Today I heard...

engaged

2009-12-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

approximately 25 people have asked me if I'm getting an engagement ring this Christmas. Seriously?! It always seems like such a silly question to me. But I suppose that's only natural when you are my age (which according Josh's dad...my clock is ticking...awesome).

And I suppose everyone just always asks about the next step. When I was single people would ask me if I had "Meet anyone interesting lately." (and by people I mean all the ladies who are older than me that I work with at the children's home AND hallmark). Now that I have met someone I consider interesting they have instantly moved on to asking about the wedding....this was the week after I met him, by the way. And I've heard my married friends talk about how everyone always asks them when they are going to have a baby...and if they have a baby, when the next one will come along...and so forth. So I suppose that's just what we nosey people do...but it still surprises me every time.

Just for the record....NO RING this Christmas...at least there better not be.

my utmost

2009-11-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

"If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a number of experiences that are not meant for you personally at all. They are designed to make you useful in His hands, and to enable you to understand what takes place in the lives of others."

Oswald Chambers

the garden

2009-10-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

yesterday at church I heard the pastor make this comment about creation and The Garden of Eden:

"Eden wasn't created for a 'happyily ever after' but for worship."

i've got a snake in my boots

2009-09-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

So, of the many common traits that my mom and Indiana Jones share...there is one that stands out. The fear of snakes. For as long as I can remember my mom has been petrified of snakes.

Last night I get home and I hear my neighbor say, "Emily, it's Steve, your neighbor, don't be scared," as he is coming up from our basement. Rosie had started barking and mom went to go see what all the fuss was about and saw a snake coiled up at the bottom of the stairs trying to strike at the dogs. So she called Steve and he went down to try and find it...only he couldn't.

So Rosie had all her dreams come true last night and got to sleep upstairs because mom was afriad it would bite her. However, with Rosie being the outside dog that she is, we couldn't keep her inside all day. So this morning I went to the basement one more time to try and find it. There is was, on the wall. (which all night I told my self I was safe b/c snakes couldn't climb stairs...apparently they climb walls, so turns out...wasn't so safe). Mom and I both took our turn hacking it with a hoe. It's dead now. Still a bit nervous though...are there more?

I think it was a common king snake which is not venimous and actually kills other snakes. Either way...I will always kill all snakes.

wizard of oz

2009-09-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

I was joking with Josh the other day that my heart was made of stone.

Josh: Oh...maybe you should be like the lion...no wait...who needed the heart?
Emily: Really? (we just saw WICKED)
Josh: Oh wait...I know this. You know how I know this? It's in a Kenny Chesney song.

One of my other favorite things about Josh is how without fail, he will bring song lyrics into EVERY conversation. It's quite a talent. more than likely it's a country song, and most of the time it's a Chesney song. Don't worry...I don't think he has any concert t-shirts, but maybe I'll get him one for Christmas.

Josh: It's the Tin Man (insert singing of country song here) he needed a heart.
Emily: yes.
Josh: The lion had no courage. I don't know what body part that is.
Emily: What about the scarecrow?
Josh: The scarecrow had no skin.

boyfriend

2009-09-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

6 weeks ago I went on a date with this boy. His name is Josh and I think he's pretty great. One of the things I think is pretty great about him is his honesty. No matter who you are or how long you have known Josh, he is going to tell you exactly what he is thinking...regardless of its relevance, correctness, or seriousness.

On our second date one of the first things I heard Josh say as he was looking at the pictures on my mantle was: "Oh, your grandparents look nice!" My response: "Those are my parents."

Let's move onto to dinner, on the same date. He proceeds to tell me that the song goes, "Just a spoon full of cinnamon helps the medicine go done..." Really Josh?! Really? A. have you ever seen the movie (which happens to be #1 of all time)? B. have you ever tried to eat a spoonful of cinnamon? b/c it's impossible...ask sarabeth!

How about after dinner when he argued with me that Noah Wylie was in the Notebook. Really Josh?! Like, ER Noah Wylie...he finally admitted his mistake.

A week later he tells me I'm at child bearing age. Really Josh?

Skip ahead a few weeks where I meet his entire family (he is the oldest of 5 children...so it was quite overwhelming). His dad tells me my clocks ticking. score.

so...stay tuned. I have a hunch there will be more to come.

seeing vs. hearing

2008-12-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

When I decided to start a blog it wasn't for the sake of keeping people current on the goings on of my life. Though some of posts have provided that...it wasn't the main idea. I decided I would write blogs based on something I heard during the day. Well...I think I might be changing gears with the start of the new year.

Turns out, I really like taking pictures. My job pays to me take have a nice camera and take lots of pictures so I've kind of just picked up the hobby b/c I need to keep a salary but it turns out, I kind of like it. So, I think starting January 1, 2009 I will change my blog to, Today I Saw... The web address will be http://emilylamkin.blogspot.com for those of you interested. I'll probably keep this blog up for documentary purposes and may post to it occasionally, however, the other one will be my main door to the blogging world.

For instance...when I capture something like this, how can I not let the masses of the world see it?!?!

families and friends together

2008-12-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

oh the holiday season. it's been an eventful one already.

Thanksgiving started with Bauer knocking my cousin (who is older than me) to the ground, flat on her back, right when they got there. That week also included her husband getting burned in the face with steam from some pots he was trying to unstick that exploded...dented the ceiling, and crashed to the floor. The festivities continued as we took everyone, including my 85 year old grandfather, to the Wildhorse. Thankful for family...and thankful for it all to be over. Onward and upward to the manger I suppose.

Yesterday I heard a friend discribe me as the Jerry Meguire of women. I didn't understand. He was referencing my desire to never be alone. While it's true, I don't require a lot of "emily time" I have certainly grown to appreciate my space over the past year. I will admit to always needing to be busy in the past. But I feel like I have healthy boudries at this point. Anyway, all that to say, one of the main reasons I love Christmas and the holidays is all the togetherness. The parties, the shows, seeing the lights, going to Christmas concerts, parades, etc. What better time to get together and spend time with those you love than celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ!!! AND you get to do it with the flavor of peppermint in everything. BONUS!

Last night I went to my second most favorite thing to do at Christmas, the Hanging of the Green service at FBC. I just love it. When you are a part of something for 12+ years, it just has a way of growing into your heart like few things can. Some people knock tradition and routine, however I think some of that is actually good for the soul. There's a song all the choirs sing at the end together. It's just about the most precious thing ever to watch the little ones in their robes doing their best not to just sit down or make funny faces at their parents. I won't make you read the whole thing...just the chorus:

Families and friends together share a special kind of love and cheer.
Sharing all the joys of Christmas time, the very best time (that strange enchanted time) of year.

now go get your favorite christmas drink and spend time with people you love!

want to hear the most annoying noise?!

2008-12-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

If you ever met my dog, you've more than likely been introduced to his ability to make what I think is possibly the worst noise ever. Somewhere between a howl and whine it's really awful and high pitched and just completely unnecessary most of the time if you ask me. Despite this flaw he can be pretty funny at times. Here are some of those times I captured the other day.

updates from my crazy thanksgiving to come soon.

fall "play" list

2008-11-24T12:09:00.000-08:00

Fall (labor day-thanksgiving) Play List:

1. Chips and Salsa party - a given

2. State Fair - LOVED IT! highlight: diving pigs

3. 5K - maybe the least "fun" activity, but for a good cause, and our health appreciated the effort

4. Apple Orchard - fun, cheap, "green"

5. Mary Poppins - it all started with a discussion about my favorite song ever, you can read this post to learn more and understand why I was sad to learn that my best friends fast forward through this part. thus, we had to watch the ENTIRE thing.

6. Pumpkinfest 2008 - Downtown Franklin is just about the cutest thing in Nashville, especially during holidays. It's the closest thing to Stars Hollow that we have.

7. 80's Party - Halloween was like, totally awesome this year!

8. Dinner Party - sometimes it just fun to get dressed up and eat a nice dinner with friends.

9. Bonefish - bang bang shrimp...enough said.

10. Atlanta - shopping, friends, and family make for a great road trip to conclude the season!

thank you so much to all of those who participated in any of the various play events. you certainly helped make this a fabulously fun filled fall! looking forward to the winter list (except for all the goodbye cait parties it will include...)

below are other fun fall highlights that contributed to the extreme fun had, though they were not necessarily on the list:

the lake - thank you platts for hosting such a wonderful get away weekend!

lele and eric's wedding shower

anna and noah's wedding shower

thanksgiving dinner with friends - thank you to haley, lindsay, and sarah for hosting this always fun and festive and dinner

fire pit party - testing out allison's new fire pit...I think it works

trunktacular
me being santa
Marissa's wedding

and they're like...it's better than your's

2008-11-04T05:55:00.000-08:00

Hopefully by now you have all been able to experience the greatness that is the Chickfila Milkshake at least once in your life. Though a bit pricey and completely unfinishable (unless you are Scott who can finish his and yours) I really think they are some of the best.

