You see, I always get pushed to the front when the bride throws the bouquet! I decided this time I would stand in the back with my friend Carrie because I am tired of catching the beautiful arrangement but the tradition not working on me!
Well I stood in the back and still that bouquet came my way. I guess flowers are attracted to me, haha! Anyway Carrie and I decided to share it. Take a look...
Things that have brought me joy this week....
Getting letters from my mom and grandma.
Peanut Butter and Banana Reese Cups.
Sleeping till noon.
Watching Rush Hour 3 for the second time.
Rock and Republic jeans.
Bachelor parties...haha, yes I said Bachelor.
FX hoodies.
Strawberries and Cream frappacinos from Starbucks.
Watching ASU beat Michigan.
Talking to an old friend on the phone for two hours.
Dancing with my Caswell boys.
The book on James.
Thunderstorms.
Goose down comforters.
Text messages at 1 AM from a special person.
My 6 year old Rainbow flip flops.
These are just a few....
What brings you joy??
I can't believe it! My friend Dave is married.
This weekend, I ventured down to Birmingham, Alabama to watch Dave Pace on the biggest day of his life. It was the precious thing I have ever seen. Not to embarrass Dave, but when he teared up at the sight of Lindsey, it was such a special moment. You could see the love they have for each other written all over their faces. I hope to find that love one day:)
I have known Dave for years now and he has been one of those friends that I can confide in. He is someone who has helped me through so many tough times in my life. He always seemed to know what to say. We bonded over our past experiences and how God has moved in our lives. Dave's love for the Lord is moving and he is going to make such an impact on so many. He already has!
I wish him and Lindsey nothing but happiness in their marriage and joy found in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Waited all my life, for this day to come.
I feel like letting go,
Life goes on.
Wasting no more time,
so much to be done.
Everything works out, so they say.
Over my shoulder, it's tough getting older.
Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel the weight over my shoulder, it's tough getting older
Always thought that I knew where I'd want to go, but now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder.
It's kind of tough getting older
Here before my eyes, many roads ahead.
Time for me to choose, one way now.
If I take a chance, what lies down the road.
Feeling so confused, turn around.
On and on
Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel the weight over my shoulder, it's tough getting older
Always thought that I knew where I'd want to go, but now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder.
It's kind of tough getting older
Never thought I would feel this way
Always knew that my life would change
On and on...
Waited all my life, for this day to come.
I feel like letting go,
Life goes on.
Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel the weight over my shoulder, it's tough getting older
Always thought that I knew where I'd want to go, but now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder.
It's kind of tough getting older.
(Colbie)
Seems like we can all get stuck in this grey area...
What a rough day!
I have reached the point of being tired. So much that I can't sleep at night because I have so many things on my mind but there is no where for them to go! I wish I could explain all the thoughts, fears and frustrations but my blog would become about 10 pages long if I wrote it all out.
I'm sitting here staring at the same four walls that I stare at all the time. They are off white and the look of them saddens me. Everything has become foggy and certain things are not making sense anymore. Where once I thought I was on a path laid out for me, I feel like now I'm trying to hard to follow a path of misdirection. What that means, I can't really explain! All I know is that the excitement I used to wake up to, is no longer there. Instead I wake up with this sick feeling in my tummy and this heaviness on my heart.
How do I fix it? I wish I knew the answer. One thing that would help is if you would pray with me! Here are a few things you can help me out with...
Prayer for direction
Prayer for wisdom
Prayer for understanding
Prayer for some sort of healing
Prayer for rest.
When we hear the word suffering we usually think of physical pain. But psycological suffering is just as real-and sometimes more devastating.
It may be an inner grief or sorrow you cannot express, even to your dearest friend. It may sap your strength or paralyze you with anxiety. It may harm your relationships, or even grip you so tightly that it becomes more then just a temporary problem, but serious psycological illness.
Paul knew what it was to experience psycological suffering; he told the Corinthians he had written them "out of much affliction and anguish of heart"(2 Cor.2:4). Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, "being in agony,...prayed more earnestly"(Luke 22:44). After denying His Lord three times, Peter "went out and wept bitterly"(Luke 22:62).
But when such times come(and they come to us all) God still loves us. He does not abandon us. Remember: "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms"(Deut. 33:27).
