Christmas Tour - Day 7

At this point, the tour is becoming a blur of family, friends and fudge (my Mamwaw's fudge that is). It's been great so far! Stage two of the trip begins tomorrow morning as we move on to the next town to see more friends and MK's birth mom.

Gone fishing! My first catch.

Christmas Tour - Day 6

Well, can you believe it? Christmas has passed and here lies the aftermath. lol

Today, I was crazy and faced the crowds at the mall. Guess who was there?!

Everybody!!!


I am now reminded of why I hate the mall. Ew. As my brother so eloquently put it, "This is the perfect place to catch swine flu! Can't you smell it?" Okay, that's a little over the top but really, it was packed. I was breaking a sweat, beating back old ladies and frazzled moms for the best buys. Ha!

Best deal of the day? Sunglasses for the cruise for $2...score!!!

I also purchased a boat load of new books, which is appropriate because I need lots of good reads for during my cruise.

Today was the first day that the homesickness kicked in. I wanted to be back home so badly. I'm actually glad about this because after living in GA for almost 4 years now, It IS home. So, I miss you Georgia!

Here are some random old pics I have come across here in my place of birth...

This is a picture of my Mawmaw french braiding my hair. She would pull my hair so tight that I would cry. What women will do for beauty right?

I love this picture of all us kids at the beach. I will be on the beach in 10 days and counting! Looking forward to warmer climates!

Here is a "presh" picture of me holding my newborn baby brother Drew in April 2000. I adored him so much!

Christmas Tour - Day 5

What a beautiful day! I pray that all the love and joy of the Lord will be lavished upon you during this season. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year to thank God for all of his abundant blessings! He is so faithful and good!

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

Christmas Tour - Day 4

Happy birthday Jesus! And happy birthday Landon!


Today, my baby brother turns 15! Yep, the big 1 -5! I think he is my favorite 15 year old too!

He loves the outdoors, he loves to serve others and most of all he loves the Lord!

I appreciate so much the young man that he is becoming! I think its crazy that I live in a world where when I talk highly of my siblings, people are surprised! But hear me now, I am so proud of my brother!

Landon and I have a lot of fun together and we have spent a lot more time together this year because we are actually taking the same high school science course. We have weekly study dates to Einsteins. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with him. This morning we went on a 6-mile bike ride and it was a killer. If it weren't for Landon, I would probably be a couch potato. lol

Ok...time for pictures!! He is going to kill me for this...

Landon was born a fisherman....here he is just a little baby no bigger that that bass!

Gig 'em Aggies! I really hope Landon will get to go to Texas A&M for college!

Aw...those were the good ol' days!

There's Lan with his "blankie!" He carried that thing everywhere!

Happy 15th Landon! I love you!

Christmas Tour - Day 3

Merry Christmas Eve, Eve!

I can't believe Christmas is simply a day away!

Today was lovely as I spent it just hanging around town. I ran some last minute shopping errands with my dad and came back to the house to watch "Little Women" with all the mamas. Seriously, it has to be one of my favorite movies. I forgot how good it is! It is a very unsuspecting Christmas movie if you are looking for a wholesome holiday flick.

Tonight, we went to a local church for their "Crazy Kids Christmas Show!" It was super special because one of our really old friends preformed in it. She is apart of a very cool children's ministry doing performances for the kiddos. Maddie Kate loved it so much! I don't think she blinked for the first 10 mins she was so enamoured!

Here we are with Jamie Lynne. If you look closely, you will see that she has stitches between her nose. She broke it a few days ago while practicing for the performance. She is such a trooper!

So, as if the "crazy Christmas Show" wasn't crazy enough, we went out to eat at Panera Bread after the show and I walked in to see this sweet girl wearing MY CHURCH'S DNOW shirt on!!! I was like, "Wait, what state am I in again?!" I thought I was going insane. I walked right up to the family and introduced myself. Turn out, not only did their daughter go to out church's DNOW, but she was in my sister's DNOW group!! Em ran in and gave her a hug! They know each other!!! Okay, It is a small world when it comes to the Lord!! This Georgia fam is also Native to Texas and are here visiting family! Craziness! The pic is of Em and Stephanie! *I also think its pretty ironic that the DNOW them was CRAZY love. lol

More fun old pics coming tomorrow (it is a special young man's bday. hint. hint.). yay!

