Sea-foam Beach Blue

Hey friends! I just wanted to share with everyone this amazing new site where you can get some awesome apparel! My friend Yam has worked really hard on this new website store and I hope that each of you will find something that you have to have! 

Caswell PX store

I mean...everyone needs a sea-foam beach blue Caswell Sweatshirt:) 

Start a Fire

What I have learned by God taking me out of my comfort zone this summer(so far)...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

When things seem to get rough, press on and don't look down

Your words may seem mumbled but those words can effect more people than you know

Reaching out is something that should be done everyday

Prayer is powerful and without it I would fail

Jesus really is the only way

Never be intimidated by a classroom with 300 students

Being tired is part of the journey

Sometimes it's really hard to say good-bye

Duck Duck Goose is the greatest game ever

Accountability is necessary to staying strong

Your Bible holds the key to everything

Loving people even when it's hard to is what should be done

I want to be used and I want to start a fire. I want to set the world on fire...

What great life lessons so far! What have you learned so far this summer?

Start a fire in me,
Let the flames run free,
Burn away the dross,
Holy fire of God. (repeat)

Let it begin, let it be new,
Let me be used for Your sake,
Bringing glory to Your Name.
I can live knowing that You
Reside in my heart.
Oh Lord, You are the fire,
You're the fire of God.

~Among Thorns

Deep Whispers

It's amazing how the Lord will speak to you! For some people they hear God through a voice, for others it's a feeling or through a song, etc. God speaks through everything around us, we just have to be willing to stop and listen. To look for the awesomeness that is around us (as Daniel would say)!

I've had a hard time lately knowing when something is of the Lord. I battle between thinking if it's me that wants things to happen or if it's God. I catch myself analyzing every little detail and reviewing it over and over in my mind. Things that seem so perfect in my head aren't always the "perfect" plan of God. It's a hard line but one thing that I am learning is that God will never steer you in the wrong direction. He may take you into uncomfortable situations but He has a purpose for every moment of your life and He will make His voice heard even if it's a whisper. So listen closely, follow intently and bask in the grace of our Father!

Dear God,

Help me to listen for your voice and your direction in my life! Teach me and show the path that will glorify you and only you. I thirst for your living water and my prayer is that my life will reflect your love.

I love you.

Amen

Thank God for Friends

Meet my amazing friend Nathan!

I've known Nathan for a little over a year now and he has the most amazing heart! I have had the opportunity to spend the past two and half weeks with him and watch him minister to students through his God given talent. He inspires me everyday and I am thankful for his friendship in my life! 

If you haven't met him then your missing out...just bring yourself down to Atlanta and I'll introduce you to him:)

ONE DAY NIGHT...band of the summer!

You must go check out this awesome band created by the SuperWOW crazies:)

ONE DAY NIGHT

So heavy you'll need a forklift to listen!

I'll give you a little peek at the photo shoot...and I'll introduce you to the band...


Daniel and Ben + their party pants

Nathan and his little red bike

Jason(lead screamer) and Mac in the back(he scratches sometimes)


Go add them as your friend! They need YOU!

Talk about amazing...

I often have moments where something will truly bothesr me and it effects the way I deal with everything around me. This past Wednesday night was one of those times! I had a lot on my mind and even though I seemed fine on the outside, I was hurting on the inside. But something happened that rocked my world....

I had this student in my seminars named Josh! He was one of the few that consistently sat at the front for every single lesson, focused on the words that God was speaking through Aaron and I.

Wednesday night as I was exiting the stage area, upset about a few things that had occurred that day, Josh was leaving the worship center in the crowded hallway. We crossed paths and he hugged me. He stepped back and said to me, "I know I'm going to Heaven!!" He had so much enthusiasm in his voice and he literally could have done cartwheels down the hall because he was so on fire for God. I could see God's love radiating off of him and he was so excited to share what he had experienced! It rocked my night!

I will never forget the look on his face or the energy that he had...and it was all because Jesus touched him! WOW

Realization...

So I have realized a few things since a week has gone by here on Jekyll Island...

1. I have no time to really write(type) my experiences because every second here is precious time that is dedicated to God, staff bonding and the students... but I love it!

2. Sleep is totally overrated.

3. The bond between people happens so quick here and I have a feeling I've made some life long friends.

4. Bananas and PB makes an awesome breakfast.

Of course there are plenty more but these are the ones from week one.

The past 7 days has been absolutely incredible. I have witnessed God at work in the lives of so many. I am so blessed to have had this opportunity!

Freeze frame

You all need to go watch the videos on my friend Auny's blog! Hilarious

Life on the Road

It will definitely make you laugh out loud:)

Week one, Sadly over!

I don't think I can fully describe the amazing works of God that I witnessed this week! I saw it in my seminars, through the worship, while watching illusions, playing volleyball, sitting in the counseling room and listening to prime words from the speaker.

Most of you know that I call myself a camp kid because I absolutely love working camps, being at camps and hearing about camps! That may sound childish but the bottom line is that whenever I am part of these camp weeks, I see change...not only in students lives but also in mine.

This week I came across some amazing teenagers. They all came from different stories and they gathered for this one week to be in the presence of God. It was amazing to watch the transformation from day one when there bus pulled up to day four when they left to head home. I met a girl who was living her life all the wrong way and because people loved on her this week and poured into her, she got saved.I met a boy who was set on becoming more of a leader and I know that his is going to drastically change the people around him. I met some of the strongest students ever. Teenagers on fire for God and I know they are going to continue impacting the world.

So to the students from week one... You all are incredible and remember to stay on fire for God, pay it forward and bring change!

Burning sand...

Have you ever played Volleyball in 100 degree weather on hot, burning sand with hundreds of kids?

Well you should because it will definitely bless your day!

Today after an amazing worship service and my first attempt at teaching the 11th and 12th grade seminar( which went awesome) we headed out to the beach for some beach volleyball goodness:) I am loving the interaction the staff has with the students. It truly blesses your day to hear kids tell you how much fun they are having learning about Jesus and expressing their love around a community. Incredible...

Well shower time then back the convention center for round 2!!

Launching shirts

Day one of the first week of SuperWOW Jekyll Island is done and I must say, it went by way too fast. We had such a good time greeting all the students and Youth leaders. And by fun I mean joyous parking lot time. Let me set up this scene for you...

5 guys and 1 girl (that'd be me)
100 degree weather... humid cause is rained (yuck)
a little over 700 students
3 foam baseball bats
2 spongy baseballs
and 1 tee shirt launcher!

Needless to say we had a very interesting day:) I mean how many people can say they watched two people get shot with a tee shirt launcher from about 5 feet? I can! HAHA

Moving on, it was so great tonight to watch these students engage in worship. Hands were raised and all mouths were singing! AMAZING

Can't wait for tomorrow!

...on a side note though, I miss Brock, Auny, Therron and Old Bay Steamer:(
I'm I the only one???

So you want to be Mega?

A little something for your reading pleasure...

Stuff Christians Like

I'm a bit tired from all my training and loading and socializing and everything else that goes with camp life so I thought this would be a good fill in for me:)

Bring it...

