My Cup of Tea

OUCH!

2010-10-19T09:37:00.003-05:00

Ok, so apparently I can not be trusted with a curling iron?? I always end up having these freak accidents with them! Yesterday morning I was curling my hair like I do everyday, (although judging by the following picture you would think it was my first time?!) and my curling iron slipped out of my hand and landed smack on the flat of my chest! It was literally there for a split second and did this to me!!

So the positive side to this: With cold weather coming up I can at least cover it up with a scarf. Here's to hopin it doesnt leave a horrible scar. :/

Difficult Decisions - Part 2

2010-10-05T15:00:00.003-05:00

...Yet again I have assumed the worst, as always...here I have a patient man who is willing to deal with my frustrating over-analyzing of situations and STILL choosing to pursue me for some reason?? Patiently talks through a difficult conversation where a typical man would've run away in irritation.

After this past weekend, I definitely realize this man is pretty great. He has a way about him that simply wows me...I don't know if he is "the one" or not but I know I can base a lot of the growing emotions I feel for him everyday on his unmoving character that has no intention whatsoever of hurting me. This man has shown me that there ARE still single men in this world that are positive, caring, kiss you on the forehead, patiently explain things to you, make me melt with a sweet look, southern drawl, sweethearts...and while I want to cry at the thought of me maybe losing him one one day, I can for the time being basque in the fact that I met one for myself that is exactly what I thought didn't exist anymore.

I now sit crossing my fingers and being, for the first time, perfectly fine with our taking baby steps in this relationship because of the miles between us. I am now determined to savor every moment I have with him and not constantly worry about losing this whole thing while I definetly still have it.

Difficult Decisions

2010-09-29T14:04:00.003-05:00

Do not expect much sense out of the following post:
Have you ever had to make a decision based on what you "know you deserve"? Sounds conceited, right? Believe me, I think so too. But at what point do you decide to look out for your heart and make a decision, letting the chips fall where they may? When you have allowed yourself to make decisions in some areas, only to realize you still have nothing essentially to "show" for it. Having to face someone and say, I deserve better than this and so do you, so we can either try this a different way or part ways. I'm horrible at decision making and my current situation is not making it any easier. I know what I HAVE to do but am scared of what the possible negative results could be. We both deserve more. What if I am rejected? Regardless of what decision is made in this area, I can not say that I have regretted or would change what has happened in the past 2 months. I have been blissfully happy (absolutely no exaggeration)...and granted, what I think can be identified as "falling for him", happened quicker than I EVER imagined possible, and without even my consent at times. Like naturally "falling" almost? But what could I possibly regret about that?
If I am rejected or shut down in the end for stating how I really feel, I will have to continue to live my life like before he was there, after a good cry of course. But comparing every man I meet with him.

'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.'
~Alfred Lord Tennyson

...To be continued.

Test Scores

2010-09-22T16:16:00.003-05:00

Since starting school (and being out of HS for 8 yrs) I have been NERVOUS about the testing aspect of this whole college thing. I have worked hard since school started at the end of August to make sure I actually UNDERSTOOD the material instead of just thinking I might have it right. Plus I paid $150 for a class and I most certainly have every intention of getting my money's worth of understanding. ;) Anyways, so last week I took my first test and just got the scores back this week. I almost fell on my face with shock! Take a look-see at my first Algebra test:

WHAT?!!!! I have never made a 90-anything on a math test!!!! I was actually in the top like 12% or something of the class! I've also never been in that crazy % either...well, unless it was like, the 12% that just didnt care. I am absolutely amazed at God's grace in this situation! :)

About's

2010-09-22T11:56:00.004-05:00

I haven't done one of these in a long time, so here is a few pieces of info about me:

FOODOLOGY
*What is your salad dressing of choice? Walnut Vingerette or Greek

*What is your favorite sit down restaurant? It depends on the type of food.

*What is your favorite fast food restaurant? ChickenE

*What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Salad

*What are your pizza toppings of choice? lite sauce, cheese w/ jalepenos

*How many televisions are in your house? 2

*What color cell phone do you have? black

BIOLOGY:
*Are you right-handed or left-handed? Both

*Have you ever had anything removed from your body? No, praise the Lord, Im still an original - lol

*What is the last heavy item you lifted? My school bag, ugh!

*Have you ever been knocked unconscious? not yet ;)

*Have you ever fainted? yes, numerous times

BULLOLOGY:
*If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? no thanks.

*If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Rhoda! W/out a doubt...I dont know why..very 70's I know, she was always my favorite on the MTM show

*How many pairs of flip-flops do you own? like 3

*Last person you talked to? My sister, Rachel

FAVORITOLOGY:
*Season? Im always ready for every season to come when it comes, but Fall is by far my favorite.

* Holiday ? Thanksgiving

*Day of the week? friday

*Month? April or September are equal in my mind.

*Color? Sage green

*Drink? Just water these days

CURRENTOLOGY:

*Missing someone? Yes ;)

*What are you listening to? music.

*What are you watching? nothing

*Worrying about? Ruining things that are going great.

*What's the last movie you saw? A horrible film for my english class.

*Do You Smile often? I try to

*If you could change your eye color what would it be? Green, and a bit smaller, but Jesus didn't ask my opinion. lol. So its all cool.

*What's on your wish list for your birthday? I dont care. Gift cards are always nice.

*Can you do a chin up? Maybe 1. lol!

*Does the future make you more nervous or excited? BOTH.

*Have you been in a Car wreck? nothing that I didnt drive away from.

*Have you caused a Car wreck? Oh praise Jesus, not that I know of.

*Do you have an accent? with certain words and phrases.

*Last time you cried? Cried? Last Thursday.

*Plans tonight? Yes! A fun party for a friend! :)

*Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Yes, it's not a pretty place.

*Name 3 things you bought yesterday? Gas, lunch & I think thats all.

*Met someone who changed your life? Yes, all the time!

*For the better or worse?? sometimes both, but I can learn from both experiences

*How did you bring in the New Years? I dont remember. lol...its not a huge thing that we celebrate at our house.

*Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? In certain situations.

*Have you held hands with someone today? no.

*Who was the last person you took a picture of? I dont remember.

*Are most of the friends in your life new or old? Both. :)

*Do you like pulpy orange juice? No, thank you! I am a low acid NO pulp OJ kinda girl, if at all.

*Last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? this year sometime.

*What were you doing 12 AM last night? Going to sleep.

*What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? My head hurts.

Im Going To Do It...Yes, I am

2010-09-09T13:50:00.003-05:00

I always see those "101 in 1001 days" lists and I have never made one myself....Sooooo now I have every intention of creating and acheiving the things listed. When I complete the magical list I will post it here.

I already have #1: Make my 101 in 1001 list! ;)

Stayed tuned!

Shocking, Im sure

2010-08-26T12:51:00.007-05:00

....NOT. I am burnt out on having short hair but I can not seem to find the right cut that I just absolutely love...well, correction thats not completely true, I actually know which one I LOVE, but I can't seem to find the picture of it anywhere.....I found this one, and its okay I guess:

This one is actually a favorite! But it is totally a "Keep Dreaming, bc I could never pull it off. But if I had thick enough hair when it is long then I would love it." lol

Unfortunately when I grow my hair out it ends up looking like this:

Yikes! So, yeah I guess I should just keep looking.

Goals

2010-08-23T15:47:00.006-05:00

Ok, so my BIG weekend came and went - And all I can say is - WOW! While Im still not ready to talk just yet about details, I am excited to see what happens w/in maybe the next yr or so with it all. Everything is being taken VERY slowly.

Next: I am currently in a huge weightloss process. So far since last yr I have lost 60 pounds and feel SO much better! I still get discouraged when I see pictures of myself. Even though I know I have worked hard to get to here I still get so bummed about how I STILL look. :/ My actual goal is to lose like 1000 more pounds. *rolling eyes - Ok, fine, maybe like 995 more pds (to me it feels like that much because I seem to plateau ALOT.) But right this minute I am actually dropping it steadily so Im excited. I need to measure myself but always forget to. But honestly, does measuring yourself really help that much? I mean I always think its pointless when I hear those people on those weighloss commercials go "I lost 10 inches" and Im like WOW that is awesome! And then they finish the sentence by saying "All Over." Im like 10 inches all over?! I dont know for some reason the "all over" part never gets me that excited. I mean if I lost 10 inches in my tookus that'd be great bc I feel like it is MUCH bigger than the rest of my body. But really for example, I think I would prefer to have that extra quarter inch come out of my hips instead of my ankle, you know? I dont know, Im just weird I guess. So thats why I stick to the good ol' scale AND the feel of my clothes. If my clothes are becoming a tad bigger on a monthly basis then I am a happy girl. ;) Anyway, so tell me if you tend to do better with measuring yourself during a weightloss process or do you just use the scale? Hmmmmm.

These Silly Ol' Nerves #3

2010-08-20T11:52:00.003-05:00

AHHHHHHH!! IT'S FRIDAY!!

Ok, trying to keep myself calm and focused. Two things:

1.) I can not seem to quit smiling! Oh my gracious, it's ridiculous!

2.) I have absolutely AMAZING friends! They have helped me stay focused (by threatening my very life, lol) when I have wanted to cancel this Saturday due to being nervous. :/

Thank you to all my sweet friends for your encouraging words the past two weeks. I will not be back in town (or able to blog) till Monday. So talk to you all then :)

These Silly Ol' Nerves #2

2010-08-19T15:02:00.003-05:00

IT'S ONLY THURSDAY!!??!!!??!! :/

Protesting Triple Digits

2010-08-18T15:19:00.005-05:00

Ok, I am so ready for Fall that I am making it just go ahead and happen in my office, lol...TRIPLE digits outside for the last 20 days or so has allowed me to realize that I work so much better in a smell-good (like Fall scents), warm (not scorching) and welcoming Fall enviroment. Sooo here is what I have:

My autumn pumkin candle that is burnt daily
My pretty background on my comp

...what else can I do to make my office feel more Fall-ish? Bc everytime I step outside I am reminded of just how LONG we have to wait for cool weather. :(

These Silly Ol' Nerves

2010-08-17T15:20:00.007-05:00

Do you get those annoying nerves that just do not go away when you know something is approaching that you CAN NOT avoid? I have some stuff coming up this Saturday that I have honestly secretly been wanting to happen for years, w/out even really even admiting it to myself,HA!...and now that it is here I am so nervous! While Im not ready to blog or really even discuss it yet, I most certainly am becoming impatient with the fact that it is ONLY Tuesday today!! I always kinda wondered what I would do in this particular situation and now that the opportunity is going to be here in a few days...Im scared but SO excited! So please pray for me to not make a complete idiot out of myself(bc it really is inevitable without Jesus' help, lol). Thanks! Depending on how it goes on Saturday, maybe I will be able to blog about it! :)

Video Illiterate Apparently

2010-08-04T16:18:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I got my iPhone (which I LOVE) like 3 months ago and had to return it a couple times but FINALLY have one that is not all fowled up. So, the one thing that is driving me nuts is that I have the 3G and cannot believe that I can not record videos on it?! Am I missing something?! If you have any idea how to do this on the 3G please let this poor technologically stumped woman know, because I am for sure stumped. Thanks ;)

Random Wedding Dress Blog

2010-08-03T16:01:00.006-05:00

Ok, so here is my all time favorite ball gown wedding dress...

I LOVE the elegance and detail of it. I just think it is SO perfect.

But for someone like myself who adores wedding ANYTHING, ESPECIALLY the dresses. It is very hard to think I will one day have to narrow it down to ONE dress. But ever since I saw the above wedding gown I have always thought of it as being pretty much perfect. So if I were to get married tommorrow (which Im not...that alone is a terrifying thought lol), BUT if I were, I KNEW which dress I would want to look for...oooooor so I thought UNTIL I saw Chelcea Clinton's dress this weekend!!!

L-O-V-E THIS ONE AS MUCH AS THE FIRST ONE!!

WOW! Between these two dresses its a good thing Im not getting married tommorow because I would go mad trying to decide. (Not that I could afford Vera Wang or anything, but a girl can dream can't she? lol)

So while I by no means appreciate the Clintons outlook on American life and politics, all I can say is Ms. Chelcea knows how to pick a GORGEOUS dress! Kudos to her taste and congrats on her marriage!

Sister time...

2010-07-25T22:20:00.018-05:00

Do you remember that feeling as a kid of just being completely happy? Not a care in the world. One way I always, thankfully, can recapture that feeling is hanging out with my sisters. I have spent a lot of time with my sisters this year and have LOVED every minute of it! Being single I have a bit more time for "sister time" than Im sure they do, but they are always willing to let me come hang out, chat with them and encourage or laugh with me when I need it and it is a huge blessing to be able to do the same for them! They are some pretty amazing gals! I really do love them individually for so many reasons! But this year I have seen them in some different situations that have made me gain even MORE respect and love for them as more than "just my sisters"! I love them for starters for their strength in hard situations, attitudes, love and loyalty. Not to mention,(but I will anyway) ;) they are all so pretty! Here they are:

<--BobbieJo (eldest sister, amazing style, can just look at a bland corner in a room and make it explode with awesomeness. Also always ready for some sister time if needed or asked)

Melissa --> (2nd eldest, one of my favorite people to tell a joke to, am amazed with her graciousness. Also always ready for some sister time if needed or asked)

<--Liz (3rd eldest, sarcasm is this girls skill! LOL!! We also tell the kids to call her "Aunt Nut" bc she is obsessed with Christmas, decorates sometimes as early as Sept!! Also always ready for some sister time if needed or asked)

Rachel--> (4th eldest, this girl kills me! ROFL! You never know what she is about to say. ROFL!! She can really surprise me at times which obviously = never boring. LOL. Also always ready for some sister time if needed or asked)

Pointing all of them out makes me definetly miss my sweet sister Rebekah Rose that was next to me in age. I will have to try and get a picture of her on here soon. She had all of the same attributes as the older girls and I MISS conversations and spending time with her SOOOOOO much!

