Joy Unspeakable

Abide

2012-02-09T21:21:00.002-05:00

Recently I have been feeling that I am not bearing fruit as a disciple of Jesus. I felt like I had lost the vision that I had a few months ago of God's purposes, I was lacking faith for what He was doing in and through and around me. I was on a plane yesterday thinking about this and the Spirit of God spoke to me with the words of Jesus from John 15: "Abide in me... and you will bear much fruit."

Abide.

That single word kept coming back. He did not say "work harder" or "try harder", but abide. Dwell in Jesus, spend time with Him. Listen to Him, live in Him.

I had a lot of time sitting at the airport waiting for flights yesterday and this song was constantly coming to my mind... the first verse and chorus were all I could remember, but I just kept hearing it in my head, so today I looked up the rest of the lyrics. (side note: whenever I think of this song I hear Joe Jackson's voice singing it)

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!

There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

There is no friend like Jesus.

Random stuff I never posted... Part 2:

2012-01-28T11:16:00.000-05:00

My friend Christy and I went to a local pumpkin festival. It wasn't quite as exciting as I expected, but we did manage to get this gem of a picture, haha

One of the things I love about Sarasota is all of the art! In the fall there was a chalk festival...

Random stuff I never posted... Part 1:

2012-01-26T21:11:00.000-05:00

On "National Museum Day" we visited the Ringling Museum of Art, Circus Museum and Ca d'Zan (John & Mabel Ringling's mansion). It was pretty awesome (and even better that we could go for free)!

Ringling was kind of obsessed with everything European, so he modeled his home after a Venetian palace and brought European art over for the museum.

The grounds were amazing... my camera was running out of batteries, so I didn't get a lot of pictures, but I did manage to snap a few of the Banyon Trees...

The house is literally right on the water! There was a wedding on the patio while we were there...

Here we are at the Circus Museum :)

One year ago...

2012-01-18T23:32:00.003-05:00

This was me a year ago... me and the last gluten that I have eaten (intentionally at least... there was that pretzel M&M that I thought was a peanut one and a few other "oops" moments).

Ah, look at it, so fluffy and soft! haha.

But, then I look at myself in the picture and realize that giving it up is worth it. Whew, looking pretty rough...of course, this was just a couple hours after coming out of anesthesia (hence the ghostly pale face)

I have learned a lot this year! I'll write more about that later. But, for now I'll just leave you with a quote that I read this morning... it was very appropriate and encouraging for me today:

“Our bodies shared the ruin into which sin brought our race. Mortality and corruption took possession of them. They became subject to pain, and weariness, and disease—in every organ and limb. The one drop of poison coming from Adam’s sin has spread itself out and pervaded every part of us. Our flesh, from the cradle to the tomb, is feeble, broken, ready to faint—the cause and the inlet of a thousand sorrows.
All this shall yet be reversed. Former things shall pass away. This head shall ache no more; these hands and feet shall be weary no more; this flesh shall throb with anguish no more. ‘God Himself shall wipe away all tears from these eyes; and there shall be no more death; neither, sorrow, nor crying, for the former things are passed away.’ ‘He will take these vile bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like His own!’
He who once hung upon the cross, but now sits upon the throne, says, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ ‘This corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal immortality, and death be swallowed in victory!”
— Horatius Bonar
The Revelation of Jesus Christ

I can't wait for that day!!

Here is a picture of me after a year without gluten!

Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me

2011-10-27T20:54:00.002-04:00

I have been reading the book "Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God". Each chapter is a mini-biography of a Christian woman who was faithful to God's calling on her life...following him wherever he called her to go. You can read the book for free online and I highly recommend it! I just finished the chapter about Helen Roseveare, a missionary doctor to the Congo.
This paragraph sums up what God taught her through her life there:

As Helen Roseveare stood by our fireplace and looked into their faces, she reached backward toward the mantel and eased a longstemmed red rosebud from a tall vase. As she spoke, she broke off the thorns, the leaves, the petals, the green outer layer of stem—every elementvthat makes a rose a rose. All that was left was a lithe, straight shaft. The pieces that lay on the floor were not bad things. But, she explained, they had to be removed if she were going to make an arrow. God does this to us, she said. He removes everything—even innocent, good things—that hinders us from being the arrows that he will shoot for his purposes at his intended target.

This week I have also been reading and meditating on Romans 12. I want my life to be a living sacrifice! This poem was included at the end of the chapter on Helen Rosevear, and is a beautiful prayer in response...

Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted,
Not I, but Christ, be seen, be known, be heard,
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.

Not I, but Christ, to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ, to wipe the falling tear,
Not I, but Christ, to lift the weary burden,
Not I, but Christ, to hush away all fear.

Not I, but Christ, no idle word e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound,
Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing,
Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found.

Not I, but Christ, my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ, my strength and health to be;
Christ, only Christ, for body, soul, and spirit,
Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me.

Christ, only Christ, e’re long will fill my vision;
Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see
Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling—
Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.

[A. B. Simpson, “Christ, Only Christ.”]

Hello? Anybody still there?

2011-10-22T22:52:00.000-04:00

So, I guess I need to catch up on September and October. I got a job and Steve's residency is in full swing! Basically, we have settled into "real life" here in lovely Sarasota...vacation is over.

I'm working full time as a receptionist in the corporate office of a company who will remain nameless on this blog. If I give the name, then I have to be careful what I say about them since the marketing department keeps a very close watch on what is said on the internet! I'll just say that they make high quality deli meat and cheese. You can find it at the deli counter in your local Harris Teeter or Kroger... or Publix if you are in Florida. I'm enjoying it and eating a lot. There are over 100 people in the office and no one has a direct line, so things stay pretty busy. Occasionally we get some funny calls... customers usually think they are calling directly to customer service and go into their questions/comments/complaints, which can be interesting/entertaining. There was the guy who claimed that he broke his tooth on our product, the people who call just to say how much they like our products and then finally get to the point and ask for coupons (only to be disappointed that we don't do coupons).

Steve is in his third rotation at the hospital. His first month was in pain management, last month was in oncology and his current rotation is in the Intensive Care Unit. They also keep him busy with lots of presentations, as well as his year long research project. Steve has decided to pursue a specialty in oncology pharmacy. It seems like we just got here, but we are already looking into residency programs for next year!

One of my favorite things about Sarasota is the sunsets. Since we are on the gulf side we can go watch the sunset at the beach...they are beautiful! Here are some pictures...


Siesta Key when Mom visited

Lido Key the following night

Siesta Key on our anniversary

And this was right outside of our apartment.

Happy Birthday Steve!

2011-09-06T20:06:00.000-04:00

In August and September I get to celebrate my husband and best friend.

August 7 was our first anniversary and yesterday was Steve's birthday!

Steve is an answer to prayers I prayed and prayers I didn't even think or know to pray.
He is one of the most loving people I know and has helped me to understand the love of Christ in a greater way. He is patient and kind, he is not arrogant or rude, he does not keep a record of wrongs, he is not resentful or irritable, he bears all things, hopes all things, believes all things. He is filled with the Holy Spirit and loves the word of God. He is a hard worker and never complains about long hours at the hospital or the studying he has to do when he gets home. He always makes time for other people.

On August 7th of last year when I said "I do", I had no idea everything this year would hold... full of joys, and also some trials, and lots of changes... but I am so grateful God gave me this man to be by my side. He makes life so much fun!

I love you cross my heart and hope to live to make you smile,

cause I don't deserve all the times you held me down,

listen to me now, I love you... [Lecrae]

The easiest job in the country

2011-08-02T21:14:00.006-04:00

...is being a meteorologist in Florida. Thankfully the thunderstorms don't usually last very long.

Asian Grocery Store Trip - Steve's Inaugural Blog Post

2011-08-02T19:36:00.006-04:00

For our next trip to the beach, I want to make something special for Bethany that I used to have as a kid when my family went to the beach called onigiri. Onigiri are rice balls with various other ingredients. They are a great picnic or outing food.

Onigiri can be pretty simple but I lacked one important ingredient. No, don't worry I have plenty of rice. The ingredient I need is a pickled plum called umeboshi. It's not a requirement for onigiri but it almost seemed like one when I was a kid because that's usually the kind we had. My mouth waters a little just writing about it.

There are several Asian grocery stores in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. Going to a new store can be exciting but it can be disappointing. I've come to appreciate some Thai, Viet, Korean and Chinese cooking but I am usually looking for something Japanese. Unfortunately, the Japanese section of an Asian grocery store can be quite small.

I am happy to report that isn't the case with Oriental Food and Gifts. I was actually very impressed with what they had. They had everything that I had hoped to find and more. They had all kinds of sauces, noodles, rices, flours, canned vegetables, dumplings, frozen fish (including sushi grade tuna and salmon), mochi and there was even a whole aisle of sea vegetables (I call it that not because I dislike the term seaweed but because it might sound more appetizing to my Western-palated readers). They also had some dishes, cookware and a small selection of clothing.

Pictured is what we came away with. Clockwise from top left: nori (the kind of sea~~weed~~ vegetable that is used to wrap sushi), wakame, bento flakes, wide rice noodles, and in the center is the umeboshi.

The heat is crazy, we are crazier.

2011-08-01T23:06:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things in Sarasota is the farmer's market every Saturday. Fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, artwork, fresh fish, old guys playing their steel guitar on the street corner, even a booth with g-free baked goods. I love things like this.

In the background is one of my other favorites... Whole Foods!

Steve and I had been talking about walking down there one Saturday morning....well, Steve wanted to run, but then I reminded him who he had married. Anyway, we planned to do it last Saturday... we slept in a little later than planned, then or course I kept forgetting things, so it was already pretty hot when we got started... but that didn't stop us! It was about a 25 minute walk/jog to the Farmer's Market.

We picked up a couple things, then headed over to Whole Foods to find some lunch!

This guy was playing one of those Caribbean drums outside of Whole Foods. Ever since going to Bayfront Park, I thought it would be delightful to go back and have a picnic there. So, we picked took our sushi lunch and walked down there. Here we are nice and sweaty by this point....

View of the bay from our picnic table....

Steve really liked the eco-roof on this building. I really like the clouds.

