Butterfly Sparks Designs

Sunday, March 30, 2008

"Those camp kids"

So I'm guessing that you noticed I was gone all weekend because of my lack of blogs. I do apologize and I intend to fill you in on the enitre weekend over the next few days.

Let's start with Friday...

I ventured up to North Carolina for my friends Carrie and Jesse's wedding. I met some friends in Salisbury, hopped in the car with them and took off. We had such great conversation on the way there dealing with life, our futures and of course our Jesus! That's one of my favorite things about getting together with my friends from Caswell. We're all so open about what we've learned, what we believe and how we want to impact the world. There seems to be this deep connection between all of us(and there are hundreds of us).

Some people call us "those camp kids" and we're OK with that because God has taught so much as a group and He continues to grow our friendships and He continues to place us all over in world to share His word. It's amazing to be in such a huge circle of believers and to know that no matter where you are or what you do, you have tons of people praying for you and caring for you! That's true "camp" people right there...And I'm proud to have that label!

Here are a few pictures from Friday...

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More pictures from the wedding to come:)

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Dependence

What is Child-Like Faith?

You know that's a good question with so many different answers...To me, having a child-like faith is having an innocence in trust. Do you remember as a child you depended on your parents for protection, wisdom, growth, etc. You watched them and learned from them what was right and wrong. You put all your trust in their hands because they would guide in the rigth direction no matter what. Well imagine having that dependence on your Heavenly Father. This would present a child-like faith.

OK, second question...How is your life different now from when you were a kid?

Here are a few answers that were given in a recent group:
I have more responsibility. I deal with more stress. I don't live in the moment anymore. I don't get to go outside as much. Food isn't free anymore. I try not to wear the same clothes everyday. Making milk come out of my nose isn't that funny anymore. I don't get to take naps everyday. The fun has seemed to turn into seriousness. I can't seem to catch up on bills. I have to deal with the stress of having a relationship. I know how to ride my bike without training wheels...

OK let's take that last response! Think about all the monumental moments in your life! Taking the training wheels off your bike, getting on the school bus for the first day of school, getting your learner's permit, graduating from high school. All these moments lead us to some sort of independence, right? All of us have grown up learning that in order to make it in this world we have to be independent and we have to be able to stand on our own two feet(ahh...the stress of being an adult). Most people would call this maturity.

I'm sure we've all heard that word a time or two. I can remember my parents saying when are you going to start acting mature and I've even said that to my brother and peers a few times. But when did maturity become defined as independent?

The problem is that we in turn, apply that value system to our faith. We try to be independent from God just like we try to be independent in the world. How do we ever believe we are going to make it without being dependent on our Heavenly Father. We go through trials in our life and we become discouraged and we turn to ourselves instead of turning to God. Our value system kicks in and we start to think that we have to fix our own problems and we have to figure everything out ourselves. Sometimes we hit a wall and we feel like we've learned it all or we don't let go of things because it's too scary to release control of the things in our life. And we think that all this makes us mature... when maturity actually has to do with dependence... letting go of things and letting God take control. It teaches us endurance and faith.

Independence is your faith in yourself!
Dependence is your faith in God!

James 1:2 says..."Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him..."

Be dependent on God! Rekindle that child-like faith...that innocence of trusting. Can you imagine what it would look like to move from independence to dependence on God?

...it would look mature and for once standing on your own two feet wouldn't be so stressful!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

The Disco Car Wash

How many of you think about washing your car daily? ...What about weekly?

Well, I think about my dirty car all the time but the one thing I never really make time for is the car wash. Not sure why rolling your window down, paying a few bucks and driving into the car wash is so time consuming for me but, that's how my brain thinks.

Well what if your car experience was out of the ordinary? ...what if it was like, perhaps, disco style? I personally believe that would make me want to go more! Well we found one...

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Last weekend Jen, Evan, Ben and I found the coolest car wash we've ever seen. We call it the Disco Car Wash! It was all lite up with neon lights flashing blues, greens, reds and yellows. It just gives off this vibe that makes you want to stop whatever you're doing and wash your car.

We couldn't resist! We pulled up to the entrance, paid the money, turned the techno music up, sat back and experienced the fun, haha! It was awesome and I encourage all of you to go...I'll give you directions;)

Monday, March 24, 2008

Designing Dream

I want to tell you all a little story about this dream that I had the other night! You see, I like to think of myself as a pretty creative person and sometimes I get these bright ideas of things I would love to create or design. Well, the other night my creative side came out in a dream...

While I was in Nashville this past weekend I went shoe shopping(actually it was more like shoe looking because A. I can't afford to buy new shoes right now and B. I didn't see one pair that I liked!) It's so frutrating to have an image of the perfect pair of shoes in your head but you never can seem to find them.

I think this stirred up some creative waves in my head because I dreamed about shoes all night long. I dreamed that I was a shoe designer and everything I developed was brilliant. There were heels and flats and cool little casual slides. I designed these awesome pumps with an array of colors and gold leaf trim(sounds strange but they were hot). There was every color, every style and every design imaginable and all with my name on them. Everyone wanted a pair of shoes designed by me. Now in real life this would never happen but anything can happen in dreamland:)

The best part of the dream was I never had to go shopping for shoes again because whenever I pictured the type of shoe I wanted with a particular outfit, I just created it! How awesome is that!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Easter

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Love this song and very proper for this weekend.

Beautiful the Blood by Steve Fee

It’s only by the cross I’m saved

The King of Glory rescued me

How beautiful the blood flow

How merciful the love shown…

Never knew the nails would love unfold

Never knew these wounds would heal my soul

Never seen such beauty and sorrow meet

The King of glory poured out,

Victorious we are now…

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:8-11, NIV)

Saturday, March 22, 2008

All Ye ~ Coffey

I wanted to share this great new song with all of you!



