Butterfly Sparks Designs

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Looking back at an awesome year of transition, learning and growing and looking forward to a year full of laughter, friendship and new experiences!

2009 here I come...

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

What day is it?

What is today? I thought it was Saturday but I was sadly mistaken.

So I have been MIA for the past five days and there is a good reason! It's because of two very important things...Family & YEC!

I had an amazing time spending Christmas in North Carolina with my family. It was the first time I had stepped foot in my parents house since last Christmas which is ridiculous and I am determined 2009 will go differently. I got to see my 6 year old niece, Summer who is sooo tall. I swear she is going to be a model. She has super long legs and may be taller than me by the time she's 10...not really but maybe, ha!

I got to spend time with my Mom and Dad, having some home cooked meals and some awesome conversations. My brother and I got to do a little childhood cleaning on my old room.

Yes I said old.

I decided to turn my old room into my niece's new room. It makes more sense and she loves the idea. She also loves the idea of playing with all my stuff, haha. We'll work on that.

For the past three days I have been in MACON, GA with some great friends putting on a little thing called Georgia YEC- Youth Evangelism Conference. It has been three days of fun, music, the word of God, hard work, lack of sleep, laughing hysterically, magic, merch, coffee, and hundreds of people giving their lives to Christ.

We had three awesome bands...Leeland, Hawk Nelson and Fee. We had one mind boggling illusionist...Brock Gill(you are my favorite gypsy). We had some unbelievable BMX/Motorcross action...Brad Bennett & the Real Encounter team. And we had one amazing speaker...Landon Dowden.

I was the PPM this year...the Performance Personnel Manager...long title, awesome job, tired legs. My job consisted of taking care of the bands, speakers, illusionist(which is an everyday occurrence) and the athletes. I made sure they were on stage when they needed to be. Made sure they had all supplies needed to put on a great performance. Made sure they had rooms, food, transportation, and for the FEE band, I made sure they had someone to pick on >You are welcome guys<

It was a great three days and they went by way too fast. Not enough time to catch up with everyone. Not enough time to give all the hugs necessary to tide me over till Conclave. Not enough time to completely take it all in. Not enough time to annoy Aaron. Oh well, counting down days till the next event!

Oh and one more...we totally say the singer of ONE DAY NIGHT >insert loud, obnoxious, 13 year old girl scream here<

I even got a picture!

haha...nice pose Jason! You ROCK!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Lucky...Bang Bang

My niece got a fun new toy for Christmas that we seriously played with all day! His name is Lucky and he is the most well behaved puppy I've ever met:)

Check out his tricks...





Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Playing Santa

I am totally playing Santa Claus right now! Just placed the gifts around the tree and shared a delightful plate of cookies with my brother. Yum!

My niece is going to be so excited in the morning! Can't wait to see her face:)

I love being an adult!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Done flying!

I have decided never to fly again!

Let me explain why so you don't think I am just boycotting airlines for some dumb reason.

Last night, I had a 7:34 PM flight booked from Atlanta, GA to Newport News, VA. Everything was going great...I made it to the airport an hour and a half early without sitting in traffic for hours, got to catch up with my friend Shane and his new puppy Cooper, I had time to grab a little snack of cashews and a coke to tide me over till I landed and I even had time to jump rope a little around the terminal before grabbing my book bag to board! Sounds great huh?

Well at 7:05 PM, it all changed. The Delta lady came over the intercom and said we would begin boarding in just a minute and I was so excited that my flight was on time. Let's just say I was only excited for about a minute because the lady came back on the intercom and said "Due to maintenance issues, your flight has been canceled." No exaggeration, she said those exact words. I mean one minute we were boarding, the next minute I was seriously angry. I'm not even going to lie, there were several non-Christian words floating around in my head.

With a few tears in my eyes, I headed to the service counter in hopes of catching another flight that evening...that was a dumb thought. I arrived at Delta service counter along with about 200 other angry people who were trying to do the same things as me. This is where my long airport experience started.

Three hours and few cuss words later, I canceled my flight all together and made my way down to the baggage area to get my bag back so I could drive to NC...that was a dumb thought too. Let's just say, I am now in North Carolina(after an 8 hour drive) and my bag, well it's still missing...MIA.

Yep, I have no extra clothes, no toothbrush, no make-up and no gifts for my parents. Merry Christmas to everyone!