Well....two weeks ago I heard that they are introducing a Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake for the holidays!!! (granted I love the holidays as a whole...but peppermint flavors galore are at the top of my list for loving the Christmas season) I got so excited I immediately went to go get one...bummer. they didn't have it. still had that crappy coffee something. BUT as of yesterday they should be in stores!!! WOO HOO!!!! Happy Peppermint Milkshake Day!!! I'm going there for lunch today solely for this purpose. you should probably all do the same!

EDIT: I did indeed have one at lunch yesterday and it was fabulously delicious!!! I will say that I can only finish about half of it...so if you go, bring along a friend to share it with!

I'll vote for that

2008-10-30T08:11:00.001-07:00

Today I heard, from my friend Jessica, that if you go into Ben and Jerry's on election day with your "I voted" sticker (which I am proudly sporting today!) you get a free scoop of ice cream. Hello folks?! I'm not even going to go into all the other reasons you should vote, this one takes the cake...or the ice cream! happy voting!

just because I think he's awesome

2008-10-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

cait

2008-10-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today I heard that my friend, confidant, fan of donkeys, lover of pei wei, partner to Tim Gunn, supporter of all things awesome, and co-founder of the seasons list CAITLIN PALM joined the blog-o-sphere. HOORAY!!!

I think most of you know this little treasure or at least remember her from days gone by. I'm here to say that she is terrific. Funny, creative, bargain shopper, smart, and faithful Caitlin brings joy to the masses on a fairly constant basis. The bummer is she's leaving the country in a few months...for a few months...to help the poor in Romania. Heart of gold this gal.

So, add her to your RSS feeds, google reader, daily "bored at work" list of websites...whatever you have AND prayer lists. Though a bit uneasy about the whole thing, she promises to update often.

Holla atcha boy, see ya later decorator, I miss oshun.
em

no better place

2008-10-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

Trust. It's a constant battle for me. Ultimately I know it's OK to do it, but I'm far from being great at it. The Lord has made it a pretty clear theme in my life lately and so I'm doing my best to act on His call.

Monday morning I heard my boss and president of TBCH talk about stewardship...particularly as it pertains to this ministry (the Children's Homes) and the local church. (For you Baptists out there: When you give money to your church, you give money to the Children's Home in your state. I won't get started on a lesson about the cooperative program, just know that I support tithing!) He went on to talk about our new budget and the steps of faith we as a ministry are taking. Times are hard for everyone, even the Children's Home. We are now in a place where we are completely trusting on the Lord's provision when it comes to funds. It's never a good thing when your boss is telling you we are all out of money, but in this case, it seems to be. Though the future is uncertain God's provision for His ministry and His children is far from it. I felt my faith spring into action as he boldly said, "We've been trusting our savings account for too long. It's time to trust the only person worth trusting. God's provided for 118 years and think it's about time we trust Him to continue to do that." He went on to talk about how there is no place he would rather be than in a position of absolute trust and reliance for the Lord to provide.

Wow. If only I could say the same for my life. I agree with him 100%...no better place than only trusting Him. Do I live like that? no.

Last night in Bible Study we looked at Luke 9 when Jesus is sending out the 12. He is instructing them and empowering them. Here is what He says:

1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." 6So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

You want to talk about a position of absolute trust. No money? no extra clothes? No food? For a person who likes to be in control and likes to pack with options this seemed like a lot to ask. I can see how He wanted them to have nothing but Him.

Reading this made me think about my friend Caitlin (soon-to-be blogger, get excited). She's going to Romania for 4 months to work with people in poverty. Besides various restrictions on make up, hair dryers, etc. she's been asked to only bring 3 pairs of pants...for 4 months ...and that's a with a season change. Though I'm not sure this is as much a matter of trust but about relating to those she is working with...it still hit me all the same.

When God sends us out (which I believe He does daily) He wants complete trust. Trust regarding money, food, clothes, the future, you name it. There's no better place. Now I just have to get there.

officially an adult

2008-10-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

I once had a conversation with a friend where we tried to figure the exact moment that someone becomes and adult (I may have blogged about this before...but I can't remember). It seemed like turning 18 wasn't really it...nor necessarily 21. Was it moving out from your parent's house? Buying a home? Living by yourself? Graduating from college? Paying your first utility bill? Landing your first "real" job? So many factors for each of these.

I'm not sure we ever came to a conclusion. As I get older and the more "adult" I become I think I would land on the answer that it's more a process and a culmination of various events than just one in particular...cop out, I know. Now that I have lived by myself for awhile, owned a pet, paid my bills, graduated college, for a few years I'm pretty certain I am indeed an adult. If I wasn't certain, today confirmed it.

Today, I heard my HR person at work knock on my cubicle, "Hey! Since you've been here 3 years we will now start putting money into your retirement fund..." First of all...I've been at TBCH for 3 years?!?! That just seems crazy. Secondly, retirement?! even more crazy but also equally awesome! If I wasn't before I'm pretty now I'm officially an adult.

a birthday KISS

2008-10-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Last night I show up at the Loveless (a historical Nashville Restaurant) for my friend Whit's birthday. Upon arriving we quickly found out that Gene Simmons (of KISS) was not only at the Loveless as well but sitting behind us! Our sweet, though mathematically challenged waitress, told us he is filming some sort of show.

Come to find out, he was filming an episode of GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS that is starting it's 3rd season on A&E (who knew?!).

After celebrating and filling our stomach's with the deliciousness of the Loveless we walked outside just as they were getting ready to film another portion of episode (the country jam session around the fire pit portion). We were told to fill in a gap and join in the party. Those who know me well know that I never turn down an opportunity to be in front of the camera. So we all stood there clapping, singing, and doing our best to get on camera for about 20 minutes. Afterwards we signed a release form and then took pictures with Gene. So, check in with Gene and his fam on A&E and you just might see some familiar faces!

What a great birthday Whit!

johnny and june

2008-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I hear Heidi Newfield's (formerly of Trick Pony) new single Johnny and June.

It's such a sweet song. I listen to a good deal of country music. I like Johnny Cash. I think the lyrics are just so sweet. I'm not typically one to recommend music (if you've seen my CD collection, you are grateful for this). However, I really like this song and I hope it comes on every time I'm in the car! If I bought Cd's or music on iTunes I would totally buy this one!

one, or two? three better than four?

2008-10-06T12:29:00.001-07:00

Today I heard the eye doctor tell me that my eyes are healthy, they just need some help. I think that's the nicest way anyone has ever told me I have horrible vision.

This appointment has been about 3 years over-due and my contacts just weren't doing the trick these days (ask anyone who has ridden with me after 8:00pm and they will confirm this to be true). I realize that out of the all the doctors the eye doctor should be the less threatening. No needles, no gagging, etc. However, I get really nervous about the eye doctor. Particularly when they are figuring out your prescription.

The light goes out. The letters are blurry on the wall in front of you and it begins....

DR: "Better with 1 ...or 2?"
em: 1
DR: "how about 3...or 4?"
em: ummm, 4
DR: "Now with 5 or 6?"
em: "oh, um 5"

...for some reason I feel like there is an actual right or wrong answer. like the doc is trying to trick me or something and I'm terrified I'm going to mess up my contact order. Am I alone in this fear?

keep 'em coming

2008-09-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hershey Kisses must be bored with the plain old normal milk chocolate ones with the occasional almond. I'm not complaining...but they are coming out with new flavors left AND right...

you had the hugs, and then the peanut butter, then there was mint, Cheesecake has by far been my favorite...and now they have the latest and seasonally appropriate flavor....

PUMPKIN SPICE

I'm not the world's biggest pumplin flavor fan but I have tried these and they aren't bad.

happy harvest!

EDIT: my boss just gave my $20 to make sure these stay in stock at my desk. apparently they are pretty good!

Hi-yo Silver!

2008-09-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

Today I heard that Johnny Depp will be back in action for 2010 with ...

The Lone Ranger...he'll be Tonto! How exciting is this?

Alice in Wonderland ...he'll be the Mad Hatter. With direction from Tim Burton, this film should be a good one!

and the fact that we get to start saying "twenty-ten" like we have reached the future will surely make this a great year!

dos

2008-09-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

1. Last night I heard Kenley (project runway contestant) completely belittle Tim Gunn's judgement. My mouth stayed open for at least 10 seconds. They were showing clips of next weeks episode where Tim Gunn kind of lets her have it about her attitude and sarcasm. Her response, "What does Tim Gunn know anyway?" WHAT?!?!?! I'm not even going to go into why I was so upset with her. I will say that I liked her at the beginning...always wondering what she would have her in hair each episode, but her attitude lately...starting to rub me the wrong. You don't mess with Tim Gunn. That's just wrong. But it's almost Bryant Park...predictions anyone?

