GMA week

So I feel as if I may have lived out a couple of people's dreams last week. I know I fulfilled a few of mine.
GMA week is something I never really knew about till I moved to Nashville. It is a week filled with interviews, concerts and all your favorite musicians in one city.
I got to attend this year along side of Brock(who knows absolutely everyone). It was the most amazing experience of my life. I attended a worship hosted by Michael W. Smith with Hillsong United as the musical guest. It was absolutely incredible. They are so talented in everything they do especially in praising the Lord.
Throughout the week we had interviews for upcoming television and radio appearances. I got to help Brock on one the television interviews where he escaped from a straight jacket in the middle of an intersection in downtown Nashville. That was a rush to be in the middle of the street with cars whizzing by one after another.
I got to see some great friends and I got to meet some amazing new people. I did get a little star struck when I met Shane & Shane but I tried to play it off by acting professional. Hope it worked!!!
It was a week that I will never forget. If you want more details just ask, I love to talk about it:)

Fondue is back

So last night was the beginning of our chocolate summer! Yes fondue is back at the Cocoa Tree!

Anyone who knows me and knows me well, knows that I love chocolate covered strawberries! It excites me to think that I will get to enjoy them every Wednesday(that we're home) for the rest of the summer:)
Last night we all gathered at the Cocoa Tree for some fellowship! It is so great to have a time during the week to just hangout and see smiling faces. It almost feels like you're on the set of FRIENDS with more than one Fibi...haha

That's enough to make anyone smile!

YaY for Easter Fun

So here in Nashville, people are miles and miles away from home! So we decided to celebrate Easter as a Nashville family...and it was a blast. We started this amazing day off with Church to give praise to our Heavenly Father, the One who died and rose again. He conquered death to save us from our sins! Our church is so amazing. You can feel the presence of God when you walk in the door. We have such an amazing community who loves the Lord.

After church about 16 of us piled in our cars and headed over to our favorite hangout, Brock and Auny's! Brock cooked an amazing turkey, while the rest of us brought sides and desserts! We seriously had a buffet like a Southern Baptist Church pot luck dinner. What a site. Oh and me being the fat kid I am, I had seconds...and thirds:)

After lunch we had, are you ready this....An Easter Egg Hunt! I hadn't been to one of those since church when I was 9. I know, I know, SAD! This hunt was a little different. Each egg had a number. Each number represented something fun that we had to do. I won a date with Simon...I told him to play hard to get to make it interesting, haha! Emily has to wash Mallori's car, Mallori gets to pick lunch after church on Sunday and Stephanie won a ride on the Harley! So much fun.

The day continued on with watching Talledaga Nights and an episode of BS followed by a bonfire and smores! It was the ultimate way to spend Easter... I am so thankful for the friends I have made here!
How did you spend your Easter?

free soul

My eyes are tired, my body is weary! But for the first time in a while, my heart is happy! God has taken a huge burden off of me. One that I have been struggling with for a good while. One that I would not lay down because of hope and pride. But today, while my roommate, Emily and I were playing guitar I realized that I didn't need it in my life anymore! It was something that wasn't worth the worries. Wasn't with dealing with or caring for. Music always clears my head and touches my soul. God speaks to me so clearly when words are in a harmonizing rhythm.

What a freeing feeling! God is so amazing. He has been teaching my so many things about myself and about how beautiful he made me. Maybe not beautiful physically or perfect in wisdom. But God made me perfect in His eyes! Who else really matters... Glory be to Lord who loves me for me! Loves me for me...wow isn't that awesome!

Tell me something that can top that...absolutely nothing!

For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.
~Psalm 100:5(the message)

For all the girls who deserve better...

Here's to all those girls who used to be his number one

The ones who waited all night for him to call, only to check the caller ID the next morning and be disappointed.

The ones who made it through that bitter break up, dried
your own tears, and moved on with your life, only to have him walk back in it months later like nothing ever happened.

Those of you who cried on the first day you talked again because you knew exactly where this phone call was going.

The ones who listened to him say, I only want to be your friend,
one day, and the next, listened to him say how much he loves and misses you.


