Happy New Years, Friends!!!!
I hope everyone rang in 2010 with family and friends!!! Hoping and praying for a year full of God's many blessings to each of you!!!
Merry 2010, Happy 2010... Happy New Year!!
oh... and I will get a post up at somepoint about the happenings of the holidays....just not tonight!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Its funny how God works....
Tonight has been a bit of stressful night.... life, school, people... all had me stressed, frustrated, worried, overwhelmed... add which ever other word you think fits. About 9or 930 I left school to come home and keep plugging away on my paper because a recent turn of events in life had me stressed and focusing on a paper at school just wasn't happening. I got home and did the usual of letting the dog out, taking a really hot shower to focus back on school work and then settled in to write this paper. Lately I have been listening to Pandora's Christmas station however after listening to that for a few minutes, I just wasn't feeling it and switched over to Lala. Lala is where I have most of my country music (I know.. weird, but sometimes I really just want to listen to country) and some of my contemporary christian/praise/worship music. So I set Lala to play my whole collection... 200+ songs in the queue. The first few songs to come on were country songs... fun... tap your toes.... fine and worked well as background noise. But, I should probably forewarn you that I put all my music (country and christian) in the queue and that I had had it on random... so it was not playing in any order I put it.... it was playing on its own. So, then the songs switched.....
Its funny how God works.... First song that really caught my attention-- From the Inside Out by Hillsong United. Great great song with great great lyrics! "A thousand times I've failed, Still your mercy remains. And should I stumble again, Still I'm caught in your grace. Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame. My heart and my soul, Lord I give you control, Consume me from the inside out..." That basically was what He first used to smack me across my face-- I have to be consumed with Him from core of who I am, heart and soul. When I let other things consume my life, I am just setting myself up to be unhappy and setting myself up to faill to see Him and His glory and goodness in my life. After that song, it switched to the next one. He is still working in funny ways... The song to come on was It Is Well. "Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul....Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,It is well, it is well, with my soul." I love that song. I kept restarting it and listened to it a few times before letting Lala move on to the next song. Next song... Who Am I by Casting Crowns. "I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow, A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still you hear me when I'm calling, Lord, you catch me when I'm falling, And you've told me who I am. I am yours." So at this point I am thinking that no matter what happens with school, life, etc, it is all good because its all part of God's will and and no matter what I may do and no matter how I may fall short, I am His child and it is well. Good.. my evening was starting to get so much better because of my renewed focus on what really matters.
Its funny how God keeps working.... The next song to come on was Francesca Battistelli's Free to Be Me. "At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream. A wars already waged for my destiny, but You've already won the battle and You've got great plans for me. Though I can’t always see ‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender... Got a couple rips in my jeans. Try to fit the pieces together, but perfection is my enemy. On my own I'm so clumsy, but on Your shoulders I can see, I'm free to be me. When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out; My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow. But things don't always come that easy and sometimes I would doubt ‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender... Got a couple rips in my jeans. Try to fit the pieces together, but perfection is my enemy. On my own I'm so clumsy, but on Your shoulders I can see, I'm free to be me... Sometimes I believe that I can do anything yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring. But You look at my heart and You tell me that I've got all You seek and it’s easy to believe...I'm free to be me" So still getting better! Its crazy how great God is! I must be His all-consumed child, I am free to be the person He has created me to be, and no matter what life throws my way or how far short of His glory I fall, I am his and it is all well with my soul. He was not finished though.... He threw in Jars of Clay's Two Hands... just to make sure I got his message. "I use one hand to pull closer, the other to push you away. If I had two hands doing the same thing, Lifted high, lifted high... And if we just keep digging we can reach the foundation of our souls and if we just keep cutting all the chains from our hearts we’ll lose control and it feels like giving in. It feels like starting over. It feels like waking up, and you know it’s coming. It feels like a brand new day. Open your eyes... because if I had two hands doing the same thing....Lifted High Lifted High" Yes. I am getting this message. Very clearly.
Finally, as I am typing this... Go Tell It by Lee McDerment just came on..."Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountain....." Its funny how He brings amazing peace and comfort when you least expect it but most need it. Its amazing how He puts you right where He wants you and not where you expected to be. Its funny how God works......
I can say with assurance... I got His message. and I'm still thinking.... its funny how God works....
Its funny how God works.... First song that really caught my attention-- From the Inside Out by Hillsong United. Great great song with great great lyrics! "A thousand times I've failed, Still your mercy remains. And should I stumble again, Still I'm caught in your grace. Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame. My heart and my soul, Lord I give you control, Consume me from the inside out..." That basically was what He first used to smack me across my face-- I have to be consumed with Him from core of who I am, heart and soul. When I let other things consume my life, I am just setting myself up to be unhappy and setting myself up to faill to see Him and His glory and goodness in my life. After that song, it switched to the next one. He is still working in funny ways... The song to come on was It Is Well. "Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul....Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,It is well, it is well, with my soul." I love that song. I kept restarting it and listened to it a few times before letting Lala move on to the next song. Next song... Who Am I by Casting Crowns. "I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow, A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still you hear me when I'm calling, Lord, you catch me when I'm falling, And you've told me who I am. I am yours." So at this point I am thinking that no matter what happens with school, life, etc, it is all good because its all part of God's will and and no matter what I may do and no matter how I may fall short, I am His child and it is well. Good.. my evening was starting to get so much better because of my renewed focus on what really matters.
Its funny how God keeps working.... The next song to come on was Francesca Battistelli's Free to Be Me. "At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream. A wars already waged for my destiny, but You've already won the battle and You've got great plans for me. Though I can’t always see ‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender... Got a couple rips in my jeans. Try to fit the pieces together, but perfection is my enemy. On my own I'm so clumsy, but on Your shoulders I can see, I'm free to be me. When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out; My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow. But things don't always come that easy and sometimes I would doubt ‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender... Got a couple rips in my jeans. Try to fit the pieces together, but perfection is my enemy. On my own I'm so clumsy, but on Your shoulders I can see, I'm free to be me... Sometimes I believe that I can do anything yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring. But You look at my heart and You tell me that I've got all You seek and it’s easy to believe...I'm free to be me" So still getting better! Its crazy how great God is! I must be His all-consumed child, I am free to be the person He has created me to be, and no matter what life throws my way or how far short of His glory I fall, I am his and it is all well with my soul. He was not finished though.... He threw in Jars of Clay's Two Hands... just to make sure I got his message. "I use one hand to pull closer, the other to push you away. If I had two hands doing the same thing, Lifted high, lifted high... And if we just keep digging we can reach the foundation of our souls and if we just keep cutting all the chains from our hearts we’ll lose control and it feels like giving in. It feels like starting over. It feels like waking up, and you know it’s coming. It feels like a brand new day. Open your eyes... because if I had two hands doing the same thing....Lifted High Lifted High" Yes. I am getting this message. Very clearly.