2. This just makes me happy. I know a lot of people don't like her and feel like she plays the same character a lot...I guess I just like the character...probably because her awkward voice just holds a special place in my heart and in the circle. enjoy!
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/surprise-party/237294

EDIT: after watching last night's episode of project runway, it seems they editted Kenley's comment about Tim for the preview. She actually said, "What does Tim know about HIP HOP anyway?" Which...I will probably give her that. He more than likely doesn't know much. However, Tim Gunn is nice, helpful, smart, and respectful. I would never argue with him. I've loved your stuff Kenley but I fear your end is near...

FAITH FIGHTS!

2008-09-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

This summer I've been doing Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself study on the Fruits of the Spirit. It has been such a blessing ...but also a challenge. Each week I find myself more humbled, more convicted, but also more passionately in love with God and longing to be filled with His Spirit.

Last night I heard Beth talk about faithfulness. The concept of her entire talk was that faith fights. Faith...fights... I wrote it down when she said it. It seemed odd to me at first. I have faith. Faith is clearly the noun in that sentence. God is faithful...again no action from faithful. Translating faith into a verb was an interesting idea. Thanks to DC Talk I am well aware that love is a verb, but I'm not sure I have really seen faith in that way...at least not on purpose. I tend to associate faith with waiting. I have faith that tomorrow will be better, I have faith that God will heal Jimmy, I have faith that my friend will get a job...etc. Faith - I will wait for God to do something and try my best to have a positive attitude about it, right? at least that is how I feel sometimes.

She went on to talk about how faith fights to get us through whatever we are dealing with. Without faith we wouldn't be able to persevere and we'd be stuck trying to find short cuts and never getting to the other side to receive the promises of God's provision and redemption for us. This fighting kind of faith doesn't just get us through the trials but assures us of the promises on the other side. I kind of like this faith that fights.

Faith Fights. It provides lots of good images in my head of mighty angels, an alert and commanding God, people cheering for me to push on. Praise God He is faithful and that I may believe and have a faith that fights.

*I realize that the topic of faith is a lot deeper than what I just wrote about it and there are many ways to conceptualize faith. however, this just seemed to stick with me and I thought I would share.

*PEACE RULES! was also a theme of her's from a few weeks ago. It remains to be my favorite concept...it's just fun to say!

summer "play" list

2008-09-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Around the beginning of May I began to feel the summer air coming in. I was super excited for the new season to begin. I didn't have a good reason for the excitement but simply summer itself. In efforts to make sure this summer would indeed be an awesome one, my friend Caitlin and I made a summer "play" list of things we wanted to do to make sure we fully embraced the summer*. We accomplished EVERYTHING on our list!!! It truly was awesome.

The Drive In - we saw Kung Fu Panda and Get Smart...this was my #2 event of the summer

Holiday World - our final event on the list and by far, hands down my most favorite. I'm pretty sure the Lord was thinking of me when He gave someone the idea to create this place. #1 event of the summer for me!

The Pool - I have a pool in my backyard. We got floats. It was fun and never crowded.

Chips and Salsa Party - who doesn't love chips and salsa?!?!

Chinese Party - this ended up being my birthday party, it turned out to be pretty awesome

Birthday Parties - cait and I both have summer birthdays...they were both equally awesome

Cookout - memorial day...nothing says memorial like a cookout, right?

Movies - it was a great summer for movies and I think I saw all the ones I wanted to

Piano Bar - LOVE IT! free entertainment.

J. Alexander's - always delicious...carrot cake is my fave.

Pedestrian Bridge - good times. great view. nice night.

The Beach - summer staple

Movies in the Park - we went to all but one...i think. probably gave me the funniest stories from the summer
Bobbie's Dairy Dip - not originally on the list but quickly became a summer fav and almost weekly tradition.

*Summer was indicated by memorial day - labor day

our fun-filled fall has already begun and our list should prove to provide just as many great memories. Fall will be the weeks between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Updates from the Fall Play List to come soon.

thrill rides

2008-09-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

i've gone to two amusement parks this summer. i've loved every minute of both. though i have to give myself a pep talk each time i get on one, i absolutely hands down love the thrill of roller coasters. all of them. yesterday i heard about this one...i'm not one to curse all the time but i'm pretty sure this would get one out of me.

free spinning seats as the roller coaster moves...speakers in the shoulders, fire and fog throughout the ride...geez.

i know there are lots of good ones out there and i've spent most of the summer watching other videos of them, this one just seems really cool to me. Adam and Mary...when do we get to come see you...and ride this ride?!?!!

move convincingly

2008-08-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Last week in staff meeting my boss prayed for God to "move convincingly." I think he was referring to God's guidance and direction over all of us as we attempt to do His work through His ministry, however once he prayed those words I instantly began to try and grasp what that looked like and stopped listening to the rest of his prayer.

If God is going to move at all wouldn't it be convincingly?

Since then I've prayed for God to convince me of His presence and His plan with His movement over my heart and in my life. As with most prayers, I've come to realize the prayer is more about my being willing to be convinced then for God to actually move in a mightier way than He already is. I hope I continue to have a desire for him to move convincingly...big or small or however He chooses whatever the circumstance.

The tough thing I've realized lately is what to do when God "convinces" me to just wait. My first thought, "LAME. When I pray for you to move convincingly I want big things, life decisions, ACT NOW!" Nope. He moved alright, and in a VERY convincingly manner. Just so happens that He has convinced me that it is ok to wait. Patience. I'm not convinced I'm ok with that yet, but I'm working towards it.

Move Convincingly. Captivate us Father.

a late bloomer

2008-08-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

I don't read. There are a few reasons why...but ultimately I would rather be doing anything else. When the Harry Potter books first came on the scene I didn't really think about it because I don't read. I liked the movies and was entertained by them, but I knew I would never read the books and wasn't all that curious as to what happened next.

However, last labor day I was stuck in the car for hours driving to the beach with some HUGE Harry Potter fans. My friend Scott was reading the 4th book and in order to please the driver we began to read the book outloud. I was hooked. Hooked enough to go buy the 4th book (Goblet of Fire) the night we got back so that I could finish the last 3 chapters. I also bought the 5th book (Order of the Phoenix) at the same time because I knew I would be ready for it soon. The Order of the Phoenix might have been the first book I've read the entire way through in a VERY long time.

All good things came to an end however and about 1/2 way through the first chapter of book 6 (The Half-Blood Prince) I knew I was done. I think it goes back to not being all that emotionally involved with characters...I'm not sure what it is. It's the same with TV shows, I can watch it one week and be ok with not seeing what happens the next week. I was fine to just stop going to Hogwarts and fine to give up on Harry and his quest to fight the Dark Lord. And so I did.

...until last week! All the friendships came back, Ron was still there being adorable, Dumbledore as wise as ever just waiting for me to return. What did it? Book on tape. I got to hear it, just like when I read it aloud. It was so much more real to me when I heard the story being told (granted I didn't agree with all the voices). We listened to it on the way to and from the beach. I continued to listen non-stop in my car and towards the end I would read the book when I was home and listen in my car.

I finished the Half-Blood Prince on Friday night. Once again I was content to be done and not read 7. I was sad and didn't really want to know what happened next. UNTIL I GOT BOOK 7 ON CD!!! Thank you Sam Stephens for continually keeping my love of all things wizard-y alive. I was super excited and can't wait to continue story.

Like a River Glorious

2008-08-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

words by Frances R. Havergal, 1874

Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day;
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry, touch the spirit there.

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Trac'd upon our dial by the Son of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly Find Him wholly true.

Chorus:
Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest;
Finding as He promised, Perfect peace and rest.

write out loud

2008-08-11T08:41:00.001-07:00

last week I heard a commercial for Sharpie's new pen. Near the end of my college career I became slightly obsessed with sharpie's. Having been a Crayola snob all my life it was a hard transistion to make in some areas, but I found ways to love them both.

I was very intrigued by this new pen product from Sharpie. So I went and bought one. I was slightly disappointed at firtst as I am more the "gel" pen type person as opposed to the felt tip. However, it has grown me. I used it most of the weekend to journal, write notes, keep score, etc. Survery says: I like it!

it's the first day of school for most kids in Tennessee. I LOVE the first day of school. New books, new school supplies, picking out the perfect first day outfit. I'm sad I don't get to partake. But thanks to Sharpie I now have a new set of fancy pens and feel just as excited today as any other student!

when you care enough to send the very best

2008-08-05T12:11:00.001-07:00

I recently heard a friend tell me his woes of trying to find a birthday card for another friend. This is something I hear at least once every time I'm work at Hallmark. It's not just men either. People come in and have no clue where to begin. I do my best to help them, and most of the time we end up finding a good card. I thought that since there are so many out there who hate trying to find "the perfect card" I would share some of what I've learned about Hallmark cards with you.

First of all, it's always going to mean more if you make your card yourself. However, I realize that can't always happen. So when you need to buy a card and you walk into a Hallmark store (or Kroger, or Walgreen's) here are some hints that might be helpful to you:

1. Hallmark cards are first separated by "brands" or "lines" and then each brand section you will find the breakdown of a card for every occasion (for the most part). So there is not just one spot in a card store for birthday cards. There are birthday cards under each brand...and some brands are better than others.