But with all of that said the following is a movie we grew up watching and this clip always reminds me of the girls, mainly bc we use to sing it growing up, we did not do the dance bit though. LOL. Enjoy!

So that thou mayest live long on the earth....

2010-07-08T10:10:00.003-05:00

Authorities in the former Soviet republic of Georgia claim a woman from a remote mountain village turned 130 on Thursday, making her the oldest person on Earth!!

Antisa Khvichava from western Georgia was born on July 8, 1880, said Georgiy Meurnishvili, spokesman for the civil registry at the Justice Ministry.

The woman, who lives with her 40-year-old grandson in an idyllic vine-covered country house in the mountains, retired from her job as a tea and corn picker in 1965, when she was 85, records say.

"I've always been healthy, and I've worked all my life — at home and at the farm," said Khvichava, in a bright dress and headscarf, her withering lips rejuvenated by shiny red lipstick. Sitting in the chair and holding her cane, Khvichava spoke quietly through an interpreter since she never went to school to learn Georgian and speaks only the local language, Mingrelian.

The Gerontology Research Group currently recognizes 114-year-old Eugenie Blanchard of Saint Barthelemy, France, as the world's oldest person. The organization is yet to examine Khvichava's claim.

Khvichava has a son, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and six great, great grandchidren.

Khvichava's 70-year-old son Mikhail apparently was born when his mother was 60. She said she also had two children from a previous marriage, but says they died of hunger during World War II.

Although Khvichava has difficulty walking and has stayed largely in bed during the past seven years, she makes a point of hobbling unaided to the outhouse on the other side of the yard, loathe to be a nuisance, Mikhail said.

Though her body has all but quit on her — relatives say her mind remains sharp.

Full story here:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100708/ap_on_re_eu/eu_georgia_oldest_person

Ephesians 6:
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.2Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; 3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

I ALWAYS think of that verse when reading a news story like this and immediately think 'That person must have been good to his/her parents!'

Just another example of God's promise in Scripture manifested.

Funny Camp Stuff

2010-07-07T12:59:00.006-05:00

Here are the goofball youths that we took with us, they seriously were great kiddos to hang out with:

One of the girls in our group got pranked, by having her bed Suran-Wrapped. It was pretty funny to see her try and get in. LOL

This is the awesome band we had the pleasure of listening to:
The Chris Clayton Band

Worship

Here is the drama team - Clear Vision Drama. These guys were HILARIOUS and affective! They also have a project that they do on their YouTube site that shows interviews with everyday people on the street. It was a huge eye opener to be reminded of the struggles people have. And to be reminded of exactly how dark the world can be. Thankfully the Light of Christ can shine in the dark places.
In this skit the guy in the green shirt was dealing with addiction to Facebook. ROFL! Good stuff!

Here is a sneak peek at one of their funny drama videos.

Camp 2.0

2010-07-07T09:26:00.008-05:00

Ok, so my last blog was three wks ago and I am sorry that I have not updated the AMAZING week at camp with our church youth that I had! Let me begin by saying that I enjoyed my time away from everyday crazy for a week, no work phones to answer, not very many emails to return, haha(I still had to keep up to return prayer updates, hospital info, ect.), but for 95% of the time, it was peaceful and awesome!

So the first night as I said in my last blog the sermon was kinda "off" it seemed. But the 2nd night the preacher apologized and said he felt like the previous night was just "off" too. He went on to preach AMAZING sermons for the rest of the week! By the end of the week I was blown away by the reminder he gave us nightly! GOD IS SOVEREIGN. He reminded me that every place I come to - whether I loathe it or not, every person I meet - whether I dislike their personality or sometimes HAVE to endure their "type", any job I have or have had - even when I have felt like the job has been a drudgery and am getting NO WHERE. This truth remains: GOD IS SOVEREIGN.

Ok, yes, it seems easy enough to say, but let's see how I can apply it. Since I know there is no such thing as coincidence let's just put our personal lives under the microscope for a minute. Think of that one person that can just get under your skin better than anyone else in the world. Have them in mind? Ok, now think about how many times you have reacted to them in a not so "sweet" manner? The looks, the roll of the eyes, the scoffs of annoyance, even the slandering of them to another friend when they walk off(after a forced convo bc you most certainly do not try to keep up a convo on purpose with them). I know, to my embarrassment, I have a few people I can think of that I have these emotions toward. But b/c of this sermon series, I am reminded that Jesus has not made any situation a "coincidence". So if that's the case, then that person is there to serve a purpose in my life. Whats the purpose? Well, in general life, God has PLACED me IN their lives and THEM in MY path to be a light and example of Him. Let's just clarify that, I am pretty sure I have blotched that opportunity with the people I have in mind, with the (how ever minimal)rolling of my eyes or the nasty words behind their backs. :/ So now when dealing with them, I can no longer ASSUME, but KNOW that God has purposefully placed them in my life. For what ultimately? To make me, as a child of God, more like His Son Jesus. The Q follows of 'how can an annoyance from a personality make me more like Jesus'? Well, first of all, it can help me be more patient when looking at them through the eyes of Jesus instead of my personal personality preferences. Before you scoff and roll your eyes (haha)hear me out. By remembering, when dealing with them, I am to react to them the way Christ would react to me. And being whereas I have never read in scripture or had had this happen to me personally where Christ looked at me and said, 'yeah your personality kinda annoys me, so I am going to love you from a distance.' LOL That would not make Him set apart from everyone else, that would make him like you and me.

*Side note: Besides who is to say that my personality is the funnest?! Maybe that person is struggling with me in the same way in wondering 'Why God? why have you placed her in my life?' And to them I say the same thing: Because GOD IS SOVEREIGN. (So you have to put up with my attitude and I with yours bc we love Jesus, HAHA) But seriously, I can not KNOW that persons heart and what if I am the ONLY link they will ever meet that knows Jesus? Which is a terrifying thought, bc I mess up a lot! But I hope that I can really be a great example for the sake of Christ.

So, look at this from any aspect of your life. You have the job God wants you to have, and guess what? If He opens doors elsewhere for you to apply for or get, then if there is no sin involved, and you get the job then, again, guess what?! THAT is Gods sovereign plan for you at this point in time. I have so many friends that struggle with the question: Am I out of God's will? And the answer is God has you in the position you are in as His child bc He is making you into His Son's image. And this apparently is the PERFECT way to do it. There is no such thing as "missing the will of God". God is in control of all circumstances and He steers this big ship called Life. So I am going to make it a point to rely more on Him instead of me. Realizing that He, again, did not ever say there were coincidences. Throughout all of scripture it's almost yelling to me, "I AM SOVEREIGN". And for me that is perfect bc that means things are all under control and not spinning out of whack. :)

Camp - Day 1

2010-06-15T19:40:00.005-05:00

Here is to the first day at summer camp. I am happy to say that apparently during this week I will have a bit more free time than I thought I would. The teen girls that I will be keeping an eye on have quite a bit of stuff going on AND bc "ironically" (we all know what I really mean is sovereignly) our church apparently got entered in too late to actually be put with "family groups" that leaves lots of "free" time to spend in God's presence/Word, absorb some nature and work on my writing. Not to mention there is a nifty little trail that leads to my favorite river (THE BRAZOS) behind our dorms that will serve really well for a place to think.
So let's talk Jesus. :) The service last night was kind of confusing at times - I think our speaker might have ADD, haha bc he was kind of hard to follow, he jumped around a lot. We are in the first chapter of Colossians and while going thru it he did point out some stuff that made me think about how I had never noticed statements in there..like Paul & Timothy tell the Colossians that they "never cease to pray for them (the Colossians)"! which makes me become immediately aware how very LITTLE I do pray! :/ I am so bad about my personal prayer life that I have a huge conviction hearing that Paul and Timothy "never cease to pray for them"?!!! Amazing! It drives me to want to get to that place where I do that and be very faithful when praying for brothers and sisters in Christ!

P.S.
I'm updating with my iPhone this week so if stuff looks weird. I apologize :)

Believing God's sovereignty

2010-06-07T13:08:00.006-05:00

So I woke up late on Monday, arrived ten minutes late to work. Grrrr. When I walked in, my boss (and pastor, for those of you who don't know I am a church secretary) came and sat in front of my desk and said I have a tremendous favor to ask you....I groan inside and was like "ok?" hesitant and wincing from what was about to happen I braced myself for the request.
He continued 'Would you consider being the Woman Counselor at youth camp NEXT WEEK? - no one else is able to do it.'
I was frankly shocked!! Because I was just thinking to myself a few weeks ago, (knowing summer camp would be apporaching) that I have no desire whatsoever to go and kudos to those who brave that job every year. LOL! Here I am, presented with the option to go somewhere I have no desire to go. And what comes out of my mouth? "Yes, I guess" WHAT?! What on earth is wrong with me?! why would I say that?! So my boss began laughing out of relief and was like "seriously?" I say "yes" AGAIN?!! Ive surely lost my mind now! I dont know any of the youth girls well enough to know what to talk about with them about, or even how to handle this all alone as the ONLY Woman counselor?! So after we joked back and forth about how he had a big speech prepared to try and convinnce me. LOL I sat back after he told me all of the stuff I needed to have done by mext week and I was just like what is wrong with you? Why would you say yes? And when I am presented with this question, the only answer that ever comes to mind is that God is sovereign in all things. So while I had eevry intention of screaming a loud "NO!!!!" Jesus made "yes" come out of my mouth and even aloud me to have a laughing conversation following the crazy "yes"?!

It just goes to prove once again that I am NOT in control of my own future. lol. And clearly Jesus has a plan and it kinda makes me excited(mostly scared)to see what He has coming next week and how He will allow me to grow through it! So I will need serious prayer to first of all make it through the HOT week at camp and to also allow myself to learn what God wants me to this coming week.

Goals. Ugh! How I am bad at them.

2010-06-06T00:42:00.002-05:00

Ok, so my goal this week - blog TWO times. I promise you guys that are actually following/sticking with me after all this time that I am still alive. I am in a weird transition. I will explain in the two blogs to come this week. Thanks for your patience! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY....uhh, AGAIN!

2010-04-28T09:39:00.003-05:00

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY TO OUR SWEEEEEET STASIA ROSE!!!

This is such a sweet girl!! Always concerned with not hurting your feelings when she talks with you. I just love her SOOOO MUCH!! Her tender heart is an inspiration to me! I thank God for the time He is graciously giving us with this sweet Beba. So here is to you "Stasia Rosie with the pretty nosie" ;)

A Very Happy Birthday!

2010-03-10T11:40:00.005-06:00

I want to wish my sweet niece Lexie Grace a very happy birthday! This is a picture of her when she was about 3-4 y.o. It's sad that this is the size I seem to size I always see her at, but she is such a little lady now and is shooting up so fast. I love this kiddo SO MUCH and am so glad that God has allowed her to have 7 years with us on this earth. So "Lexie Gracie with the pretty facie" here is to another a year and birthday! I love you sweet girl!

A loooooot of Pictures Ahead...

2010-01-28T10:01:00.006-06:00

Ok, so I had not yet posted a picture of the short haircut I got, so to see it just check out my profile picture.

On to other things:
I am still trying to come up with some ideas to put in a possible Etsy store, right now I am pressed for space at my house so I am not able to be as free to work or as fast as I would like but God will provide if it is meant to be. So with that in mind here are the shams I made for my two nieces Stasia & Lexie. I am starting on their bedspreads next, but in the meantime I have kept myself busy with these:

Stasia's Sham (she loves light blue):

Lexie's Sham (She's really gotten into pink):

So Im hoping I can sell something similar to these on Etsy. We will see I guess. Thanks for reading. :)

Hair

2009-09-23T09:50:00.019-05:00

So, I made an "impulsive" decision yesterday after spending time fixing my hair, and looking like I put ZERO effort into it, to get it cut. I always end up saying that Im tired of my hair and am going to cut it and then don't but I am for real this time I even made an appt for tonight. My hair unfortunately does no favors for me long...it makes me feel like I am trying to hide the fact that I am not skinny. There are actually 3 reasons why I always hesitate when considering getting a short/medium style:
1} Certain(lol) family members remind me 'Men like women with long hair'
2} I have broad shoulders (I'm not complaining, just stating facts) so I am afraid of looking like a linebacker with a tennis ball sized head by having a "bob haircut". And even though I am in the process of losing weight {51 pounds total loss since March, but I still have a LONG ways to go}...I don't want to look less feminine by having a short hair-do(sp?).
3} I sometimes feel like when I smile I resemble a chipmunk with nuts stuffed in the sides of her cheeks. So maybe a short haircut would just broaden my already "full" cheeks instead of flatter.
I told myself at 50pds I could get my hair done as like a "reward". I just don't want to look like one of those girls that should not have short hair b/c it doesn't compliment them. You know? I want to look feminine and still have something trendy going on w/ my hair. And not to mention, I AM getting older, so I can't be all brave about just going and cutting off/coloring my hair like in HS. I mean my thought process then was 'eh, it's just hair, it will grow back/can be dyed' but NOW, my thought is I have to live with this haircut UNTIL it grows back and I dont want to look like a 26 yr old trying to be 18 again....
Ok, so here's the breakdown I have a hair appointment at 7p and I need a hairstyle that I can work with...When my 50 mark was approaching I was considering these cuts:

They make me laugh too, b/c Melissa everytime she see's these haircuts says that if I got them they would stress her out b/c she would want to snip the "stragly" ends that just appear uneven rather than groomed. HAHA!

