a quickie!

I was tired of pink so.....how about green?

Ok, so I was going to do this wonderful post about the latest with us, the long and some what dramatic episode of me getting my driver's liscense (YAY), the latest on my reading list, and our trip to Arkansas/ Tennessee.

Alas, time is not on my side and I must leave a quickie note here:

All is wonderful. Being is an adult has yet to bring any significant benefits. Sarah's an adult now, too!( YAY!) I'm not attending the Regional debate tournament *sadness* Oh yes, and I'm leaving Monday(the 23rd!) for a trip to my grandparents( on my mother's side) and other family in Arkansas and while we're there we'll be visiting aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins( on my dad's side) in Memphis Tenn. Memphis is about and 1hr 1/2 from our grandparents house so some days will be traveling there. We should be back Sunday evening( the 29th), but I'd like to stay 'til Monday :c)
I'll be taking pictures and will post them here!!

I hope everybody has a wonderful week and good luck to all the competitors at the Region IV National Qualifier!!! Go WHSDC!!!!! and CHILE!!!( that's for you Grace!)

Love, Adrienne Renea

P.S. A quick note to Sarah........update your blog!!! :c)

Happy Resurrection Day!!

Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His Soul in anguish stood.

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.



In Matthew 28:11-15, we see the Jewish Authorities attempt to suppress the Truth of Christ's resurrection:

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

But as we can read in Marks account:Mark 16:9-14 That He appears several times!
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.

Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

Despite the evil intentions of the authorities to ignore and refuse the fact that Jesus rose on the third day, Jesus in all His glory revealed his resurrected body.

Hallelujah!!

Happy Easter and may God bless you as you reflect on His grace and mercy!

Love, Adrienne Renea

More Photos!!!

(read the post below first!)


Posing at the House of Pies

Allyson's amazingly clean pancake plate :c)

Allyson thought this house was cool

Sarah and I's wonderful "table salad" masterpiece

Cheesecake!!!!( with lots of whipped cream!!)

Another year.....

Today I turned 18! WOOT! I had a fabulous day, I woke up this morning, baked my cake, prayed with Kamyl, Kiana, and Tiara, then hung out with Sarah.

Sarah and I went to the Galleria and ate lunch at the Cheesescake Factory and acted soo mature....we then wandered the mall..and bought cool stuff.

Allyson and I took a bunch of random pictures today, so here they are!



Self-Portrait

House of Pie's Coffee is the best!

I love this picture of Allyson!

Allyson and her pancakes!

Table photograghy :c)

You won't see these Gators later!

Go Gators! I filled out a NCAA Final Four bracket this year, and most of it was really off....but when it came around with the final two: Ohio St. and Florida, I was right on target! I predicted Florida to win and was so happy to witness them beat Ohio State, which beat some of my favs in earlier rounds. The final score was 84-75. The game was exciting and I hope that alot of

the guys from these talented teams return to college ball and don't enter the NBA draft.

I enjoy college ball and the attitudes, these guys play with. In the NBA a lot of the players have been corrupted by big money deals and the media. In college ball, the guys play with pure love of the game and have a passion for basketball, unlike alot of NBA players.

So Congrats to the Florida Gators, ya'll made this year's March Madness fun!

My first National Open!

Whee!!!
The Texas National Open was this weekend! Allyson and Christopher participated in Team Policy debate(on the topic of NATO) and I participated in two speech events: Impromptu and Extemporaneous. We didn't win anything, but had a fabulous time!

I got to meet some amazing peeps from California, Virginia, Florida, Arkansas, Colorado and from other parts of Texas. This tournament was herald as the biggest competition the NCFCA had ever held! It was amazing to see the vast amount of people who came from all over to compete! A big woot! to Anna and Joy Copple(from my club!Go WHSDC!!!) for breaking at their first National Open in Team Policy Debate and placing 29th, they were amazing and have improved vastly....go Anna and Joy!! Also congratulations to all Region 4 people who broke...you guys rock!

The tournament days were veeery long....we left the house a little before 7am every morning and didn't usually make it home before 9PM. On Saturday(an especially long day because of Finals and awards ceremony) we didn't make it home until 11:30 pm. I know there were many others who were later than that!