2. The general Hallmark brand. This will be the largest section in the store and should have the greatest amount of choices for what you are looking for. However, this can make it very overwhelming. I typically will vote against looking in this section for birthday cards for someone you are close to. Though, for specific family members, anniversaries, or babies, this is one of the best places to look.

3. Shoebox. The Shoebox line of cards are probably the most popular. This is where you go for humor...humor for birthday, love, get well, miss you, etc. Some times it can be on the corny side but usually funny. Most are great for middle-aged people to give other middle-aged people, however they have recently come out with some current event cards as well as pop culture stuff...including the simpsons, that make it great for my generation.

4. Fresh Ink. These are my favorite. They came out 8 years ago and have continued to never disappoint. These are great, totally random, but also some sweet ones mixed in. Great for "just because" cards or cards for girlfriends (as in "where my girls at?!", as well as actually girlfriends, AND girls that are just friends). They aren't mushy, or say too much. Most of the birthday cards are completely random and funny. Just be sure if you are mailing it to get the larger envelope so you don't have to pay extra postage.

5. Nature's Sketchbook. great for grandmother's or sweet women in your life.

6. Dayspring/Christian Expressions. Most of the time I find these fantastically cheesy. However, sometimes you really do want to send a scriptural card. I find these to be good for sympathy cards or for pastors, mentors, people going on mission trips, etc.

7. Journeys. This is the newest line of Hallmark cards. They are targeted specifically for those dealing with cancer or other serious illnesses. These are refreshing, honest, upbeat, and to the point.

8. Music Cards. I'm pretty sure these have changed the greeting card industry for good. There is everything: TV and movie theme songs, sound clips, current pop music, country, disco, oldies...everything. These are FANTASTIC...except for the price. At $5.45 (that includes tax...in TN) you might as well buy them a meal. However, these always bring a smile and make for great conversation wherever they are opened. Good for kid birthdays, or for just acquaintance birthdays, or even those you are really close to that just LOVE that song or movie. Sometimes the songs can be quite a stretch for the card, or it can be hard to find one that says the right thing (if you are looking for more than birthday) but overall I'd at least glance in this section if you are in the store.

9. (RED). Hallmark has started to promote the (RED) campaign with everything from greeting cards to wrapping paper. I really like these cards...they are funny, encouraging, clever, and uniquely designed.

10. general advice: give yourself time to find a good card, don't be afraid to ask for help, know your audience, don't just look in one spot or in one brand, AND always look at the bar at the top of the cards - it will be very informative as to brand and type of card.

make it work!

2008-08-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Oh Tim Gunn...maybe one of the top 3 reasons I have not yet gotten rid of my cable.

Did anyone see last weeks Project Runway? Blayne - who is absotlutely bizarre and no where near being one of my favorites taught Tim to say, "Holla atcha boy!"

Tim's response, "Holler at YOUR boy? What does that even mean?" To which Blayne gave the definition, "Ya know, like holla at ya dog!"

it got even better...

Tim Gunn, "Is it Holler?" Terri's response, "No, Holla, H-O-L-L-A." Tim: "Holla"

As he exits Tim says, "Carry On. Make it work. Holla at your boy."

Thank you Bravo and Tim Gunn for making me laugh almost daily!

Lord, deliver me from me.

2008-07-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

Last week I heard a good friend of mine sing a song she had written based on prayer by Mother Teresa. The words were simple, convicting, and incredibly humbling. This is the link to the original prayer and below are the lyics to the song:

Lord deliver me from the desire to be noticed, loved, exalted
Lord deliver me from the desire to be favored, popular,
chosen or acknowledged
Lord deliver me from the fear of being wrong, forgotten, or ignored
Lord deliver me from the fear of being humiliated or left behind

(girls) Lord deliver me from me
(boys echo) Lord deliver me to You
Lord deliver me from me
(echo) Lord deliver me to You
Lord deliver me from me
(echo) Lord deliver me to You
Lord deliver me from me
(echo) Lord deliver me to You

Grant that I may seek to comfort rather than be comforted by others
Grant that I may understand and love more than be
understood and loved well
Lord deliver me from the desire to be noticed and encouraged
Lord deliver me from the desire to be appreciated and included

It's a hard prayer to pray but it's one I hope I have the courage to pray daily. Needless to say, camp was great and God did great things! It was a joy to be in His presence with those students.

nothing is different, but everything's changed

2008-07-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I heard David White tell me, "You'll be shocked to see how much has changed...and how much hasn't." The fact that David was telling me was a sure sign of how much hasn't, however the faces of the students, the addition of buildings, and the permission to bring your ipod and portable DVD player were huge signs that it has.

The Blue Horizon...I can't believe I'm going back there on Sunday...as a leader. To be honest, I can't believe it's still there...and the same for the most part - with the exception of few new buildings. When I agreed to help out with camp this summer it may have been partly because of how significant this location is to my life and who I am today. Some of my most vivid memories of God teaching me, molding me, and walking right beside are from moments at camp at the Blue Horizon. It's where I met and became what has turned into life long friends with many of you who are reading this blog. Of course I said yes to going back, who wouldn't want to watch a whole new generation of students make these same amazing memories.

This new generation though...they make me feel so old. I realize (especially for those of you who are older than me) that I am not that old. But these students, I don't know what it is. I guess just a sign of "the times." And thanks to things like cell phones, the Internet, and limited too, which we did not have when I was growing up, has allowed youth to grow up just a bit faster in some areas. Though I'm not too far removed from that stage in life I feel as though their lives are vastly different from mine at that age and its a bit hard to relate to.

So much seems as though it has changed. Then I see my name on the list as one of the boundary people for the "night walks" on the beach...oh, how none of it has changed...I'll be ready with my flashlight.

All this to say...it should be interesting week. It will be very strange to be there with all new people instead of most of you. I hope they realize what a treasure this place is. I hope they turn off their cell phones long enough to catch a glimpse of what the Lord is trying to show them. I hope I turn mine off long enough to do the same. If you think about it, pray for us this week!

an unfamiliar voice

2008-07-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

It's always so wierd for me to hear myself on a video, or someone's voicemail, or my own voicemail message. In my head, I don't sound like what I hear on those things...and I like the voice I think I have better.

Yesterday, however, I heard myself. It was bizarre.

I'm doing a bible study where the author asks for you read scripture out loud for the "during the week homework" part of the study. Sometimes I skip over things like that when I know it's just me and I really don't think it will make that much of a difference. I didn't skip it. I read it out loud, and it was so much more powerful. It could have been more insightful because I was excpecting to feel akward or weird. Instead I felt convicted, humbled, and instantly aware of my "self."

In the passage I was reading was the following scripture. I encourage you to read it aloud and to hear yourself, and to hear the Spirit speak through you...to you.

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galations 1:10

for jess...

2008-06-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

1) What was I doing 10 years ago? ...1998...well I wasn't driving yet b/c my birthday isn't until mid-august. I was working as a day camp counselor, going on youth trip after youth trip with my church (I believe this was San Antonio and Chicago) and going to the Blue Horizon for what would be my last time in 10 years, that's right I'm going back this summer!!! This is also the summer that I met Jess, right? Go Big Phat Dragons!!!

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
I need to plan my agenda for a meeting I have next week
Edit some photos of our Chattanooga campus
Transfer some files to CDs
Take out the trash at my apt
work at Hallmark

3) Snacks I enjoy:
chips and salsa
Pillsbury cookies
skinny cow ice cream sandwiches
kettle corn popcorn

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire: geez, pay off school loans, give a lot to the Children's Homes, probably buy a cute little house with a back yard, probably help out more orphans in Moldova...etc

5) Places I have lived:
Wisner, LA
Pineville, LA
Nashville, TN
Birmingham, AL

6) Jobs I have had:
Day Camp Counselor
bank teller at the now Wachovia
New Business Manager at the Hancock
personal assistant from president of Southern Land
Coordinator of communications for the children's homes

7) Bloggers I am tagging who you will enjoy getting to know better:
Oh, Molly still hasn't done it so I'll tag her.

feed the birds

2008-06-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney's favorite song was "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins and it's always been a favorite of mine as well. In fact, I was completely shocked the other day when I heard that some very good friends of mine do not like that part of the movie and always fast forward through it. It made me very sad. Not only is the "Feed the Birds" song the crux and theme behind the movie, it seemed to be the theme of Walt Disney's life as well.

A recap: The song describes and the film depicts a very old bag lady sitting on the church steps in the middle of town. She's gathered crumbs and put them in bags to sale for just a "tuppence" for others to feed the birds. To many who pass her by it seems somewhat unnecessary, almost not important at all...but to the birds it means something totally different.