On the bright side, I am home! I haven't been here in a year and it feels great. The Christmas tree is lite, there is sweet tea in the fridge, fudge on the counter and my family all sitting around watching TV.

Who needs luggage when you got all that, right:) Although brushing my teeth would be awesome, haha!

I'll let you know if I ever see my luggage again! I'm praying I do and would love it if you would pary too.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Hooking in hockey

So, I went to my very first Thrashers game last night which was also my first hockey game! Two words...absolutely amazing! Why has this sport not come across my radar yet.

I loved every second of it!

* The intoxicated screaming fans.
* The delicious pecans.
* The fights that broke out among the players and the way they crushed each other up against the wall.
* The Thrasher head that hung from the ceiling and blew flames out of his mouth whenever we scored.

Everything about it was fun. I'm pretty sure I am obsessed with the sport now and you better believe I will be attending more games this season...after I brush up on my hockey knowledge.

Does anyone know what hooking means in hockey? And does that make him a hooker, haha!

I have a lot to learn:)

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Afro Angel

Homemade cookie dough, homemade icing, original decorating skills and three great friends equal an awesome night!

These are the delicious cookies Allie, Katie and I made!

Notice the afro angel which was by far, my favorite:)

Friday, December 19, 2008

Buddy the Elf

Favorite Christmas movie... ELF!

I know, it's not a classic but still, it's my favorite.

I can pretty much quote the whole movie for you and because I can, I have decided to dedicate this blog to my favorite Buddy the Elf quotes:)


* First we'll make snow angels for a two hours, then we'll go ice skating, then we'll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookiedough as fast as we can, and then we'll snuggle.

* Buddy the Elf! What's your favorite color?

* What's a Christmas Gram? I want one!

* I'm a cotton-headed ninny-muggins.

* Francisco! That's fun to say!

* Puffin: Hey Buddy wanna pick some snowberries?
Buddy: Not now Arctic Puffin!

* The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.


What's your favorite Buddy the Elf quote?

Thursday, December 18, 2008

My Pale List

I recently re-watched the movie "Bucket List" and it got me to thinking...What do I want to do before I die. I feel as if my list would be three miles long if I wrote out everything I wanted to do before I died so I have decided to make a 2009 list...All the things I hope to accomplish in 2009! I call it 'My Pale List.'

Twenty things to get done and only a year to make it happen! Sheesh, this is going to be fun:)

1. Take a trip to Haiti and see the adorable babies at the Hands and Feet orphanage.
2. Read the Bible cover to cover
3. Throw a "Party with a Purpose" event in Atlanta.
4. Go to the Carolina/Duke game...this one might be impossible!
5. Turn in my red shirt and find a good guy to date.
6. Lead someone to Christ, actually lead a few.
7. Get Jill, Judy and Heather to paint their nails black...this will be fun
8. Record another song
9. Run a mile without feeling like I'm going to hyperventilate.
10. Go to the gun range and shoot a gun for the first time
11. Add a blue streak in my hair just because.
12. Teach baby Aiden to say Aunt Shannon
13. Learn how to properly cook my Mom's chicken casserole.
14. Fly to New York and go to a Broadway show
15. Embrace confrontation and tell a few people exactly how I feel.
16. Get another tattoo
17. Eat at Imperial Fez
18. Learn to like coffee
19. Flip a skateboard without breaking my neck.
20. Get caught in a tornado..wait I did that in 2008, haha

What do you hope to accomplish in 2009?

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Sharing isn't easy

I think I have a hard time sharing!

No really, I'm being serious!

Sharing my clothes
Sharing my projects
Sharing my friends
Sharing my chocolate
Sharing the guys I date...I definitely have a hard time with this one, but hey you're not suppose to share guys right? Well you would think so but apparently it happens...Believe me!

I have a hard time with all of those.

But the main one right now is sharing my friends! You know, the whole friend groups combining and hanging out without you. I'm not mad about it, I just get a little >insert good word for jealous here<.

Lately, I have been extremely busy(on purpose and totally my fault) and I haven't had a lot of time to just hang out with people. I feel like I'm missing out on the fun but mostly I'm missing out on building those relationships.

I wonder if I am being selfish in feeling this way or I wonder if it's normal. Surely I'm not the only one!

Does anyone else ever feel like this?

