Tater Tot Run...

I had this conversation last with my friend Daniel about tater tots after an adventure I had! You see I think that tater tots are one of the greatest creations made and I believe they are one of the most versatile foods you can eat. I mean think about it, you could tater tots for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack, Dessert....need I go on?

OK so Mallori and I set out on this journey last night to find the closest Sonic. You see, around 8:30 PM we got this craving for Sonic Drive In...Tater Tots and Dr Pepper Floats (unhealthy, yes I know). We looked up directions on Google because there isn't a Sonic near Buckhead. So with directions in hand, we set out to find our tasty destination. An hour later we ended up on the Southwest side of Atlanta. For those of you who are not familiar with Atlanta, Buckhead is on the North side of the city and we ended up all the way on the Southwest side...not good!

So to sum up the trip, we never found Sonic! We never got our tasty treats! And we were both left feeling sad and empty(literally). This has caused me to realize how much I love America's favorite drive and also leads me to wonder why Atlanta only has one or two?!!

Maybe I should invest in opening one in the Buckhead area!
Hummmm good idea...then there will be free tater tots for everyone=)

Pray with Simplicity

"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?

"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.

"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.

"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.
~Matthew 6:5-18(The Message)

Matthew 5:38-48 (The Message)

Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

In Waiting

Waiting for...

a chance.

inspiration.

ambition.

answers.

challenges.

understanding.

pure joy.

opportunities.

secrets from Him.

love.

patience.

What are you waiting for?

"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise."
Romans 5:1 (The Message)

Chapters...

OK so I wrote this a while ago to describe someone in my life! It was supposed to eventually be a song but I never got around to finishing it... I thought it would fit well with my other topic of the weekend...

Cause you help write the Chapters of my book
You're a part of my life time
One that I will not forget until the end of time.

You're the star that I wish on
You're the hero in my dreams
You're the answer to the prayer I say before I drift off to sleep.

Now I never did get further than writing this semi chorus because I have a tendency to get writer's block. These few sentences have been on my mind lately though and I feel as if I need to finish what I started.

So I need some help from you guys! Tell me what you think...

A Blank Start

I had lunch today with a very good friend of mine. We talked and basically just caught up on all the things that have been going on in each other's lives. I shared with him a few of my struggles and through our conversation I began to think about something I never thought about before.

People often say that when you move somewhere or start a new career that you are beginning a new chapter in your book of life. I thought about this statement because our book of life is often referred to as something we are continually reading, somewhat. You know, you turn the page to begin a new chapter. Well, the new chapter in my life has been a hard one so far and it's not like I'm reading it...it's like I'm writing it. It's like I open the book of my life and when I turn the page to this new chapter, the page is blank.

As I was sharing this thought with my friend, he said that he would love for the page to be blank because it's like a new beginning and you get to start it off however you want. Now, trying to write a chapter in a book is hard especially if it's the book of your life. So I have decided to take that blank page, the page that for the past three weeks I have been desperately trying to write the first word on...I'm going take that page and begin the chapter! I'm going to put down the worries, fears and struggles and look for the opportunities, the blessings and the joy.

So here we go. Now keep in mind you will only get to see these first few sentences but just know that in a few months, down the road, I expect each of you to to ask me how my chapter is going!

"Today is the first day of my new journey. It was a beautiful chilly day and God opened my eyes to a wonderful new beginning. The opportunities to serve are endless and there are so many doors to open and see the wonderful surprises behind them..."

Sad faces

So today while I was chatting with my co-workers online, I began to feel pretty sad that I wasn't in Nashville with them. I can't see their faces or laugh at their jokes(which aren't always funny). I can't throw things at them or ignore them with my back turned. It made me sad...



Well to my surprise, they were feeling the same way. Of course they all had different reasons for being sad.

Jacob was sad because he had no one to pick on...


Wes was sad cause there was no one there to throw things at and no one to make lunch extra long...


