Only 4 days away...

This is my most favorite time of the year....Football season. It's full of passion, pride, and pageantry, girls plan their weddings around it (if she's a good SEC girl) and it's the topic of ever men's breakfast from August through December. It's not always about who wins or loses, but it's about the traditions and the memories made along the way. The air feels different this time of year, my face always smiles a little bigger (especially after an Auburn win), and it always seems to go by way too fast. So, I want to take this moment, before the season starts, and embrace this feeling I have right now. Before I know it, I'll be packing up the tent for the final tailgate, I'll be rolling Toomer's cornor for the last time of the year, and I will be saying goodbye to a stadium for another year. So, if you are reading this, and love football as much as I do, take a deep breath and soak it up. It's going to be a great year, whoever you pull for. Look forward to the memories!


And I read this every year...and it is so true...enjoy!

“Planning for the fall football season in the South is radically different than up North. For those who are planning a football trip South, here are some helpful hints.




Women’s Accessories:
NORTH: ChapStick in back pocket and a $20 bill in the front pocket.
SOUTH: Louis Vuitton duffel with two lipsticks and waterproof mascara. Money not necessary – that’s what dates are for.


Stadium Size:
NORTH: College football stadiums hold 20,000 people.
SOUTH: High school football stadiums hold 20,000 people.



Fathers:
NORTH: Expect their daughters to understand Sylvia Plath.
SOUTH: Expect their daughters to understand pass interference.


Campus Decor:
NORTH: Statues of founding fathers.
SOUTH: Statues of Heisman trophy winners.


Homecoming Queen:
NORTH: Also a physics major.
SOUTH: Also Miss America.


Heroes:
NORTH: Rudy Guliani
SOUTH: Bear Bryant, Archie, Eli and Peyton Manning, Bo Jackson


Getting Tickets:
NORTH: Five days before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus and purchase tickets.
SOUTH: Five months before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus and put your name on the waiting list for tickets.


Friday Classes After a Thursday Night Game:
NORTH: Students and teachers not sure if they’re going to the game, because they have classes on Friday.
SOUTH: Teachers cancel all Friday classes


Parking:
NORTH: An hour before game time, the University opens the campus for game parking.
SOUTH: RVs sporting their school flags begin to arrive on Wednesday for weekend festivities. The really faithful arrive on Tuesday.


Game Day:
NORTH: A few students party in the dorm and watch ESPN on TV.
SOUTH: Every student wakes up, and rushes over to where ESPN is broadcasting “Game Day Live” to try to get on camera and wave to the idiots up north, who wonder why “Game Day Live” is never broadcast from their campus.


Tailgating:
NORTH: Raw meat on a grill, beer with lime in it, listening to local radio station with truck tailgate down.
SOUTH: 30-foot custom pig-shaped smoker fires up at dawn. Cooking accompanied by live performance by The Dave Matthews’ Band.


Getting to the Stadium:
NORTH: You ask “Where’s the stadium?” When you find it, you walk right in.
SOUTH: When you’re near it, you’ll hear it. On game day, it becomes the state’s third largest city.



When National Anthem is Played:
NORTH: Stands are less than half full, and less than half of the fans stand up.
SOUTH: 100,000 fans, all standing, sing along in perfect four-part harmony.


The Smell in the Air After the First Score:
NORTH: Nothing changes.
SOUTH: Fireworks, with a touch of bourbon.



Announcers:
NORTH: Neutral and paid.
SOUTH: Announcer harmonizes with the crowd in the fight song, with a tear in his eye because he is so proud of his team

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Reading Some Great Books

So...I just finished God According to God. A great read! I encourage it to anyone who likes to relate the physics of the cosmos to the creation set in motion by our God. It's definitely a bit of a technical read discussing everything from quantum physics, to energy degradation, and microbiology, but it gives great evidence in our physical world that we are not animals of evolution, but rather perfectly, fearlessly, and wonderfully made creatures. In this book, even Nobel prize winning physicist agree that something metaphysical is responsible for the big bang and the instant that empty space went from having nothing to having life. God has fine tuned His ENTIRE universe so that we may live. Wow!