Monday, December 15, 2008

No eye

No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (New Living Translation)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Counting down

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Three French Hens
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Four Calling Birds
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Five Gold Rings

The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Seven Swans A-swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eight Maids A-milking

The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eleven Pipers Piping

The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Twelve Drummers Drumming

The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

The real 12 days of Christmas

Did you know that the 12 days of Christmas aren't the 12 days before Christmas but actually the 12 days after Christmas. I learn something new every day!

The Twelve Days of Christmas is probably the most misunderstood part of the church year among Christians who are not part of liturgical church traditions. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, but in most of the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th). In some traditions, the first day of Christmas begins on the evening of December 25th with the following day considered the Fhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifirst Day of Christmas (December 26th). In these traditions, the twelve days begin December 26 and include Epiphany on January 6.

Read it all for yourself...The 12 Days of Christmas

Friday, December 12, 2008

Question please

Here's a dumb question that I seriously don't know the answer to...

Does the 12 days of Christmas count down to Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

...I really need to know!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The tree of Christmas Present

Have you ever seen a Christmas Tree made of laptops...

...NO?

Well let me fix that for you...

The Communication Department at the North American Mission Board made this creation to represent the present day way of communicating!

Pretty creative huh?

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

A birthday perfect for a princess!

I've been meaning to write about this for two weeks and I refuse to wait any longer!!!

November 29 was my friend Emily's birthday. We had a party with a princess theme, mixed with games, five year old style! It was like stepping back into childhood...

We played pin the tail on the donkey, stomp the balloons(I don't know how to explain this game), there was a Princess castle pinata and of course, a delicious ice cream cake!

I still have dreams about that yummy cake, haha!

Emily was so thrilled with the party and all the love that was put in to her birthday. I wish all of you could have seen the smile on her face...well actually I'll show you!


Love you Emily! You truly are a princess:)

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Christmas card envy

Christmas card envy... yep I have it!

Where's my card??

So far almost everyone around me has at least gotten one...even my co-workers!

I want to open my mailbox, browse through the mail and come across a festive little envelope with my name on it. That's not too much to ask, is it? >insert cute little smile here<

So friends, loved ones, acquaintances, can you help ease my bitter soul? haha

Monday, December 08, 2008

Alarm clock malfunction

My alarm clock decided not to go off this morning which made me two hours late for work.

I HATE being late and even more, I hate being unreliable which is how I might this morning. There's just something about walking in late and feeling like you have let down your superiors even if the situation was out of your control...By out of control I mean, it would take an act of God for me to wake up without some sort of loud buzzing noise to shake me from my deep sleep!

Luckily I have two amazing bosses that give me grace for things like that...well grace and some cut downs throughout the day, haha! I deserved them I guess!

Anyway, I have set two alarms for tomorrow morning in hopes of not repeating today!

Sunday, December 07, 2008

He was injured, injured bad

So my parents and brother came into town Friday afternoon, hence the reason I was MIA for the past two days...I was having some serious family bonding time. We've had a great time exploring the city, doing a little Christmas shopping, eating at some of the ATL favorites and just hanging out since we barely get to do that anymore.

Now my family is from the country of North Carolina, so the city is a little overwhelming for them, except my dad! He pretty much loves all places...But since we are talking about my Pops, let me tell you a little story about what happened to Daddy on his first day visiting his daughter in the big city.

So, Daddy loves getting up to go get breakfast, especially when we're on vacation. He always gets up super early and sneaks out of the house before my Mom, Brock or I wake up. Actually he is usually done eating and back before we get up...yes we're lazy!

Anyway, yesterday Daddy ventured out and found a Waffle House just a few miles down from our condo. He had some breakfast, enjoyed some coffee and read his paper to catch up on current events. Well, as Daddy walked outside to leave, there was a handicapped ramp painted and a step that kind of blended in to the painted area so it wasn't visible when walking to the parking lot (I am horrible at relaying this story, but I'm going to try to tell it right). As Daddy stepped off the ramp, thinking he was stepping onto flat ground, he twisted his foot off the side of the step that "disappeared" into the painted ramp area. This caused Pops to fall and hit the concrete.

When he hit the ground, he hit his head causing his glasses to cut his nose. Take a look...