Scott was sad because there was no one to ask lots of questions and annoy him while he tried to work...


And Brandon was sad because their was no one to draw him pictures and play jokes on Jacob with...


I miss them and they miss me...isn't that special!

This blogs for you Brandon, haha

Cheap Imitations

I'm re-reading one of my favorite books right now (A Love Worth Giving by Max Lucado) and I came across one of the most influential chapters. It's called "Inflamed" and it deals with the verse "Love does not envy"~ I Corinthians 13:4.

This chapter goes through and describes what life would be like if our lives were full of jealousy and resentment. What if we were bitter because we were single? What if we were jealous because of what other people had that we didn't? What if we continually harped on the things in our life that we wished were different instead of looking at the things we were blessed to know and have?

Max sums up quite a bit when he states, " God withholds what we desire in order to give us what we need. You desire a spouse; He gives you himself. You seek a larger church; He prefers a stronger church. You want to be healed so you can serve. He wants you confined so you can pray."

Sometimes we miss it. God actually gives us everything we need and most of what we want, but we are too consumed with not getting everything in our exact time that we lose sight of the gifts.

Have you ever just sat down and thought about all the things you have prayed for over the years. Think back, you could even go back to your high school days. What was it that you consistently prayed for? Now think about where you are today and what you have accomplished and what you have received. Did He answer those prayers? The better question is did He give you what you asked for or did He give you something far better than you could have imagined?

Some of you are thinking back really hard right now and maybe you cant think of one thing but I'm almost positive that God has blessed your life with something so great and something that was absolutely worth waiting for.

God offers authentic love. His devotion is the real deal. But He won't give you the genuine until you surrender the imitations.

Let go of the fake pearls. Put down the cheap imitations and let God bless you with the most geniune pearls you've ever seen. I promise it'll be worth it.

Shocked, just shocked

I was shocked when I heard this news today...

Heath Ledger was found dead at his Manhattan residence, a police spokesman confirms to the Associated Press. He was 28.

Police say the death may be drug-related. The NYPD spokesman tells AP that Ledger had a massage appointment at his Soho apartment. When the housekeeper went to alert Ledger the masseuse was there, she found him at around 3:26 p.m.

He did not respond when they shook him, and the housekeeper called 911, The New York Times reports. He was pronounced dead at 3:45 p.m.

Authorities later said they did not suspect foul play but that pills were found near the body.

I kind of feel like one of my close friends died, even though I never met him. Wow, this was not news that I had hoped to hear today!

He will be missed on the Screen!

A happy ending

So in the past five days, I've been to the movie theater four times. I've seen some of great new releases out and at the end of the day I am still left wishing that my life would resemble some of the things I saw on the Big Screen.

I have decided if my life could be a movie it would have the beginning of "P.S. I Love You." The plot would be a cross between "The Notebook" and "A Walk To Remember." And the ending would be similar to "27 Dresses. As you can tell, all the movies are considered chick flicks and that is because they all have one thing in common...Happy Endings!

Oh, to have a happy ending! To have someone spot you from across the room. Someone to approach you as if you were the only girl he would ever want to look at. To have someone risk everything to be you or someone to make you feel like a princess. At the end of the day, those are the things I hope for!

One day my friends...One day!!

A new grilled cheese

Have you ever had a grilled cheese sandwich made with mayonnaise instead of butter? Yep, me either, well until tonight!

My friend Jonathan came to visit this weekend to help Mallori move in and just to keep us company! Today after some shopping, watching a serious girlie movie and just exploring Buckhead, we headed back to the house for grilled cheeses and chips. I was raised to make my grilled cheese with butter but Jonathan was taught differently. He had a alternate plan.

Here we go:

What you do is spread mayo on one side of two pieces bread.

Place the cheese in the middle of the two pieces of bread.

Drop it into the frying pan and cooked till brown.