Finally, as I am typing this... Go Tell It by Lee McDerment just came on..."Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountain....." Its funny how He brings amazing peace and comfort when you least expect it but most need it. Its amazing how He puts you right where He wants you and not where you expected to be. Its funny how God works......
I can say with assurance... I got His message. and I'm still thinking.... its funny how God works....
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is possibly my favorite holiday of the year... if not my favorite, it is tied with Christmas. Its a wonderful holiday to tell the people in your life just how thankful you are for them and to remind yourself all the many blessings in life. It is a holiday that really makes me think and reflect on my own life and how many wonderful, great, and amazing things and people that are in my life. I have so much to be thankful for. In the days and week leading up to thanksgiving, I find my mind turning to the holiday and really focusing on everything in my life that makes it great and special, especially the people I am so blessed to call my family and friends. As I did last year on Thanksgiving, I am continuing the tradition below with a list of things I am most thankful for. As usual, they are not in any particular order, except the first one. The first is the most important thing/aspect of my life, because with out Him, I would be nothing!
1. Jesus Christ- My faith is truly the core of who I am. I am not perfect by any means (very far from it...), but when I waver, wander, or stumble, and fall far short of His glory (on a daily basis), He remains steadfast and faithful. As one song says "Amazing grace, its more than just a song"-- I can say without a doubt that is the truth. His grace and mercy are unending, His love is unfailing, and for that I am forever thankful!
2. My family- They are always there for me. They rejoice and celebrate with me in the good times and they are always there to pick me up when I fall. Incredible people who love me for who I am, even when I am being hard to love.
3. My Friends- My friends are the ones who know everything about me and love me just the same. They are there for me when times are great (like my birthday just last week) to the bad times when I feel like my world is falling apart and crumbling around me. There is some quote that says something along the lines of friends are the family that we get to choose. I do consider my friends to be as close as family and I love them like family, but I did not choose them. God has put each and every last one of them into my life for a reason. Each one has had an impact on my life and forever changed me. I can not say thank you enough to my friends for always being there and remind them that I love them dearly! Y'all make my life so much brighter!!
4. The amazing guy I am dating.... Six months ago I would have never guessed that I would be in a relationship, but I am! The more and more I get to know him, the more and more incredible I think he is! He is so sweet to me and very supportive of me and my dreams, and even seems to tolerate the fact that my life has been taken over with school work these past few weeks! It is an unexpected blessing that I am very thankful for!
5. My dream is becoming my reality- It hit me this summer just before starting my last year of school that finishing school would mean my life long dream of being an architect is truly becoming my reality! Finishing this semester, my comprehensive studio, is a HUGE hurdle that will soon be done! (2 weeks!!!!) Its hard to believe in one more semester and one more summer, I will be done with school. Forever. I have loved my time at Clemson, but I am looking forward to having something that sort of resembles a life. Yet, I would not trade all the struggles, late nights, crazy reviews, stress, and shear emotion because this dream is so worth all of that!
6. Freedom. Here I am spending time with my family for Thanksgiving while around the world, our United States service men and women are protecting our freedom this holiday. Thank you to all of you who protect our country!
1. Jesus Christ- My faith is truly the core of who I am. I am not perfect by any means (very far from it...), but when I waver, wander, or stumble, and fall far short of His glory (on a daily basis), He remains steadfast and faithful. As one song says "Amazing grace, its more than just a song"-- I can say without a doubt that is the truth. His grace and mercy are unending, His love is unfailing, and for that I am forever thankful!
2. My family- They are always there for me. They rejoice and celebrate with me in the good times and they are always there to pick me up when I fall. Incredible people who love me for who I am, even when I am being hard to love.
3. My Friends- My friends are the ones who know everything about me and love me just the same. They are there for me when times are great (like my birthday just last week) to the bad times when I feel like my world is falling apart and crumbling around me. There is some quote that says something along the lines of friends are the family that we get to choose. I do consider my friends to be as close as family and I love them like family, but I did not choose them. God has put each and every last one of them into my life for a reason. Each one has had an impact on my life and forever changed me. I can not say thank you enough to my friends for always being there and remind them that I love them dearly! Y'all make my life so much brighter!!
4. The amazing guy I am dating.... Six months ago I would have never guessed that I would be in a relationship, but I am! The more and more I get to know him, the more and more incredible I think he is! He is so sweet to me and very supportive of me and my dreams, and even seems to tolerate the fact that my life has been taken over with school work these past few weeks! It is an unexpected blessing that I am very thankful for!
5. My dream is becoming my reality- It hit me this summer just before starting my last year of school that finishing school would mean my life long dream of being an architect is truly becoming my reality! Finishing this semester, my comprehensive studio, is a HUGE hurdle that will soon be done! (2 weeks!!!!) Its hard to believe in one more semester and one more summer, I will be done with school. Forever. I have loved my time at Clemson, but I am looking forward to having something that sort of resembles a life. Yet, I would not trade all the struggles, late nights, crazy reviews, stress, and shear emotion because this dream is so worth all of that!
6. Freedom. Here I am spending time with my family for Thanksgiving while around the world, our United States service men and women are protecting our freedom this holiday. Thank you to all of you who protect our country!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Time is flying by....
This year (and this semester for that matter) is flying by..... where is the time going!?!?!
Seems like just yesterday I was celebrating new years by banging pots and pans on the front porch by myself because my family was already asleep....
It seems like just yesterday I was spending my valentines day with two of my closest friends.... having what turned out to be the greatest valentines to date!
Spring was my best friend's wedding... fast forward to the summer... starting off with Sarah Boyd's baptism, lazy days at the lake, family vacation to the mountains, my big trip across the big pond....starting my last year of school...Fall. I met an incredible guy who keeps totally rocking my socks off and has me excited to see where our relationship goes..... Sarah Boyd's First Birthday (and Chad's 30th Birthday).
Now here we are. A little more than two weeks from Thanksgiving (one of my favorite holidays because I have SO much to be thankful for!), 3 weeks from my final review, 4 weeks from exam week... and then Christmas break! Where has this semester gone? It is flying by!
They say time flies when you are having fun... I am clearly having a LOTS of fun! I am so blessed to have incredible friends and family who I totally dont deserve but love more than I can ever let them know, I have this great opportunity to pursue my dream of being an architect, and I totally love living each day full on and all out!!! Life is great!
