Butterfly Sparks Designs

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Driving along

On the road again....I just can wait to get on the road again...

As you read this, I am on my way to North Carolina! I'm driving down I-20 with my music turned up and more than likely I'm singing as loud but as discreet as possible:) I'm anticipating the moment when I cross the North Carolina line and I'm daydreaming about sitting on Vespers and walking the loop at Caswell. Ahhhh the joy!!

Now even though I am thinking about all the fun moments to come, there are a few other things consuming my mind:

The New Kids on the Block concert was amazing last night! (I'll post pics soon)
Did I pack my hair dryer?
Which shoes did I bring to wear with my dress?
Man I forgot my phone charger!
When was the last time I checked my oil?
Is my car really going to make it all the way to NC making that funny noise?
Did I put the right voicemail on at work?
Oops, I forgot to make my bed!
Is someone going to DVR The Office for me?
Did I find a friend-sitter for Jen?
Did I practice the right song for this wedding?

Oh goodness how my mind wonders:)

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Wait

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

~ Psalm 27:14, NLT

Sometimes reading a piece of scripture is all you need!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The Lens of Life

Have you ever looked through a broken camera lens or one that is all fogged up from a temperature change? If you have then you know that it's pretty difficult to see anything clearly. Everything is fuzzy, distorted and can be way out of focus. In order to take a decent picture you have to clean the lens and adjust it till the object your shooting becomes clear and precise. Sometimes how we look at our lives through a fogged up lens. You may see things on the lens of where you have been and it can distort your view of what you are really trying to see.

Now I'm not trying to be all artistic or give you some fluffy example of how we can magically fix our view of life...I'm just thinking out loud and hoping that someone will agree with my thoughts.

When I think about the words focused, unfocused, white balanced, airbrushed, retouched, edited, I of course think about them in terms of photography but I can also think of them in terms of life. Right now, I'm feel as if I'm looking through a unfocused lens that hasn't been white balanced. White balanced? What does that have to do with anything you ask? Well white balance is the process of removing unrealistic color casts, so that objects which appear white in person are rendered white in your photo... it helps the picture that you take look more like what your seeing when you pull the lens away. So the lens I'm looking through isn't what is really around me.

The problem is I'm not see things as they are, I'm seeing things as I am. I am looking at all the hurt and disappointments and it's distorting what my view should be. I feel like instead of looking through an unfocused lens, I'm looking through a broken lens, one that the scratches are too deep for repair.

The good news...yes there is good news to all this crazy mumble I'm writing...the good news is all I have to do is put down the old broken camera with the irreplaceable lens and pick up a new camera. A camera with a new lens to look through. One that will take amazing photos and allow me to see crisp beauty. It will show me a new view. This view will be crystal clear, perfectly focused and never in need of retouch. It will radiate beauty and glow with vibrant colors and beautiful angles.Oh and you better believe it will white balance like no other. This camera with this view is and will represent my life with Jesus, one that is not fuzzy and will never need an adjustment on the lens.

So let's take this new camera out and watch as it captures immaculate photos:)

Monday, October 27, 2008

Complete

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Ephesians 3:19 (New Living Translation)

Sunday, October 26, 2008

What Went Wrong!

Jeff Henderson really rocked my world at church tonight when he finished the two part series entitled "What Went Wrong." It definitely sparked an awesome conversation at dinner about accountability and getting priorities straight. It's amazing how God speaks the right words at the right time!

Check out his series when you get a chance...WHAT WENT WRONG

So here's the To-Do list:

Find a few accountability partners! Godly women who will get in my face when I'm about to make a dumb, regretful decision.(Kristen, I know you'll be good at this)

Put meeting times on the calendar to meet one on one with those person in order to talk about situations and life.

Join a small group or start one that meets regularly!

Stay Alert! Be aware of all the ways that could hinder my way.

Continually build and work on my personal relationship with Jesus Christ

Friday, October 24, 2008

Holly's Birthday Bash

Happy Birthday Holly!






Can we say awesome night! Birthday wishes, yummy food, good music and amazing friends:)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Final chance for BMP



I expect to see you all there tonight! You know I'll be there:)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Thanks Brad

Waking up is hard to do!

I woke up this morning super tired, because I can't seem to go to bed at a decent hour. Mornings are always a little stressful because I'm not excited about leaving my warm, comfy bed. I'm not happy about picking out 'dress up' clothes when I'd rather wear sweat pants and a t-shirt. I'm not thrilled about blow drying my hair. And I'm usually hungry but don't have time to eat. WOW, can we say whiner!! I need to work on that:)

But there is one part of my morning routine that I love! It seems that all my frustration and exhaustion quickly fades when I look at my bathroom mirror and read this quote written:

Never put a box on what God can do in your life!