Enjoy!

Friday, March 21, 2008

Good Friday

Good Friday, also called Holy Friday or Great Friday, is the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross. Did you remember to spend your day thanking God?

And they dressed Him in purple
And condemned Him to die
Mocked, spat upon, and whipped Him
As Pontius Pilate stood by

And with thorns as a crown
He was then led away
To carry His cross
And show us the way

Falling under the burden
Of its heavy weight
But rising up again
Knowing full-well His fate

And meeting His mother
With anguish untold
As God's plan of Great Love
Proceeds to unfold

Simon helps Jesus
Who seems broken and frail
And Veronica steps forward
To wipe His face with her veil

But He soon falls again
For a second time
Paying a price with His suffering
His love being the crime

Women and children
He meets on His way
Then falls for a third time
This most solemn Friday

Adding further humiliation
To any of His woes
Jesus is then
Stripped of His clothes

And while nailed to the cross
His earthly time here passes
His own life He gave
For the salvation of masses

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Rock Climbing

Tonight was so much fun...

I went rock climbing for the first time with my friend Paul. Let me tell, rock climbing is intense and not easy! You kind of play this follow the color game while you're on the rock and it's complicated and I had a hard time maneuvering around! Now, Paul said that "I rocked, no pun intended!" haha...I'm not sure about rocking but I think I did pretty good for my first time!

I had a blast and I might consider climbing my new favorite Wednesday activity!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

doughnuts on the brain!

Since I moved to Atlanta I have been keeping you up-to-date on all the latest developments in my life like "move in" day in the snow, becoming gelatized, my search for tater tots, the rained out Georgia Tech basketball game(odd yes I know), seeing U2 in 3D and of course the most recent, a tornado at the Georgia Dome! All of these events have left a lasting impact on my life and hopefully yours! Well, after this weekend, I have more to tell and I have decided to tell you one story at a time so that the anticipation will continue to rise(JK, just trying to be humorous).

First I must you ask a question...Do you like Krispy Kreme lemon filled doughnuts?

If you don't then this story will not seem as moving to you. You see, Jen and I had a mission this past weekend and we were determined to accomplish the task. When Jen left to venture to ATL, our friend AJ from back home gave her 5 dollars in quarters and told her that one thing she HAD to do when she arrived here was to take me to Krispy Kreme and buy me a lemon filled doughnut!

...a little back story, AJ and I love lemon filled doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. Probably more than any human should. Out of the goodness of his heart(and the fact that he misses me dearly) AJ wanted to bless my life with some yummy, extremely fattening goodness:)

So with 5 dollars in quarters in hand and the road as our pathway to heavenly sweets, we ventured out on a search to find Krispy Kreme! Now, one thing you should know about Jen and I is that finding random places is not our forte and using the blackberry to find your way in Atlanta is like using a crayon colored map that a kindergartner drew. So we indeed got lost and turn around. But another thing you should know about Jen and I is we NEVER give up!

We drove around and around and around! Two wrong roads and about 45 minutes later we found the Krispy Kreme!

...Too bad it was closed! We tried AJ, we tried....

What is it with Atlanta having only ONE of my favorite places? First Sonic and now Krispy Kreme! Haven't they heard of expansion? You would think it's a sign that I should eat healthier or something!

Nah!

Monday, March 17, 2008

St Patty's Day facts

Facts about St. Patrick's Day Holiday

St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17 because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is believed that he died on March 17 in the year 461 AD. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history. St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, and a provincial holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, people traditionally wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their jackets or caps. Children wear orange, white and green badges, and women and girls wear green ribbons in their hair.

Many cities have a St. Patrick’s Day parade. Dublin, the capital of Ireland, has a huge St. Patrick’s Day festival from March 15-19, that features a parade, family carnivals, treasure hunt, dance, theatre and more. In North American, parades are often held on the Sunday before March 17. Some paint the yellow street lines green for the day! In Chicago, the Chicago River is dyed green with a special dye that only lasts a few hours. There has been a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston, Massachusetts since 1737. Montreal is home to Canada’s longest running St. Patrick’s Day parade, which began in 1824.

Facts about Saint Patrick

St. Patrick was born in 385 AD somewhere along the west coast of Britain, possibly in the Welsh town of Banwen. At age 16, he was captured and sold into slavery to a sheep farmer. He escaped when he was 22 and spent the next 12 years in a monastery. In his 30s he returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary. He died at Saul in 461 AD and is buried at Downpatrick.

Facts about the Irish

34 million Americans have Irish ancestry, according to the 2003 US Census. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.

Some American towns have “Irish” names. You could visit: Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia; Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio.

The harp is the symbol of Ireland. The color green is also commonly associated with Ireland, also known as “the Emerald Isle.”

The Irish flag is green, white and orange. The green symbolizes the people of the south, and orange, the people of the north. White represents the peace that brings them together as a nation.

The name “lephrechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which means “shoemaker.”

Facts about Clovers

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 14!

One estimate suggests that there are about 10 000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover.

Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Downtown tornado

So...for most of my life my biggest fear besides failing has been tornadoes. I get scared from the second the weather calls for a watch. When I little, I would climb up in my daddy's lap whenever there was a chance that a tornado was coming our way. Well, Friday night I guess you could say I faced my fear.

Jen Jen was in town for the weekend and we decided that we would attend the SEC tournament in downtown Atlanta. Kentucky was playing Georgia and my friend Mac was kind enough to find us some tickets to the game(Thanks Mac). We got to the stadium about 8:45, just in time to see Mississippi and Alabama go into overtime.(this is where it gets good...)