After our lunch we were energized for the walk back. There are sculptures all over downtown Sarasota. We saw this one on the walk back...there were a bunch of them, different sizes, in front of the newspaper office building. Kind of random.

Back home! This path goes from the parking lot back to the little park behind our apartment building. We pretty much crashed after we got home... but it was a fun adventure!

We're in Sarasota!

2011-07-12T22:50:00.002-04:00

Steve and I are here in Florida and Steve has started his Residency at Sarasota Memorial Hospital! It is a year long residency and I'm pretty excited about ~~extended vacation~~ time here!

I'm trying to get in the habit of bringing my camera with me and taking pictures... haven't gotten a lot yet, but here a few of the things we have done so far. I'll take pictures of our place and post them too... but I need to clean up first.

We live about 5 minutes from downtown Sarasota... one of our first nights here we went down to there to have dinner. We didn't think about taking a picture till it was dark...oops, but can you see the pretty flowers? Sarasota is beautiful!

One of the closest beaches is at Lido Key, about 10 minutes away from our apartment. We decided it would be fun to go down after dinner to take a walk and watch the sunset....

Romantic, right?

Until we turned around and realized there was a huge storm rolling in. oops.

It made for some good pictures... you all know how much I love clouds!!

Stormy.... or sunny?

Stay tuned... more of our Sarasota adventures coming soon!

One Year Ago...

2010-06-14T22:07:00.004-04:00

.... I got a text from my friend Steve asking if I wanted to hang out after a meeting we were both going to be attending. I said "sure".... we went to Borders. I don't really remember what either of us got to drink... but I do remember realizing that I thought he was pretty cute. He asked if I would want to hang out over the summer so we could get to know each other better. I said "sure" again. Over the summer I learned and observed a lot about him... that he cares a lot about people... that he likes the same kind of food I did... that he takes God's word seriously... that he likes sports....that he is patient...that he is very passionate about Jesus and the gospel... and lots more.

Now, we are getting married in 54 days!! I am so grateful for Steve. God has been so good!

Catch Up Time....

2010-01-31T18:47:00.006-05:00

Another epic fail in blogging! haha... so it's a good time to catch up!

Since I promised a Meet Lindsey post a LONG time ago, here it is!! Get ready....

From left - Lindsey, Hannah, me

FIRST - to clarify, Lindsey should not be confused with Hannah, which happens often.

Since she moved here from Florida a little over a year ago, she just experienced her first time driving in the snow/ice! She can sometimes be heard singing 80's power ballads (but never in her classroom - we hope). In fact, she and Hannah just might be singing some right now. When not singing 80's power ballads or teaching middle school children about Africa she is talking about Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators, watching the Florida Gators, reading about the Florida Gators, or buying Florida Gator paraphernalia.

[Vicki would also like me to tell you that Lindsey goes to the best home group ever... and that she loves her!!] Lindsey serves me and Mandy ALL the time! She cooks me lots of yummy food, teaches me how to be organized, and how to decorate the house. She makes me laugh and encourages me to love God more. We think that her dad and my dad were separated at birth, so who knows... we might be cousins.

Me and my wonderful roommates!

I can't wait for Saturday....

2009-11-18T22:57:00.004-05:00

Two of my best friends are marrying each other...
So, so excited for Matt and Kristin!!

I have been friends with Matt since we were 10 years old and both our families came to Raleigh to plant a new church. I met Kristin a few years later when her family moved to Raleigh and started coming to our church. We took dance classes together all through high school. We each went different ways after high school and now here they are 10 years later getting married! I have seen Matt and Kristin both draw near to God as they have walked with him through good times and sometimes hard times. If you know them, you can't help but notice that they each have a genuine love for others. I am overjoyed to see them start their life together!

The wedding is outside ... I'm praying for good weather! I have heard rumors of bales of hay, caramel apples and bonfires. All of our friends from youth group who have moved away are coming back for the wedding, so it will be a reunion! I'll try to remember to take lots of pictures :)

Meet Mandy

2009-10-10T22:18:00.004-04:00

This is a blog about my roommate Mandy (Amanda) Bradley. She is amazing. She is currently a nurse AND in school to be a nurse practitioner. Which means she is much smarter than me. (On a side note, we - Vicki, Jermaine and I - are currently judging the weight of her purse.) According to Vicki she has to "carry all of the pills for the people". Also, Mandy would like to ask all readers to please visit wax-lips.blogspot.com - at least that's what Vicki says. Mandy spent most of the past week taking wonderful care of her brother who had surgery. She loves her family and friends and can usually be found talking on the phone to one of them.
She is our GPS since she knows all the roads in Raleigh. Although she is a lifelong NC State fan, she is gracing the grounds of UNC Chapel Hill with her presence.

I've been friends with Mandy for five years now and I'm grateful to God for the opportunity to live with her! We've had such great times of fellowship, prayer, craziness, and laughter.

Tune in later this week to meet Lindsey...

PS: I am trying to get a picture up, but for some reason Blogger isn't letting me upload one. I will try again tomorrow.

2009-10-09T09:21:00.002-04:00

I read this today at the blog "Of First Importance" and thought I would share it! Such a good reminder for me. Why do I try to live and conquer sin and trouble on my own when I have died and my life is hidden with Christ?

“In every temptation let us look up to a crucified Christ, who is fitted
and qualified to support tempted souls. Oh my soul, whenever you are assaulted,
let the wounds of Christ be your city of refuge where you may fly and
live. Let us learn, in every trouble which presses us—whether it be sin,
temptation, or any other evil—to translate it from ourselves to Christ. And all
the good in Christ—let us learn to translate it from Christ to
ourselves.”
—Thomas Brooks, The Golden Key to Open Hidden Treasures

2009-09-14T11:27:00.001-04:00

I just figured out that I can post via email… so I am testing it out today! Hopefully this will increase my # of posts per month so that Carroll will link to me, haha.

Last weekend I went to Folly Beach / Charleston with Kendra, Shaynah, and Kristie. It was SO much fun. These three girls are a blast to hang out with… wonderful times of laughter and fellowship. I always come away really encouraged and built up in my faith when I spend time with them. I’ll post some pictures when I get home tonight J

Speaking of tonight… I start up my dance class again at 6:15pm! I had a break over the summer and came up with lots of new ideas. Now I just have to actually implement them… please pray God will give me grace for that. There are 15 in the class…twice as many girls as last year! I’ll let you know how it goes.

Africa

2009-09-13T00:42:00.002-04:00

Several years ago the Lord began to put a burden in my heart for Africa. I remember when Sovereign Grace Ministries first started working with a local church in Nagongera, Uganda. They showed clips in their mission presentation video of the work the church was doing and I felt a love for the people and desire to pray for them grow in my heart. I had never really had a specific burden for any particular country or people group until then. Of course time went by and I would forget to pray and the initial zeal kind of left... until in the past couple months I have come across several different things that have brought the Africa to my mind and prayers again.

----- A Note of Hope - Carolyn McCulley is currently in Africa filming for her documentary called A Note of Hope. I love what she is doing and cannot wait to order the film!

"A NOTE OF HOPE is part music appreciation and part social social-purpose documentary. It can exist comfortably at this intersection because it explores the legacy of the American Negro spiritual, a song form that has always lived there. These songs are the soundtrack of faith and hope in the midst of suffering, and that is still relevant today. A NOTE OF HOPE follows the musical journey of five American jazz musicians who are musical ambassadors for the cause of children left parentless by HIV/AIDS in Africa. These musicians recast the spirituals into the jazz genre, and then — following the example of those who came before them — give of their time and talents to draw attention to those who still suffer today."

----- GiveUgandaWater.org - A group from Covenant Life Church set up this site after going to Kiburara Uganda and learning that waterborne diseases were the leading cause of death in that town.

"Motivated by what we observed, we returned home and by the end of the year raised enough money to build three wells for the village. Today waterborne illnesses are no longer the leading killers in Kiburara. This year our goal is to build an additional three wells in neighboring villages.... $23 provides clean water for one person for the rest of their life."

----- I've been reading updates from a friend, John Heeley, who is in Uganda with a group from his church serving practical needs and sharing the gospel.

Here are a couple of other wonderful ministries serving Africa (links on the sidebar):
Dare to Share - I met Jonathan and Robin Daniel when I was working with Robin at Cary Christian School. Jonathan is from Zimbabwe and started this ministry to meet the needs of his country by providing educationa, social, physical and economic opportunities to children and families in Zimbabwe.
Covenant Mercies - a nonprofit started by members of Covenant Fellowship Church in Pennsylvania that is dedicated to serving the poor in their own community and beyond. Through Covenant Mercies, you can partner with local churches in Uganda, Zambia, and Ethiopia, to assist in their efforts to care for the many orphans living in their communities.

It is really exciting to see all that God is doing!

changes

2009-09-08T21:34:00.007-04:00

so... I moved!

been here about a month and enjoying it... I am living with two great friends - Mandy and Lindsey.

May...

2009-06-15T21:26:00.005-04:00

...is my favorite month of the year. This May was super busy, but also tons of fun.

Julie Graduated, sadly this was the best pict I could get from our seats.

I got much better picts when we went to the arboretum for Mother's Day...

.

Haha...this one cracks me up. I love my dad!

I turned a year older... there aren't any pictures of that, but I do want to say that I was TRULY blessed in many ways on my birthday! When I got to work there was a balloon and card from the girls that included a gift certificate for a massage!! Donna also made me a strawberry pie :)
Mandy called me on my way to work, Kendra emailed, my family made me a yummy dinner, my dad set off fireworks. It was great. I'm sure I am forgetting all the other things... but yeah, I felt very loved.

I got to have lunch with Kendra, Anne (& Kate!)
...and a dance party with Shay and Kendra and Renae :)

Then there was the week of Next-itude, visiting family, and going to Michael & Stacey's wedding. Those pictures will have to wait... because it is time for bed.

