Things I am thankful for:
-Being apart of a faculty who can act silly for students! We did a flash mob with choreography to "It's Friday" this morning in gym while our students were waiting to be dismissed!
-Having small classes due to a large field trip today!
-Getting to spend time with my family tonight
-Having friends at school who challenge me, keep me grounded, and inspire me
-Being able to plan fun parties for friends who are expecting!
-Being a part of a church who puts an incredible emphasis on Holy Week drawing our attention to the sacrifice of our savior. (Everyone should be at Shandon on Sunday night at 7 for Come to the Cross: A modern night of worship. I promise it will prepare you for Holy Week in awesome ways)
-Oh yeah...Spring Break starts at 3:30 today!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Loves
Sorry that I was MIA yesterday! This week has been crazy with Spring Break next week! I will pick up on my Wednesday posting next week!
Here are some things I am loving this week:
-being able to pick up Starbucks for my fabulous co-workers this morning
-the excitement in school because spring break is next week
-The journals from Gadanke! I won a $40 gift certificate from them last week! How exciting!
-This golden snitch necklace! I can think of a couple Gryffindors that I would love to purchase this for!
-This chevron wall! Thinking this might be my new headboard soon!
What are you loving this week?!
Here are some things I am loving this week:
-being able to pick up Starbucks for my fabulous co-workers this morning
-the excitement in school because spring break is next week
-The journals from Gadanke! I won a $40 gift certificate from them last week! How exciting!
-This golden snitch necklace! I can think of a couple Gryffindors that I would love to purchase this for!
-This chevron wall! Thinking this might be my new headboard soon!
What are you loving this week?!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Personal Reflections Part II
This post was supposed to be dedicated to discussing my strengths and weaknesses, but I have not had enough time to sit down and truly reflect on those just yet. Instead I will devot this post to the things I like/love. This is a much easier list to complete, but it does take some time to decide if the things on my list are a trend in my life or something I truly like/love. Sure, trends are fine and well, but I don't want to define myself by something that will be off my list in a couple of months (Obviously those things that will go off the list in years are different. My life stage will change and so will things I like/love. I will be exposed to more things.). Maybe I should include a "I like right now list", but you could just tune in to my posts on Thursdays where I discuss what I love that week :)
What I like/love
my savior and redeemer
my family
my boyfriend
my friends
cooking
sunshine
the smell of honeysuckle
reading
good food
sunny warm mornings
farmer's markets
the south
my bible study
purple
Christmas Season
typography
the Bible
camp fires
throwing get togethers
live music
owls
speciality food stores
blogs
live music outside in the summer
books
local restaurants
hot dogs
the idea of shopping at markets in a city
massages
my grandmother's breakfast
the beach
country music
cities
sleeping in
summer
road trips
the smell of the ocean
Outback
singer/song writer music
tan skin
good design
late nights with friends
new music
pedicures
fashion (clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry)
rainbows
rock/alternative music
What do you love/like on a consistent basis? What would people think you love based on what they see?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Unqualified
As my mission trip to London draws closer I feel more unqualified to be going on this trip. When I sit in our team meetings listening to the discussion I can't help but become overwhelmed almost to the point of tears. I have been a believer since I was 7 years old and some of the questions we are raising about our faith to prepare ourselves for our encounters in London are incredibly above my head.
I know that the Lord has allowed me to go on this trip for a reason. I recognize that the doors that were opened for me to go were not done by accident. But for the life of me I can't help, but wonder how I will be of any use to God for this trip.
I can't answer questions regarding science vs. God. I am not a philosophical thinker nor a high intellect. I've never had a real crisis of faith or truly questioned where God was in my life. Nothing horrible has happened to me and my testimony is pretty straight forward.
I grew up in a Christian household, my dad has been a minister my entire life, and I accpeted Christ when I was 7. I have been in the church since I was born and have not missed many Sunday's in my life. My faith has been a rollercoaster in terms of how devoted I have been to the Lord and it did not become my OWN fully until college. I have struggled with insecurity, self-conciousness, fear, anxiousness, and pride. I tend to place my worth in other people's hands, but nothing has been to the extreme. I guess I should feel blessed, but right now I feel pretty unuseful.
I am scared I won't be able to approach someone and start a conversation (I am pretty shy). Then even if I do approach someone what if they reject me? I am nervous that I won't be able to explain my faith or answer their questions. What if I just confuse myself and them even more? What if I become so flustered I can't even talk? Or even worse what if I go over there and never have a conversation about my faith?
Like I said earlier, I am an observer. This also means that I don't ask questions when I need to or get things explained for me when I don't understand. I don't like drawing attention to myself or seeming like I am incompentent. I don't like being bad at things even if "being bad" means that I have never tried before (logical I know). I am independent and prideful when it comes to trying new things or going out of my comfort zone, which is why it doesn't happen very often at all. Even though I am a teacher it is very difficult for me to be taught new things, especially when I recognize I will probably fail at first. I am the type of person that when I try something new I want to be an expert at it the first time without any coaching or help.
I have come to recognize my way of doing things is not going to work this time. I have bought book after book, read blog after blog, and tried to think my way through the process, but it's not helping me get ready as much as other things would that require me to get a little uncomfortable.
I need to have discussions with people. I need to practice answering questions, writing out answers and definitions of words that I understand because of my upbringing that others may not be clear on. Explaining Christianity with words that come from Christianity really doesn't help someone who is an unbeliever. I need to be able to defend my faith, but also explain it in a clear way. I need to admit that I need the help of others and its probably going to be ugly in the beginning. Not to mention that its ok not to be perfect at everything.
I am incredibly thankful for the wealth of resources that surround me. I have friends and family that are extremely gifted in explaining their faith to others and answering the challenging questions that some unbelievers may have. I must come to be ok with being uncomfortable if it means that I am learning to share my faith with others. It's the least I can do when Christ died for me.
But even more than that I can be sure that the Holy Spirit is going to be with me the entire time and will be guiding my words. The Lord has gone before me and will use my words if I am speaking for him. I know that I don't have to have all the answers, but I do want to be as prepared as I can be, recognizing that it is not me that brings people to Christ, but the Lord himself.
Please continue to pray for me and our group as we prepare for London. Pray that we prepare our hearts and minds for the conversations that we will have understanding the Lord is going before us and with us. Pray for me as I work against my fears and pride regarding learning new things.
I know many of the people that read my blog do not normally leave comments, but this is one post that I do need your input on. If you want to email me feel free.
How would you explain sin, Lord, grace, or sacrifice to an unbeliever? What do you use to start a conversation about God in someone's life? How do you share your faith with others? Are their books that have helped you share your faith?
I know that the Lord has allowed me to go on this trip for a reason. I recognize that the doors that were opened for me to go were not done by accident. But for the life of me I can't help, but wonder how I will be of any use to God for this trip.
I can't answer questions regarding science vs. God. I am not a philosophical thinker nor a high intellect. I've never had a real crisis of faith or truly questioned where God was in my life. Nothing horrible has happened to me and my testimony is pretty straight forward.
I grew up in a Christian household, my dad has been a minister my entire life, and I accpeted Christ when I was 7. I have been in the church since I was born and have not missed many Sunday's in my life. My faith has been a rollercoaster in terms of how devoted I have been to the Lord and it did not become my OWN fully until college. I have struggled with insecurity, self-conciousness, fear, anxiousness, and pride. I tend to place my worth in other people's hands, but nothing has been to the extreme. I guess I should feel blessed, but right now I feel pretty unuseful.
I am scared I won't be able to approach someone and start a conversation (I am pretty shy). Then even if I do approach someone what if they reject me? I am nervous that I won't be able to explain my faith or answer their questions. What if I just confuse myself and them even more? What if I become so flustered I can't even talk? Or even worse what if I go over there and never have a conversation about my faith?
Like I said earlier, I am an observer. This also means that I don't ask questions when I need to or get things explained for me when I don't understand. I don't like drawing attention to myself or seeming like I am incompentent. I don't like being bad at things even if "being bad" means that I have never tried before (logical I know). I am independent and prideful when it comes to trying new things or going out of my comfort zone, which is why it doesn't happen very often at all. Even though I am a teacher it is very difficult for me to be taught new things, especially when I recognize I will probably fail at first. I am the type of person that when I try something new I want to be an expert at it the first time without any coaching or help.
I have come to recognize my way of doing things is not going to work this time. I have bought book after book, read blog after blog, and tried to think my way through the process, but it's not helping me get ready as much as other things would that require me to get a little uncomfortable.
I need to have discussions with people. I need to practice answering questions, writing out answers and definitions of words that I understand because of my upbringing that others may not be clear on. Explaining Christianity with words that come from Christianity really doesn't help someone who is an unbeliever. I need to be able to defend my faith, but also explain it in a clear way. I need to admit that I need the help of others and its probably going to be ugly in the beginning. Not to mention that its ok not to be perfect at everything.
I am incredibly thankful for the wealth of resources that surround me. I have friends and family that are extremely gifted in explaining their faith to others and answering the challenging questions that some unbelievers may have. I must come to be ok with being uncomfortable if it means that I am learning to share my faith with others. It's the least I can do when Christ died for me.
