Hi friends!
I hope that you all had an amazing weekend celebrating Jesus on Easter! I enjoyed the 7:30 service on Sunday morning, then went to Erin's parents' house for a yummy Easter lunch, followed by the evening service in Midtown and dinner afterward with my friend Lacey and some new friends! It was a great day!
The big news, though, is that I finally decided to take a step forward and put my house on the market. So, I signed the paperwork and should have a "For Sale" sign in the yard soon. I have been thinking about this for a long time now, and finally decided to go ahead with it. Who knows what may or may not come of it or how long it may take, but we'll see! One of these days when I charge my camera batteries, I will take some pictures of my little house to share with you.
Hope that you all are enjoying your week!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter!
I hope that you all have a blessed Easter! Celebrate the risen Lord!
"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." Luke 24: 1-3
Sunday, March 9, 2008
A Week in Review
Whew! It's been a busy week or so. I have intended several times to post an update, but couldn't make it happen. So, I thought I would catch you up a little...
Last weekend, I made a trip home to celebrate my little sister's quickly upcoming wedding with a bridal shower. I still can't believe that she will be walking down the aisle in about a month now! We had a busy but very fun weekend, which included a last minute trip downtown with her in her gown to try to get a few pictures. She got a few strange looks and a couple of "Congratulations" along the way. Here are a few pictures from the weekend:
This is me and my youngest cousin Keri:
A couple of shots from the "photo shoot." Even though I doubt that Jeremy frequents this page, I didn't want to give him any views of the dress, so here are a couple of close-ups:
On Monday, I drove down to Melbourne to spend the afternoon with one of my best friends, Caroline. We have been friends since middle school, and it is always great to be able to spend time with her. She's the one that I know I can always call and know that I am known and will be understood, even if it has been a while since we have seen each other. Care is married and has a beautiful little boy, Christopher. I wish that I lived closer to them! While Chris played and napped, we spent the afternoon talking and catching up on life. It was great to get to see her!
Care and I in the driveway before I left (a self portrait and not the most flattering one):
Mr Christopher playing in the garage:
From Melbourne, I drove to Ocala to spend the night with my Grandpa Jones. I love to spend time with him. He cooked me dinner and showed me some pictures he had taken of the many birds that frequent his backyard. He has several bird feeders and loves to watch them from the kitchen window. We woke up early on Tuesday (he always does) and went to breakfast at a little diner where the waitresses know his name and pretty much what he is going to have. I love that! After we sat down, a couple of his friends came in and joined us at the table. It was good to spend time with my Grandpa!
This is Grandpa with his grandchildren (minus 1) a couple of years ago:
On my way home, I did get to stop by my other grandparents house and spend a few minutes with them, too, which was fun. I had just seen them at the shower, so I wasn't planning to stop by, but I accidentally took a detour that led me right to their house! I got back to Jacksonville on Tuesday in time to go see the play that my older sister Carla is in this month called Play On. This is her first experience in a community theater production, and she did a fabulous job! She plays a slightly ditsy girl named Violet who within the play herself is in a play where she is an early century British socialite. I think she manages to have romantic interests in every guy in the play at some point. I went to the last dress rehearsal since I would not be back in Jacksonville to see the "real thing." It was a little strange to be the only one in the audience, but the play is really funny and they did a great job!
Here is a picture of Carla from this past Christmas Eve:
On Wednesday, I headed back to Atlanta. I got home just in time to have dinner with my roommates, which was great! Then I went over to my friend Lacey's house and caught up on life with her for a while. I love Lacey! She makes me laugh and is a great friend, and it was great to spend time with her!
Here is Lacey and I at a friend's wedding in February:
On Thursday, it was back to work! I worked Thurs, Fri, and Sat during the day, and it was a bit crazy! Between taking care of a baby who wouldn't stop seizing and a teenager with every endocrine disorder in the book on top of admissions and discharges and kids without parents who push the nurse call button with every need (usually something like a spoon), it was a busy few days! I came home completely exhausted last night and fell asleep upstairs. I woke up there this morning and decided to post an update. I am now sitting on the couch eating Goldfish for lunch, since I haven't been to the grocery store in a while. Consider yourself updated on the recent events of my life! I would love to hear what is going on with you!
Last weekend, I made a trip home to celebrate my little sister's quickly upcoming wedding with a bridal shower. I still can't believe that she will be walking down the aisle in about a month now! We had a busy but very fun weekend, which included a last minute trip downtown with her in her gown to try to get a few pictures. She got a few strange looks and a couple of "Congratulations" along the way. Here are a few pictures from the weekend:
This is me and my youngest cousin Keri:
A couple of shots from the "photo shoot." Even though I doubt that Jeremy frequents this page, I didn't want to give him any views of the dress, so here are a couple of close-ups:
On Monday, I drove down to Melbourne to spend the afternoon with one of my best friends, Caroline. We have been friends since middle school, and it is always great to be able to spend time with her. She's the one that I know I can always call and know that I am known and will be understood, even if it has been a while since we have seen each other. Care is married and has a beautiful little boy, Christopher. I wish that I lived closer to them! While Chris played and napped, we spent the afternoon talking and catching up on life. It was great to get to see her!