We deserve something, and this is our tribute.
Here's to the ones that took him back, hoping that maybe this time, he was different, hoping that maybe people really do change.

We listened to our friends tell us that we were stupid for even thinking about giving him another chance, caught crap from our parents, and even snuck around to see him for a while.

We went through the great stage with no fights all over again. We started this out thinking it would be just friends, and ended up falling in love with him again.

We wanted nothing more in the world than to hear him tell us he loved us too, that even though things were bad in the past, they would be different this time. And when we finally heard it, it was like we were dreaming. This is for us.

Here's to the ones who believed what he said, sat around all over again waiting for a phone call that might come in a few hours, or a few days.


Here's for the tears cried and dried all over again. We wanted so
desperately to believe that he was really busy, he couldn't possibly call us at that moment, or even that he fell asleep early.

We trained ourselves to believe the lies because we wanted to believe we had found the one for us.


We learned to SETTLE for someone who didn't treat us the way we should be treated.

Here's for the ones who did their hair and make up and put on their prettiest earrings, only to hear him say that he couldn't see us today.

The ones who never believed it when people told us there might be someone else. We just couldn't believe that he could do this to us again.

This is for those great girls, who loved him more than words can say, and took him back no matter what happened last time because they couldn't bear to look back on their lives one day and wonder "what if".

Here's to the girls who couldn't cry to their friends because of how stupid they felt. The ones who held it all in when things came crumbling to pieces again.

This is for the ones who couldn't bear to even tell their mom what was going on, for fear of an "I told you so."

The ones that could just TELL that they had made a mistake ever allowing him into their hearts, their beds, and their dreams again.

We knew that we deserved better the entire time, that we deserved a guy who would call when he said he was going to, one that would come see us whenever he got the chance, one that would really care about us. We just wanted the one that we loved like that.

Here's for the ones that FINALLY realized that he never gave a crap about them.

Here's for the time that he broke your heart again. This is for those days spent trying to hold back the tears, and the tears that turned into anger, then disappointment.

Here's for us girls who finally realized that we
deserve better. This is for those confusing days, when you miss him, and want nothing more than to hear his voice, or feel his arms around your waist. Stay strong, and remember that relationships are like broken glass, sometimes it's better to leave it alone rather than try to put the pieces back together and get hurt. Remember the times you cried, and how long it
took you to even be able to look at another guy like that.

*When "your song" comes on the radio, turn the station. When the day comes that he realizes what a mistake he made and tries calling, turn your phone off. When he tries coming to your house, don't answer the door. Think of the broken promises, and the lies, the manipulation and the tears, the wasted moments and staying up all night wondering where the crap he was. Think of how your heart used to jump when your phone would vibrate in the middle of the night, and how it fell to your stomach when you saw it wasn't him, and realized that once again, he hadn't called when he said he was going to.*

One day, you'll find a guy who's worth all the tears, but he won't make you cry. You may think that you'll never care about someone like you did that guy that you always ran back to, but you will. It's gonna hurt like crap, and it's going to need time to heal, but the point is, it will heal.

For all the girls who deserve better...it will come one day...I still have faith...

That about sums everything up...doesn't it!

wedding bells are everywhere

I have noticed a small trend that is occurring within my friend circle! It's called engagement!
I can't believe that most of my friends are about to embark upon a new chapter in their life. It seems like yesterday we were all sitting around talking about how we would never find that special someone. Time flies!
I have been home the past two weekends to celebrate two of my best friends new adventure. I attended Jenni's bachlorette party two weeks ago and this past weekend was a surprise engagement for my best friend Janis! I love to see their faces when they talk about their new life to come. Their eyes get this glow in them and they smile from ear to ear. It makes me so happy to see all my friends excited about a love and not just any love, a real true love! Can't wait till I find mine:)

So Janis, Jenni, Downey, Autumn, Jenny, Julie, Amanda etc.....congratulations on your new chapter that's taking place. I love you all!

Island of Aventure

I haven't been to Disney World since I was a little, little girl. This week I got to be a kid again.