With 2:11 left in overtime, the unbelievable happened. All of sudden we hear this crazy loud noise that sounds like a freight train entering the building. WE look up and the top of the Georgia is shaking and it was doing this ripple effect. All the lights and the tress were shaken and it looked like the ceiling was gonna start caving in. To our right, one of the panels in the wall blew out and debris started blowing into the dome.
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Yes, a tornado went over us. It was crazy! Everyone in the dome was kind of in a panic but not, at the same time because no one knew what was going on. We were told to remain calm and to stay in our seats. They advised us not to leave until we were told to, so everyone sat in the dome for about 3 hours till they let us leave. But what we saw when we were able to leave was unexpected....
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Downtown Atlanta experienced quite a bit of damage from the storm and left everyone a bit shaken up! What an experience.

Friday, March 14, 2008

I'm sticking with God

I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.

God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.
It's a good thing when you're young
to stick it out through the hard times.

When life is heavy and hard to take,
go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions:
Wait for hope to appear.
Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face.
The "worst" is never the worst.

Why? Because the Master won't ever
walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly.

~Lamentations 3:24-32(The Message)

*thanks Kristen

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Happy Birthday Bub

Today is my brother's birthday! Definitely a day to celebrate!

Love you bub...

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Blessing

What is the definition of blessing?

Well in the dictionary it says: to invoke divine care for.

I think that says it well. A blessing in my words is to encourage, to give, to love, to take time, to devote, to care for...

I could on and on! Blessings come from God and He has a way of working through some amazing people. And I thank Him everyday for placing such people in my life.

In the Bible there is a several stories of people blessing to others in need. There is one story in particular that stands out in my mind. In this story, the person gave when no one else would and he cared when everyone else passed by!

Go Read Luke 10:30-37 and you'll see what a blessing is!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Things I learned this past weekend

*never take a nap at 6:00 PM and expect to sleep that night!

*iphone's really are a genius creation

*second chances are always in order

*there is something about a cheer leading movie that is intriguing

*sometimes branching out can lead to surprises

*true friends are always there exactly when you need them

*NAMB has an employee appreciation day and on that day you get a free car wash and cereal bar

*coloring cards can be relaxing

*God opens doors in the strangest ways sometimes

*i really miss my mom and dad

*Andy Stanley really does give great messages

*never read too much into something

*laughing really does make it all better

Now, those are just a few!

What did you learn?

Sunday, March 09, 2008

the struggle of moving on...

What do you do when you struggle?

For most of us the answer would be call our closet friend to vent. For some the answer is run and hide. I know that's the answer for me! When I struggle with something I tend to hide myself from the world. It just seems easier if no one knows what I'm dealing with. In the past I have shared my concerns and pain with people but in the end I just don't want anyone to know. I always seem to struggle with the same things and I feel that the more I tell people, the more repetitive it gets. No one wants to hear about the same problem over and over. After a while people just start to tell you to get over it and move on because you've obviously not taken their advice in the past.

So, how do you move on?

I know this question is different for everyone because we are not necessarily dealing with the same issue. But let's say we're dealing with something similar just for blogging purposes! Moving on is a hard thing to do no matter what your situation is. I haven't found a good way and honestly I quit looking a while back. I just realized that for me, letting go of things will always cause me to struggle. So what do you do? Maybe you can give me some advice...

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Summer turns six

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday my dear Summer

Happy Birthday to you!

My adorable niece turned SIX today! I wasn't able to be there for her party but she told me all about her new silver purse and the games she played! Wouldn't it be nice to be six again? haha...it's a nice thought!

I'll have pictures from the party soon!

Friday, March 07, 2008

Worth It

We must not conclude that every trial will end with all problems solved, all hard feelings forgiven and everybody “living happily ever after.” It just doesn’t always happen that way!

No matter what happens to us, God always writes the last chapter. Therefore, we don’t have to be afraid. We can trust God to do what is right, no matter how painful our situation might be.

Job’s greatest blessing was not the regaining of his health and wealth or the rebuilding of his family and circle of friends. His greatest blessing was knowing God better and understanding His working in a deeper way. As James wrote, “You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the purpose of the Lord, that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11). Hebrews 12:11 reminds us: “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

“In the whole story of Job, we see the patience of God and endurance of man. When these act in fellowship, the issue is certain. It is that of the coming forth from the fire as gold, that of receiving the crown of life,”wrote G. Campbell Morgan in the book, The Answers of Jesus to Job.

No matter what God permits to come into our lives, He always has His “afterword.” He writes the last chapter—and that makes it worth it all. So, BE PATIENT!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." ~Hebrews 12:1

Try and read Job 42 and 1 Peter 2:19–23 sometime this week. It will be worth it!

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Where's the party hats...

Today is my Daddy's birthday. He is the greatest man I know and I love him dearly! I wish I was in North Carolina so I could give him a big hug! He doesn't usually do anything over the top on his special day but I heard he had a great day of playing golf and relaxing! That sounds perfect for him!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY:)

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Disciple Now Alabama

It's amazing how God will bless your life when you least expect it. I was asked to help lead a D-Now this past weekend in Montgomery, AL for Heritage Baptist Church. My initial thought when I was asked was "I am not prepared to do this God." Never try to make an excuses with God because He knows when you are ready and when you're not!

This weekend I met seven incredible ladies all with a passion to be involved in changing the lives of today. We dove into the Word, learned how to apply our gifts in leadership, we sat around talking about our lives and we even played a few rounds of guitar hero. It was awesome...

Shana, Erin, Kim, Hannah, Amber, Kathleen and Kathryn, you ladies are amazing and I can't wait till I get to hang out with you again!

Here are my lovely ladies...
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Monday, March 03, 2008

sweet surprise

I spent the weekend at a Disciple Now in Montgomery, Alabama with the most amazing girls ever...It was such an incredible experience that I plan on dedicated a whole blog to it tomorrow!