That seems to help....If only for the moment!
Here's another question I have been pondering... Why are people, guys in general, intimidated by girls who are independent?
My dad raised me to be an independent lady and to know how to take care of myself. He taught me all about my car and how to deal with situations, among other things. Girls who can hold their own or can carry on a conversation about football seems amazing to me. It's almost like a plus.
Needy, clingy and superficial girls doesn't seem appealing in my book! So why is that what most guys turn to?
Here's some advice to the all decent but clueless fellows out there...look around! Girls that care more about there shoes than their future isn't going to get you far in life. Think about what you really need in life instead of what looks pretty on paper. I bet your option will look a lot different!
So people often ask what I do and i try to explain. Honestly though, I do a lot more then I tell people.
Here let me show you...
All I can say is WOW! Three days and three nights of working hard and not sleeping doesn't sound like much fun, but it is and so worth it! Tonight was the last night of our first FX for 2007. It was an amazing tour stop and we saw close to 2500 people or more over the course of the three days. God moved and He moved big!
I'm not sure what the final was for decisions made this week was but I'm pretty sure it was over 200. You could stand back and watch the people of this town absorb the love of God.
Our whole staff, performers and all we amazed at the response we saw and we are counting down the days till the next tour stop.
Here are some pictures from this week...
What do you consider a friendship?
My answer...putting time and effort into building a bond with someone. Learning about their life and sharing with each other. Friendship is being there for one another and building each other up in hard times. It's about giving and growing together through the many chapters in life.
So what do you think? What is your answer?
So I'm in Kentucky and tonight was the first night of Freedom Experience 2007. Let me tell you, the devil tried everything he could tonight to stop the event from happening. I'll give you two examples...
First, pne minute before the show was about to start, the power went out in the enitre school causing the stage and gym to go black The soundboard and equipment powered off and it was scrabble to fix the problem.
Second, right before the big illusion of the night was about to happening, the laptop where the music was playing from quit working. As some people know, Brock's show has lots of sound cues and most of the illusions run along side the music. What a fiasco that occured.
Although there were some setbacks, everything the devil threw our way, was taking and wrapped by the love of God. His word was to be shared and nothing, and I do mean nothing will stop us from loving on the people in Stanford, KY! We are here tell these people about a powerful God that will change lives and heal the broken.
The devil probably has a few more tricks up his sleeve but our team and hearts are ready, so bring it on!
I got to talk to my friend Jen tonight!
She makes my heart happy and I am counting down the days until I can hang out with her.
Let me tell you a little about her!
Jen loves life
sports
peanut butter
nilla wafers
dictionary reading
falling up steps
carpet
Chipotle
chocolate
studying (strange I know)
taping ankles
nike shorts
Big Star jeans
and most importantly, Jesus!
Everyone should have a friend like Jen, but I'm not sharing her:)
I was wondering if you could help me pray for my friend Morgan Lawrence...
Morgan plays guitar in a band called Detour180. He is a true man of God with a heart for ministry. His passion is reach the lost with the gift that God has given him, music!
Recently Morgan's world has been turned upside down and his passion of playing guitar has been placed on hold with no resolution as to when it will return. In July of this year, Morgan was in a car accident leaving his left arm shattered. After an 8 hour surgery, the doctors were able to placed pins, screws and bolts in his arm in order to repair the damage. He went through a painful recovery which included some emotional stress, but was on his way back to a normal life until this past Friday.
Friday night, someone ran into the side of Morgan causing the screws and bolts to come undone, re breaking his arm in several places. Because of a money issue and because of the extent of the damage, Morgan is now on his way home, back to New Zealand to go through yet another lengthy surgery. He has been dealing with the pain and discomfort for 5 days now and will be on a plane for 17 hours today in order to get home for surgery.
Morgan's time with Detour180 as well as his time here in the US has been cut short, leaving him in a state of uncertainty and sadness.
I am asking for your prayers...prayers for healing, prayers for safety and prayers that God will stand beside him through yet another painful recovery. Prayers for the future...if the music chapter of his life is to be closed, then prayers that God will bless him with new passions and a new way to serve in ministry.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and to pray. It will mean so much to Morgan's heart!