The Waffle House people took him to the Emergency Care place across the street, where the doctor glued(yes, glued) the cut back together and placed disappearing strips across his skin for the healing process. He said everyone was super nice and the Waffle House people told him to come get free breakfast every morning this week! How crazy is that? And they were serious...Brock and Daddy went back this morning and they both got a free meal. The Waffle House Staff greeted my Dad by name, haha! I think they might be a little scared of a lawsuit, which Daddy would never do!

Anyway, Daddy told me that his nose doesn't hurt, just itches a little. He is such a trooper, but we're gonna shoot for not getting hurt anymore the rest of the trip, haha:)

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Munchkin Obsession

So lately I've had this weird obsession with 'The Wizard of Oz' munchkins...so much that I used Cha Cha for the first time to find out how many of them were still living! I can't explain why I want to know, I just do!

I watched a documentary two weeks ago about 4 of the remaining munchkins and it was so fascinating to hear about their lives since munchkin stardom. I would catch myself singing 'Follow the Yellow Brick Road' subconsciously while watching these munchkins, who are in their late 80s, dress in their old costumes and dance around.

I wonder what it would have been like to be a munchkin? To sing songs to Judy Garland and play this magical part of this amazing story that still brings joy to people today. Maybe that's why I'm so fascinated with them right now! Or maybe I just really love the term munchkin:)

What do you think? Does anyone else out there think these people are fascinating?

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Welcome to Georgia

Today I did something I said I would never do...

I became a Georgian.



There it is...my new license! I will admit I am fond of the photo, ha! I did smudge the info since there are some crazy people in this world apparently.

Anyway, I know it sounds dumb to make such a big deal over it but I just never thought I would move out of North Carolina and actually stay. Getting a license to me says permanent. >insert Gasp here<

As I was leaving the DMV, the clerk said "Welcome to Georgia!" in a very excited voice. I seriously almost had a panic attack.

Now, I know what you're thinking...'Shannon, why did you do this?'and I wish I had an amazingly clever answer for you. Sadly, all I have to say for myself is 'I hope I really love this state because I just made a HUGE dedication to it!!

Monday, December 01, 2008

I need Africa! Do you?

So, if you are an avid follower of my blog...which you should be...then you probably remember the post from last week about Africa! (I'm sure the reference at the bottom of every post since then has left a photographic imprint in your mind, ha). Anyway today is the day to find out more about this awesome campaign and I'm so excited that you decided to stop back by! Once you have finished reading this blog please visit www.mochaclub.org to check out more!

Now, on to what you have been waiting for. Here is an article from Barrett who lives in Africa and is the leader of this awesome project! Read why he needs Africa...

I NEED AFRICA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS ME

When I think of Africa, the following images immediately come to mind: Starvation. AIDS. Child soldiers. Genocide. Sex slaves. Orphans. From there, my thoughts naturally turn to how I can help, how I can make a difference. “I am needed here,” I think. “They have so little, and I have so much.” It’s true, there are great tragedies playing out in Africa everyday. There is often a level of suffering here that is unimaginable until you have seen it, and even then it is difficult to believe. But what is even harder is reconciling the challenges that many Africans face with the joy I see in the people. It’s a joy that comes from somewhere I cannot fathom, not within the framework that has been my life to this day. [read more]



Has it captured your heart yet?

This is such an amazing and life changing project and my prayer is that you will desire to get involved, yearn to help out and crave to know as much as possible about Africa! Head over to mochaclub.org to find out more, find more blog posts and (if you love tee shirts as much as me) purchase a tee to help with spread the word!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Build an ark, He said!

God asks each of us to 'build an ark'; it's hard to understand and may seem crazy, but it can happen...what's your ark?

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Thirds

Note to self...

When you are full, don't go back for seconds and thirds! Unless it's for turkey:)
Don't eat pie right before bed!
Always play "He said, She said" at every party from now on.
Never assume anything!
Balloons make for a fun game when they are tied around your ankles.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Hammocks of friends

How many people can you fit in one hammock?



This was such a fun moment:)

Thursday, November 27, 2008

I ate too much!

I ate way too much today!

We had a HUGE feast prepared at Brock and Auny's today! Let's see if I can remember everything I had on my plate:

Hummm, well there was turkey(awesome turkey), stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, peas, gravy, macaroni & cheese, sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top, delicious bread and, what we like to call cranberry crap(apples, orange jello, cranberries, celery and I'm sure something else...it's yum).

