we have watched lots of kids shows, but we have our 2 favorites. The Backyardigans and Wonderpets. Here are some musical pieces from these hilariously cute shows.

First Up: The Wonderpets!

Ming Ming...my Favorite Wonderpet!

Now, the Backyardigans!

And one more from our Backyard Friends...they are so cute!

Our First Ride

2008-01-28T10:35:00.001-06:00

Well, Michael and I went on our first bike ride this weekend. We went a little over 6 miles and did well- no falls at least. I'm still figuring out gears and that type of thing, but we'll get there. There was some awkwardness and discomfort, but we are getting our bikes "fitted" this week, so that should help with most of that. I am proud to say that I have the first biking related injury. I cut my leg on the spoke that holds the chain when I was clipping in. It was awesome...got blood on the bike...the whole bit. We are going to try to ride a couple more times this week mixed in with our running schedule. We really need to find some good trails though because riding on the street with cars flying by at 60 mph makes me nervous. I'm just not completely comfortable yet. But all around we had a lot of fun and think we'll enjoy our new hobby. Next time we ride I'll take a picture of us all geared up...should make you smile!

In Desparate Need to Update..

2008-01-24T15:07:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I'm usually Miss Weekly Blog Poster, but things have been crazy! Work just got totally out of control since the new year started and I've had lots to do to keep up. I get up before 6 to get ready for work then after I finally get home (after about an hour commute) the last thing I want to do is write a blog entry. However, I had some a short break at work today that I decided to use for myself instead of being pro-active and finding more work to do. (It will bite me in the butt tomorrow, but for now I shall enjoy my Diet Dr. Pepper and UPDATE!)

So the first exciting thing is that Michael and I bought road bikes. I am a total newbie at this, so my cycling lingo isn't very good yet, but my friends at work are calling me a "rider." Ha! Here is my bike...

Michael will have to update on his because although I know its a Felt, I don't know what model. Cycling is an expensive sport to get into. Other than the bike, you need shoes, a helmet, and those cute little shorts. Plus gloves and a jacket if you start in winter like us! So our training will start soon and we'll be riding often when it gets a little bit warmer.

Our house is coming along and I'll have pictures of that soon, once the decorating is complete. Michael is going to play poker on Friday, so that is a perfect time for me to use my domestic skills to hang pictures and curtains and get out little house feeling like a home. Speaking of decorating, does anyone know where I can get a cowhide rug? Not black and white, but maybe a tan and white?

Random thought for this week: On my way to work this morning, I was listening to an older Shane and Shane CD and the song "You Said" starting playing. This always reminds me of my 2nd year at A&M when a lot of my friends started going on mission trips over seas. What really hit me this morning, is that everyday I go to work, I am in a new "nation" if you will. And everyday I have the opportunity to share the love of Christ with them. As the song says, "the harvest is here, the kingdom is near." What "nation" is the Lord bringing to you? Where is it that you are supposed to be pouring into people and sharing the love of Christ? Sometimes I think that the missing piece that will help our faith grow even more than we could imagine is sharing the gospel. We get focused on prayers and quiet times (which are great! don't get me wrong--they are essential) but what are you DOING with the knowledge, peace, joy, and love that God has given you? Those are all tools that you can use in the "nation" that God has called you to so that you can share His love.

Aight, Peace Ninjas and back to work. Gotta get some stuff done now so I can make it to family dinner with my dad tonight!

What will 2008 bring?

2008-01-07T16:42:00.000-06:00

I have always enjoyed setting resolutions. I do them every year, and last year was the first year that I actually stuck with one of mine...not necessarily wanting to though. I was determined last year that I would take steps to grow closer to the Lord and closer to my husband, and it happened in the most unexpected way! (see post on marriage thoughts).

So I'm trying to decide what I should work on this year. I think last year was great, but I want to work on more! I have both concrete and more abstract things to work on...