I had a pastor who after hearing a story or telling story would say, "I think there's gospel all over that." The older I've gotten, the more gospel there is to this old bag lady and her food crumbs for a tuppence. As a Christian, I believe I'm called to feed the birds...the least of these, to lend to those less fortunate, to be last, and to serve. Though crumbs are typically my left overs to others...they are meal, one shirt to a child in Moldova is their summer wardrobe, having someone to be excited about their first day of school is EVERYTHING to child who has been parent-less for most of their life.

So the next time you watch Mary Poppins...don't fast forward. The next time you are asked to give, don't ignore it...if you are called to go, go. I pray my heart is always willing to give. It's just a tuppence...feed the birds.

Early each day to the steps of Saint Paul's
The little old bird woman comes
In her own special way to the people she call,
"Come, buy my bags full of crumbs;

Come feed the little birds,
Show them you care
And you'll be glad if you do
Their young ones are hungry
Their nests are so bare
All it takes is tuppence from you

Feed the birds, tuppence a bag
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag
Feed the birds," that's what she cries
While overhead, her birds fill the skies

All around the cathedral the saints and apostles
Look down as she sells her wares
Although you can't see it, You know they are smiling
Each time someone shows that he cares

Though her words are simple and few
Listen, listen, she's calling to you
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag"

top 5

2008-06-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

since I just came back from eating at my #1 favorite restaurant I felt it necessary that the next top 5 installment be RESTAURANTS. Just for clarification - this does not mean top 5 meals, top 5 foods, top 5 types of food...simply Top 5 Restaurants...for whatever ever reason you deem them worthy.

1. Mere Bulles - Brentwood. I've written about it before...but the She Crab Bisque soup is simply amazing and their carrot cake is even better. I've yet to have something I didn't like.

2. The Cheesecake Factory - Buckhead (their service and food is better than all the other ones I've been to). who doesn't love a menu with more pages than a children's book?! So much GOODNESS to choose from AND the cheesecake is unreal. I would drive 4 hours and back in one day just to eat their amazing food and cheesecake...oh wait, I DID drive 4 hours and back in one day just to eat their amazing food and cheesecake!!! PTL Nashville finally got one.

3. Baja Burrito - Nashville. I loved Baja before I was brave enough to enjoy the delicious pineapple salsa and tasty fruit tea...my love only increased when I began to incorporate these things in my regular diet.

4. The Red Bar - Grayton Beach. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been there but I LOVE their food AND the atmosphere. I've gotten something different every time and love it all the same.

5. J. Alexander's. Shoe string french fries - Check! Salmon Cesar Salad - Check! Chicken Fingers - Check! Honey Mustard - Check! and....such a delicious carrot cake - CHECK!

honorable mention goes to Chili's. I realized the other day that Chili's is just about the only place where every time I leave there I feel absolutely miserable yet wonderfully happy at the same time. They have great chips and salsa that I can never stop eating as long as they are in front of me and the actual meal portion is soooo good that I want to eat the entire plate.

who's up? what are your top 5?

eli adam hester

2008-06-04T07:15:00.001-07:00

"Isn't he the cutest baby you've ever seen?" This is what I heard over and over again yesterday afternoon after we all got to see Eli Adam Hester (proud parents: Ryan and Jordan Hester). He really is precious and Ryan and Jordan are just too cute with him. I can't believe he is finally here. Eli is blessed to have an amazing family that will love him and wonderful grandparents that will spoil him. I can't wait to watch him grow up.

You can't look at a baby and not see a loving God. It truly is a miracle...a really cute miracle!!!

we love you too...and that's the truth

2008-05-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Last week I heard my dad tell me that my Grandpa (his father) had passed away. I'd never heard words like that before so the feelings were all brand new. I've been blessed to have both sets of grandparents alive and relatively healthy for my entire life. This past September we all gathered together to celebrate my Grandpa's 90th birthday, not knowing it would be our last time all together.

My Grandpa was a great man who loved the Lord very much. He had a love for helping people that was humbling to those who crossed his path. He never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with a hug. He loved to fish, send letters, and mow yards. He ended every conversation with, "We love you too...and that's the truth." He'd normally say it before the other person had a chance to say, "I love you." I always thought it was funny...looking back I appreciate it. He knew I loved him...but it was more important to him that I knew he loved me.

For as long as I can remember my grandpa made a hobby of sorts of going to funerals and weddings. He would average about 3 a week...and that's on the low end as he got older. He knew it was important to be there for his friends, co-workers, church members, distant relatives, etc. He would find the announcement or obituary in the paper, cut it out, and paste it to one side of the paper while typing a message to the family on the other. Someone told my aunt this past weekend that he probably spent our inheritance on stamps. He was a good man and genuinely cared for other people without needing any sort of attention. That's the kicker to me. He never needed attention. He was happy to just give.

When he saw you...wherever it was - the grocery store, the church parking lot, or even just entering from one room in the house to the next he would say, "where you at there pardner?" It was his own version of "what's up?!" He was a great cook, a dedicated husband, and a strong provider for his family. He scuffed his feet when he walked and his hands were rough. His heart was big and his love for others overflowed to all. I'm kind of jealous he is in Heaven but I'm excited to see him when I get there and hear him say, "Where you at there, Emily? Gosh dog it's good to see you."

top 5

2008-05-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

I think this will be a weekly installment of my blog. It's fun...and can be interactive - if you make it!

So my friend Molly and I used to work together at this Insurance company right after I graduated college. It was an awful job, but paid well AND they hired my friend to work with me so that was a nice plus. In efforts to make our daily lunches fun, we began playing games of "Top 5"...like in High Fidelity. I was reminded of this fun game this weekend and decided to start it up again. OH OH!!!

we'll start with an easy topic.

MY TOP 5 MOVIES (in order...I think):
1. Mary Poppins
2. The Sound of Music
3. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
4. Apollo 13
5. You've Got Mail

my two honorable mentions (mainly b/c my list does not adequately portray my appreciation of good acting and quality film work but does however show my love for musicals and Tom Hanks): Amistad and Gladiator.

what are yours?

new recipe

2008-05-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

(first of all, can I just admit that every time I type "RECIPE" I misspell it...even that time...I used spell check)

So my friend Lele, had a birthday party! Lele has this rare disease that makes her not be the biggest fan of cake. I know, crazy! When it comes to birthday parties this can be quite challenging. She had requested this flower cookies which I was happy to make but wanted some sort of "cake" made out of cookies. We talked about various ideas and finally, Martha came through for me. Why didn't we go there first?

I highly suggest making this cookie cake. It really wasn't that hard, but here are a few things I would suggest:
It would probably look nicer if you shaped the big cookies in pretty circles, though i didn't like the natural-ness of mine. The recipe includes making your own cream cheese icing. You can just buy your favorite can icing at the store and be just fine...and save some time. The icing was VERY cream cheesy and I would think it would be fun to have different flavor icings on the different layers. You could also only do 3 or 4 layers instead of 5 (but the height was nice).

Over all...good party! Way to have a birthday Lele!

puggles...unite!

2008-05-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I watched a lot of MTV...and by a lot, I kind of mean every night, I was there watching the 10 spot. I have the first season of Laguna Beach on DVD to prove it. However...it's been a good 3 years since I've watched anything on MTV for longer than 10 minutes.

I heard people talking abou the Hills finale and just for the sake of keeping up with the recent news, when I flipped by it yesterday, I stopped to watch. I saw that Lauren and Lo got a dog...it looked a bit familiar...I did some research this morning and low and behold...A PUGGLE!!!

Chloe and Bauer would totally be friends...I'm sure!

best of both worlds!

2008-05-06T06:30:00.001-07:00

Ok, so you know that feeling of complete joy when somehow and in someway the world finds a way to combine two things you love??? You know like chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream...or strawberry cheesecake, or Reese's peanut butter cups...pineapple salsa, most any casserole...or even things like amusement parks: you get roller coasters, funnel cakes, and the best people watching, or movies where your favorite actors come together...you get what I'm saying, right???

So yesterday, I heard my mom tell me about a new candy she saw at Walgreen's. MnM (or the Mars candy company) has come out with limited edition Indiana Jones Mint Crisp MnMs!!!! They taste just like the Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies!!!! I love MnMs (who doesn't? I'm pretty sure they are the all American candy), I LOVE most anything Mint, and the crispy MnM's they had a few years ago - shout out to Rachel - have always been my favorite. PLUS Indiana Jones...HELLO! This is a no brainer people, please go out to the store and buy them!

(they also have Indiana Jones normal MnMs ... but that's not as much fun)

I will leave you with a quote from friends that sums up the greatness of having things you love combined together:

Ross: Meat on a dessert? That is not possible.

Joey Tribbiani: I know, and only one layer of jam? What is up with that?

Ross: It tastes like feet!

Joey Tribbiani: Well, I like it.

Ross: Are you kidding?

Joey Tribbiani: I mean, what's not to like? Custard, good. Jam, good. Meat, good!

I see skies of blue...clouds of white...

2008-05-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a beautiful one for those of you here in Nashville. Despite some showers Friday night and early Saturday AM it cleared out for two BEAUTIFUL days that only increased the wonderfulness of my weekend. Did anyone see the clouds on Saturday afternoon? There were low ones and high ones...it looked really cool. Sad I don't have a picture.