Today, however, I want to share with you something that made me smile from ear to ear! Yesterday while driving back from my weekend, I realized how exhausted I was from the lack of sleep and I was a little sad that my time in Alabama was over. I think for the first time in a while I felt like I was being used by God to teach and share with those young ladies and I was honestly sad that it had to end. So, I came home...tired and a little down but when I walked in my house, on my dining room table there was a box address to me! I rarely get packages so when I do I get really excited. I opened the box to find a bouquet of pink Lilies with a card from Brock and Auny. I teared when I read the sweet words because I had been missing them and in that moment I knew they had been missing me too!
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If there is one thing that I learned from living in Nashville it is that I will always have two people in my life that will be there no matter the distance, no matter the job, no matter the friend circle! Brock and Auny bless my life and I am so glad God allowed my the opportunity to work with, to learn from and to know the two of them!

Miss you both:)

Sunday, March 02, 2008

"cross I'ed"

“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Exodus 3:14 (NIV)

I love the title of today’s devotion. Unfortunately, I cannot claim it. The credit goes to pastor and author, Dr. David Jeremiah. The reason I love it is because I easily get “cross I’ed” by focusing on what I cannot do instead of depending on the great I AM.

One of God’s chosen leaders, Moses, also got “cross I’ed” at times. Exodus 3 is a dialogue between God and Moses. Moses is passionately and whole-heartedly trying to convince God that he is not the right person to speak to Pharaoh about freeing the Israelites. Moses was thinking of every excuse of why he was not the right person for the job. He did not realize that God had prepared the way. Let me paraphrase the conversation.

God assures Moses that He will be with him. Moses says, "What will I say to them when they ask, ‘Who sends you?’" God gives Moses an answer that was probably a bit confusing. "Tell them I AM has sent you." Don't you know Moses was very grateful for a response but probably wanted to say, "OK, what do I say when they ask, 'Who is I AM?'" (Exodus 3: 12-14)

I love this dialogue between God and Moses because it sounds like many conversations I have with the Lord. I give excuses of why "I" can't do something He has asked me to do, not ever stopping to think that He has already prepared the way. I remember saying “Lord, I can’t speak. What will I say?” He replied, “Open your mouth and I will fill it.” Another time I said, “I am too tired to get up each morning to have a quiet time with you.” He tenderly said, “I give sleep to those I love.” Even recently I cried out, “Please pass this cup. I am not strong enough, Lord.” He responded by asking me if I trusted Him with all that I had. I replied with trembling, “Yes Lord, I do.”

I continue to learn as Moses did, that I am not and I can’t, but God is and He can. I recently read an amazingly powerful book by Louie Giglio, i am not but i know I AM. Notice the only letters in the title that are capitalized are I AM. Boy, when I figured out the significance of that phrase, my life changed. I am just a little "i." Let Louie tell you about it:

"God was telling Moses:

I AM the center of everything.
I AM running the show.
I AM the same every day, forever.
I AM the owner of everything.
I AM the Lord.
I AM the Creator and Sustainer of life.
I AM the Savior.
I AM enough.
I AM inexhaustible and immeasurable.
I AM God.

In a heartbeat, Moses knew God's name - and something more. He finally knew his. For if God's name is I AM, Moses' name must be ‘i am not.’”

I think the sooner we grasp the little "i" concept and live it out loud, the sooner we will make a difference in this world. Think about it.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

By the Hand of Grace

If you want to talk about a God's grace, let me show you something. This story is unforgettable...

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Those three pictures were taken Tuesday after a huge storm with tornadoes swept through Georgia. The house in the pictures was being rented by my friend Andy. Needless to say he won't be staying there any longer.

That tree fell directly through the middle of the house and landed in Andy's bedroom where he was sleeping...yes, he was sleeping when the tree fell. I definitely can't do the story justice so check out Andy's blog to read more!

All I have to say is God was watching over Andy that day!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Blessing them!

Sometimes we get so caught up in the world and the things we are trying to achieve that we forget to just stop and thank God for the little things that He has blessed us with. The things He continually blesses us with! We forget how blessed we really are.

I mean think about it...we are able to get up in the morning and take a warm shower, pick out an outfit from an array of clothing found in our closets, go to the kitchen and make some toast or spaghetti, invite friends over to our home for gatherings, sleep in a warm bed with warm blankets and sheets and for most of us, watch television or surf the Internet from the comfort of our own couch. Those are just a few of the many things we are provided each day.

Some people don't have those options. Some people wake up on a floor made of dirt with no blanklet and no pajamas. Their children have to drink water out of the local creek or for some, out of a ditch that looks like our sewers. Some people are dying from starvation and would give anything for that piece of toast that we have every morning. Their homes are the size of our walk in closets and for some families they have no homes.
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It saddens me to think that our society, myself included, take so much for granted. We indulge in large portions at dinner and spend hundreds of dollars on material things just so we can have the latest fashion of jeans and that perfect shirt in every color. We complain about not having the right color scheme in our bedrooms and therefore forget we should be thankful just to be able to afford that comforter or pillow. Some people don't have that option.
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I know that we often look at pictures and hear stories on the news about the poverty in the world and most of the time we just say a little prayer and go on with our day. I think it's time to stop giving 5 minutes of our day to think about these people and start doing something about their situation! That is why I believe strongly in organizations such as Compassion and World Vision. You can make a donation, sponsor a child and make a difference in someone's life! Why not give to the people who really need a warm bed and a hot meal.

Thank God repeatedly for what he has given you and then take some of that treasure and share it with those need to be blessed!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Engaged in Prayer

Jesus said, "Anyone who wants to follow me must put aside his own desires and conveniences" ~Luke 9:23

Here's something to think about...