Well training has officially begun and in less than two days I'll been heading towards the Florida line to begin my work at SuperWOW camp for three weeks...how fun:)

As most of you know, I have been working at camps since the summer of 2002 and I've found this deep desire to be involved in helping to shape the hearts of young people. This summer I have the opportunity to work in a different way by leading seminars for the 11th and 12th grade students. When I was offered this position I was overjoyed and I had no fear about doing this. But over the past three weeks, I have developed a slight apprehension of this journey I am about to begin. I have this sense of not being enough and not being prepared enough...but someone said something this morning that helped. The words were, "We're never gonna be enough, but we don't have to be. God is enough and with Him by our side His glory will be revealed." WOW, talk about the perfect words for me to hear!

I am nervous but so excited about teaching this summer. I know that with God guiding me and with Him giving me the words, these teenagers will see the love of Christ! So bring on the challenges, the experiences, the laughter, the hardships, the worry....bring on camp!!!

As Scott put it "a summer at the beach loving on people for Jesus, what more could you ask for!"

Quote it!

Over the years I have found that great joy stirrs in my heart for good quotes! It has often occured to me that so few words can speak such great truth and happiness. Reading verses from the Bible, hearing encouraging words from a friend, quotes from a good movie and even short phrases from children's books can leave a long lasting mark.

Here are a few of my favorites...

Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. ~ Daniel 12:3

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. ~ Buddha

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” ~ Dr. Seuss

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ~ Col. 1:16-17

It is not length of life, but depth of life. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

You're killing me Smalls! ~ The Sandlot

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day. ~ E. B. White

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” ~ Dr. Seuess

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. ~ Aristotle

"Take... luck! Take luck and care. Take...care of the luck! Good luck, take care of the luck you might have, if you have luck, take it, care for it. Take-luck-care-of-it-it -- when you take all care of AAARRGGG!" ~ Brian Regan

Anyone who wants to be a can't-hack-it pantywaist who wears their mama's bra, raise your hand. ~ The Sandlot

So what are some of your favorite quotes, verses or just things that bring you joy??

problem solved

After several months of mechanic visits, countess dollars and the annoyance of trying to find rides to work...my vehicle is now fixed! No more squeals. No more overheating. And no matter hassle!

Whew...

Laminin

No matter how many times I watch this, I am still amazed! I am amazed at the works of our God. The way He created us and fashioned us exactly the way He wanted...


For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ~ Colossians 1:16-17

Relating in lyrics

You know when hear a song and you think to yourself..."That artist totally wrote that song about me!"(clarification: NO I'm conceded and think songs are about me, I just relate to the song). I have these moments quite often. I can hear a song and immediately relate to what the artist was feeling or thinking at the time he/she wrote it or I can put myself as the person in the song... does that make sense?

Maybe I should explain by example:

There is a song called "Beautiful Disaster" written by Jon McLaughlin... I've been listening to this song for over a year and every time I hear it, I think "wow he read my mind and he totally has a grasp on my life was and still is."

Here are lyrics:

She loves her mama's lemonade,
Hates the sounds that goodbyes make.
She prays one day she'll find someone to need her.
She swears that there's no difference,

Between the lies and complements.
It's all the same if everybody leaves her.

And every magazine tells her she's not good enough,
The pictures that she sees make her cry.

And she would change everything, everything just ask her.
Caught in the in between of beautiful disaster,
And she needs someone to take her home.

She's giving boys what they want, tries to act so nonchalant,
Afraid they'll see that she's lost her direction.
She never stays the same for long,
Assuming that she'll get it wrong.
Perfect only in her imperfection.

She's not a drama queen,
She doesn't want to feel this way, only seventeen but tired

She would change everything for happy ever after.
Caught in the in between of beautiful disaster,
But she just needs someone to take her home.

Cuz she's just the way she is, but no ones told her that's OK.

And she would change everything, everything just ask her.
Caught in the in between of beautiful disaster,

And she would change everything for happy ever after.
Caught in the in between of beautiful disaster,

But she just needs someone to take her home
And just needs someone to take her home.

Jon's "Beautiful Disaster" video

Do you have a song that relates to your life?

When I say Hip, You say Hop!

After watching MADE tonight on MTV I have decided that I have a new dream....

I want to be a Hip Hop dancer, haha

We'll see how far I get with this!

...See what happens when I watch mindless TV!

1440 Minutes...

Time keeps on slipping into the future...

Yes, I know...that song is old, repetitive and somewhat cheesy but it's the song that came to mind when I was thinking about how fast my days go by! I am one of those people that try to fit way too much into one day only because I HATE missing out on things. I tend to over schedule just in case something falls through(stupid I know). But here's the thing, you are never promised tomorrow so you're suppose to live everyday like it's your last, right?

I guess I tend to think like that but a local pastor added to my thought process yesterday during our NAMB chapel service. He stated " You have 1440 minutes in a day! Use every one for God's glory." I've been thinking about it ever since. Here are the questions that can't escape my mind...

• Do I live each day for God's glory?
• Am I doing all I can to share His love?
• Am I being selfish with my time?

There are several more questions that come to mind but I'll spare you from a long list of answer less inquiries.

I have pondered all this over the last few hours...1440 minutes to make a difference today...How am I going to do this? (now I have the song from "Rent" in my head...529,600 Minutes, haha.)

Well anyway...now that I have two songs in my head involving several numbers, a few questions with some vague answers and a blog entry with no resolution, I leave you with a question.

What do you do each day with your 1440 minutes to make a difference and to live for God's glory???

State has potential...wedding potential!

Congratulations Jeff and Jennifer!

Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day...

The reception was at the State Club on NC State's Centennial Campus!

I got to go to the Eiffel Tower, ha

Me and my lil sis!

Gorgeous...

The cake was delicious!

I was obsessed with the table arrangements

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Flanagan! How sweet:)

I'm definitely not an NC State fan but this wedding made State look good, haha!

Did I look famous?

For those of you who are wondering...I chose red, haha!

Anyway, I thought I would share a little story of what happened on Friday as I flew in to RDU airport in Raleigh, NC. You see, my friend Jeff was going to pick me up at the airport but after realizing the time situation, he decided that an alternate plan would have to do...so he sent a car for me. Now I've never had a "car" sent for me before so I didn't really know what to expect but I kind of had it in my head that it would be a taxi or something!

NOPE...

I walked to baggage claim and picked up my bags and as I turned to walk outside to the curb, standing about 5 feet from me was a tall man dressed in a full on suit holding a sign that said "SHANNON WHITE." Now, I'm sure that this service happens to people everyday but I was totally thrown off guard and a little embarrassed especially since I was on my cell phone talking about having rehearsal at the State Club...kind of sounded important.

This man took my bags and walked me outside to his black town car complete with tinted windows and leather seats. He opened the rear passenger side door and inside the car was bottled water waiting for me...Holy ROCKSTAR! I felt so awkward! I'm a simple girl and this was not a simple ride from the airport.

Maybe I should have pretended to be famous...although I don't think I have that "I'M A BIG DEAL" look! Oh well, I felt important nonetheless!

A Tedious Choice

So I made to my fancy hotel in downtown Raleigh and I have 45 minutes till I leave for the State Club where the wedding will take place. Now, I know I should be practicing my song but my main concern right now is which shoes to where?

Petty yes I know but it's definitely matters! I know ALL eyes will be on the bride but I do have to stand in front of a few hundred people and sing so I'm sure I'll get a glance or two and the last thing I want is for someone to be like "Look at that girl's shoes! They totally look awful with that dress!" Even though I won't hear those words I'll know what they're thinking!

So here are my choices...

We've got red heels, gold peep toes, brown strapies and rainbows (these are not a serious option although they would be my first choice)!

So which ones do you like?