Here is the run down:

Friday night - Darren's Dance Grooves ... need I say more? Who needs Ty-BO when you can learn to groove along with groove-a-loos...seriously people?!

Saturday - Saturday was fabulous. My most favorite day at my church has been the 3on3 basketball tournament probably since before I went to the church. I LOVE IT! It represents what The Church is all about to me. I love the fact that it takes the entire church body to pull it off. I love the fact that no matter what you do that day and how you choose to participate you WILL meet new people and be able to be Christ to people who may not have had that opportunity before. No other day do we reach out to our community more than on the 3on3...this is church...meeting the community where they are and cool springs is definitely all about some sports, free stuff, and inflatables!!!

Saturday night I heard wonderful music from the Nashville Symphony in the new Schermerhorn. It was beautiful...as was the music! Before hand, to be honest, I was more excited about just going inside the building then actually hearing the music, I couldn't have been more excited to go. It turns that the music is just as great as the architecture (minus some coffee beans). I LOVED IT!...all of it, the whole night was great! We actually sat behind the orchestra so we were able to watch the Mistro's face (which might have been my favorite part of the night!). The symphony was doing a tribute to Louis Armstrong and they did a great job!!! They brought in a guest trumpet player who was really good, and funny...most of the time. If you haven't been to the Schermerhorn I would strongly suggest going!

Sunday was sooo pretty, and soooo nice to be outside for parts of the afternoon. It was also Lele's birthday! And it case you didn't know, this is going to be the best year of her life!

copy cat...or dog

2008-04-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

So today I was home for lunch and heard something most hilarious!

I had opened my sliding door to the "deck/patio/porch" thing that I have, to let Bauer go out there to keep watch over the neighborhood while I ate my peanut butter sandwich. He likes to go out there and lay in the sun, chew on sticks, bark at other dogs, etc. A few bites in I heard a siren noise from an ambulance and then heard this weird dog howl/almost siren sounding noise. I looked outside...it was Bauer, imitating the siren. I thought it was soo funny.

Being half beagle, I've always thought one day Bauer might start to howl but he has continued to make the worst high pitched whines and other awful noises I've ever heard...and that's when he is happy. It was so funny.

In honor of Bauer, and his pals Rosie and Jarvis...here are some pictures I took the other day. I feel like they are quite expressive. Feel free to add your own captions as to what you think the dogs are saying.

to me this one totally looks like Bauer and Jarvis are sharing secrets about Rosie...and she TOTALLY knows it.
this one is where Rosie is encouraging Jarvis and telling him that he can indeed go down the stairs.this is when Rosie screams, "OH NO YOU DI'N!"

13.1 in 2:27!!!

2008-04-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

things I heard while running the half marathon:

1. because I was in corral #22 I got to hear the man count down to others starting lots of times. I kind of liked it, gave me to time to get prepared mentally and get really excited for when it was my time!

2. LOTS of cheering! I think the best part was that there was hardly a place where there wasn't anyone cheering. When you train, you don't have people cheering for you every step of the way...this was really nice.

3. personal encouragement - I couldn't believe how many people I saw on the side lines cheering that I knew. I was expecting my mom to be at a certain point but I didn't expect how much it would mean for me to have her there when I saw her. though she didn't have the camera ready...it was still nice to see her. AND I had tons of friends passing out water, that was soooo very nice and great to see a friendly face with my source of hydration!

4. bad country music - I had a love/hate relationship with the live bands along the course. Some of them were ok, but a lot of times I didn't like it. I took a friend's advice and didn't use my ipod until after I got to mile 7. I think I liked the bands before I had my ipod in but once I had it in, I would get frustrated I couldn't hear my music...though I actually have no idea what songs I listened to on my ipod when I ran...I don't remember a single one.

5. congratulations - thank you to all my friends who called, texted, showed up at the finish line and prayed for me during and after the race. It was so nice to have your support and encouragement along the way and when I finished.

things I learned from this race that I need to remember for the next one:

1. when you spend money on good socks, it is totally worth it, and come race day when you can only find 1 good sock and thus run with 1 good and 1 bad...it's probably better to just run with 2 bad.

2. Pack toilet paper in your gear check...you just ran 13.1 miles and you're going to need to use that bathroom ... in one of the port-a-potties...bring toilet paper.

3. That last ".1" is the longest tenth of a mile ever

4. make sure your friends know what you are wearing so they can find you at the finish line.
5. BREATHE! so many times I would start praying, singing, or thinking about dumb things and would totally forget to breathe...it's quite necessary.

I LOVED running on Saturday. It was so much fun to run with 30,000 other runners. Somewhere along the way...among the months of training, running in the cold, spending hours on the treadmill, and finding the perfect race day outfit I have become a runner. I think I like it. Maybe I have a new hobby...we'll see.

Thanks again to all of those who came out! You really did make a difference!

the plastics

2008-04-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I heard a friend tell me that I really need to stop re-using plastic water bottles b/c it would kill me. They followed with also not using nalgene bottles over and over.

This idea of plastic ware not being safe anymore came up again last week in a conversation with some girl friends. I was then told to get rid of all my plastic Tupperware and only use glass.

I began to ask around and get other peoples thoughts and knowledge on the subject. Some told me not to microwave things in plastic and to definitely only use a plastic water bottle once. Then I heard I shouldn't even have plastic dishes. I friend sent me to this website where it kind of brakes down what is "good" and "bad" as far as the different plastics.

Apparently the scare is that the "bad" plastics leach cancer causing chemicals into food, water, onto toys, etc. Really people? More cancer? So I started thinking (as someone who is VERY familiar to the effects of cancer) if I talk on a cell phone, use the microwave, and sometimes sit too close to the TV...aren't I already going to get cancer? What's some water from my plastic cups going to hurt?

A few websites list things like baby bottles and toys as highly dangerous. SERIOUSLY? Have we not been using these for years? Is the key to stopping cancer? not using plastics? I guess I'm just having a hard time buying it. While I have refrained from re-using water bottles...I'm just not sure about the other stuff.

If you have any insight or more knowledge about this please let me know, I'm quite interested.

baby shower

2008-04-22T08:58:00.001-07:00

This past saturday some friends and I threw a shower for our sweet Ryan. Ryan was my first close friend to get married and is now my first close friend to have a baby. I couldn't be more excited for her and Jordan. Little baby Eli is going to be so lucky to have such wonderful parents. I don't remember not knowing Jordan and I've known Ryan for 14 years. I consider them both a blessing to my life and am so very thankful that they continue to play such a huge role in it.

I kind of liked throwing a baby shower...I hadn't really thrown one before and to be honest, I was bit nervous, but I think it was a great day! She got lots of gifts and it was so fun to be with such good friends who I don't get to see very often!

Before the pictures begin, let me say that I think I found my new favorite thing to make and I kind of want everyone to start having babies b/c of it. Yes friends, I'm talking about THE DIAPER CAKE! After seeing it on Sex and the City a few years ago and doing some research online about them I decided to try and take on the daunting task. Anna came over to help and I think it turned out pretty cute! By the way...new born diapers are just about the cutest thing I've ever seen...they are so tiny and just adorable! So come on...who's next?!?! If you haven't had a chance to see pregnant Ryan, you really should try. She is so cute! Her little basketball just jiggles everytime she laughs! ADORABLE!Mary made the most adorable invitations and they had the cutest little bird on them. We decided to incorporate the bird and have folks write prayers for Baby Eli on a bird and then place it in the bird cage!
Jessica not only made delicious and super cute cupcakes but also gave Ryan some of the cutest stuff for Eli. She got him little baby rock star shoes and she also MADE him one of the sock creatures (pictured below) that were featured on Martha Stewart not too long ago. SO sweet! (jess also makes super cute aprons...you should check them out and buy one!!! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5564559 )

ps. did you count how many times I said "cute" and "adorable" ? It's quite absurd really, but I guess that's what baby showers will do to you...

grace

2008-04-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

Yonder on Calvary’s mount out poured,

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.

What can avail to wash it away?

Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,

Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

Freely bestowed on all who believe!

You that are longing to see His face,

Will you this moment His grace receive?

Grace...a common word among The Church, among fellow believers though still one that I have a hard time grasping onto fully. However I know it is something I need from God and want to give out to others. I have a hard time with that sometimes.

I was having a conversation the other day discussing trust and relationships. A friend said to me, "Everyone needs a little grace." It hit me so hard and was exactly what I needed to hear. I've been telling it to myself daily ever sense. None of us are perfect...the bible even says that...not even one. If your Christian family can't show you grace then who can? I pray I can be graceful to friends and family (especially since it is my middle name!) and I hope those around me can see my need for it as well. PRAISE GOD for Jesus and for the grace He pours out continuously on you and me.

a few firsts

2008-04-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

this weekend was a fun one and full of firsts! Here are a few of the highlighted firsts:

Nashville West - I hadn't had the chance to check out the new Nashville West development off of Charlotte Pike. Some friends and I went Friday night and I LOVED it! I kind of felt like I was out of town and not in Nashville, which was kind of nice.