1. Doing a tri-athalon with Mikey. We are going to start training as much as possible and hope to be able to do a tri-athalon this fall. And in the mean time, I will be running the beach to bay relay (4 miles) in May, and we hope to be able to do the MS 150 (bike from Houston to Austin) next Spring (2009)

2. Toughen up! Emothionally I mean. I am super sensitive. That isn't always a bad thing, because it is part of what makes me empathetic and compassionate (things I believe to be strengths). But I need to learn not to take things so personally. I am just CRUSHED if I ever upset a friend or family member, then I feel so wierd around them after that, like I'm on thin ice or something and I do everything I can not to upset them again, then I end up not acting like myself and more than likely will upset them again! Its a vicious circle that I am determined to break free from this year!

3. Find a church home and home group in Houston. Michael and I just recently moved to Houston and haven't been in-town yet on a Sunday, but we are ready to get going. I know that going to church does not make you a christian, or even a better one necessarily, but the Lord gave us the church and we need to be part of it! We have found through our previous membership at Grace Bible Church in College Station, that being truely INVOLVED in a church not only challenges us as individuals, but also as a couple, and our church and home group were such a support and a glue that helped us hold everything together over the past year and a half when things were just so crazy. Thank God for friends who walk the road with you and encourage you and lift you up when it is a road you must walk alone!

Looks Can Be Deceiving

2008-01-07T10:47:00.000-06:00

Look at my sweet dogs....

This is Dixie.

This is Kona.

Precious right? I mean look at them! They are big dogs, but both think that they are lap dogs. And last night, I fell asleep with both dogs cuddled up with me. So Sweet!

BUT, yesterday we got home from our cruise to a bad report! Sweet little Dixie decided that a baseboard would make a good chew toy! And little Kona started being sneaky and sleeping on couches while she was left alone. And she does know better than that. She is allowed on the bed when she is invited, but NEVER on the couches. We have been gone for a week and they haven't had our strict rules while my brother watched them, but Michael and I are invoking Michael Law...time to whip those girls back into shape!

I know it won't take long, they have just not been in a routine for a while now. But now, we are back from all our travels, and we are actually able to just "live" in our new house. We get to establish our own routine, minus Mikey's classes, etc, and we are really looking forward to it.

And so are the dogs!

Its Time to Cruise into the New Year

2007-12-27T09:38:00.000-06:00

Well, Christmas is over. We are always so busy getting prepared and then just like that, its done.
We are determined to make our New Year's celebration last, so we will be joining the Leivas and the Bocks for a 7 day cruise that leaves on Sunday! Just 3 more days! We've had this booked since April or May I think...
Anyways, our stops are in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel...and the weather is perfect! Highs in the 80s, lows in the 70s! I just simply cannot wait.
The great thing about a cruise is that you get to put your whole life on hold....for 7 days! At least in our case! No internet, no cell phones, not really much TV. Just you, those you love, a tropical beverage, and lots of sunshine out in the middle of the ocean!
HOORAY! Michael and I have lots to do to get ready, but are ready to go cruisin' to ring in the 2008 New Year! Hope your's is great too!

My Morning Commute: Way to Go AGS!

2007-12-20T08:54:00.000-06:00

So this morning on my way to work, I thought that I might change things up a bit, you know add some excitement...so I drove my car into a ditch.
Here's what really happened:
I take Memorial to San Felipe to get to my office in the Galleria area. Memorial drive (in the Memorial Villages area) is very curvy. The speed limit on the road here is 35, I was going about 37, which was no good becuase the roads were wet this morning. I felt my car hydroplane and begin to spin right as I was coming to a major curve in the road. I remembered in driver's ed that you are supposed to turn into the spin, which I couldn't remember what that meant...my instinct told me to just turn the other way! I did, then my spin just changed direction. When I hit the curve my car went off into the ditch...
This must happen a lot in this area though becuase this is one of the few curves on this road that there is a guardrail there (which I was INCHES away from hitting) and a wide flat shoulder area. Fortunately there was no damage AT ALL to me, my car, or the ditch (other than some tire marks!). I called Michael immediately although I was very shaken. While I was waiting for him to come, a very nice man stopped to check on me and wait with me until Michael got there. He is a director of Young Life in the Memorial area and an AGGIE! You have to understand that this is a residential area with heavy traffic. Tons of people drove by me, but no one stopped! No one but this Aggie named Mike. I love Aggies!
While Mike was waiting with me, a Memorial Villages police man stopped, got out of his car, asked if I was calling a wrecker, then got back in his car and left...thanks a lot buddy!
When Michael pulled up, 2 men from Houston Parks and Recreation Services also pulled up and help pull the car out of the ditch. They were extremely helpful to Michael and I. Thankfully, my brother left his Explorer with us while he is skiing this week and he happened to have a tow strap, so that was useful to us as well.
All in all, a pretty eventful morning. I have never been in an accident before, never had a ticket, nothing...so this was pretty scary for me. God's hand had to have been on me too becuase Memorial is a busy two lane road and no other cars were involved in my mishap, and I was sure I was going to smash into the guardrail and I stopped just inches away from it.
Anyways, all that to say thanks to the Ag and Houston Parks guy that stopped to help! And of course thanks to my husband who was awaken out of the clutches of slumber to pull his wife out of a ditch...that kind of sounds like a metaphor for marriage (but thats another post)!