Here are a few recent pictures....Sarah Boyd's birthday party!! In the next few weeks I will be doing different things and get more pictures! :-)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
... I am good at copying and pasting....
Saw this over on another blog and thought it might be kind of fun.... so here it goes....
1. What is your favorite thing to snack on while your blogging?
I am typically blogging in the studio during my lunch... so I am usually eating a bag of steam fresh veggies and have my nalgene of water.
2. What is one thing you wouldn't want to live without?
Hum... hard one... I would say my friends and family, but they are not things. They are incredible people who I love more than I could ever let them know! A thing I could not live without... my cellphone... I use it a lot. (email, keeping in touch with my family and friends, surfing the internet.... It is not my crackberry as I can live with out for a day or two at a time... but it is usually close at hand)
3. Beach, Mountains, or Farm? Where would you live if you had a choice?
Mountains.... Since we built our family mountain house, I have fallen completely in love with the mountains. I do enjoy the beach and farms, but I always get to the mountains and feel like all is well again!
4. What's your least favorite chore/household duty?
Cleaning my bathtub and shower. My bathtub is really kind of too big.... it requires either climbing into the tub to get the back corner or using the swiffer with a towel on the end to get to the back. And my water at the house is pretty hard, so it is sometimes very hard to really get the hard warter scum off..... :-(
5. Who do people say you remind them of?
My mother... I love her dearly and we are a lot alike. People tell me our mannerisms are very similar and well, when we are on the phone we sound just alike. I cannot believe I am about to admit this on my blog... but I did not realize until a few years ago just how much we sound alike on the phone. I had just gotten to my parents house from Clemson and no one was home. So I pick up my cell phone and called what I think is my mom's cell phone and in turn call their landline at the house. When I pick up the landline, I say hello into the landline phone, and of course hear it coming out my cellphone at which point I start talking to who I think is my mom. When I cant hear her reply, I start saying "Mom... I cant hear you... you are breakin up...." at which point I realized I was talking to myself! So yes. One the phone, we do sound very much alike......
6. Prefer parties and socializing or staying home with the fam?
I like a good mix of both. I like to go out with my friends and have a good time, but I dont want to do that every night. Some nights I like to just chill at home. So a few times a week with friends is great because then I get a few nights a week at home too! Its the best of both worlds!
7. What's your all time favorite movie?
I dont have one... I have 3..... and all three are chick flicks. I like the movies where the guy gets the girl in the end! My 3 favorits are The American President, The Wedding Date, and Love Affair! All soo good!
8. Do you sleep in your make-up or remove it like a good little girl every night?
Nope. I wash my face every night.... my skin is WAY too oily not to! Its bad enough already... It would be totally horrible if I tried to sleep in make up!
9. Do you have a hidden talent or a deep desire to learn something that you've never had a chance to learn? What is it?
I really want to pick up playing the cello again and I really want to learn to play the piano.
10. What's one strange thing you're really good at?
I cant think of anything strange I am really good at.... I guess my friends from college would say that I am pretty good at the Clooodles and maybe the Cameos from Cranium....
11. What first attracted you to your spouse?
Come on now... we all know I am not married... but the first thing I notice about guys are their eyes and their smiles!
12. What is something you love to smell?
The smell of the fall air...cool and crisp with a slight smell of someone burning a campfire or something... Ahhh... heaven!
13. Tell something about you that you know irritates people.
I tend to speak my mind..... and sometimes too much.....
14. When you have extra money, what's the first thing you think to do with it?
I am a broke graduate student... I dont ever have extra money.... but if I did, I would probably splurge on something... shopping or possibly a pedicure or something for myself. Just depends on the mood I am in at that time.
15. Are you a silent laugher or a loud laugher? What makes you laugh the hardest?
I l ove to laugh out loud! I dont know what makes me laugh the hardest though.... probably being around my good friend Joanna's brothers.... those boys are very funny and will make you laugh until your sides hurt!
16. Where is your favorite place to shop?
Probably TJ Maxx... I love to find good deals! But after that, probably Belks.... nothing too exciting.....
17. What's one thing you'd do more often if you had more time?
Spend more time with family and friends... sometimes being in school is hard because it can be very hard to get away, even for the weekend!
18. Are you a big spender or frugal?
I like to find good deals!!! But periodically I will splurge on something special (my Digital SLR for example was a huge splurge, but I love it and it has been well worth the investment!)
19. Who is your favorite character of all time?
I dont have an all time favorite character....
20. Would you want to be famous?
Not really. I love the life I have been blessed with!
1. What is your favorite thing to snack on while your blogging?
I am typically blogging in the studio during my lunch... so I am usually eating a bag of steam fresh veggies and have my nalgene of water.
2. What is one thing you wouldn't want to live without?
Hum... hard one... I would say my friends and family, but they are not things. They are incredible people who I love more than I could ever let them know! A thing I could not live without... my cellphone... I use it a lot. (email, keeping in touch with my family and friends, surfing the internet.... It is not my crackberry as I can live with out for a day or two at a time... but it is usually close at hand)
3. Beach, Mountains, or Farm? Where would you live if you had a choice?
Mountains.... Since we built our family mountain house, I have fallen completely in love with the mountains. I do enjoy the beach and farms, but I always get to the mountains and feel like all is well again!
4. What's your least favorite chore/household duty?
Cleaning my bathtub and shower. My bathtub is really kind of too big.... it requires either climbing into the tub to get the back corner or using the swiffer with a towel on the end to get to the back. And my water at the house is pretty hard, so it is sometimes very hard to really get the hard warter scum off..... :-(
5. Who do people say you remind them of?
My mother... I love her dearly and we are a lot alike. People tell me our mannerisms are very similar and well, when we are on the phone we sound just alike. I cannot believe I am about to admit this on my blog... but I did not realize until a few years ago just how much we sound alike on the phone. I had just gotten to my parents house from Clemson and no one was home. So I pick up my cell phone and called what I think is my mom's cell phone and in turn call their landline at the house. When I pick up the landline, I say hello into the landline phone, and of course hear it coming out my cellphone at which point I start talking to who I think is my mom. When I cant hear her reply, I start saying "Mom... I cant hear you... you are breakin up...." at which point I realized I was talking to myself! So yes. One the phone, we do sound very much alike......
6. Prefer parties and socializing or staying home with the fam?
I like a good mix of both. I like to go out with my friends and have a good time, but I dont want to do that every night. Some nights I like to just chill at home. So a few times a week with friends is great because then I get a few nights a week at home too! Its the best of both worlds!