But even more than that I can be sure that the Holy Spirit is going to be with me the entire time and will be guiding my words. The Lord has gone before me and will use my words if I am speaking for him. I know that I don't have to have all the answers, but I do want to be as prepared as I can be, recognizing that it is not me that brings people to Christ, but the Lord himself.
Please continue to pray for me and our group as we prepare for London. Pray that we prepare our hearts and minds for the conversations that we will have understanding the Lord is going before us and with us. Pray for me as I work against my fears and pride regarding learning new things.
I know many of the people that read my blog do not normally leave comments, but this is one post that I do need your input on. If you want to email me feel free.
How would you explain sin, Lord, grace, or sacrifice to an unbeliever? What do you use to start a conversation about God in someone's life? How do you share your faith with others? Are their books that have helped you share your faith?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Psalm 7:17 Friday
What I am thankful for this week:
-We only have one week until spring break!
-Sweet time with friends over dinner
-WWII Veterans ranging in age from 88-90 coming to speak to my classes (quite the humorous day)
-Students who tell me I look pretty during class
-Beautiful weather to enjoy this week and this weekend
-The fabulous, AshleyMorgan, being back from London and seeing her beautiful face Tuesday
-Being able to do favors for Josh that allow him to get something very exciting!
-Did I mention one more week until spring break?!
-We only have one week until spring break!
-Sweet time with friends over dinner
-WWII Veterans ranging in age from 88-90 coming to speak to my classes (quite the humorous day)
-Students who tell me I look pretty during class
-Beautiful weather to enjoy this week and this weekend
-The fabulous, AshleyMorgan, being back from London and seeing her beautiful face Tuesday
-Being able to do favors for Josh that allow him to get something very exciting!
-Did I mention one more week until spring break?!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Loves
What I am loving this week...
1. It's Masters week! Who doesn't love watching golf on such a beautiful course? Yesterday I watched while I was running at the gym and the time flew by. It was the 3 par tournament and the kids of the golfers were on the course being fantastically cute!
2. The Esty store, Retrostilleto has some quirky prints that I just love. I have a specific Diet Coke loving friend who I plan on getting this for.
3. Publix. I went on Monday and I couldn't have left happier. One employee spoke to me as I came in and then again as I left. The employee at the deli complemented my glasses. Then I heard a customer tell another customer she had beautiful skin! Who doesn't love compliments from strangers! Then I heard another customer tell a manager how helpful an employee was. I just love it!
4. The Nester is having a fantastic giveaway day. There are about 10 different giveaways you can enter posted on her site. I went on a giveaway entering spree yesterday when I got home.
What are you loving or crushing on this week?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
What am I listening to now...
Ever wonder what your friends are listening to in their cars or on their ipods? Looking for new music? Here is what I am listening to right now (Mind you I have varied taste depending on my mood):
While Messenger was originally released June of 1999, Josh (my fantastic boyfriend), purchased it last week on itunes after losing it from his computer. I have been a fan of Edwin McCain for quite some time and this album has some great songs on it including: I'll Be, Anything Good About Me, Promise of You, and Do Your Thing.
Passion's newest album Here for You was released March 4, 2011. This is the live album recorded from the Passion 2011 conference in Atlanta, GA. I was super excited for it to be released since I had watched the live feed of the conference from home since I couldn't be there! This is a great worship album that anyone would enjoy.
The album is another worship album that came out this year as well. Hillsong United released Aftermath February of this year. Yet again they have produced a fantastic live worship album. Be looking for some of these songs as well as songs from Here for You at Come to the Cross (Modern Night of Worship for Easter) this year at Shandon (Sunday April 17 at 7).
The last album I have to share with you the Sarah Bareilles' Kaleidoscope Heart, which was released last September. Being a fan of her previous album Little Voice I was excited to see what she had in store. Three of my favorite songs on this album are Uncharted, Hold My Heart, and King of Anything.
I wish I could be more analytical about the music or the lyrics, but that is not my forte (it's definitely Josh's, maybe I can get him to write a guest post :)). This is just music I enjoy listening to.
What are your favorite albums, artists, or songs currently?
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Personal Reflections: Who I Am
I was recently reading the blog, b*spoke and was inspired by the personal reflection journey she is currently going on as she redefines her blog, company identity, and goals. It got me thinking about how beneficial it is to examine yourself on a regular basis, really spending time looking at who you are, how you got there, what you like/dislike, what your strengths/weaknesses are, what changes you would like to see, and how you would like to be known.
After a couple of minutes of stream of conscious writing here is what I came up with:
After a couple of minutes of stream of conscious writing here is what I came up with:
Who I Am
growing christian
blessed daughter
loyal sister/in-law
honored granddaughter
loving girlfriend
faithful friend
mentor
aunt (to friend's children)
inspired teacher
petite, brown eyed, brown hair girl
cook
southerner
reader
concert goer
new blog writer
encourager
University of South Carolina Graduate
South Carolinian
former Tennessean
organizer
task-orientated
observer
perfectionist
home owner
sweet tea (and chai tea) drinker
shopper
blog reader
football and baseball fan
new exerciser
listener
What about you? Who are you? Leave your top five or link to your full list on your blog!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Daily Reminders
After a slight meltdown about my physical appearance two weekends ago, this past week I was pretty stable regarding my desire to be physically fit (no tears, meltdowns, or pity parties!). I was feeling good because I had been to the gym 3 times that week, increased my running speed, eaten healthy for the most part, and given my desires and insecurities to God.
Then Sunday it all came crashing down.
As I was standing in worship on Sunday I couldn't help, but notice a girl in the sanctuary. She wasn't overly stunning by any means, but she had everything I thought I wanted. Stylish clothes, perfect skin and makeup, designer accessories, flowing hair, and what seemed to be a pretty toned body. I instantly needed everything she had. I could no longer focus on worship because I was consumed with wanting to be her.
The funny thing is, is that I was only looking at the outside, assuming she was living the perfect life. I was sure that she had that body naturally or rarely had to workout (and if she did it came easily to her and she enjoyed it), she had never had insecurities over her appearance, always had the right things to wear and accessorize with, and of course had the perfect house, job, and family. She was never stressed, always having fun, and living a fantastic life.
Once I drew myself back into reality I knew I had a choice to make. I could either continue to focus on my made up story of the girl in the sanctuary or I could focus on the God that created me as I am. I was stunned that my security could be stripped from me in such a short amount of time. It only took Satan one minute to distract me from worshipping and focus my attention on everything I thought I didn't have and needed.
Then I quickly remember that my time with the Lord had not been consistent the last three days. Once I had prayed and spent time with the Lord earlier that week I forgot that this was going to be a daily battle. I assumed that since I had laid my insecurities at his feet on Tuesday that it was going to be a breeze from there on out. Oh how wrong I was.
Time and time again I become disappointed in myself for losing sight of Christ so quickly. He desires to be with me every second of every day and I know how powerful he can be in my life when I allow him to be there. You would think I would remember those times of hope and encouragement, the times when I feel incredibly secure in him and empowered to take on life's daily challenges, but they fade all too quickly. I become self absorbed and short sighted when I do not allow the Lord to work in my life on a regular basis.
This just goes to show just how important being in the Bible and communicating with God really is! I will not win this battle over insecurity and self image without him by my side, reminding me I am his perfect creation! I must use the promises in his word to remove any lies in my thoughts that could lead me down a path to emotional destruction. The only way to combat lies that the world throws at is is through the truth of scripture. Day in and day out my focus must be on Christ being my reward as I work on growing disciplines in my life so that I can grow as a believer.
Then Sunday it all came crashing down.
As I was standing in worship on Sunday I couldn't help, but notice a girl in the sanctuary. She wasn't overly stunning by any means, but she had everything I thought I wanted. Stylish clothes, perfect skin and makeup, designer accessories, flowing hair, and what seemed to be a pretty toned body. I instantly needed everything she had. I could no longer focus on worship because I was consumed with wanting to be her.
The funny thing is, is that I was only looking at the outside, assuming she was living the perfect life. I was sure that she had that body naturally or rarely had to workout (and if she did it came easily to her and she enjoyed it), she had never had insecurities over her appearance, always had the right things to wear and accessorize with, and of course had the perfect house, job, and family. She was never stressed, always having fun, and living a fantastic life.
Once I drew myself back into reality I knew I had a choice to make. I could either continue to focus on my made up story of the girl in the sanctuary or I could focus on the God that created me as I am. I was stunned that my security could be stripped from me in such a short amount of time. It only took Satan one minute to distract me from worshipping and focus my attention on everything I thought I didn't have and needed.
Then I quickly remember that my time with the Lord had not been consistent the last three days. Once I had prayed and spent time with the Lord earlier that week I forgot that this was going to be a daily battle. I assumed that since I had laid my insecurities at his feet on Tuesday that it was going to be a breeze from there on out. Oh how wrong I was.