Give God your Worries
When I kept things to myself, I felt weak deep inside me
Psalm 32:3
Ask yourself two questions:
Is there any unconfessed sin in my life?
Confession is telling God you did the thing he saw you do. He doesn't need to hear it as much as you need to say it. Whether its too small to be mentioned or too big to be forgiven isn't yours to decide. Your task is to be honest...
Are there any unsurrendered worries in my heart? "Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you" (I Peter 5:7)
The German word for worry means "to strangle" The Greek word for worry means "to divide the mind" Both are accurate. Worry is a noose on the neck and a distraction of the mind, neither of which is befitting for joy.
(listening to Hold Fast by Mercy Me)
Some songs just speak...
You can spend your whole life building
Something from nothin'
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway
You can chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway
God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway
This world's gone crazy
It's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
In a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway
God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yea - I do it anyway
You can pour your soul out singing
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yea, sing it anyway
Yeah, yeah!
I sing
I dream
I love anyway
~Martina McBride
I want everyone to take a minute and read this...
It will give you chills and remind you how big God is!
Read Auny's blog from today and then go look at her friend Gin's comment.
Auny's Blog
When we pray to God, He listens and He answers!
I saw the boys this past weekend at Spirit West Coast and they put on a killer show as usual! Thought I would share some pictures with you all...
We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
~Proverbs 16:1
We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.
~Proverbs 16:33
You can Make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail.
~Proverbs 19:21
The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
~Proverbs 20:24
Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection.
~Proverbs 30:5
I read through Proverbs this weekend and God threw some powerful verses at me. He has a mighty way of doing that! If you look at all these verses, you will see the pattern that God was showing me. My life and my plans are all in His hands. He holds my very being tighty in his grasp and He has big things in store for me, things that I can't even imagine. He directs my steps and He will guide me all the way. How great is that. What a journey that lies ahead!
I'm ready God, bring it on!
God knows best! That's what I've always been taught to trust...
I have been praying a lot lately for selfish things. Things that in my eyes are important but in the big scheme of things are not. Things that I want instead of things that I need. Sometimes it's almost like a cry for help when what I should be doing is crying out Thank You.
Thank you for the blessings! Thank you for being alive! Thank for the good times that make me laugh, even if in the end they may make me cry! Everything is a teaching tool. Why can't I accept that?
God, I apologize for my selfish, bitter thoughts. I want, what you want for my life! I want to find joy in each day instead of sorrow in one situation. I pray for patience and guidance. Take away the worry and fill it with your unfailing love! I offer you my life...take it and lead it where you will!
That's what I should be praying for!!!
Traveling gets to me sometimes! Airports start to look all the same. Auny and I found a way to relax when we travel...
Take a look:)
I sit and I wait. Waiting becomes something that overtakes me. My thoughts. My dreams. The way I process things. But I wonder why? There is no reason why waiting can't be a good thing. I wait for Christmas presents and birthday parties. Those things excite me when I wait in wonder of how it's going to be. Why is waiting for specific things so hard on me. I wait for answers and I wait for clarity. Most of all I wait for love.
A woman waiting for love. Sounds like something that happens everyday...
You're right, it does happen everyday. The wait is more like worry. How do you know when you find it? Will it be like the movies descibe it? Is it the person that has always been right there under your nose? My waiting is worry. It causes a sense of pain and anxiety.
God wants us to wait. Wait on the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. But how long does it take?
How do you get the point where you can step back, relax and know that God is going to send you something worth waiting for?
Never knew it would amount to anything:
Here I am, in a place where my dreams could only lead me. I look at this new land and see everything that my heart has always dreamed of. For years I wanted the change in my life. I had longed to see new places, new faces and be overwhelmed with new experiences. God has granted those wishes and for some reason I lay here in disappointment because my perfect world is missing something. My heart has a missing piece. It's like putting together a puzzle, but losing the main piece that makes it beautiful. That one piece that completes the sky or the stars. You have to know which one I am talking about! God has painted a perfect place and I can't appreciate it. It makes tears swell up in my eyes. It makes my heart hurt and it causes this sick feeling the pit of my stomach. One that could only come from loving something and not having it.