God always uses these tournaments to teaching me things about patience, servanthood, and continually reminding me why he put me on this earth.....To take up my cross and follow HIM and to glorify HIM!!
Today in church we read Matthew 10 and I love verse 39:
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
I pray that I will continue to surrender and lose my life for Christ, there is nothing in this world that could possibly compare with the reward for living for Christ.

I really got no sleep this past weekend and look forward to catching up on that. I have lots of school to catch up on too, which will most likely take the place of sleep catching up....oh well :o)

I'm sorta excited...because......on Friday......I'll be(by the U.S. Government's standards)......a full grown adult. *gets scared* That sounds so wrong....me, an adult? Oh well, may God be glorified! :c)

Oh yes, before I forget...here's some pictures from the tournament. Enjoy!

Our club sign :c)

Our out-of-state friends got a good taste of Texas!

Grace and Alexis, two fabulous, talented competitors and awesome friends!

Double Octas- Copple/Copple vs. ?/?

Allyson and Emily

Thank ya'll for reading another installment of "by the renewing of your mind"

Signing off with a awesome song by Chris Tomlin:

Your love has captured me,
Your grace has set me free
Your life, the air I breath
Be glorified in me

You set my feet to dancing
You set my heart on fire
In the presence of a thousand kings
You are my one desire
And I stand before you now
With trembling hands lifted high
Be glorified

Love, Adrienne Renea

Your Glorious Name.....

Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing you pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name


God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords
-1 Timothy 6:15

How sweet the Sound....

Well, My mother, Allyson and I went to see Amazing Grace , Saturday afternoon. I was very impressed, had a enjoyable time and actually felt like I watched a movie that was worth the admission price!

This biographical movie of William Wilberforce and his fight to end the British slave trade was very well put together and stuck to the true facts. The acting was wonderful and I loved the way that the movie producers really examined the character of William Wilberforce.

His work in the British parliament and the great influence he had really shows the importance of Christians being involved in politics. It took this man many years to finally pass his bill, but he persevered....definitely by the grace of God.

The movie didn't focus too much on his relationship with Christ and I felt that could have expounded on that more and that could have explained some of his actions. Mr. Wilberforce was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and he put that before all his political work.

This movie was a beautiful story of how God works in government and also how He and only He, can forgive us.
Some of my favorite parts of the movie were the dialogues between Wilberforce and John Newton. Before this movie I had no idea the influence that John Newton had on Wilberforce. It was really wonderful to see how the song Amazing Grace had a strong impact on Wilberforce.

This movie really deserves more than my sad review.....so go and see it! It's so important that we support these types of movies! I was definitely blessed and will probably go see it again. :c) If you go see it, let me know what you think of it.

Love, Adrienne Renea

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

-Hebrews 3:2-4

We hold these truths to be self-evident......

Slavery has been abolished in America for over 150 years, but this sad practice is still continuing in the 21st century all over the world. God blessed America by abolishing slavery, but other nations have not given up this abominable thing. "According to National Geographic, there are 27 million slaves in the world today - more than at any other time in history."(From The Amazing Change)

There is a wonderful campaign called The Amazing Change




This organization highlights the work of William Wilberforce in England. The main goal of this organization is to raise awareness of the slavery that continues to thrive in the world today. The Amazing Change has a list of Ten Things You Can Do.
So far, I've signed the petition and I hope to send a letter to my congressman in a week or so.
Also....
I'll be going to see Amazing Grace



I've read a review from Solo Femininity and I look forward to viewing it soon. I hope to(maybe!) write a movie review(though I'm not very good at it.). They also have some cool shirts.
I hope you pray along with me about what God would have us to do in reference to this.

Love, Adrienne Renea

Update!

So I'll set my sights upon You,
set my life upon Your praise;
never looking to another way.
You alone will be my passion,
Jesus, You will be my song:
You will find me longing after You.

Ah, a fabulous song!

There have been alot of people sick at church..especially this Sunday, even Pastor VanWright wasn't well enough to teach this morning. They definitely need your prayer! So my dad shared a testimony about servanthood and we had extended worship(which I always enjoy!). It's really neat, we got some Na( http://www.newattitude.org/) Conference Promo shirts today. They're awesome!