Red Robin - I had never eaten at one and since its the only place to eat at the new Nashville West currently, that's where we ate. It was a good choice. Good burgers and a surprisingly very extensive menu!

World Market - after dinner we checked out some shops including World Market. I had heard great things about this store from friends who had been to other locations and I was super excited. It did not disappoint. Though I did not make any purchases I did finally find curtains that I liked, which I had kind of given up on!

Saturday I ran my first race ever, it was the Purity Dairy Dash 10k. I had a blast! It was fun to run with lots of other people. I was most excited about water stations though I'm still learning how to drink water and run at the same time. I'm not sure lots of ice cream is the best thing to eat when you finish running however, the pasta and rolls they had from Outback afterwards was AMAZING!

it was a fun weekend full of firsts! if you have not seen, visited, or participated in any of the items mentioned above, I highly recommend all of them!!!

remember when

2008-04-09T06:57:00.001-07:00

Last night I had dinner with some old friends. At one point in time they weren't really my friends but simply the 7th grade girls I was assigned to stay with for a youth Labor Day retreat. To be honest, I was dreading that retreat. Lots of things had changed that summer and being with Jr. High girls sounded awful. Little did I know how much of an impact the Lord would use these amazing girls to make in my life.

These sweet girls are all grown up now and are graduating from high school. Last night we talked about proms, graduations, what college will be like next year, last church camps, etc. Though we've managed to stay somewhat in touch it had been 5 years since I had really sat down to talk to them. They continue to amaze me. 5 years suddenly felt like yesterday and I was right back where I was...laughing with them, learning with them, sharing stories of memory and advise. I'm so honored to call them friends.

Hearing them talk about prom and senior year and leaving school early because it just didn't matter anymore made me try and remember when I was senior. I think I learn a lot from looking back. I've been quite reflective lately. And after spending time with these girls, looking back over old pictures, reading old journal entries I'm thankful for so much of life. I wouldn't be the person I am today without all those things.

So...in the spirit of senior year...here is my tribute to the year 2000:
celebrating the fact we were all still alive after Y2K, boyfriends, skipping school to eat honey mustard and watch Days of our Lives, all arriving in the band parking lot for 1st period but not going and going to Mrs. Winners instead, Australia - the upgrade on the plane, the top of the Sydney bridge, Christina Aguilera - hickory hollow mall and the dance at camp, everyone's prom on the same night, crispy mnms, Friday night sleep overs, the best lunch table ever, Titans winning the AFC championship, spirit days at IHOP, warm sprite and granny white park...

I think the thing I love most about all these memories is that I'm still very good friends with the people I experienced each of these with. What a blessing!

what about you...what do you remember about your senior year?

cheer up, charlie

2008-04-07T07:12:00.001-07:00

My mom has been regularly substitute teaching for Oak Hill School for about two years now. She LOVES it and they LOVE her. Its quite perfect actually...for everyone involved I think. Oak Hill does a musical every year with some of their 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. This year was Willy Wonka! Knowing the adults in charge I knew this wouldn't be your average elementary school play...and it wasn't.

Since mom had some students in it she wanted to go and support and since I'm always up for a musical (especially my favorite movie) I went with her. Absolutely adorable. The kids did such a great job. It was too cute. Apparently this is a new musical and its an odd mixture of the original movie and the newer one. All in all, I was entertained.

I saw the play after hearing a sermon preached on Psalm 23:4. The pastor was taking a week for each verse in the chapter. I heard this sermon after hearing a friend preach Friday night on Luke 9:57-62, the cost of following Jesus. I'm not sure I would have ever been able to tie all these three things together but the Spirit used each of them to weave a wonderful pattern lessons that seemed to be just what I needed.

The cost of following Jesus is a great one but He is more than Worthy of all of it. Following Jesus will no doubt leave you in times of valley of the shadow but PRAISE GOD for his comforting shepherd-ness. Cheer up, look up, you'll see tomorrow will be better...just think positive.

and ps. I ran 10 miles on Friday...didn't really ever think that was possible. 13.1 here we come!

run'n run'n...

2008-03-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

So I've been running a lot (for the 1/2 marathon) and was doing fine, but as I began to train more I was becoming more and more convinced that I did, in fact, need something else to listen to besides the voices in my head telling me how tired I was. It's not that I've refrained from getting an ipod for any moral or personal reasons I just knew that ultimately I didn't need one. I really like the radio and the only time I listen to music is in my car so I was fine to spend my money elsewhere. However, the closer I got to trying to reaching my 13.1 miles goal I realized that in fact, one might come in handy. So, I went on ebay and got one of these suckers for a pretty good deal...except mine is silver and its beautiful! I just love my little baby shuffle.

I put some songs from CDs I already had on my ipod to begin with and some friends have been gracious enough to pitch in give me some songs to help me get started BUT I have now completely become reliant on my music when I run. Which is why I didn't really want to get an ipod to run with the first place, but I guess its for a greater good. I instantly became aware that my pace directly correlated with the beat of the song. If you know me and my music selection I'm not the world's biggest fan of music that doesn't use some sort of synthesizer, so this has become quite a challenge to find "The Perfect Running Music."

Yesterday I started to listen to more hip hop and pop music radio stations. The first song I heard was Mariah Carey's Touch My Body. Once I heard her reference youtube in her song (along with a slew of other things I refuse to mention in my blog) I knew that there had to be a better way. So...will you help me?!?! I need your help in finding "The Perfect Running Music." I'd love any suggestions that you have. I need all the help I can get!

the man I love

2008-03-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

About six years ago I was introduced to a man I already knew very well. I knew he was kind. I knew he loved Jesus very much and was smart and cared about others. I knew he truly understood what it meant to be a minister and I knew he had experienced heartache. What I have now come to know, throughout the past six years, is that Jimmy Dunn is truly a man of God. He walks so closely to Him that you can't help but feel the presence of Lord when you talk with Jimmy. I've also learned that he loves NASCAR, supports the Tennessee Vols first and fore most followed strongly by the SEC in general. He loves to read and always stays very informed on current events. He has strong convictions and is an amazing writer. Jimmy is a smart business man and always puts others before himself.

Most importantly I've learned what an amazing father Jimmy is. Not just to his own two boys but to me as well. Having my fair share of dads and father figures throughout the years I am so very grateful to have this man in my life, not only as a friend and mentor, but as a dad. The way he has welcomed me into his life has been like nothing else I've ever experienced. He carries an amazing strength within him that I believe only comes from the Lord. His faith and wisdom continue to inspire me to be a better person and his encouragement helps get me through whatever battles I may be encountering. It is such a blessing and honor to know him, love him, and learn from him.

Four years ago Jimmy was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. MM is a form of cancer of the blood plasma. It is regarded as an incurable cancer but can be put into remission with a variation of drug and treatment options. For the past year and half Jimmy has been in partial remission and was able to stop chemo treatments and cut back on doctor visits. It was a nice break while it lasted. Jimmy had to start back on chemo, steroids, and another anti-cancer drug today. He will continue with weekly treatments until the numbers go back down.

I hate cancer. What was once a common prayer concern for many others I knew all of a sudden became a daily battle for my family. You would think after 4 years of it I would be used to it...like violence on television or scandals in politics...but it doesn't seem to work that way. There seems to a be a nervousness in me that is quite constant and a call to prayer that seems quite daunting. I ask you to join with me in prayer for Jimmy and so many others who face this daily battle.

He is mighty to save!

2008-03-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Last summer I began to constantly be reminded of Zephaniah 3:17...particularly the first sentence. "The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save." There were many things in that sentence for me to process over the next season of my life. That fact I am His and He is mine, the promise of my LORD always being with me, trying to understand God's mighty-ness, and praising Him each time He was there to save me.

Today I heard my mom tell me the oncologist had called Jimmy in for an unscheduled appointment. There were test done, there will be more test done, and we'll have the results Monday.

Still pondering what those test results could mean I began to listen to three sermons. They weren't really a series but touched on areas that are quite impossible without God. The first was about prayer and how ultimately we don't know how to pray or what to pray for without the Holy Spirit. We can't get past the selfishness of the human heart without some help from God. The third sermon was on forgiveness. He spoke about how reconciliation is impossible without the Lord. (side note...these sentences do the sermons any sort of justice, but for the sake of keeping your attention I kept my summary very minimal) In the midst of listening to this man preach about forgiveness I was reading another man's sermon on friendship (the Lord's funny like that). The sermon I was editing used the follow ancient proverb...I found it very good for me to hear today:

"A friend is one to whom we may pour out the contents of our heart, chaff and gain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away."