This piece is so magnificent in my eyes. It once made me feel so alive, like I could fly without wings. It enhanced the colors my life. The music in my head became the music in my heart. I knew that God had planned it. He looked at all my hopes and thoughts and placed this perfect piece in my life. Everything about it was what I had prayed for. He had blessed me with everything and for a few moments I was truly happy.
I sit here now looking back and grieving but how could I be so ungrateful. He gave me something so precious that I worshiped it and became lost in it, forgetting why I truly had it. God gave it to me because he knew what would make me happy. He saw the way I felt when the warm breeze blew across my face and how the stars flew from one point to another. He knew that my heart was happy and I never thanked Him. Instead I took my blessing and ran. I ran away from my Maker and made Him second. How could I be so shallow to take my gift and not thank God everyday for it. Instead I took it and sat it on a pedestal. It was mine and nothing else compared.
Now I sit here without that piece to my life and I dwell on not having it when I should dwell on thanking God for having it, if only for a moment. So God I thank you for giving me such a indescribable gift. One that will remain in my heart and in my dreams forever. If I never find that perfect piece again, I know that it is because you will replace my whole puzzle one day with a new picture to put together. And this one I will never place before you!
But maybe it will:)
So I know that I always rave about my niece, but I have every reason to. Just wanted to give everyone a reminder of why I talk about her so much...
I love this song!!
I've been awake for a while now
you've got me feelin like a child now
cause every time i see your bubbly face
I get the tinglies in a silly place
It starts in my toes
makes me crinkle my nose
where ever it goes I always know
that you make me smile
please stay for a while now
just take your time
where ever you go
The rain is fallin on my window pane
but we are hidin in a safer place
under the covers stayin safe and warm
you give me feelins that i adore
It starts in my toes
makes me crinkle my nose
where ever it goes
i always know
that you make me smile
please stay for a while now
just take your time
where ever you go
What am i gonna say
when you make me feel this way
I just........mmmmmmmmmmm
It starts in my toes
makes me crinkle my nose
where ever it goes
i always know
that you make me smile
please stay for a while now
just take your time
where ever you go
I’ve been asleep for a while now
You tucked me in just like a child now
Cause every time you hold me in your arms
I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth
It starts in my soul
And I lose all control
When you kiss my nose
The feelin shows
Cause you make me smile
Baby just take your time
Holdin me tight
Where ever, where ever, where ever you go
Where ever, where ever, where ever you go…
~Colbie Caillat
This morning I led our devotion for Vertical. It is a time where the whole staff can get together and reflect on what God is doing through our ministry. I decided that we should focus on the youth that we are trying to reach and the excuses we come up with for not doing certain things, like service.
There is a passage in the book "The Purpose Driven Life," that makes me stop and think every time I read it. It's in chapter 29 and it reads:
"If you are not involved in any service or ministry, what excuse have you been using? Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Moses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Samson was codependent, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair and all kinds of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least, Peter was impulsive and hot-tempted, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zacchaeus was unpopular, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health and Timothy was timid. That is quite a bit of misfits, but God used each of them in His service. He will use you too, if you stop making excuses."
What a powerful statement! God can use everyone in some big ways if we put aside the word can't and realize that He will bless us as we speak His word. We should be teaching our youth that they have an active role in presenting the Gospel. They may not get it right the first time, but you have to start somewhere. Our youth is the future of the church. We should be pouring into them, teaching them about service and ministering!
So what excuse do you have? You shouldn't have any!!!
So my friend Kyla came to visit me in Florida and she made my week very special. She was there to laugh and listen. She has this innocent crazy side that I absolutely love and she brings joy to my life whenever I am around her. I am blessed to have her in my life and I look forward to all our crazy moments to come!
I always tend to have some amazing times during the summer! This summer, I had some of the best. I was given the opportunity to work with some of the most influential people ever. It was not just another camp experience! It was more like a family vacation. I made some new friends, learned some new ways to serve and I got to love on some incredible kids. Watching these youth come to know the Lord, that's what it is all about.
My journey lead me to meet people who have taught me so much about giving back, really reaching out and going that extra mile to share hope and love in Jesus! That's enough to make anyone's summer absolutely perfect!
I want to introduce you to Christopher and Noah!
These two little guys made my last week of camp so special!!!