OK so that was round one! Then there was round two...DESSERT!

There was pumpkin pie, pumpkin crisp, Texas pie(my absolute favorite), banana nut bread with cream cheese icing, some kind of smore chocolate bar thing and white chocolate covered popcorn. So much goodness all on one table!

It was a great Thanksgiving feast. And after we indulged, we enjoyed some great Thanksgiving zip line rides:)

Oh, did I mention Brock and Auny brought me two sweet tea truffles from the Cocoa Tree? Well it happened and now that I'm thinking about it, I left them at their house.

BUMMER!

Well, that just means I'll have chocolate to eat after gumbo tomorrow night, ha!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Seriously Perfect.

Driving through downtown Franklin tonight made me realize how much I miss this place! Everything looks just how I remember it...perfect!!

The streets are all decorated with gleaming white lights and garland and are still acented with some familiar faces at the local Starbucks on the corner.

The round-about is still fun to drive around more than once just to get the full effect of it being round.

The house on 92 still decorates with huge blow up figures and still has never left me disappointed with their festive selection...right now it's a huge turkey standing beside a massive football player...I mean that about sums up Thanksgiving don't you think?

It's seriously perfect. I love it:)

There's just this comforting feeling when I drive into the little town. Feelings of friendship, love, feelings of laughter and joy and a definite feeling of never wanting to leave!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Wired and Fried

I just totally giggled out loud, in my house, by myself thinking how awesome last night's group adventure was! I'm sure that some of you have read my blogs about Monday's Menu and some may have even visited the Monday's Menu site(which is no longer existent)! If you have, then you know that I have a great group of ladies in my life and we love to travel into the city looking for fun.

Well Monday's Menu has turned into Monthly Menu and it's no really about finding good restaurants anymore. It's about finding an adventure to take where we can put work behind us and enjoy the laughter, the atmosphere and the best part, the company!

Last night the five of us, Allie, Katie, Megan, Jen and myself...with Mal in spirit... ventured down to Virginia Highlands with one mission in mind...POTTERY! Painting pottery that is. We went to this little place called Wired and Fired which is absolutely adorable inside and out. They have shelves of clay pottery to choose from. They have bowls and plates, mugs and goblets, ornaments and cookie jars, etc! It's a little overwhelming but in a good way.

After you pick your pottery, you pick your paint colors then your stencils and then your overall design...Whew it's a lot to take in and explain, haha! Let me show you our night with a little help from my classic photo skills:)

These pictures will tell you all about Allie and Katie...Stencil masters, Megan...color perfectionist, and Jen & I...painting extraordinaires!




Oh and did I mention there was awesome pizza?

Jen's gonna kill me for that, ha:)

Monday, November 24, 2008

I need Africa more than Africa needs me!

A few days ago, while I was browsing through some of my friend's blog sites, I came across something very intriguing and something that I knew from the start I wanted to help with. It's something called Mocha Club.

Ever heard of it? Well if not, then you need to look it up.

Mocha Club [www.mochaclub.org] is a community-based website where members can start a team and invite friends to join them in giving $7 a month – the cost of 2 mochas at our friendly Starbucks or local coffee shop – to support a project in Africa. Mocha Club's vision is to provide a way for people who don't have hundreds or thousands of dollars to make a difference in Africa.

I was asked by Mocha Club to write about the concept of why ‘I need Africa more than Africa needs me.' I have pondered this statement for a few days and I must say hundreds of things have popped in my mind! So here we go...I'm going to tell why I believe I need Africa more than Africa needs me!

Day after day I go through life never realizing how extremely lucky I am. I have a roof over me head, warm water to shower in daily, hot meals and cold drinks, transportation, access to medicines and doctors, education, entertainment beyond belief and a closet full of clothes that I look everyday thinking "I have nothing to wear." I could keep listing on and on about how blessed I am and we are as a nation that doesn't generally have to live in poverty but my point in all this is, even though we/I am so wealthy, I still complain and want more. Isn't that sad?

Now, I want you to stop for a second and think about this... Children in Africa, who have close to nothing compared to us, become overwhelmed with joy from a plate of food that is considered(in our scale) one meal. I've seen videos where their little faces light up from getting to go to school, receiving pencils and crayons to being feed a bowl of grits with a glass of clean water. Would your face light up if someone gave up a glass of water?