7. What's your all time favorite movie?
I dont have one... I have 3..... and all three are chick flicks. I like the movies where the guy gets the girl in the end! My 3 favorits are The American President, The Wedding Date, and Love Affair! All soo good!
8. Do you sleep in your make-up or remove it like a good little girl every night?
Nope. I wash my face every night.... my skin is WAY too oily not to! Its bad enough already... It would be totally horrible if I tried to sleep in make up!
9. Do you have a hidden talent or a deep desire to learn something that you've never had a chance to learn? What is it?
I really want to pick up playing the cello again and I really want to learn to play the piano.
10. What's one strange thing you're really good at?
I cant think of anything strange I am really good at.... I guess my friends from college would say that I am pretty good at the Clooodles and maybe the Cameos from Cranium....
11. What first attracted you to your spouse?
Come on now... we all know I am not married... but the first thing I notice about guys are their eyes and their smiles!
12. What is something you love to smell?
The smell of the fall air...cool and crisp with a slight smell of someone burning a campfire or something... Ahhh... heaven!
13. Tell something about you that you know irritates people.
I tend to speak my mind..... and sometimes too much.....
14. When you have extra money, what's the first thing you think to do with it?
I am a broke graduate student... I dont ever have extra money.... but if I did, I would probably splurge on something... shopping or possibly a pedicure or something for myself. Just depends on the mood I am in at that time.
15. Are you a silent laugher or a loud laugher? What makes you laugh the hardest?
I l ove to laugh out loud! I dont know what makes me laugh the hardest though.... probably being around my good friend Joanna's brothers.... those boys are very funny and will make you laugh until your sides hurt!
16. Where is your favorite place to shop?
Probably TJ Maxx... I love to find good deals! But after that, probably Belks.... nothing too exciting.....
17. What's one thing you'd do more often if you had more time?
Spend more time with family and friends... sometimes being in school is hard because it can be very hard to get away, even for the weekend!
18. Are you a big spender or frugal?
I like to find good deals!!! But periodically I will splurge on something special (my Digital SLR for example was a huge splurge, but I love it and it has been well worth the investment!)
19. Who is your favorite character of all time?
I dont have an all time favorite character....
20. Would you want to be famous?
Not really. I love the life I have been blessed with!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Happy First Birthday, Sarah Boyd!!!
I will never forget the morning of October 25, 2008. That week had been a doozie at school and I had found out one of my best friends had cancer. By the time Friday night came and I finally got into bed, I was totally and utterly drained.... mentally, physically, and emotionally spent. I got in bed fairly early for a Friday night and just kept reminding myself that no matter what was going on in my life, that God was in control and His perfect will sovereign. I never thought that Friday night that my life would be forever changed the next day. I will never forget my Saturday morning though.
About 9 am on Saturday morning, I got a phone call from my sister. It was a bit odd because it was so early for a Saturday morning, but not totally odd to hear from her given a major player in my thesis research had been in Clemson from Arizona and because she knew I was stressed out. BUT... after the few minutes of small talk of her asking about my week and how school was going, she told me that she and Chad were at the hospital, and the sweet baby (who we did not know the sex or name of) would be coming into our world that day! At that moment, I was filled with shear joy! I remember packing and getting dressed as fast as I could so that I could get to Columbia. I knew she was going to be in labor for hours, but I did not want to miss one minute with my family and I just wanted to get to the hospital! Within 3 hours of getting the initial phone call, I had showered, packed, driven 2.25 hrs from Clemson to Columbia, dropped my dog off at my parents house, and then driven to downtown Columbia to the hospital.
Hours later, Sarah Boyd Horne was born. She came into the world around 8pm on Saturday, October 25, 2008. She was perfect. From the moment I first saw her, I was totally in love! Unfortunately, because of her laid back personality and not crying after she was born, she spent a week in the NICU for an infection. But, two days after she was born, the family finally got to scrub up and go into the NICU and hold that sweet baby girl. Its amazing how much I love my niece! I was totally and utterly in love... I can only imagine how much I will love my own child now that I know how much I love her!
The past 12 months have flown by. I can't believe she is already ONE! She is an incredible little girl with a great personality, blue eyes that will get her anything she wants, and a smile that makes my heart melt! Below are some pictures from the past year with the amazing, sweet baby girl that I am blessed to call my niece!
The Morning after she was born...
I finally got to hold her!!!
The Morning she came home... in the dress my sister wore home from the hospital.
About 9 am on Saturday morning, I got a phone call from my sister. It was a bit odd because it was so early for a Saturday morning, but not totally odd to hear from her given a major player in my thesis research had been in Clemson from Arizona and because she knew I was stressed out. BUT... after the few minutes of small talk of her asking about my week and how school was going, she told me that she and Chad were at the hospital, and the sweet baby (who we did not know the sex or name of) would be coming into our world that day! At that moment, I was filled with shear joy! I remember packing and getting dressed as fast as I could so that I could get to Columbia. I knew she was going to be in labor for hours, but I did not want to miss one minute with my family and I just wanted to get to the hospital! Within 3 hours of getting the initial phone call, I had showered, packed, driven 2.25 hrs from Clemson to Columbia, dropped my dog off at my parents house, and then driven to downtown Columbia to the hospital.
Hours later, Sarah Boyd Horne was born. She came into the world around 8pm on Saturday, October 25, 2008. She was perfect. From the moment I first saw her, I was totally in love! Unfortunately, because of her laid back personality and not crying after she was born, she spent a week in the NICU for an infection. But, two days after she was born, the family finally got to scrub up and go into the NICU and hold that sweet baby girl. Its amazing how much I love my niece! I was totally and utterly in love... I can only imagine how much I will love my own child now that I know how much I love her!
The past 12 months have flown by. I can't believe she is already ONE! She is an incredible little girl with a great personality, blue eyes that will get her anything she wants, and a smile that makes my heart melt! Below are some pictures from the past year with the amazing, sweet baby girl that I am blessed to call my niece!
The Morning after she was born... I finally got to hold her!!! The Morning she came home... in the dress my sister wore home from the hospital.Thanksgiving at the Hefners (about a month old)
Christmas Eve, 2008
February, 2009-- Just hanging out
March 2009, I babysat her one day during my spring break
Channing and SB on Saturday April 4, 200-- Bridal Brunch before Channing and Blake's wedding
Easter Sunday, 2009
SB's Baptism, May 2009
4 Generations (from left), my sister, SB, Baba (my maternal grandmother), and my mom
Late May, 2009
Summer 2009 at the lake house
Early October 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
It is well...