While on a trip to Orlando for a Youth Pastor's Summit we were given free tickets to Universal Studios and Island of Adventure! I felt like I was 9 years old again riding roller coasters till I was a little light headed! Brock, Auny, Kim, Lincoln, Amber, Heather and I made sure to ride all the BIG coasters, some we even rode twice! Word of advice, if any of you ever go to Island of Adventure make sure you ride the HULK. It is one of the best roller coasters ever!!

It was so much fun and I can't wait to go back! Guess it's a good thing I'll be there for three months this summer. YAY

The single face!

My friend Megan is amazing and her thoughts are even more amazing. I wanted to share her blog with you because it made my day!

Recently I went out and saw a couple of friends that I haven't seen in years. It was nice to talk and catch up on each others lives, but the one question that all single people dread is"Are you dating anyone?" When I smiled and replied "No I'm single", each one gave me this sympathetic look and said "Don't worry he's out there."
Well thanks but no thanks. I choose to be single because I want to be. Don't get me wrong, it would be nice for the cuddling aspect and the close bond, but until I figure out what I'm doing with my life, I don't feel it's necessary to muddy up my life and career with a boyfriend. I don't need someone to tell me that prince charming is going to come and sweep me off my feet and make everything better. What I need to do is stay focused and build a decent bank account.
I hate how guys get to be known as studs and bachelors. Their single title is looked upon as "acceptable" and they even have TV shows were desperate women throw themselves at the one lucky bachelor whom they don't even know, how pathetic is that?!!!! What people really should focus on is their own self content, who they want to be and how to improve themselves.
So to all of you that have single friends (especially single girl-friends) please stop with the sad, empathetic looks for their single title. If we wanted a man trust me going to a bar, looking cute, and acting interested isn't hard.

This blog was the highlight of my day...if you agree let me know! I know I do

What an incredible story

In the past two weeks I have come across some amazing stories! Ones that pull at your heart strings. Last night I heard one about God's amazing miracles.
I was in the city with some friends and I was talking to this guy that was a friend of a friend. He is from New Zealand and plays guitar in a band...after I heard some of his back story we began to talk about miracles. He had an amazing story about a miracle that happened in his life.... so I wanted to share it with all of you.
His name is Morgan, so now you can keep him in your prayers. He was diagnosed with a compressed nerve in his right arm which caused his muscles to atrophied, causing a loss in flexibility as well as not being able to stretch his fingers all the way out. When he held out his arms you could see the massive difference between his two forearms. Anyway about a year ago, Morgan had given up hope on finding a doctor that could treat his condition. He had seen a couple doctors in the US but all said that they couldn't diagnose precisely what was wrong. After seeing a doctor in Nashville, TN he was told the only man that could possibly treat his condition was a doctor from India. Knowing that it would be impossible to find this doctor, Morgan decided to carry on with his life the way that he had been. He figured he would never be able to afford finding this doctor.
His band was playing a show in Kansas, and a man in the audience had heard about his condition. He said I have someone that may be able to help. Morgan agreed to see him because he had given up on possibilities. When he arrived at the house of this man he was introduced to none other than the doctor from India. How amazing!
Now the doctor said that he could perform the surgery after looking at Morgan's condition. It would cost around $25, 000. Again another let down...so Morgan began to pray as he had been, "God heal me! I love you and i believe you can heal me." A couple of months went by as he prayed and prayed to God. He was at another show when he picked up a chair and sprained his arm because the muscle was so weak. Morgan got frustrated and called up the doctor from India and said "my arm is getting worse, I have no money and I need this surgery, I need it for free!" GOD moved because that doctor called him back within an hour and told him that he had his surgery set up in three days and it was all paid for! WOW
Morgan's story goes on and on about how God blessed him in his situation of having a crippling condition. God healed Morgan right before his eyes because he loved him and because Morgan believed that He would heal him.
Luke 6:6-10 talks about God healing a man with a crippled hand. There are certain parts of that scripture that speak and move, like God knew what they were thinking and still He performed a miracle in front of them. The man was obedient when God said stand up. I could go on and on! Read it and tell me what God says to you... God helped to heal Morgan, He is waiting for the chance to heal you!