Christmas Tour - Day 2

The day was pretty productive, that's for sure. Well, at this point the trip could be more accurately called a "sit around and eat" rather than a "tour" which indicates movement. lol


Sleep late. check.

Watch bits and pieces of random Christmas movies. check.

Stay in pajamas 'til noon. check.

Eat fudge. check.

Eat fresh baked apple cake. check.

Surf ETSY and blogs for hours. check.

Chill in the hammock. check.

Ride on the tractor (yep, that's no joke) check.

Watch Prince Caspian on the new HD flat screen. check.

Own brothers at a dart gun war. check.

Eat some more. check.


I was totally joking about the whole "being productive" thing. But then again, it is why they call it vacation right?

And for your entertainment, here is a very old picture I found at my grandparents'....

Yes, we are, in fact, matching. Wow, this is old.

Wasn't I cute??

Christmas Tour - Day 1

It is finally time for another Christmas Tour! Its been a long day, but its not over yet!

We woke up and started the long drive at around 5:30 am and arrived in "H-Town" at 5:40 pm. I spent the whole day stuck in a car with my parents and 4 younger siblings. Oh joy! I passed the time reading, day dreaming and sleeping. Pretty much killing time. Some random things...

Favorite sight of the day...

My favorite sight of the day has to be a tie between seeing this...

We saw this 18-wheeler from N. Carolina with its top covered in snow. Its probably the most snow I will see this Christmas!

...and this!

Finally crossing into Texas!!!

On my iPOD play list (because, who can survive travel without their iPOD these days!)...

* Casting Crown's newest CD - My favorite song so far is called "If We've Ever Needed You" which talks about how much our world needs Jesus Christ!

*Steven Curtis Chapman's new CD, Beauty Will Rise - He has written these songs over the past year following the death of his baby girl Maria. His steadfast faith in the Lord is evident all over this record! Such an encouragement!

You need to download this song - "Your Love is Better Than Life" by Fee

My good read of the day...

"A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller - This book is a reminder of how our lives are a small part of God's Story. I highly recommend it; its a very fun read. Miller is an interesting person, which makes for an interesting story!

Best end to the day?

A perfect Texas sunset and my mawmaw's fudge on arrival to her house! yay!

Just a thought...

You know you have been in the car for a long time when you get to observe both the day's sun rise and a sun set! lol

Lift Us Up to Fall

Waiting here
Waiting for you God
With our hopes and fears
We come empty handed
Lord draw us near
Heal these broken hearts
And lift us up to fall before everything you are

Nothing and Everything

None is greater than you God.

None is higher,

None is more powerful.

 

There is NOTHING you cannot do God.

Nothing too big,

Nothing too complicated.

 

Not my family,

Not my friends,

No earthly things compare,

To you God.

 

You are EVERYTHING.

I am thankful.

What are you thankful for?

Balance Beam

I don't want to go where the majority goes. I want to live a radical life for Christ!

One of my favorite quotes from "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan...

Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.

Hills and Valleys

"Say you're with me
There's gold ahead
There's golden dreams
And life's hills and valleys
Yeah, will you hold on with me?
Let me take us
Let me take us away

I wouldn't know just how sweet this tastes now
No, if at first I did not go through
The bitter times, the bitter places
I'll stay alert for new battles
But, for now, we're here."

Oh Bryce...we'll see you Thursday night!

Things are not going like I planned,

but it is okay because I know God's plans are always so much
better.

UPDATE:The Most Beautiful Baby Ever

Its a SWEET, SWEET baby GIRL!!!

Lila Jane Meadows

My Mind Has Officially Been Blown.

The other day, while driving in the car, I was overcome by the most simple, crazy, overwhelming thought.

With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand
years are like a day.

- 2 Peter 3:8

Even though my mind can't begin to understand God's incomprehensible concept of time, It is amazing to me that He walks so intimately with us every hour and every minute of every single 24hr. day. To Him, my life is nothing but a blink and it is gone, yet He is so near to me and is such a relational God.

I am so madly in love with my savior and his indescribable ways!

A Song in My Heart

I love music. Nothing pleases me more than an iTunes gift card and a well stocked iPod.


Another interesting thing I have realized about myself is that I am a hummer. I unconsciously hum just about everywhere I go. I say unconsciously because it was not until just a few weeks ago when my mom commented that I am her "hummer." I always have a song in my heart and on my mind. Because of my love of music, I have realized the impact that different types of music have on me.