Life is an endless roller coaster. The scary drops, the exhilarating ups, and the times when it seems we are just creeping along not going up or down... just a plateau in life. I am definitely in an exhilarating up right now. I don't know how life could get much better! I know I have said that before.... but I am way to blessed not to say that! I have an incredible family who support me constantly, greater friends than I could ever deserve or ask for, I serve an awesome God who loves me despite my faults... I could not be more blessed or be happier!
I am crazy in love with life... now why it is great, this summer when I was struggling, all the time. If I did not have the hard times, I would not know how great the good times are. If I did not have the lows, I would not realize how out of control and powerless I am and, thus would not see how in control and totally powerful (and awesome) God is.
Life is Good. In fact, Life is great!
The Lake! (and at sunset it is even better!)
The unexpected... a rainbow during a break in the rain.
The Mountains...
My life long dream of being an architect slowly becoming my reality!
(This is my arch + Health people during our tour of the ORs at MUSC last week)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
I just heard this song. and I like it a lot.
As I have said before... I am a pandora radio junkie! Nothing like free online radio that you can customize!!! Anyways... I heard this song called I'm Alive last night while I was working in the studio. I like it.... plus I like that it is Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews... interesting mix!
Sorry I don't know how to include the youtube video here... but link is in the word "this" above!
Sorry I don't know how to include the youtube video here... but link is in the word "this" above!
Monday, October 5, 2009
...just a dog.....
Read this on someones blog and thought I would post it here because I think it is sweet!
In the past few years since we got Whit for my dad after my dad got sick, I have become quite the dog lover. I cant imagine life without Cadie and Whit (my parent's dogs), or my sweet Riggs. I am now and will forever be a dog person!
(and I do have a special place for spaniels, in particular!)
In the past few years since we got Whit for my dad after my dad got sick, I have become quite the dog lover. I cant imagine life without Cadie and Whit (my parent's dogs), or my sweet Riggs. I am now and will forever be a dog person!
(and I do have a special place for spaniels, in particular!)
It's Just a Dog
From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or,
"That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled,
the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with
"just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company
was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,"
and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog"
gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog"
gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably
understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise,"
or "just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence
of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise,"
or "just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence
of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that
makes me a better person. Because of "just a dog"
makes me a better person. Because of "just a dog"
I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me, and folks like me,
it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes
and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past
and the pure joy of the moment.
it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes
and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past
and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and
diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not
"just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity
and keeps me from being "just a human."
"just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity
and keeps me from being "just a human."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog."
just smile....because they "just don't understand."
just smile....because they "just don't understand."
- Anonymous
Cadie on the chair she is NOT supposed to be on! :-)
Whit at his favorite place... Lake Murray waiting for the ball to be thrown!
From left to right, Riggs, Whit (in mid-air), and Mackie playing ball at the lake house!
Riggs!!! My Sweet Boy!!!
Cadie (left) and Whit (on the sofa they are also not supposed to be on)
Cadie and Riggs (on the sofa at the lake, which they are allowed on)
Riggs when he was a wee baby in front of Riggs Hall(both named after former Clemson President Walter Merritt Riggs)
Whit at the mountain house
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sweet Sarah Boyd
I have not done a blog post about Sweet Sarah Boyd in a while... So here ya go!!! She is just shy of a year old... hard to believe in 3 weeks she will be 1!!!! What a year!!! I cant believe how much I love her and how wonderful she is!!!
Enjoy these pictures... they are from Friday night (Oct 2)!
(I LOVE LOVE LOVE it when she cuddles in like that!!!)
SB loves her Maddie! and my Mom LOVES SB!
Enjoy these pictures... they are from Friday night (Oct 2)!
(I LOVE LOVE LOVE it when she cuddles in like that!!!)
SB loves her Maddie! and my Mom LOVES SB!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Music to my ears...
As one of my friends had on their facebook status... "Im over September.... This has been a really rough month.." Ditto. Yes. But in these times of trouble, turmoil, suffering, etc I have always found that God uses the stormy seasons of life to pull me closer to Him. I always find comfort reading different passages in scripture about suffering, rejoicing in our suffering, and perseverance.... God's perfect will and plan. They all bring comfort.
For me though, since I listen to music all the time, I also find that certain song lyrics get stuck in my head and help remind me of my focus... especially since I tend to listen to more Christian/praise music when I am faced with adversity. So. Here are a few songs that have hit home with me in the past few weeks, and especially in the last few days. (If these are duplicates of previous music to my ears posts... sorry.) (oh and this time I decided to put links you tube so you can listen if you have never heard them before....I could not find all of them, but I found some)
Stand Amazed (by 33 Miles)
You will be my strength when I am weak
When I wanna give in and not turn the other cheek
Let this be the prayer that I speak...That I speak...
When all the lights go down and the world is quiet
No one is aroundI wanna be the same man that'll serve you then
Like I serve you now
That my convictions never change
O let my need for you remain
As real as the moment I was saved
So I will always stand amazed
From the Inside Out (Hillsong United)
A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame my heart and my soul,
Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord, Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Shine (Salvador)
As simple as a passing smile
Or listening a little while
To someone that's convinced that they are in this all alone
Here's my chance to share the news
To introduce the good that's You
Here You go again, You never cease to blow my mind
Lord let me shine, shine like the moon
A reflection of You in all that I do
Lord let me be a light for Your truth
Light of the world, I wanna be used to shine for You
You're the love that we all need
You lift us up to our feet
You hold the key to eternity
The King of Kings alive in me.
You Rescue Me (Salvador)
Aching in a place that only I can see
Tears have a way of catching up to me
All it ever takes is a glimpse of something free
Like birds in flight
So I'm giving up on clarity
Cause I want to trust where I cannot see and
You rescue me, You hear my cry
You shelter me through the night
And You are my strength when I am in need
You are my God, You rescue me
Caught between the ocean and eternity
Broken by the weight of my attempts to be
Everything that everyone expects of me
This time, and every time
So I'm giving up on my righteousness
Cause grace, alone, will give me rest cause
You rescue me, You hear my cry
You shelter me through the night
And You are my strength when I am in need
You are my God, You rescue me
Amazing Grace (Newton)
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snaresI have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
For me though, since I listen to music all the time, I also find that certain song lyrics get stuck in my head and help remind me of my focus... especially since I tend to listen to more Christian/praise music when I am faced with adversity. So. Here are a few songs that have hit home with me in the past few weeks, and especially in the last few days. (If these are duplicates of previous music to my ears posts... sorry.) (oh and this time I decided to put links you tube so you can listen if you have never heard them before....I could not find all of them, but I found some)
Stand Amazed (by 33 Miles)
You will be my strength when I am weak
When I wanna give in and not turn the other cheek
Let this be the prayer that I speak...That I speak...