We're Here!

2007-12-18T10:48:00.000-06:00

Well, we are finally moved. After 3 long months filled with anticipation to be in our new house, and to be together, we are finally in Houston. We came down last Friday night after a long day of packing a moving truck and going to Michael's graduation. We couldn't have done anything without the help of our family though! Michael's sister and brother-in-law, Emily and Daniel Tardy, came down from Nashville to see Mikey graduate and were also a HUGE help in loading the truck helping us out. My older brother, Jason, was also an all-star mover. He drove up early on Friday morning, helped move, went to gradation with us all, then headed to a Christmas party. He was back on Saturday though and that was GREATLY appreciated becuase he was the only help we had that day!
We are busy this week unpacking and getting ready for family Christmas dinner that will be at our house this Friday!
Come by and see us at our new house!

Some Thoughts on Marriage

2007-12-12T10:39:00.000-06:00

When signing papers for our new house last night, I realized that Michael and I just past a miletsone (albeit a small one) 18 months of marriage!

This morning, I began to think about what I have learned during my time being married, particularly the past three months that Michael and I have spent apart, and the over-arching theme in all that I've learned is that God is not just sufficient for every need and desire, he is MORE than enough.

Most of us are familiar with the metaphor used when describing salvation, that we all have a void that only God can fill. There is so much truth to that statement! However, somewhere after our salvation, we begin to rely less on God for our needs and more on others and ourselves. We become work-aholics so we can be successful and make enough money to buy things we "need." We rely on our parents for advice and direction. When we get married, we rely on our spouse for support, protection, encouragement, the list goes on and on.

Its funny becuase we feel so completed when we find the "right" person. But here is where my thoughts have changed. Since I have spent so much time alone the past three months, I haven't been able to rely on my husband to fulfills needs I have as his wife, not becuase he wasn't trying, but because distance makes things SO har. At first I felt so empty and lonely. But what God has been teaching me is that I was never created with a void that only Michael can fill. I was created with that one void that God can fill, but I try to replace Him. In doing so, I put so much expectation on my husband to fulfill needs that he (on his own) just can't do. That can cause so much stress and strain on a marriage.

What God has shown me is that it is INDEED HE that fulfills every need, and that I am lucky enough that he uses Michael as a tool to do so. I have had no choice or option but to go to the Lord for companionship, peace, support, and encouragement since I haven't been able to be with Michael. And the Lord NEVER fails. It is unfair for me to expect Michael to fulfill needs that were created for God ALONE to fill.

Getting rid of those expectations has deepend my relationship both with Michael and with the Lord. There is so much relief in going to The One who does not fail FIRST.
At our wedding, we had a dear friend read Psalm 139 as a prayer. This is one of my favorite passages in scripture becuase it reveals how intimately involved God is with all his children. And now I know that when I think Michael knows me best on this earth, he does. But its not becuase he can do it on his own, it is becuase of the power of God in him. God knows me intimately and every day he reveals that to me when Michael anticipates my thoughts and moods.

Marriage is so beautiful when Christ is the center and my prayer everday is for all of my friends and family to experience the stability and peace of being fimrly secured to The Rock and Redeemer.
Here is an excerpt from Psalm 139:
1 O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. 5 You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

Bad Idea for an Ornament Exchange

2007-12-11T13:03:00.000-06:00

So as you all know, this semester has consisted of my spending weeks in Houston while Michael is in College Station. Before the move, we began serving on the leadership team for our Sunday School class at Grace Bible Church, but since I'm out of town so much, Michael has had to shoulder more of our joint responsibilities than he was previously used to.