;c)

On Friday Allyson and I went the awesome, Kari Perez's 18th birthday party which included a stop at Denny's and a scavenger hunt at Wal-mart. It was fabulous fun!
Kari is top row, second from left.

She is like the first of our history group gals to reach the "big 18"! Go her! It's so scary to realize that by the end of this year Sarah, Emily, Kari, Leslie, and I will all be 18! Only God and my parent's can prepare me to be an adult!

I'd like to direct you to the Modesty Survey! It is finally open and I'd like to suggest the ladies go and check it out. Some of it maybe helpful. :c) It was very interesting to read through some of the results and text messages. I am continually reminded modesty starts in the heart and God's word must continually be our guide on how we dress.

Blog Review

http://solofemininity.blogs.com/

I'd like to recommend this blog to all singles! Ms. Carolyn McCulley authors this blog, she is also the writer of the book: Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? She has some great encouragement for singles who want to wait on God and serve Him by being single. I check it everyday and she really has some great posts.

I'm glad I finally got this updated! So I'll leave you with a song we sang at church today. It's one of my fav's!!

You bought me, saved me, cleansed me, changed me;
I just want to thank you now my Lord, for what You’ve done.

You loved me, filled me, touched me, healed me;
I just want to thank you now my Lord, for what You’ve done.

You’re slow to anger and abounding in love.
Though my sins are many, I’ve been washed in Your blood,
And through Your death on the cross at Calvary,
I am free, free indeed!

Love, Adrienne Renea

Na Conference!

Hey ya'll!

It's the New Attitude Conference video!

I've been praying(along with others) about attending this awesome conference. The teaching at this conference is amazing! If this video made you interested in learning more....go here http://www.newattitude.org/conference/

Love, Adrienne Renea

Prayer Please!!!

Hello,



My dear sister Allyson is down with something that looks like the flu, but it hasn't been confirmed. It may just be a serious cold. Please pray that she gets better soon! She has a debate tournament this weekend and needs all her strengh to participate. She'll be really happy to know that others are praying for her quick recovery!


Thanks!

Love, Adrienne Renea

What's so Amazing about.......

By grace we are redeemed.....

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

-Ephesians 1:7

We are to proclaim God's grace....

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

-Acts 20:24


We are undeserving of grace.....

But the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair.......

-Reliant K


We can't live without it......

Oh, sweet grace rain down on me. I need You, grace!

-Phil Wickham

Free Songs!!!

Woot! Free Music! My favorite!
Go download some awesome songs here .
I also would like to recommend the New Attitude Website (trust me, you won't be disappointed!)

Love ya'll!

Adrienne

Happy New Year!

Wow! It's another year(and fireworks are going crazy!).

I thank the Lord for all the amazing things He's allowed me to do and learn in 2006. I'd like to thank my family('specially my Mom, she's amazing and I want to be just like her when I grow up!) for being awesome and putting up with me! Also to my absolutely wonderful friends for not only loving me, but also for their accountability and encouragement. You guys rock!

I hope everyone has a great 2007!

Love, Adrienne

Merry Christmas!

Jesus Christ was born this time of year. That's why we celebrate, right? But often times we don't see farther than the miracle birth of Jesus Christ to the virgin, Mary. This world, though it may recognize Christmas as Jesus Christ's birthday, refuses to see farther than the sweet baby Jesus being born in a stable. It's safe and no one is offended.

There is SO much more! We were all born with sin and the price for sin is death! This sweet baby was miraculously born to bear our sins on Calvary! This baby born in the stable intercedes for us and washes away our sins with his blood.

It's often said that Baby Jesus is the greatest Gift, he is that. But He is far more than just a great teacher and miracle worker. He is our Salvation. This wonderful Gift is Salvation!

Looking at it this way, it brings more meaning to Christmas than just the parties, presents, and people!
Pastor VanWright preached a wonderful sermon yesterday, showing us the deeper meaning of this Season, from the time Jesus was born in Bethlehem he had one mission: to die for us.