Somehow we've got to this point where we give money out of pity instead of out of compassion and love. Africa doesn't need our pity. It doesn't need us looking down on them for what they may not have. The truth is they have more then we ever will because they know what it means to truly appreciate what they have instead of being resentful for what they don't have!

My point is this...

I need Africa to teach me that life is about love and about cherishing what I have. Life is more than having it all or buying the best. It's about the little things. It's about appreciating what is given and trusting that tomorrow will provide. I need Africa to remind me that joy comes from something bigger than a new pair of jeans or a Starbucks coffee every morning. It's about seeing the blessing in everything. I need Africa to teach me how to be selfless instead of selfish...how to give instead of how to receive. To show me what true love and appreciation is, along with showing me some of biggest and greatest smiles ever:)

What do you think?

Share your thoughts in my comments, and even blog about it yourself. Join in! Help out! Because it's more then just talking about it...it's about doing something about it!

Come back Dec 1st to see what Mocha Club is doing about reforming that image. See you then...

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Would you?

Would you live your life any differently if you didn't care what people thought?

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Today's a Chocolate Day!!!

THE COCOA TREE is re-opening, TODAY...downtown Nashville in Germantown near Monells!!!

This is huge news! Bigger than huge...this is Ginormous news!

You better believe I will be taking more trips to Nashville just to indulge in Bethany's fabulous chocolate truffles! Actually I plan on driving my little self over there next week!

Jealous?

Well you should be!

But for all you ATL chocolate lovers, I will take orders...and I will deliver them to you when I return. Go to the site, pick you out some truffles and leave me a comment with your requests:) www.bethanychocolatier.com

Oh my goodness...Chocolate Marsh mellows and Champagne Rose truffles I have missed you!

Friday, November 21, 2008

As Promised...

Here are some pictures from our retreat at Amicalola Falls.

The Lodge was full of amazing views

I had to take a picture with the bears!

The Falls were so beautiful

To prove to Lebron that we got our exercise in:)

And we even climbed some stairs to get a full workout!

Besides being a little under the weather, I had a great time getting to know my team better, tossing around ideas for 2009, hiking in 21 degree weather and just enjoying a day out of the office!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Amicalola Falls

Retreat in Amicalola Falls, Georgia so far:
Very very COLD
Amazing fireplace in the lodge
My nose won't stop running
Sunset was absolutely beautiful over the mountains
Lots of laughs over dinner
Meeting about PR, new stories for '09, and NAMB notes
Homemade cookies from Mike's wife (yum)

What is to come:

Getting up early to see the sunrise and take snap shots
Early morning meeting about On Mission magazine
Brisk hike through the mountains to see the waterfall
Hanging out with the stuffed bears in the lobby
Enjoying the time I have to get to know my team more

Fun times all around...Hopefully I'll have some pictures to show you tomorrow!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Treasured silver

Let me tell you a little story...

There once was a young lady, will call her Neese, who had a very special silver ring that she wore everyday. She never took the ring off and there was even a tan line from where she had worn it in the sun for several summers (classy I know). This young lady loved her ring and loved the story behind the ring even more.

One day, while at a magical land called The Fortl she took the ring off...for a very special occasion of course...because gold was more appropriate. She hesitated but knew that it would be safe in the little bag she placed it in. After having a grand ole time with friends and family at the unforgettable occasion, she headed home to her big beautiful city in a far off land.

When she arrived home, she pulled out the little bag and she was shocked to find that the ring was not where she placed it. It was missing! Frantic, the young lady immediately called her friends back at The Fort and started a emergency search for the treasured piece of silver. Her friends searched for weeks but came up with nothing.

Shel was upset at her loss!

After weeks of searching and praying, the young lady called off the search. She knew that she would never see her favorite ring again.

One Friday out of blue...8:15 AM... the young lady received a phone call from one of her favorite friends in the magical land. He said the words she had been hoping for, for weeks..." I FOUND IT!"

Apparently the ring had been dropped outside as the young lady was leaving the The Fort to head home. The treasured silver laid there for weeks until a glitter glare caught her friend's eye. She was so thrilled that she decided to write a story about it:)

Aaron thanks so much for finding my favorite ring!

You're right...it was definitely a God thing and I'm so glad. Can't wait to have it back on my finger!!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Time to Plant

For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Monday, November 17, 2008

Equals Awesome

The equation goes something like this....