Care and I in the driveway before I left (a self portrait and not the most flattering one):
Mr Christopher playing in the garage:
From Melbourne, I drove to Ocala to spend the night with my Grandpa Jones. I love to spend time with him. He cooked me dinner and showed me some pictures he had taken of the many birds that frequent his backyard. He has several bird feeders and loves to watch them from the kitchen window. We woke up early on Tuesday (he always does) and went to breakfast at a little diner where the waitresses know his name and pretty much what he is going to have. I love that! After we sat down, a couple of his friends came in and joined us at the table. It was good to spend time with my Grandpa!
This is Grandpa with his grandchildren (minus 1) a couple of years ago:
On my way home, I did get to stop by my other grandparents house and spend a few minutes with them, too, which was fun. I had just seen them at the shower, so I wasn't planning to stop by, but I accidentally took a detour that led me right to their house! I got back to Jacksonville on Tuesday in time to go see the play that my older sister Carla is in this month called Play On. This is her first experience in a community theater production, and she did a fabulous job! She plays a slightly ditsy girl named Violet who within the play herself is in a play where she is an early century British socialite. I think she manages to have romantic interests in every guy in the play at some point. I went to the last dress rehearsal since I would not be back in Jacksonville to see the "real thing." It was a little strange to be the only one in the audience, but the play is really funny and they did a great job!
Here is a picture of Carla from this past Christmas Eve:
On Wednesday, I headed back to Atlanta. I got home just in time to have dinner with my roommates, which was great! Then I went over to my friend Lacey's house and caught up on life with her for a while. I love Lacey! She makes me laugh and is a great friend, and it was great to spend time with her!
Here is Lacey and I at a friend's wedding in February:
On Thursday, it was back to work! I worked Thurs, Fri, and Sat during the day, and it was a bit crazy! Between taking care of a baby who wouldn't stop seizing and a teenager with every endocrine disorder in the book on top of admissions and discharges and kids without parents who push the nurse call button with every need (usually something like a spoon), it was a busy few days! I came home completely exhausted last night and fell asleep upstairs. I woke up there this morning and decided to post an update. I am now sitting on the couch eating Goldfish for lunch, since I haven't been to the grocery store in a while. Consider yourself updated on the recent events of my life! I would love to hear what is going on with you!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sick
I am sick. Blah. Being sick makes me miss my mom. She is a great nurse! But, alas, instead of curling up in my bed, I have to go and take care of some cute little people who are sicker than me. And while this should (and probably will) provide me with a bit of perspective, I must confess that right now I would love to continue to wallow in the warmth of my favorite fuzzy blanket...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Thankful
I am having a really great week. I am so thankful for:
*Several days off in a row.
*My community group and the fact that Monday nights are always full of good food, amazing friends, and lots of laughter.
*My Lord who is so faithful to remind me of His presence in my life and the Truth that He has called me to.
*An amazing Godly woman who makes room in her schedule to spend time with me on a regular basis and who speaks truth into my life and intercedes on my behalf.
*BEAUTIFUL weather!
*Mint chocolate trifle and coffee.
*Fabulous roommates who love the Lord and with whom I can struggle to know and love the Lord better.
*A Valentine's Day card from a precious family that I love.
*Time to relax and read a good book.
*Getting to know new people.
I hope that you all are enjoying this week as well!
*Several days off in a row.
*My community group and the fact that Monday nights are always full of good food, amazing friends, and lots of laughter.
*My Lord who is so faithful to remind me of His presence in my life and the Truth that He has called me to.
*An amazing Godly woman who makes room in her schedule to spend time with me on a regular basis and who speaks truth into my life and intercedes on my behalf.
*BEAUTIFUL weather!
*Mint chocolate trifle and coffee.
*Fabulous roommates who love the Lord and with whom I can struggle to know and love the Lord better.
*A Valentine's Day card from a precious family that I love.
*Time to relax and read a good book.
*Getting to know new people.
I hope that you all are enjoying this week as well!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Brokenhearted
Tonight I have a heavy heart.
Tonight I am broken for those that are suffering around me.
Tonight I am looking forward with expectation to the day when God will restore all things to the way that He intended from the beginning.
I wish that I could put into words the emotions that I am feeling tonight. Three times I have begun to type and then erased the words because I can't seem to express the thoughts that are running around in my mind. This week has been a very hard week. I have seen so much suffering that I am overwhelmed and can't help but let tears flow as an expression of that. I wonder if the Father is grieving, too? I wonder if God grieves alongside His children that are hurting, knowing that this broken world is so far from the way that He intended it at Creation.