Anyways, my mom and I went to see the movie "I can do bad all by myself" this past weekend. And the main characters hair was really cute. I think I prefer it to the above one. I actually wouldn't be going this short, mine would kinda be closer to my collar bone:

Soooo what do ya'll think I should do? Cancel or seize the day?!

Adorable Song

2009-09-21T17:04:00.001-05:00

Michael Buble'

Fall Leaf Cookies...yuuum

2009-09-21T15:29:00.006-05:00

I LOVE Fall! With fall comes cool weather, holidays, beautiful trees and the ability to FINALLY layer cute clothing! But one of my absolute favorite parts about Fall is the baking!!! I saw this recipe on Martha Stewart the other day! I haven't been able to try them yet so if you try them in the next few days let me know what I am in for. Martha S. made it look all so simple....obviously. Ok here it is:

Ingredients for Chocolate Tuile Batter
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup confectioner's sugar
4 large egg whites, at room temperature
Directions
1.Sift flour with cocoa, and set aside.
2.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium until well-combined, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg whites, one at a time, beating for 4 minutes after each addition. Add the flour-and-cocoa mixture, and mix until just combined.
3.Reserve 1/2 cup batter; place in a pastry bag fitted with a #2 tip, and set aside for piping white tuile cookies.

Ingredients for White Tuile Batter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
4 large egg whites, at room temperature
Directions
1.Sift flour into a mixing bowl, and set aside.
2.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed, until well-combined, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg whites, one at a time, beating for 4 minutes after each addition. Add the reserved flour, and mix until just combined.
3.Reserve 1/2 cup batter; place in a pastry bag fitted with a #2 tip, and set aside for piping chocolate tuile cookies.

1.Make chocolate and white tuile batters according to recipes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Trace a leaf onto a large, flexible plastic lid, such as one from a coffee can. Using scissors, cut lip from lid. With a utility knife, cut out the leaf shape to make a stencil.

2.Place nonstick baking mat on top of a baking sheet, and place stencil on mat. Using a small offset spatula, spread a thin layer of chocolate batter over stencil; carefully lift up stencil. Repeat, making more leaves, spacing evenly on baking mat. Transfer 1/2 cup white batter into a pastry bag fitted with a #2 tip. Pipe white veins onto chocolate leaves. Bake 4 minutes.

3.Using spatula, drape leaves over rolling pin to cool. Repeat process to make 50 cookies, reserving 1/2 cup chocolate batter.

4.Repeat step 2 with white batter, using reserved chocolate batter for piping.

Enjoy!

In Honor Of Grandpa Johnny

2009-09-15T11:16:00.021-05:00

This year has been filled with crying. Not all of it from sadness, some happiness has been graciously mixed in. Our family has regained fellowship with my dad and God seems to have done a really great work in his heart but we have also lost our sweet sweet last living grandparent, Johnny Hinson.
Now let me tell you about this awesome man! Johnny Luckeydo Hinson,and yes, "Luckeydo" is his actual middle legal birth name! LOL. The story on how he got that name is for another time. He was the 2nd to youngest of 11 brother & sisters, he fought in 2 wars (in one of which he was blessed to be stationed with his brother J.R. for 6 months, which obviously was VERY rare), these pictures are of my grandfather(left in both) and JR during those 6 months. He always use to say 'I wasn't that good of a soldier but J.R. was a gooood soldier."

After the military he married our amazing grandmother ~
Mary Magdalene White

they went on to have 3 children together, the eldest being my dad.

They divorced when my dad was about 16 yrs old. Even after all the time that passed after their divorce and even dating/marrying other people...grandpa cried uncontrollably when hearing about my grandmothers death in 1994 and said that after all this time she was the only woman he was ever really in love with.

He was also great at scrounging & saving and an ingenious business man! He use to tell us how in every house in NC that he lived in as a grown up he would always make/find a hole in the garage or floor board and stash money in it and then forget about it and move and then remember later that he had left that money there...so growing up we would joke about how people living in those houses had no idea that they were sitting on $1000's of dollars. ROFL!
Grandpa really had a way of making you feel incredibly special as his grandchild. He would always refer to my sisters & I as "his girls"; I will really miss his hugs, our special late night chats, his happy chuckles, stories about himself & his siblings and exactly how "pretty" of a young man he really was. lol He most certainly had no shame of how he felt about his "blessed beauty"..lol.

But the most amazing part was that two yrs ago he was saved. And I was discouraged before going up to his funeral b/c when visiting him last we didn't see much evidence of salvation, he seemed to be very irritable and angry about things at the drop of a hat; But I found out while being in NC this wknd that he had developed dementia and it had shrunken his brain and the irritability is all a part of the illness. All I can do is hope. Hope that he really had 2yrs ago become dedicated to follow Christ and it was sincere. I hope to see him one day again! We love and already miss him so much!

Johnny Luckeydo Hinson
January 10, 1926 ~ September 09, 2009

This is taking FOREVER!!

2009-07-16T09:58:00.003-05:00

So a while back my sister called me and said:

Melissa: what are you doing?

Me: working. What are you doing?

Melissa: I am STILL playing monopoly with the kids...

(in the background) Lexie: AND IT IS TAKING FOREVER!!
Melissa: Well, you guys are the one's who wanted to play this game and now that we started it we HAVE to finish it.

Andrew: This is taking my WHOLE life! It's taking forever!

Lexie: We are NEVER going to finish! Mom can't we stop?!

Melissa: NO, the rule is always the same, if you start something you are going to finish it. And unfortunately I started playing too, so I have to finish too. :(

Me: LAUGHING hysterically, and still listening to the conversations on their end.

Lexie: THIS IS GOING TO TAKE FOREVER!

ANDREW: THIS IS TAKING MY WHOLE LIFE TO FINISH!

Melissa: Fine, this is what we will do, anytime we land on a hotel we will double the amount. (so they start to do that)

Lexie: THIS is STILL taking FOREVER!!!!

And here is a picture of exactly how much fun they had...LOL

Just Realized

2009-05-19T10:33:00.003-05:00

I just realized that I have picts of all the kiddo's on here except for sweet little Matthew Asher! He is just as adorable and is the youngest brother of Stasia, Lexie and Andrew. So here it is:

He is 11 months....and that is my sister Melissa (his mommy) holding him:

Ok, well, The End. :)

A Tribute To Our Sweet Theo Niko

2009-05-13T12:33:00.008-05:00

B/c I am so bad at blogging and also b/c this yr has been insanely busy and fast paced I am just now getting updates on here from a previously written blog. Oops!

On May 1st Our sweet Theo(Uncle)Niko passed away. We miss him so much and loved having him as our Uncle! He was always generous, warm and happy. I have nothing but good thoughts of him. We had just seen him in March for a quick visit to N.C. and we realized then that he had a very bad cough...which he continually brushed off, wanting to know more about what had been going on with us rather than take concern for himself. He constantly put others ahead of himself. He went to the doctor about 2weeks later and found that he had lung cancer, lymph node cancer and brain cancer. We were devestated! But rested in the thought that he was saved recently!

Nick was also a religious journalist for the High Point Enterprise. And did really great stories too! I was unable to keep up with them due to the fact that you had to have a perscription to the H.P.E. to get them and now of coarse that reasoning seems rather petty. He was also in the process of writing a novel, which when I heard this, was excited to read when it came out.

Nick G. Maheras
March 14, 1953 - May 1, 2009

HIGH POINT — Nick George Maheras, 56, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 1, 2009. After a brief battle with lung cancer, he died peacefully at home with his daughters at his side.

Nick was born Pericles Mitsopoulos-Makris in 1953 in Patras, Greece, and was adopted into the Theodore George and Anna Drakulakos Maheras family in 1958. He was naturalized as a proud and concerned American citizen in 1962 and spent the bulk of his years in High Point. He was a graduate of High Point Central High School and UNC Charlotte. He spent several years in television and print media before joining the staff of the High Point Enterprise in 1988. He covered local High Point news and religion assignments and had a way of making everyday news interesting. Nick enjoyed working out at the YMCA, where he formed many valuable friendships. He spoke fondly of playing basketball for years with his friends at the Baptist church. His greatest loves were his family members, his friends from the old neighborhood and his Heavenly Father. He was preceded in death by his parents, his niece and his unborn baby.

I call him "Jumbo"

2009-05-13T11:47:00.004-05:00

So Lexie Grace was talking to her mom today....ROFL! and this was the convo:

Lexie(straight faced & in all seriousness): "Mom, I told Andrew (their 4yr old brother) that he should not be hanging out with Kyle and Jack because they are really roudy and when they get around the other kids the kids get all roudy, especially Jumbo."

Mom(starts to laugh from shock): "Who?! Who is "Jumbo"?"

Lexie: "Well, I don't know his real name so that is what I call him."

Stasia: "I told her not to do that, it is so embarressing."

Mom (laughing harder now): "Lexie, you can't just name somebody something. Why do you call him that?"

Lexie: "Well, I call him that because it is what his name kinda sounds like when I heard it but I couldnt understand what it was...so I call him Jumbo."

Stasia: (stands there mortified)

ROFL!!! Lexie is such a nut!

Here is a picture of Stasia and Lexie....they were really tired of taking pictures.

BAKED PASTA

2009-05-11T12:50:00.005-05:00

(This is Melissa's recipe from girls night)

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic (yuuummm)
1 cup spaghetti sauce
1 cup brown gravy
1/2 cup half & half
1/4 cup Parmesan
1 tsp oregano
salt & pepper to taste
1 box penne or rigatoni pasta, cooked

TOPPING: I cup shredded mozzarella

Heat large pan. Add olive oil, beef, and garlic. Saute until meat is tender. Drain excess fat. Add all remaining ingredients and simmer for approx 20 minutes. Stir in cooked pasta. Pour all into a 3-quart baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 for 25 minutes or until all is bubbly hot and topping is golden. Serves 6.

In the Mind of a Child

2009-04-27T11:47:00.003-05:00

My niece this morning before I left for work was telling my sister Melissa (her mom) something that I was hilarious.

Setting the scene: Stasia (who is Lexie's, from the previous blog, older sister) had found a roly-poly in the house and was told to put him outside. It was rainy out.

Stasia: Mom, I put the roly-poly outside.

Melissa: ok.

Stasia: (*pretty concerned and very serious) And I made sure that I put him in the grass because I didn't want to put him on the concrete because then he might slip and fall and hurt himself since it is slippery out there.

LOL!!!!!!!!! She cracks me up! Annnnnd here is a picture of our sweet beba's!

Lexie, Stasia and Andrew

The "Good-O-Meter"

2009-04-21T12:21:00.000-05:00

GIVE AWAY TIME!

2009-04-16T16:47:00.003-05:00

My awesome friend KATE is doing a great giveaway! Check it out for details on how to win these two things!

An ESV Daily Reading Bible and Starbucks coffee!

The winner will be announced Friday. So hurry!
Deadline to enter: Thursday at 11:59PM.

From the Mouth of Babes

2009-04-07T12:49:00.004-05:00

So the funniest conversation happened between my sister, Melissa and her 6 year old daughter, Lexie.

It went as follows:

Lexie: Mom, I don't know what the deal is, but I keep feeling drops of water dropping on me all the time!

Melissa: What do you mean?

Lexie: Well, like when I am sitting at the table or in the car, everywhere, I just keep feeling drops of water on me.

Melissa: Well, maybe you are spitting on yourself when your talking and not realizing it.

Lexie: No, because my mouth is like this when it happens (Lexie closes her mouth to show melissa that she could not have spit through closed lips.)

Melissa: Hmm, I don't know what it could be.

Lexie: I don't either......(pause)....Maybe it's a message or something. You know?

Melissa: What do you mean? (in a "where are we going with this?" tone)

Lexie: Well, maybe from like....

Melissa: God?

Lexie: Yeah, maybe.

Melissa: God does not send messages to people by spitting on them.

Lexie: ***Thinks.

Melissa: ***Trying not to laugh.

Lexie: well, if you are reading your Bible and you read anything about (melissa cuts her off and says)

Melissa: I'll let you know.

Lexie: Yes, yes, let me know.

HAHAH!!!!!! That is the funniest story ever! Lexie is a hoot and she will be totally serious when talking about it!!! Because to her it makes perfect logical sense.

"Put Off, Put On"

2009-03-31T12:19:00.006-05:00

You know, it seems so obvious to me since having been in counseling with godly people and going through a constant spiritual fight that something as simple as a "put off" and "put on" list is SO VERY important. (although I, in my foolishness and stubbornness, do not always apply it like I should) It keeps coming back to me as a BIG key in this walk to be more like Jesus Christ. Those of you who have not heard of "put off" and "put on" let me kinda explain it and give you a point of reference. For every evil deed you do, thinking about doing or are tempted to do, you replace that deed/thought with a verse or an action that is glorifying to God. The best example that was given to me by my wonderful counselors last year is found in Eph.4.22-25

"That, in reference to your former manner of life,
you lay aside (put off)the old self, which is being corrupted
in accordance with the lusts of deceit,
23and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
24and put on the new self, which in the likeness of
God has been created in righteousness and holiness
of the truth.
25Therefore, laying aside(put off) falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH
EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are
members of one another." (NASB)

Do you see what Paul is saying? You HAVE to replace those thoughts/actions that keep dragging you down and making you feel horrible spiritually with a godly thing. He was instructing his readers that if they have a problem with lying, "put on truth" in its place.