Craziness

I work for the funniest man in the world!
Brock played the best trick on our friend Jonathan tonight...Go read all about it!

http://www.brockgill.com/blog

Oh I laugh way too much here!!!!!

the sweetest

I received a box full of surprises on Friday! Within that box there was candy, cookies and a card sent by my mom and dad. It makes my day when I receive things from my parents! Also in the box was something special made by my niece! She is such a sweet little girl and I miss her soooo much! I can picture her sitting around my house with my mom making this special piece just for me. Her little fingers placing each bead perfectly on the string, knowing in her mind that this is going to make me so happy and of course it did! Since Summer made me this beautiful necklace, I wanted to share it with all of you!


Thank you Summer and I love you!

Music and Lyrics

Valentine's day was a day full of surprises! More than I had expected...
I had some awesome valentine wishes and then I was whisked away for dinner, chocolate and a movie! OK here are the details...

Brock, Auny, Emily, Stephanie, Corey, Jarrett, Brandon and myself went to dinner at Thai Spice(this amazing Thai restaurant recommended by all). We had so much fun hanging out and talking about the ridiculous holiday. Then we all went to the Cocoa Tree where we met Robbie for some of the best chocolate around(so good I had to send Jen some!) Oh my goodness, Brok and I split this chocolate brownie explosion thing...Too good for words!!!After we had way to much chocolate we ventured over to the movies to meet Group 1 Crew for one of the cutest movies I've seen in a while Music and Lyrics. Pablo laughed through the whole flippin movie...even on the not funny parts. haha

Oh it was such a good night! It goes down as a successful Valentine' s Day!

dreams

Dreams

Crowded streets find, a lonely soul
Desperation, a moment's fate
Shares a glace with, a stranger's eye
She was seeking the same sign

It gives him hope, it gives him faith
That life won't always be this way
To change his world, to seize the day
Dreams don't have to fade away

Hours rush by, a small cafe
Conversations like old friends
Have I known you before today
Has love found us, the strangest place

More than just moments frozen in time
A place where dreams and life collide
Can you believe this truth is alive outside what you see
You are free to break through this time

It gives you(us) hope, it gives you(us) faith
That life won't always be this way
To change the world, to seize the day
Dreams don't have to fade away

~Nathan Angelo

Now I know that most of you are thinking, "She is too obsessed with music!" And I would agree with you. I like to post songs because they can express so much that I can't. This is a new song I found today and of course, when I heard it I was instantly hooked. I love when he says "a place where dreams and life collide." Have you ever had that happen? Your dream basically comes to life and it's so crazy. I have! I have so many dreams and when one up and comes true, it throws me off a little. I don't know whether to embrace it or hesitate a little. This song gives me a little bit of direction when it says "to change the world, to seize day, dreams don't have to fade away." That's going to be my new motto...Change the world, Seize the day..My dreams don't have to go away!!!!!!!! Embrace your dreams

Music

In the last week, I have heard some amazing bands, some new and some old. It has made me think about how much music shapes my life. When I'm sad, I always play a song that relates to how I feel...same with when I am happy. Music helps to shape my feelings. I know that sounds odd but go with me on this... If you put a song in your cd player or on your I pod, how long does it usually stay there? For me it depends on my mood, whats happening in my life and of course how new the song is to me. I love to learn all the words to the song so sometimes cds stay in my player forever! It's like for those 3-4 minutes the songwriter and me connect. I can feel his pain or joy and its almost like he can feel mine. What would this world do with no music? How would some people express their feelings? It's something to ponder on...

My favorites this week:
Matt Wertz-519
Jon Mclaughlin-Industry
The Gabe Dixon Band- All Will Be Well
Matt Woods-Misconception
Dave Barnes-Greyhound
Corey Crowder-April 25th

See if you tell what kind of mood I was in this week:)

Friends Make It Better

I've had a hard time lately with the fact that I can't just drive home to see Mom and Dad or drive up to Chili's to see everyone, but this week some amazing people have helped me to realize that I'm on an adventure. I am on an adventure...and I know that because I'm not comfortable. God never promised he would put us in a comfort zone, he did however promise us His love and that he would take care of us! God has given me some amazing friends help my understand.
It's my true friends that make me smile by just a comment or a phone call. These special people remind me that no matter how far you travel from home, friends will be there! Thanks guys...You make my life happy! Thanks God...you make my life meaningful!!!