People who play golf, I suppose, are people who happen to like golf, who have time for golf, who can afford to play golf, and who are good at golf. Recently I found that I often treat prayer as though it were a sport like golf ~ something you do if you like it, something you do in your spare time, something you do if you can afford the trouble, something you do if you're good at it. Otherwise you do without it most of the time.

But prayer isn't a sport or a game. It's work! You are not cheered on by spectators or coached by any experts. You won't get any trophies ~ not on this side of the Jordan, anyway. It's not likely you'll get any credit at all. For some people prayer might fall into the category of "fun," but that's not usually the reason we pray. It's a matter of need and responsibility.

Prayer is work because a Christian simply can't "make a living" without it. He can't live a Christian life if he doesn't pray.

Prayer is the opposite of leisure. It's something to be engaged in, not indulged in. It's a job you give first priority to. If we pray only "at our leisure"~ that is, at our own convenience ~ can we be true disciples? Jesus said, "Anyone who wants to follow me must put aside his own desires and conveniences" (Luke 9:23)

So that is what we must do! Spend more time in prayer. Have conversations with God, one-on-one with no distractions. As we all know He loves to talk to His children. In prayer you are saying, in effect, "my time, my energy, my thought, my concern, my concentration, my faith ~ here they are, for you." Let's work at being true disciples!!!

"Pray when you feel like praying, Pray when you don't feel like praying. Pray until you do feel like praying." ~Anonymous

Monday, February 25, 2008

tired

6:15 wake up call
A few hours of training
A full day of learning how to work at the North American Mission Board!
2 hour workout that made my legs feel like spaghetti
A little work before bed for Vertical

I'm tired!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Taking no credit

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” ~Acts 4:13

This verse is a great one. (Actually this whole chapter in Acts is really good)!
Peter and John just finished healing a lame man that was over 40 years old. And they did this in front of thousands of people. They were doing this act in the name of Jesus. As you could guess they were put in jail for the night. I would guess they may have beat them a little, but the crowd that had witnessed the act this wanted to know why these men are put in jail, they just did a great thing for this man. So, the next day when they asked Peter, "By what power and what name have you done this?” (this is what is great) he does not take any credit for himself at all. Instead, he begins to tell people about God and who he is. In verse 12 he says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

If it were me, I think I would have bragged a little. I probably would have been like, bring on the blind and I will make them see. But not Peter and John, they gave all the credit to God and his power. After some time the chief priest and the elders didn’t know what to do with them. They knew that they were followers of Jesus by the way they talked and presented themselves. They were kind and just waited to help people. I would love to sit back and think that if people saw me they would say, “Wow, that Shannon girl, she's a sweetheart, she must have a relationship with Jesus.” But I think sometimes my actions probably don't say that. You can go to people and tell them all you know about the Lord and how great he is. You can give that person 500 bible verses that say how God will change your life, but until you show them in your life how great he is, they may not believe! It’s like the little kid's song "This Little Light of Mine." In that song, you sing how you want that little light to shine and shine, and you will let nothing blow it out. Well, that is something that I want to do. I want people to see my light through kindness and generosity. I want to strike a curiosity in them that will make them ask about my relationship with God, allowing me to witness and share.

Well the end of this story goes something like this.... the people didn’t know what to do with Peter and John, so they released them and told them return home. They were told not mention what had happened but, do you really think they did that? NO WAY!

“…when they were released, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priest and elders had said to them. When they heard this they raised their voices together in prayer for God.”~Acts 4:23-24

How cool is that? I think for me I really want to walk a better life and stop telling people I have a relationship with God, and prove it, through my walk. So I challenge each of you to do the same. Let's be that mirror image of Christ through all we do and say. Let's raise our voices and praise the name of God. Let's let our light shine. Let's give all the credit to our Father.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Eleventyseven style!

Today has been amazing because Mallori and I got to hang out with some very dear friends to my heart, Jonathan, Caleb and Matt(Eleventyseven). They were in town today to perform in Buford, GA and we were lucky enough to hang out with them all day!

All I have to say is party like a rock star in your Apple Bottom jeans! Oh and it smells like death wings up here, haha! Makes my heart happy...
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I absolutely adore these fine gentlemen!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Path of love...

What would it look like for you and I
to walk down a path of love?
What would it take to open that door
that we've been so impatient of?

Could we paint the perfect canvas
or sketch a flawless depiction?
Would it look and sound magnificent
with not a solitary restriction.

Where the stars align in a perfect rhythm
and the walls come crumbling down?
Could we dive in to a sea love
where we could fall and surely drown?

I can hear the star ensemble
and I can see the moon lite symphony.
They're playing a song of deep devotion
with the most perfect soothing melody.

The vision is so overwhelming
yet so vibrant and alive.
It's like standing in a Van Gogh painting
instead of staring from the outside.

In reality it's off in the distance
but the silhouette is bold and clear.
I can see you standing beside me
without an off set brush stroke or smear.

If our path of love was just a painting
we could paint it without the uncertainty of grey.
It would hold the colors of jollity and bliss
and only fervor affection would portray.

If our path was written as a song
it would echo with the rhythm of the moon.
The wind would write the chours
as the rain and sun would keep everything in tune.

But the painting is still unfinished
and the music is still faint and under review.
So our path of love is being orchestrated
and it gives something miraculous to look forward to.

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Me

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Due to rain...

Here's my funny story for the day...

So, I went to the Georgia Tech/Virginia basketball game tonight with my friend Andy! We battled bumper to bumper traffic and pouring down rain to make it to the game on time only to find out 15 minutes after we arrived that the game would be postponed due to rain. Now I know what your thinking...postponing a basketball game due to rain is ridiculous, but so true! There was a leak that caused a puddle in the middle of the lane on the court. Therefore it was a hazard to the players, causing no sporting event for the evening!