Time and time again I become disappointed in myself for losing sight of Christ so quickly. He desires to be with me every second of every day and I know how powerful he can be in my life when I allow him to be there. You would think I would remember those times of hope and encouragement, the times when I feel incredibly secure in him and empowered to take on life's daily challenges, but they fade all too quickly. I become self absorbed and short sighted when I do not allow the Lord to work in my life on a regular basis.
This just goes to show just how important being in the Bible and communicating with God really is! I will not win this battle over insecurity and self image without him by my side, reminding me I am his perfect creation! I must use the promises in his word to remove any lies in my thoughts that could lead me down a path to emotional destruction. The only way to combat lies that the world throws at is is through the truth of scripture. Day in and day out my focus must be on Christ being my reward as I work on growing disciplines in my life so that I can grow as a believer.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Psalm 7:17 Friday
What I am thankful for this week...
-A fantastic dinner with fabulous friends last night (Grilled chicken, roasted veggies, and rice)
-My jewelry order coming in from my jewelry party and then getting to make people's day by delivering their purchases
-Have I mentioned that my sister-in-law is coming home TODAY!!
-Friends who have similar "getting healthy" goals, hold me accountable and share their success stories with me.
-A God who loves me unconditionally and is patient with me as I grow my discipline in many areas of my life
-Feeling gross after eating super bad fast food and/or drinking soft drinks (Makes it alot easier to curb the desire)
- Promises of the word that keep me secure in who the Lord has created me to be and help me keep positive about the body he has given me (while working to keep it healthy and honor it as his temple)
-Having two weeks until spring break!!
-A boyfriend who is fabulous! He knows just what to say and when to say it!
-Project days and test days one after the other!
-Getting to be an Aunt a second time around! My lovely friend, Annie, is expecting! Yay!
-Having lunch tomorrow with a college roommate who is coming in from Ohio!
-It's FRIDAY!
-A fantastic dinner with fabulous friends last night (Grilled chicken, roasted veggies, and rice)
-My jewelry order coming in from my jewelry party and then getting to make people's day by delivering their purchases
-Have I mentioned that my sister-in-law is coming home TODAY!!
-Friends who have similar "getting healthy" goals, hold me accountable and share their success stories with me.
-A God who loves me unconditionally and is patient with me as I grow my discipline in many areas of my life
-Feeling gross after eating super bad fast food and/or drinking soft drinks (Makes it alot easier to curb the desire)
- Promises of the word that keep me secure in who the Lord has created me to be and help me keep positive about the body he has given me (while working to keep it healthy and honor it as his temple)
-Having two weeks until spring break!!
-A boyfriend who is fabulous! He knows just what to say and when to say it!
-Project days and test days one after the other!
-Getting to be an Aunt a second time around! My lovely friend, Annie, is expecting! Yay!
-Having lunch tomorrow with a college roommate who is coming in from Ohio!
-It's FRIDAY!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Things I am loving...
I am loving....
-Saving money by eating through my pantry
-The fact that my fantastic sister-in-law is coming home tomorrow!!
-The website, www.pinterest.com; it's an online way to catalog the things you love (think of it as a online cork board/inspiration board). Beware it can be as addicting as looking through people's facebook profiles to look through other people's boards!
-The rain we have had the last couple of days means I don't have to water my plants outside!
-How fabulous I feel when I am not drinking Cokes!
What are you loving?
-Saving money by eating through my pantry
-The fact that my fantastic sister-in-law is coming home tomorrow!!
-The website, www.pinterest.com; it's an online way to catalog the things you love (think of it as a online cork board/inspiration board). Beware it can be as addicting as looking through people's facebook profiles to look through other people's boards!
-The rain we have had the last couple of days means I don't have to water my plants outside!
-How fabulous I feel when I am not drinking Cokes!
What are you loving?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
What I am reading now...
I am going to start writing post about things I am enjoying or currently using in my life. This could be anything from books I am reading, cooking gadgets I am loving, make up I can't live without, or the contents of my purse (and everything in between).
I am going to start it off with the books I am currently reading....
Now I don't want you to think that I am holier than thou or seeking some kind of record when I show you what is in my reading pile. Sometimes there are magazines, other times it's mindless chic-lit, or even young adult fiction on occasion (Ok so maybe it's more frequently than on occasion suggests). This just so happens to be it:
I know, I know. It's a far number of books for any given time, but they are all very related to preparing for my mission trip to London at the end of May.
First and foremost you know that I am reading the Bible through in a year. I am up to date on my readings and have successfully completed 21 books of the Bible. This has not happened without much accountability, discipline, and help from the Lord. I am incredibly excited I have gotten this far.
One of the other books in the group is Anne Graham Lotz's, Pursuing More of Jesus. I have talked about this book before on here. This is the book that I am going through with my bible study. It is an intense look at the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples before he was crucified, raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven. Anne Graham Lotz is an incredible writer and the message of the book has been challenging and encouraging. I would recommend this to anyone.
The most out of the ordinary book you might have noticed in the pile is titled "How to Respond: Muslims" edited by Ernest Hahn. A good percentage of the students we will come in contact with on London's college campuses will have had contact with Islam or be practicing Muslims themselves. I realized that I needed to become more educated about the Islamic faith so that I could connect with these students where they were. This small book walks you through a history of the Islamic faith, the basic principles and foundations of Muslims, the different branches of Islam, how Islam compares to Christianity, and how you can be a more effective witness to Muslims.
The fourth book in the group was written by Josh and Sean Mcdowell (father and son duo) and it is called "More Than a Carpenter". Since I have grown up in the church, have a minister for a father, a mom who works at the church, and accepted Christ when I was 7 years old I realized that I might not be able to relate to someone who is agnostic,atheist, or just questioning Christianity. (Again this is not to toot my own horn by any means, it's just the circumstances of my life.) Josh McDowell tells his story of how he went from a skeptic with all the knowledge and prestige he thought he needed to accepting Christ as his savior. In this new additional of the book his son, Sean, updates the book for the current generation of seekers and skeptics. Each chapter walks through Josh's story and takes a look at a question that he had to deal with before accepting Christ. It is a very easy read and has been extremely informative.
Last, but certainly not least is "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. Surprisingly enough I have actually not read much C.S. Lewis (including Chronicles of Narnia, I plan on changing this quite soon). I have a friend who absolutely loves C.S. Lewis and is always quoting and/or talking about how impacted she has been from his writing so I decided that now would be a great time to delve into one of the more widely read books. I have only read the prologue, introduction, and first 3 chapters, but I am hooked! It's incredible that his metaphors and examples still ring so true in today's culture. Lewis examines Christianity in such a clear and direct way throughout the book that it is evident as to why people go to this book to help them explain Christianity.
So there is my reading list....What are you reading currently? Any suggestions on what I should read next?
I am going to start it off with the books I am currently reading....
Now I don't want you to think that I am holier than thou or seeking some kind of record when I show you what is in my reading pile. Sometimes there are magazines, other times it's mindless chic-lit, or even young adult fiction on occasion (Ok so maybe it's more frequently than on occasion suggests). This just so happens to be it:
I know, I know. It's a far number of books for any given time, but they are all very related to preparing for my mission trip to London at the end of May.
First and foremost you know that I am reading the Bible through in a year. I am up to date on my readings and have successfully completed 21 books of the Bible. This has not happened without much accountability, discipline, and help from the Lord. I am incredibly excited I have gotten this far.
One of the other books in the group is Anne Graham Lotz's, Pursuing More of Jesus. I have talked about this book before on here. This is the book that I am going through with my bible study. It is an intense look at the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples before he was crucified, raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven. Anne Graham Lotz is an incredible writer and the message of the book has been challenging and encouraging. I would recommend this to anyone.
The most out of the ordinary book you might have noticed in the pile is titled "How to Respond: Muslims" edited by Ernest Hahn. A good percentage of the students we will come in contact with on London's college campuses will have had contact with Islam or be practicing Muslims themselves. I realized that I needed to become more educated about the Islamic faith so that I could connect with these students where they were. This small book walks you through a history of the Islamic faith, the basic principles and foundations of Muslims, the different branches of Islam, how Islam compares to Christianity, and how you can be a more effective witness to Muslims.
The fourth book in the group was written by Josh and Sean Mcdowell (father and son duo) and it is called "More Than a Carpenter". Since I have grown up in the church, have a minister for a father, a mom who works at the church, and accepted Christ when I was 7 years old I realized that I might not be able to relate to someone who is agnostic,atheist, or just questioning Christianity. (Again this is not to toot my own horn by any means, it's just the circumstances of my life.) Josh McDowell tells his story of how he went from a skeptic with all the knowledge and prestige he thought he needed to accepting Christ as his savior. In this new additional of the book his son, Sean, updates the book for the current generation of seekers and skeptics. Each chapter walks through Josh's story and takes a look at a question that he had to deal with before accepting Christ. It is a very easy read and has been extremely informative.