I clearly remember taking one of the first math tests of freshman year and I was extremely nervous. On top of my nervousness, I had a "top 10" song stuck in my head. I recall feeling very frustrated that I could not get the catchy tune out of my mind and focus on the task at hand. I look back and it upsets me that I was listening to that music in the first place. How annoying!


In contrast, while taking the SAT in October, I was in the middle of an English section when a song popped into my head. I had been so focused and clear minded throughout the test so when this song came out of nowhere I was so mad! I was like "No, no, no!!! Get out, get out, get out!" I realize now that what I thought then as a hindrance was actually a blessing! This is the song that came to my mind…

Oh great and mighty one,

With one desire we come

That you would reign that you would reign in us

We're offering up our lives

A living sacrifice

That you would reign that you would reign in us.

Reign In Us by Starfield

I look back at that SAT experience and thank God for the calm in the chaos. With all of the stress and going on in my mind, I know God brought that song to my mind to bring me peace. What a neat example of God just loving on me! I could talk on and on about his crazy love for us!

Anyways, if I could encourage you to one thing, I would tell you to fill your heart and mind with uplifting, Christian music. God has used this amazing music to minister to me so much. Whenever I hum or whistle or randomly think of one of these God-glorifying songs, they make me focus on Him. What a blessing!

Especially for you- I have placed a temporary box with a list of my favorite worship songs to the right. Enjoy!

Yay!

I just laid my two-year-old sister, Maddie Katie, down for her nap. She is getting to the age where she had decided that naps are overrated and some days you have to chase her around the house in order to get her to bed. Despite her protesting to take a nap today, she is sitting in her bed now saying "Yay! Yay! Yaaaaaaay!" It is pretty funny. I taught Maddie how to say "yay" and I love it when she says it. She has a little bit of Southern twang to her voice when she says it and it is so cute!

The bible says that we are to rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) This is a very clear command in the bible and I think that it is pretty cool that the command is repeated. I listened to a sermon by Francis Chan on this verse and he found that it is actually the only command in the bible that is repeated. It must be incredibly important to God that we are rejoicing in him ALWAYS. To me, A good place to start living out this verse is by just being a joyful person. My desire is to reflect Christ and His love. How is anyone going to see His light in me when I walk around looking like a stressed out grouch all the time? Its not going to happen. Sure, we all have our bad days, but just like Maddie Kate reminded me today...

...it is possible to be joyful; rejoicing in the Lord, even
when you are doing something you don't want to (like taking a nap...or doing homework haha).

Have you said "yay" today?

This Blessed My Heart

Praying for this sweet girl...

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate/journal/3

"When your faith endures many conflicts and your spirit sinks low, do not condemn yourself. There is a reason for your season of heaviness. Great soldiers are not made without war. Skillful sailors are not trained on the shore. It appears that if you are to become a great believer you will be greatly tested. If you are to be a great helper to others, you must pass through their trials. The uncut diamond has little brilliance, the unthreshed corn feeds no one, and the untried believer is of little use or beauty. There are great benefits to come from your trials and depression..." - Charles Spurgeon.

A dear friend once said...

A dear friend once said to me, "You need to blog!"

Yes, I do confess and have come to realize that my blog has been neglected for awhile now.

It is quite a tragedy.

I do miss blogging. Life has been keeping me busy and I love it. I really do miss blogging, and even writing in my journal; both of which I haven't had much time for.

I think my problem is that I don't have something consistent to be writing about.

* I'm not a mom, like many blogger, who post adorable pictures of their children and write about their family's adventures.

*I am not a photographer, like many bloggers, who keep you updated with their latest photo shoot.

*I am not a 365 blogger, like many, who think up a fun challenge to do something for and entire year and blog about it. (Maybe I should come up with something to do for 365 days! Ha!)

Well, those are my blogging thoughts for the day. I do hope my dear friend is satisfied with this post and that she feels better soon. I will leave you with a question..

If you had to blog about a particular something for 365 days, what would you do? Think "Julie and Julia."

Have a happy Tuesday!

What is This Strange Bright Light??