I am now onto a rather interesting book. Please do not be alarmed by the title, "Satan an Autobiography" written by a Kabbalist Rabbi. I'm about halfway through the book and it is a great reminder on how Satan weasels his way into ones life…through ego and pride. It's a book that makes you take a look in the mirror and consider where The Adversary (or Satan) has a hold in your life….More to come.

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Library card...

So I got my library card today. Yes I am a dork! The first book I checked out is called "God according to God:  A physicist proves we've been wrong about God all along" by M.I.T-trained physicist Gerald L. Schroeder.

I'm excited to to dive into this book and I will use my blog as a mini book review. I've just started and even the Introduction was engaging and informative!

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Love to travel!

Nothing too deep tonight...but as I prepare for a weekend with my mom in the big apple, I was thinking about all the fun places I've been since last December...



December 2009:
-Cambodia: I went on an amazing mission trip and it was especially memorable because my mom and I got to share this experience together.

January 2010:
-Savannah: Derek and I went to visit one of his college friends and wife. Great trip! And me and Derek's first 'official' trip together.

March 2010:
-Charleston: Actually my very first trip to this beautiful city. My lil sis and I went for Charleston Fashion week and met up one of dearest friends, Jennifer, while we were there.

May2010:
-Montgomery: Glamorous...I know...well, this almost doesn't count...But I moved to Montgomery.
-West Virginia: I traveled, BY CAR, with my wonderful boyfriend up to his family's annual reunion. 2.5 days of fun, food, family, and fellowship.

June 2010:
-Virginia: Went to see my sister graduate from high school! Congrats Linz! (PS-My grandmother and Aunt drove from Texas to pick me up in Montgomery and we drove up to VA).
-Destin: Fun weekend beach trip...Love the sun, but not the sand...I also learned I don't like crowded beaches.

July 2010:
-New Orleans: One of my sweetest friends, Becca, and I went to visit a love of ours in the big easy, Lauren. Loved that trip! What a GREAT girls weekend!
-Dallas/Fort Worth: Derek joined me as we flew to the great state of Texas. He met my extended family. (He made a SUPERB first impression!!!)
-Tallapoosa River: Okay, this was more of a staycation. But one of my favorite people, Bekah, came to Montgomery and we floated (like on inner tubes/rafts) down the Tallapoosa River all day. It was so much fun!

August 2010: (this is future speak...but it will be a fun month of travel as well)
-NYC: Mom and I are going to have a fun mother/daughter weekend in the big apple
-New Smyrna Beach, FL: Derek's family vacation. I can't wait! A week at the beach!

Where to next....any suggestions???

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Football Football Football!!!!

So...We are days away from one of my most favorite times of the year....FOOTBALL SEASON...It's like Christmas every weekend. As most of those around me know, I've been counting down to football, oh since early January. Now, 30 days away!



Today was a special day for me, and one I won't soon forget. I had the opportunity to join my boss for a special awards luncheon in Montgomery and the guest speaker was Vince Dooley. Vince Dooley, one of the winningest coaches in NCAA history, has racked up a list of honors, led the bulldogs to a national championship in 1980, and has won over 200 games in his 25 years as a coach. But, it's not is accolades, his national title, his Herschel Walker stories, or even his new love for gardening that makes him memorable to me. Let's take a stroll back to Vince's earlier days...His home: Mobile, Alabama...his alma mater: Auburn University. His first coaching opportunity: at Auburn...Yes, as you're reading this, you know where this is going. While Vince Dooley, to most, will go on record as one of Georgia's greatest coaches, he is and will always be a true Auburn man in my book.