Oh the dress is brown with cream embroidery... Just picture it in your head so you can make your choice:)

Only a few from 27...

My mind is racing, my thought process is jumbled and I think that my eyes are going crossed...I've been staring at the computer screen typing out emails, learning lyrics, listening to key changes and finishing all the details for my upcoming events. Did you know that staring at something for a long time actually worsens your eye sight? Guess that's why I am reliant on my contacts...who knew!

I seem to be crossing the song I'm learning for the wedding this weekend with an old school rap song that I heard on the radio this morning. I honestly don't think the bride will appreciate a little "How Beautiful/Baby Got Back" remix...it might throw off the mood of the ceremony. Either that or it will definitely liven up the children from the 80's and 90's. I can picture it now...bridesmaids tapping their feet, groomsmen doing a little pop and lock, oh and the grandmas, well they would be full on dancing...down the aisle, of course...but then my image turns to the bride with this disgusted face and an almost deadly look. You know the one where you get chills and you know not to go near that person. (ehhh... I just had a chill that woke me from this awkward vision of the joyous occasion).

Anyway, I leave today to fly to North Carolina (my favorite place) for my third wedding of the year...oh but no worries, I still have four more scribbled in my calendar for the year of 2008, that is unless someone else decides to get engaged then I'm sure I'll have more black pen and highlighter in my schedule book. Yes, I know what you're thinking and you are correct...I am like the girl in 27 Dresses minus the theme bridesmaids dresses and the cute apartment in New York! And while there is nothing wrong with that, I'm not sure my ending will be as great a hers...you know with the whole marrying James Marsden thing! But hey a girl can dream!

Tomorrow at this time I'll be in a moment full of rose petals and repeating vows. Hopefully as I stand in the ceremony my eyes will not be crossed and the words will come out in melodic sequence. I am praying that I can hit all the high notes and maybe even make a few people shed a tear...haha! Oh and if I met a "James Marsden" ...trust me, I'll definitely be writing about that ASAP!

Well back to emails then on to the plane!

A whirlwind of moments...

I have been on a whirlwind since Janis and Joey's Wedding and I apologize for not writing to the best of my ability. I have had my hands tied and my mind has been all over the place for the past week. I feel like the best way for me to explain it, is to show you some pictures! It all began on May 19...

Monday - My Birthday

Birthday fun at Loca Luna

Tuesday - Summer's First Tee-Ball game

She's got the best number and best color jersey ever!

Thursday - Nathan Angelo Concert @ The Vinyl

Nathan and I waiting for Nathan Angelo to play.

Finally all our waiting paid off

Friday - The Less Concert @ Hard Rock Cafe

It's all about Rock N Rock, ha

Saturday - Summer Fun with Allie


We like taking pictures in the grass

Sunday - Babysitting

Coloring with Cashman

Ava in her princess dress! SO cute

Monday - Braves Game for the Birthday boy



I wish I had a picture for last night but I failed to capture the moment:( Last night I had an awesome time catching up with Nathan and my new found friend Drew Worsham over dinner at Eclipse Di Luna!

It's been such a great week!

I got the job!

I got a new job!

Well it's a new position at the same organization...basically a promotion!

When I return from working SuperWOW camp this summer on July 8, I will begin my new position working with the Communications Department at NAMB. I'll have my hands in a bunch of things like assisting with Project Management to helping with Publications to just the everyday work that happens in the office...I guess that major in Communication was worth the four years of college...wait five years, haha!

I am excited about my transition and looking forward to the new experiences ahead:)

Maria

My heart broke when I read the headlines this morning...

5 YEAR OLD MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME

...and then my heart broke again when I read that she was killed accidentally by her older brother. I can't even imagine the pain he is feeling right now and the guilt that is going through his mind. This is beyond comprehension to me in this moment. Please pray for him, the teenage son who will now live on with this weight...a reality that I don't know if I could bare. Please be in prayer for this family as they experience this painful situation...

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Steven Curtis Chapman, he is a five-time GRAMMY winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles. More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Maria, who they adopted years ago from China, was their youngest. She is sitting in Steven's lap in the photo above.

Please keep this family in your prayers!

"the Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" - Psalm 34:18

Maria - she's too young to understand, but old enough to feel the pain
Of living where no love can grow with no hope for change
Maria - her world is an angry place but she makes sure that scars don't show
And with every hurt her tender heart is growing cold (but)

CHORUS
Who, who's gonna love Maria
Who, who's gonna touch her with the tenderness she longs for
Like a desert longs for rain
She's got a hunger deep inside and with every tear she cries
She wonders if there's someone out there somewhere
Who's gonna love Maria

(Maria) She looks in the mirror now and the little girl is gone
But still the search for someone's love goes on and on for Maria
But does anybody care or even notice her at all
Is anyone listening close enough to hear her call (and who)

CHORUS
Who, who's gonna love Maria
Who, who's gonna touch her with the tenderness she longs for
Like a desert longs for rain
She's got a hunger deep inside and with every tear she cries
She wonders if there's someone out there

BRIDGE
Maria if you can hear me, please know that you're not forgotten
Somebody's trying to get to you

Written by Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman and James Isaac Elliott
Matt 25:37-40

Eat.Drink.Be Married

So as I mentioned yesterday my best friend got married this past weekend at Emerald Isle, NC. It was such a beautiful occasion and was filled with many surprises! I've known Janis and Joe for over 5 years now and they have taught me such much about life and just being who I am. They have loved me and protected over the years and I am so very thankful to have both of them in my life.

The wedding was absolutely perfect for these two. It was a laid back ceremony with their closest friends and family. The guys wore sunglasses and the girls wore flip flops... we drew the layout of the wedding on a paper plate and to keep the drinks cold we filled a floaty boat with ice, three the cans in and put it in the pool:) It was so great and they wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

So Janis and Joe I dedicate this blog to you both!

Fun moments from the wedding:

Eating some amazing food.

Janis still not being ready at 3:55(wedding started at 4)

Getting to lay out on the beach

Getting a show for only 6 quarters

Tex's toast at the reception

Having lots of Chili's people in one location

Watching Jarrod be a minister man

drama, drama, drama

Watching Joey kiss the bride:)

I now pronounce you Husband and Wife!

J-Nasty Scoz...haha

Me and Nicky G

Here we all are!

I can't believe it's already come and gone but, I am so excited to watch their lives together... and even more excited about watching their family grow;)

Happy Happy Happy

So it's been a while...and so much has happened since my last post on Wednesday. I visited the beach of North Carolina, I married off my best friend, I got to spend some quality time with my parents and niece, I watched my friend Don's face swell up, I had to say good-bye to Cambi and I turned a year older! That's a lot of stuff for one week!

Because I have some great pictures that go with the wedding and beach weekend, I will save the fun stories of wedding bells for tomorrow. What I will tell you about is how great my friends are...

So yesterday it was HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME!

It was a full day of love and specialness(yes that's a word, ha). I received countless comments and phone messages wishing me birthday happiness. I saved four messages on my phone where some great people from home sang me the Birthday song...So classic:) I always get a little sad when I can't be at home on my Birthday because my friends at home definitely know how to make a girl feel special. When I think back, I can remember a few birthday parties that will remain in my mind forever.

*age 20 - surprise party thrown by Brooks Harrell...I had no clue what was going on and he was so sweet to get all my friends together for a full night of hanging out and celebrating. The pictures definitely tell the story! I'll show them to you one day.