Basically, in the last week, Georgia has been flooded with buckets and buckets of rain. I've gotten a glimpse of what Noah experienced when the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened! On Wednesday, the sun showed itself for the first time in what feels like weeks. I was like, "What is this strange light in the sky!?" as I squinted my eyes to get a better look...haha I got really excited about sun coming out and it seemed to absolutely brighten my mood! I got outside and it felt like everything was so new and fresh! I snapped a few pictures around the neighborhood.

The neighborhood pond is filled once again to the brim ...I think we'll break out the kayak.

My sweet sisters and I...soaking up the sunshiny rays!

The trees seem to be appreciating the sunlight! : )

Herschel loves the sun too...even though he looks a little grumpy in this pic. haha

Square Dance

Every year, our school has a square dance for all the families. Despite its obvious corniness, it is quite fun and everyone always enjoys it! We even hire a "professional" square dance caller! Here are the highlights...

A "cow" boy?

Awww...who is this little lady?

Best buds...could we get any goofier?

Brother in a barrel! I don't know how the girls keep their hands off of him!

Again...corny, but being faithful to the 'ol yearbook staff.

Yes, these are my girls!

We're crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

YEE HAW

You know you are from Texas when an occasional square dance is NORMAL! haha

Y'all can probably guess what I'm doing on my Friday night!

Pictures to come!

Happy Birthday My Friend!

Today is my dear friend Brittney's 17th birthday. She's back in Texas and we don't see each other a lot, but we are the greatest friends. We grew up together. We spent many hours playing barbies, "house" and dressing up her Pomeranian, Honey, in American girl doll clothes. haha

This is the type of friend that you just pick right back up where you left off. I love her to death and I am so blessed by her friendship. We have been through the ups and downs of life together and we will be friends forever.

I look forward to being in each other's weddings, and holding each other's babies and being really cute little old ladies together! That's kinda sappy, but really...this is THAT kind of bestfriend! : ) I love you Brittney Ray and I hope you are blessed today!

Weren't we cute?

I Dare You to Pray This...

Francis Chan has an awesome heart for God!!!
If you don't know who Francis Chan is, you need to Google him.
If you haven't read his book, Crazy Love, you have to read it! I am!

Proverbs 30:7-9

Noah and How He Relates to Preschool Messes

The blog has gone through a bit of a makeover.

It definitely reflects what my life is like right now.

School is going well. I think my Senior year is going to be bittersweet, as I am having a lot of

melancholy feelings right now.

I will be graduating from my Christian school in the year 2010 (the best grad. year ever!) with four other wonderful ladies, who are also some of my best friends. We are certainly sharing an important part of our lives together.

Anyways, I have taken a part-time job working childcare at my church one night a week. I have a great class of precious 2, going on 3 year olds. They keep me on my toes and we have SO much fun!

Those sweet kids are some of the inspiration I have to go back and read certain bible storys. Last week, we learned about Noah building the ark. We let the kids finger paint the water and a rainbow around a picture of the ark and it was MESSY! I had paint all over my pants when we were done! Regardless, It was worth it because these little guys thought it was so cool and got excited about the story of Noah. Their favorite part (which is mine also) was the promise God made using the rainbow!

The movie, Evan Almighty, is a great movie that puts the story into an interesting perspective. Imagine the entire story of Noah and the ark happening in mondern day! You have to see this movie! I can picture just how much scorn Noah revieved from others. They must have thought that he was a crazy man! But Noah was a man who followed God. Enough so that God spared his life.

I want to be like Noah; who was obedient and loyal to God despite what others thought about him.

"Samuel, Samuel"

Do y'all want to hear what I learned from Samuel?
1 Samuel 3:1-10

This is one of those incredible stories in the Bible in which our holy, holy God's voice is audible. When I was a kid, this story didn't even phase me. I thought it wasn't surprising at all that God would choose to speak in an audible voice...it was NORMAL.

Now that I'm older, I pray more than ever for that child-like faith; to see God as HUGE and STRONG... instead of putting him into a box or limiting him. I appreciate the story of Samuel far more now! What an encouragement to hear this story again and be inspired by God's literal calling on the young boy's life!

I believe with everything in me that God is as living and active now as he was in Samuel's time. Unfortunately, God doesn't seem to speak to people ( at least not to me) in an audible voice as much as he used to. I think it probably has something to do with how loud we are! : )

Anyways, here's my little summary of this awesome story...

*1st off, Samuel is growing up in the temple of the most high God. He is sleeping where the Ark of God is! (vs. 3) Can you imagine?!