When all the lights go down and the world is quiet
No one is aroundI wanna be the same man that'll serve you then
Like I serve you now
That my convictions never change
O let my need for you remain
As real as the moment I was saved
So I will always stand amazed
From the Inside Out (Hillsong United)
A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame my heart and my soul,
Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord, Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Shine (Salvador)
As simple as a passing smile
Or listening a little while
To someone that's convinced that they are in this all alone
Here's my chance to share the news
To introduce the good that's You
Here You go again, You never cease to blow my mind
Lord let me shine, shine like the moon
A reflection of You in all that I do
Lord let me be a light for Your truth
Light of the world, I wanna be used to shine for You
You're the love that we all need
You lift us up to our feet
You hold the key to eternity
The King of Kings alive in me.
You Rescue Me (Salvador)
Aching in a place that only I can see
Tears have a way of catching up to me
All it ever takes is a glimpse of something free
Like birds in flight
So I'm giving up on clarity
Cause I want to trust where I cannot see and
You rescue me, You hear my cry
You shelter me through the night
And You are my strength when I am in need
You are my God, You rescue me
Caught between the ocean and eternity
Broken by the weight of my attempts to be
Everything that everyone expects of me
This time, and every time
So I'm giving up on my righteousness
Cause grace, alone, will give me rest cause
You rescue me, You hear my cry
You shelter me through the night
And You are my strength when I am in need
You are my God, You rescue me
Amazing Grace (Newton)
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snaresI have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Amanda Jean!
Amanda, you will forever be missed! Your bright smile, you bubbly attitude, and generous heart! Bible Study reunions wont be the same without you!
My heart aches for Levin, Ansley and the rest of the family, but I had to smile when I looked back through old pictures and found these (and many more!) Not only a smile on my face, but a smile in my heart....
Sorry the pictures below are not in order really....
One of the many evenings we spent together (Oct 2005)... here celebrating Joanna's birthday (where she got sung to and we all got to enjoy her birthday dessert.... our Bible Study always did one thing well... we always had food and usually LOTS of it!)
Christmas Social 2005 (our senior year! After 4 years together, we became very close!) As usual... fun and food.
(we were laughing at sweet Amanda because she did not want to waste any of the fruit dip, so she had just licked the lid! :-) ) Thursday, September 10, 2009
I read this poem over at the LPM blog and thought I would re-post part of it. It pretty much sums up where I am in life right now... the desire to be bold, to step outside my comfort zone.... you should head over here to read the whole thing.
"Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love. "
- Sir Francis Drake
"Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love. "
- Sir Francis Drake
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
"...enthralled with your beauty..."
We live in a society that has created quite the definition of beauty. Only problem is that the definition, as society has defined it, is far from real or true. Society's idea of beauty is the "beauty" who shows up on the cover of the magazine in the check out line at the grocery store. Only she is not real. She is the photoshopped, air-brushed, retouched version of herself. That is not true beauty or the reality of who and what is beautiful. Every woman wants to feel beautiful- I don't argue that at all. We work hard to "make" ourselves beautiful by putting on make up, wearing just the right clothes, having perfectly styled hair. We are letting society define beauty and allow ourselves to get wrapped up in the wrong identity of who we are. We all wish we had perfect lips, or perfect hips, or beautiful legs, or chiseled abs. The problem is there is absolutely nothing spiritual about hating your own body. That is the first part of the battle of true beauty. We have to know who and where our beauty comes from. We are beautiful for who we are in Christ. We have to love ourselves, we cant compare ourselves to others, and we cant listen to voices from the past that come back up and haunt us. As women, we are the only thing that God did not create from dirt. We were created in HIS image. We are beautiful. God says it very clearly in Psalm 45:11 : "The KING is enthralled in your beauty." ENTHRALLED!!! Captivated! Spellbound! HE, the creator of the universe, is enthralled and captivated by your beauty!
True beauty lies in being able to embrace your beauty just as you have been created and just as you are. The first step is not beating yourself up. That does not mean you can't want to do things to change your appearance. (I fight that battle regularly-- I want to lose weight, but at the same time, I cant beat myself up for who I am right now. I can work to losing weight *which I am doing successfully at the moment* but I cant be ashamed of who I am right here, right now.) Beating yourself up only makes you feel worse and pulls your further from Christ. Women should even go so far as when you see your friend beating herself up, "take her weapons away and just hold her." We can and should be content, even grateful, for who we are right here, right now. Beauty also comes from truly finding what is important in life. As the quote in the last post said "There is no beauty in makeup. Expensive clothes will not make you beautiful. The secret lies in being an alive, awake woman with something to offer the world. Namely, yourself. Beauty is less about your face and more about your smile. Less about the shape of your eyebrows, more about the light in your eyes. Less about the length of your legs, more about the bounce in your step. Real beauty is being a viable, vital human being. As you participate in your life with a warm smile and generous spirit, you are beautiful." (Johnson, 86) Finally, and most importantly, you have to embrace the ONE who loves you more than any other person or thing- The true lover of your soul. "God is loving us passionately and intensely, and that love has nothing to do with the way we look... He simply loves us as we are." (Johnson, 87) HE formed each woman (again the only thing not from DIRT) and said "THIS IS GOOD." HE is held captive by our beauty.
We have to live by faith, not by sight. We have to embrace ourselves as we are and who we are in Christ ("Fearfully and wonderfully made"- Psalm 139:13-15). You have to be grateful for all that you have been given, including who you are physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Beauty is defined not by the American standard-- true beauty is defined by who you are in Christ and the person you are and become in HIM.
True beauty lies in being able to embrace your beauty just as you have been created and just as you are. The first step is not beating yourself up. That does not mean you can't want to do things to change your appearance. (I fight that battle regularly-- I want to lose weight, but at the same time, I cant beat myself up for who I am right now. I can work to losing weight *which I am doing successfully at the moment* but I cant be ashamed of who I am right here, right now.) Beating yourself up only makes you feel worse and pulls your further from Christ. Women should even go so far as when you see your friend beating herself up, "take her weapons away and just hold her." We can and should be content, even grateful, for who we are right here, right now. Beauty also comes from truly finding what is important in life. As the quote in the last post said "There is no beauty in makeup. Expensive clothes will not make you beautiful. The secret lies in being an alive, awake woman with something to offer the world. Namely, yourself. Beauty is less about your face and more about your smile. Less about the shape of your eyebrows, more about the light in your eyes. Less about the length of your legs, more about the bounce in your step. Real beauty is being a viable, vital human being. As you participate in your life with a warm smile and generous spirit, you are beautiful." (Johnson, 86) Finally, and most importantly, you have to embrace the ONE who loves you more than any other person or thing- The true lover of your soul. "God is loving us passionately and intensely, and that love has nothing to do with the way we look... He simply loves us as we are." (Johnson, 87) HE formed each woman (again the only thing not from DIRT) and said "THIS IS GOOD." HE is held captive by our beauty.