Good news though...I got to sit in the Alexander Memorial Coliseum at Georgia Tech and I got a free hot dog on the way out! And it was a Boar's Head hot dog, ha.


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Do you see the trash bag on the floor?? haha

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Some Days Suck...

Some days truely suck (excuse the term used). They are those days when nothing feels right or good. The days where staying in bed all day seems like a perfect plan. These are the days when the same ole’ stuff happens. The stuff that makes you question everything. I am in one of those places now. I don’t question God, him I trust, but me, I have giant issues with. I mean really all I have to show for my adult life is the ability to hang in at being a poor, dreamer…but with great friends!!!

These are the days where I feel lonely and isolated and not exactly sure what God was thinking when he called me. I mean if God calls you to be something or to go somewhere, shouldn't He show you how or why? Thats the way my little brains thinks! What if my dreams aren't meant to happen?

Parish the thought…Soon I will dream again: until then I take heart from Chris Tomlin’s new song God of this City:

You’re the God of this city
You’re the King of these people
You’re the Lord of this nation
You Are

You’re the light in this darkness
You’re the hope to the hopeless
You’re the peace to the restless

You are

Bridge:
For there is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

Chorus 1:
Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here

Verse 2:
You’re the Lord of Creation
The Creator of all things
You’re the King above all Kings
You Are

You’re the strength in our weakness
You’re the love to the broken
You’re the joy in the sadness
You Are

Chorus 2:
Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Where glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for you and love for you
In this city

Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here
There is no one like our God

Chorus 1:
Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here

Verse 2:
You’re the Lord of Creation
The Creator of all things
You’re the King above all Kings
You Are

You’re the strength in our weakness
You’re the love to the broken
You’re the joy in the sadness
You Are

Chorus 2:
Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Where glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for you and love for you
In this city

Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

My new house

I've had several people ask about my new place in Atlanta! Here are a few pictures of where I live...

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Here is the cute place
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Here is the Den
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The Kitchen and Dining room
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And my room
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from all angles!

Hope you enjoyed the little tour! Now come visit me!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Have you ever had Gelato?

So what is Gelato you ask...well here is a definition for you:

Gelato is typically made with fresh fruit or other ingredients such as chocolate (pure chocolate, flakes, chips, etc.), nuts, small confections or cookies, or biscuits. Gelato made with water and without dairy ingredients is also known as sorbetto (also known as sorbet). Traditionally, milk-based gelato originated in northern Italy, while the fruit-and-water based sorbetto came from the warmer parts of southern Italy.

My definition would read:

Gelato is an absolutely amazing and indescribable dessert. Definitely not your average Ben and Jerry's!

Mal took us to have the best Gelato in town the other night and I must say we'll go back again and again. It's called Paolo's Gelato and it was so incredible. If you haven't tried it, you need to visit and we'll take you! You need to get GELATIZED as Paolo would say!


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Go check out Paolo's website...Paolo's Gelato

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Hiding behind sad eyes...

Last night I was sitting with my puppy watching a movie when I looked over and saw her sad eyes. You see, my puppy, Cambi misses home and she misses my other dog Arley, who she used to play with everyday before we moved to Atlanta. I can see it in her eyes... and it got me to thinking, what do people see in my eyes.

I know that lately I have been a little sad! I've been missing home, friends, old moments and just the past in general. My past holds lots of fun and unforgettable memories and people. But, I almost feel like I've been hiding behind sad eyes. See, I do miss things but I am more excited about my future than sad about my past.

Sometimes when we are working towards a new season or chapter in our life it's easy to get discouraged and to feel a little more down than up. Even when we are thrilled about new surroundings and new people, we hold on so tightly to the "comfort" that we are used to. We are scared that the new things will replace the old. This can cause sad moments or hiding moments, where we detach ourselves from all the exciting new things around. But why would we want to do that?

I took Cambi outside today and walked her around a trail near my house. She had a totally different look on her cute little face. She was happy. She was experiencing something new and her eyes were not sad. This is what I need to do...Hold on to my past and treasure it everyday but, look with a smile toward my future. No more hiding behind sad eyes, instead I need to be glowing with eager eyes.

Look out Atlanta, I'm ready to dive in to what the future holds! And I couldn't be more thrilled!

Saturday, February 16, 2008

A little golf anyone?

Today my dad would have been proud! Mal and I went to the driving range to practice our golfing skills. I must say that for two girls, we pretty much rock at hitting golf balls 100-200 yards! I have this feeling that everyone is going to want us on their team. I think maybe we should go pro or at least play super ball with Tiger Woods...or maybe we should just stick to the driving range for a while, haha.

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Anywho, we looked cute out there!

Friday, February 15, 2008

Why does God wait?

Why does God wait? We ask this often...I mean, I hate waiting. I find that most people would agree with me. Waiting just seems to cause frustration, aggravation and just this feeling of being uncomfortable. Take traffic for example...How many people actually enjoy waiting on the interstate for hours just to get home? Now I can't see the hands but, I'm pretty sure none of you are raising them. It just seems like in life we are always waiting. We wait to turn 16 so we can drive. We wait to graduate college so we can get a "real" job and never study again. We wait for that special someone to sweep us off our feet(this one takes forever by the way, ha). We wait for friendships, careers, babies, etc., etc., etc. It's always something.