*Now, this is where Samuel hears God. God's voice must have been very clear because Samuel thought that it was Eli, the priest, who was calling him!

*I can just picture this old guy, Eli, trying to get some shut-eye, when Sam keeps keeps on showing up at his bedside waking him up! haha (vs. 5)

*Well, God continues, trying to get Samuel's attention. (vs. 6) He calls Samuel not once, not twice, BUT three times! "Samuel, Samuel!" He says. Can you imagine God calling your name like that? The very thought gives me goose bumps! Finally, Eli gets the picture and tells Samuel that it is probably God calling him.

*So finally, Samuel answers! He says, "Speak, for your servant is listening." (vs. 10)

Honestly, how often do we ask God to speak to us? Ha! Most of the time, we are rattling off our requests to him or complaining. Man, I hope God owns a pair of ear plugs for all the times I absolutely talked his ears off! : )

Samuel could have easily started talking to God, asking him questions and listing his complaints (or gone back to sleep!). But, this young boy realized how amazing it was that God wanted to speak to him. (And God wants to speak to our hearts too! )

Way better than doing all the talking, Samuel absolutely just basks in God's presence, listening to what all he had to say.

When I personally think about it, I would much rather hear from God than doing all the talking my self! There is no such thing as a one-way conversation! : )

A challenging question to ask is...

How often do we ALLOW God to speak to us?

This is one gigantic lesson that I'm learning from Samuel's story.

I need to be quiet sometimes; listening for God's still small voice.

The B-I-B-L-E ...

...yes that's the book for me!

I'm a baby sitter.
I baby sit...
...A lot.

I adore the kiddos that I get to care for and I treasure the time I have playing with them.

I always think it is absolutely precious when little ones have a children's Bible that they adore and love to read. Nothing is more sweet than that childlike faith. They believe with all their heart that GOD IS STRONG!

I was baby sitting a little girl the other day and she was only 2 years old, yet she was bringing me her Bible and saying "blue Bible" "blue Bible" (it was blue). And so we sat and read through her little Bible.

I will never forget the moments I had with sweet little Brock, who we lost last year, when we would read his Bible together in his rocker.

Reading the Bible with these children has inspired me to go back and take a look at some of my favorite bible stories as a child; looking at them with a new set of eyes. I tend to neglect many of these stories that I "grew up with" in Sunday school. Just because I know them like the back of my hand doesn't mean I shouldn't go back and read them! I'm excited to see what fresh, new things God shows me through these amazing (true) stories!


What was your favorite Bible story as a small child?

This was the Bible that I grew up with...

Lindsey A

Just like Maddie Kate's speedy adoption process (from the time we heard about her birth mom and to the point of holding Maddie in our arms was less than 4 months!), my sweet new friend Lindsey's adoption has been very quick! Our good friends the Worley family first found out about Lindsey little more than a few months ago. Now she is a part of their family and will be "officially" adopted very soon!

There is plenty more to this awesome story, but basically I can sum it up by saying that God's plans are so much greater than our own! I have gotten to see God's hand all over Lindsey's placement and adoption! It is super exciting! Jamie, Lindsey's new mom, laughs that she would've never imagined that she would "give birth" to a teenager!

It has been so great getting to know "Lindsey A" better! She has such an awesome personality and a contagious, enthusiastic love for God! (I think we share a lot more than just our name.) We have been dubbed "Lindsey A" and "Lindsey B" by our families. Some people think "A" and "B" is like "1" and "2" but actually it is because of our middle names, "Anne" and "Beth"!

I thank God for Lindsey and her wonderful testimony!

This is her blog...http://landoflindsey.blogspot.com/

Mr. Smitty

During phase 1 of our Texas trip, we passed through Shreveport, LA to visit some very special friends. We go way back!


Mr. Smitty and his daughter, Andrea have known me since I was just a little kid. Andrea was my mom's best friend and they have been through thick and thin! Andrea was diagnosed with brain cancer a long time ago and because of all the treatment, she has no short-term memory.

It is very heartbreaking to visit Andrea and her dad. It is crazy that because of their conditions, they are both in the same nursing home together. Mr. Smitty had a stroke a few years ago that caused him to loose movement in the left side of his body. He is such an amazing man of God and I look up to him so much! He has had a very rough time, feeling useless. Every time we see him, we encourage him and tell him that his life has purpose and that God is not finished with him yet.