Started with getting to sleep in on Saturday followed by some homemade cookies from Auny + Pappasitos' fajitas and table side Guacamole multiplied by watching Lindsey eat some fire + a comfy Hampton Inn bed mixed with two 'Please Don't Freak Out on Me' shows performed by who else but Brock Gill and summed up with a trip to Eddie's Attic to visit with Clay Kasey and his friends Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken and Waterdeep = One awesome weekend!!!

I love when equations equal something Awesome!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Being an ATL tourist

I've lived here for almost a year and I have yet to do any of the "tourist attractions" in the big city of Atlanta...well except visiting the top of the Westin, the Varsity and the Fox Theatre...but other than that I am a newbie to what is here!

Apparently there are so many things that draw people to this beautiful city. There is the World of Coke which looks so cool. It's the World’s largest collection of Coke memorabilia and you can taste over 60 different products. And you can finish your tour off with a trip to the Thrilling 4-D Theater (3D movie with moving seats). Sounds to good to be true, right!

Atlanta is also known for it's Botanical Gardens, Underground, and Children's Museum. All very intriguing but places I haven't been yet. But one of the newest and most popular attractions in Atlanta is the Georgia Aquarium, which I can check of my list because I got to go, YAY!

That's right...last weekend Jen and I took her mom and brother to see the all the greatness of the World's largest aquarium. We saw the Beluga Whales, Sea Otters and some awesome looking jellyfish. Sadly the penguins were on vacation but we plan on going back to visit with them when they return!

Here are some photos from our adventure...

Have you ever seen a leopard stingray?

Looking at the horseshoe crabs...yes we stuck our hands in!

Beautiful colors

The jellyfish were so awesome looking!

Just walking under some sea life.

We were like children all day:)

Who knew you could have so much fun being a tourist...haha! One tourist attraction down, too many to count to go!

Friday, November 14, 2008

In The Curve

Pictures!

They capture the moment and bookmark all the greatest times of our life. They help when you need a reference to the time when you couldn't stop laughing or the moment when tears of joy fell in multitudes. There are countless reasons why we take pictures, but one of the main reasons is to remember... because who wants to forget?

I love pictures and there are some weeks where can I take over a hundred of them because I want to remember every single moment in several different angles, ha. I am that girl that has her camera out and ready for something to spark an interest. While I am clearly an amateur at photography, I have a few friends who are naturally talented in the art of capturing moments perfectly. Let me tell you about one of those people...

His name is Will Fryar and he has been a good friend of mine for a few years now. Will and I worked at camp together back in the day and we share several memories as well as inside jokes:)

Will was blessed with the talent of taking amazing pictures. He has such a creative mind and it shows in his work. He recently launched a new site called IN THE CURVE which I think all of you should go check out! It is a site built to show Will's thoughts, his art and his perspective on a world created by an awesome God!


www.inthecurve.com

Please stop by and leave Will some love!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Gentleness

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making
allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

Ephesians 4:2

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

So precious...

I can't get enough of this perfect little man!

More pictures of baby Aiden...


Counting down days till I get to see him!!


Tuesday, November 11, 2008

It's 11:11 on 11/11

I have this little quirky thing about me that some of you already know but I will share anyway!

I always make a wish on 11:11(when I catch it)

Why you ask? Well dear friends I will tell...because I was told growing up that whatever wish you make on 11:11 will come true!

Today has been full of double wishing since 11:11 happens twice and it's 11/11/2008...Let's just say I got a lot of answered wishes coming my way, haha!

Yes I am a dork:)

Monday, November 10, 2008

Completely

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

~ Romans 15:13

Sunday, November 09, 2008

He's here

It's funny...just when you think life couldn't get any better, God introduces you to something so perfect that you immediately know from that point on, you can't do without it. That's definitely what happened today.

You see, I've been waiting 8 months for the arrival of baby Aiden. I've been picturing his little nose, what the color of his hair would be, if he would have freckles like his dad or if he would smile like his mom. I've been thinking about getting to hold this perfect little person and all the stories I would tell him about his parents and our journey as friends (only the good stuff of course, ha).

Well today ended my wait!