Now we tend to have some amazing times on the road. Tuesday night was considered the night of non stop laughing!
It all strated early in the night when Brock was trying to set up one of his illusions and realized that there was a missing piece! A missing piece that you can get at Lowe's but one that you may not want to say...haha! If you want to know, please ask me because I am shy about writing it on my blog;)
After an awesome night of worship, Kyla, Auny and myself went to ride bumper boats. We got completely soaked and it was incredible. We were acting like 5 year olds and we were unashamed of that fact. The night was so much fun. There was some red lights and extra money but I'll have to explain that to you in person.
So ask me!
p.s. Therron is the coolest :)
Let me tell you guys about my friend Therron! He is one of a kind, and that is not an exaggeration. He likes to throw tapes balls at my head and he gives me guilt trips about not bringing him Starbucks! I consider myself to be a very giving person so I'm not sure why he torments me! I give him free t-shirts and stickers and he still makes me feel bad
With all that said, he is so much fun! Kind of like the brother I never wanted...haha:)
Nah, he is genuinely great and I am glad we are friends.
I haven't written in a while because for the past week I haven been spending time at one of my favorite places on Earth, CASWELL!
I got to spend time with some amazing people in an amazing place while having an amazing time. My heart was rejuvenated with joy and laughter. A smile never left my face last week because of the experiences that took place. There was this one experience that made my week special...OK painting a picture:
Me & Jen Jen
Ben Ben, David & Will
A water slide and 21 questions!
Enough said...haha
I can't wait till I get to go back...what a grand day that will be:)
I've had so many people ask me about where I am right now and I always tell them "The Emerald Coast." It's a term that can be only described through pictures, so here are some...
I was talking to a great friend of mine today and as we started to end our conversation, she asked "how can I pray for you this week?" It triggered a thought inside my head, "why doesn't everyone ask this question when getting off the phone or leaving someone's house, etc.
What a beautiful thought...Everyone really wanting to know what they can pray about. Think of how great you would feel if you knew someone cared enough to pray for you and your specific need. That's a challenge...to everyone!
People always need prayer. Whether it be for joy or for understanding. It could be prayer for sleep. There is always a need and a situation to lift to the Lord.
Will you join me and ask someone "How can I pray for you today?"
I think that I am a little homesick today. I keep thinking how great it would be to click my fingers and my parents, brother and puppies would be here. When you're on the road so much, sometimes you feel like you don't have a stable place. It's like you're in between homes.
I am loving every second of every day to the fullest but sometimes when I slow down I begin to think about memories. Times when I used to play in the river with my brother or sliding down water slides with my dad. I think about my mom's voice and how yummy her food is. I try to imagine what I would be doing if I was at home.
Here is what I would have done today... I would have woke up early so I could go down to the golf course and have my dad make me an egg sandwich. I would take the boat out with my brother and my niece on the Chowan River for a couple of hours. Then maybe let my puppies run and play in the pond behind my house. After a long afternoon, I would sit down for dinner with my family and of course, my mom's chicken casserole. That would be a great day!
I had the most amazing cake ever today. It was called rainbow cake. The cake itself was five different colors and five different flavors. It was layered like a rainbow starting with purple(grape), green(watermelon), yellow(lemon), orange(self explanatory) and pink(strawberry). It was topped with a cream icing and I ate every bit possible in one sitting...haha
Just thought you should know! It was fabulous. Check it out...
We ate at this crazy Irish pub called McGuire's! It's in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and it was such a good experience. Good food, good service and some amazing decorations. This restaurant has more than 550, 000 dollars on the ceiling and walls.
It all started when Molly McGuire opened the restaurant. She was a bartender at the time and she taped a dollar bill on the wall for good luck. A couple of her regular customers told her they would place a dollar on the wall as well for luck and if her restaurant ever went out of business they would come back to claim it.
Well, it never went out of business and today it is one of the top restaurant's in Fort Walton with money all over the ceiling. It's tradition now to place a dollar on the ceiling or wall for good luck!
Amazing:)
Here are some pictures from McGuire's!! Enjoy
Last night during Brock's performance...he stopped and began to thank Auny, Jessica and myself by telling us we had been doing a great job. He introduced us to the whole camp in the middle of the service( it was awkward because everything kind of stopped and the attention shifted from Brock to us). He then began to tell us that since we had done such a good job this week...Are you ready for this...he was going to take us to Disney World!