So on this day, August 3rd 2010 I approached Vince Dooley, introduced myself and boldly and confidently said 2 words to the Georgia legend...You know what they were...."War Eagle"....Much to my surprise Vince Dooley turned to me, leaned into my left shoulder, wrapped his arm around my back, gave my right arm a tight squeeze, and said "War Eagle Sweetie!" My face lit up and to me, my football season has just begun.

Vince Dooley saying War Eagle, in my mind, equals….let the games begin!

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What it means to "Follow me"

How can we be a witness if we are we settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is really about abandoning ourselves?



In Matthew 4 Jesus invites his followers to "Follow me," calling them to abandon their comforts, all that was familiar and natural to them. Ultimately, Jesus calls us to abandon ourselves...leaving certainty for uncertainty, safety for danger, self-preservation for self-destruction...BUT we are so afraid of what that might mean for our lives. So what do we do…we have the audacity and pride to attempt to rationalize scripture and rationalize Christ. When we start down this path, we start to redefine Christianity and we are giving into the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with…A nice, middle-class, American Jesus.


The Danger: We are molding Jesus into our image...when aren't we called all along to reflect HIS image. He is different. He is not like us. He was PERFECT!

I leave you with this question.

If we think the cost of discipleship is great....

Do you ever wonder if the cost of NON-discipleship is even greater?

...Billions of people in the world, left in the dark as we pursue the proverbial American dream.

I'm not saying this is an easy process...It is trying and messy. It is slow, tedious, and even hard at times. It is all these things, because discipleship is not about church events and programs, it's about relationships. Jesus calls us to "Live for them, love them, serve them, and lead them." We must step outside our comforts in order to reach a world that longs for that one, great and perfect relationship.

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What are you risking for Christ?

Okay...So it may seem like a cliche title and you you might be sitting there thinking I'm about to start some diatribe whereby I'm going to guilt everyone into changing there lifestyle and convincing you to give up all your prized possessions and move to the jungles of South America...well that's just not the case. My Christianity is not about guilt and it's not about not enjoying the fruits of one's labor, but rather, my Christianity is about humility. So, I humbly come before you tonight because I want to share with you something very powerful I read and challenge you to be a better you and challenge you to be a better reflection of Christ.

And let me start by saying this, there are many of you who might read this and are not Christ followers and that is okay (I'm just happy that you've read this far). I am not trying to shove religion down your throats (never have, and never will), but rather I want to share with you how loved you are by a man who lived 2,000 years ago and gave His life, so that you may live for ALL eternity.

I am not a religious person, but rather a deeply, deeply spiritual person. No religion, NONE, will ever save a single soul from the fiery pits of hell. Only one single relationship will save you. That's it....simple as that...a relationship. And who doesn't want to be in a relationship of epic proportion. A relationship of endless love, perfect communication, full of mercy, full of grace, and full of forgiveness. It's better than a Hollywood love affair!

Well, for those of you who are still with me, thank you...Let me add quickly, I have started reading (tonight) a book entitled "Radical: Taking back Faith from the American Dream" by David Platt. I only made it to page 3 before I had to put it down and start blogging.

David Platt, known as "the youngest megachurch pastor in history," is a pastor in Birmingham at the Church of Brook Hills. He immediately starts his book by offsetting the quote above, by saying, in jest, "Jesus Christ-the youngest minichruch pastor in history." His point, Jesus left this earth and had roughly 120 people who actually believed his radical claim and of those 120, there were only 12 that followed and trusted and watched Christ day by day. They witnessed the miracles, they saw the unthinkable, and touched the flesh of the master.