We may tell ourselves after falling into a particular sin "ok, I have set my mind to never do that sin again, because I have strength in Christ alone!" Well, yes and no, yes in that Jesus' strength is perfect and He will supply you with the grace to be able to say no to things. But no in the way of we can't just say, I have removed this sin from my life and plan to never do it again and that is final. It doesn't matter how much authority we say it with or whether or not we imagine ourselves being so bold as to say it to the Devil himself, if it is not REPLACED with a godly action or a verse in scripture to call to mind when we see ourselves slipping then we will never be rid of the sin that we struggle with. So what is the practical application? You know what your struggles are, write them down and have a positive verse for the "put on".

Example:
Let's say my sin that I struggle with is Complaining/murmuring I would need to put this sin off. I would look Complaining/murmuring up in scripture to remind/show myself that it is for sure a sin against a Holy God, so my "put off" verse could be Phil. 2.14 "Do all things without grumbling or disputing;" (NASB)so there is the command against complaining/murmuring. By identifying it as sin we then can go to the "put on" verse which can be Hebrews 13.15

"Through Him then, let us continually
offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is,
the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name."(NASB)

Do you see? And you will not always have to look at the put off verse because you will know for example that lying is a sin that God has commanded you not do. So look up the "put on" verse which could be Zech. 8.16 "These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates." (NASB)

Well, I hope this has been a help to you just as it is to me. It is a for sure Biblical way to apply yourself to godliness! And when you get a chance look at how many times the phrase "put on" is in the Epistles and always referring to putting on righteous deeds.

I am a nerd & I am ok with it!

2009-03-25T13:40:00.004-05:00

Ok, so for the first time last night I watched the movie "The Phantom of the Opera".

Yes, yes, I know, I am waaaay behind on the whole movie scene. But I just recently fell in love with classical music and opera so this whole thing is brand new to me.

I really liked this movie! I mean if you dont mind random bursting out into songs, then you will like it too! Here is a breakdown: The phantom (who lives in a dungeon under the Opera house)at a few points in the film kidnaps the main character named, Christine, because she has the most beautiful voice and he wants to marry her. After kidnapping her, he proceeds to take her down to his cave where he shows her some disturbing things that he has had going on down there (he clearly had lots of time on his hands...after all he had lived there since he was 10 or 11 y.o.). Throughout the movie Christine's long-time true love, Raoul, has to run to her rescue (more than once, might I add). Rauol tries so many times that the Phantom finally is fed up with the love that is between Rauol and Christine that he attempts to force Christine to stay and love him or he will kill Raoul. Christine "convinces" the phantom that he wouldnt be happy with that arrangement in his heart, because he would know it was forced, and she would become resentful (obviously). She shows him some much needed compassion and scurries away to be with Raoul but at this point everyone in the cave is crying except Raoul, who just had to witness his love kiss the phantom(weird). It makes you as the viewer form a small sad attatchment to this scary, murdering, kidnapping phantom. The last scene with him in it, is him crying and his last words in the film, to Christine were "I've always loved you Christine."

For some odd reason, I felt bad for him. He was a crazy man and I felt like Christine was being kinda selfish going to be with Rauol, you know, the sane one....lol. But, in the end it is nice to have the true loves end up together. So, I know probably all of you have seen this movie and you just had to listen to me butcher the plot, but I was very impressed with this movie that also casted Minnie Driver, who did a great job! And of coarse, Ciarán Hinds, who is always good at his acting.

OH! and also! The young girl who played Christine had the most beautiful voice! And she sings in real life and has a cd out! I was excited to hear that!

All in all, the film and music of the Phantom of the Opera now has all new meaning to me. I am growing to appreciate more and more the talent it takes to be a classical musician and opera singer.

Becoming Esther

2009-03-19T11:23:00.003-05:00

by Charo & Paul Washer

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Before a girl's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months in oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. And this is how she would go to the king...Esther 2:12-13, have always been amazed at the kind of preparation that the future queen Esther had to go through before she was able to come before King Xerxes. Would any of us want to go through twelve months of beauty treatments before meeting the man of our dreams? Probably not, but then again, imagine the possibilities. One year set aside for one sole purpose - becoming all you can be for the one you love the most. Precious time to cultivate beauty, to make an investment in education and etiquette, to strengthen virtue, and build character.

The preparation of Esther reminds me of that precious time between the awakening of desire in a young womans heart to share her life with a mate and the moment she walks down the aisle. For many, this time of preparation is seen as nothing more than a time of waiting.Single women often see themselves as sitting on the shelf while life passes them by, or as sitting on the bench while others play the game. They do not realize that they are wasting the most important time of their lives, they are robbing themselves of great joy and reward, they are robbing their future husbands of a more virtuous woman,and they are robbing God of a servant through whom He desires to do great things.

As Esther had to be prepared before she could be queen of an entire realm, so the woman must be prepared before she can embark on one of the most important and difficult callings in life - marriage and motherhood. Esther had to learn the ways of the kingdom to which she belonged, she had to learn the manners of court life, the intellectual, emotional and spiritual challenges of high position. To put it simply, Esther had to be transformed from a young lady into a queen before she could wear the title and fulfill the role. In the same way, the single Christian woman must learn the ways of the Kingdom of Heaven before she ever unites with the one that God is preparing for her. She must be prepared intellectually,emotionally and spiritually, not by court attendants in some pagan temple, but by God Himself, His Word, and by other godly women who have been prepared before her. Singleness is not a waste of time or a sitting on the sidelines, but a time that God has set aside especially for the woman, to make her into what He wants her to be, and to use her in ways that just might be impossible after marriage. Singleness is a time in which a woman is to cultivate the virtues that pertain to being a woman of God, so that she can offer to her future husband and the world something more than just a pretty face.

Remember in your singleness that you are not the only one single, but your future husband is passing through the same stage as you. Would it not be a terrible thing to finally meet the man who is to become your husband only to find out that he has used his singleness to serve God and to prepare himself to be a better husband for you. And yet you did not use the freedom of your singleness to serve the Lord, nor did you take advantage of the training that God offered you? Would it not also be a terrible thing to realize that your husband spent his days as a single man praying daily for your needs and the work of God in your life, while you neither
prayed for him, nor responded to the grace of God that was given you as a result of his prayers. It is a wonderful thing when God blesses a woman with a husband. That special someone who is "just perfect" for her in that he has been carefully and thoughtfully designed by God to be united as one with her. It is such a joy for the
woman to look back and remember how God enabled her to wait on Him and that He was faithful to bless. It is still an even greater joy for her to know that her time as a single woman was also a time of seeking God and being faithful to Him and
His purpose. That she did not for one moment wish to flee that state, but desired only to trust in God and wait upon His gracious sovereignty. By no means is it a tragedy to be a single Christian woman, but the way of the world has once again infiltrated Christianity with the false idea that it is. One of the greatest lies is that if you do not "have someone" or are not "actively looking", there is something wrong with you. Another lie is that the single woman should be dating around as though looking for a husband were the same as shopping in a mall.
Still another even stronger lie is that the single woman should be giving her affections away indiscriminately so that she may be more "experienced" and know what to do when she finally finds the man of her choice. My dear Christian, it is a lie and an affront to God to say that experience is the best teacher, when in fact it is God who is the best teacher, and though the world's motto is "live and learn", the Bible's advice is "learn and live". You do not need to be experienced, you only need
to be knowledgeable of what God has said and obedient to it. You should not be looking for the man of your choice, but should be waiting on the man of God's choice. And when he comes, it will not be past experiences that will make your
marriage work, but past chastity, purity, and godliness. We should hide our faces from the ways and experiences of this wicked world and look upon only those things that God has placed in the path He has prepared for us.

God knows exactly what you need and He even knows the desires of your heart better than you do. God loves surprises. He does not want you to be looking for your husband, He wants to bring him to you, and probably at a time you least expect it. If you disobey this advice, as so many other women before you, and take it upon yourself to look for a mate, you may find someone, but chances are that someone you find will not be the right one. As women, our nature desires the company and companionship of a man. This is from God and therefore good. But at the same time, we are wrong to think that death will be the result if this need is not fulfilled. Needing another as a companion is not like needing to take your next breath of air. That is, you can survive without companionship, at least until God has done His perfect work in you. Remember the Scripture, "God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (I Corinthians 10:13) I have found that there are two primary reasons why someone "desperately" needs someone else. First of all, it is because they do not know God as they should. Is God not the God of all comfort? Is not Christ the exalted Lord who fills all things everywhere? Then why do we complain about how empty and alone we feel? Could it be that God extends our time of singleness so that we might find our life in Him and learn to be complete in Him? If we seek to be married because we feel that a husband will fill our lives or will in some way make us complete, we will be sorely disappointed in our marriage. No man, no matter how Christ-like could ever take the place of God in our lives, to think such a thing is pure idolatry. If we are not filled by God now and complete in Christ in the present, then not even a marriage made in heaven will be able to change our emptiness.

The second reason for desperately needing someone in our lives is plain selfishness. When we need someone in order to feel loved, or when we need someone so that our feelings of loneliness might dissipate, then we are wanting marriage for all the wrong reasons. Marriage should not be looked upon as an opportunity to have our needs met, but as an opportunity to meet the needs of another. If we have not learned to take our own needs to God, then we will probably overwhelm our husbands with our own needs and be unaware of his. I have known Christian women who spent their days consumed with their own needs and constantly lamenting about why God had not brought someone into their life. But why should God entrust a godly man to a woman that is absorbed in herself and her own needs, and does not use the freedom of her singleness to serve God and prepare herself for His purposes? Such a woman would have little to offer a godly husband! My dear friend, being single, like being married should be considered a very special and enjoyable time in the providence of God. It should not be considered a mere circumstance or a curse from which one should try desperately to flee. Being single is a time to learn of God and of ourselves, a time to discover who we are in Christ, and to grow in Christlikeness.

It is a time to be zealous for good works and involved in ministry to others. Being single has a magic of its own that should be enjoyed in its time because once passed it may not return. There is nothing quite so sad as a woman now married who regrets what she could have been and done with her life while single. All was lost for the sake of hurrying to be married without consideration for the plan or work of God. Every season in life has a beauty and wonder of its own. My prayer for all single Christian women is that they might enjoy their time in spite of the lies of the world. That they might be demanding and not settle for anything less than the perfect will of God. That they might wait patiently on God who is the giver of every good and perfect gift. That they might be like Esther, using whatever time God deems necessary to make them beautiful on the inside and out.

Proverbs 31
“... She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Change of Pace

2009-03-10T11:16:00.005-05:00

Well, while I have enjoyed the job at the Bridal shop, that the Lord alone has allowed me to have. I, as of last Saturday, gave my two weeks notice. March 21st will be my last day there. There are a few critical issues that I have come up against at this job that have made me come to this decision. I just don't feel like I could honor God and keep this job. So I am glad He gave me the opportunity to have this job that, at the start, I really enjoyed, but have now seen that it is best to move on from this company. It breaks my heart because I know that I will always be enamored with weddings, the white gown, the flowers, the colors, the exchanging of "I do's", the reception details, the table cloths, the cake, etc. Especially since I don't see myself as ever getting married I like to look at what all the ideas would've been like, had I of had the chance to do this all for my own wedding. Not in an envious way by any means, but just in a daydreaming kinda way. This just seemed like a really good opportunity to get my fill on weddings and have the privilege to look at beautiful dresses all week long. But the Lord knows what is best, I will still have my morning job and it will give me some time to find something that will work around my schedule and honor God. Please pray that He leads me where He will be most glorified.

French Eclectic...Apparently

2009-03-04T11:30:00.007-06:00

Yet another..."My Style"

French Eclectic
Parlez-vous français? Even if the answer is no, you can confidently say your home does! French Eclectic somehow manages to be both formal and casual, classy and unassuming at the same time. You like your spaces to feel inviting from the moment you (or your guest) opens the front door and this feeling should continue even after you've entered your most formal room.

Even though there are French antiques here and floral details there, the rustic country elements provide a balance and warmth that seems to say, "come in, relax and stay a while." Your love of antiques leads you to flea markets, garage sales and hours of eBay hunting.

This is soo true. Find your style at sproost.com!!

What's been going on...

2009-01-26T13:21:00.004-06:00

Hello again to the blogging world! It has been a really long time since I have gotten on here and blogged. So let me start with some updates!
1) My car has been restored to me by some awesome friends, whom we will call Mr. G and Mr. J, from church! I am so unworthy of God's gifts! Praise the Lord for the way He shows His love for us!! I received my car back on Christmas Eve 08. I cried, then laughed, hugged Mr G. (since he is the actual one who brought it to me), got in my old car and have thanked my Heavenly Father for it ever since!!
2) I have gotten to go downtown witnessing more than I typically have in the last year or so....it feels so great to be back!
3)I also am still liking my job at the Bridal shop, some situations that have come up have made me question what exactly I am to do there.....but God is gracious to let me be sanctified even in these situations AND has even given me other believers that are some pretty much amazing women.
4) I am praying about a specific situation that I hope God allows to happen fairly soon. I am really excited to see what happens with it.
5)We have started a study at church on Habakkuk!!! I am CRAZY excited about that!!!!
6) And lastly, I think I have decided to sell some stuff on ETSY.com. Like kitchen stuff....aprons, towels, etc.

This is an apron I did for my friend Kate, so maybe some stuff like this would be what I would sell on etsy?

And that about wraps it up, that has been my life since the last blog.