Well he wasn't kidding!!!
So, Saturday I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!
Roller coasters here I come:)
Here is a story that put things in perspective for me!
I'll paint the picture...
A few years ago, Brock and Auny were on the beach in Pensacola, FL. They were sitting in the sand, around sunset. There weren't many people on the beach at that time. A few here and there and then these two people that were in the water. Auny was watching the people and after a few moments she felt like they were yelling for HELP.
A man walked by, stopped, looked at the people in the water, looked at Brock and Auny then turned and walked off. He avoided the call out for help.
Brock realized the people were yelling, but he couldn't really understand why because they were in chest high water and it looked like the were fine. Brock ran out to them and when he got there both people went limp. The girl was already in the first stage of drowning. He scooped them up still trying to figure out what was going on. When he turned, he figured it out real quick...They were in a rip current!
For those not familiar with rip currents, it's a wall water going outward, away from the shore. The pressure is extremely high and it's almost impossible to stay above water. Brock yelled for Auny to go get help! As she ran to find someone, he realized he had to do something because the two people he had were struggling and they were pulling him under with them.
He planted one foot after the other and after what seemed like a half an hour on struggle, he had pushed his way to the shore carrying the two individuals with him. All three fell to the sand exhausted!
It is a story of heroism but it always describes three types of people in this world.
The sermon tonight was incredible! It was one of those messages that every teenager and young adult should hear. It was called "putting the ministry in your hands." It comes from the scripture Acts 1:8... I could never do it justice but here are a few key points from the night:
I heard this new artist and one of his songs reminded me of a poem I wrote a couple of months ago...it's crazy how people think alike! I wanted to share it with you. It's called:
"Puzzle Pieces"
trying to make sense of this puzzle
but feeling like the pieces are scattered all around this room
climbing the fence of my trouble
falling down once again to try and get there soon
oh but could I stand and wait for You
instead of running from this black to find my blue
oh and when will I just listen to the truth
that the pieces of this puzzle just don't fit without You
trying to make sense but nothing doing
as I scramble on my knees to let some light shine through
over this fence, aah but peeking back through it
just to see if I left anything that I could do without You
though my vision lags behind
I have found that I can find
my completeness only in You, in You
Do you know who sings it?
Today we picked up Jessica(Brock's intern) from the airport! Brock always gets crazy ideas...everyone should know that by now. He came up with a brilliant way to greet Jessica after her flight from Houston, TX. Here let me show you:
I thought it was pretty creative! What do you think?
Last night I had the biggest feast ever! We went to this restaurant called Old Bay Steamer near Fort Walton Beach. It was absolutely amazing! They bring out this huge bowl full of crab legs, shrimp, potatoes and corn. I was shocked by the size and by how amazing it was. It has moved to the top of my list of favorite places to eat!
You can only understand by seeing it...seeing is believing!!!
This was before!!
I wanted all of you to see just a few memories so far! It's so pretty down here...
So I flew to Florida today to begin my new way of looking at work! I am not to fond of flying, especially when the plane looks like a prop plane! It's safe to say flying was not my favorite part of the day.
I arrived a little after lunch and my friend Kyla picked me up and took me straight to the beach where everyone was. It was absolutely beautiful...white sand, crystal clear water and warm sun! I think I'm going to really enjoy this working at the beach thing:)
We are going to be working with three different camps this summer... Big Stuf, Superwow and LIFT! I am so excited to see how different these camps are from the camp I've always had a part in.
Here I go!!!!
Today I left Nashville and flew home to North Carolina. While I was on the plane I was thinking about the clouds and how sometimes I wished there was a way to jump from cloud to cloud, kind of like a trampoline! Well I know that will never happen. But what did happen was the plane went right through this huge puffy cloud and it surrounded the plane. Now I know that sounds cheesy, but I flew though a cloud and it was so cool. I had this free feeling for a moment and I was reminded of how big God is that he created such beauty even in a puffy cloud.