Last Friday night, December 7th, we held our annual Newly Weds/ Young Marrieds (NWYM- our Sunday school class) Christmas Party and Ornament Exchange. We were supposed to bring an ornament and dessert. Michael did great on dessert- got strawberry cheesecake- then came the ornament. Because we are a class of young marrieds and newly weds, Michael thought it would be funny to get an ornament that says "Baby's First Christmas." I present to you exhibit A:

Exhibit A

Funny right? Well I thought so...many of us did initially. Until we realized that there are actually couples in the class who are trying to get pregnant but have not been successful yet. OOPS! Now what? By the time this realization dawned on us, the ornament exchange had already started.

It gets worse from here! We have friends that we suspected may be trying to get pregnant but were unsure about it, and at any rate it hadn't happened yet...at least we thought. Oh no! They got the baby ornament...what if they were struggling with getting pregnant and now they have a horrible reminder of that?

But yay! God works all things for good (wink wink). Our friends who got the baby ornament just told us that they were in fact, PREGNANT! Yay! Now we don't feel bad about our ornament! And we get to celebrate with our friends, Aaron and Liz Palermo.

We Got Elfed!

2007-12-03T16:49:00.000-06:00

My friend at work showed me this hilarious site today. Check out the elf version of me and Mikey doing a fabulous performance to Jingle Bells!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1153134588

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Our Favorite Letterman Segment

2007-11-27T14:26:00.001-06:00

Michael and I love to watch David Letterman and our favorite segment is "Great Moments In Presidential Speeches." Here is a compilation of these segments that Michael sent to me today...we love our president, but this sure is hilarious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa3J-L29iT8

We Love La Bodega!

2007-11-26T11:07:00.000-06:00

If you know Michael and me, then you know how much we LOVE La Bodega! It really is our favorite all time place to eat in College Station.

La Bodega is famous in CS for their fish tacos. Sound gross? Thats what I thought at first, then I tried them! La Bodega serves their tacos open face on soft, warm corn tortillas with the filling of your choice (I like the fish, Michael like habenero shrimp, and we both like the steak), the famous cilantro cream sauce, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and a little cheese. If you get a taco plate, you'll also get rice and their amazing black beans...literally, the are amazing. Tacos aren't the only good thing on the menu either! Michael often gets a burrito (which is comparable to a monster sized burrito from Freebirds), and we like to start off our dinners with guacamole queso, and a mexican martini shaker (just $5 until 7pm) delicious! And don't forget a strawberry tart for dessert!

http://www.bodegatacos.com/menu.htm

Just this past year, we also discovered the goodness that is La Bodega breakfast! On the weekends, La Bodega opens early to serve a FABULOUS breakfast. They have all sorts of breakfast tacos, breakfast burritos, breakfast quesadillas, breakfast enchiladas, and an amazing blackberry cream cheese coffee cake. We've enjoyed getting up early and going before church to enjoy a nice breakfast. And the best part is, college kids don't wake up ealry on the weekends, so the place is nearly empty in the mornings!

We will really miss this wonderful place when we move to Houston, but are planning on returning often! If you're around CS for the next couple of weeks, just let us know...we'll be happy to join you for a La Bodega Experience!

SOLD!

2007-11-19T12:19:00.001-06:00

Well, we are coming down the last leg of our home building journey and we are so glad its almost over! A few things still need to be finished...like light fixtures need to be installed, carpet installed, sinks and bath tubs put in, and mirrors and shower doors...but these are all things that can be done quickly.

The move in date is scheduled for December 15th as of now. Anyone available to help out? As long as everything stays on track we'll be in the house for Christmas. Actually, we are keeping the decorations set aside so we can get the Christmas tree and garland up for the holidays. The countdown begins!

An Aggie Tradition

2007-11-16T13:44:00.000-06:00

Tonight, Michael and I are heading down to Galveston to see my little brother, David, dunk his ring. I thought I'd take a moment to explain what this Aggie Tradition is.