Lamentations 3:22-23

2008-12-04T12:13:00.003-06:00

I need to ask for forgiveness to anyone who read this blog yesterday....I was having an unecessary melt down. Unecessary, because while I dont have a car and do not seem to be getting approved for one any time soon...I should still be rejoicing in the fact that Christ is still Christ. He gives and He takes away...all for MY good. So when I have my moments of acting like a little brat that hasnt had things go her way....He thankfully reminds me of Himself and His sacrifice for me. This ungrateful child that wants things done her way far too often....He is continually there loving me, watching and guiding every small detail of my life.

I have everything in the world to be thankful for! I have a huge family...which means I am never alone...lol...I have a mother that loves me and WANTS to hang out with me, Neices and Nephews (10 to be exact) that I love to death and are always willing to let their crazy Aunt kiss & hug on them. Two jobs I absolutely LOVE! Wonderful friends! A church that is beyond amazing and Christ focused. A loving Heavenly Father that is constantly pushing me closer and closer to holiness and Christ likeness....and can, yes, even use my bratty attitude (for my good)...to show me my sinful nature and how much work i still need.

So as I write this, I am hoping that yesterday's post (because of my attitude) didnt give you a bad view of my wonderful Savior...who always provides for me. What on earth could I ever complain about He is constantly giving me gifts!! So, car or no car....home or no home...God is just in all that He does. May He give me the grace to get through every situation and circumstance.

Psalm 139
"8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,"
12 Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day
Darkness and light are alike to You.......

...23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way."

Car Woe's

2008-12-03T12:16:00.003-06:00

OK, so I am on my 2nd week of not having a car, due to the fact that I have NO credit. Granted...I am poor, but good grief I CAN afford a car payment people! APPROVE ME ALREADY!!! I am getting so tired of hearing the term "you've been declined" What could I possibly do to get approved with no co-signer??

These are the places I have tried:
- Drive Time
- Classic Chevrolet
- Carmax
- Wells Fargo
- Wamu
- D & M Leasing
- I have even looked into how much it would cost to get my car fixed...($1000 at least)...and my car is not even worth that much. And I only have 2 payments left.

Any thoughts?

My weekned....

2008-11-23T20:56:00.008-06:00

Yeah, so my weekend started by me trying to go downtown fort worth to witness and not being able to because my car decided to die. It jolted, right before I got on the hwy. then shut off (on its own), flash the engine light, with a little (ding,ding, ding) while I was still in drive -might I add-. So, I coasted over into the nearest side road I see, mind you, my car will NOT turn no more than slightly to the right no matter how much I try...so I pull over to this dark side road and I can only turn to the right so much that by the time my car is done coasting it is in the lane of oncoming traffic and a stop sign is directly behind me...Thankfully this particular road is not a busy road. So I didnt get hit. Needless to say, I had to get towed and the mechanic called the next morning after running a test on the car and they said we should just get a different car...because even if they fix my car, they cant promise it wont do what it did again....so we have been car shopping this weekend.

This is what I currently have:

This is what I would like to get:

A kia sportage

Please keep my mom and I in your prayers as we look for a car this week! I know the Lord will provide! It kills me because I couldnt get to the church I normally go to because of not having a car. :( I went to church w/ my mom instead...which was fine, but I love my church!

Genesis 50:21
"So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them."

Awesomeness

2008-11-13T10:00:00.005-06:00

Ok, so it has been forever since I have posted anything on here...soooooo, it is an update.

I started my job over a week ago at Davids Bridal and am loving it! I made my first sale last night to where I actually got to put the sale ON my name list for commission. That was kinda a BIG DEAL for me. And the girl that got the dress was absolutely adorable! I feel so blessed that I get to talk and hang out with brides the whole time...of coarse I say this with confidence since I have yet to meet a "bridezilla"...cant wait for that hopeful day.

Anyways, having two jobs is not backfiring on me like I thought it would...of coarse, if I could get rid of this headache and the constant sleepiness, I would be super happy....lol...but I am still getting into the flow of things...I am not going to complain though because the Lord has allowed me to have this awesome job that I love and a job that allows me to have Sundays off and alot of Fri. nights off so I can still go witnessing! The down side to this whole two job thing is...(besides having mirrors for walls and being able to see every angle of yourself...which will definetly cause you to want to be depressed and starve yourself...lol) I do miss being able to hang out with friends or just hang out at home with the family, but I have got to pay for school somehow and this is the only way I can see it happening w/ no backfiring of school loan payments for the rest of my life.

Praise, Praise, Praise #2

2008-11-03T10:53:00.002-06:00

So I called the Bridal Store on Saturday because I hadnt heard back from them this week and the manager talked to me and told me, 'yes we actually did discuss it and we would like to extend you an offer.' I was like, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! (on the inside of coarse) Thank you!
So today is my official starting day! I start at 4.30p. Praise the Lord who gives beyond our expectations and wants!

Psalms 63
7 For You have been my help,
And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me!!

Early Voting

2008-10-28T13:38:00.003-05:00

So I went and voted on my lunch break yesterday and let me say...that is incredibly stressful! I was so anxious about accidentally putting in Obama/Bidden instead of McCain/Palin....Thankfully I think it all worked together...Although I dont necessarily agree with McCain on all points...I do feel like I picked the less of the two evils....because I honestly don't trust anyone in politics. I do feel like I voted for someone who I agree with on moral issues and things that matter to me. (marriage, LIFE, taxes, war, etc.) So go fulfill your freedom to vote! May God be gracious to America!

We're losing it....

2008-10-23T11:45:00.001-05:00

Thanks Kate!

2008-10-23T09:28:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Kate, one of my bestest friends for my award! She is totally awesome you guys!

Here are the rules:
List 6 things I value, list 6 things I don't and then pass this award on to 6 people!

So here it goes:

I Value:
1. My relationship with Jesus Christ
2. My family & friends
3. A great worship time
4. The Church
5. Coffee...mmmm
6. Antiquing and grabbing lunch with friends

I Don't Value:
1. Velveeta "cheese" (I agree with Amanda...velveeta is right up there w/ SPAM...which I really do believe stands for (S)tuff (P)osing (A)s (M)eat)
2. The way the media is totally one sided on EVERYTHING!
3. The opinion of Hollywood or celebrities (Oprah, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin...etc)
4. Watered down tea
5. Sharks and their teeth
6. Cruise ships

Six People I'd Like to Hear From:
1. Shayla
2. Mrs. Hayward
3. Keri
4. everyone...
5. ....
6. ....

Interview #2?????

2008-10-20T09:58:00.003-05:00

Why the question marks??? Well, I went on Saturday for my "second interview" and the manager had told me (at the 1st int.) that I would be meeting two other managers for the 2nd int. to discuss how the base pay and commission works for the sales floor. So I go in on Saturday and one of the managers comes over and says to me put your purse in the back and come with me, I am going to introduce you to some people...I was like oh ok...so we start walking around the store and meeting people in a "walking by" fashion. So I finally meet the other manager that is suppose to be helping conduct my interview and then the manager that is introducing me to everyone takes me over to an employee that is working with a bride and the manager says to me, this is "Marcie" and you will be watching her work with this bride. And she walks off!

So I am standing there like a calf at a new gate totally taken back by the fact that I thought I was coming to an interview, but I am now "training" apparently and I am not on the clock???....Confused. Then another worker comes up to me and introduces herself and asks me "are you staying till close?" I was like oh, no! (because I thought it was going to be like an hour interview and I had previously made plans to be with my mom that night so I hadnt even planned on working). Anyways, the manager that walked me around told me that the other manager wanted to visit with me for a few minutes and so she did, for like 3 or 4 minutes and it is while me and "Marcie" were working with a bride. Anyways, I finally went to the manager and this was our convo:

ME: "I am so sorry, but I was told yesterday that I would be coming in for an interview and I had plans to meet my mom and..."

Manager: "Oh yeah go ahead and go."

Me: "Oh, no I mean I can stay I just need to call her so she can know that I wont be able to come."

Manger: "No, no, dont worry about it, just go ahead and go and we'll talk and let you know what decision we make."

Me: *thinking* "ok?"

Yeah, so I still have no idea how on earth the commission works and no idea how that was considered an interview.

But on a positive note...I will tell you that the hour and a half that I worked - flew by! I LOVED IT! I could totally do it everyday! Every time she came out of the dressing room with a different dress on I was like "OH! that is so beautiful!"

Anyways, I really would like to have this job even if the management is kinda quirky. It really is a job I would enjoy I think.

Psalms103:1
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Interview #1

2008-10-18T12:15:00.004-05:00

I went to my interview and it went well, I stumbled on my words as usual...but she actually invited me to come back today at 4p to talk about how the commission for the sales floor works and all, so I will be going today for #2 interview. God is so amazing to me...I am literally in awe on how blessed I am with all the sin I feel overwhelms me on a daily basis yet He still sees me through Christ...I am so unworthy! Praise the Lord that He is who He is and the love that He has for His children. Please pray that God's will be done and that I get the job that God wants me to have - somewhere I can bring HIM the ultimate glory. Even if I dont get this specific job, I want to be where ever HE wants me.

Isaiah 25:10
"Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth."

EXCITING JOB SEARCH UPDATE!!!!!!!

2008-10-15T09:22:00.003-05:00

So I went and handed my application in at David's bridal yesterday, and the manager talked to me for a few minutes and asked if I could come in for a job interview on Friday @ 11a!!!!! I am so excited! God is so gracious to me even in letting me get a job interview with a bridal shop, even if I don't get the actual job, He is so merciful to this sinner in letting me at least get an interview with something I think I would really enjoy doing! I use to want to be a wedding dress designer or at least a coordinator. I am excited! I am so astounded at the way God surprises me with His love in giving me a gift that may seem so small to everyone around me, but to know that He knows even my smallest and insignificant desires and He wants to fulfill them as my Father...This Jesus that loves me is so gracious to me!!

Proverbs 14.12

2008-10-15T08:31:00.005-05:00

I got this picture in an email from a friend today. This is so blasphemous. I have no words...but the verse that came to mind is Prov. 14:12 "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

So in response to the sign:

This and That

2008-10-14T10:05:00.004-05:00

So, I passed by QT (my favorite gas station in the world) this morning...and saw gas was for $2.87!! I am so stoked! hmmmm....so this is what it feels like to be 25 and be easily excited about things like gas prices....remember the days when we would give our parents funny looks about them being excited about how they saved money on things...to which they would reply to us, "What, do you think money grows on trees?" Followed by a lengthy lecture about how when they were younger they had to go to school barefooted, w/ old hole infested clothes, in the snow, up hill.....BOTH WAYS!

Although now, more than ever I see my parents in me. I remember things that they use to say to us that I would always think to myself in frustration, 'I will never say that to my kids or any kid!' These horrid things like "you take care of you and let me deal with your sister" or "I better not hear ANY fighting" or "Now that you two have been so mean to each other you need to hug each other and remember that Jesus did not give you a sister to fight with but to love". I find myself saying all of this stuff to my nieces and nephews....and yet BEFORE it comes out of my mouth it sounds perfectly normal and sensible...but AS SOON as it is out of the mouth I immediately start to say to myself or Melissa, "Oh my goodness gracious I sound like mother!" Oh well, I guess it really is inevitable.

I pass through like 5 school zones on the way to work every morning, only one of them with a flashing light...(*explain that one to me)....anyways, I passed by this school and saw the ??soccer team?? i guess, doing suicide lines on the field....do you remember those days? when we would have to do suicide lines in basketball!? Back at OTCA we had a coach, Beth, who would run us sooooo stinkin' hard! She would take us out to the field house, tell us to lift weights then run 6 times around the football field...and I will tell you, she was the BEST COACH in the world! She had just the right amount of competitiveness and spunk to get us through games...We were NEVER under any circumstances aloud to use the word "Can't" in her prescence and if one of your teammates were pretty bad at the game, the whole team had to run during practice while and until that one team member showed some improvement at that particular thing that she struggled with. We didnt play that great, but we weren't too awfully bad either...This is the way a game usually went - we only had 5 players on the team and obviously no subs since it was basketball and you only play with five people. But we would have no subs and 2-3 of our players alot of the time would get fouled out. so that would leave 2 of us on the court plaing against 5 players from the other team...which would normally throw them off, and make them question whether they should just let two of their players play against us...lol...anyways, we would have to play against the 5 players and lose but we didnt quit. (yet another word not in Beths dictionary) Those were the good old days...if I could only be that age again, no responsibilty, no talking about gas prices! lol...oh well, at least I can still remember those days.

7 Quirks...and I only get 7 huh?

2008-10-06T14:23:00.005-05:00

So, Kate tagged me to do a 7 quirky things post. Although I am weeks behind ~ I guess, better late then never.

Be warned, you cant stop being friends with me after you read the list...lol.

1. BUNNIES/RABBITS: I WILL NOT hold or approach rabbits/bunnies (cute as they are) I would like to be able to but they always seem to or at least when I was a kid want to use me (as my friend kate puts it) their personal tinkle zone...which now makes me have a serious complex to bunnies.

2. TRAFFIC: I am not one of those people who will get mad and start yelling & screaming or anything like that, but if I dont have something playing in my car that is interesting then I will try to get off on the closest exit and take side "short cuts". And it may be that in the end the "short cut" took waaay longer than traffic could ever have taken but as long as I am moving and not just sitting still for an hour I feel progressive.

3. Before going to sleep I usually check my alarm at least 3 or 4 times to make sure it is set right...yeah a little OCD there. And I like to have even numbers of things. * i.e.: ice in my glass. I like 2,4 or 6 pieces. I mean, I wont freak out if I am at a friends house and they set a glass of water in front of me and it has 5 pieces of ice...I wont need to go to my "happy place" or anything. It's just my preference.