Sometimes we even feel like we're the only ones waiting but, we're not. We are in perpetual movement at all times for the "next thing", for the next season, for that "thing" that we can see just around the corner. We forget that God loves waiting, in fact He is infatuated with waiting. This is where I recommend you open your Bible. This book is full of people waiting...Let's open and look. Well there was Noah who waited on God to send the flood. Jacob who waited for Rebecca. Jonah who waited in the belly of a whale. Sarah and Abraham who waited for a child. Mary who waited for the birth of baby Jesus. Then there was David and Joseph...even Jesus waited in the garden. When we learn to wait, we learn that we are right where God wants us to be. When God waits, He always has a purpose and He always gives us a promise.

What is crucial is that God promises us the desires of our heart but, we want God to do it in our time line. We get these amazing ideas and visions of how things should be done, how it should look. We want the quick and easy and the "microwave" spirituality when it comes to our life life. This is unfortunate because God has something so much bigger than we can process and in the waiting period He is making whatever it is extra special.

God is never is never early and he is never late. When He waits it is always with good reason. He invites us to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). We may not always understand or see the purpose. More often than not, we even think that God is not present or has stepped away during the time of wait. When in reality, the very opposite is true. He is ever so close and is He is working during your "transformational" time. God sees it as an opportunity to take a little extra time to make whatever it is extra special.

So sometimes when we are in a season of waiting and think that job, that friendship, that spouse or "whatever" will never come… keep in mind that God may choose to take us 8 blocks to get there instead of 4 blocks. And keep your eyes and hearts open to the transformation that is taking place.. the goodness that is being displayed.

God will never have us wait without a promise and a purpose. Enjoy the wait, enjoy the time and watch His purpose continue to unfold. That is the magnificent mystery about God. There is something great just around the corner..you just may have to take those extra blocks to get there…

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…(Jeremiah 29:11)

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the end

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Let me catch up...

So my computer has been in the shop for the past two days and I just got it back, so I can finally write again. And believe me, a lot has happened in the past few days!!!

Let's begin with Monday...Mallori, Andy and I went on a little adventure to try something new, well new for me. We went and had wheat grass shots. Now I'm sure most of you don't know what that is or maybe I'm just the only one that didn't know what that was but, it was great. We had what is known as a grand slam which consists of a wheat grass shot, ginger shot, cranberry juice shot and a lemon juice shot with a pineapple chaser (and no this was not alcoholic, ha). It was such a fun experience that we documented it for all to see...
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OK now Tuesday was amazing. I went to 722(post college singles worship) and listened to an incredible message which I will go in to more detail about tomorrow for each of you. After 722, Mallori and I went to Buford to meet my friend Ben and a few others to see U2-3D! It was absolutely amazing. I mean Bono was like right there, in front of my face. It was the best concert ever, haha! Ben and I held up our phones so that we would fit into the scene, ha! I wish all of you could have been there! If you haven't heard of this movie/concert go look it up, NOW...
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OK, I could go on and on but I'll save some for tomorrow!

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the end

Monday, February 11, 2008

Hay Ride Fun

Now, I know that you have all seen the amazing chocolate party pictures and that was only a small glimpse into my weekend in Nashville. Let me tell you more about what we did...

On Thursday when I arrived in Franklin, we all decided go get some Mexican food for dinner...oh and Lucas gave me a real hug, haha! There were nine of us that went out to eat and it was great to share stories and talk about what had been happening in each of our weeks. We even had time to take a picture with the waiter...
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After a fun dinner, Brock pulled the truck around to pick us up and attached to the truck was a trailer filled with hay. We all looked a little stunned but Brock proceeded to tell us that we were going on a hay ride around downtown Franklin. Keep in mind it was 30 degrees outside and it's definitely not the season for a hay ride but we went on one anyway. It was so much fun. We waved at the passing cars like we were in a parade and we sang some songs as well. Ahhh, good times in Franklin!
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Next time it's fireworks for Easter, haha!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Chocolate Love

Well I told you that this blog would be worth the wait, and I would never lie to you!

Friday night Brock and Auny threw a Chocolate bash! We had everything from a chocolate fountain to chocolate from different countries to the best photo shoot ever. It was amazing!

We all got dressed up, real fancy and took some cheesy prom-like pictures for Valentine's day. Here are just a few for your viewing pleasure...
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How cute are we?

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How amazing are these photos? We had a blast just posing and laughing and just being ourselves, which you can tell!

Now the fun didn't stop here! Did I mention we had chocolate? Lots of chocolate?
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Oh and you want to know that best part of this whole night??
...I thought you would!!!

We raised over $390.00 in donations to put towards a family in Ecuador. You see there is this family that Brock and Auny met while being overseas. They learned that this family was paying about $13.00 a month for their mortgage and the total cost to pay it off was somewhere around $420.00. Can you imagine paying $13.00 a month on your mortgage? That's lunch for us. It just shows how rich we really are and how our money can bless so many!

Brock and Auny decided that paying off that mortgage was nothing for our community. And with the money raised at the party plus the pledges that are still coming in, we have raised enough money to truly bless this family. How amazing is that?

If you want to help us help families, let me know and I'll give more details!!

God is good!

Saturday, February 09, 2008

boots, movies and more!

OK first off, I apologize for no posting yesterday! I know that it made a few people anxious and a little sad that there was nothing good to read on Friday, February 8th (Daniel I am deeply sorry). And second, I wanted to wait and write about yesterday when I had pictures to show you all how much fun we had. So with all that said, I will wait to tell you all about our hay ride around downtown Franklin, Chocolate tasting at Brock's, funny Valentine prom pictures and raising money for Compassion...trust me it's worth the wait!

We will move on to today... what a gorgeous day in Franklin, TN! Today I spent time with my friend Kim. We had a so much fun mixed with a little adventure. We met Daniel and Evan for lunch at Logan's(by far the best rolls ever) then we went to some shops in Cool Springs for a little money spending! I bought boots and yes I know, I shouldn't have but, they are super cute. It took an adventure to find them but we did! Chocolate suede boots in size 7 1/2...perfect.