But...before I go, just wanted to share one more thing. A few months ago I started having these random weeks when I would get incredibly fatigued/exhausted...felt completely drained, couldn't concentrate at work, almost fell asleep at the wheel a couple times, etc. I thought I had pinpointed this as an iron deficiency - so I started taking a supplement regularly, and it seemed to get better - until last week. The same thing happened, I figure maybe I need to go to bed earlier, eat less sugar, exercise more. I scheduled a doctor's appointment in a few weeks. But, then one morning God brought to mind the story of the woman who, after trying every doctor around, touched Jesus robe and was healed. I will still try the practical things I mentioned - but, ultimately, my strength is from Christ. Mickey spoke at church on Sunday about being filled with joy...it was definitely what I needed to hear. No matter how I feel physically or emotionally, God has done great things for me and in his presence is fullness of joy!

Okay, more later...

Failure.

2009-06-09T21:30:00.003-04:00

So, here I am after Kendra called me out for never updating my blog. I need a little external push every now and then! (thanks Kendra) I do have more and more friends and family in different cities, states, countries...so hopefully I can do a better job at keeping you all up to date here at the old blog. Honestly, I don't always feel like my life is that exciting or that I have anything really interesting to post about. But... lately God has been reminding me and encouraging me to find joy in what he has given me to do each day and what he has placed in my life right now. He really has blessed me with a wonderful life! Even though my life at 27 years old might not be what I would have pictured 5 or 10 years ago... (working at a construction company? ... it is the best because it is what God had planned for me. I just started a book called 'Just Do Something', so, I am going to 'just start blogging'. I am hoping that it might help me to be more aware of those little things throughout the day to that make life interesting... and the bigger things that make life exciting (like one of my favorite things, decisions).

So, what's going on in life? Most of that will have to come later because it is time to get some sleep. For now, here are some pictures I uploaded...

Spring Happenings...

2009-06-09T20:43:00.013-04:00

part 1...

My dear friend Missy moved to Mexico - this is her dream come true and she has waited and trusted the Lord a long time for it! I miss her, though... this pic is from her going away party.

Jo finished her first year of college and made the Dean's list!!! She also played her first coffeehouse gig. She was great...and I hear a rumor that she might have another one coming up...

Julie's Senior Piano Recital - she was AMAZING!!!

She also graduated! I didn't get any super pictures at the graduation...oops.

Ava turned three and I got to help with the party...but I took all the pictures on Joy's camera. So, instead here are a couple from Easter :)

Also...I made Strawberry Shortcake for Easter. I was excited.
May was super busy.... lots of pictures, so it will have its own post.

2009-02-18T22:56:00.005-05:00

Judging by my track record with blogging, it is probably not wise for me to announce that I am going to start blogging regularly... haha... but, my friend Missy is moving to Mexico and told me that I need to blog to keep her up to date and I told her I would try. We will see how it goes.

Let's start with today.... which is Julie's 22nd birthday!!!! I haven't seen her all day, but did call to tell her happy birthday. Julie is one of my heroes. I want to be more like her. She has an incredible servant's heart, she is a faithful friend, she is so level headed (did I say I want to be more like her?), she has a solid trust in God and finds her joy in him, and she has some mad piano playing skills! I love making memories with her!

I love you Julie!!

(she is also a fabulous aunt)

(and an awesome sister...who puts up with the rest of us!!)

Wow.

2008-09-16T16:29:00.004-04:00

I wish I could have been there!

Remembering...Praying

2008-09-11T08:24:00.005-04:00

Today I remember...

... where I was when I first heard the news about the Pentagon ...

... where I was as I watched the second plane hit and the towers fall ...

... those who lost their lives ...

... those who survived ...

... those whose bravery and sacrificed saved lives ...

Today I pray...

... for the families and friends who still grieve ...

... for those who continue the fight at home and abroad ...

... for those who work and make decisions each day so that this will not happen again ...

... for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done ...

adventures in eating...Charleston edition.

2008-09-10T21:59:00.008-04:00

I was going through some receipts tonight and found a few from the restaurants we went to in Charleston...which brought to memory the great places we ate...and our servers:

~ Brunch at Poogan's Porch (Sun morning)

The restaurant is named after a dog, and when you walk up to the restaurant on Queen's street, you can see the gravestone where little Poogan is buried. Touching, I know. Anyway, we arrived there Sunday morning around 10:30 for brunch. Up walks our waiter.

"Hi, my name's Blake...*yawn*...I'm still waking up". Niiiiice intro Blake. "We have a special today on our Mimosa's...."
Kendra: I'll have coffee
Shaynah: I'll also have coffee
Kristie: I'll take coffee
Me: I already had caffeine this morning so, I probably shouldn't have coffee, I'll just take a water
Kendra: noooo, get coffee so you can be our entertainment!!

I ended up getting coffee. Good times followed.

One of the best parts about Poogan's Porch is that they always serve biscuits with brunch...and they are amazing. But, thanks to Shaynah, I also got to try two Southern favorites that I have never had: Fried Green Tomatoes and Shrimp & Grits. I think I'm a fan of Fried Green Tomatoes... not sure yet about Shrimp & Grits.

~ Pub in Charleston...I can't remember the name.

We stopped in a little restaurant/pub in the afternoon because we were tired and hot from walking around. We weren't hungry, so we just went up to the bar to get some drinks. Here we were served by the bartender (who's name I can't remember either...I only had a splash, really!). I did find out that he made a canoe out of Red Bull cans at a competition in Florida...impressive.

Kendra ordered....Shaynah ordered....I ordered ('just a splash')....and then he went to get the drinks. Poor Kristie!!! She had to flag him down to take her order! After we had been sitting there for a while I asked for some water:

Pink shirted nameless bartender: oh, yeah, I'm sorry..do the rest of you also want some water?
The rest of them: yes, please
(He proceeded to get water for Kendra, Shaynah, and Kristie.)
Me: ummm, could I have some water, please??

But, I forigive him since he didn't make me pay anything ;)

He also invited us to the an event they were having that night where there was a prize for the 'hottest white dress'. Thannnks, but we didn't bring white dresses. bummer.

~ Dinner at The Conch in Folly Beach.

This is where we had dinner Sunday night: live Reggae music playing upstairs and you could sit on the outdoor patio in back and still hear it...annnd...they had fish taco's for $4.99. This place was GREAT....and we had our best server of the weekend: Megan (don't be impressed, I only remember her name cause its on the receipt that I just found, haha).

The patio was really pretty with lots of lights and it was a beautiful night. The music was really good, the food was yummy (really good Lobster dip!), and the people watching was fun(ny?).

~ Of course, the best meal we had was the one we cooked ourselves on Saturday night :)

So... the fact that one of my longest posts is about eating is kind of telling, isn't it. hahaha.

More stories later...

Summer time...

2008-09-09T19:57:00.006-04:00

So, the summer is almost over and it has been a month since I have posted! The last month has flown by.... I was able to take two wonderful vacations!

Family vacation at Oak Island - A relaxing time with the family...

Beautiful Joy and beautiful Alice!

On the beach!

Ava LOVED jumping the waves

Our annual Bocce on the beach tournament...Jo and I were the winners! Everyone else was consoled with their Klondike bars.

Sisters!

Mom and her girls

Me and my boyfriend.

Aren't they cute?

The water was great...even Ava got to go out in the 'big waves!'

Girls Trip to Folly Beach and Charleston - Fun times with old friends...Kendra, Shaynah, and Kristie!!!!

We stayed in an adorable little house...across the street from the beach and walking distance to the restaurants and shops! (oh, and an outdoor shower, haha)

That's all I have time to post for now... but you can find more pictures at Kendra's blog :)

2008-07-31T21:42:00.000-04:00

row, row, row your boat....

2008-07-28T20:01:00.003-04:00

...up the Cape Fear River.

This past weekend I went canoeing with some friends....and didn't drowned! I think I have finally overcome my irrational fear of canoeing trips. Thanks to all those who supported me along the way and rescued me when I was stuck, tipped, or otherwise in need of help. haha... anyway, all joking aside...it was a very fun trip. Afterwards we went to Raven Rock to cook out and walk a up and down 95 steps. I did not take my camera, but Missy and Jermaine both had cameras, so as soon as they upload pictures I will post some. Oh, and I think I also won the award for taking the most food on the canoe. That shouldn't surprise anyone, though, since I am a Coda!

Next week is family vacation! I can't wait. This working full time thing really makes me appreciate a few days off. I am mostly looking forward to spending time with my family. Joy, Dan, Ava and Alice are also coming!

2008-07-20T22:25:00.001-04:00

I'm blogging for the second time in a week...this is off to a good start! It has been a busy weekend... Friday night was my home group's cookout. This year I was in a group led by Lou & Teresa Gregus...they are wonderful and I love our group! The rain stopped early enough on Friday for us to shoot off fireworks at the end of the party - which was great since we didn't get to see any on July 4th. On Saturday I went to a brunch with some ladies from church...then made dinner to take to a family in church...then went to a cookout at Harris Lake. It rained, so we ended up having a bunch of people come back to our house...aaaannnddd we put on Enchanted...haha...watching it with guys was priceless. Then after almost eveyone had left my dad came down and hung out with me, Julie, Chris, Dan, Steve, and Nick telling stories for over an hour. Good times...I think that made up for them having to watch Enchanted. I taught children's ministry at church this morning, chilled at the pool this afternoon, and then tonight I had dinner with my new friend Jen. We met during a class at the gym...it was nice to talk when we weren't out of breath.

Okay, I promised pictures, so here are a few from Easter! Yeah, kind of late but better late than never, right?
Mom and Alice

"Pop's lawnmower!" Ava has to go see it every time she visits...

"Wait for me Mimi!"

Delaney, Jo, and Mary Ashley.... Aren't they beautiful?

Comeback time.

2008-07-15T10:40:00.004-04:00

After a three month hiatus, I am going to start blogging again. Instead of trying to update you on the last few months, I am just going to start with this week and then post a few pictures every week to fill in the lost time!

So, I am back to blogging and Josh Hamilton is back to Baseball. Did anyone see the home run derby on Monday night? Amazing... here's a shout out to our hometown hero and super slugger...

Josh Hamilton

Josh hit 28 homers in the first round (to give some perspective - the closest runner up in the first round had 8 homers).