4. Socks: I can't stand for my socks to get wet. It grosses me out. I dont know why that is...but if they get wet I have to take them off the first chance I get.

5. Cabinets/Drawers: I can't stand it when they are left partially open.

6. Cakes/Quilts: These are some things I do on the side for friends and families and evertime almost (because I feel like the end result doesnt turn out as great as it looked in my head) I tell my sister "I AM NEVER DOING ANOTHER _______ (insert cake or quilt in the blank) AGAIN!!!!!! NEEEEEVER!!! I dont know why I do these! They never turn out right!!"...and the rant will continue for about 20-30 min....a week later I begin the plans for my next cake or quilt. I am clearly a glutton for punishment.

7. Hair: When I fix my hair I have to do ALL of my hair. By this I mean, if I am straightening/curling my hair, I have to start at the base of my hair line and work all the way up to the front of my hairline. I cant just do the top layers of my hair to give the illusion of it all being straight/curly, because that would stress me out.

I dont know who to tag ~ so if you would like to list 7 quirky things about yourself then please go right ahead!

It's been a while....

2008-09-29T09:43:00.006-05:00

Wow, so I am totally considering canceling my blog because I just dont post enough....hmmmm....but for todays post... in like a week and a half...

Thursday: So my friends and I went out to this Mongolian Grill in Hurst the other day. 2 words YUMMM-OOOO! Ok, techinically that is one word....but still, it was great! I would go there every night if possible. And if you are thinking wow, I would never go there because I dont "test eat", I am sooo with you, I dont either, this is totally not what you think, because you make your own plate, season it the way YOU want it and then they just basically heat it up and add rice, if you want it, and that is it. Try it, it's awesome!

This weekend: I went out with some GREAT friends Friday night to dinner and then I headed downtown Ft Worth (kinda later than usual, decided to go just because)

for some witnessing...which to my disapointment ran into a someone I was trying to avoid all night, can we all scream "AWKWARD"?? Did not run into someone that I well, wouldnt mind running into and also saw a girl that use to go to NEBC with us. Anyways, I left there and on the way home I started to not feel very well...I felt a little tingly in my throat soooooo I got home talked to my friend Chris on the phone for a little bit, watched a show and then went to bed. I was soooooo tired and feeling feverish.

Saturday, felt worse! Full force sore throat, headache, low fever and sleepy. So I called my mom to come over and make me some soup, because that is how awesome she is...and so she came over stayed with me all day pretty much. It ended up being kind of a horrible day. I praise the Lord for His grace to get me through it.

Sunday: Got up to go to church and still felt bad, not as bad as saturday...but still bad. I then went to tell the kids to get ready (because I was watching them this weekend ...which my mom ended up doing most of my part....because my sister and her hubby were out of town for their anni.) So I get up Sunday, tell the kids to start getting dressed and I sit down to dress my nephew, Andrew Marc and I decide I cant drive to church, it's like a 20 min drive from my house. and my head is hurting and this sickness is contagious because I caught it from the kiddos. I then call my mom and ask her to take the kids to church. She comes by to get them. About 11.30a melissa and drew get home we have lunch and then the day kinda drags on, you know like when your sick it feels like the day will never end...it was like that. I had a great Bible study time though, so praise the Lord for that! I met with my accountability partner via phone because like I said, I was sick and didnt want to pass it on to her, so anyways, that visit was good. I then had dinner with melissa and we watched, The Thin Man, I am Powell fan, not big on Loy though, but there thankully is alot more of Powell than Loy.

So yeah, that was my weekend. I have been inside since Friday night and I was super anxious to get outside the house, because I HATE staying home all the time. It took forever to end, but Monday is here and I gladly welcome it.

*Prayer Request: Please pray for me this week as I go job hunting. I need a job willing to work around my current work schedule. Thanks!

AUTUMN IS HEEEERE!!!!!

2008-09-22T09:24:00.002-05:00

YEA YEA YEA!!!! Autumn is here and I am loving it! Today, Septmeber 22, 2008 is the official "Autumn Begins" day. Welcome, welcome, welcome!!

We have waited oh so long!!!

Craaazy weekend!

2008-09-18T17:28:00.002-05:00

Well, we are all moved in to our new place! And I feel so blessed that we are able to live here! The inside of this little house is wood floors, amazing bathrooms and coziness to the max!! It's just great, no complaints here!!!

Fri-Mon: So lets move on to how it all went down, we started to move out on Friday, got the truck all loaded (the biggest U-Haul) stacked from back to front, top to bottom. And we haddnt even started moving very much big furniture yet...yeaahh...so most of the furniture was moved the SECOND trip! Oh did I mention that the second trip was on Saturday??? No? Well, it was on Sautrday... the weekend of hurricane IKE...we were ZERO impressed!...lol...but God is so good, because even though it was rainy it was nice and cool outside. Then Sunday we had to go back to the house dump all the stuff left behind that we didnt want - and clean up the place a bit. THEN I took off work on Monday so I could stay home and help unpack.

Tuesday - Get to work, and notice in our parking lot, (I am church secretary) 2 police cars...And I am like thats odd...so I go to go inside and our associate pastor says that there has been a break-in....yeeeaaah...so when I get inside and see the damage. In short 3 doors broken into...2 of which the door frames came off with the kick they gave and the front of my dask drawer ripped off, because I keep it locked. Yeah, what did they steal you ask??? Like $12 in cash. Yeah, all that trouble for a little, and I mean LITTLE, cash.

So, yeah that has been my weekend and week, praise the Lord we are in the new hoouse, no body got hurt during the robbery and that the weather is BEYOND wonderful!!!

Have a great weekend you guys!

~ Honey Bun Cake ~

2008-09-11T00:02:00.005-05:00

ok, so I totally tried the Honey Bun Recipe from "Dinners on Me" http://dinnersonme.blogspot.com/. I LOVED IT! YUM TO OUR TUMS! I prefered it when it was cool, the family liked it when it was hot or cold. You should definetly try it!!! Although I had to leave it in the oven for way longer than the recipe called for...but still worth it! Here is a picture of it, just to convince you that you should go check it out and try it! (I left the nuts out, only because some family members dont like nuts in their food).

Happy cooking!

Messy Nest Give Away

2008-09-08T11:11:00.001-05:00

Check out my friend Kate's blog she is doing an amazing give away!

Kudos to my friend Kate!

2008-09-04T14:10:00.004-05:00

Well, as you all can see my blog is dripping with awesomeness!! That is because Kate, from My Messy Nest, helped me make it look soooo great! "THANK YOU KATE"! It is not at all boring now! I love it!! She did the logo at the top and it is very much me! I am glowing with thankfulness!!! I am so happy right now!

Geek or Not

2008-09-03T10:35:00.003-05:00

FACT: I am less geeky than Kate and Amanda. Now you have to stop calling me names. The survey says so.

24% Geek

Fall is sooo close!!

2008-09-03T09:08:00.003-05:00

Ok, so the weather today is AMAZING!!! Praise God for it! It is already starting to feel like fall and it isnt even the official "autumn begins" day on the calendar...We are a clear 3 weeks away from that day....so welcome fall, welcome. We have been waiting for oh so long!! And I think today would be a good day to go buy an "autumny" candle!!

So, today is September 3rd and my sister, Liz is turning a whopping....well, I actually dont know what her exact age is....why, you ask? Well, aside from the fact that with some of my sisters they have threatened me or told me they would do something mean to me back to me if I told their real age (which would technically still fall under "threatened"). That aside, I always, in my mind, never really think of my family members past a certain age...does that make sense? Like I guess it kinda goes back to when I was a kid (like 14 or 15 or so) and in my mind, my oldest sisters (I have 5, which is reason enough to forget all their ages, it is just too much to keep up with. lol.) are like still in their mid to late 20's or 30 exactly, but never past that age in my mind...I know it is weird...I really do have friends that actually put up with me...seriuosly, I have pictures and their phone numbers to prove it. lol.

Thirdly, last night I hung out with the girls from Calvary Bible and let me just say wow!! They are amazing! We, once a month, meet and put something neat together for that month to hand out and then will talk about it the next time we meet. Like for example, last night all of us brought like a SAMS size bulk of a product (water bottles, crackers, hand sanitizer, toothebrushes/paste, granola bars, nail files, chapstick, pens, etc...nothing that could melt in your car in our wonderful TEXAS heat) anyways, we put it all in the middle of the floor and stuffed a siplock freezer bag to our liking, included a Bible and a gospel tract and then put it aside and started on another. So what are we going to do with these bags? We plan, Lord willing, on handing them out to the homeless when we run into them or to someone who needs those things we put in the bag. It is going to be a huge way to minister. And I basically took like 2 bags, so it's not like 'oh goodness I have these ten bags I have to give away by next month', it really ended up being very reasonable. So parise the Lord, even though we are sinful as we are, He still lets us minster in His name.

JUDE

"24Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,

and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,
25to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,

be glory, majesty, dominion and authority,

before all time and now and forever. Amen."

Sad Sad Sad Day

2008-09-02T09:08:00.004-05:00

*Sigh*
Well, I had a very big loss today... I have lost my very favorite pair of sunglasses. Here is how it happened. I was going to work this morning, got in my car, pulled my sunglasses off of my rearview mirror "greek worry bead chain" and started to put them on and suddenly the left side of my sunglasses fell off in my hand, while I was still holding the right side in my other hand! I was so sad...these really were my favorite sunglasses! So, please direct all sympathy via email. I will probably be grieving for a while...I am sorry if I seem distant today. Sad, sad, sad day.

Living Single In This Topsy-Turvy World

2008-08-28T09:33:00.005-05:00

I have been wanting to write this blog for a while and have never been in the place where I had the book that I would be taking quotes from and a computer....so now that I do...

We as singles have read, flipped through or at least seen lots and lots of books on being single in the church life today. We have seen that church is unfortunately very "marriage minded". So, what about the singles? What does God have for us? We sometimes end up feeling like because we are single we are patronized by being told (while pushing us aside) God really can use you, your single - that's wonderful, now please be seated with all the other singles. While we do a years worth of seminars on the people who are married and have kids, because they need to know how to live as a couple with or w/out children. They need to know where their ministry is at. lol.

Well, to that I say! No need to be discouraged as a single anymore! Andrew Farmer has written a book called "The Rich Single Life" (check out the website where you can order this book, http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=B3155-00-11 the prices on this website are awesome!). It is a book that has changed my thinking COMPLETELY on being single! Andrew Farmer has dealt with and taught singles weekly, he has a love for single and lets us know that we are in the best place in our lives to be used. With no husband and children (and he never looks or speak of this as a defect) we are able to go more freely than if we had those two things. He reminds us who we are in CHRIST!

I.E. : pg. 29 gives a great example of what the book covers in detail:

Who I am not:

I am not the sum total of my self-perceptions.
I am not the accumulated facts of my life history.
I am not what others believe about me.

Whose I am not:

I am not my own; I do not belong to myself. (Rom. 14.8; I Cor. 6:19-20)

Whose I am:

I am God's child, bought with an incalculable price, set apart for noble purposes. (I John 3:1, Acts 20.28)
I am God's workmanship, and he who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. (Eph. 2:10, Php. 1:6)

Margaret Clarkson puts it so amazingly when she said, (pg 80) "Why singleness? That the works of God be made manifest in the deepest recesses of our beings. To declare God's glory in a fallen world. To show that God IS ENOUGH for the human heart. To demonstrate to earth and hell the triumph of the life of God in the soul of man."

If you get the book, you will see on page 124 how many of the amazing people we hold so high in the Christian faith were actually single! I was flabbergasted!! Some of them I recognized as being single but most certainly not all of them. From Corrie Ten Boom to hymn writers to Paul the Apostle! I have seen that instead of looking at our singleness as a pew warmer for the married couples that are about to walk in...we should view it as a gift not only to us as individual believers but as a gift to the body of Christ.

Secondly, along with us having the wrong view of our singleness and it's usefulness...we also probably have a very wrong view on marriage. We assume if we could only get married we could be perfectly happy...(not taking into account what we would feel after we got married that the one thing we thought would complete us, doesn't...so we start to try and identify what is lacking now that we are married...it is then - if I could only have kids I would be perfectly happy then if I could only have a house, a 2nd, even 3rd car, afford soccer/piano lessons, afford college etc)... but Farmer points out in the book, that we want this fairy tale marriage that we see in the movies...such as where they see each other fall in love, cant get enough of each others company, decide they want to be married, ending it with a great big marriage and tear stained cheeks while running down the isle to the limo and that is where the movie or show ends. They don't show you the reality of the stresses of daily life, such as balancing a checkbook...or to some degree the emotional pain from one or both of the partners, because they like you, are sinful and are being sanctified daily and tried in different ways. Farmer points out that if you don't want emotional pain and trial, get a goldfish.lol. Because in reality, marriage is not a thing, Biblically, just to meet our emotional and physical needs, that is God's place in our lives. marriage is going to be hard and trying, but beautiful. Why? because all through Eph he refers to the marriage of a man and woman as a great example of Christ and His Bride, the church. So for something SO beautiful, I want to be able to wait on the Lord to prepare me for something as beautiful as marriage, but also to allow me to grow before I , if ever, enter into something as difficult and meaningful as marriage. And by difficult I mean, God will put you with someone who has a unique, innate ability to expose all our carefully hidden sinfulness in order to make you more like Christ.