David Platt tells a story, which promoted me to close the book and turn to the keyboard, about a trip he took to Asia. Now, as we are all aware, it is VERY difficult to practice religion of ANY kind in Asia, especially China. Punishment for church or reading the bible is often death. I must say, even though the American culture is slowly removing elements of God from the Nation's currency, the pledge, our courts, I know I will never be killed for going to church on Sunday. Well, during David's trip to an undisclosed location in Asia, he was able to attend an underground church service. Imagine blacked out windows, bibles disguised with book covers from secular novels, and with every noise outside you tremble with fear. You're mind is racing, is that someone outside who wants to join in the bible study or has someone found us and ready kill us? BUT...even with death as a very possible option EVERY time these groups meet, they still feel the need to be obedient to Christ.

That is where I stopped reading and was challenged by this one short sentence. David writes,

"Men and women are risking everything to follow Christ."

I immediately closed the book and thought to myself, what am I risking to follow Christ? Then I thought what does it really mean to risk...so here some definitions I found...
Risk: "expose to a chance of loss or damage"; "a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune"; "potential harm that may arise from a future event"

As Christians, I feel like we are too afraid to risk...but what is there to lose? What are we afraid to lose if we risk our lives for Christ?

I leave you with this...Inspired by the writings of David Platt:

We can choose to continue with business as usual in the Christian life and in the church as a whole, enjoying the success based on the standards defined by the culture around us. Or we can take an honest look at Jesus of the Bible and dare to ask what the consequences might be if we really believed him and really obeyed him. I invite you to join the journey in being risky with me. I do not claim to have all the answers. But, if Jesus is who he says he is, and if his promises are as rewarding as the Bible claims they are, then we may discover that satisfaction in our lives are not found in what our culture deems most important but in

radical abandonment to Jesus.

Live radical lives!

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It's been a minute...

okay...a busy last few weeks it has been...For all of my faithful followers (yes all 5 of you), between the move, no internet at my apartment, and constantly being on the road I have been a little behind on updating my blog. After a great weekend with the girls in New Orleans, I received a fresh dose of inspiration.

I have been blessed with such amazing friends and my life is richer because of it.

(in front of the supreme court building with my 2 favorite lawyers)

Life is much better shared with those who value you as a person, trust you as a confidant, and want the absolute best for you.

(yummy cafe du monde)

I love that me and the girls can talk about ANYTHING (and you girls know what I mean). What a fun weekend of sharing, learning, eating and practicing our french at passers-by. [Thank you Becca for encouraging that behavior]

(brunch at Brennan's)

Les grandes pensées viennent du coeur.

~Vauvenargues

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Blessings

They (blessings) are all around us...I call them friends...I think some of the greatest blessings in life are those individuals whom we share our hearts and our lives with...they listen to our stories, they catch our tears when we cry, they share in our joys, they laugh at our jokes (even if they aren't funny). They remember the good and forget the bad; they are loyal to the end (no matter what boys come and go). They are encouraging, supportive, and kind. They will be speak the truth, and try to be delicate when criticizing, they will build you up but never let you fall hard.

God has given me so many blessings and to all my friends reading this now, thank you for being you. You mean so much to me and your friendship touches my heart and blesses my soul. I love each and everyone of you. One of the greatest gifts one can receive is the love of a friend.

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”

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Storey Time

Yes that's s-t-o-r-E-y....As is in Storey Mason, a young girl, wise beyond her years.

Let's back up to Saturday, May 8th. Derek and I celebrated our birthday, a few days early, and what a blessing to have our family and friends to share such a special day with us. I had to sit back at the end of it all, take a deep breath and let the sweet, warm memories of the day marinate in my heart and mind. I've been told to "drink deeply for the cup (of life) passeth but once." I wanted to absorb every feeling I felt that day, every smile I saw, every hug I received, every laugh, ever face, every smell, every conversation, EVERYthing.

But one memory, in particular, truly touched my heart. After the guests departed, Derek and I shared a moment reading cards and sweet birthday wishes that the guests wrote for us. A 9 year old, young lady, Miss Storey, sweet, lively, and bright, wrote, what I consider, one of the kindest, most thoughtful birthday notes.