*age 21 - birthday outing with my precious Chili's girls and Dax(the forbidden manager)haha! All I have to say is Pour Some Sugar On Me and three is better then two!

*age 22 - Charleston, SC. Amazing room at the Governor's Inn, horse and carriage ride around the water, yummy food, a little shoppy shopping and some of the sweetest memories ever.

*age 23 - The Fray Concert with Jen Jen, Nicole, Travis and the Chapel Hill crew. It was a night filled with Krispy Kreme donuts and way too many laughs.

*age 25 - Nashville moments...ahhh so great! Brock, Auny and my loves surprised me at the tatoo place! Yep the stars on my foot are from this event. I had so much fun getting inked, eating SATCO and playing in the fountain:)

This year is another to add to the list. Dinner at Loca Luna with some amazing ladies. It was so great to spend time together and eat some yummy food...These girls made my day super special. I love birthdays!

Do you have any fun birthday memories??

On my way

While you are reading this...I am on my way to North Carolina to watch my best friend get married and lay on the beach of course!

I have an 8 hour drive and I'm pretty sure that you're reading this as I pass through South Carolina...I'm burning rubber baby:)

I probably won't write till Monday, which by the way is a special day, wink wink...so find something else to keep your busy till then, haha!

Single Serving Friends

“This is your life, and it’s ending one minute at a time. If you wake up at a different time, at a different place, could you wake up as a different person? Everywhere I travel; tiny life. Single-serving sugar, single-serving cream, single pad of butter, the microwave cordon bleu hobby kit. Shampoo-conditioner combos, sample packets of mouthwash, tiny bars of soap. The people I meet on each flight; they are single-serving friends. Between take-off and landing we have our time together, that’s all we get.” ~ Fight Club

You see I watched Fight Club the other night for the first time(yes, I am known for being that girl that hasn't seen many great movies)... anywho when "the narrator" who obviously doesn't have a name in the movie but is basically Richard, was describing his travel style life as being single serving, it got me thinking about this theory.

You see for the last year and a half I've traveled all over the US and I've had the opportunity to meet some interesting people. I've been in countless airports, stayed in a variety of hotels and have been chauffeured from from one side of cities to the other side. I've enjoyed the individual packets of peanuts on the planes and ate more complimentary mints than I can remember all while crossing back and forth through time zones...Leaving one city at 7 AM and landing 5 hours later but it only being 9:00 AM, Sheesh:)

I try to sleep as much as possible on planes because I get figgidity but every so often I end up in the middle seat and I can't seem to get comfortable unless I want to snuggle up to a total stranger(not happening). Me and planes have a love/hate relationship! But travel leads to sparatic meetings. Meeting strangers and engaging in conversation...the only problem is one minute they're there and the next they're gone. Single serving friends! Some are interesting and make bus rides fly by. Others have this magical way of putting you to sleep just so you don't have to answer their question about molded cheese or cigarettes(yes I pretend to sleep alot). Nevertheless, these people add perspective and interest to life. Definitely makes travel a little more intriguing.

So, who has been your most interesting single serving friend?

My grace is sufficient!

2 Corinthians 12:7-10...Go read it and after you've read it then continue on with my blog...


Ok have you read it? OK good...

Now, how many of you can think of something in your life that you want God to change? It could be something that has to do with your appearance or your physical build. Maybe it's that you want God to make that specific person fall in love with you or it could be that you want that person to magically fall out of love with you so you can stop worrying about the psycho phone calls and texts, ha. Maybe you want God to give you the job you've always wanted or the money to buy that house or car of your dreams. Whatever it is, you want it and you've asked God several times for it but he hasn't quite answered your plea.

What do you do when God basically says NO...no I will not make him fall in love with you...no that is not the job I will give you...no you can not have a million dollars...no, no, no, no, no! For some, they split, giving the reason why do I want a God that won't give me things that I need. For others, when God says no that is the time that they lean harder on him. Which one are you?

Now let's look at the story I asked you to read about Paul. As we learn in verse 7, Paul was given some sort of thorn in his flesh. In the New International Version Bible, scholars suggest the thorn was a physical ailment, such as an eye disease, malaria or epilepsy. Others described it as a series of failures in his ministry...Either way the Bible gives no clear evidence. Whatever it was, Paul asked...actually he pleaded for God to take it away as stated in verse 8. I can picture Paul with his hands held high, desperation on his face and maybe even a little tear or two, pleading with God, "Please lord take this from me!"

But you know what God says..."My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." ~verse 9

What does that mean you ask...well think about it this way, when do we usually become most dependent on God? When something goes wrong right...well God wanted to teach Paul about humility and grace and the dependence that we should have on God at all times. God didn't take away whatever Paul was begging for him to take, instead He gave him the strength to endure. Andy Stanley described it as God saying "I'm gonna show off in your weakness...people are going to be astonished by my power through your weak time.

The amazing thing about Paul is he never doubted! Yes he pleaded and wanted more than anything for God to take the thorn but because God said no, Paul leaned harder on Him. Think about it this way...your greatest weakness is God's greatest opportunity if you only trust Him!

If you keep reading you see that Paul took his weakness as an opportunity to become closer to God, putting all dependence on Him and showing extreme faith!

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

God may not gives us everything we want but there is one thing we can be sure of...He will give us the strength to endure despite weakness, despite disappointment, despite the way life can be! Wow

why are we so childish?

Nikki and I made cookies tonight and while we were reading the directions something stood out! If you can guess what we laughed about all night, I'll give you a cookie:)

Finger Paint Joy!

Why do you have to make things so difficult?
Why does every little piece of the puzzle have to be analyzed?
Can't something be simple for once or does it have be so complicated that not even yourself wants to figure it out?

Life IS hard and most of the time it's so mixed up that we don't know who we are or how we should react to everyday occurrences. We find comfort in hiding and in making ourselves believe that we're not worth it. We start to blend in and before we know it, we have secluded ourselves so much that we forget what life looks like outside of our tightly shut door.

Don't you want to laugh? Don't you want to see the sunshine that God created to warm your face and make you glow? When was the last time you weren't worrying about something? When was the last time you listened to your heart instead of your head?

You list out all the things that you "have" to do but, what about the list of things you "get" to do!

You get live free by the grace of God
You get to choose
You get to smile
You get to dance in the rain if you wish or lay in sun's golden rays
You get to wake up and face another day which could be filled with surprises
You get to see the beauty all around you
You get to taste and savor some amazing treats...

I could go on and on...but I won't! You know all this.

So before you start to analyze yet another Grey brush stoke in your solemn painting, pull your brush back and think about all the colors you could use. Add a little red or green or blue and watch the masterpiece, otherwise known as life unfold. I promise it will look better if you put down the worry brush and start to finger paint joy back in to your life!

Inspire Me

I'm having some serious writer's block..my mind is scattered and my thoughts don't make sense when I try to type them out!

I'm going to take some time to get refreshed and to become inspired! But while I do that, I need your help...Tell me some things about you:

What would you like to read about?

What has been pulling on your heart strings lately?

What has been motivational in your world?

Is there anything controversial that has been on your mind?


Help me to find the words in my head...Help me become inspired again! Please

Take Me out to the Ballgame..

I have reason to believe that a Friday that includes tailgating, extra long hot dogs, Braves baseball and dancing, is a night well done... and boy did we accomplish that this past weekend!

I love meeting new people and I love finding great things to do on the weekend. This past weekend was so much fun because I got to spend it with my dear friend Megan! She introduced me to some of her friends from college and high school which made for some great past stories. All I can say is the defibrillator story rocked my world, haha!