Mallori described it as a tangy cheese sandwich. She really liked it. I might have to disagree, yuck! haha

What do you think?

Snow in Atlanta

Here are some pictures from Mallori and my house in Atlanta. This was our first snow...and it was also move in day for Mal! What a nice surprise:)

And yes we are having a snowball fight in the front yard! Kyle, Jonathan, Josh, Mal and I had so much fun!

Hoping for more snow soon:)

First week down

So I have been in Atlanta for a little over a week and I've made it, ha!
I have had some challenges and some amazing times already. Let me tell you the highlights of my first week as a Georgian:)

Move in day: We had so much fun moving in! I adore my friends Kyle and Jonathan. They worked so hard and made such a scary move into a joyous new adventure. I know that I already wrote a blog about them but I can't thank them enough for their help and their friendship.

Clay Days: I have had the opportunity to hang out with my friend Clay twice in one week. That's not normal, haha! He is such an amazing person and he knows exactly what to say in order to make my fears and my disappointments seem like a distance memory.

Buckhead Church: I have heard about the infamous NorthPoint ministry and last Sunday I got to finally sit and listen to Andy Stanley give an amazing sermon. Buckhead is definitely a lot different from my church in Franklin but with a few more visits i can see myself getting acquainted and taking on new tasks and involvement.

46' High Definition TV: I went to visit my friend Mac on Saturday and watch the Patriots game on this absolutely huge TV that James David purchased. I felt like I was sitting on the sidelines, haha! It was fun to sit and catch up with those two, and of course watch a great game and even a good movie which followed!

A night out: I finally got to hang out with my friend Ben last night. He is so much fun and we have a lot in common which makes conversation great. We went to see "The Bucket List" after dinner and now I think he has me talked in to skydiving, ha! We'll see.

I have a few more fun times and I hope that these fun moments continue. My prayer is that God will open doors in my new city for friends, community and job opportunities!

Please help me pray! Thanks and I love you all...

More to come:)

Grey Skies

Caught in the Grey skies...

Tired of always playing the part
caught in the dark wasting away
Those stupid people calling our names
Fueling the spark and starting a flame under Grey Skies

Yes you're strange and your beautiful
When you hold you head up high in the middle of a fight
Rearrange and disable
The fear you hold inside in the middle of the night

Climbing to the top of the chain
who is to blame look where we are.
Respect is still the highest regard
This may be true, but now we are caught in the Grey skies.

Yes you're strange and your beautiful
When you hold you head up high in the middle of a fight
Rearrange and disable
The fear you hold inside in the middle of the night.

Show the world who you really are....

What If?

I often have the same thoughts on my mind. It's one of those things that I can't seem to shake mainly because I don't want to. I have dreams about them and I catch my mind wondering throughout the day back to the same thoughts, one in particular.

For a while, I've had this great idea of how something could be in my mind. It's like my heart and mind take over and start to plan out the way this certain situation should go. It's actually kind of great till I come back to the real world and realize somethings may never happen.

What do you do when you have a deep desire for something. You think about all the time and you know that you could make the biggest difference if only giving a chance. It's hard to just step back and let things play out knowing that you could lose that one thing that you're holding on to so tightly.

I know that people say "when you love something, let it go" but my response is usually "if you treasure something, invest in it!" Now my response may not agree with all the statistics and logics but, what if I could change that. What if for once, I didn't let go and I invested my time, my strength and my heart into this one thing?

Sure, the outcome could be pain. Sure, the outcome could be lose. But what if, just what if, the outcome was love!

Ask and Believe

"If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer."
~Matthew 21:24

Don't reduce this grand statement to the category of new cars and paychecks. Don't limit the promise of this passage to the selfish pool of perks and favors. The fruit God assures is far greater than earthly wealth. His dreams are much greater than promotions and proposals.

God wants you to fly. He wants you to fly free of yesterday's guilt. He wants you to fly free of tomorrow's grave. Sin, fear, and death. These are the mountains he has moved. These are the prayers He will answer. This is the fruit He will grant. This is what He longs for you.