God really showed me this Christmas that trying to find meaning in things of this world will leave me feeling quite empty. Keeping my eyes on Christ leaves me full of His Love.

I pray that God will bless you this Holiday season and that you truly remember the true meaning of this Glorious Holiday!

*hugs*

Adrienne Renea

P.S. I hope that post wasn't too rambled :c)

Round Robin at the Copple's

Whoo-ho! Round Robins are awesome. Oh, I really want to debate now! So I guess I'm sorta looking for a partner, but I don't know. I have certain expectations and things I'd like to have in a partner. I'm not anywhere near "really good", but I'd hope to have a partner who's striving for high goals and maybe will even push me along! I'm really looking foward to the Round Robin at the Stracks in January. All I know for now is that I'll be competing in Impromtu there. If someone needs a partner I'll be avaliable!

I had an interesting day and the most exciting part? It would definantly be running after the Copple's chickens, who had escaped into the corral. The poor horses and cows were kinda looking at us weird, I mean who runs after chickens? Adrienne doesn't! At least we THOUGHT, she didn't.



Anyway here's some proof of fun times:

Copple/Copple vs. Renfro/Strack

Ashley, me and Emily!

Ze LD'ers ( clockwise from left: Megan, Grace, Nathan, Josha, Amber and Ericka)

Emily, Allyson, Laura, Jasmine, Joy, and Josh

Rachel and Sarah jumpin' hay bales

Co-op Christmas Party!

Food! No party complete without it.

Logan and Mrs. Patti, putting on her "joy!"

Kari Quote: "party all day!"

Daniel and his "red hat" ornament

(no, he did not keep it)

Co-op families!

Us, with food!




The party was fun, Christmas parties with lots of foods always are. I recieved lots of awesome goodies. I really think Sarah, Leslie, and Kari want me to break out with the large amounts of Chocolate I was fed today. Emily and Jessica: what's better than Starbucks? I really should have took a picture of myself walking around with Kari's big box of Whitman's Chocolate. This time of year is such a struggle in the nutrition department. I shall "find myself" sometime in the new year!

We have a Round Robin tomorrow at the Copple's. I'll be there observing, critiquin', and socializin'. If I remember I'll take some pictures and post them here. I love going to the Copple's house and I want to see their sweet horse Ed.

So long!

Love, Adie

Do you know the true meaning of Christmas?

Church (and an awesome sermon)

One of my favorite days of the week! Church is always awesome and the fellowship of saints is so beautiful
This Sunday's sermon would definitely go under the "renewing of the mind" category. Mr. Craig Cabiness from one of the Sovereign Grace here in Texas came and spoke this Sunday. Wow, it is amazing what we learned from just the first six verses of Ruth. The basic lesson of his sermon was for us not to find satisfaction in things of this world and often times when we're discouraged and distressed my something we often go looking in the wrong places for relief. Contentment with God is so important. I find it hard to take everything to God, instead I mope or eat(wallowing *wink*) or try to make myself happy with something that is temporal.
Another important point he made, which is so relevant to me, was the idea that marrying someone who does not believe as I do, will bring serious consequences. As I get closer to the "marryin' age" I continue to ask God to keep me strong in this belief.
Mr. Cabiness preached an awesome sermon!

Also in the spirit of renewing of the mind, God has placed on my heart the need for me to be more open about my faith and open to sharing the Gospel. Today in worship we sang an awesome song, The chorus goes like this:

Let Your kingdom come
Let Your will be done
So that everyone might know Your Name
Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth
Till Your sovereign work on earth is done
Let Your kingdom come

The song also discusses the idea that Jesus Christ should be known where ever we are. This is my hope that I would truly be light for Him.

I love these holiday's! Especially all the parties, I mean what would Christmas time be like with out friends? I've been trying to get myself together gift-wise, but all my fabulous planning is turning against me.
Christmas break is almost here and all homework will be stricken from my life after this week. I'm looking forward to the co-op Christmas party, it should be interesting to say the least.

The Houston Biscuits( the affection term bestowed on Texans by my mother) lost to Vince Young, that amazing football player beat the whole Texans team single-handed! :c) It was fun. David Carr should be on his way out the door.....