I think I have a new favorite baseball player (and he is not on the Orioles!)... here's why:

--- In addition to hitting those 28 homers...Josh is from my hometown. I saw Josh hit a few homers back in high school when he was playing at Athens Drive (my friend Brian was on the same team).
--- After three years away from baseball, he is making a pretty incredible comeback!
--- But most of all... he has a great testimony. My favorite line of his interview Monday night was when he said 'It is amazing to see what God has done in my life and how quickly he has done it.' If you don't know much about his story...you should read about it. Here's a pretty good article...

I'm not smart, I just like clouds.

2008-04-28T21:47:00.004-04:00

I have a thing for clouds...cirrus, stratus, cumulus, but its not a scientific thing. Its just that they fascinate me - I could look at them for hours.

Anyway, tonight on the way home, I saw the most AMAZING sky. I wish I had a picture, but I was already in danger of wrecking my car and probably didn't need the added distraction of trying to photograph it while I was driving. I can't even really describe it in words, but I'll try.

I was driving down 64 West...first, I saw a cloud that looked like a mountain... then, it changed and looked like the parting of the Red Sea, walls of clouds on both sides with a path of blue sky in between, the sun shining through. Whenever I see skies like this I think of the return of Christ and get all excited. Anyway -- I got off at hwy 55, and as I started to turn ...............I saw it, or at least the beginning of it.....a rainbow, and as I continued to turn onto 55, I saw more of it....a full arch! I can't remember the last time I saw a full arch rainbow (okay, maybe, I think it was in Mexico a few years ago). It was beautiful and so big. Rainbows are reminders of God's promise....what a wonderful reminder.

So, yes I do get kind of excited about clouds, and skies. They are God's artwork... these awesome, glorious displays show me who God is, what he is like...they show me a glimpse of his beauty, his glory, his majesty, his grandeur. I am reminded how big he is... how wonderful he is. After a long day, when I am usually tempted to complain, suddenly things come into perspective. I can't help but magnify Him in those moments.

Today.

2008-04-15T21:41:00.007-04:00

Several exciting things happened today:

I got 9 hours of sleep last night - it was wonderful.
Altoids were buy one get one free at Walgreens. Since I'm currently addicted to peppermint Altoids, this made me happy.
I filed my taxes...pretty important since its April 15th.
I went to BodyFlow classat the gym...one of my favorites.

Time for bed, but I'll leave you with a few niece pictures...

Me and sweet Alice

She turns two on Thursday!!!!

Friends. (Ava w/ Lydia)

More pictures to come...I'm off to bed.

After long last....

2008-04-10T21:12:00.003-04:00

I am right now sitting and watching a new episode of "The Office" with my family!
(and laughing hard)

One of the reasons I love this show is because I work in an office... every once in a while something will happen that makes me think 'This could be on "The Office"...'

Here are few of those moments.

One day, I could hear Laura laughing from the other side of the office and the next thing I know a bunny sprints past my office. It was my co-worker Donna in a bunny costume that she was returning for a friend. Our division manager thought it was so funny he made her go into the conference room to get pictures. He also asked her to do it again at the end of the week so he could bring his little girl in to 'see the Easter bunny'.... fun times at Choate.

Another time...
There I was just sitting in my office busily working when - out of nowhere - I hear a fog horn blow twice. I looked across the hall at Jim and we were both like, 'should we go outside?'
But then - here comes Dave (our division manager - 'Big Boss') rounding everyone up - 'alright, everyone to the front for an announcement, come on everybody.' So, we all go being herded up with wondering looks on our faces. 'So, that was him blowing the foghorn?' I asked our office manager, 'Yes, I just about had a heart attack being in the office next to him.'

Turns out we were awarded a REALLY big job. Dave said we would hold off on the party because a log of people were gone that week. A Choate party -- that will be another story.

2008-03-28T12:25:00.003-04:00

Early Morning Battles.

We all have them. Mine have been particularly hard to fight this week...and more than once, I have lost. But, by God's grace I have been made more and more aware of how desparately I need to meet with the Lord in the morning, and as George Meuller says, 'make my soul happy before God'.

That is why this post on the Sovereign Grace blog was so encouraging for me to read today! Here's a few excerpts: (it was a podcast by the SG leadership team)

C.J. Mahaney: Well, what brings me here so early in the morning is my need for the Savior, an awareness of my need for the Savior, and some eagerness that I will,
through my meditation on Scripture, freshly encounter the Savior. So that is
what brings me here. Although I need to add that I am never brought here apart
from a conflict in my soul. Indwelling sin is a particular and formidable
opponent against all practices that involve the spiritual disciplines. So this
does not take place effortlessly. I’m now 54 years old, so even after 35 years,
I can assure you that tomorrow morning when I first awaken, the first voice I
hear will be a voice of protest. That voice will be distinctly the presence of
indwelling sin appealing to me and seeking to persuade me to stay in bed. That
voice never subsides. And that voice also negotiates, so that if I make an
initial movement, that voice doesn’t subside and assume that that voice has
lost. No. That voice continues to exert effort, and then presents to me various
distractions.
.......
Jeff Purswell: So now I am no longer surprised. I can be discouraged at times, but the coldness that I feel just reminds me how badly I need God. Because apart from him I can do nothing. And apart from getting food for my soul this morning, I will be starving.…
Click on the link above to read the whole transcript...lots Biblical encouragement and practical suggestions.

2008-03-24T21:26:00.002-04:00

Julie started a blog.... and is much better at posting than I am, haha.... so head on over and take a look! Lots of cute pictures of our nieces :)

quotes

2008-03-06T22:34:00.006-05:00

Since I have not had much time to write any new posts....here are a few quotes from things I have been reading lately....(the bold parts are my emphasis)

...a parable Jesus tells his disciples "to show them that they should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1)...."However when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8) The real problem is not with God's unwillingness to answer, but with our faithless and lethargic refusal to ask.
[DA Carson, For the Love of God, meditation on Luke 18]

There are many ways of promoting Christian wakefulness. Let me strongly advise Christians to converse together concerning the ways of the Lord. Christians who isolate themselves and walk alone are very liable to grow drowsy. Keep Christian company and you will be kept wakeful by it and refreshed and encouraged to make quicker progress in the road to heaven....let the eye of faith be constantly on Him. Let your heart be full of Him. Let your lips speak of His worth. Friend, live near the cross and you will not sleep.
[CS Spurgeon, Morning & Evening, meditation on 1 Thess 5:6]

Hers were not just a belief in a distant intellectual truth; her beliefswere part of her life. She gave her practical, everyday lilfe a lot of thought. This way her routine included the spaces needed to practice the presence of God - time to read His Word, to ponder it, and pray. She set aside her very best hour of teh day for "Bible reading and earnest prayer." She chose the time when she said "I feel quite fresh," so that she could give the Gospel "that full gaze of the mind we call attention.
[Susan Schaeffer Macauley referring to Charlotte Mason in For the Family's Sake]

Only....remember the poor.

2008-02-18T20:12:00.006-05:00

Only they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. Galations 2:10

I was talking to my mom and Jo about this verse the other day... Then, this morning I read this verse:

The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. Luke 4:18

Today the Lord crossed my path with a homeless man outside of the Walgreens near my office and gave me the opportunity to buy him lunch.

"Could you spare a couple of dollars so I can get some chicken for lunch?" Many times in the past I would have hurried my step, looked the opposite direction to avoid making eye contact. But, by the grace of God I did not.

He was very, very thankful and said, "I hope someday I can pay you back."

"No," I told him, "This is a free gift, just like God's gift of salvation. I have received so much from God, especially God giving his Son and saving me, so I just wanted to show you Christ's love."
He said he met a woman at Wal-Mart yesterday and was planning to go to church with her family this weekend. He said he had been saved, but backslid. He was hoping God would change his life when he went to church.

This encounter was a wonderful gift from God! I do not share it to show some noble deed I did...I am so struck with how this was all of God and for God. This would not be my natural response to meeting a homeless man. The Lord gave me so much joy and encouragement through this opportunity to show his love, to apply his word, to care for Him -- as he said, "As you did to the least of these, you did it unto me." I pray that I might have watered a seed that was planted in this man's heart...that God will provide for him tangibly, but most of all spiritually.

He asked for prayer for two specific things -- that he would get a job, and that God would give him strength so that when he got saved, he could do the right things. His name is James, please pray for him.

Praise God for his steadfast love and mercy.

True Delight

2008-02-12T19:37:00.000-05:00

The sweet love of the Lord washes over me in a thousand different ways. As I consider this mercy - so lavish, yet so free - my heart is filled with a gratefulness I cannot express with mere words. The King of Glory has rescued me, forgiven me, adopted me. Why? Not because of anything I have done or even could ever do ... on my own I am as corrupt as the worst sinner. But now the righteousness of Christ is mine. Not only am I forgiven, but I can experience friendship with my Savior. He calls me in and welcomes me - even when I do not come, he gently draws me, reminding me that I can find this love, fellowship, joy, and peace nowhere else. Lover of my soul, I want to live for you!

2008-01-25T13:04:00.000-05:00

"We cannot, then, believe in the sovereignty of God, we cannot just believe in the teaching of the Word of God, if it somehow strips us of the passion to pray.
Prayer then is a heart longing to unite with the holy purposes of God for their accomplishment. . . .Prayer is the act in which I line up with the purposes of God and through which He works those purposes to fulfillment. Prayer moves God, God moves His people, who move in response. So that's the resource and whatever you may believe about the sovereignty of God, no matter how firm your confidence that He is in charge of everything, it cannot diminish your prayer life."

John McArthur

HT: Carolyn McCulley

Any day now....

2008-01-21T22:44:00.000-05:00

My second niece will be born! What an incredible blessing it is to be an aunt...watching Ava grow these past couple years has been such a joy. I sometimes think, if I love her this much - I can't imagine what it will be like to love one's own child. The Lord is so kind to have blessed me with the privilege of loving, caring, and praying for a niece and I cannot wait for this new beautiful life to come into the world. I also love being able to watch Joy and Daniel parent Ava with love, correction, discipline and sacrifice.... I am so grateful for this opportunity. I often take it for granted, but I thank God placing such godly examples right in my own family.

LIMIT 2/DAY

2008-01-11T08:52:00.000-05:00

Black Coffee Shot

Warning: High Caffeine

Not for those under 18, pregnant or caffeine sensitive.