Baseball is not complete without a hot dog...

This is Rob...or Ron...what's his name again?

Taking a break from shaking our booties:)

Man, I love Friday nights in Atlanta!

Sunshine through a hurricane...

It's amazing how life can throw you curve balls and leave you feeling completely overwhelmed but content at the same time. It's like trying to eat a snow cone in a hurricane...the snow cone is amazing but the surroundings are tossing you around like a rag doll. Well that's how I've felt for the past few weeks...tossed around and picked apart but I'm still left with a sense of content and this longing...longing to push forward cause something great is just around the corner!

Anyway, the eye of my hurricane blew over this weekend leaving three full days of sunshine and absolute joy. I'll start with Thursday....

It was my roomie's birthday and we went out with a bang. Dinner out and then Elevation till midnight! We had so fun fun just being girls. Mal seemed to have a smile on her face the whole night and into the morning:) Hope you had a fabulous birthday Mal...love ya!

Here are some shots from the night...





We had a great time helping Mal celebrate her special day:)

So that was just Thursday...tomorrow we will venture on to the weekend... I know the anticipation is going to kill you, ha!

I promise

I promise I will write tomorrow and catch you up on my weekend!

Sorry for the delay...I know...Bad blogger, ha!

Yep...my eyes wish to be closed!

Sleepy...
Worn out...
Tired...
Exhausted...
Dreams..
Naps...

Oh I can't wait to sleep!

the end:)

Escape

There is something I want to say
But my words they just get in the way
There’s a passion deep within my soul
Cries out for more.
There’s a battle that I don’t want to fight
Keeps me awake all through the night
Between who I am and who I should be
My mind contains a war.

I am crying out for something to go down
Cause this confusion I feel is throwing me around
Is there somewhere I can go, somewhere I can run?
Some where I go to escape my mind
Is there somewhere I can go, somewhere I can run?
Somewhere I can go…

I start my day, I’m late again
I race another clock, will it every end
I can’t keep up where falling behind there’s never any time.
As one task ends, two more begin
They’re piling up and closing us in
To live like were free just once in a while
Is that such a crime?

And we’re crying out for something to go down
Cause this confusion we feel is throwing me around
Is there somewhere we can go, somewhere we can run?
Some where we go to escape in time
Is there somewhere we can go, somewhere we can run?
Somewhere we can go to escape this life…

Theatre Weekend...

I saw two of the best shows this weekend!

Oh I just can't wait to KING...

5 hundred, 25 thousand, 600 minutes...

Who needs New York:)

*86* the fries

Now, I'm not too sure how many of my Chiliheads read my blog but I wanted to share this with all of them because hearing it made my heart resort back to the days of serving fajitas. The frustration of having 5 guac boats in the window but needing a SC boat to sell the Mushjack on the line. Oh and who could forget yelling for runners but somehow the were all magically too busy.

There are so many memories of getting mad when you were assigned section M and making rude comments when to the hostess didn't "seat" you properly. Or how about when the screen was flashing red all the way across and you couldn't send out the food because you're were missing a Buff Sal w/ no crumbles!

There's all the Chili's lingo that you must know to fit in and of course you never forget...86 the CR, CKN Sand 86 HM, T add R...haha I could go on and on! Anyway to all my favorite ECU Chiliheads, miss you like crazy and this one's for you..

Droppin Fries

Talk of the town!

I'm about the read the book that everyone has been talking about and I must say that I am extremely excited about it! I've heard great things and negative things, so I'm ready to find out for myself...not to persuade you but I think you should read it to!!!!

What book am I talking about you ask?

...well "THE SHACK" of course!

So go get it, read it and then we can have a little book review :)

Officially official

Oh my gosh...Oh my gosh...Oh my gosh!

I can hardly contain my excitement. If you could see my face right now, you would see one happy little girl. My nose is crinkled because the smile on my face is so big. My eyes are somewhat dancing and if I wasn't confined to my little desk I would be dancing around the office to the music in my head.

It's like a childhood dream come true! I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to break out my old pillow case and find that t-shirt that is buried somewhere in the chaos of my childhood but, I must find it in order to make this monumental event perfect....

Oh wait...I forget to tell you what I am so excited about didn't I? Well I had heard rumors for the past month about this much awaited reunion but wasn't going to get too excited until it was abetted.

Well it is now officially official.... NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK are BACK!

Wow just typing that makes my heart happy:)

I heard an interview with them this morning out in LA where they were rehearsing for their upcoming reunion tour, which has already begun (Atlanta better be one of the stops)! Somehow I went from listening to the guys talking to singing "Hanging Tough" more publicly than I would have liked. The guy driving next to me probably thought I was some kind of idiot but at that point my thought was, who cares! I mean, my boys are back...so "Let's Try It Again" by taking it "Step by Step" because I can definitely be their "Valentine Girl!" haha

So my question is...Are you as excited as I am?

Father I coming HOME...back where I BELONG

Come riding on a rushing wind
Blow through our hair and touch our skin
I want to feel You now like I felt You then

Strip away my calloused heart
Set Your arrow hit Your mark
Bring me back to where love starts
Bring me back to where You are

Father I’m running Father I’m coming home
I cannot go on
Your child is running, Father I’m coming home
Back where I belong

I know You’ve heard this all before
When I’m down and crying on the floor
Saying I want You and nothing more

But I’m breaking in my heart tonight
I’ve tried to stand I’ve tried to fight
But I cannot see without Your light
No I cannot breathe without You

When I saw you I was ashamed
You were pure and I was stained
But You ran to me and You called my name
There were tears of joy upon Your face

erasing the definition?

The air is somber in my world this week. It seems like the enemy is taking extra measures to attack me and it's left me quite tired and unmotivated to do much of anything. Sadness seems to be the main emotion and my analytical side has emerged causing every strand in my brain to be consumed with worry. The more I try to put specific things out of my head, the more I allow them access to interfere with my days.

I've always wondered why I am unable to compartmentalize things. It seems like in my world, everything is connected...work is connected to money, money is connected to friendships, friendships are connected to the love life, the love life is connected to happiness and with all connections not aligning, instead of happiness, I am left with a sense of brokenness and confusion. Defeated and worrisome would actually be a good words to use!

I always wanted to be one of those people that never stressed about meaningless things but somehow I think I inherited the obsessive worry gene, haha...OK maybe not obsessive but there was definitely a transfer of the worry gene! So let's define that. I'll give you a few definitions to review...

Merriam-Webster Dictionary
WORRY: to feel or experience concern or anxiety OR mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
WORRY: To feel or express undue care and anxiety; to manifest disquietude or pain; to be fretful; to chafe; as, the child worries; the horse worries.

WordNet 2.0 Dictionary
WORRY: a source of unhappiness

Chinese Dictionary
WORRY: 七上八下

OK, so I just threw the Chinese one in for kicks and giggles! But as you can see none of those definitions resemble happiness. In fact, they even use the word unhappiness in one of the dictionaries! arghhhh (sounds a lot meanier coming out of my mouth).

I don't want to be one of these definitions! I don't want to be defeated by the enemy! I don't want to be placed in the worrier category! That's not too selfish is it?

Instead I want to think like this...