Sidebar: Storey is the daughter of my camera guy, Bruce, whom I have spent almost every work-day with for the last year. Bruce and I have come to know each other quite well, and although I have met his daughter just a few times, I hear stories about her every day and I feel as though I know her very well.

Storey wrote "I hope you have a wonderful birthday...and when I found I out you were leaving I cried...I'm going to miss you so much...love you lots~Storey"

While these are simple words, they carry big meaning. Although Storey and I have seen one another fewer times than I can count on 2 hands, her child-like honesty melted my heart and I was shocked that she was so impacted by my departure. So, it got me thinking about the people in our lives that pass in and out. The ones we may never call best friends, we may never be invited to their wedding, or get a phone call when they're expecting their first child. But...there are people, every day, that admire you, look up to you, and truly care about you....but we may never even know who they are.

In this world full of cynics and critics, I want you to know that you still have big fans, whether they are 9 or 99. There are people who still applaud your successes and cheer you on to a better tomorrow. They may never be able vocalize their support or have a chance to write you a birthday wish, but they are out there. Your actions, your treatment of others, your speech, they are all being looked upon and judged (good or bad).

I was so humbled by Storey's words. Remember that you are an influence, know that you are being observed, and never forget who we should be representing. Love endlessly, forget the naysayers, and be true to you. Be authentic, be genuine, and be kind beyond measure.

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הללויה

What an inspiring night last night! Derek and I went to the Shane and Shane concert in Marietta. I use the term concert loosely, for it was more of a night of worship and feeling God's presence. I was encouraged, humbled, broken, lifted, and filled.

Rewind 9.5 years: my first Shane and Shane encounter, freshman year of college, Lakeview baptist church, Auburn, AL. I have since seen them...oohh...maybe 10 times. And every time I am so blessed.

Let me steal a minute of your time sharing with you a scripture Shane shared with us last night that sent chills down my spine...

Galatians 3:10-14

Starting in verse 10:

10- For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." (English Standard Version)

Now....If I stopped here, I would resign myself to the idea that religion, faith, and spirituality are of no importance because I am cursed for my transgressions without hope of forgiveness....but, let's read on...

11,12-The obvious impossibility of carrying out such a moral program should make it plain that no one can sustain a relationship with God that way. The person who lives in right relationship with God does it by embracing what God arranges for him. Doing things for God is the opposite of entering into what God does for you. Habakkuk had it right: "The person who believes God, is set right by God—and that's the real life." Rule-keeping does not naturally evolve into living by faith, but only perpetuates itself in more and more rule-keeping, a fact observed in Scripture: "The one who does these things [rule-keeping] continues to live by them." (The Message)

And this is my FAVORITE part....

13,14-Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse. And now, because of that, the air is cleared and we can see that Abraham's blessing is present and available for non-Jews, too. We are all able to receive God's life, his Spirit, in and with us by believing—just the way Abraham received it. (The Message)

Let the word marinate in your heart. Let this truth resonate in your mind. Let the spirit seep into the cracks and fill your brokenness.

הללויה  (hallelujah!)

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Music to my Ears!

Okay....I love music!!!...Some might call my taste eclectic and that might just be a nice way of saying "I don't really get your music," but nonetheless, I can't imagine my day, or life, without it.

In my car CD player right now:
Lady Antebellum,
Josh Turner,
Justin Bieber (please don't judge me),
David Crowder Band mix,
Jimmy Needham,
Kari Jobe

Here are some artists I have recently found that make my ears tingle and my heart sing.
Please check them out:
Newworldson
Brooke Fraser
Nathan Angelo
Francesca Battistelli
Kyle Riabko
Amos Lee

Make music today! Embrace today! Make one memory today!

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Quatre Mois

What a great time last night. Derek and I had an impromptu "date night" to celebrate our 4 months. We went to the Braves/Philly game and got there in enough time to sing the national anthem and see the first pitch thrown (I've never gotten to Turner Field early enough to see the first pitch...so, that was a first). We stayed until the final out and the weather was great! After the ball game, Derek and I stopped by the Varsity for a yummy peach pie.