Last, but certainly not least is "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. Surprisingly enough I have actually not read much C.S. Lewis (including Chronicles of Narnia, I plan on changing this quite soon). I have a friend who absolutely loves C.S. Lewis and is always quoting and/or talking about how impacted she has been from his writing so I decided that now would be a great time to delve into one of the more widely read books. I have only read the prologue, introduction, and first 3 chapters, but I am hooked! It's incredible that his metaphors and examples still ring so true in today's culture. Lewis examines Christianity in such a clear and direct way throughout the book that it is evident as to why people go to this book to help them explain Christianity.
So there is my reading list....What are you reading currently? Any suggestions on what I should read next?
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Emptying the Pantry
A while back I can remember my brother and sister-in-law making a decision to not go to the grocery store until they had basically empited their pantry, fridge, and freezer. They realized that they were continuing to buy more food each week even though they had not eaten everything they bought the previous week and eventually these things piled up. I was impressed and sometimes shocked at the food combinations they came up with to empty their pantry, but it worked. This got them out of the habit of buying more than they needed or purchasing food on a whim.
Over the past couple of months I have had more than my share of expenses including car insurance (first time to pay it on my new car), neighborhood fees, Harbison fees, and not to mention my lovely payment for a new tire (no texting, messing with ipods, or distracted driving for me anymore). Needless to say, my checking account is feeling the pain.
As I look at my bank statement (weekly, monthly etc.) all my money seems to go to food and bills. This could be food eaten out or food purchased at the grocery store (I do benefit from eating on campus with Josh a good bit though).I figured one of the quickest ways to save money on food would be to take the challenge of emptying the pantry. So starting this week I will be eating my way through whatever is in my house (Don't worry bible study friends, I won't be bringing a crazy salad. I am taking care of that. Also Megan B. we are still on for Saturday.) Then perhaps my next step could be couponing...
Maybe ill be a guest on the new TLC show Extreme Couponing! Yes there is a reality tv show on TLC now about couponing. What is this world coming to?
Here's to eating through the pantry...
Over the past couple of months I have had more than my share of expenses including car insurance (first time to pay it on my new car), neighborhood fees, Harbison fees, and not to mention my lovely payment for a new tire (no texting, messing with ipods, or distracted driving for me anymore). Needless to say, my checking account is feeling the pain.
As I look at my bank statement (weekly, monthly etc.) all my money seems to go to food and bills. This could be food eaten out or food purchased at the grocery store (I do benefit from eating on campus with Josh a good bit though).I figured one of the quickest ways to save money on food would be to take the challenge of emptying the pantry. So starting this week I will be eating my way through whatever is in my house (Don't worry bible study friends, I won't be bringing a crazy salad. I am taking care of that. Also Megan B. we are still on for Saturday.) Then perhaps my next step could be couponing...
Maybe ill be a guest on the new TLC show Extreme Couponing! Yes there is a reality tv show on TLC now about couponing. What is this world coming to?
Here's to eating through the pantry...
Monday, March 28, 2011
Discipline: Some Have it, Some Need to Work on it
Discipline has become a four letter word to me. I once thought that I was a disciplined person. I tended to use my good grades from high school and college as an example. I thought pretty highly of myself since I was able to maintain those grades and work a job throughout high school and college. Then I was introduced to Jenny, my wonderful sister-in-law.
Jenny is the definition of disciplined! This girl rocked high school, graduated early from college with honors, and is now killing the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at USC. Not only that, she has done most of this while maintaining multiple jobs (sometimes up to four different jobs at a time)! Jenny is also able to maintain close relationships with her friends, an incredible workout schedule, and maintain a marriage and household. Jenny is definitely someone I look up to in the disciplined area (By the way she is going to kill me for writing about her today. She is extremely humble about these areas in her life as well. She really couldn't get much better.)
I am sure if I asked Jenny why she is so disciplined she would say because she had no other choice. Jenny has set high goals for herself and in order to reach those goals she has to be disciplined. Jenny learned early on that if she wanted to succeed and even exceed her expectations then she had to be willing to sacrifice.
Then we could talk about my parents and their discipline to workout. My dad has been an avid runner for a while now, clocking in almost a 100 miles in February. My mom decided in December of 2010 that working out was going to be one of her goals in 2011. My mom's goal was to head to the gym 3 times a week and within the first 3 months to run 2 miles in under 30 minutes. Let's just say she has been working out 5 times a week, met her running goal, and my parents even got in 5 days of working out on their cruise. This is discipline.
My parents are also examples to follow in regards to discipline in their walks with the Lord. Both of my parents have read the bible through the year and make spending time with the Lord daily a major part of their days.
I want discipline in my life in so many areas! But getting disciplined takes discipline! How in the world does one become disciplined when discipline is one of your struggles?
I have kept up with my bible reading in a year (with bumps along the way), but my memorization is lacking. How can I change this? I see the positive impact that reading the bible daily has had on my life and I am excited to see what is in store for the future and yet I still do not do what I know is necessary to make those changes.
I am dissatisfied with my current health and desire to make some changes in both my eating habits and work out routine (or lack their of). I had a slight meltdown this weekend about how I have gained weight and my clothes are not fitting like I would like them to. I know that many people would respond that positive body image is important and not to compare myself to others, but I also believe taking care of my body is something that I must be disciplined in. There is a balance between loving who you are and taking steps to have a positive impact on your body and health.
The Lord calls us to be disciplined in our lives. He has said that he will never leave us nor forsake us, so why am I so scared to be disciplined? Maybe I am not scared, but too weak to even try. I am a perfectionist by nature and my mindset has always been if I can't be perfect immediately then what is the point of trying. Yesterday our pastor, Dr. Lincoln spoke about how our aim should be the perfection of Christ and that we have to continue with "target practice" to get closer to that perfection. My Lord's desire for me is to desire perfection understanding that I will only achieve anything close with his help and I will never be complete until I am in heaven with him. I think that for too long I have decreased my expectations of myself to make them easier to meet. I have not pushed myself to achieve more than I was comfortably able to do. I desire this change in my life. I want to be ok with discipline and the hard work that it takes to grow in my life whether that be in my relationship with the Lord or with my health.
How have you grown in discipline in areas of your life?
Jenny is the definition of disciplined! This girl rocked high school, graduated early from college with honors, and is now killing the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at USC. Not only that, she has done most of this while maintaining multiple jobs (sometimes up to four different jobs at a time)! Jenny is also able to maintain close relationships with her friends, an incredible workout schedule, and maintain a marriage and household. Jenny is definitely someone I look up to in the disciplined area (By the way she is going to kill me for writing about her today. She is extremely humble about these areas in her life as well. She really couldn't get much better.)
I am sure if I asked Jenny why she is so disciplined she would say because she had no other choice. Jenny has set high goals for herself and in order to reach those goals she has to be disciplined. Jenny learned early on that if she wanted to succeed and even exceed her expectations then she had to be willing to sacrifice.
Then we could talk about my parents and their discipline to workout. My dad has been an avid runner for a while now, clocking in almost a 100 miles in February. My mom decided in December of 2010 that working out was going to be one of her goals in 2011. My mom's goal was to head to the gym 3 times a week and within the first 3 months to run 2 miles in under 30 minutes. Let's just say she has been working out 5 times a week, met her running goal, and my parents even got in 5 days of working out on their cruise. This is discipline.
My parents are also examples to follow in regards to discipline in their walks with the Lord. Both of my parents have read the bible through the year and make spending time with the Lord daily a major part of their days.
I want discipline in my life in so many areas! But getting disciplined takes discipline! How in the world does one become disciplined when discipline is one of your struggles?
I have kept up with my bible reading in a year (with bumps along the way), but my memorization is lacking. How can I change this? I see the positive impact that reading the bible daily has had on my life and I am excited to see what is in store for the future and yet I still do not do what I know is necessary to make those changes.
I am dissatisfied with my current health and desire to make some changes in both my eating habits and work out routine (or lack their of). I had a slight meltdown this weekend about how I have gained weight and my clothes are not fitting like I would like them to. I know that many people would respond that positive body image is important and not to compare myself to others, but I also believe taking care of my body is something that I must be disciplined in. There is a balance between loving who you are and taking steps to have a positive impact on your body and health.
The Lord calls us to be disciplined in our lives. He has said that he will never leave us nor forsake us, so why am I so scared to be disciplined? Maybe I am not scared, but too weak to even try. I am a perfectionist by nature and my mindset has always been if I can't be perfect immediately then what is the point of trying. Yesterday our pastor, Dr. Lincoln spoke about how our aim should be the perfection of Christ and that we have to continue with "target practice" to get closer to that perfection. My Lord's desire for me is to desire perfection understanding that I will only achieve anything close with his help and I will never be complete until I am in heaven with him. I think that for too long I have decreased my expectations of myself to make them easier to meet. I have not pushed myself to achieve more than I was comfortably able to do. I desire this change in my life. I want to be ok with discipline and the hard work that it takes to grow in my life whether that be in my relationship with the Lord or with my health.
How have you grown in discipline in areas of your life?
Saturday, March 26, 2011
In Love...
I am absolutely head over heels in love with.....