There is a brokenness
out of which comes the unbroken,
A shatteredness out of which blooms the unshatterable.
There is a sorrow
Beyond all grief which leads to joy
And a fragility
Out of which depth emerges strength.
There is a hollow space
Too vast for words
Through which we pass with each loss,
Out of whose darkness we are sanctified into being.
There is a cry deeper than all sound
Whose serrated edges cut the heart
As we break open
To the place inside which is unbreakable
And whole.

God give me the strength to be unbreakable. Help me to understand that Hope floats . . . and I am Unsinkable!

“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”~Jeremiah 29:11

aLL jUmbLeD Up!

What does it take to create a good song?

I have been pondering the thought for years on how to take my thoughts and create the very song that sounds great in my head. The problem is it never sounds good on paper or coming out of my mouth. I have all these ideas floating around in my head about love and let down and just life in general but, when I go to put them down on paper all I see is a massive jumble of un-rhyme able words.

I've read several articles on what it takes to write good music...all which have left me frustrated and back at square one. Everyone says to think of a song as singable poetry. But then there is melodic sequence and song arrangement, oh and then you have to figure out what key is best to sing in...Needless to say I am not quite up to par on knowing everything I need to know. All I know is that I love music and I want to be able to put down what I hear in my head on paper, but in a way that people won't laugh.

I'd love to sit down with my guitar and come up with pages upon pages of songs...ones that touch the soul and make the heart tingle. The question though is HOW?

So to all you songwriters out there, can you give me some advice on where to start and how to accomplish turning an array of words and thoughts into something I can call a song?

Weekend fun

Fun things from the weekend...


Laying out by the pool two days in a row

Hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill

Learning more about Jesus

Rock Band for a few hours

Northpoint with Nikki

Sleeping in on Saturday

Talking to Jen

Repeating the cookout on Sunday

Observing pilates

Hanging out with Cambi

75 degree weather

Watching Anchorman again...


Couldn't have gotten any better!!!

Because it's not time yet...

Here are the questions I have repeatedly asked myself today...

Why?
What if?
Is it worth it?
How long do I have to wait?
Why?
Was that expressed differently than last time?
Should I forget it?
Why?
...did I mention why?

Haha...here are the answer I've come up with...

Because it's not time yet!
It would be amazing if it was to come about!
Of course, it is totally worth the wait!
The waiting process helps growth and understanding so I'll wait as long as I have to!
Because it's not time yet!
No, it was expressed the same and I should stop the analyzing!
Nope, you shouldn't forget it because giving up would be mean missing out on so much!
Because it's not time yet!

...Basically it's not time yet, haha!

Ahhh the joys of waiting!

The Love Department!

I just want to take a moment and rejoice! This week has been a week of love and surprises and it makes me want to shout with joy.

Today, I got a call from one of my very best friends, Josh! He, with much excitement spilled the news...He just proposed and she said yes. How exciting is that! I am so thrilled for him and this new journey that he and his lovely bride-to-be, Brandi are about to embark upon.

Several of my friends have gotten engaged this week and I honestly can't wait to see them all dressed up and walking down aisle committing their love to one another in front of all their friends, family and God!

Congratulations are Stephanie and Adam, Bekah and Nolan, Kristen and AJ, and of course Josh and Brandi! May God bless each of you and your new journey together:)


"How beautiful, then, the marriage of two Christians, two who are one in home, one in desire, one in the way of life they follow, one in the religion they practice . . . Nothing divides them either in flesh or in spirit . . . They pray together, they worship together, they fast together; instructing one another, encouraging one another, strengthening one another. Side by side they visit God's church and partake God's banquet, side by side they face difficulties and persecution, share their consolations. They have no secrets from one another; they never shun each other's company; they never bring sorrow to each other's hearts . . . Seeing this Christ rejoices. To such as these He gives His peace. Where there are two together, there also He is present." - Tertullian (second century Christian theologian)

~Thanks for the passage Matt

Morning's Gold...

On days when I feel defeated, this little book makes me smile! It called "A Little Book of Cheer" and it was given to my Mom in 1974! The book contains pages of thoughts to brighten the day and every time I open it, it reminds me of my Mom!

Here's a few of the cute words from my little Orange book...

Sometimes when you don't feel so good
Or things don't go just as they should...

It helps to think of cheery things
like a garden alive with butterfly wings...

Or a rainbow's promise after the rain
and morning's gold through your window pane.

:)

Slate-Colored Clouds

The night sky, looking off the pier this particular morning, was a clear dark blue, with a few bright stars. As it began to reddened toward dawn, a thick quilt of slate-colored clouds moved over a partial section of the sky, leaving only a strip of rose gold. But I am sure the sun will rise even though covered with a quilt.

We assume the sun will always rise. It always has. But it rises because God continues to let it, not because it must in and of itself. I breathe, not because I am a breathing machine, but because He who holds my breath in his hand allows me to breathe.

The will of God is not a given quantity. It is a creative, dynamic, flowing action. Jesus participated in that action by submitting to the Will and moving with power along the "appointed way," according to the "appointed time," choosing the Father's will above his own.

The sun does no choosing. God chooses ~ every morning so far ~ to make it rise. Yet the Lord of the universe asks me to choose to follow Him ~ to participate, as Christ did, in the action which is his will.

Remember that God's Will is much bigger then anything that we may have planned. He chooses to do great things with our lives but only on his time! Be patient and wait in God's beauty. Submit to His will and find all that you have been waiting for.

"Dwell in my love. If you heed my commands, you will dwell in my love, as I have heeded my Father's commands and dwell in His love" ~ John 15:10

You + Me + The World

It's funny how music can rejuvenate your soul and your very being!

In case you missed it, and I believe most of you did, except for the select few that were there with me...Dave Barnes & Andy Davis were at the Loft in downtown Atlanta last night.

It's always great to end a weekend with some soothing guitar and a tickle on the keys, along with great company! I had a blast hanging out with some new friends April, Annie and Holly along with an old friend James...and I do mean old(haha, kidding friend).

If you haven't gotten Dave's new CD yet, I'm not really sure what you're waiting for. So right now, stop what you're doing...I mean it! You in the green shirt, put down the coffee and click here to get this amazing new album.

I promise, it will be worth missing that sip of coffee!

Content

It's amazing how in one day you can feel so complete, like your world is finally lining up but, the next feel so empty inside like everything was falling apart. You just wake up with unclear visions and you try to analyze all the decisions and all the outcomes that have lead up to this point. Most of time, when I get in moods where I feel so disconnected, I basically hide. I hide from the world, the situation and sometimes I try to hide from myself... and hiding from yourself is not easy! I mean, for some reason I keep finding myself (OK bad joke, I know).

Now, I promise I am not bipolar and I'm pretty sure that I don't need counseling but I just have those days where I wish that things were different. I'm sure that everyone has these days where they wish they could change actions, opinions, minds, and for a good portion, hearts. Too bad that love is left up to God so changing hearts is one of those uncontrollable tasks that you should probably just let go of accomplishing... just being honest.

So how do you get out of the rut of not being content because that's what it all boils down to. We want to change things because we're not content with the way things are. We always want something more or something specific that maybe weren't not supposed to have. Why is so hard to be content with what God has already given us?

Example: When I was in high school there was one particular guy that basically held my heart in the palm of his hand. He didn't know it, but I would have done anything for him to call me his girl, haha! I'm sure we all have a story like that unless you were the "one" that everyone wanted... anyway you get the jist of my story. I wasn't content being anyone else's girl...it had to be him! And no matter how great my friends were or how great of a guy I was with, nothing compared to him and I wasn't content.