Tonight, my lovely roomie Emily(yes I still call her that) and I went over to our friend Shane's house to watch "Across the Universe" and indulge in some Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. It's alway a pleasure to hang out with Shane and laugh about nothing at all.

What a great day!

Thursday, February 07, 2008

today...

today i made the drive from atlanta to nashville for the weekend!

i am happy

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end of blog :)

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

What's a doodle

OK, so what I have learned is that some of the things that I grew up loving in North Carolina, some people have never heard of in other states and countries.

Let me tell you this funny story...

A few months back, a few friends and I were sitting up a Starbucks when I brought up the fact that I loved cheese doodles. I thought nothing of the conversation...I mean who doesn't love little puffy cheese snacks? I mean come on...they are amazing but, everyone looked confused. No one had heard of cheese doodles before, especially my friend Morgan. You see, Morgan is from New Zealand and I guess some of their words are different from ours. After a few moments of the confusing look, Morgan asked "You like what?" I responded with the words "Cheese Doodles."

I could see the embarrassed look on his face, so I asked what was he thinking about. Well, Morgan informed me that doodle in New Zealand is a term used for the male reproductive organ. WOW, I definitely was embarrassed, haha!! This whole time, Morgan thought I was saying that I liked Cheese "male" parts. How funny yet mortifying is that??


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So I dedicate this blog to Morgan with this picture to prove that cheese doodles in North Carolina are definitely puffy cheese snacks!!!

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Poetry

It's amazing how poetry captures not only your heart but your mind, your soul and sometimes your every thought. I've grown up loving poetry. Everything about it, from the way it's written to the way people use it to express feelings. I just simply love it!
Sometimes I write when I'm feeling sad or excited. I write when I'm in love or when my heart has been broken. I write because it helps me to express my emotions!

Here are two of my favorite poems....

I carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

EE Cummings


This is a perfect example of expressed emotion! You can see the love and if you read it and pay close attention, you can feel what he feels!

OK here's the other...

Spontaneous Me

Spontaneous me, Nature,
The loving day, the mounting sun, the friend I am happy with,
The arm of my friend hanging idly over my shoulder,
The hillside whiten'd with blossoms of the mountain ash,
The same late in autumn, the hues of red, yellow, drab, purple, and light and dark green,
The rich coverlet of the grass, animals and birds, the private untrimm'd bank, the primitive apples, the pebble-stones,
Beautiful dripping fragments, the negligent list of one after another as I happen to call them to me or think of them,
The real poems, (what we call poems being merely pictures,)
The poems of the privacy of the night, and of men like me,
This poem drooping shy and unseen that I always carry, and that all men carry,
(Know once for all, avow'd on purpose, wherever are men like me, are our lusty lurking masculine poems,)
Love-thoughts, love-juice, love-odor, love-yielding, love-climbers, and the climbing sap,
Arms and hands of love, lips of love, phallic thumb of love, breasts of love, bellies press'd and glued together with love,
Earth of chaste love, life that is only life after love,
The body of my love, the body of the woman I love, the body of the man, the body of the earth,
Soft forenoon airs that blow from the south-west,
The hairy wild-bee that murmurs and hankers up and down, that gripes the full-grown lady-flower, curves upon her with amorous firm legs, takes his will of her, and holds himself tremulous and tight till he is satisfied;
The wet of woods through the early hours,
Two sleepers at night lying close together as they sleep, one with an arm slanting down across and below the waist of the other,
The smell of apples, aromas from crush'd sage-plant, mint, birch-bark,
The boy's longings, the glow and pressure as he confides to me what he was dreaming,
The dead leaf whirling its spiral whirl and falling still and content to the ground,
The no-form'd stings that sights, people, objects, sting me with,
The hubb'd sting of myself, stinging me as much as it ever can any one,
The sensitive, orbic, underlapp'd brothers, that only privileged feelers may be intimate where they are,
The curious roamer the hand roaming all over the body, the bashful withdrawing of flesh where the fingers soothingly pause and edge themselves,
The limpid liquid within the young man,
The vex'd corrosion so pensive and so painful,
The torment, the irritable tide that will not be at rest,
The like of the same I feel, the like of the same in others,
The young man that flushes and flushes, and the young woman that flushes and flushes,
The young man that wakes deep at night, the hot hand seeking to repress what would master him,
The mystic amorous night, the strange half-welcome pangs, visions, sweats,
The pulse pounding through palms and trembling encircling fingers, the young man all color'd, red, ashamed, angry;
The souse upon me of my lover the sea, as I lie willing and naked,
The merriment of the twin babes that crawl over the grass in the sun, the mother never turning her vigilant eyes from them,
The walnut-trunk, the walnut-husks, and the ripening or ripen'd long-round walnuts,
The continence of vegetables, birds, animals,
The consequent meanness of me should I skulk or find myself indecent, while birds and animals never once skulk or find themselves indecent,
The great chastity of paternity, to match the great chastity of maternity,
The oath of procreation I have sworn, my Adamic and fresh daughters,
The greed that eats me day and night with hungry gnaw, till I saturate what shall produce boys to fill my place when I am through,
The wholesome relief, repose, content,
And this bunch pluck'd at random from myself,
It has done its work--I toss it carelessly to fall where it may.
Walt Whitman


Oh I love it!!!

What do you think?

Monday, February 04, 2008

2 Peter 1:3-11

OK so I lied! I also want everyone to read this verse because it is amazing!!!

Growing in Faith

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


OK so I had three cents instead of two=)

:: two cents ::

here are my two cents for the day! these are the only words I feel like I need to write, so take these few words and think about what they may say to you...


NEVER PUT A BOX ON WHAT GOD CAN DO IN YOUR LIFE!


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