"And the angels were silent."

Encouraging words from Manwell!

In a world fixated on so many superficial ideologies, I find myself in a crossroad of my life. I think of the many people who've gone in the opposite direction of their dream for the sake of security, money or even fear. For certain people, they felt like there was no other choice. There are mouths to feed, bills to pay, other responsibilities that force you to live the life you never intended on living. Then there are those of you who have a dream deep in you just dying to be birthed. Both persons are capable of reaching their dream! One might have a harder road in front of them with more obstacles, but both have it in them to reach their destiny. Think about your dream....I'm talking about those thoughts that you don't wanna tell anyone cause you're afraid that they'll laugh at you and say you can't do it. That dream that scares you to death, but at the same time gives you the best feeling you've ever had in your life. I encourage everyone of you who reads this to dream wildly, uncontrolled, passionately! There's nothing like walking on the waters of your dreams. God can make it happen... just trust.

Thoughtful Poem #2

You always wonder who you'll love and who you'll see
Most of all I wonder what we will be.

You're my Savior, My guiding light
And I definitely went down without a fight.

With you I feel so alive
I feel as if I have new life.

I stare at your car as you drive away
You know the words I want to say.

Scared to be with you, scared to be without
Don't give up on me don't count me out.

I'm walking around watching a dream
Things can't be as good as they seem.

I keep pushing to try and make you feel
That this feeling I'm feeling is so real.

Do you think you've found the one that fits you
I hope you see me and it hits you.

I want to call you on the phone
Just to tell you that you're not alone.

I know you're falling,I can see it in your eyes
Just let go, and I'm sure you'll be surprised.

Nobody can tell you what to be
And nobody can tell me what to say
The only thing I can do is stay...

And hope you fall in love with me!

Thoughtful poems

Over the next few days, my blog will dedicated to someone who used to write me the most thoughtful poems! I hope you read and enjoy...

In August, you came to my Rock Show
Truth be told, you had me at hello.
We kissed that night, and you made my world spin around
Now I'm on a high and I can't seem to come down.

In September, you made my birthday feel so right
And believe me, I'll never forget the special night.
We looked at the stars and I held you so
I made a wish that I never had to let you go.

In October, it was the State Fair
One hand in yours and the other through your hair.
Our love together was so brand new
Yet for some reason you knew exactly what to do.

In November, I decide to move out
And we kept on loving each other without a doubt.
You would come over and I would sing you to sleep
I would watch you without making a peep.

In December, it was Christmas time
I bought you diamonds, but not that kind.
For no, I didn't buy you a ring
But you looked so beautiful wearing those earrings.

In January, there was stormy weather
But nothing we couldn't get through.
We knew we loved each other too much
I would have surely went crazy without your touch.

February was the month for love
You're surely an angel sent from above.
I hope the rest are surely the same
with us together, and you speaking my name.

Simply Comforts

I saw a sign today that had the words "Simply Comfort" on it and it got me to thinking about what are the simply comforts in my life. This is one thing I don't often think about because I seem to be constantly concerned with the simply disappointments in my life. Well, today I'm going to take a little journey through the simply joys that remind me of great times, places and people!

I watched an episode of Dawson's Creek the other night(actually the whole third season) and they were sitting by the fire discussing memories that were triggered by a particular smell. Smells that brought back great thoughts and reminded then of the best times. These are simply comforts and here are just a few of the thousands in my life...

The smell of gas - Now I know this sounds strange but that smell reminds me of cold winter mornings on the way to middle school with my Mom and brother.

The smell of sausage - Reminds me of Christmas mornings where Daddy would make sausage and cheese balls while Brock and I watched the parade on Channel 10.

The smell of Kreme Kleanser - None of you have a clue what that is but if you worked a summer at Caswell this smell would remind you of Saturday mornings, making beds and sweeping porches.