You see, this can be a vicious cycle. God never meant for us settle in life and so that's not what I'm implying but, God does have a specific plan for each of us and we should be grateful for that. We should be very happy with what we're given not ungrateful for for what he doesn't give us. God gives us the very things that we need and unfortunately He may not give us all the things that we want! There is a big difference... I want to make more money, but I make enough to have the things I need. I want to be married but, I haven't found the guy that God thinks I need. I want to be a rock star and travel around the world in a private jet with all the macaroni-N-cheese I can eat but I don't need any of that to make me happy (totally kidding about this one).

But you get me point! Completeness is found in God and on the days where we feel disconnected, it probably means we need to stop and thank the Father for the things He has provided. So we don't need to hide! We need to be content in God and when that takes place, you'll find that you have everything that you've ever wanted plus more!

Hummm...I think I'll take my advice:)

Just a touch

Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, "If I can just put a finger on his robe, I'll get well." Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: "Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you're well." The woman was well from then on.
~Matthew 9:20-22(The Message)

Sometimes scripture really captures my attention...and yes I know that all scripture should capture my attention but, sadly some verses I can't quite get into like others. Anyway, I was reading Matthew yesterday and I came across the verse about the woman who was sick and believed that if she could only touch Jesus she would be healed. My first initial thought was WOW! I mean, think about it, how many times in our lives can we say that we truly believed 100% that if we could only touch something, we would be healed? I know that the last time I was sick and laying on the bathroom floor in agony, I pretty much would have done anything to take it away. Now I say that but would I have actually done anything??

Bad example, I know! But just go with it...

I do wonder what I would have done if I lived in the time where Jesus roamed the Earth? Of course I would not have wanted to live in agony for 12 years like the women in the verse but if so, would I have tried with all my might to just touch his garment to be healed or would I have been skeptical and just layed behind without trying?

The woman had so much faith and courage. She truly, 100% believed that God could heal her! You see, In Jesus’ time it was said that blood was life. But blood from a sick person was not life, it was bad blood. People who touched that bad blood were unclean. They were unclean even if they did not mean to touch the blood. They were unclean if they did not know they touched the blood. They were unclean even if they did not remember touching the blood. They were just basically unclean...you get the point!

So, no one came close to any unclean people. No one wanted to touch them or their clothes because if they did, they were made unclean, too. Unclean people had to live alone. They did not go to the temple to worship. They didn't go any place. Unclean people had to wash and they had to make sin offerings. They were not allowed to be with other people until the temple priests said they were clean.

So you see, the woman had to have been afraid. She did not want to say she was bleeding. Not only that, in Jesus’ time a woman did not talk to a man that was not her husband. A woman never, never talked to a priest or a teacher. If she did, it was a sin. People would yell and throw stones. So you can see the risk in her going to Jesus! She was unclean, breaking the law and absolutely terrified. But you know what, that woman was healed. It was not touching Jesus’s clothes that healed her, though. It was the fact that she went to Jesus. Her belief, her faith, her courage...that's what healed her! Jesus saw a women who loved Him so much that she was willing to risk the rules, the ridicule and possibly her life just to be near Him. Amazing!

I hope to have courage like her one day! To believe in just a touch...WOW!


I've touched the hem of Your garments
And I have felt the leading of Your hand
But today, my eyes look much higher to see the face of the great "I am"

So more of You Jesus, more of Your face, more of Your glory in this place
More of You Jesus, more of Your face, more of Your glory in this place
~ Pocket Full of Rocks

Dotted Pillows...

So if you read my facebook last week you should have noticed that I wrote about dotted pillows and pink cupcakes! I explained the pink cupcake story last Tuesday but left you all hanging on why I kept thinking about dotted pillows. Well I finally have picture to show you...

You see, I have a hard time saying goodbye when I leave North Carolina and my friends after being with them for a few days. I enjoy every moment that I get spend with each of them...even if it's when I'm sleeping!

See, on our drive back to Greensboro last weekend, Kristin and I fell asleep on Joey and our dotted pillows...haha! That's why I keep talking about them.

Yes, the story has no point but it makes me smile:)

Army of ONE

Today at work, just like every other Thursday, we had Prayer Chapel to pray for the missionaries that are scattered throughout the United States and Canada. First off, let me express how amazing it is to be able to work at a place that allows and encourages prayer everyday. It's such a blessing to be completely surrounded by people who are fully focused on God and making a difference in people's lives.

While I was sitting in chapel listening to the speaker talk about Romans 13..."remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes and put on the shining armor of right living"...I began to think about this concept. What came to mind was the military.

Now all this may be jumbled and a little scatter brained and you're probably wondering what the military has to do with anything but, hopefully I will make some sense throughout this blog.

So the military came to mind and specifically the people in the military. When someone joins the army or marines, they have to go through a change and it's usually a pretty big change. You can tell a significant difference in their actions, their priorities and even the way they dress...the new uniform they wear. I say all this because I want you to get this picture in your head of this solider in his/her uniform fighting a battle..a battle that they believe in with all their heart and mind. Otherwise why would they be there!

OK, now think about joining an army for God. There is always a need for men and women to join God's army. And when I think about all who join this army for God, I think about their actions, their priorities and their new uniform. They put on the armor of God. I kind of picture it as this suit like a knight...all shiny and bulletproof. It protects from what the world will throw at them, the hateful words, the abuse for what they stand for and the ridicule for serving something they can't see. It just bounces off them as they continue to fight for what they believe wholeheartedly. They're hungry..hungry for everyone to be Holy. They are fighting a battle for Holiness.

All of us have heard the song Holiness at least once in our lives and if you've been to camp or worked at camp, you've heard several times. But the words are powerful!

Holiness, Holiness is what I long for
Holiness is what I need
Holiness Holiness is what you want from me

So, take my heart and form it
Take my mind and transform it
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord

This is the people in God's army . He takes them, at their wish, and transforms them. He equips them for battle...battle against sin and battle against whatever the devil throws their way. He prepares them with wisdom...wisdom so great and wisdom that can be found at all our fingertips, in the Bible. These people are an army of ONE fighting to save souls and share love.

Are you in the army? Are you hungry to be Holy? Are you ready to put on a new uniform..one so pure and white that it almost seems like nothing could stain it! Put on the armor of God and go out and make a difference!

Be on guard, Be awake, Be certain, Be bold, Be equipped, Be ready, Be Holy, just Be!

At Kelli's request!

Here is what my bangs look like...

Still getting used to them, haha!

~tell me what you think Kelli!

Trying to decide...

So after three months of staring in the mirror and wishing for a haircut, I finally got one! Now as most of you know back in October of last year I got a new sassy cut that was quite short and definitely different than anything I had done before. I basically went int the salon with long hair past my shoulders and came out with hair just below my ears. Drastic! Yes I know...Well I tried something new again.

I got BANGS!

I wish I had photo to post so that you could see the change and tell whether I should embrace the bangs or clip them back. The problem I have is that throughout the day I consistently play with my hair so it never looks like it did when I first left the house. I could spray it with product till it was completely stiff(which I don't use product so lose that thought) but it would still be messy when I got home.

So all this to say, I'm trying to decide whether I can pull off the bangs or if I should just leave that look to Katie Holmes and clip mine back until they're long enough to look normal again...

What's on the menu tonight?

The anticipation is raising for the Monday's Menu evening! Now, I'm not sure if I have mentioned these Monday rendezvous before so let me fill you in on the excitement that takes place each week.