Please pray for my friends. Pray for a family that has been battling cancer for 4 years. They are tired and weary. Please pray for the families of the three girls that died this week. Pray that they would know the peace and rest that can only come from the Lord.
This song that I love just came to mind:
All who are thirsty
And all who are weak
Come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the stream of life
Let the pain and the sorrow
Be washed away
In the waves of His mercy
As deep cries out to deep, we sing
Come, Lord Jesus, come
Come, Lord Jesus, come
Lord, I anxiously await Your coming. I long for restoration. I am thankful for a God who is Holy, yet hears the cries of His people. I am thankful that You are faithful even when we struggle to be. I am thankful that You are good and that we can hope in You.
Tonight I am broken for those that are suffering around me.
Tonight I am looking forward with expectation to the day when God will restore all things to the way that He intended from the beginning.
I wish that I could put into words the emotions that I am feeling tonight. Three times I have begun to type and then erased the words because I can't seem to express the thoughts that are running around in my mind. This week has been a very hard week. I have seen so much suffering that I am overwhelmed and can't help but let tears flow as an expression of that. I wonder if the Father is grieving, too? I wonder if God grieves alongside His children that are hurting, knowing that this broken world is so far from the way that He intended it at Creation.
Please pray for my friends. Pray for a family that has been battling cancer for 4 years. They are tired and weary. Please pray for the families of the three girls that died this week. Pray that they would know the peace and rest that can only come from the Lord.
This song that I love just came to mind:
All who are thirsty
And all who are weak
Come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the stream of life
Let the pain and the sorrow
Be washed away
In the waves of His mercy
As deep cries out to deep, we sing
Come, Lord Jesus, come
Come, Lord Jesus, come
Lord, I anxiously await Your coming. I long for restoration. I am thankful for a God who is Holy, yet hears the cries of His people. I am thankful that You are faithful even when we struggle to be. I am thankful that You are good and that we can hope in You.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Resolutions
I am not good at New Year's Resolutions. I stopped making them a long time ago. This year, though, I decided to take one month at a time and try to work on some things in my life as I feel the Lord leading. For January, my goal was to work on four things:
1. Delight in the Lord through the book of Genesis.
2. Take care of my body by making healthier lifestyle choices.
3. Be a good steward of financial responsibility by establishing a new budget (and actually trying to live by it.)
4. Consider simplicity and how to better apply it to my lifestyle.
I am happy to report that I am really trying to follow through with these things. I am almost through with the book of Genesis and have really enjoyed being reminded of the stories of God's love and faithfulness to His people. I decided that my body needed a bit of a de-tox after the holidays, so I have avoided all forms of dessert this month and have been starting to make some use of the treadmill upstairs that has been sitting idle for some time. I have, however, noticed that I am drinking way more coffee and tea in my effort to avoid sweet things. Perhaps that is something to tackle in February... I revised my budget to make it applicable to my life, and have been trying to pay attention to what I am spending money on. I still have a little ways to go on this one, but I am kind of excited about finding better ways to save money and get rid of debt. I have been reading a book by Dave Ramsey, who is very hard-core about getting rid of debt fast. I think maybe some of his ideas will be helpful. Number 4 is probably the one that still needs a bit of work. I would really like to simplify my life and live in a way that honors the things that the Lord has taught me through His word and also honors and serves the poor around me.
Feel free to give me your feedback or comments to help me stay accountable to these things!
1. Delight in the Lord through the book of Genesis.
2. Take care of my body by making healthier lifestyle choices.
3. Be a good steward of financial responsibility by establishing a new budget (and actually trying to live by it.)
4. Consider simplicity and how to better apply it to my lifestyle.
I am happy to report that I am really trying to follow through with these things. I am almost through with the book of Genesis and have really enjoyed being reminded of the stories of God's love and faithfulness to His people. I decided that my body needed a bit of a de-tox after the holidays, so I have avoided all forms of dessert this month and have been starting to make some use of the treadmill upstairs that has been sitting idle for some time. I have, however, noticed that I am drinking way more coffee and tea in my effort to avoid sweet things. Perhaps that is something to tackle in February... I revised my budget to make it applicable to my life, and have been trying to pay attention to what I am spending money on. I still have a little ways to go on this one, but I am kind of excited about finding better ways to save money and get rid of debt. I have been reading a book by Dave Ramsey, who is very hard-core about getting rid of debt fast. I think maybe some of his ideas will be helpful. Number 4 is probably the one that still needs a bit of work. I would really like to simplify my life and live in a way that honors the things that the Lord has taught me through His word and also honors and serves the poor around me.
Feel free to give me your feedback or comments to help me stay accountable to these things!
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