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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