We have to live by faith, not by sight. We have to embrace ourselves as we are and who we are in Christ ("Fearfully and wonderfully made"- Psalm 139:13-15). You have to be grateful for all that you have been given, including who you are physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Beauty is defined not by the American standard-- true beauty is defined by who you are in Christ and the person you are and become in HIM.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
True Beauty.....
I will write more about this in another post at some point this week. But for now, I wanted to share a little passage from the new book I am reading. It sums up pretty well what true beauty is. In the longer post, I will dive in and give more detail including biblical references and such, but for now, just think on this for a little while.
"There is no beauty in makeup. Expensive clothes will not make you beautiful. The secret lies in being an alive, awake woman with something to offer the world. Namely, yourself. Beauty is less about your face and more about your smile. Less about the shape of your eyebrows, more about the light in your eyes. Less about the length of your legs, more about the bounce in your step. Real beauty is being a viable, vital human being. As you participate in your life with a warm smile and a generous spirit, you are beautiful." (Fresh Brewed Life, N. Johnson, 86)
"There is no beauty in makeup. Expensive clothes will not make you beautiful. The secret lies in being an alive, awake woman with something to offer the world. Namely, yourself. Beauty is less about your face and more about your smile. Less about the shape of your eyebrows, more about the light in your eyes. Less about the length of your legs, more about the bounce in your step. Real beauty is being a viable, vital human being. As you participate in your life with a warm smile and a generous spirit, you are beautiful." (Fresh Brewed Life, N. Johnson, 86)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Prayer Request
Hey Everyone-
Just asking that yall keep my parents in your prayers as they are traveling today/tonight to Rome. They are going to celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary, my dad finally being well enough to travel, and just going to go and have a romantic week away!
If yall would keep them in your prayers as they travel, I would really appreciate it! :)
Thanks!!!
(and GO TIGERS!!!)
Just asking that yall keep my parents in your prayers as they are traveling today/tonight to Rome. They are going to celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary, my dad finally being well enough to travel, and just going to go and have a romantic week away!
If yall would keep them in your prayers as they travel, I would really appreciate it! :)
Thanks!!!
(and GO TIGERS!!!)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The places you'll go
I was looking at blog backgrounds and found this one I just updated to.... I loved the name of it! The name.... yes. The name the designer had given the background. Its called The Places you'll go. It reminded me of a wonderful Dr. Seuss book called Oh, The Places You'll Go. I don't think I ever actually read the book as a child. Instead, it was given to me when I graduated from high school by someone special to me. When I saw the name of the blog background I was reminded of the book and, in turn, my wonderful memories of the people whose path's I have crossed in high school as well as through my life. The memories are so vivid I feel like I could just step back and be back in that place. It reminds me of how far I have come, yet all the future holds as I move forward through life. I have been so richly blessed.....
Here is a little part of the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss' Oh the Places you'll go!
"Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!There are points to be scored. there are games to be won.And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all.Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be,with the whole wide world watching you win on TV." - Dr. Seuss
I highly suggest reading the whole book. It is very cute and has wonderful illustrations. However, if you want to just read the words, which are so true, you can find them here.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Ah... Fall is in the air!
Ahh..... Fall is in the air! The coolness of the morning, the warmth of the sun! So nice. So Beautiful. I love love love it! Fall might be my favorite time of the year.... the colors, the great temperature.... just perfectly lovely!
The other exciting thing about fall is college football makes its triumphant return!!! I am very excited for football to come back! If I am going to have to do school work on a Saturday afternoon, there is no better, more enjoyable way to do that work, than sitting in front of the TV doing it with football on! Plus, who does not want to go to tailgates!?!?! Its fun to get to celebrate your team with friends and family!!!
So, in that light, GO TIGERS!!!!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
A few thoughts
A few thoughts on life and faith....
I believe that during the course of every Christian's life, there are times of major growth as well as times where things seem to just level out for a while, and maybe even go a bit in reverse. Last spring semester, I really felt like my walk and my faith was sort of at a plateau-- not going forwards or backwards but just sort of standing still. I was not totally sure why, but I really wanted to get back to that place in my walk where I was growing, learning, and yearning to grow closer and nearer to God. In that desire to grow, I really prayed for it and also started looking for ways to learn more through books and blogs. Over the past 4-6 weeks, I really have read some amazing things by truly amazing writers who have really got me thinking, wondering, and growing. In effort to share what I have found, I thought I would share little pieces that really struck a cord with me and really moved, convicted, or exhilarated me.
Oh... and I know those of you who know me are shocked that I am actually reading something other than what I have to read for school... I know... SHOCKING! :)
From the book Battling Unbelief: Defeating Sin with Superior Pleasure by John Piper (very good read)
"When delays and detours and Frustrations and opposition ruin our plans and bode ill for us, faith in future grace lays hold on the sovereign purpose of God to bring something magnificent to pass. That is the key to patience."
Also from Battling Unbelief: Defeating Sin with Superior Pleasure, a quote from C.S.Lewis
" The pleasure of pride is like the pleasure of scratching. If there is an itch one does want to scratch; but it is much nicer to have neither the itch nor the scratch. As long as we have the itch of self-regard we shall want the pleasure of self-approval; but the happiest moments are those when we forget our precious selves and have neither but have everything else (God, our fellow humans, animals, the garden, and the sky) instead." - C.S. Lewis
From the book Fresh Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson
"We are the beloved of God. We will go through trials, but we can submit to them so that our faith, the most precious thing we have, may be authentic." (this quote in the book is coming from 1 Peter 1:6-7)
" When we give ourselves to God-- mind, body, soul, and spirit- He changes us. We cannot change ourselves. We don't have the spiritual stamina to change ourselves..." - Nicole Johnson
From Perry Noble's blog... (old post from May 1, 2008)
"If you are in Christ then you are the King’s daughter…and you do not need to settle for the boy who can’t accept responsibility…you need to wait for the man who is WILLING to fight for your heart." -Perry Noble
"The king is entralled in your beauty" -Psalm 45:11
I believe that during the course of every Christian's life, there are times of major growth as well as times where things seem to just level out for a while, and maybe even go a bit in reverse. Last spring semester, I really felt like my walk and my faith was sort of at a plateau-- not going forwards or backwards but just sort of standing still. I was not totally sure why, but I really wanted to get back to that place in my walk where I was growing, learning, and yearning to grow closer and nearer to God. In that desire to grow, I really prayed for it and also started looking for ways to learn more through books and blogs. Over the past 4-6 weeks, I really have read some amazing things by truly amazing writers who have really got me thinking, wondering, and growing. In effort to share what I have found, I thought I would share little pieces that really struck a cord with me and really moved, convicted, or exhilarated me.