A night of laughing

Thursday was the night of laughes! Have you ever tried to do a card trick, a messed up? Well Thursday Matt and I did that over and over.
We were trying to learn this card trick where two cards end up in your hand. (of course, there's a lot of little details to the trick but I would hate to give away my secret:) Well I tried to get this trick all night and the one particular time that I actually got the trick right, I accidentally threw the cards everywhere! I almost fell down I was laughing so hard! Then, Matt tried to do this same trick and well, let's just say I was crying from laughing so hard! Oh my gosh, I love haning out with Brock and those Eleventy boys. They make my life so happy! But they also cause my stomach to hurt from laughing too much.
We had a blast!
Can't wait fo rthe next time they're in town...Matt I'll be working on some new tricks for us to try...haha

Mexican Trivia

We have found a new love on Monday nights...and I know it's probably going to sound somewhat dorky but, we have found Mexican trivia. Now I believe that God has placed two of my favorite things together, Mexican food and competitive trivia. He has definitely done this for a reason...Oh how He blesses me haha!!!
Here's what happens: You must arrive on time or there will be no table for you and you play table verses table in a game of trivia(yes useless knowledge). There is an announcer who askes the questions and plays great music in between.
Last night our team was rather large. We had Brock, Auny, Stephanie, Emily, Kim, Scott, Lyndsey, Edye, Rocoe, River and myself. We had a perfect score throughout the game until the lighting round(whatever that means). People were even booing us because they were jealous of our brilliant minds. Anyway we did end up losing to a table next to us but not without a fight. Of course the question that stumped us was about natural resources...i mean really, who listened in Science class. Obviously not us!!
We had a blast and I think it's going to become a new tradition!

Is It Working?

This morning, as I was sitting in church listening to our visitor for the week, I began to think about my relationship with God. Thoughts were running through my head, like... Is my relationship strong enough? Do I do all the things I am supposed to? Do I spend enough time building my relationship? The answer to everything I thought about was NO! Imagine that, I'm not trying hard enough. I knew that but it never really hit me until today.
Our guest speaker this morning was Phil Joel from the Newsboys. He went through this same thing 6 years ago. He preached a sermon this morning about "Is it working?" Is what we are doing in our life bringing us closer to God and if not what do we do about it. He wrote a song and the lyrics spoke to me. They said something like this "Time alone with you is where you unfold all your mysteries." That is so true. Day after day God longs for an close relationship with me and I disregard it. Well no more! No more will I let the ways of the world distract me from what is truly important. No more will I rush off without spending an ample amount of time with God. No more will I let my Father want a relationship but not receive it. No more....No more! It's time for a change and the time is now...Do you have a close relationship with God?

frustration

Sometimes things seem to pile up on you all at one time. This causes anger, worries and my favorite term frustration. There is only so much one person can handle. After that, the person shuts down and everything seems to get to them. I think I am now it that state of mind. I have so many things running through my head, and all I want to do is talk about them. I want these ideas, feelings and emotions run free so that they are not trapped inside waiting for a day where they snap and I say things that aren't true. I want the chance to be open without judgement and truthful without consequences. I need an outlet, just a moment to get it all together and let go!!! Will that day ever come?

I need syrup

Ok so if you watched Conan last night, you already know that because of the lack of cold weather/snow in New York, there could potentially be a shortage of syrup! Now for some this may not be a big deal but for me, I kinda like maple syrup with my pancakes. So with that said we need to come up with a plan. Conan had a good plan of holding ice near the trees in order for them to drop in temperature. My thought was to bring in snow blowers. If they can make snow on a mountain when it's 60 degrees, I think they could drop the temperature for some trees...just a thought. Do you have any thoughts?