No, this post isn't about Josh
Nor is it a post about Jesus (even though it probably should be, he is much more important)
I am in love with Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips! Josh and I are on our way to Charlotte to do some shopping and I decided that I needed to do my nails. I had bought these nail strips a while back, but never used them. I was nervous that it was going to be difficult to do and look cheap. One of my mom's friends put my mind to ease when I saw how fantastic her nails looked!! So I hopped in the car today with my strips in hand ready to do my nails. The steps are easy to understand and even easier to do. It's seriously like stickers for your nails!!
Hopefully I'll remember to post a picture once I get home (I'm posting from my phone right now).
Seriously, go out and buy some today! I got mine at Walmart and I have seen them at target. I already have Josh's gorgeous sister Lauren super excited and headed to buy some as we speak!
No, this post isn't about Josh
Nor is it a post about Jesus (even though it probably should be, he is much more important)
I am in love with Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips! Josh and I are on our way to Charlotte to do some shopping and I decided that I needed to do my nails. I had bought these nail strips a while back, but never used them. I was nervous that it was going to be difficult to do and look cheap. One of my mom's friends put my mind to ease when I saw how fantastic her nails looked!! So I hopped in the car today with my strips in hand ready to do my nails. The steps are easy to understand and even easier to do. It's seriously like stickers for your nails!!
Hopefully I'll remember to post a picture once I get home (I'm posting from my phone right now).
Seriously, go out and buy some today! I got mine at Walmart and I have seen them at target. I already have Josh's gorgeous sister Lauren super excited and headed to buy some as we speak!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Pslam 7:17 Friday
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High."
Psalm 7:17
Things I am thankful for this week:
-The Lord providing all my funds for London! I am incredibly blessed! Thanks again to all who contributed!
-Our mailbox is finally fixed at my townhouse! No more driving 20 minutes to a sketchy post office to pick up my mail!
-Fantastic friends who came out for my Premier Jewelry party last night with Sarah Jane! Sarah Jane did a great job and it was a fun time with girl friends!
-My Mother! I know that I talk about her alot, but she really is the best mom in the world! She is incredibly giving of her time and resources! She is always willing to drop everything to help me even in the silliest of situations. She spent time at my house redecorating, giving attention to my back patio, and helping me get ready for my party last night. She is fantastic!!
-My sister-in-law comes home at the end of the month! She has been away for a practical in Asheville since January for PT school. I know my brother and our families will be excited she is back!
-The word of God! I have been having quite the eye opening experience reading through the bible in a year! The Lord is really challenging me in alot of areas! The biggest one is just how much of my life do I offer to him.
-Awesome friends who I can talk to about my struggles with the word and myself without judgement
-Cute blogs of my friend's children (or my friend's friend's children) that put a smile on my face whenever I need it! Please check this one out! It is one of my friend's friend's son, Owen, who is playing the drums. By the way he is 1 1/2! Listen to the questions his Dad is asking him and watch Owen respond!
My life is blessed!!
Psalm 7:17
Things I am thankful for this week:
-The Lord providing all my funds for London! I am incredibly blessed! Thanks again to all who contributed!
-Our mailbox is finally fixed at my townhouse! No more driving 20 minutes to a sketchy post office to pick up my mail!
-Fantastic friends who came out for my Premier Jewelry party last night with Sarah Jane! Sarah Jane did a great job and it was a fun time with girl friends!
-My Mother! I know that I talk about her alot, but she really is the best mom in the world! She is incredibly giving of her time and resources! She is always willing to drop everything to help me even in the silliest of situations. She spent time at my house redecorating, giving attention to my back patio, and helping me get ready for my party last night. She is fantastic!!
-My sister-in-law comes home at the end of the month! She has been away for a practical in Asheville since January for PT school. I know my brother and our families will be excited she is back!
-The word of God! I have been having quite the eye opening experience reading through the bible in a year! The Lord is really challenging me in alot of areas! The biggest one is just how much of my life do I offer to him.
-Awesome friends who I can talk to about my struggles with the word and myself without judgement
-Cute blogs of my friend's children (or my friend's friend's children) that put a smile on my face whenever I need it! Please check this one out! It is one of my friend's friend's son, Owen, who is playing the drums. By the way he is 1 1/2! Listen to the questions his Dad is asking him and watch Owen respond!
My life is blessed!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
London Funds and Anxiousness
ALL OF MY FUNDS FOR LONDON ARE IN!!
Our deadline for the money for London was yesterday and I was blessed to not have to be stressed about the day at all. Last week I was informed by Abby, our college minister's assistant, that all of my funds were in! I did a little dance in my car and could not stop thanking the Lord for all that he has blessed me with. I sang every happy song I could find on my ipod at the top of my lungs and smiled huge all the way home (I am sure I looked a sight to those around me). Thank you so much to those of you who contributed to my funds! Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for our trip in May. Pray that the Lord continues to bond us as a team, that we grow as individuals preparing to share our faith with others, and that all the details fall into place!
I am thrilled to be going, but as the time passes by I grow more anxious about wrapping up my school year. I want to end the year on a good note with my students and feel that everything is taken care of at school so that I can focus on what the Lord has in store for me and the people I come in contact with in London. We are switching rooms for next year and having the entire school painted over the summer. This means that I have to have my room packed up and labeled before I leave for London. So while I am packing and preparing for London I will also be packing and preparing for the end of a school year. Please pray that I manage my time well and get everything done I need to before I leave.
Thank you again for your support and prayers!
Our deadline for the money for London was yesterday and I was blessed to not have to be stressed about the day at all. Last week I was informed by Abby, our college minister's assistant, that all of my funds were in! I did a little dance in my car and could not stop thanking the Lord for all that he has blessed me with. I sang every happy song I could find on my ipod at the top of my lungs and smiled huge all the way home (I am sure I looked a sight to those around me). Thank you so much to those of you who contributed to my funds! Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for our trip in May. Pray that the Lord continues to bond us as a team, that we grow as individuals preparing to share our faith with others, and that all the details fall into place!
I am thrilled to be going, but as the time passes by I grow more anxious about wrapping up my school year. I want to end the year on a good note with my students and feel that everything is taken care of at school so that I can focus on what the Lord has in store for me and the people I come in contact with in London. We are switching rooms for next year and having the entire school painted over the summer. This means that I have to have my room packed up and labeled before I leave for London. So while I am packing and preparing for London I will also be packing and preparing for the end of a school year. Please pray that I manage my time well and get everything done I need to before I leave.
Thank you again for your support and prayers!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Psalm 7:17 Friday
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High."
Psalm 7:17
Things I am thankful for this week:
- People who hold me accountable for my Bible reading. There is a college student who asks me every Sunday night at worship how my Bible reading is going and what my verse is for this half of the month. It never fails. This week I was way behind in Leviticus and in memorization. Just knowing that this student is going to ask me this Sunday got my butt in gear. I caught up on my bible reading and got my verses down!
-I finished reading Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Acts. How exciting is that!
-Being finished with reading Leviticus. Honestly, some of those descriptions of skin diseases and discharge were disgusting!
-For Jesus Christ being the ultimate sacrifice. I am so thankful for him laying down his life for me and for all people. Reading Leviticus opened my eyes again to how incredible this gift is.
-For my fabulous mother who is always thinking of me. She is such a servant!
-For the fantastic people who are supporting me for London. I am up to $810!! Yay!
- For God using the circumstances in my life to reveal weaknesses in me and give me opportunities to grow in my relationship with him.
-Coca Cola and not the diet kind!
-Students who care enough about their grades to challenge me (respectfully of course). I had a student challenge an answer on a quiz. At first I was taken aback by what he was saying, but ultimately he had a very convincing argument. After we had it out in class I took him out into the hallway and we discussed it again. I ended up giving him half credit back because it wasn't the best answer. Then at the end of class he came and thanked me for giving him half credit, talk about humbling. I felt horrible about how I had talked to him, but he had the manners to thank me for it. Awesome.
-French pedicures and rainbow flip flops
What are you thankful for?
Psalm 7:17
Things I am thankful for this week:
- People who hold me accountable for my Bible reading. There is a college student who asks me every Sunday night at worship how my Bible reading is going and what my verse is for this half of the month. It never fails. This week I was way behind in Leviticus and in memorization. Just knowing that this student is going to ask me this Sunday got my butt in gear. I caught up on my bible reading and got my verses down!
-I finished reading Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Acts. How exciting is that!
-Being finished with reading Leviticus. Honestly, some of those descriptions of skin diseases and discharge were disgusting!
-For Jesus Christ being the ultimate sacrifice. I am so thankful for him laying down his life for me and for all people. Reading Leviticus opened my eyes again to how incredible this gift is.
-For my fabulous mother who is always thinking of me. She is such a servant!
-For the fantastic people who are supporting me for London. I am up to $810!! Yay!
- For God using the circumstances in my life to reveal weaknesses in me and give me opportunities to grow in my relationship with him.
-Coca Cola and not the diet kind!