My friend Brad used to say that quote to me all the time and when I moved to Georgia we wrote it on my mirror as a reminder.

Sometimes you just need to be reminded:) Thanks Brad

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Unique Rainbows

I wish you all could have seen how adorable Kenyon was tonight coloring a rainbow for my desk at work. I was watching his little face as he carefully tried to keep all the colors lined up while making his picture unique from Selah's. He used red and black and yellow which he told me were not normal rainbow colors (absolutely adorable). He was so proud of himself and the best part was he used scented markers, so my picture smells like cotton candy! How fun is that?!

I can't wait to get to work tomorrow to show off my brand new decoration!

Ahhh the little joys of life:)

Monday, October 20, 2008

Refreshing my soul

There is something about crossing the North Carolina line that just brings a peaceful feeling to my soul. My heart gets all warm and fuzzy because I always know that when I cross that line, I'm about to see people that bring pure joy to my life.

This weekend that feeling trickled in as I made my way to Gardner Webb University to see some of my favorite people. What a feeling!! As I stepped out of my car into the chilly, fresh air I felt so peaceful and happy. When Kristen opened her house door, I smiled so BIG and I can honestly say I had that smile on my face the entire weekend! You know how some people find comfort in food, well I find comfort in my friends...my true friends! I miss them everyday and I embrace every moment that I get to spend with them.

Things that made the weekend great:

Getting to hug Downey
Seeing Brett smile
Watching scary movies while Kristen played with my hair
Sitting by the bonfire with Rannon, Joey, David and Stephen discussing life
Watching Deborah marry the love of her life
Singing Dave Barnes with Jenni, Craig, Stephen and Chad in front of the Mexican place
Sunday lunch fellowship
Taking pictures with Heather
Discussing a love for jeans with Tiff
Just relaxing and enjoying life

Two more weeks guys and we'll be back together again! Counting down the days:)

Here's a few pictures from the weekend...



Sunday, October 19, 2008

Self-Disipline

God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

God wants you to develop a self-discipline that pushes you to do things, even as others are giving up. So how can we go about doing that?

Well here are a few key expressions of self-discipline presented to me by Rick Warren:

People with self-discipline master their moods. They live by their commitments, not their emotions. People who do the right thing even when they don’t feel like it accomplish most of what gets done in the world! “A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls” (Proverbs 25:28).

People with self-discipline watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths. “He who guards his lips guards his life” (Proverbs 13:3).

People with self-discipline restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? “If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it” (Proverbs 19:11).

People with self-discipline stick to their schedule. If you don’t determine how you will spend your time you can be sure that others will decide for you! “Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility … Make the best use of your time” (Ephesians 5:15–16).

People with self-discipline manage their money. They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went! “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets” (Proverbs 21:20).

People with self-discipline maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements. “Every one of you should learn to control his body, keeping it pure and treating it with respect” (1 Thessalonians 4:4).

The disciplines you establish today will determine your success tomorrow. But it takes more than just willpower for lasting self-discipline. It takes a power greater than yourself: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).

So the more I accept God’s control over my life, the more self-control he gives me! That's awesome!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A little twinkle

My DOVE chocolate wrapper said...

"Make Your Eyes Twinkle"

...how cute is that:)

Friday, October 17, 2008

Trustee vs. Truster

Trust is both important and dangerous! Let me tell you why...

It is important because it allows us to form relationships with others and to depend on others—for love, for advice, for help when our car breaks down, or what have you—especially when we know that no outside force (ex. the law) compels them to give us such things. Trust always involves the risk that the trusted person (we'll call them the “trustee”) will not pull through for the trusting person (we'll call them the “truster”). If the truster could guarantee that the trustee would pull through, then the truster would have no need to trust that person. The truster therefore cannot assume, while trusting, that the trustee will do what s/he is trusted to do because the trustee has no legitimate choice in the matter. Since people often can choose whether to pull through for us, we often need to trust them...WOW that was a mouthful and a half...Ok let's keep going!

But since trust necessarily involves risk, it can also be dangerous. What we risk while trusting is the loss of the things that we entrust to others, including our self-respect, perhaps, which can be shattered by the betrayal of our trust. Because trust is risky and can be dangerous, the following question is of particular importance: “Under what conditions is trust justified?”

Now to save myself from having to go into a completely boring philosophical answer, I am going to just put my own little spin on things...

I am that girl that will open up to anyone! I would tell the wall all my secrets if I knew he was listening. I feel as if meeting new people is a chance to learn a new story and to see how our stories are similar or different. I tend to be very trusting and I can usually sense when a friendship is about to blossom, well I used to be a good judge of that, until recently. So justifying trust is going to be hard to think about but here is my solution...