Oh... and I know those of you who know me are shocked that I am actually reading something other than what I have to read for school... I know... SHOCKING! :)
From the book Battling Unbelief: Defeating Sin with Superior Pleasure by John Piper (very good read)
"When delays and detours and Frustrations and opposition ruin our plans and bode ill for us, faith in future grace lays hold on the sovereign purpose of God to bring something magnificent to pass. That is the key to patience."
Also from Battling Unbelief: Defeating Sin with Superior Pleasure, a quote from C.S.Lewis
" The pleasure of pride is like the pleasure of scratching. If there is an itch one does want to scratch; but it is much nicer to have neither the itch nor the scratch. As long as we have the itch of self-regard we shall want the pleasure of self-approval; but the happiest moments are those when we forget our precious selves and have neither but have everything else (God, our fellow humans, animals, the garden, and the sky) instead." - C.S. Lewis
From the book Fresh Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson
"We are the beloved of God. We will go through trials, but we can submit to them so that our faith, the most precious thing we have, may be authentic." (this quote in the book is coming from 1 Peter 1:6-7)
" When we give ourselves to God-- mind, body, soul, and spirit- He changes us. We cannot change ourselves. We don't have the spiritual stamina to change ourselves..." - Nicole Johnson
From Perry Noble's blog... (old post from May 1, 2008)
"If you are in Christ then you are the King’s daughter…and you do not need to settle for the boy who can’t accept responsibility…you need to wait for the man who is WILLING to fight for your heart." -Perry Noble
"The king is entralled in your beauty" -Psalm 45:11
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Liked this...It really hit home for me.
I read this over at MckMama's blog and thought I would repost part of it here. So true... so convicting and scary yet so very exciting to know HE is leading somewhere greater than we could ever imagine!
"No matter how careful our planning, we can rest easy in the knowledge that God's plans are greater than ours, even as we watch the plans we had set in motion unravel. When we face these stormy days and nights, we may be taken aback by the fiery intensity of it all, but God is never surprised. He's like the universe's best boy scout: always prepared. God is ever ahead of us, even when we lag behind, mouths agape as we see where He is leading us." - Mckmama
"No matter how careful our planning, we can rest easy in the knowledge that God's plans are greater than ours, even as we watch the plans we had set in motion unravel. When we face these stormy days and nights, we may be taken aback by the fiery intensity of it all, but God is never surprised. He's like the universe's best boy scout: always prepared. God is ever ahead of us, even when we lag behind, mouths agape as we see where He is leading us." - Mckmama
Monday, August 24, 2009
More music to my ears
In this post, I did my first Music to my Ears post... and told you I would update with new songs I like... so here are a few more!
1.Meredith Andrews The River
Chorus:
Welcome to the river come drink come away come find your very life
Welcome to the river of God where your brokeness is washed away
Find your healing find your freedom in the river of God
2- Newsboys Adoration
Chorus:
PS... sorry about the formatting. It is like the paragraph spacing has changed, but I dont know how why it has changed. So... it will stay strange for this post!
1.Meredith Andrews The River
Chorus:
Welcome to the river come drink come away come find your very life
Welcome to the river of God where your brokeness is washed away
Find your healing find your freedom in the river of God
2- Newsboys Adoration
Chorus:
Come, let us adore Him He has come down to this barren land Where we live And all I have to give Him Is adoration. Come, let us adore Him He has come down to the world we live in And all I have to give Him Is adoration
3- 33 Miles Stand Amazed
Chorus:
When all the lights go down and the world is quiet
No one is around, I wanna be the same man that'll serve you then
Like I serve you now. That my convictions never change.
O let my need for you remain. As real as the moment I was saved
So I will always stand amazed.
PS... sorry about the formatting. It is like the paragraph spacing has changed, but I dont know how why it has changed. So... it will stay strange for this post!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Rollercoaster of Life
I have often heard people compare life to a roller coaster at an amusement park. I am even one of those people. In fact, roller coaster is the the only earthly thing I can think of to describe my life. Starting gate to the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. Turning left, veering right. Up, down and all around. The fear of cancer, the fear of doing and going somewhere totally out of my comfort zone. The shear joy of a clean cancer report to finding out that Sarah Boyd (before we knew she was SB) was on her way. Despite all the dips and curves, thrills, and scares, I know I can live life to the fullest and not be lost or afraid. I can live my life in Him knowing that when I get to the finish line, life will have been greater than I could have ever imagined and more wonderful than any dream I have ever had. And even greater than life here on earth, will be eternity with Him.
As for life right now, I am definitely on a high. This semester has started. I have not been this excited about a semester in a long time. I have not felt this much excitement about life, maybe ever. Truly giddy with excitement. God has greater thing planned than I can ever imagine. I can live knowing that a spectacular picture is being painted buy the hand of my awesome God. Wow! I am so blessed and so thrilled to be serving God through my life!
As for life right now, I am definitely on a high. This semester has started. I have not been this excited about a semester in a long time. I have not felt this much excitement about life, maybe ever. Truly giddy with excitement. God has greater thing planned than I can ever imagine. I can live knowing that a spectacular picture is being painted buy the hand of my awesome God. Wow! I am so blessed and so thrilled to be serving God through my life!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
What a trip!!!
Wow! What a trip! It was a whirlwind of a week, but a great one none the less! I have learned so much, seen so much, and been influenced and changed because of all that I have seen and done!!!
and of course... a few last pictures of our trip!
1- Lindsay in Gronigen on Sunday evening.
2- Amsterdam-- Specifically Dam Square, which is where our hotel was. We were only there for about 14 hours. So we did not really see any of the city since we did not get to town until about 7pm. But... at least we stayed in a great location and could have dinner at one of the cafes on the square!
3- Lindsay and I in Gronigen... same time she was having her coffee above :) (probably should have taken my glasses off.... oh well. too late now!)
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