When a student receives their Aggie ring, the tradition has been that they drop it in a pitcher of beer, then chug the entire pitcher until they get their ring back. I'm really NOT making this up. And if you don't drink beer, then your ring can be "dunked" in something else. Some of my girlfriends dunked their rings in a HUGE bowl of ice cream. Michael and I both kept with the original tradition and used beer. I only did about 3/4 of a pitcher though...but it only took me 43 seconds...now that is impressive. We'll see how David fares tonight. Considering his size, I think he'll do just fine. We'll post some pictures after the weekend.

A&M is a great school, steeped in tradition. We may be the butt of a lot of jokes, but the Aggie ring is one of the most recognizable symbols to Aggies and non Aggies alike. Michael and I have met numerous people and started numerous conversations simply because some one else was also wearing an Aggie ring. Clearly, we are proud to be Aggies...don't believe us, just ask us!

More of Our Family!

2007-11-15T10:00:00.000-06:00

Michael and I have 2 precious nephews! Westin, the cute blonde with the toothy grin, is 3 years old, and sweet little Reid is 4 weeks old. Their mom and dad are Andy and Kristy Waters. They are all such a joy and X-tra fun to hang out with. Michael particularly enjoys his random phone calls from Westin. This weekend, Westin called while we were camping and repeatedly asked, "What are you doing?" We have lots of fun being Unlce Mikey and Aunt Erika!

Speaking of my Little Brother

2007-11-14T08:52:00.001-06:00

Since I mentioned Andrew in my last post, I figured that now would be a good time to introduce him. Most of you know that I have an older brother, Jason, but sometimes get confused when I talk about my little brother...I have two of those...David who is 23 and not really so little (he's over a foot taller than me!), and then there is little Andrew who is 5 and in kindergarten. Andrew is so much fun to be around and is very interested in things that I know that he doesn't. For example, he is thinking that he might like to watch Nightmare Before Christmas but is worried that it will be too scary. A couple of weeks ago, he and I sat on the couch and had a very long discussion about the movie and what everything means, and why there are skeletons, and if they are bad. It was very cute. He did the same thing before his trip to Disney World. He wanted to know every ride I had been on and which was my favorite. I am so glad that we moved to Houston and I get to be more involved in the life of little Andrew!

Fun With Our New Camera

2007-11-14T08:34:00.000-06:00

Becuase we love photography, we decided that it was time to buy a good camera. We got a Nikon D40x...I don't know exactly what that means...Mikey I'm sure will post about it later. Here is a picture that Michael took last night of our dogs, Dixie (white) and Kona (brown). I really like this pic becuase if you notice, it looks like they are flying! "Wonder Pets to the Rescue!" I stole that line from a tv show my little brother Andrew used to watch called Wonder Pets. Ask me about it some time and I'll sing you the theme song! Anyways, we'll post more pictures soon. Have you started to notice that our dogs rule our lives? Look how many times they are talked about in just a few postings. Oh brother.

Stupid crooks

2007-11-13T10:48:00.000-06:00

So I get on to check my bank account this morning, which I recommend everyone do regularly, and discover the following:
**** Purchase THE PEPBOYS 000086 351.92
**** Purchase THE PEPBOYS 000086 300.00
**** Purchase TARGET 000232 668.13
**** Purchase TARGET 000232 605.90
**** Purchase TARGET 000232 99.95
**** Purchase SEARS ROEBUCK 1508 216.49
**** Purchase WALGREENS #6822 Q .75

Yes, that is a total of $2,243.14 in fraudulent charges. These are all memo posted to my account, which means they haven't actually been processed, but the charges have already been made. This dispute process is killing me. What is worse is thinking about how someone got access to my card number to make these charges. My debit card has always been in my possession, which means someone stole the info, most likely from a store where we actually made a purchase.

Hopefully, we get our money back...

2007-11-13T08:18:00.000-06:00

This is a picture from the Royal Hideaway in Playa del Carmen. We spent a week there for our honeymoon last year and can't wait to go back. We highly reccommend this beautiful resort if anyone is looking for a fabulous vacation!

La Familia de Aguas!

2007-11-12T16:45:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Waters Family Blog! Well at least the Erika and Mikey version. We will keep you updated with pics of the girls (Dixie and Kona), the progress of our house, and our various travels!