It wasn't the day where I got to hold him or to give him little kisses on his baby soft head but, today was the day that baby Aiden arrived. At 5:58 PM, Aiden Joseph Skoczylas made his way into the world weighing 5 pounds, 11 ounces and stretching 18 inches long. He was a month early but perfect in every way. Janis told me all about his cute little cheeks and his curly red hair and I must say, I was very tempted to get on plane tonight just so I could be there! But since I couldn't, Janis, Joey and Don kept me in the loop with phone calls and adorable first photos...

Isn't he precious?

Even though I haven't gotten to cuddle with him in my arms or actually see him in person, I know that I already love him!

Baby Aiden welcome to the world, I love you and I will see you soon!

Burning plastic

So I'm sure by now all you know that I LOVE Pappasito's fajitas(it's all Brock and Auny's fault). There's just something about that butter sauce and the way they cook their chicken that makes my mouth water, haha!

Lately Jen and I have been going once a week to get our fix and it's been such a fabulous tradition. Last night we decided to take Jen's mom and her brother, Jeff to Pappasito's so that they could experience Atlanta's best...well in my opinion. Dinner was amazing as usually but it's what happened after dinner that made the experience.

Dinner was over, the fajitas were devoured and we were waiting for the waitress to hand our cards back from running payment. She asked which one of us was Shannon and after I told her me, she got real serious. You see, what happened was this...


Yep that's my debit card which the waitress dropped on a sizzling skillet and it caught fire. Hilarious!!! She was so concerned and I don't blame her. I mean I won't be able to use my card for 10 days while I wait for a new one but, I think that is blessing from God, haha. Me, not being able to spend money is definitely a good thing!

Now I know that my debit catching on fire at dinner isn't exactly everyone's ideal experience but my waitress definitely made up for burning my card. My meal was free and the manager gave me this...

That's a $25 gift card! Totally worth getting my card burned, haha!!! YAY for free fabulous fajitas next time:)

Saturday, November 08, 2008

No Stops Please!!

I am trying to book a flight home for Christmas so I can make the most of time with my family. I have been on the Internet all day searching flights and I have yet to find anything at a reasonable price or at a reasonable schedule. I have been on Travelocity, Priceline, Orbitz, Kayak, and of course all the airline sites...and all I've found is a headache.

All these sites want to charge me some crazy amount to fly into Charlotte, sit for two hours and then fly into Raleigh. Why can't a plane just go from Atlanta to Raleigh with no stops. It's not that far. I mean I should just drive if I'm gonna have to sit in an airport for two hours bored out of my mind...I can do that in my car...for less money!

All I want is a cheap flight that will put me in Raleigh on December 23 at a decent time, with no stops, so I can go Christmas Eve Eve caroling with my boys, Peej, David and Darrell before I head home to see my lovely parents who I miss dearly. Is that too much to ask?

Friday, November 07, 2008

Say it again

No need to translate,
'cause my eyes give me away,
Even though my lips don't say..

This should be so easy,
But my head gets in the way,
All the things that I want to tell you.

You're the most perfect yet,
Most definitely that I've met,
And I wonder if you know that's how I feel about you.
I hope you know..

'cause I have so much love for you.
Do with it what you will..
And I have nothing more to prove,
Say to me what you will..
Say, say it again.

Not enough lovers in life to go around
But there's you and me,
If we don't start it out.. mmmm..
It's not hard to let go
Enough to let me in.
If it's meant to be,
It can only be good.

You're the most perfect fit,
Most definitely that I've met,
And I hope that you feel the same way too
About me.. just let me know..

'cause I have so much love for you,
Do with it what you will..
And I have nothing more to prove.
Say to me what you will..
Say, say it again..

Can you take it from me?
If I give, can you receive?
I'm reaching out,
Giving everything.
I give you my heart, I give you my soul,
I give you it all..

'cause I have so much love for you,
Do with it what you will..
And I have nothing more to prove.
Say to me what you will..
Say, say it again..

Thursday, November 06, 2008

NKTOB

Did I mention I went to see New Kids on the Block?

I know I did but, in case you didn't believe me or you thought that there was no way NKTOB was back together let me show you a little something...




Yep...There they are!

They sang everything from Hangin Tough to Grown Man to Cover Girl...and I fell in love with Donnie all over again, haha!

Fifteen years later and they are still as good as I remember! Oh and you better believe I still screamed like a little 11-year-old girl when they took the stage!

Hands down best concert I been to...and yes I am totally serious!!