I had a moment alone with Mr. Smitty while we were visiting. I was telling him that I liked the nursing home and that it seemed very nice. I told him that I look forward to visiting when we come through at Christmas. He said, "Well, I'll be here. I'll be here 'til the day I die." Oh! My heart aches for this man! I told him that I look forward to heaven someday and that I feel like such an alien to this earth. "This isn't our home," Mr. Smitty said "It's our home away from home."

I wonder what It would feel like to be Mr. Smitty. To know that each day, you are either a day closer to dying or a day closer to Jesus coming back.

Mr. Smitty is a person who inspires me to wake up each morning and live it like its my last. To open my eyes and say, "Thank you God that I'm alive! Use my life for your glory!"

Wow.

The last few months, I have found myself beginning many of my journal entries with the word 'wow'.

For example...

"Wow! Thank you God!" or "Wow! Look at what God did!" and "Wow! I really need to update my blog!" ; ]

Even if I didn't start out a particular journal entry with the word 'wow', looking back at what God has done in my life usually induces a 'wow' or two.

At this point, I should probably change my blog's name to "WOW! My God is so great!"

My goal for the coming days is to post more of what I like to call, "Wow God!" posts. I don't have too many exciting things to blog about as you have probably noticed. The only thing exciting about my life is God! He is my EVERYTHING!!

So without further blabbing...prepare to be wow-ed!

On the Road Again

It's time once again for a good old Texas tour.

My family is going ALL over the Lone Star State for the next couple of weeks.

Family, old friends, fun....and of course the HEAT.

Looking forward to a whole bunch of memories.

See you when I get back!

Rain

I am so happy. It rained today.

After a long, hot and dry week, the rain is so welcome.

It is refreshing.

Moist.

Cool.

Ahhhh.

It might be a little humid later on, but I don't mind.

Everything outside will be clean and bright!

Who knew that a long, hard rain could actually put me it an amazing mood?

Oh my goodness.

There is a song that has been in my heart for several weeks now. I sing it. I hum it. I pray it.

"Desert Song"
Hillsong

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Love, Love, Love This Verse!

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

- Psalm 37:5-7

Give your everything to God and He will do amazing things in and through you!

A Lesson Learned

I would like to share a life-lesson I learned from my brother today...

Always make sure you carefully survey your surroundings before preforming a back flip on an in-ground trampoline...to avoid putting permanent impressions of your kneecaps into a wall.

Can you say OUCH??

Favorite Moment

I really miss blogging and I am ready to get back to it. I have still been keeping up with all of your blogs and am constantly being encouraged by them. So thank you thank you! For me, blogging has been such an uplifting hobby. : ]

So, by far, my favorite moment this week happened on Saturday night. Well, it all started Friday morning when I babysat a sweet little boy. We decided to go on a walk around the neighborhood when we came across a house that was for sale. There was obviously no one living there and the yard was evidence of this. The grass was higher than my ankles and there were weeds everywhere! But what took my breathe away were the hydrangea bushes in the front yard. Seriously, the only way I can describe how abundant the blooms were is that there were enough to decorate at least two weddings! haha

Well, I was just so tempted to just go up and pick some. So I did. The following day, my friends and I were headed over to a friend's house and decided to stop by the lonely house on the way. We also took a few tools with us; a big blue bucket (filled with water) and a few pairs of scissors.

It took all of two minutes to jump out of the car and fill the bucket with flowers. You would never even know we had been there, because of how many flowers!

It was such a fun little adventure! The result was a house filled with bright and cheery flowers! Check out these pictures!

That's not even all of them!

This hot pink one was my favorite!

I hope your summer is filled with joy and many "favorite moments"!

Choir Tour

I will be in Washington D.C. until June 7the for Choir Tour 2009

Please be praying for our group  this week as we do VBS in the public schools and concerts throughout the city.

You can keep up with the trip here...

CHOIR TOUR 2009

The Closest Thing to Gossip...

When I haven't been in a tizzy over the latest Gosselin drama or SAT scores, I have been enjoying some time with the fam at Rosemary Beach. The beach was absolutely wonderful. I'm a little sunburned and a lot relaxed (that is until I had to take a good look at my SAT scores online Wednesday morning! Ha!)