-Students who care enough about their grades to challenge me (respectfully of course). I had a student challenge an answer on a quiz. At first I was taken aback by what he was saying, but ultimately he had a very convincing argument. After we had it out in class I took him out into the hallway and we discussed it again. I ended up giving him half credit back because it wasn't the best answer. Then at the end of class he came and thanked me for giving him half credit, talk about humbling. I felt horrible about how I had talked to him, but he had the manners to thank me for it. Awesome.
-French pedicures and rainbow flip flops
What are you thankful for?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Blogging Blues
It has been a week since I blogged and I am pretty bummed about it. I just can't seem to get this blogging schedule thing down. I know as a blog reader I am disappointed when the blogs I follow have not posted something new on a regular basis so I can imagine how my readers feel when I have not kept to my schedule. (Please know I recognize that my blog is not some life or death situation. I don't think that highly of it, I promise.) But I am trying to find a way to make blogging a regular part of my life that I enjoy. I don't want to keep myself to such a schedule that its not something I ever want to do. Perhaps thinking I was going to blog five days a week was a little too much to handle and I should lessen the number of blogs I expect myself to do (These are definitely all self imposed expectations). But we will see. Hopefully I will be able to find a schedule that works for me and makes everyone involved happy! Happy Monday!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day
A day to celebrate love. Not just love between family, friends, boyfriends and girlfriends, but also to remember the only true definition of love...God.
I had so many fabulous friends send me messages today reminding me of the love that our heavenly father has for us. I hope that you took the time to remember his love for you and to share it with others. If not take time to dwell on his love for you and just how perfect it is. Share it with others this week, especially those who may not understand what true love is.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us; He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, who also ought to love one another. " - 1 John 4: 7-11
"The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." - Psalms 45: 11
Friday, February 11, 2011
Psalm 7:17 Friday
I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
-Psalm 7:17
Things I am Thankful for This Week
1. Coworkers to listen to me gripe and then put me in my place.
2. Students who share their pickles and pringles with me.
3. God giving us warming days in the upcoming week.
4. Russell House dates with Josh Dry (including Marble Slab mint chocolate chip milkshakes and reading at Thomas Cooper)
5. A God who is incredibly holy and worthy of all praise
What are you thankful for?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
LOVES II...
Things I absolutely love...
1. Students who tell me that I look pretty (In a non creepy way), when I am feeling not so pretty.
2. Koozies for my cokes at school...They stay cold so much longer
3. Friends who love Ooooing and Aaahing over the new Anthropologie catalog with me
4. GLEE is back!
5. A mom and best friends who did way more than they should have to help me with my support letters
What do you love?
1. Students who tell me that I look pretty (In a non creepy way), when I am feeling not so pretty.
2. Koozies for my cokes at school...They stay cold so much longer
3. Friends who love Ooooing and Aaahing over the new Anthropologie catalog with me
4. GLEE is back!
5. A mom and best friends who did way more than they should have to help me with my support letters
What do you love?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Blogging for Books
Do you love to read? Would you blog for free books? Then this is the website for you. My mom showed me this website a couple of weeks ago and I was stoked when I read into it. Basically you create an account with the site, noting what your book preferences are and then they send you books to review for free. After you have read it you post your review of the book on their website (and yours if you are a blogger) and then they send you another book to review for free. Isn't that just fantastic.
I created an account about two weeks ago and got my first book to review at the end of last week. There are a variety of book types and you get to choose which book you review. The website was easy to navigate, I got my book in a timely fashion and I can't wait to read it. Let me know what you think if you join! Hopefully I'll be able to post a review in a few weeks!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Honestly...
Honestly, I have missed the past two days of my bible reading in a year. Sunday I justified it with the fact that I was at church and spent time in the word there. Yesterday was another story. I really have no excuse except for the fact that I was tired and busy. Doesn't hold much weight does it? Regardless of what my excuses and justifications were I can definitely feel the affects of not being in the word today. Yesterday was quite the Monday. My students had a project due and it was like they had never heard of it (nor had their parents with the number of emails I received) and on top of that my bulb for my smartboard has been out since before Christmas break. (Yes I know that I should be happy that I even have a smartboard and I sincerely am, but I am really starting to miss my bright bulb with its great speakers!) I found myself snipping at students and not being the least bit understanding. Doesn't really work out for a good day for me or my students. Then I woke up this morning feeling anxious about who knows what. It's as if God lit a light bulb over my head to get my attention. "Hello, Kristin. All of this is happening because you haven't spent time with me recently! I promise you life wouldn't look so gloom and doom if you would just talk to me or spend time in my word."
Then I remembered reading a interesting comment in Matthew Henry's Commentary this weekend while I was doing my bible study (Funny how on Saturday I can go from spending a couple hours in the word to Sunday and Monday not being the least bit concerned with it). He commented that scripture should show us how God has, is, and will work in our lives while our circumstances in our lives should point us back to promises in scripture. These past two days instead of letting scripture show me how God will work in my life or my circumstances pointing me back to scripture it has been about me complaining and being self absorbed with no trust in my heavenly father.
Life is so much better when we spend time with him, allowing him to remind us how he has worked in our lives previously, how he is currently working in our lives, and how he promises to work in our lives. Don't let your circumstances point you to yourself and your weaknesses, allow them to point you to Christ.
Then I remembered reading a interesting comment in Matthew Henry's Commentary this weekend while I was doing my bible study (Funny how on Saturday I can go from spending a couple hours in the word to Sunday and Monday not being the least bit concerned with it). He commented that scripture should show us how God has, is, and will work in our lives while our circumstances in our lives should point us back to promises in scripture. These past two days instead of letting scripture show me how God will work in my life or my circumstances pointing me back to scripture it has been about me complaining and being self absorbed with no trust in my heavenly father.
Life is so much better when we spend time with him, allowing him to remind us how he has worked in our lives previously, how he is currently working in our lives, and how he promises to work in our lives. Don't let your circumstances point you to yourself and your weaknesses, allow them to point you to Christ.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Oh Mondays
Friday, February 4, 2011
Psalm 7:17 Friday
I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
-Psalm 7:17
Things I am Thankful for This Week
1. My parents are coming home tomorrow!
2. The safety and stability in the US when watching the news of northern Africa and the Middle East
3. Weekends to catch up on laundry, cleaning, reading, and TV
4. Books! I just love books! I picked up The Pioneer Woman's new book last night and love it just as much as her blog and cookbook!
5. Sushi from Miyabi's (I will be picking some up tonight!)
What are you thankful for this week?
1. My parents are coming home tomorrow!
2. The safety and stability in the US when watching the news of northern Africa and the Middle East
3. Weekends to catch up on laundry, cleaning, reading, and TV
4. Books! I just love books! I picked up The Pioneer Woman's new book last night and love it just as much as her blog and cookbook!
5. Sushi from Miyabi's (I will be picking some up tonight!)
What are you thankful for this week?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
LOVES
Things I love today...
1. The short size at Starbucks
2. Warmer winter days
3. Commander-in-Chic nail polish
4. Dry Shampoo (for those days when an extra 20 minutes in bed sounds fantastic)
5. Students who repeat directions for me after I have said them 50 times
What do you love?
1. The short size at Starbucks
2. Warmer winter days
3. Commander-in-Chic nail polish
4. Dry Shampoo (for those days when an extra 20 minutes in bed sounds fantastic)
5. Students who repeat directions for me after I have said them 50 times
What do you love?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Pursuing More of Jesus
My bible study is doing Anne Graham Lotz's book Pursuing More of Jesus this semester and it is incredible. The study takes a look at the intimate relationship Jesus had with his disciples, especially at the end of Jesus' days here on earth, and suggests our life should look the same. We have only completed through week 2 and I can't say enough good things about this book. Lotz is an incredible woman of faith who deeply desires a intensely close relationship with the Lord. The way Lotz writes about Jesus and his interactions with the disciples and us will move you. Lotz has an incredible way with words and the book is also very visually appealing.
Chapter 2 covered how Jesus not only identified with his disciples, but also identifies with us. Lotz goes on to say that we should so desire to identify with Christ that his tears of joy, love, grief, pain, and blessing should be our tears. Lotz discusses the story of Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, breaks her alabaster jar over Jesus' feet and wipes it with her hair. This is symbolic of Mary's tears of love for Christ. Mary literally gave up everything by breaking her jar over Jesus' feet in an act of love for him. The jar itself would have been a part of her dowry and in breaking it over his feet she is saying that he is all she needs. This begs the question, what is my alabaster jar? What am I holding back from him? Am I willing to give everything I have in love for him?
Lotz ends the chapter with this picture of the breaking of The Alabaster Jar. What a beautiful picture of God's all consuming love for us.
"In the early light of creation's dawn, the Father held His Alabaster Jar. It gleamed with the beauty of the Morning Star and was scented with the fragrance of the Rose of Sharon. It was His most precious possession. As His omniscient eyes looked down the years that stretched out before Him into generations and centuries and ages and millennia, He knew...
The Father slipped into the darkness of the world He had made and loved. The hands that held the Jar with such tender, eternal love, relaxed and opened as He placed the Jar ever so gently on the small manger bed of hay. During the years that followed, the beauty and glory of the Jar were shared and admired by those who had eyes to see.