Love all, trust a few.
~William Shakespeare

What do you think? Under what conditions is trust justified?

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Bon Qui Qui

I was introduced to this video about two months ago and it still makes me laugh and smile every time I watch it...



MADTV is hilarious!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Materialistic

I try not to be too materialistic because I know that life isn't about what you have, but right now I am super excited about a purchase I made...which is gonna make me sound very materialistic!

Last week I purchased a pair of absolutely amazing boots, spent a ridiculous amount of money and didn't think twice about it! Well today they arrived...


And they are still just as amazing as last week when I purchased them. Now I must find the perfect outfit to go with them!

Kristen, aren't they perfect...I told you that you would love them:)

Monday, October 13, 2008

Roommate Date night

Whenever I'm having a really hard time or I'm a little down in the dumps, hanging out with someone who is a true friend always makes it better. Tonight was one of those times!

Mallori and I decided to have a roommate night because we rarely see each other. We have such similar lives/pasts and most of the time when I'm going through something, she's been through it already and has some pretty great advice about how to handle it. Tonight was just that...good advice along with a new episode of the Hills and of course 99 cent banana splits from Sonic...


Who could ask for anything more!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

He Is Your Life

So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.

Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

~Colossians 3:1-17 (The Message)

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Can I get a Break?

Could I just get a break?

You know just every once and a while?

I mean for real...does everything have to go sour all at the same time? For once I wish that all the struggles, let down, heartache and worries would cease to exist. I wish that when people said something, they meant it and when things were supposed to happen, they would.

That's not too much ask is it?

I'm so numb and tired. Tired of being excited about something that never seems to come through. Tired of getting my hopes up over something that could have been avoided in the first place. Tired, Tired Tired!

I just need a break!

And while I break, I will listen to this song over and over...

Incompatible, it don't matter though
'cause someone's bound to hear my cry
Speak out if you do
You're not easy to find

Is it possible, Mr. Loveable
Is already in my life?
Right in front of me
Or maybe you're in disguise

[Chorus]
Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone

Here we are again, circles never end
How do I find the perfect fit
There's enough for everyone
But I'm still waiting in line

[Chorus]
Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone

If there's a soulmate for everyone

[Bridge]
Most relationships seem so transitory
They're all good but not the permanent one

[Chorus]
Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone

Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone
If there's a soulmate for everyone
~Nastasha Bedingfield

Friday, October 10, 2008

Rocking the black at Catalyst 08

After missing the Drive Conference and Passion this year, I finally got to attend a much anticipated event! My gracious two bosses let me leave early from work to catch the last half of day one of Catalyst '08. What I love the most about these events is the diversity. I saw youth pastor wear, gothic attire, preppy sweater vests, holey jeans, chained wallets, blue and purple hair and eye brow rings. Imagine that, people who look different but love Jesus:) I can't get enough of it!!!

I was definitely taken back by how many people were in the Gwinnett Center...

It definitely made me miss the events I used to be involved with.

It was an awesome experience! I met up with some great people, listened to an amazing speech, heard my friends Chrystina and Eddie rock out, attended a blogger dinner, witnessed some magic and did it all while rocking the black finger nail polish. Guess I proved that the color on your nails doesn't effect your communication or networking skills.

WOW...who knew!

Thursday, October 09, 2008

The Dancing Outlaw

I've seen a lot of crazy films in my day but I believe the one I watched last night tops them all. Jen and I went to visit my friends Ben and Evan last night over in the metropolis of Woodstock. It's always great to see those two because they always have some sort of fun up their sleeves!

Anywho Ben had this video that he wanted us to watch...a documentary per say. It was on this man by the name of Jesico White and it was unforgettable. I'll give you a little sneak peak but you have to go watch all four parts to fully understand the life of this tap dancing fool:)



This video ranks right up there with Hand on a Hard Body!

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Encouraging words

"No matter how pressing the difficulty or how desperate the situation, God is at work. He uses events to shape our character and fulfill His ... Read Moreplan. Through all things, our confidence is in Him who leads us by His grace. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)"
Thanks Kristen!!

Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down.
(Romans 12:15 ~ The Message)

"What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. (1 Peter 3:3-4 ~ The Message)"

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
(Psalm 4:8 ~ New Living Translation)


What verse, quote or friend has helped you out this week??

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

8 weeks

Today I started my 8 week workout program...

I realized I am completely out of shape!

Monday, October 06, 2008

For this purpose...