I'll let you know how it goes.... I'm already typing faster.

From "Valley of Vision"

2008-01-08T12:21:00.000-05:00

O Spirit of God....

...Deliver me from carking care,

and make me a happy, holy person.

Help me to walk the separated life with firm and brave step,

and to wrestle successfully against weakness;

Teach me to laud, adore, and magnify thee,

with the music of heaven,

And make me a perfume of praiseful gratitude to thee.

I do not crouch at thy feet as a slave before a tyrant,

but exult before thee as a son with a father.

Give me power to live as thy child in all my actions,

and to exercise sonship by conquering self.

Preserve me from the intoxication that comes of prosperity;

Sober me when I am glad with a joy that comes not from thee.

Lead me safely on to the eternal kingdom,

not asking whether the road be rough or smooth.

I request only to see the face of him I love,

to be content with bread to eat,

with raiment to put on,

if only I can be brought to thy house in peace.

Holidays: White Christmas

2008-01-07T22:02:00.001-05:00

My mom got tickets for us girls to go see White Christmas at Memorial Auditorium!! It was so much fun! We got dressed up for the occasion and Dad took some pictures...

I got some pictures at Memorial....but - oops.... my flash wasn't on at first....

Holidays: Parties

2008-01-07T21:28:00.001-05:00

Dad, Mom, Julie, Jo, and I all went to the youth group Christmas party -- it was a red carpet 'Oscar night' theme....

Here's my good looking family entering...

I also went to a nice dinner party hosted by the guys in our church's singles ministry --

Me and my good friend Kristin :)
The two dancers getting into the chocolate....

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY!!!!!!
I love having new years eve parties -- There was a lot going on...I tried to remember to get a few pictures....not sure they are the best but here they are....

Football and cards....

Pool....

Fire on the patio....

Ping-pong (must have been a dangerous game!)

Unfortunately, I do not have pictures of the late night festivities:
The New Year toasts led by Matt Noel, Wii boxing (someone out there has video of it, though...so check back later, it might show up on here.), ginger ale shots from the peppermint shot glasses, and apparently the guys found the poppers and sparklers that I forgot about when they went out on the patio to smoke their cigars. Fun times!

Holidays: Family!

2008-01-07T21:08:00.001-05:00

One of the things I love about the Christmas season is getting to spend lots of extra time with my family.... even though I didn't get as much time off from work, God still blessed me with some great time with my wonderful family! Here's a few random pictures from Thanksgiving through New Year's --

The Darrows came over for Thanksgiving -- it was nice enough for some Bocce outside.

We had several visits with Dan, Joy, and Ava!

Dad, Julie, and Joy went to the Maryland vs NC State football game Thanksgiving weekend. As you can see, there was a little tension before the game - haha.

Holidays: Baking!

2008-01-07T20:48:00.001-05:00

One of our favorite traditions is making cutout cookies....we let Ava try a few this year....

Warning: I didn't realize I had my camera on video during this first one, so it gets a little jerky! The 2nd isn't though.

How much greater will our song be....

2007-12-22T22:46:00.000-05:00

Tonight I watched "The Nativity" with my family. It was a really good movie showing the story of Christ's birth. I was particularly struck with the thought of how awesome would it have been to be one of the shepherds and see the heavenly host announcing the Savior's birth glorifying God. It brought to mind this line from the song "In the First Light" which I heard on the radio the other day (hadn't heard it in years)....

Hear the angels as they're singing on the morning of his birth,
But how much greater will our song be when he comes again to earth!

I long for that day! Recently the Lord has been giving me a greater and greater desire to see my Savior face to face....an anticipation of his glory which I have never had before. Oh, what a day that will be! As I consider Christ's birth, and the laying aside of his glory as he came to earth as a baby -- I am reminded that he is no longer laying in a manger, but seated at the right hand of the Father in glory!

Merry Christmas!

I'm a terrible blogger.

2007-12-13T15:01:00.000-05:00

My apologies to those (if any) of you who check back regularly only to find that nothing has changed. *sigh*

I will try to get better about posting short updates more often.

Here's a quick update: I love my job. And let me just say, that Christmas is a great time to work for a general contracting firm. (shout out to our great subs...thanks for the gifts) Yesterday I received a 2 lb bag of pistachios. Just now Donna came by to offer me a truffle (dark chocolate caramel, mmmm). Oh, and I have not even eaten my lunch yet cause I kept stopping by the breakroom to sample the cheese balls.

I don't just love my job for the food...the people are great, too (although I have gotten more grief for being a MD fan in the past two months than I have gotten the rest of my life), and I am enjoying the work...but year end is super busy!

Also...this is the earliest I have ever finished my Christmas shopping. By last week I had already purchased all my gifts for my family, and now I just have to pick up a present for my cousin and a couple things for friends. This weekend will be filled w/ baking!!! I can't wait!

Jo and I picked out a tree the other night... pict's to come.

Ava @ Lake Gaston

2007-11-26T21:06:00.000-05:00

Cleaning up the deck

Ava & Delaney getting ready to play outside.... she really knows how to ham it up for the camera!

Pops and Ava -- cheering for the Terps.

Gangsta' Ava

Katie, Joy, and Ava

Lake Gaston

2007-11-26T20:49:00.000-05:00

The leaves were beautiful

Mom & Carol

Aunt Cindy, Me, and Dad ready to go out on the boat!

Jo took this from Uncle Mike's boat

Mema's Visit

2007-11-12T22:13:00.000-05:00

Singing Rock-A-Bye Baby to Ava

Me, Ava, & Mema (Ava looks a lot like me in this picture - stuffing food in her mouth)

"Good night Mema"

2007-11-05T20:35:00.000-05:00

There's a few reasons I haven't posted for a while. One is that I started a new job which is keeping busy 8-5, so my evenings have been filled with all the stuff you can't do when you're at work. Plus, I have had headaches a lot for the last few weeks, so I do not want to look at a computer when I don't have to.

This is where I'm working now.

It is my first job with a livable salary and benefits, and an office...sort of... it doesn't have a door, but it is not a cube either. My title is 'Operations Assistant', basically I provide admin support for 1/2 of the project managers (6 of them).

Here's a few reasons I like it:

My co-workers. The girls at the office are great -- we're the minority, so we stick together. Donna is training me...she keeps me laughing. The guys talk about football during every moment they are no talking about work...this makes me feel at home...and several of them have already started to give me a hard time about being a Terps fan.
They are having a Pig Pickin'/Turkey Fry in two weeks
The Christmas party is 70's themed -- no entry unless you're dressed in 70's style clothing.
Oh - and the work is good too - it is challenging, it keeps me busy, it varies throughout the day, and I get to interact with people.
Last - but not least - I am grateful to the Lord for providing this job and for continually teaching me what it means to take steps in faith.

That's all for now, I'm tired of looking at a computer. I'll try to put some pictures up soon of my grandmother's visit a couple weeks ago.

2007-10-08T23:12:00.000-04:00

Your face is beautiful
And Your eyes are like the stars
Your gentle hands have healing
There inside the scars
Your loving arms they draw me near
And Your smile it brings me peace
Draw me closer oh my Lord
Draw me closer Lord to Thee

Captivate us, Lord Jesus
Set our eyes on You
Devastate us with Your presence
Falling down
And rushing river, draw us nearer
Holy fountain consume us with You
Captivate us Lord Jesus, with You

Your voice is powerful
And Your words are radiant bright
In Your breath and shadow
I will come close and abide
You whisper love and life divine
And Your fellowship is free
Draw me closer O my Lord
Draw me closer Lord to Thee

Let everything be lost in the shadows
Of the light of Your face
Let every chain be broken from me
As I'm bound in Your grace
For Your yoke is easy, Your burden is light
You're full of wisdom, power and might
And every eye will see You

("Captivate Us" by Charlie Hall and Nathan & Christy Nockels)

Playtime

2007-10-03T22:47:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago, my mom found a box with some of our old toys in it.....

Joy and Mom were pretty excited.

Ava was curious.

Joy showed Ava how to comb the My Little Pony's hair

But, in the end, Ava was more interested in playing with Daddy and Pops.

2007-10-03T22:42:00.000-04:00

Its Official - I have the cutest niece ever...

2007-10-03T22:38:00.000-04:00

...at least until January!
These are pictures from my Mom's birthday dinner with the Darrows

Ava & Mary Ashley

Ava & Delaney

Ava and her Mommy -- with the My Little Pony that were Joy's

Ava and her Mimi

I love my church.

2007-09-19T22:54:00.000-04:00

Kristin is back!

I love my old friends.

She leaves for California tomorrow - I'm gonna miss her!

2007-09-19T22:50:00.000-04:00

My new Home Group leaders - Lou & Teresa! This is at Lou's retirement party.

Some of the girls from my 3rd & 4th grade class last year...three of them moved up, I will miss them.

Our building is changing!

Disappointment - His Appointment

2007-09-16T22:46:00.000-04:00

So - I did not get the job at the Cultural Arts Center. I found out on Thursday that they offered it to someone else. I was disappointed. There was a lot of build up to this job and the opportunity to apply, so it was a little bit of a let down. However, I am so grateful to God that the disappointment did not last too long. He is so faithful and reminded me of His goodness, His sovereignty, His purpose. My mom told me about a Phil Keaggy song which had the line Disappointment - His Appointment, So I looked up the words - they describe a lot of what the Lord is teaching me! I am so grateful that He has ordained all my days and that His purposes are good. I am actually excited about seeing what He has planned!

DISAPPOINTMENT (from "Love Broke Thru")

Disappointment - His appointment,
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.

His appointment must be blessing
Though it may come in disguise
For the end from the beginning,
Open to His wisdom lies.

Disappointment - His appointment
Whose? The Lord's who loves best.
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test.

For like loving, earthy parent
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts unquestioned
All that from His wisdom flows.

Disappointment - His appointment
No good thing will he withhold
From denials oft we gather
Treasures from His love untold.

Well, He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller deeper trust
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.

Disappointment - His appointment
Lord I take it then as such,
Like the clay in hands of potter
Yielding wholly to Thy touch

All my life's plan is Thy molding
Not one single choice be mine
Let me answer unrepining,
Father not my will but Thine.