The smell of Aberocrombie cologne - This smell reminds me of love.

The smell of fresh cut grass - Reminds me of Summer days and riding the lawn mower with my Daddy when I was like 5.

The smell of rain - Reminds me of running to class when it was pouring in college(countless times). Also, it reminds me of Summer thunderstorms and sitting under the lighthouse

You know, I could go on and on. These are simply comforts in my life...What are some in yours?

Kristen's Blog

I think all of you should go read my friend Kristen's blog!

Kristen's Blog

She is so great and I love her strong words and deep faith! I learn so much from her and I'm sure that each of you will too!

Moving Pictures

I told you I would have some pictures for you! Here are a few from our fun day of moving!


That couch is so heavy!

I have a lot of pillows, haha


Mal and I were watching Jonathan and Kyle lift stuff up the stairs


Not really sure what Kyle's doing!


Lunch at Fuddrucker's, yummy


You all should have been there:)

Move In Day

I must say I have moved a lot but I think this weekend Kyle and Jonathan won the contest for the fastest move in time! They moved all my furniture in to the house in like 25 minutes flat. It was remarkable. I'll have pictures for you soon!

We had a great time getting settled on Saturday. Mama and Diddy took all of us out for lunch and then they cooked us spaghetti for dinner! First home cooked meal on the first day in the house. Now that's how it should be:) We made a Target trip and Kyle was persist on getting all the necessities, haha! It was a day full of laughs, jokes and just an all around good time!

It was such a fun day and I'm glad I'm finally here. Let the decorating begin!!!

**Thanks Mama and Diddy for everything! Thanks Kyle and Jonathan for your manly lifting skills! Thanks Kim and Mal for everything!

not happy

All I have to say is I guess I'm not a Major issue! I know that doesn't make sense, but let's just say my feelings and pride were hurt today.

New Year's Eve 2007

New Year's Eve has always been labeled as the night you spend with that special someone ringing in the new year. There's something about being able to kiss or hug or just be with that one person you really care for! Well, that's all fun and romantic but what about for people who don't have that special someone in their life? How do we ring in the new year?

Last night I watched the ball fall from the comfort of my own bed. There was no one but me! When the clocked striked 12, there was no one there say Happy New Year or to kiss on the forehead or any of that great, magical stuff that comes with New year's Eve! Now, without sounded too bitter I must say I have had some great New Year's Eves in my life so I really have nothing to be bitter about!

I can think back to several New Year's Eves that were special... Here is my top 5 recaps to awesome year ends.

5. 1999-The New Year's Eve party in Jackson with Trina, Gray, Brad, Brian and about a hundred high school friends. We rang in the new year with lots of music, a few bottles of champagne and lots of laughes about the dumb things we did!

4. 2006-Spending New Year's at Amy and Butch's House. Janis, Joe, Me, Amy, Butch and several others made a feast and listened to 80s music until the clocked said 12.

3. 2002-The New Year's Eve bash at the old Attic in Greenville, NC. That was one of the best nights ever. We had fun New Year's crowns and cute martini glasses. There was an awesome band and we all danced till we couldn't dance anymore(basically till the club closed).

2. 2005- Spending my New Year's at the Edge conference. PJ, Aaron, Ryan, Josh, me and tons of Caswell friends gathered to hear some great bands, watch some extordinary magic and listen to the wise words of Craig Tackett. I'll also never forget that walk to the lighthouse!!

1. 2003- I will never forget the New Year's I spent skiing with my family and Brooks. It was by far the best New Year's ever. There are too many words to type out in order to fully express how great it was...just know that between Brooks, snowboarding and my niece, not much will top that New Year's Eve!

I wish that this year's New Year's would have made the list but it wasn't that special. But even though last night wasn't the magical, romantic night of the year, I must say 2007 was a fabulous year and I'm excited about 2008!

Happy New Year's:)