I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.
~John 1:31 ESV

Today's verse is what John the Baptist said when he first saw Jesus. After years of preaching, living in the wilderness, eating locusts and honey, and baptizing multitudes, he said of his ministry and life, "the whole purpose of all of it was that he- Jesus- might be revealed to Israel." This, then, was the sum total of what John's life was about- revealing Jesus.

The apostle Paul had the same passion. In his letter to the Philippians, writing to them from prison, he said, "It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not at all be ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Paul's eager expectation and hope, the thrust of his ministry and the goal of his life, was that "Christ would be honored" in his body. Whether it meant life or death was irrelevant; all he cared about was that Christ would be put on display as supremely glorious and supremely valuable.

This passion is not supposed to be restricted to the superspiritual few, the apostles and prophets. It is a calling given to every child of God, to live his or her life in such a way that Jesus would be revealed and honored. You might not be baptizing multitudes, and you may not be in prison for your faith. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, our eager desire should be to say with Paul and John, "For this purpose I go to work every day, that Jesus might be revealed to my coworkers." "For this purpose I go to class every day, that Jesus might be revealed to my classmates and teachers." "For this purpose I devote myself to love and serve the needy, that Jesus might be revealed to my community." Is Jesus revealed in your life?

Holy Spirit, Give me the passion that Paul had, the passion that John had, the passion that You have, to magnify Jesus Christ to all the nations. Fill me with the desire and ability to reveal Him in my workplace, in my home, among my friends, at church, in my community, and around the world. Jesus, be glorified, and reveal Yourself through me.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Save Gas, Get a Golf Cart

Have you ever been to Peachtree City, GA?

Neither had I until last night. I found out that is totally a Golf Cart community. Everyone there rides around in golf carts instead of cars.

No I am not exaggerating! I'm being completely serious.

Nathan and I met Ruben and Hayley there to go see Decemberadio perform(one of the greatest bands in Christian music today). It was so crazy to drive up to Ruben's house in a truck, park and then hop in a golf cart to head towards the church.

This city has golf cart paths that wind around the city like mini freeways. The carts have headlights and mirrors and we totally saw some carts with rims on them. Oh and there was one with orange and red flames done the side...They went crazy with there's!

It felt like I was in an alternate universe...a really cool alternate universe.

How cool would in be if Atlanta went to an all golf cart city? Less pollution, Less lanes on the interstate, Less gas in take and maybe less traffic! But I guess it would take us forever to get to our destinations.

Oh well it would still be awesome!

Saturday, October 04, 2008

A pleasent surprise

Last night I got a surprise visit from a great friend. We worked together this summer at SuperWOW and I hadn't seen him since we parted ways at the GBC's storage unit:) He was such a blessing to me this summer and helped me in times of struggle while at Jekyll!

Jeremy Kirby...it is always a pleasure to see you!!

Friday, October 03, 2008

Patheticism...haha

Pathetic story...

Yesterday after work I stopped at the mall.
Found NOTHING.
Drove home.
Hit TRAFFIC.
Arrived home.
NO mail.
Changed clothes.
Washed my face.
Went to bed.
At 7:15...WHAT?!

I slept through dinner and The Office! Two of my favorite things...

Seriously how pathetic is that?!

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Love-Hate relationship

It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (The Message)

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (New International Version)

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (New Living Translation)

I write each of those translations because I need to say that verse over and over and over...Maybe if I keep writing it, it'll sink in!

Think about this, if the chief purpose of our lives is to please God, Hebrews 11:6 suggests the primary means to such a valuable end is faith.

Let's think about that word 'faith' for a moment. Merriam-Webster define faith as an allegiance to duty or a person: loyalty. That is so true! Faith is loyalty to God!

Now, I struggle daily with faith and trust. I will worry myself sick over things that I can't control and situations that are beyond me. I hold on so tightly to my wants and agendas that I forget to loosen my grip so that God can slide His hand in and lead me towards what is truly necessary in my life. For the past few weeks, I've been challenged on just about every situation...

God's been asking the questions: "Shannon are you going to believe me or not? What does my Word say? Will you trust me enough to have this situation?" For the few moments after...I do, I do trust Him with the situations and I do believe Him. But then somewhere in my small little brain(since women have small brains according to Morgan) the worry and fear that things will not go my way creep back in. It's like having a love for roller coasters but also having a fear of heights...sometimes the ride seems great but occasionally you look down and your fear takes over your good time. Not sure if that made any sense but I like that analogy!

It's frustrating that I allow myself to be overwhelmed with doubt, fear and worry! God teaches us not to worry! He shows us in Matthew 6:34 by saying "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." and also in Luke 12:22-34, which tells all about Jesus' conversation with the disciples about worry. Yet I still have daily battles with myself. WHY?

Does anyone else know what I'm talking about? Does anyone have any suggestions?