Lyrics By Anonymous

Its that time of year....

2007-09-12T16:48:00.000-04:00

The pennant race is in full swing!

I read this today at Fox Sports....

"The Red Sox don't just own baseball's best record. They have become MLB's model organization..."

The times they are a-changing.

What now, Yankees!?

And speaking of baseball....

Meet Brian Roberts, 2nd Baseman for the Baltimore Orioles.
Here's a few of the things that have made him my favorite player for the last several years...

1. He's from NC.
2. He plays on my favorite team.
3. He holds the SEC record for stolen bases (67), and has 42 SB so far this year.
4. NC Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has this to say about him:

"Brian Roberts has the right priorities as a professional athlete. In 1999, when he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round of the amateur draft, he postponed signing with the major-league team. Why? Because he was invited to be a Huddle Leader at an FCA Camp in Black Mountain, N.C."

2007-09-05T19:53:00.000-04:00

www.joshharris.com - Check out my sister's testimony!

I had my interview on Thursday. It has been a whirlwind since then! Here's an update....

Thursday...went to my interview. 3 people asking a total of 15 questions in 45 minutes. It was all a blur afterward. Some good parts, some parts I struggled through. I should hear back in the next week.

Friday...I left early and went to CHARLOTTE!!! It was an awesome weekend with old friends. I stayed till Monday - it had been forever since I had gone for a nice long visit. Kendra captured the weekend very well on her blog...so I won't bore you with every little detail. Just to say that it included lots of great food...and waitresses....Joe Bakita asking if I was 'family'...a reunion of the 25 year old singles ministry (+ jr member, Stretch)....and a dance party....and Kendra's b-day dinner at PF Chang's.

Accountability group reunion...Kristie, Kendra, and me

Liz & Shaynah at PF Chang's

job update - I have an interview!

2007-08-29T21:22:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow...Thursday, Aug 30th at 2pm!

Its a panel interview with three people.

I bought new shoes to wear with my suit. But, I'm trusting God for the outcome - not the shoes.

I'll update after its over.

Thanks in advance for your prayers!

2007-08-24T23:38:00.000-04:00

January 5th.
12:00pm.
Charlotte, NC.
Bobcat Arena.
Maryland Terps vs. Charlotte 49ers.

2007-08-17T09:38:00.000-04:00

God's chief end, purposed in all that he does, is his glory, and he has so made us that we find our own deepest fulfillment and highest joy in hallowing his name by praise, submission, and service.
Christians get so hung up with the pagan idea (very dishonoring to God,incidentally) that God's will is always unpleasant, so that one is rather a martyr to be doing it, that they hardly at first notice how their experience verifies the truth that in Christian living duty and delight go together. But they do! And this will be even clearer in the life to come. To give oneself to hallowing God's name as one's life-task means that living, though never a joyride, will become increasingly a joy road.

JI Packer in Praying the Lord's Prayer

(I've copied this and the quotes in the previous post from the girltalk blog)

2007-08-14T13:57:00.000-04:00

This encouraged me today...
"Take one step at a time, every step under Divine warrant and direction. Ever plan for yourself in simple dependence on God. It is nothing less than self-idolatry to conceive that we can carry on even the ordinary matters of the day without his counsel. He loves to be consulted...Consider no circumstances too clear to need his direction. In all thy ways, small as well as great; in all thy concerns, personal or relative, temporal or eternal, let him be supreme. Who of us has not found the unspeakable 'peace' of bringing to God matters too minute or individual to be entrusted to the most confidential ear?"
Charles Bridges

...and I am a procrastinator, so I needed this, too...
“NO unwelcome tasks become any the less unwelcome by putting them off till tomorrow. It is only when they are behind us and done, that we begin to find that there is a sweetness to be tasted afterwards, and that the remembrance of unwelcome duties unhesitatingly done is welcome and pleasant. Accomplished, they are full of blessing, and there is a smile on their faces as they leave us. Undone, they stand threatening and disturbing our tranquility, and hindering our communion with God. If there be lying before you any bit of work from which you shrink, go straight up to it, and do it at once. The only way to get rid of it is to do it.”
Alexander MacLaren

More Vacation pictures

2007-08-10T00:11:00.000-04:00

Vacation Pictures

2007-08-10T00:07:00.000-04:00

Isn't she adorable?

The Long Hot Summer.

2007-08-08T19:54:00.000-04:00

Yes, I do like the movie.

But, this phrase seems appropriate in describing this August weather.

This week I have been in Maryland at my grandmother's house.

I drove up last Saturday with Julie, Jo, and Bekah (Jo's friend). We were driving Jo and Bekah up here to catch a shuttle to "The Clash", a worldview conference in PA. Julie and I are hanging out until they get back on Saturday.

Sunday we went to Covenant Life Church for their Sunday service since that is where Jo & Bekah were catching the shuttle. Josh Harris was speaking about baptisms and then they baptized several people at the end of the service.

After we saw the girls off Julie and I went to Annapolis to see our cousin Katie. Her apartment is right in the old downtown of Annapolis, so we could walk to shops and restaurants. We made sure we got a Maryland style crab cake from Phillip's while we were there. Since then we have spent some great time with our grandmother - despite the heat. We also visited with our Aunt Jo and our cousins David and Michelle today.

Tomorrow we are taking on DC in the heat!

Today.

2007-08-03T11:28:00.000-04:00

7:30pm.
Beaver Creek Cinemas.

Growing in Love for One Another

2007-08-02T21:33:00.000-04:00

I found this the other day....and thought I would share it...

Who am I praying for?
Who am I praying with?
Who have I encouraged today?
Who can I write a not of encouragement / thanks to?
Who have taken out to fellowship with recently?
Who have I invited over recently?
Who am I meeting with for regular accountability / discipleship?
Who have I thanked today?
In what areas can I improve to be a better friend?
Are there any unresolved conflicts in any of my relationships?
Am I following up with people when they express needs and cares?
Am I drawing people out about their life?
Am I harboring unforgiveness or bitterness towards anyone?
Am I willing to confront people out of a heart of love and concern?
Am I more aware of people's sins and shortcomings, or am I more aware of evidences of God's grace in people's lives?
Am I active in communicating evidences of God's grace in people's lives?
How can I serve others when we gather together?
Am I looking forways to serve people without being asked?
What could I do to surprise someone that would bless them?
What creative thing could I do to serve someone?
What people do I want to develop friendships with that I haven't?
Is developing deeper relationships a priority for me? How can I tell?
What am I doing to love others in truth and in action? (1 John 3:16-18)
Do I make decisions based o how it will affect others?
In what ways am I caring for people both temporally and spiritually?
Am I taking the initiative in pursuing relationships or am I waiting for others to do it?
How can I spur others on to pursue God and not the world?

Last month in home group we had a great discussion about bearing each other's burdens. Then last week I got together with some other ladies in church to talk about how to apply biblical fellowship. Something that came up in both discussions was the fact that loving one another takes action.

Those conversations reminded me of this list that I had saved. It is about 5 years old.
Joe Lechner, my pastor when I was in college, put it together for a our college ministry.
I can all too quickly become self centered so I need to ask myself these questions on a regular basis.

PS: Happy 5th Anniversary Joe & Jeanie!!

It is only two days away....

2007-07-31T22:11:00.000-04:00

Our Town

2007-07-24T21:46:00.000-04:00

Apex ranked 14th on Money Magazine's top 100 Best Places to Live!
This list 'focused on smaller places that offered the best combination of economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community.' Sounds like Apex to me. I love this town.

Also, for my Holly Springs friends...you all were 22nd. For my Charlotte friends, your neighbor Mooresville (aka 'Race City, USA') came in at number 65.

Back.

2007-07-22T19:56:00.000-04:00

One month ago I wrote that I would post soon. Sorry for the delay. I did not think anyone really read this anymore - but apparently some of you are still reading. I think I am really back this time. But, since I have proven myself to be a terrible blogger I should not make any promises! There are several things I have been wanting to post, but I will just start with an update for those of you who have told me you do not know what is going on in my life since I never post on my blog. Here you go -

This summer has been both relaxing and busy. I finished up the year working at CCS in May and went to the New Attitude conference Memorial Day weekend (which was great!). I came back and spend most of June doing nothing, haha. Well, just doing things I had been too busy to do during school. I also had a couple of dance recitals for my students. The first week of July my family went on vacation to Ocean Isle Beach - I will post some pictures of that (it was exciting to see Ava's first experience of the beach!).

Since then I have been busy working. Being once again 'in between jobs', I registered with at temp agency. Two weeks ago I started at PharmaLinkFHI. They are one of the many pharmaceuticals related companies in RTP and monitor clinical trials. I have mostly been doing filing and archiving their different studies; they are very specific about this since they get audited by the FDA. Though the work is slightly monotonous, I am enjoying the job. There are several other girls my age working there and I have enjoyed getting to know them. It is also fun to learn about a different field. I will be there through August and possibly longer if I do not get a permanent job by then. Speaking of permanent jobs - I decided not to go back to the school this fall, but will look for a more administrative/office job and teach dance on the side. I have applied to the town of Apex for the position of Coordinator of their new Cultural Arts Center. I made it past the first phase. I'll keep you updated on what I hear from them next.

The best part of the summer has been spending extra time with my family. Last weekend I got to stay with my cousins in N. Raleigh for the weekend while their parents were out of town. We had a great time! I've also spent lots of time with Julie and Jo, and enjoyed having Joy, Dan, and Ava at the beach with us.

Well, that is enough of an update for now...more to come....really.

2007-06-21T14:20:00.001-04:00

The blog has been quiet for a while...so it is time to get it back into action. There should be a post coming once I get some pictures loaded on my computer!

In the meantime.... ESPN had some good news for me today: after losing 9 games in a row, the Orioles finally won last night; wonders never cease. I guess firing their manager was a good move. Now they just need to find a new one. Also in baseball news, Sammy Sosa hit his 600th home run last night!

I'm off to go to the pool with Sarah....I will be back to post some old and new pictures later.

Enjoy the sunshine! (and don't forget to wear sunscreen)

Links...