And then, with hands that were trembling yet certain, the Father once again picked up His Alabaster Jar. And on a hill so far away from His celestial home--a hill that was cold, barren, and bleak, swarming with an angry mob that was unruly and obscene--the Father smashed His Alabaster Jar on a rugged, wooden cross. As the contents of flesh and blood were poured out and the fragrance of His love permeated human history forever, our tears were on His face..." (Lotz 38)
What is your alabaster jar? Are you willing to pour it out as a love offering to Christ?
Lotz, Anne Graham. Pursuing More of Jesus. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2009. Print.
Cruising in the Caribbean
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| My Fabulous Parents. Aren't they good looking! |
My wonderful parents are on their first non-children trip lasting longer than 3 days in over 30 years. They have not been away for a week without us since their honeymoon. Mind you they have taken plenty of 3-4 trips here and there, but no trip long enough for them to melt their cares away. What's even more fantastic about this trip is that they are on a cruise and have absolutely no way to connect to anyone in the states (obviously unless it is an emergency). No phones, no email, no contact. I can guarantee you they are both loving it and hating it.
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| VBS |
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| WOG |
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| Young Married Bowling |
My parents live to serve those around them. They both work at the church and everyone who works with them loves them. My dad is the minister to young married adults and the leader of the contemporary worship. My mom works in the children's ministry. She is lovingly known as Mama Dawn. Before being minister to young marrieds my dad was a college minister. To say that their schedules were jammed pack would be an understatement.
My mom and I are best friends. We talk 4-5 times a day through text, calls, and email. I see her at least two times a week. We talk about anything and everything, serious to silly. My mom is caring, loving, supportive, encouraging, funny, a rock, a servant, a hard worker, a fantastic cook, a loving wife, and most of all a woman after God's own heart. She will love you until it hurts her and do everything in her power to bring you closer to the Lord (even if that means some tough love on the way...she may be small, but she packs a punch with truth). If you have never heard my mother's testimony I encourage you to make time with her to hear it. She was raised in extremely difficult circumstances, but she grew to love and trust God with everything she has. She is truly an inspiration to me.
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| See what I mean...our joy of picture taking! |
My dad and I are strangely similar, which makes our relationship interesting to watch. We both love each other very much and because we are incredibly similar it is sometimes difficult to understand how we show our love to each other. My dad is extremely hard working, dedicated to his ministry/wife/family, talented, driven, stubborn, independent, intelligent, encouraging, funny, giving and supportive. If my mom errs on the side of love, my dad errs on the side of truth. Its amazing how they balance each other out. When my dad puts his mind to something he is going to get it done with 110% effort. My dad has poured his life out serving college students and now young marrieds. He is a man after God's will for his life. He desires nothing more than to be following after God, leading others to do the same. My dad is my rock of truth and love in Christ.
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| My Beautiful Family |
My brother and I couldn't be more blessed with our parents. We grew up in a home that desired the Lord's will. Even in times of financial difficultly I never saw my parents wavier. Even when giving up the job at Apple meant losing financial stability my parents trusted the Lord would provide. When my dad took the job in Columbia at Shandon I saw my mom rise to the occasion. She may not have liked it, but she was going to support her husband's decision. In the ups and downs of life my parents always sought after the Lord. My parents are quite the team. They are running after God with abandon and I couldn't be more excited as to where it will take them. I am blessed by their leadership and example! I hope to one day be like them!
Mom and Dad-
I hope that you are having a fabulous time! You deserve nothing less! I love you very much and can't wait to hear all about it! Don't worry about anything or anyone here! (Even though you have people checking in on us mom ha ha). We miss you, but are doing great!
Love you tons!
Kristin
PS. See what I mean...aren't they fantastic!!
Monday, January 31, 2011
MIA
I am sorry that I have been missing for the past two weeks. The Lord and I needed some extra time together to sort through some junk that he revealed in my life. I had to cut out a lot of things that I used as distractions including blogging. But I'm back!
So much has happened in the past two week. After our week off from snow getting back into the grove of things proved quite difficult for teachers and students. But we are rolling into second semester. It is my goal this semester to love my students as Christ loves me. My humanities friends and I presented at the SCCTE (South Carolina Council for Teachers of English) Conference this past weekend in Kiawah. I learned many new strategies and techniques that I plan on implementing into my classroom as soon as possible (Edmodo, QR tags, and writing without words to name a few). Our presentation went great and we actually won an award for "Best Use of Theme"! Yay us! We had beautiful weather in Kiawah as well as great food. It was a nice time to remember why I went into education in the first place. It's very easy for teachers to get bogged down by all the must attend meetings, negative parent interaction, and other "paperwork" that comes with teaching that has little to do with being in classroom serving our students. I was inspired this weekend to be even more creative and take risks for my students benefit.
But probably the biggest piece of news that I have from the past two weeks is......
I AM GOING TO LONDON!!
I am going to London with World Changers International this summer. The Lord provided me with a way to go serve the college students of London with a group of college students from our ministry at Shandon. I couldn't be more excited. I have been praying about being involved with this trip since it was announced at the beginning school and was thrilled when it worked out for me to go. I am in the process of writing and sending out my support letter. I will have to raise at least $2300 to take care of the expenses of the trip, but I know the Lord will provide. Please join me in prayer for the city of London and the university campuses that we will be serving. In the near future I will be posting specific prayer requests regarding our trip.
So much has happened in the past two week. After our week off from snow getting back into the grove of things proved quite difficult for teachers and students. But we are rolling into second semester. It is my goal this semester to love my students as Christ loves me. My humanities friends and I presented at the SCCTE (South Carolina Council for Teachers of English) Conference this past weekend in Kiawah. I learned many new strategies and techniques that I plan on implementing into my classroom as soon as possible (Edmodo, QR tags, and writing without words to name a few). Our presentation went great and we actually won an award for "Best Use of Theme"! Yay us! We had beautiful weather in Kiawah as well as great food. It was a nice time to remember why I went into education in the first place. It's very easy for teachers to get bogged down by all the must attend meetings, negative parent interaction, and other "paperwork" that comes with teaching that has little to do with being in classroom serving our students. I was inspired this weekend to be even more creative and take risks for my students benefit.
But probably the biggest piece of news that I have from the past two weeks is......
I AM GOING TO LONDON!!
I am going to London with World Changers International this summer. The Lord provided me with a way to go serve the college students of London with a group of college students from our ministry at Shandon. I couldn't be more excited. I have been praying about being involved with this trip since it was announced at the beginning school and was thrilled when it worked out for me to go. I am in the process of writing and sending out my support letter. I will have to raise at least $2300 to take care of the expenses of the trip, but I know the Lord will provide. Please join me in prayer for the city of London and the university campuses that we will be serving. In the near future I will be posting specific prayer requests regarding our trip.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Celebrating One Year
Today the fabulous boyfriend and I are celebrating one year of dating. Those of you in marriages might find this silly, but I love it. Not to brag or anything, but my boyfriend is fantastic and here are just a few reasons why:
1. He is a man of God. Seeking to hear the Lord's voice and grow in him.
2. He loves his family like nobody I have ever seen.
3. He is true to his friends and makes friends incredibly easily.
4. He is one incredibly talented musician. I admire him so much for the hard work and time he puts in to his craft.
5. He is aware of those around him and makes sure everyone feels welcome.
6. He is oh so funny and makes me laugh all the time.
7. He is so smart and interested in such a variety of things.
8. He loves me even though it can be hard sometimes!
9. He challenges me on a regular basis and supports me when my "chicken" tendencies try to take over.
10. He listens and is incredibly patient with me and others.
11. He can carry on a conversation with anyone, something I admire being as shy as I am.
12. He is thoughtful and caring in ways that no one could ever imagine.
13. He is willing to admit when he has made a mistake and works hard to fix it.
14. He will put his foot down when necessary. He says no to me when I need to hear it and have a reality check! (I need this more often than I would want to admit!)
15. He is just one awesome guy! (I could go on and on!)
PS. On his day off, he is playing at a funeral and then taking me to Greenville to get my computer fixed! Now that is love!
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| A visit to my great-grandmother's house in AL |
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| Us, About 1 year ago! |
1. He is a man of God. Seeking to hear the Lord's voice and grow in him.
2. He loves his family like nobody I have ever seen.
3. He is true to his friends and makes friends incredibly easily.
4. He is one incredibly talented musician. I admire him so much for the hard work and time he puts in to his craft.
5. He is aware of those around him and makes sure everyone feels welcome.
6. He is oh so funny and makes me laugh all the time.
7. He is so smart and interested in such a variety of things.
8. He loves me even though it can be hard sometimes!
9. He challenges me on a regular basis and supports me when my "chicken" tendencies try to take over.
10. He listens and is incredibly patient with me and others.
11. He can carry on a conversation with anyone, something I admire being as shy as I am.
12. He is thoughtful and caring in ways that no one could ever imagine.
13. He is willing to admit when he has made a mistake and works hard to fix it.
14. He will put his foot down when necessary. He says no to me when I need to hear it and have a reality check! (I need this more often than I would want to admit!)