Lately, I have been constantly thinking about the Gosselin family. I hardly ever pay any attention to celebrities and such but it's been hard to ignore all the rumors concerning this family the last couple of weeks. I've been praying for them and trying to read between the lines in the stupid tabloids. It has been pretty discouraging to hear what Kate is saying to the entire world to hear. She definitely not the kind of wife and mother I aspire to be. Some might not agree but I really don't care what her husband has or hasn't done, she shouldn't treat him the way she has. It is not helping your marriage to put down your husband with every other word Kate.

I hate it for them. I hate that America has put this family on a pedestal. Nobody is perfect. (I know it's hard to believe, but this goes for Christians too. ; ] )

What are your thoughts concerning this family's situation? Is their hope for them? I would like to think so. I have to admit, I love seeing those 8 precious faces on my television. I hope with all my heart that their parents will run to Jesus, because he is the author and perfecter. He is the only one who can save them from the mess they've made.

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Be back soon!

My Life is Crazy, But I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way!

The Highlights...

Trip to North Carolina with my parents where they did a marriage seminar...visited the Biltmore.

My Junior prom....it was an perfect night.

My friend Jon and I took the SAT the day after prom...we were pooped!!!

It's been pretty busy, but the best memories have been made in the last couple of weeks!

The really good news is...

1) I only have 1 more day of school left

2) I survived the SAT

3) Summer is almost here!!!

4) I am going to six flags on Friday!!!

5) Oh, and I survived the SAT!!!

Is it just me, or are your ready for the summer??

New header.

So...I'm still experimenting with the header on my blog, so bear with me.

The pictures on it aren't just random. They are each special to me. For some reason, I absolutely love watching children blow bubbles. I think it so clearly represents their innocence and wonder. The first picture I took while I was in Mexico earlier this month. This cute little dude got a hold of our team's only bottle of bubbles and would not give 'em up! I wanted to impress him with my expert bubble blowing skills and blow some big ones, but no matter hard I tried, I could not get him to give them back! It was so funny watching the other children try and approach him for a turn, only to watch him run away as fast as his little legs could carry him. I also observed from the corner of my eye, this little boy TASTING them! He soon realized that bubbles were not for eating and stuck his tongue out in total disgust. It was pretty cute, to say the least.

On to even cuter things...my baby sis. MK is growing up so fast! Watching her gather eggs during her first Easter egg hunt was so fun! She is fascinated by bubbles right now, but really, what kid isn't? We got a little bubble maker for outside and we blow them while she is swinging. She is such a little princess. I heard the saying the other day, "I'm not spoiled, I'm blessed!." So true in MK 's case. : ] She is one part of my everyday life that just completely leaves me speechless. It is amazing to me that God placed her right into our family. Sometimes I look at her and think, "Wow. Did we really adopt you?" She is such a neat part of our family. I can't imagine life without her! I feel like God called us in such a radical way to follow this command in James 1:27...

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

It took some time for me to completely accept this, but in certain ways MK and her birth mom are a widow and a orphan. My family's role in MK AND her birth mom's life is filled with opportunities to testify Christ. MK's adoption has been such an open door to sharing God's love. (Open adoptions are awesome by the way...they sound kind of scary but they can be really cool!) When we spent some time with MK's birth mom at Christmastime, I was hesitant to the situation. But God totally turned my heart around. It is not all about me and what I feel comfortable with! (God has had to show me this SO many times!) I really woke up and realized what an opportunity that I had right in front of me to be "Jesus with skin on." It was eye-opening to understand that we may be the only glimpse Christ that this family would ever truly experience.

All that to say, I am in awe over what God has done and is doing. I marvel at the story that He is unfolding in each of our lives. I would love to sit down with you and a cup of coffee really soon and hear what God is up to in your life! Thanks for reading!

Home Again

• Outside my window... is a beautiful sunset.

• I am thankful for...special time with my heavenly father while in Mexico.

• I am creating...a memory book of the mission trip to Mexico.


• I am thinking...about the sacrifice Christ made for me on the cross.

• I am going... to the 11:30 Easter Sunday church service.


• I am reading... When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy.


• I am praying... that the people of Matamoros will know God's love.


* I am hearing... MK talking


• Around the house... there are piles of laundry to do and the Easter lunch cooking.

• One of my favorite things... American food and flushing toilets (oops...that was two).


* Here is picture I am sharing...

Lupita and I