Anyway, after I landed, my dad and I drove to Greenville to meet my best friend Janis and her finance Joey(wow it's still weird to say that). It was great to see them! Janis almost had me in tears because she gave this gift bag with a note inside asking me to be her Maid of Honor! I've never been a maid of honor. It had ten reasons why I should with the number one reason being "You are my best friend and I couldn't do this without you by my side." My heart was so blessed at that moment. I love her and Joey so very much and I can't wait to stand beside her on her big day!
What a great day:)
My five year munchkin graduated! How crazy is that?
She was the cutest little graduate ever. She had cap, gown and tassel...the works. Here are a few moments from the event.
Well my friends Jenni and Craig were married this past weekend and it was so amazing! They had the cutest country wedding in the mountains of Virginia. Jenni was the sweetest little bride ever. She had to deal quite a few mishaps but never lost her smile. I can tell that these two were meant for each other. When they looked at one another, they're eyes said it all.
Their reception was at this quaint little place tucked away(and I mean far away) in the mountains. We had ice cream cake, danced in the rain and just had a wonderful time!
I wish those two nothing but the best!
Love you both with all my heart
This weekend I celebrated my 25th birthday. I had an amazing time just hanging out with some of my favorite people. I got to get all dressed up, walk down the aisle, eat some amazing cake and throw rose petals at two of my closest friends! Now that's what I call a great birthday.
It was so much fun to see some of my friends from Caswell. I have to thank Aaron and Downey for getting all my friends together on my special day...you sure know how to make a girl smile! haha
So it happened!
Downey and Aaron are now married and in Jamacia!
It was an amazing wedding. I teared up as Aaron was saying his vows because I was so happy. Two of my closest friends joined together to love one another and to love God with their lives...wow! That's something to have tears of joy over.
The whole weekend was amazing. We tied bulletins, pulled apart roses and decorated until there was no time left in the day. Everyone was there and it was just absolutely perfect.
I wanted each of you to have a glimpse of how beautiful it truly was! Here are a few memories that I captured...
Dreams...
Have you ever taken into account what your dreams really mean. Sometimes I wonder, "if my dreams repeat themselves, does that mean they are destined to come true?"
I have been having the same dream for the past few weeks. Not ever night but at least 3 times a week! It always involves the same people in the same situation. The funny thing is I never really want to wake up from this particular dream because it is such a good thing. Usually, I have dreams that I wake up from glad that it wasn't really happening. But not this one!!
Do you think that dreams give you a glimpse of what is to come?
I woke up to find
Life was just leading me on that's all,
Then I found out
That I could reach it all
By just holding that one dream in my life
Right before my eyes.
The one dream that's in my life
The one dream in my life
That I live for.
~ Dream Academy
With all the tears and all the pain
Why must you sit and place the blame.
Pride and Respect, two things that drag down
The person you are, the life that surrounds.
Think about life, Do you lead it for Him?
Or do you allow your life to be led by them?
What are your thoughts, I want you to share
Don't ever think that I may not care.
Opening up and sharing your heart,
Is the way that it should have been from the start!
Tell me your hopes, your dreams and your fears
I may have been through it in past few years.
Don't ever give up, Don't ever let go
You're gonna make it when it's time for the show.
Follow your heart and see who you find,
You may be surprised what can happen in time!
Last night was so much fun!
Our office went out to dinner with two of our newest ministers. We decided to go to Dave and Buster's at the Opryland mall so that we could eat and play. Dave and Buster's is a huge restaurant arcade. The food isn't always so great but the games make up for it.
There were 8 of us all together and we decided to play the Race car Challenge game. All 8 of us took over this game and raced one another. It was like a death match. Gresham, my boss tried to cut me off near the finish line so I flipped his car! He threatened to fire me....haha!
I was running neck and neck with Tennyson until the last second of the game when I passed him for the win! Yes, I beat everyone...I am a race car champion!!!!
Who wants to race me next?
Well, I've been talking about it for like four years now and tonight I finally did it! Yes, I got my tattoo. It was so cool.
Brock told me that we were going to this new restaurant downtown that had just opening. Emily, Auny, Brock and myself jumped in the car and headed to the city. As we were walking downtown Nashville looking for this new place we walked up the steps into this unknown place. When I got inside I realized it was a Tattoo place. I was a little confused and began to ask "what's going on?" The three of them yelled Happy Birthday! Brock proceeded to tell me that all my friends had chipped in to buy the tattoo I have been wanting. How cool is that. Shane, Robby and Mallori were at the parlor waiting for me to get there. They all stood around and watched me get inked...haha!