2007-06-05T20:54:00.001-04:00

The ladies at "Girl Talk" are in the middle of a series interviewing Nancy Leigh DeMoss. She is a wonderful woman of God who has given her life to pursuing him and spreading his kingdom. I've been impacted in the past by her teachings and writings (specifically her teaching 'Devotions: duty or delight')...so I am excited to hear more about her through these posts. Check them out if you have a chance.

Also, my sister's blog has been updated with new pictures of Joy, Dan, and (mostly) Ava! I love my family.

I also added a couple of new links on the right... Covenant Mercies and Dare to Share. These are two ministries that are seeking to spread the gospel and provide for needs in Africa.
_Covenant Mercies is based out of Covenant Fellowship Church in Philadelphia and primarily works in Uganda and Zambia (as well as serving local needs of the poor in Philly).
_Dare to Share is a ministry to meet the needs of the poor and spread the gospel in Zimbabwe. I heard about them from my Robin Daniel, who I worked with at Cary Christian, her husband Jonathan was born and raised in Zimbabwe and has a vision for spreading the kingdom of God in his home country.

2007-05-18T22:38:00.000-04:00

Summer is fast approaching. Next week will be my last week of school at Cary Christian. I think I might actually miss the kids even the little troublemakers! But, then again...I think a break is needed.

This past week my desk was covered with birthday cards from my students... for your entertainment, here's a sampling of their kind words (with their spelling & punctuation):

"Happy birthday Miss Coda! I love you! You are a great teacher. My dearest teacher, your hair is pretty." [obviously from a little girl]

"Happy Birthday Miss Coda!!!! Thank you for grading our paper's."
[I guess he was pleased with his grades this quarter]

"Dear Miss Coda, you're the best asistint teacher in the world!!"

"...I love it when you read The Chronicles of Narnia"
[You can really only get the full effect by seeing the card - accompanied by pictures from The Magician's Nephew and the Last Battle, labeling each character.]

"Happy Berbay, Top seacret"
[this one is written in code, I have not yet deciphered it]

"You are cool i'm wishing you a happy birthday"
[one of about 5 cards from this little fellow who reminds us of Eddie Haskell]

"...I hope you get good presents."

Then there was Jay...
"Miss Coda, I didn't make you a card, so here, you can have the Lesson 23 word search."
"Thanks Jay!"
"...and there's something inside"
A coupon fell out: "Free Trip to Wacky Land!"
It doesn't get much better than that, folks.

Oh, wait...maybe it does... I opened Sean's card:
"Happy Birthday!!!! Free trip to the home of Seanseans Island Banawnawn in....
Please read backwards below
dnal ykcaW"

Like I said, I think I might miss them this summer!

2007-05-08T06:36:00.000-04:00

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and power.

I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.

View Him prostrate in the garden;
On the ground your Maker lies.
On the bloody tree behold Him;
Sinner, will this not suffice?

Lo! th’incarnate God ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.

Joseph Hart, William Walker

At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees, and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered

In awe of the cross I must confess
How wondrous Your redeeming love and
How great is Your faithfulness

Jeremy Riddle, Sweetly Broken

2007-04-24T20:51:00.000-04:00

To be religious is to serve God. How? (1.) We must make a business of it, and not be slothful in that business. Not slothful in business. There is the business of the world, that of our particular calling, in which we must not be slothful, 1 Thess. iv. 11. But this seems to be meant of the business of serving the Lord, our Father's business, Luke ii. 49. Those that would approve themselves Christians indeed must make religion their business—must choose it, and learn it, and give themselves to it; they must love it, and employ themselves in it, and abide by it, as their great and main business. And, having made it our business, we must not be slothful in it: not desire our own ease, and consult that, when it comes in competition with our duty. We must not drive on slowly in religion. Slothful servants will be reckoned with us wicked servants. (2.) We must be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. God must be served with the spirit (ch. i. 9; John iv. 24), under the influences of the Holy Spirit. Whatever we do in religion it is pleasing to God no further than it is done with our spirits wrought upon by the Spirit of God. And there must be fervency in the spirit—a holy zeal, and warmth, and ardency of affection in all we do, as those that love God not only with the heart and soul, but with all our hearts, and with all our souls. This is the holy fire that kindles the sacrifice, and carries it up to heaven, an offering of a sweet-smelling savour.

Matthew Henry on Rom 12:11

2007-04-22T20:37:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the extended absense. It's been a full spring so far....

My cousin David and his family visited from Seattle while they were on the east coast...
Adam hustled me in pool...

Hannah and I played with Little People... And tried to see who had the bigger smile.

Then that evening we had an unexpected visitor....

His name is Stanley. He came all the way from NJ to stay with us for a few days. So he and I hung out.

We had Easter dinner with the Darrows...
of course there was an egg hunt...

And Ava had her first Easter candy...

I love spring.

2007-04-02T19:11:00.000-04:00

I love the colors of spring...
fresh green trees with pink and white blossoms against a clear blue sky.
the bright purples, pinks, yellows, and reds of blooming flowers.

I love the feel of spring...
a warm gentle breeze.
driving with the windows down.
the wonderful days when you open the door to go outside without any change of temperature...unfortunately, this doesn't last long before the sweltering heat and humidity of summer arrive!

I love the sounds of spring...
birds announcing the arrival of a new season.
a gentle rain washing the pollen away.
kids playing outside.
the crack of a bat announcing baseball season.

[Off course, there is also the issue of pollen...and bradford pears... but, I am willing to undergo a few weeks of discomfort if it means experiencing the beauty of God's creation!]

I love that there the climax of one favorite sport leads right into the beginning of my other favorite sport (which converge tonight...the final of the NCAA tournament and Opening Night at the same time...what will I do?)

2007-04-01T19:05:00.000-04:00

During my spring break I went to the park with Joy & Ava!!

I also went to Charlotte for a Liz & Steve's wedding and hung out with Kendra...I also had a wonderful time with Jamie since we rode down & back together, but I don't have any picture of that since I was driving.

Sunsets, Christ's Return, and Bradford Pears

2007-03-20T19:15:00.000-04:00

The sun is setting. Rays break through the parting clouds, giving a glimpse beyond - beyond this world, beyond this life. I am reminded that day coming when once more the clouds will part in a more glorious, more wonderous way. On that day the vision will be 10, 100, 1000 times more majestic; beyond my imagination. Now I see in part, then I will see in full. Trumpets will sound announcing a new heaven, a new earth, but the same King. Now I must see him and know him by faith; then I will see Him - the image of the invisible God - face to face! I am reminded that I was made for one Person and one place. Come Lord Jesus...

The sun continues to set, the rays drift off becoming less and less distinct. In the same way, I know that this glimpse will soon fade from my memory. Oh, Lord thank you for the beauty of creation, continue to bring these reminders of eternity. He gently reminds me I do not have to wait even for the next sunset...all the reminders I need are written in his Word.

These were my thoughts as I walked through my neighborhood tonight at dusk. Right as I glimpsed the rays breaking through the clouds and thought of that glorious day, I was walking down a street lined with Bradford Pears in full bloom. They are beautiful this time of year and I know that God has created them and all his creation is good.... but my first thought was.... "I am sure that on That Day when Christ returns in glory, it will not smell like Bradford Pears."

Happy Day.

2007-03-15T22:04:00.000-04:00

Maryland, 82 - Davidson, 70
Now the Davidson players can get back to studying their Latin and Greek. My condolances to Philip and Kate, my favorite Davidson alumni.

VCU, 79 - Duke, 77
GO VCU!!! Congrats to my cousin Katie...my favorite VCU alumni :) I am not offering any condolances to Duke fans...really, how can you cheer for a team called the 'Devils'? Just doesn't seem right.

It's that time!

2007-03-14T22:58:00.000-04:00

The birds are chirping, the daffodils are blooming, the air is warming.
It is spring. Which means...

...MARCH MADNESS is here!!

1 hour left to fill out your bracket ;)

Despite the fact that we did not even talk about picks before filling them out, my mom and I both picked the same teams in the final four. Like Mother Like Daughter! We do have a different team winning, though.

Happy Birthday Sandy!

2007-03-12T20:32:00.000-04:00

Today our beloved 'puppy' turned 13!

She's had a rough week...on Thursday she could hardly stand up...but today she was almost back to her normal happy self (wagging her tail, always following us, barking at cats, etc...) :)

I need God...

2007-02-27T19:39:00.000-05:00

...more than anything else.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Knowing him...there is no greater thing.

"All things else, with regard to worthiness, importance, and excellence, are perfectly as nothing in comparison of him...for God is infinitely the most worthy of regard. The worthiness of others is as nothing to his; so that to him belongs all possible respect. To him belongs the whole of the respect that any intelligent being is capable of. To him belongs ALL the heart."

"Thus it is fit, since there is an infinite fountain of light and knowledge, that this light should shine forth in beams of communicated knowledge and understanding; and, as there is an infinite fountain of holiness, moral excellence, and beauty, that so it should flow out in communicated holiness. And that, as there is an infinite fullness of joy and happiness, so these should have an emanation, and become a fountain flowing out in abundant streams, as beams from the sun."
Jonathan Edwards (The End For Which God Created the World)

"...for grace is unique in that it is but the free overflow of all the other excellencies of God for weak and dependent creatures to enjoy. Grace is the overflow of fullness and sufficiency..."
John Piper

What is Art? Part 2

2007-02-21T21:35:00.000-05:00

"Whatever it is, surely art involves creativity and originality. Whatever form art takes, it gives outward expression to what otherwise would remain locked in the mind, unshared. One individual personality has definite or special talent for expressing in some medium, what other personalities can hear, see, smell, feel, taste, understand, enjoy, be stimulated by, be involved in, find refreshment in, find satisfaction in, find fulfilment in, experience reality in, be agonized by, be pleased by, enter into, but which they could not produce themselves.

Art in various forms expresses and gives opportunity to others to share in, and respond to, things which would otherwise remain vague, empty yearnings....
... One area of art inspires another area of art, but also one person's expression of art stimulates another person and brings about growth in understanding, sensitivity and appreciation....

... The only artist who is perfect in all forms of creativity ... is of course God - the God who is Personal."

Edith Schaeffer (The Hidden Art of Homemaking)

PS: I love this book.