I must also add...Derek made it on the jumbo tron. A very proud moment for him. The camera was centered on some dancing guys in front of us and as soon as Derek realized he was in the background he lifted his shirt to show all of Turner Field his belly button, and then some. I then turned, looked around, pointed at Derek and said "I'm with him....that's my boyfriend....." Derek was so excited his bare chest made the jumbo tron that he immediately texted his brother to share his excitement.

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Live, forgive, love, & NEVER Give up!

(listening to Brooke Fraser and Francesca Battistelli)

Don't forget that today is gift, life is such a gift. We must live, forgive, love and NEVER give up!

Take off the blinders and look up and know life IS worth living. There is more to life than chasing out every temporary high to satisfy us. We are walking and stumbling around this world, we are mere aliens, only pressing on to a homeland which we have never seen. Every day we are changing, we are made of different stuff that when we first began. A different spirit, a different flesh, a different mind. We are growing, stretching, expanding who we are. Fast approaching is the day when the world will be falling from under us....BUT...You, yes you my brother and sister in Christ, you will be left standing! When time and space are finished, when this world is lost we will be found...Found in HIM! I've heard rumors of a true reality and whispers of a well lit way. But the choir of angels is shouting and singing in my reality. The noises of this world can be distracting, but continue to follow the angelic harmonies that are leading us home.

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Wonderful, wonderful!

Wonderful, so wonderful is your unfailing love

Your cross has spoken mercy over me

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart could fully know

How glorious, how beautiful you are

Beautiful one, I love

Beautiful one, I adore

Beautiful one my soul must sing

Powerful, so powerful Your glory fills the skies

Your mighty works displayed for all to see

The beauty of Your majesty awakes my heart to sing

How marvellous, how wonderful You are

You opened my eyes with your wonders anew

You captured my heart with this love

'Cause nothing on earth is as beautiful as you

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overJOYed!!!

(listening to Needtobreathe; The Heat)

What an exciting week it has been for 2 of my very best friends! Joy and Eric are officially engaged! I am so happy for the both of them! It is such a sweet moment in life when 2 people find each other through life's fateful paths. Who would've thunk it that the boy next door, and one of my dearest friends would, through the twists of life, end up betrothed to a later-in-life best friend. God is good! They have a child's romance and I pray they continue to love one other more and more each and every day. It has been particularly JOYful, for me to watch their relationship unfold and to see the love grow right before my very eyes.

Thoughts on the "L-word"

Love is a most beautiful thing and I believe that the union of man and woman is the closest humans will come to physically "seeing" what Christ's love looks like on earth. In my finite mind, I paint the picture "love" with these words: selfless, giving, patient, loyal, deep abiding respect, genuine interest, appreciation, encouragement, unfaltering support, positive communication,willingness to forgive, meaningful togetherness, romance, working and dreaming as one, surrender, understanding....just to name a few May we love one another and look for opportunity to share Christ's love with others today. And I don't mean just loving the one to whom we may be involved with relationally, but love those all around us.

"Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle"

Romans 12:9-10 (The Message)

"9 And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment],

10 So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].

11 May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized]."

Philippians 1:9-11 (Amplified)

"Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!"

1 Peter 4:7-11 ( The Message)

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Refusing to give up

Consistency with God doesn't mean perfection...