One of the things that I missed so much when I moved to Atlanta was my close knit group of girls. In Nashville I was consistently surrounded by great Godly women who wanted to spend time together growing in God and growing in their friendships. My village group was my support system and it was so comforting to know that there were great friends surrounding me with love. Those ladies will never be replaced in my life because they hold such a firm grasp on my heart but, I needed something here in Atlanta that would fill the void of missing my Tennessee girls. And I believe God answered that prayer...

Monday's Menu is all about good friends, good conversation and GREAT food! Every Monday around 7 PM a few fabulous ladies get together and venture out to find a new restaurant in Atlanta that tickles the taste bubs. We try to go to places that none of us have been to so that we can experience them together. So far it's been unbelievable. We are three weeks in and here's where we've been so far...

Eclipse de Luna
Known for it's incredible tapas, artistic atmosphere and live music. We had an array of food that included Esparragos Asados, Calamares Fritos, Tomato Fresco, Hummus al Lemon, and Quesos Españoles(otherwise known as a cheese plate).

Spoon
Once you walk through our door, you feel like you have stumbled upon the best-kept secret in the city. It's authentic Thai that is absolutely delicious. We all ordered different items and of course tried each others. We had Pad Thai with Shrimp and Chicken, Chicken Satay, Pad Med MaMuang and amazing Thai Tea.

Tonight we're going to Buckhead Italian Market and Bakery! I am so excited at tonight not only for the food but for the great conversation between this great group of women!

If you want to keep up with our tasty adventures visit our blog Monday's Menu

Blank

Blank thoughts, blank stares, blank feelings...that's all I got! I want so badly to be able to write up some amazing blog or create some unforgettable poem but today my head is clear and my mind is off somewhere taking vacation. It's very unusual for me to not have something to say since writing brings me great joy and helps me to let out all my feelings, concerns, dreams and frustrations. I wish there was something I could tell you or something I could write that would provide something insight or inspiration but all I got is a blank page and me doodling sweet nothings, haha.

Maybe tomorrow will be better:)

Be:loved

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God trust also in me” John 14:1

What is love? Common question we all have and ponder from day to day. What is love? What does real true genuine love look like? The crucifixion is one of the greatest displays of affection and love that this world has ever witnessed. For God gave his one and only begotten son to die for our sins. WOW! Not only did God love us SO much to send his only son to save us, but Jesus also loved us SO much to take on that burden and suffer in a way that we will never be able to comprehend or understand to its fullest! God’s love is perfect, unfailing, genuine, real and never changing!

In this life, in this world, in our story we have all experienced at some point in our lives betrayal. Love betrayal. Either from parents, family, friends, relationships with people that we thought loved us. We have all experienced this heart wrenching pain that comes with that betrayal. It literally, or at least for me, hurt my heart. That deep aching feeling you get when you think about how maybe you “failed” in that relationship. What could I have done better? What should I have done? And WHY? Why did they do this? Why did they hurt me? Why was it not enough? We have all experienced this hurt at some point in our lives. We lose our trust, we lose our faith, we lose are ability to allow ourselves to think or experience that love again in any which form. We begin to shut down, we begin to loose the amazing things about love. We start to CONTROL! We want predictability and "rules" or a controlled environment because that will make sure that we don't get hurt again.

We start beginning to want to control that past relationship even after it has been done, we continue to and start to control anything else any other sort of relationship that comes our way. Instead of asking all those “why?” questions.. we must try to do as Jesus did as he was making his way to the cross and say “Forgive them, for they know not what they do..” I think that is one thing that is hard for us to do. When hurting, we tend to be the most selfish, we think about why me… and in the midst of it all.. begin to say “I will not allow myself to be hurt again. You will not hurt me again”. We abandon all trust in God and trust in others for simply control.

You can not control love, the more you try to, the more frustrating and annoyed you will become. You will begin to find that you are fighting with yourself, that you are fighting with what YOU think is right.. what YOU think is supposed to be.. what YOU think is the right way… when in all reality.. if you would just let it go and let God … you will find release, peace, relief and happiness and joy. It is both with relationships here in this life, as well as with your relationship with God.

Trust is Love. To trust is to love. We want to control love (with God or with life relationships) because of our past, our past experiences. When you love, you trust…take a second to think about it… when you have a genuine love for someone or feel that genuine love from someone.. you trust them. There isn’t anything you wouldn’t tell them or give them or share. You long to spend time with that person, you long for the next reconnection, you long for those unexpected moments. That is how love works. Have you ever had that moment where God just unexpectedly did something in your life that amazed you?! Love is unexpected. God does things, surprises us all the time… it’s a trait of love. Here is a "commercial" type example.. when there is to be an engagement..typically there is a surprise moment, a moment of unexpected when the man surprises the woman in asking her hand in marriage. She doesn't expect it, it is a surprise! And is that not the moment that everyone longs for? the moment that is a key display of love? Most people love some sort of set rules.. if I do this, than I should receive this, if this person did this, than this other person is going to be the same way, and if they aren’t… there has to be something up with that? If I do this, than God will react this way… etc etc… but guess what.. love has no rules.

Trust is Love.. and Love is trust… the more we Love God.. the more we trust God… He is the author of our story.. He is behind and beyond everything in our life! LET HIM! Do you believe there is an author? Do you believe he is good? If so, than allow him.. allow him to Love on you with that genuine perfect and absolute love and affection for you! Let him lead you and guide you to that love relationship here… you cant control love, the more you do? The more frustrated you will be come and start creating things that are not there… the saying “you can’t help who you love” I think is absolutely true! You can’t… it is uncontrolled and full of unexpected surprises, events, feelings.

Anyway.. so as we remember the loving sacrifice… remember trust God.. love God.. let him love you and don’t control that love… allow yourself to experience genuine love from God and from people! Let God put those people in your life to love on you, for he may be using them to love on you as He does! It wont be perfect because the only perfect love is from God, but he could be trying to show you as perfect of a love for you as humanly possible on earth.

Open your eyes and open your heart to what God has for you and sit back and watch His work, for He IS the great author! Let Go and Let God.

be loved, show love, give love, let love, and accept love.

Lead Me

Now I know that I have been writing about the wedding for the past three days and I promise I have one more blog coming about our adventures home but, I heard this song last night at 722 and it just spoke to me! So I felt like I needed to write down this lyrics so that we could all take a minute and remember...

Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me,
lead me to the cross
~Hillsong United

Pink cupcakes...

So a lot of people have been asking what's up with the pink cupcakes comments... I wish that all of you could have been there this weekend so that you would understand but I'll try to fill you in!

You see Mrs. Dawn made the most amazing cupcakes this weekend and they happened to have pink icing...For those of you who don't know Mrs. Dawn and her daughter Carrie, pink is a way of life.. Anyway I grabbed a cupcake on the way out the door for our ride home on Sunday! I suggested that everyone in the car do the same but no one listened. I told them they would regret that decision. And sure enough around Greensboro they did!

But the greatest part of having this cupcake was the sacrifice that I made to have it in the car, well Rannon and I made. You see holding a cupcake for 3 hours to Salisbury and then 3 hours to Atlanta is truly dedication. The cupcake was not in a container or closed up with tin foil. It was exposed and it was a game to see if we could get it all the way home with no crumbles on the floor and for me, get it home without Joey eating it!

Anyway this is the story of my pink cupcake! I wish there was a better ending but basically I ate it as soon as I walked in the door:)

...and it was well worth the travel!