Marriage also means leaving certain things at the alter. (i.e. that I am always right, to be able to jsut walk away from an argument unresolved, to not have to answer to anyone when coming home too late) Elisabeth Elliot says "Marriage is a death to privacy, indecency, childhood home and family, death to unilateral decisions and the notion that there is only one way of doing things, death to the self. When these little deaths are gladly and wholeheartedly accepted, new life - the glory of sacrificial love which lead to perfect union - is inevitable." Amen and Amen. While marriage is beautiful and something I desire one day to have, I am happy to wait for it. But also when reading this book, I was forced to ask the question of "Is it an actual desire of mine to be married or is it something that I know is expected out of me (because I am Greek first of all) so therefore I think it is necessary? With the thought taken away now that it is required to be marriage in order to be accepted, do I still desire to be married?"

I have come to see and am still learning that God is allowing me to be single for the sake of holiness and solitude. When I am lonely it is not something I should view as a bad thing but as a good time of solitude between the Creator of the universe and me! And some of you might be saying, yeah, thanks, I have had enough solitude time I am ready for some trial and fire marriage, lol. While you may think you are ready for marriage God obviously in His sovereignty, disagrees. He is not done refining you yet. I have seen my Saviour in a new light in view of my loneliness, and that is pg.138 it says - When I sense the darkness encroaching, I try to remember, that Jesus, who gathers His sheep (including strays like me) will lovingly discipline me in my sinfulness, He will identify w/ and comfort me in my distress. He will give me hope. And He will do no less for you. Regardless of the apparent reasons for our feelings of loneliness, we need to see them as the loving call of God; He desires to draw US CLOSE TO HIM. **Remember: (pg. 139) - solitude is not isolation. It is opportunity w/ the Father. When you encounter loneliness or a season of isolation, embrace your aloneness as solitude. God Himself may have brought you to this point to meet with you.

And lastly, the Bible gives an answer to all of us out there that don't feel we are able to continuously get ourselves out of the ruts we have dug and refuse to stop piloting our own lives...when we just want to give up because we feel we will never amount up to the past believers that did such great stuff with their singleness, how do I regain my passion that I had before I fell into this horrid marriage obsessed rut? The Word of God says one word. HOPE. Farmer goes on to explain how we don't normally view hope as a very important player in the game of life. But in the Bible hope stands on its own. Hope is, I believe, best described by John Calvin when he said "Faith believes that God is true; hope expects that in due season He will manifest His truth. Faith believes that He is our Father; Hope expects that He will always act the part of a Father towards us. Faith believes that eternal life has been given to us; hope expects that it will one day be revealed. Faith is the foundation on which hope rests; Hope nourishes and sustains faith...Hope is nothing else than the food and strength of faith." WOW! What a beautiful description!

Please please check out this book, I know this was a crazy long blog but the book had so much truth in it I just had to share some of it with you guys. (the following was taken from pg. 117; paraphrased)

God is so good to His children, His timing is perfect, prepare for the future, love with purity and wisdom. Be encouraged. His way is always perfect.

Beth Moore Conference

2008-08-25T16:20:00.004-05:00

Well, we have safely returned from our AWESOME road trip - refreshed...I wish it could've been longer...the Conference was so great and a HUGE blessing to my spirit! We didn't get to take pictures and stuff...but it's all good.

The ride down was really great!! We left at the crazy hour of 7:00AM! And ran into some interesting stuff. For example, traffic in Round Rock, Texas...at 10:30AM we hit the backup and decide to get off on the access road because they are definitely going faster than the Hwy. So, we probably went a total of 3 miles, when at 12.30p we have our faithful, Ear to the ground Indian, Amanda, with us. And she finds a random way to get to San An on a scenic route.
It was great, although I started to feel sick and had to lay down. But when I woke up we were stopping at Chicken E to get some lunch. We went in and had the waiter/cashier guy take our order. Amanda pointed out that he looked like he would've been really popular in HS but has since been so bogged down with the fact that he never got out of this small little town, it has made him sad and all depressed....so we then go to sit at our table and further discuss/assume his situation...so by the end of lunch, we came to the conclusion that he must have had a girl that he really loved, who wanted to shed that little town as fast as possible. HE on the other hand wanted to stay there and have a simple job, the love of his life by his side and a few kiddos...but his plans were too small for her...she wanted something bigger....so she left him to his small town and now here he is working at Chicken E - and with a very sad countenance at that.
We picked up our trays, head over for refills before leaving and see him standing there, that's when Amanda prompted me to go and give the depressed guy a hug because he had lost his first love.....LOL....we then started laughing because this whole big story we had come up with over lunch and he probably in reality, owns that branch of Chicken E and is doing rather well in life...lol...this is one of the many reasons it is not good to assume....

We then get to Margaret's house (Amanda & Kate's friend who we stayed with while in S.A.) And when we pull up it is raining so hard, (it's border line tsunami people, not kidding, OK...well maybe a little) that Kate and I are hesitant to get out of the car because we know our hair is going to explode from the natural drying it would half to do after inside (and we have to be a the conference with in the next 2 hours)....AND WE DID NOT STRAIGHTEN OUR HAIR JUST TO HAVE IT GET ALL BOOFY AGAIN. yes, boofy, that is correct.
Anyways, Amanda says that she is getting out and she runs to the front door, while we are yelling "bring back an umbrella"....in the mean time Kate and I are trying to figure out how on earth to open and lower her back seats to get into the trunk for our bags so we don't have to stand in the rain and get them....anyways, needless to say we read in the manual that they can not be opened from the inside. Anyways, we have to eventually get out, I run and get the bags from the back with my hoodie on and when we step into the garage, the rain almost immediately lightens up...I am telling you if I didn't understand that sanctification is for our good, I would think this all was a big joke.

Well, we then went to the Beth Moore conference and it was really GOOD! I am so glad that my awesome friends invited me to go! I would go again in a heartbeat! She touched on numerous things in my personal life, people that I depend on instead of my Faithful Saviour. Ways that I need to realize that there is nothing in my life that is happening by chance. God is sovereign. And my absolute favorite part was when she got on her knees to pray, she was telling a story about her two girls and she finished it and looked over at them and said that she was so honored to be their servant. WOW!! I then knew I DO NOT have an attitude like that! So that has been something that I have been working on since that night. OH!!! And the worship!! Let me just tell you that it was beyond words! Travis Cottrell's music and voice is amazing!

Beth Moore is a hilarious spaz!! SHE is so GREAT to hear in person! All around I thank the Lord that I was so blessed this weekend, and that He allowed me to see sin, and allowing me to repent, and areas where I need to grow. We serve an awesome God!!! Praise the Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Israel! He is good to us beyond belief!

Oh and Kate and Amanda, kept blessing me all weekend in different ways! And I am going to tell you if any of you passed a gas station close to fort worth and saw a scuffle over a debit card near a gas pump, that was Kate and I debating on me paying for gas...she won..(she is crazy strong for a little lady)...I walked away with a scratch and a violation, in which Amanda confiscated my debit card. But it's OK, I've got a little something up my sleeve...MMMUUUUAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!...ok, it wont be scary or anything...it's not like oh, you guys did something nice for me now I will terrify you....although Amanda is always worth sneaking up on...she is the best person in the world to scare!!! LOL! If you only knew....

anyways, that's the end of my book.

Awards

2008-08-21T10:14:00.004-05:00

I received the Smile Award from my friend, Kate a few weeks ago, and am just now getting to return the favor and list some winners of my own!

These are the rules:
1. The recipient must link back to the awards creator. (thebabblingsofmere.blogspot.com)
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.
Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids

HERE ARE THE WONDERFUL LADIES I CHOSE!!!

1. Kate - (a.k.a. Ice Pick) who gave me the award! She is HILARIOUS!!! I am always sure to be laughing when I am w/ Kate! She is also one of the most creative gals I know! And could put a JoAnn scrapbooker to shame! She has a desire to be godly and return pushes me to more godliness! This womans patience is outstanding! http://mymessynest.blogspot.com/ Go check out her amazing blog and picts!

2. Amanda - (ahhh, the Badger of Doom) - is so great!! She can embroider like it's nobodys business! And she is HILARIOUS! And can do a killer "fishes get in the boat" dance. LOL! But on a serious note, she pushes me toward more godliness! And I love that! Amanda, is another friend of mine who's patience is outstanding! Go check out her amazing blog and picts! http://www.aspecialblend.blogspot.com/

3. Shayla - WOW! Shayla is amazing! She is always willing to give an encouraging word!! She makes me laugh too!! (you can totally see there is a pattern as to how I stay friends with these girls, they crack me up!!) She has only been saved a short time, but is growing so much in maturity and Christ-likeness! It is one of the biggest delights to hang out with her! She is a total girly-girl and I LOVE it! (And she might let me help with her wedding!! EEK!) I am beyond stoked!!! Check out her blog - http://sunshineandsprinkles.blogspot.com/ and yes, this blog totally describes her personality!

4. Brent & Kari -(over at: Always in Need of Grace) Brent and Kari are the most amazing people ever! They have helped me come out of a spiritual pit that I thought never possible and have given me new hope in the forgiveness of our Savior! I would never be able to thank them enough with an earthly thankfulness!

5. Prairie Chick- I really enjoy reading her blog! And she has such cute kids picts on there! Check her out! http://prairieprologue.blogspot.com/

Cottage Style

2008-08-13T11:39:00.025-05:00

Ok, so a little about my syle....I would say that my "single style" consists more of beaten white funiture, pale pale pinks, some pink/reds, sage greens and creams. (I realize that as a single girl it allows so many possibilities for my style to express itself in pink and green. And that if I was marrried the bedroom below would more than likely be NOT okay. lol.)

My "married style" would consist more of woods, browns, sage greens, creams and reds. (whether single or married I still want to stick with a cottage look)

So, I am at any moment prepared to change my style over from pinks to browns as soon as I get the marriage offer...lol...so, in this blog I will give my "single style" and "married style"....not that any of you care about either...but it's a blog, and you are suppose to pretend your interested...lol.

"Single style"

-This bedroom is GORGEOUS!!

It is called "Vintage Chic" at Myhomeideas.com....and it is all around my style.

(Although the plant in the corner I could do without)

but everything else - gorgeous!!

and I love this idea of the frames in the windows....

Beautiful "single style bathroom"

(not with a white mirror and white walls though) it almost looks too cold in there.

Some colors to warm up the little space.

I love bird houses, which I know does not say "only for single styles" but I just really liked the look of this pict.

This kitchen...oooh so pretty.

This would be my "Married Style".
I just love it! Do you still think it is too girly? Not me, all I have to say is, my husband knew he would be getting a girly girl when he married me, I can't completely turn my back on beautiful and cottage-y style...who would I even be then?

And this is one of my favorite looks for a living room, for like a casual living room.

And this kitchen is GORGEOUS!

I like this bathroom too. Too girly for my imaginary husband? I don't know about all the white, it is not necessarily compromising on my part very much.

Anyways, yeah, so that's me and my style.

Simply Shabby Chic, Vintage-y, Antique-y, Cottage Style.

So what's your style?

Alot of Fun

2008-08-11T13:38:00.005-05:00

So, I got this fun questionaire thing from Amanda. It was neat to put songs to this kinda stuff. These are some of my favorite songs from some of my favorite artists. Enjoy! Thanks Amanda!

OPENING CREDITS
"Under the big sky" - The Isaacs

WAKING UP
"Sunrise to sunset" -Paul Wright

AVERAGE DAY
"Just showed up" - Sara Groves

GREAT DAY
"Blue Sky" - Francesca Battistelli

BAD DAY
"Imperfection" - Skillet

CHILDHOOD
"I wonder" - Kellie Pickler

HIGH SCHOOL
"Coldest Heart" - Classic Crime

COLLEGE
"College Kids" - Relient K (haha)

FALLING IN LOVE
"The More I see you" - Michael Buble'

LOVE SCENE
"Moonlight Serenade" - Glenn Miller

SECRET LOVE
"The boy next door" - Judy Garland

BREAKING UP
"It never entered my mind" - Miles Davis

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
"At Last" - Etta James

LIFE'S OKAY
"It's a good day" - FFH

MENTAL BREAKDOWN
"Behind the scenes" -Francesca Battistelli & "Stainglass Mascarade" - Casting Crowns

DRIVING
"The other side of the radio" - Chris Rice

LEARNING A LESSON
"What do I know" & "He's always been faithful to me" - Sara Groves

DEEP THOUGHT
"Jesus thank you" - Sovereign Grace Min. & "There is a Redeemer" - Keith Green

HAPPY DANCE
"Fishes get in the boat" - performed by Amanda = AWESOME!

REGRETTING
"When I go down" - Relient K

LONG NIGHT ALONE
"Blue in Green" - Miles Davis

DEATH
"You and I" & "Before the throne of God above" - Shane & Shane

CLOSING CREDITS
"Make my life a prayer to You" - Keith Green

Praise, Praise, Praise!!

2008-08-11T10:44:00.004-05:00

Let me take this moment to throw out some praises, in the Lord of coarse, to my two friends!!

1. My friend Chris FINALLY graduated on Saturday!!! WOOT! WOOT! And "my nose is thoroughly out of joint" (had to have read or seen pride & prejudice to get that one, sorry, yes, yes, I am that much of a dork). Anyways, Chris has worked so hard for so long! And he deserves a break! So what degree did he work so hard for? Computer Information Systems. Yeah, I have no idea, I think it has to do with being able to do anything simple with computers to being able to write a whole computer program with all those "1's" & "0's" and such. Yeah, anyways, so while we were at the graduation I felt so moved by the start of the ceremony, as all the graduates walked in and then sitting all proudly in their seats with their cap and gowns, that I thought, it would be kinda neat to go to college and graduate...(I never attempted to go to anything other than the Dallas Art Inst., and never even actually went through with that)...yeah, it would be kinda neat to be a college graduate and have that feeling of accomplishment! Well, at the end of the very looooong ceremony, lots of talking/speeches, and sitting. I decided college wasn't for me after all. So basically in an hour and a half, I signed up for college and dropped out. Ah, all in a days work.