Check it out...
*picture was taking at a later time of course.
It was so much fun. After I got some cute, abstract stars on my foot we all went to San Antonio Taco Company for dinner and then we went to the walking bridge in downtown Nashville. There was a band playing by the river so we watched and hung out for a while. It was such a good night!
I have some awesome friends. Thanks guys!!
I am sore, tired and still recovering but it was all worth it!
Yesterday was one of those events that seem impossible but is very much possible. We drove down Georgia yesterday for an event called Operation Mayhem. This church booked the Asphalt Assault tour, The Crabb Family, Thomas Young and Brock all for a jam packed day of BMX, skateboarding, music and magic. Now, this was no ordinary show for Brock! He did something he has never done at any event of his events before...a crane escape. Yea, that's right...CRANE ESCAPE!!
Three men tied Brock up in a straight jacket, placed him inside a wooden box and raised him 130 feet in the air. Frighten? Yes! Entertaining? Yes!
He did it! He escaped from a box in mid air, completely surrounded by thousands of people. When the box fell there was no Brock. Two seconds later he came riding in on motorcycle! If that isn't crazy, I'm not sure what is! You have to see it to believe it! Check out his myspace in the next few days because seeing is definitely believing and this is one thing you have to see!
So, yesterday Kevin(my Co-worker) and I were driving on the outside to Nashville, on our way to pick up our boss Gresham to head to the airport. We took some sort of wrong turn which I think steered us into another time zone. OK here is the picture... We drove around a slight curve where a pair of legs seemed to be someone's mailbox post. I mean for real, what is that all about. Then with no warning signs or anything we ran right into a golf course where a man seemed to be putting for a win right in front of us. Who puts a road in the middle of a golf course? And then to top off our dreamlike drive a Blimp...yes full on Blimp...seemed to be right off the ground and heading right for us. OK so if any of you know me, I obsess over the little things, well this blimp I obsessed over. It seemed to be everywhere I went yesterday like it was following my every move around Nashville. I even saw it last night as my roommate and I drove into Nashville for dinner.
I am convinced that this blimp likes me and is wanting to come live with me!
Is that weird to you?
I had always heard great things about fasting. People describe it as becoming closer to God by focusing on Him instead of food. I felt like God had been calling me for a couple of weeks to embark upon this type of worship. I needed some answers about some unresolved things in my life and after being confronted four times in two weeks about fasting, I decided to turn myself over and try it.
For three days, I did what is known as a juice fast. I only allowed myself to drink fruit juices when I had stomach pains. The time when I was just hungry, I prayed. It was such a different experience. I always use the term "I am starving to death" when I am hungry but the fact is most of us don't really know what starving to death really means. We are truly blessed in our world to have food and beverages at our fingertips whenever we are per say "starving to death!" It made me realize how selfish I am and how much I take for granted the things that God provides me with.
I learned a lot about myself and about some things I have been dealing with when I focused on God instead of my appetite.
Have you ever spent time like this with God? What did you learn?
There is this hidden haven in Kentucky that Jen, Kim and I explored today. It is called Shaker'sVillage and it contains some amazing trails with beautiful waterfalls. We decided to take a walk today around this amazing country land. The beauty can only be expressed through pictures so i decided to post a few for all of you to see. Enjoy!
So today was my first experience at a horse race. I came up to Lexington for Jen Jen's birthday and we made a trip to Keeneland to make bets for the Kentucky Derby! It was so crowded. These Kentucky people take this horse racing thing seriously. I guess I didn't realize that horse racing was as big of a sport as it is.
People were tailgating and playing some game with bean bags. I felt like I was back in college tailgating at a ECU football game but a horse race instead!!! I bet on a horse that seemed like a winner. His name was "Storm in May" and held the number 4! He gave it a good run but didn't quite pull a victory. Jen however bet on number 7 which happen to win. Yes, first place and she racked in $45. Guess I should pay more attention to stats instead of pretty horses and favorite numbers.
It was a good time with good friends. Next year I'm pulling for number 7...haha!
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