What is Art?

2007-02-19T18:00:00.000-05:00

"Authorities do not agree. Definitions differ.
Who draws the line that separates

Art from Design?
Sculpture from Ornaments?
Poetry from Jingles?
Great Music from Pooh's Hums?
Great Literature from Daily News?
Is Art beauty, or depth, or expression?
Is Art communication calling for response?
Is Art the talent for involving other human beings in what otherwise would remain locked in the mind?
Is Art something that draws many into the beauty, joy, and vividness of another person's understanding?
Is Art something that includes others in the torn struggling of another person's suffering?"

Edith Schaeffer (The Hidden Art of Homemaking)

These are the questions that open a book I just began reading. They immediately drew me into the book since I have had numerous discussions on this very topic! Her answer is the best that I have heard or read. I'll post an exerpt tomorrow...for now I'll leave you to contemplate these questions... what do you think defines art?

Maryland: 72, Duke: 60

2007-02-11T22:31:00.000-05:00

In honor of the Terps defeating Duke (or should I say, creaming Duke)... I thought I'd post some pictures from back in November when my dad took my sisters and I to see them play at the Comcast Center.

It may have been early in the season at that point. But, we were ready to start cheering them on.

Testudo came and sat in front of us...

There's a little glare in this picture, but this is Dad with the National Championship trophy.

On Wednesday my mom and dad are going on a double date with Joy and Daniel to see MD play NC State... please pray for the unity of our family.

2007-02-11T21:40:00.000-05:00

So, it has been almost a month since I posted. oops. Things get busy and the blog is the first thing to go...sorry to anybody who might still be reading.

Anyway, I've got a lot of things in my head that I want to put on here, so maybe the posting will pick up a little!

A couple people have asked for a picture of my new car... it is coming, as soon as I remember to take one while it is daylight. In the meantime, it is a black 2002 Mazda Tribute. John - you probably know what that looks like without a picture :)

Jo's been reminding me to put up pictures from our family's trip to Hilton Head over New Year's weekend...so here are a few....

The first day Julie, Jo, and I explored the premises:

It was a busy day.

Checking out the putting green.

awww, man... I guess I could have packed a little lighter.

We found some dolphins...

And a seal.

We finally made it to the beach...but it was a little windy...

So we decided to enjoy the view from the deck.

The next day was a little less windy, so we enjoyed the beach:
It was a great beach for riding bikes...

...and playing Bocci.

Eventually we ventured out to other parts of the island...

Flip Flops on New Years day...it doesn't get much better than that.

That's all for now...more pict's to come.

5.5 years. 65,000 miles.

2007-01-18T13:01:00.000-05:00

I sold the Celica today! Actually, my dad sold it...I really didn't do much at all except put up the picture. He shined the car up on Monday, put it on Craig's List and handled all the details....Thanks, Dad!
In God's providence we were both home today....so we could be here when she looked at the car and take care of all the paperwork. And He brought someone along who doesn't mind the seam on the spoiler or the quirky trunk. God is good!

2007-01-18T09:15:00.000-05:00

SNOW DAY!!!

I feel like I'm a kid again. It is great being a teacher.

I love Sundays.

2007-01-16T16:49:00.000-05:00

no, I'm not writing any commentary on the 5th commandant...I'll let Phil handle that this coming Sunday :)

but, Sunday is my favorite day of the week, and last Sunday was especially wonderful. The Lord used worship, prophetic words, and the preaching to convict and encourage me with His word... and I was also blessed as some of our church members used their gifts of humor and creativity to 'encourage' our pastor.

anyway, if any of you all (from SGC) were serving in children's ministry on Sunday... you need to click over to a couple of websites.

first, you need to download the message that Grady VanWright preached on 1John 3:5 about how our justification relates to our sanctification...

then, you it is very important that you head over the Williams Street Reflections and watch the video that was shown to "honor" and "support" our pastor Phil Sasser.

Welcome back.

2006-12-26T23:33:00.000-05:00

It has been a while...but, here I am! Tonight the rest of my family is out and I am sitting here watching 24 and (unfortunately) watching the Chargers lose to the Patriots and thought I would finally update my blog.

So here's a [quick?] summary of Christmas break :)

Sandy was the first one to find her present on Christmas morning...

This was Ava's first Christmas. She had fun ... I think her favorite part was the presents, Mostly she enjoyed the presents for the gift wrap.
My mom knit her a beautiful stocking!
It doubles as a tobogan (sorry I haven't had a chance to go back and rotate this).

Every Christmas day for as long as I can remember (minus a couple) has been spent with my mom's family.
The Scribner Christmas lasts two days, and contains are a few essential componants:

-- 25+ people (4 Scribner sisters, 4 brother-in-laws, and the 15 cousins)
-- Food and drinks.
-- Laughter.
-- More food
-- More laughter.
-- The pool tournament.
-- Still more food...

This year was in Raleigh... First we had Christmas dinner at my Aunt & Uncle's house in North Raleigh...

Let's just say that Ava got a little bit of attention this year...

The next day everyone came over to our house...

We hosted the Third Annual Scribner Pool Tournament...
This year, (for the first time and not due to any extra practice), I made it past the first round in the tournament!

Dad's a good coach...

A big congratulations the champion - my brother-in-law, Daniel

Two days before Christmas we were invited out to my Uncle John (my dad's brother) and Aunt Colleen's home for dinner. This was the first time in three years that I have seen my cousin Christopher! He is in his last year at West Point Military Academy, and was back for Christmas break. It was great to catch up with him and hear his stories :)

After that we had our almost annual Christmas/New Years Party!
--Of course, we had some intense games of pool or ping pong...

I love Andrew and Julie's faces in this picture...
And, I... talked...
We're looking forward to the summer when Kristin will move back :)

I was also blessed to have my old, dear friend Terri and her husband Vance come to the party (unfortunately, I did not get a picture of them)

Then it was off to Hilton Head...I'll put those pictures in the next post, I think this post has enough :)

2006-12-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

Glory be to God on high

Let peace on earth descend

God comes down before our eyes

To Bethlehem

God invisible appears

Endless ages wrapped in years

He has come who cannot change

And Jesus is His name

Emptied of His majesty

He comes in human form

Being’s source begins to be

And God is born

All our griefs He’ll gladly share

All our sins He’ll fully bear

He will cover our disgrace

And suffer in our place

Let the joyful news ring out

The Prince of Peace proclaim

Lift your heart and voice to shout

Immanuel’s name

God has kept His promises

What a work of grace this is

Son of Mary, chosen One

The Lamb of God has come

Bob Kauflin

2006-12-23T23:20:00.000-05:00

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." John 1:14

It is by far the most amazing miracle of the entire Bible - far more amazing than the resurrection and more amazing even than the creation of the universe. The fact that the infinite, omnipotent, eternal Son of God could become man and join himself to a human nature forever, so that infinite God became one person with finite man, will remain for eternity the most profound miracle and the most profound mystery in all the universe.

Wayne Grudem

Happy Festivus!

2006-12-23T11:38:00.000-05:00

".... it's the holiday for the rest of us"

Make your list and check it twice....

And make sure you're rested up for the feats of strength.

Its been a fun ride...

2006-12-20T20:14:00.000-05:00

... but after 5 years and about 65,000, the time has come for me and the little Celica to part ways.

We've been through a lot together... (these are not necessarily in chronological order)

The Break in at my apartment during the first year I had the car

Keys locked in the car in Ramseur on my way from Raleigh to Charlotte

Flat tire after NA in 2002

Broken antenna (after I went through a car wash without putting it down)

Keys locked in the car with the car running at the Charlotte basketball game

Flat tire on the way home in the middle of the night, (razor)

Broken trunk

Fixed trunk

Broken trunk again

Countless rides back and forth between Raleigh and Charlotte

Coming within 2 inches of being hit by the big SUV that slid on the ice in front of the Bakita's house (instead it took out the mailbox)

Several dents and scratches...from hitting things and being hit by things

The speeding ticket on Mallard Creek Church Road (on the way to church)

Flat tire after the State Fair in 04 (nail)

Speeding ticket in Richfield on the way to the Paul Tripp conference

Flat tire in the neighborhood (nail)

A few dead batteries

About 3 more flat tires...can't remember when they all were

And, of course, the famous half spoiler!

She was a great first car... I'll miss her... but at 17, it is definitely time for her to retire...so, on Monday I replaced the Celica.

Pictures of the new car are coming...

Random Thoughts...

2006-12-19T23:31:00.000-05:00

Today in 2nd Grade we took a field trip to downtown Raleigh where we visited the Capitol Building, Legislative Building and History Museum, and.... Krispy Kreme :) Unfortunately, I forgot my camera...so I don't have any pictures. But, it was great fun. The weather was perfect for walking around downtown... and of course the time with the kids provided some good entertainment (and blog material)... here's some highlights...
(keep in mind...I rode there and back with one of the other teachers and 4 boys - who, by the way, think they can rap - - fun times...really!)

Teacher: So, boys, tell me what you want to be when you grow up...
Boy #1: I want to be a vegetarian.
Teacher: ummm I think you mean veternarian...
Boy #1: oh, yeah, that's it.
Boy #2: What's a veternarian?
Me: it is a doctor who takes care of animals
Boy #1: And they make lots of money!
Boy #2: I want to be a bounty hunter!
me and other teacher: a bounty hunter?!....okay....
Boy #2: but if I can't be that, I want to work at the State Fair! .... in one of the food stands, yeah, I want to work in the Lemonade Stand at the State Fair or be a bounty hunter.

Christmas break starts tomorrow afternoon. I'm looking forward to the time off... but, you know, I think I might miss these guys :)

In other news...

Ava is now quite mobile...There are some adorable pictures of my neice on Joy & Dan's blog

Last weekend the single guys in my church put on a great Christmas dinner party! There are pictures from the evening and a video on Melissa's blog of a skit that they did... Matt has the script on his site. (my snowflake happened to win an honorable mention in the snowflake contest....according to the judge it was a mediocre snowflake, but was placed well) They also said they wouldn't mind throwing rocks in my car windshield... but that problem has sinced been solved. In all seriousness... it was a great evening... I echo everything Missy said! I really appreciate you guys :)