2. The other friend is my accountability partner, we met last night for the second time and it was again AWESOME! God is so gracious to us!! We got a chance to talk about the glories of God and how He works in our lives. What we have seen as positive changes in our lives and how the books that we are assigned to read this last week affected us (which I will blog about tomorrow Lord willing). We have only met twice, but I love this time where we can focus on God, not have silly talk and just let the Holy Spirit be in the center of our conversation. God is so good!

Psalm 117:2

"For His lovingkindness is great toward us,

And the truth of the LORD is everlasting.

Praise the LORD!"

Showers of Blessings

2008-08-05T10:05:00.005-05:00

Let me just take a minute to rant and rave (in a good way, haha) about my two friends Amanda & Kate. They are so awesome!! They have given me a HUGE blessing of letting me tag along to a Beth Moore Conference this month and I am stoked! Because not only are we getting to see Beth Moore but this means ROAD TRIP to San Antonio!! Not to mention the fact that they are awesome women of God that I love spending time with!!! I am beyond stoked!!!! They are sooooo amazing and I love them so much! So August 22-23 we are Road Trip bound!!

This week, I am trying to get moving in the sweltering heat to get my stuff out of my moms house and into my sisters house. And I am feeling slightly overwhelmed on where to start plus I have to work some days & nights this week...so needless to say I am going to welcome the very much needed road trip to San Antonio with the girls!!

Weekend

2008-08-04T09:31:00.006-05:00

Saturday was busy but great! I worked and then went to my moms house to finish painting my old room back to white before she moves out this week. My niece, Cheyenne, is staying with my mom this week and so Cheyenne, mom and I, all painted the room together, it was actually pretty fun!! By the end of the night we were worn out and had paint all over us from where we "tagged" each other with the rollers or brushes. At one point while my mom was up on the ladder, I ran the roller brush up the back of her calves and knees...LOL....she was so schocked...it was priceless. You have to know my mom to think that is funny. She is very everything is in place at all times without a mess. It was awesome!
Sunday - Oh, how I LOVE Sundays!! Awesome Worship/Church Services, Awesome Family time, Awesome cooking, OH AND yesterday, I got to play my old super nintendo (yes, I am that much of a dork) and I got past a level that I had never ever gotten past when I was a kid. So that was pretty exciting! Just consider it one of my insignificant goals of life - achieved. (now back to the awesome list) Awesome accountability time with my "accountability puddy" (haha), Awesome quiet time, awesome time at home watching old videos of my nieces and nephew when they were really little. (that was my favorite out of all, even over the video game accomplishment). No one can tell me we do not serve a gracious God! Because yesterday was an awesome day of grace, worship, laughter and rest. I praise Him for the blessings He has given.

Rainbow

2008-07-30T09:14:00.002-05:00

So I was going to my moms house early this morning, and in the cloudy sky I saw a bright rainbow!!! I haven't seen a rainbows in such a long time!! I am reminded of God's promise that He would never flood the earth again. (Gen. 9:11-15, check it out!) He is a God of His Word! OH! And then when I got a little closer to where the rainbow was, I saw not only one rainbow, but TWO!!! We serve an awesome God!!!

Birthday Cake...yummm

2008-07-28T14:04:00.006-05:00

So, my brother-in-law got a pict of the cake that my sister did for my nephew, it is so cute!! She is so good at kids cakes!

Yes, yes, it is all edible(except the characters). And as you can see the theme was The Jungle Book.

God's Faithfulness & Sad Days

2008-07-28T10:37:00.003-05:00

Well, last night we found out that one of my good friends, Jennifer, (who is one of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet) had an aunt that passed away. The saddest part being that they dont think that she was a believer. It is so difficult losing a family member who's eternal security you do not know. One verse that keeps coming to mind since last night is

1 Corinthians 12:26 "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."

This verse rings so true, when a church member, like my friend, Jen and her hubby GJ, are hurting you automatically hurt with them. It breaks my heart to know that they are hurting so bad but when we talked this morning, we were reassured by scripture such as Romans 8.28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; "

As believers we can take comfort in this verse because God does not allow or do one thing in our lives that will not be for our good and ultimately make us more like His Son Jesus Christ.

Please remember to pray for this sweet family as they look to Christ at this difficult time. When trying to find a quote adequate for today (because I send out daily verses & quotes to people at church) this is the quote that I ran across,

"The God on whom we rely knows what suffering is all about - not merely in the way that God knows everything, but by experience."- D.A. Carson

What a wonderful God we serve!! Is not God just? Absolutley!! He is, in all that He does!! May He always get the glory in all that we do!

Music

2008-07-24T13:52:00.002-05:00

Ahh! Ok, I have stumbled onto a cd that I love! If you are a Colbie Caillet fan like me, then you will like this new Christian artist. Her name is Francesca Battistelli, I have only found her on Jesusfreakhideout.com so far. I am so excited!! Her music is really fun and summery. Her voice is beautiful! Anyways, enjoy! Her myspace is: http://www.myspace.com/francescabattistelli

Have a great Thursday!

Today...

2008-07-22T11:00:00.004-05:00

It has been kinda blah. I showed up one minute late for work, which frustrates me to no end! (gggrrr) And I feel so sick to my stomach.

A pro: Today is Tuesday which means - payday. (Woo!)

Let's see - OH!! This morning my pastors wife, Jennifer, called. And she invited me to lunch tomorrow with Kate and herself. I am STOKED! These are awesome women to hang out with!

The funniest thing happened this morning. I went into my room at my mom's house (I use to live with her so she still has my room with my stuff in it) Anyways, she is in the process of moving so she wanted to put my room back to the color it was before we moved in, because I had painted it sage green...so I walk in this morning, and she had only painted a wall and 1/4 and she had 3 notes taped up on the wall that read,
note #1:"I dont like painting"
note# 2: "This is not a calling of mine"
note # 3: "I love you"

...LOL....I thought it was so funny!! Sometimes she cracks me up! And if you are wondering why on earth she left notes instead of just telling me this morning. It's because she has to be at work at like 6.30a, and I dont get to the house till like 6.30/7a, because my clothes and stuff are still there...yeah, I know it is a really weird living arrangement. So yeah, it was funny.

Also, tomorrow is my nephew, (Andrew) birthday, so today I am going to get him a Prince Caspian sword from Target. He likes to pretend he is Peter, not prince Caspian....don't ask. He is the cutest little 4 y.o. in the world! This little guy, will not let a girl kiss him if she has lipstick, lipgloss, or anything on her lips that could possibly make another man think his (Andrew's) manhood is tainted. You have to literally say to him, while rubbing your lips harshly, "look Andrew I dont have any lipstick on, can I give you kisses?" And if he can look at your finger first and see no evidence of lipstick, then he will allow you to kiss him...haha!!! And if you kiss him on the lips, he says, "Now you have to marry me."LOL, too cute!
I can't wait to see his little face when he opens his gifts. His mom, (my sister, Melissa) is really good at doing the kids cakes every birthday. (I tried to find a picture of the cake she is going to do, but to no success.) Anyways, we are having his party on Saturday, so my sister, Liz, and her family are coming up, it is always alot of fun when they come up!

Bye guys, have a great Tuesday.

Awesome!

2008-07-21T14:26:00.002-05:00

I am so excited!!!!!!! My friend Kate, of My Messy Nest, brought me a candle that she decorated for me, and it is so simply shabby chic, (which is totally my style) If I had a camera to take a picture of it I soooo would! This hand crafted candle by Kate is definetly my cup of tea!!

Sooo....

2008-07-21T09:56:00.002-05:00

So this weekend was pretty great, with some down points, but I dusted myself off and kept going. Praise God for His grace and mercy!

Friday night started off with me getting to go downtown with my long time best girlfriend Rauni. It was pretty great, we got together to go witnessing.
So we are downtown and are looking for our regular group and they are no where to be seen. We only ran into one guy and his daughter, from our regular group, and they were leaving. So, we went into Barnes & Noble looked at some Christian books for a few minutes and then stopped by Jamba Juice, for Rauni's weekend fix...lol...and we sat talking about the glories of God and when certain things in our Christian walk dawned on us, and how amazing it was that God even let it be revealed to us. So we get up to leave and I saw another one of our "regulars", that had shown up from our old group standing on the corner opposite of us. So, Rauni and I went to talk with him for a few minutes before we left. This guy is so amazing, he's genuine, he loves God, loves to read the Word, and witnesses habitually!!...I always get kinda shy around him, because he is single, but it's not like it matters, he probably thinks I am a dork. Wow, look at me talking waaaay too much.

Anyways...I had a great night with my friend even though we didnt get to hand out any tracts. Maybe I will get to go again this weekend.

Saturday was awesome I already blogged about it so I will let you just refer to it below.

Sunday, was amazing as always! A bit of a struggle spiritually. But nonetheless, the Lords day.

So, thats about it. That was my weekend. Have a great Monday!

I love a good Antique store...

2008-07-19T20:01:00.002-05:00

If there is one place I am truly happy to hang out with my girlfriends at (aside from Starbucks) it is a good Antique store. This morning we woke up super early, and I met my friends, Amanda Jo, from A Special Blend and Shayla, from Sunshine & Sprinkles, to go garage sale'n and antiquin'. I purchased a hand embroided table cloth, that I have special plans for. It was a total steal at $2.00. And I also purchased a book for my sister, Melissa, that had a copyright that was in 1928 - pretty amazing! Also a steal, for $1.95! All in all, it was a pretty great day!

Day Two of the Blog World...

2008-07-17T09:16:00.005-05:00

So, yesterday was pretty uneventful, I came to work, stayed late and then went to my friend Beverly's house to help clean up before her friend comes this weekend. Beverly is truly an inspiration to me, she has taught me so much about God, His love and forgiveness. And to hear her tell stories of when she was married to her husband, George, (who passed away in the 1980's) they truly had a fun, sweet & Biblical marriage. She has had to beat me over the head practically, so many times trying to tell me that God doesn't hold grudges against His children. I have struggled with this for the longest time, mainly because I do not have an earthly father who has shown unwavering love or a husband that has shown it to me either. So, what can I compare this to? What can I possibly do to convince myself that God's love for me is constant?

The answer: Believe His Word because He never lies. When I think about the life I have lived up to this point, I am forced to ask, when has He ever given me a reason to doubt His word? Times when I think about how He has allowed me to, even when I was not saved, go down roads that were not good, He guided me and protected me beyond belief.
I CHOOSE to be in unbelief when I don't hold onto verses that echo His promises of forgiveness and how He will never abandon me. Verses such as Hebrews 13.5 "... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." and 2 Timothy 1.7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Now, I don't know how many of you out there struggle with keeping a sound mind...but my "sound mindness" comes about once every blue moon it seems like...haha, not because God's promises aren't true but because I am choosing to live in unbelief. I am choosing to think to myself I am going to keep being fearful instead of having a sound mind.

So after all of this, what is the solution? Take God at His word. Repeat the promises He has in His word to yourself. As a Christian every promise of God is ours to grab because of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us. Praise the Lord that He has given us the Holy Spirit that can help us to have a sound mind!! As a single woman I do not need to be depending on a human male figure to meet my emotional and characteristic wants. (This does not mean that men are evil and I have no desire to marry one, I have a BIG desire to be married one day, but I cant base my whole life on whether or not I am to be married) I have to trust God, take Him at His word and try in my daily life to be more and more like Christ.

Remind yourself of His promises. Because He is faithful.

May we be found faithful.

My first Blog....

2008-07-16T09:07:00.005-05:00

Yes, yes, I have succombed to the infamous blog world!(Angelic Choir burst into Awwwwwwwww's) After thinking for a while on whether or not to have a blog I decided I would probably have fun with one.

The reasons holding me back, and enough reasons for me to get bummed out on:
I don't have a husband and cute family of my own to talk about,
no house, no apartment of my own (I live with my sister and her family),
and no digital camera to even take pictures of the fun stuff that I am working on like I have seen in soooo many blogs.

Reasons to have one:
While there are lots of blogs dedicated to the stuff above, (and rightly so, if I had all those things I would blog about them too!) us single girls are left out of the loop, and sometimes we assume that if we are out of that loop then we are on the sidelines of this game called LIFE, where the majority of the people we know in church are "married and loving it"... This blog is for us girls who see the Christian billboards and church advertisements that have a family of four sitting peacefully together at a picnic, while the sun beams gently bounce off of each childs golden hair perfectly and the dog is wagging his tail, which you can only assume he is thinking to himself that he is definetly the luckiest dog in the universe because he has the "perfect family". And while the church does marriage seminars, singles who desire to be married are left to think as Barbara Holland puts it, "Happily ever after has rejected us. The fairy story has spit us out as unworthy, and sometimes we suppose perhaps we are." (taken from the book "The rich single life" by Andrew Farmer pg.3) Harsh I know, but this is honestly the way we end up feeling sometimes.

So, all that to say, I dedicate this blog to my maturing in the singleness of this life that God has blessed, (yes, I said blessed) me with. I hope to daily see the achievements of the holy ambitions that He has placed within me, regardless of whether or not I get married one day. I hope this blesses you all as well.