It simply means refusing to give up

4:45 this morning my alarm sounds 5:00 I was up grabbing gym clothes 5:10 heading out the door...One big motivation for the gym this morning was my beau, who I knew was also going to be there. Nothing better than a sweaty hug at 5:30 in the morning ;) 6:20: leaving the gym 6:30 getting ready for the day 7:30 on the road to work Now that I have given you a detailed look at my morning, let me get to my point...In my/our daily pursuit to put God first and make Him the center of our world, we often find ourselves bound to the 'schedules' of our days. Whereas I would love to say that every morning, at 5:30 I go to my quiet place and spend 2 hours in deep prayer and burying myself in the word, that just doesn't happen. I used to beat myself up if I missed a quite time or had to push it to later in the day. But, in "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World," I was encouraged by the thought that consistency with God doesn't mean perfection...rather, it simply means refusing to give up. So, in the busyness of our day, just keep Him around. Refuse to give up your need for Him in every minute and every moment of your life. I know when I make spending time with our Father a chore or a line on my to-do list, my heart never seems to be in quite the right mood. Rather, when I stop "penciling Him in," my heart feels more of a longing and desire for Him. Like a new relationship, I can't wait to spend time with Him. Long to spend time with Him, make it happen, and refuse to give up.

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Oh Happy Day #44!

(Listening to Angel Taylor)...love her!

Just got back from lunch...at Moes...I'm ridiculous! If you're not familiar...when you dine at Moes, you can type in your phone number at the counter when you pay.... A little device keeps record of your visits and after so many visits, you receive a free meal....Free = good! Well, today was a FREE meal day (except, I didn't realize that 'til after I paid...I'll save it for next time). I also noticed today that I have visited that particular location 44 times!!!! Oh my! Well, as I grabbed my food and sat down to enjoy my overachiever and side of queso, I also took some time to write some quotes from a book I just finished. Let me digress for a moment...My wonderful bible study just finished the book "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." This 12 week journey focused on finding intimacy with God in the busyness of life. It's a wonderful book and very easy to read. I would recommend it for woman of all ages trying to balance a relationship with our Father, the pressures of career, and responsibilities of a family all the while maintaining friendships and finding time for that social club. And did I mention, doing it all with a smile on your face and in high heels. This book is an invitation for every woman who has ever felt she isn't godly enough, isn't loving enough, isn't doing enough. I found joy, peace, conviction, empowerment, love, grace, and mercy in this book. Please grab this one. You'll be glad you did. Moving on, and back to moes now...During the study I highlighted often, underlined much, and wrote all over the margins in the book. Now, I am taking the time to go back through and reflect on some of the notes I made. Many of my blog posts in the coming days will be from this book, including simple quotes to perplexing questions to challenging charges. (feedback is welcome)

Let me start with this:

"We were created in the fullness of God.....Are we willing to let God explode our comfort zone and expand our capacity for Him?"

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These are a few of my favorite things:

Derek Gann Dresses with pockets Fresh flowers Sweet Tea Fried Okra My Baggu bags Lip gloss Polka dots Anything green, pink, or orange Pedicures

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Feeling Optimistic!

(Listening to Jimmy Needham)

So, I have this quote framed, sitting on my night stand and I read it every morning. I think it's a great way to start my day. Enjoy!

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best.

Forget the mistakes of the past

and press on to the great achievements of the future.

Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side

so long as you are true to the best that is in you!

-Christian D. Larson

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Paint 'n Pals

(Listening to Ginny Owens; Beautiful)

Thank the good Lord for friendship and painting!

In the beginning....

Add some flowers....and assist a friend :)

Voi La....The End!

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And so it begins...

my first blog entry! Let's hope I can keep this up... On my way into work I couldn't help but to play "How He Loves Us" on repeat (it helps sooth my nerves in Atlanta traffic)

He is jealous for me,

Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,

Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden,

I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,

And I realise just how beautiful You are,

And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,

Oh how He loves us,

How He loves us all Yeah,

He loves us,

Oh! how He loves us,

Oh! how He loves us,

Oh! how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,

If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.

And Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,

And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,

I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,

When I think about, the way…

I'm am so happy to know how much He loves me/us. It keeps me motivated in my daily pursuits. And I particulary love the mental pictures produced with lyrics like "grace like an ocean" and "heaven meeting earth like and unforeseen kiss" (or sloppy wet kiss).

May He inspire you today!

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