15. He is just one awesome guy! (I could go on and on!)
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| Dancing in between songs at Sweethearts Banquet |
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| His Fantastic Family |
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| My Fantastic Family |
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| With my brother and sister-laws dog |
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| Christmas 2010 |
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| Celebrating at a friend's wedding |
PS. On his day off, he is playing at a funeral and then taking me to Greenville to get my computer fixed! Now that is love!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Belated Delurking Day 2011
As I was reading through my favorite daily blogs, including Seeking Love First (formerly One Day at a Time with Leigh) I learned that yesterday was Delurking Day 2011. Delurking Day was created as a time for silent followers of blogs to reveal themselves to the blogs they follow (You can read a whole article on it here, at BlogHer). Sounds kinda creepy I know (and the logo is just about the definition of creepy). Everybody does the silent follower thing including bloggers themselves. We have a list of blogs we click through quickly and never think to respond to. Then we go have conversations with other bloggers about how we wish our readers would interact more with the blog through commenting. We want to know our readers. I want to know who follows me, where you are from, what you like to do, how you found my blog, what you would like to see me write about etc. etc. But I can't know any of these things if you don't comment. Like my friend Leigh said, it does not freak me out I don't know you, don't know you well or didn't know you followed and I am sure other bloggers agree. So take a few minutes to introduce yourselves to your favorite blogs today!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Psalm 7:17 Friday
I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
-Psalm 7:17
Things I am Thankful for This Week
-4 snow days useful for lots of relaxing and reading.
-Teacher workdays where I can grade, plan, and semi watch Jessica's provided entertainment for the day on her smartboard.
-A fantastic boyfriend who is helpful when it comes to fixing my computer and driving in the snow/ice ( and making me laugh in the process).
-A cozy, warm bed to sleep in at night or any other time of the day.
-The Bible, God's word given to me that I may know him and glorify him.
-The super awesome group of women that I get to study the word with each week!
-Trader Joe's Spicy Chai Latte Mix! YUM!
Check out Jessica's Psalm 7:17 post for today!
What are you thankful for?
If you blog feel free to link our posts and have your own Psalm 7:17 Friday!
-Psalm 7:17
Things I am Thankful for This Week
-4 snow days useful for lots of relaxing and reading.
-Teacher workdays where I can grade, plan, and semi watch Jessica's provided entertainment for the day on her smartboard.
-A fantastic boyfriend who is helpful when it comes to fixing my computer and driving in the snow/ice ( and making me laugh in the process).
-A cozy, warm bed to sleep in at night or any other time of the day.
-The Bible, God's word given to me that I may know him and glorify him.
-The super awesome group of women that I get to study the word with each week!
-Trader Joe's Spicy Chai Latte Mix! YUM!
Check out Jessica's Psalm 7:17 post for today!
What are you thankful for?
If you blog feel free to link our posts and have your own Psalm 7:17 Friday!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Reading Wednesday
At school on Wednesdays our students use their academy time to read. Some of them enjoy it, while others find absolutely every excuse possible not to. I decided Wednesday's on the blog would be reading days for us as well. Some weeks it will be a blog, others a website, occasionally a book review/post and every now and then it will be online magazines like Lonny.
Let me introduce you to Lonny. I am not sure which decorating blog introduced me to Lonny, but it was love at first sight. Lonny is an online decorating and design magazine/website that is entirely too fantastic. Once I finish drooling over the most current issue I can never wait for the next one to be posted.
So on your snowy Wednesday t enjoy flipping through Lonny. I promise you will love her.
Let me introduce you to Lonny. I am not sure which decorating blog introduced me to Lonny, but it was love at first sight. Lonny is an online decorating and design magazine/website that is entirely too fantastic. Once I finish drooling over the most current issue I can never wait for the next one to be posted.
So on your snowy Wednesday t enjoy flipping through Lonny. I promise you will love her.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Stir Crazy Snow Days
If you don't live in the Southeast (and you don't watch the news, read the news, or hear the news...we need to talk) you might be unaware that we had quite the snow/ice storm for our area over the past couple of days. I understand that our amount of snow/ice is nothing compared to just about anywhere else in the US, but for us it was a good bit. It was even enough to cancel school for not just 1 day, or 2 days, but 3 full days (who knows what will happen on Thursday). Needless to say most of us, teachers and students, were pretty excited about our snow day on Monday. I am also sure the students were pumped for the snow day today and even more excited about the snow day tomorrow, but I (and many others) are becoming a little stir crazy! I can only do so many loads of laundry, read so many books, watch so much tv/movies, and be on facebook so long.
Recently I wastalking texting with my fabulous friend Jessica about how stir crazy we were both becoming not being at school (we are both teachers). We were discussing all the things we had already done and what we were possibly going to find to do with our day tomorrow. As we were texting I was also reading her latest post on her blog "Single in love: My Year of Me" ( You should all read her blog. You will love her!). As usual her post challenged me to think about my stir crazy snow days in a different light.
In her post Jessica writes about how last Wednesday the Lord answered her prayer for desiring him by giving her this overwhelming sense of joy and "head over heels giddiness" in her time with him. She mentions how she didn't want to have to go to school, not because of her "talkative or unmotivated students", but because she couldn't wait to spend more time with Jesus. And that my friends, is when it hit me.
Why am I not relishing the fact that I have extra time to spend with the Lord? I have been able to catch up on my Bible reading (hopefully getting ahead soon), finish the book Radical by: David Platt (posts to come soon on the impact it is having on my life), and have extended non rushed time in the word and prayer. Looking back on it, its been FANTASTIC!
I have been desiring this extra time to eat up God's word and his revelations to me since school started and yet I was blinded by my boredom and lack of ability to travel to the blessing God had given me in snow.
Thank you Jesus for giving me friends like Jessica to remind me to look in the little things for your blessings to be found. Thank you for giving me this precious extra time to spend with you. Continue to open my eyes to the time wasted when I could be spending it with you. Thank you for reminding me in your gift of snow that in your scripture it says that I will be purified with hyssop and washed whiter than snow. ( Psalm 51:7)
PS. Be on the look out for a combo post between Jessica and I this Friday.
Recently I was
In her post Jessica writes about how last Wednesday the Lord answered her prayer for desiring him by giving her this overwhelming sense of joy and "head over heels giddiness" in her time with him. She mentions how she didn't want to have to go to school, not because of her "talkative or unmotivated students", but because she couldn't wait to spend more time with Jesus. And that my friends, is when it hit me.
Why am I not relishing the fact that I have extra time to spend with the Lord? I have been able to catch up on my Bible reading (hopefully getting ahead soon), finish the book Radical by: David Platt (posts to come soon on the impact it is having on my life), and have extended non rushed time in the word and prayer. Looking back on it, its been FANTASTIC!
I have been desiring this extra time to eat up God's word and his revelations to me since school started and yet I was blinded by my boredom and lack of ability to travel to the blessing God had given me in snow.
Thank you Jesus for giving me friends like Jessica to remind me to look in the little things for your blessings to be found. Thank you for giving me this precious extra time to spend with you. Continue to open my eyes to the time wasted when I could be spending it with you. Thank you for reminding me in your gift of snow that in your scripture it says that I will be purified with hyssop and washed whiter than snow. ( Psalm 51:7)
PS. Be on the look out for a combo post between Jessica and I this Friday.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Praise Jesus!
Passion 2011 went down in Atlanta, Georgia earlier this week. I was unable to attend this year, but was able to watch the main sessions online. Boy were they powerful! Oddly enough I was also experiencing great amounts of anxiety from an unknown cause. I slept horrible, woke up sick, and cried all the way to work many times this week.
The first night Chris Tomlin led a song with a lyric, "All my fountains are in you". This single line kept rolling over and over in my head during my times of anxiety. I clung to the fact that everything I am is in him, glorifying him is my joy, and fear/anxiety is not a product of Christ.
As the week progressed the anxiety eased up and then today was a day of complete joy! I could not stop smiling and meditating on how blessed I truly am in the Lord. He has given me everything I could ever need or want. He created me to glorify him and when I am my joy is complete!
It's amazing how when we focus on Christ and do not dwell on our emotions or circumstances we are set free!
Thank you Jesus for freedom from anxiety! Thank you for holding me in times of fear! You are my rock and my foundation, my joy is in you!
The first night Chris Tomlin led a song with a lyric, "All my fountains are in you". This single line kept rolling over and over in my head during my times of anxiety. I clung to the fact that everything I am is in him, glorifying him is my joy, and fear/anxiety is not a product of Christ.
As the week progressed the anxiety eased up and then today was a day of complete joy! I could not stop smiling and meditating on how blessed I truly am in the Lord. He has given me everything I could ever need or want. He created me to glorify him and when I am my joy is complete!
It's amazing how when we focus on Christ and do not dwell on our emotions or circumstances we are set free!
Thank you Jesus for freedom from anxiety! Thank you for holding me in times of fear! You are my rock and my foundation, my joy is in you!
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