I pray that I can be that kind of friend. I'm not always good at being kind and gentle but I'm working towards it. These last few weeks I have turned more inward than I ever have. I've stayed home more, kept thoughts to myself more, spent time with just me...though I'm thankful for this time, reading this quote made me remember that we aren't meant to go through life alone. I'm so thankful for my friends. I'm also thankful for Jesus. Through all the uncertainties of tomorrow...in my life and in the world, I'm still being reminded the the LORD my God is with me, He is mighty to save! I'm so very thankful for that today.

Ready for the Resurrection

2008-03-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

Back in February when I heard how early Easter was this year, I was not excited. In fact I was kind of sad...it would still be cold, it wouldn't be as pretty outside, we don't have that long to decorate, etc. The closer Easter gets the more and more I am begging for it to be today. Though as a Christian, each day is Easter...each day He is risen, each day He is alive, there is something in me that longs for the corporate worship celebration.

I feel as though I've been living in a Good Friday state of mind for awhile now. I'm ready for the Resurrection, I'm ready to start fresh. I was reading My Utmost for His Highest this morning, good ole' Oswald. Easter has been on mind as we are in the season of Lent and I haven't been able to move past Good Friday for days. This was good for me to hear. Maybe it will be for you as well.

When you have no vision from God, no enthusiam left in your life, and no one watching and encouraging you, it requires the grace of Almighty God to take the next step in your devotion to Him, in the reading and studying of His Word, in your family life, or in your duty to Him. It takes much more of the grace of God, and a much greater awareness of drawing upon Him, to take that next step, than it does to preach the gospel.

Every Christian must experience the essence of the incarnation by bringing the next step down into flesh-and-blood reality and by working it out with his hands. We lose interest and give up when we have no vision, no encouragement, and no improvement, but only experience our everyday life with its trivial tasks. The thing that really testifies for God and for the people of God in the long run is steady perseverance, even when the work cannot be seen by others. And the only way to live an undefeated life is to live looking to God. Ask God to keep the eyes of your spirit open to the risen Christ, and it will be impossible for drudgery to dicourage you. Never allow yourself to think that some tasks are beneath your dignity or too insignificant fo ryou to do, and remind yourself of the example of Christ in John 13:1-17.

thank you for the music...

2008-03-03T07:36:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOSH!!!!

This is what I said out loud in a louder-than-normal voice at the movie theater this weekend when I saw the preview for the new Mamma Mia movie coming out this summer!!!! I couldn't believe it! Regardless of who was casted I would totally go see this, on opening night. It's such a fun musical! BUT it's great people. Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and I'm really excited to see Amanda Seyfried, from Mean Girls, play the part of Sophie.

Apparently I'm a little slow on my up-and-coming movie knowledge b/c everyone else seemed to know about it. regardless, I will now be counting down the days...as well as counting my pennies to save up for a blockbuster summer filled with fabulous movies.

If you aren't familiar with Mamma Mia! then you have obviously not been on a road trip with me, or care about musicals at all. Mamma Mia! is the musical based on the songs from ABBA (who doesn't love Dancin' Queen? seriously!). I was given tickets to Mamma Mia! for my birthday when it came to Nashville. It was such a fabulous show. I've owned the soundtrack ever since and listen to it more often than I probably should.

ps. I also saw a preview for the Sisterhood of Traveling Pants 2!!!

these are a few of my favorite things...

2008-02-27T11:20:00.001-08:00

I had various ideas on what to blog about today:

Vandy beat UT and it was a fabulous game. I love basketball and more so I love a good upset! march madness here we come.

I'm on week 2 of a commitment detox. I've gotten so much support through this time. I've also heard many things from the Lord. Still haven't really processed it all.

I've been re-reading some Shel Silverstein favorites. Such great stuff there.

I just read my brother's remarks on this article about how often people present false selves. Very interesting...both the article and his thoughts. Because I read this just before writing a blog I couldn't help but think about why I was writing what I was. Did I want people to think I was smart? Did I want them to think I was funny? or loved Jesus a lot? or was sad? or was loving life? so ....I decided to go with the following, just me...hopefully...

My missionary world-traveler extraordinaire friend Mary Frances recently "tagged" me on her blog to fill out this list of favorites. It's beautifully snowing outside and let's be honest, I'm not doing much work today. So here ya go:

My favorites:
Book: 1984 - I read this my sophomore year in high school. I felt like it was the first book that really made me think about the government (past and present) and how I felt about life. And as mentioned earlier anything by Shel Silverstein. He presents great lessons in ways a child can understand but deep enough for adults to ponder over.

Movie: I always say Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Good music, good acting, good story...though the Sound of Music was probably my first love and Julie Andrews continues to keep a special place in my heart (my movie heart, that is) because of that and Mary Poppins.

Color: it used to be purple...now I don't have one. kind of makes sad, but I really don't have a default color that I always choose...

TV Shows: in order of becoming "favorite" worthy: The Wonder Years, Dawson's Creek, Gilmore Girls

Guilty Pleasures: sleeping and having my picture taken

Outfit: I thought this was hilarious...I've always had favorite outfits and thought I was weird. It used to be denim jacket with black pants...and it might still be...

Kitchen tips: Clean up as you go. I rarely do this and always wish I would. I never want to clean up once I'm done, so its better to clean as you go.

Life Lesson: Life isn't about me.

Activity: I love to play basketball and go out to eat with friends.

Food: I love any form of potatoes.

Child Raising Tips: Keep socks and underwear in a place where they can't find them and eat them (I've only raised my dog...so this is all I know). I'm sure there is something you moms can take from that as well. maybe?

Pet Peeve: when you have to backtrack to get somewhere

Game: catch phrase, and most forms of dominoes.

Amy vs. Isla

2008-02-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

ok...I love movies...I love music...but I'm not one to learn artist names, know every actors list of creditionals and acting history but you would think I would be able to tell one person from the next. however, at the oscars Sunday night I was very surprised to learn that these are two very different people. Does anyone else get them confused...or is it just me?

the real test...do know which is which?

top ten weekend

2008-02-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

10. I saw this movie. I liked it. It got really built up to me by some not-necessary reviews, but still a good flick.

9. I got to sleep in on Saturday morning.

8. I saw the preview for Baby Mama...Tina Fey and Amy Poehler...dynamic duo! SOOO funny!

7. I saw this movie. I was entertained. I was glad a saw it, since it is a "classic." Again, I had high expectations. Woody Allen is awkward. It was ok, let's just say, I didn't lurve it.

6. I got to go to the Pred's game and sit in a sweet suite!!! And get cool hats!

5. Friday afternoon was GORGEOUS...as was part of Sunday!

4. I saw this preview and absolutely CAN NOT WAIT! there's just something about the theme song that makes me want to go out and be adventurous.

3. The American Gladiators championship was Sunday. Congrats MoJo! Part of me is a bit sad and will miss the show....but have you seen the previews for My Dad is Better than Your Dad?!?!?!

2. I saw this preview and absolutely CAN NOT WAIT for May. What's the plot line? How much, if any, time has passed between the movie and the end of the show? Is there really a wedding? Are they still as fabulous? seriously, may needs to hurry the heck.
"Friendships never go out of style." Carrie Bradshaw

1. For the first time, in a long time, I actually had a weekend. Even though I worked a bit, I still had a weekend. I hung out with friends, I rested, I browsed through Target and the likes. I said "no" to some committments (which is huge) and freed my life up. All in all...good weekend. Hope there are more to come.

jealous?

2008-02-15T07:13:00.000-08:00

tough sayings for tough times

2008-02-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

A good friend, teacher, and former "boss" of mine, Michael Kelley, recently published his second book. The Tough Sayings Of Jesus II. Both books look at somewhat common stories of Jesus or parables that He told that have a good message...but to get there we tend to brush over the tougher parts of the story. A lot of the stories are those that if you have been a Christian for awhile you've heard before. Its those that when you begin to read them, you kind of just want to skip ahead because you already know what God wants you to get out of it. But Michael encourages his audience to spend more time in the middle, more time in the waiting, more time in the uncomfortableness of the situations to see what the Lord is really getting at. I apprecaite Michael's desire to never keep God in the pretty wrapped up box it can be easy to put him. If you are looking for something challenging, a new perspecitve on some things, and thought provoking questions relating stories from the Bible to our lives today I would highly encourage you to check this out. It would be great for a bible study as well!

I just read a session from the book dealing with a "waiting Jesus." Its an interesting concept that God would wait to "answer" our prayers in order for Him to recieve glory. My life is quite interesting these days (thanks to a friend who encouraged me to never answer the quesiton, "What's going on with you?" with "nothing") and I feel as though I'm in a place of waiting. I have friends that are hurting, family members that are sick, and questions of future plans are unknown as well as countries being at war, new leaders being elected, so much poverty, aids, orphans, etc. There are so many things going on that I feel like I have all the answers to and I'm curious as to why God doesn't seem to. Oswald Chambers describes this as "spiritual lust" - when we demand an answer from God instead of seeking after God Himself who gives the answer. My faith tells me to hold on. In efforts to seek God instead of just an answer I find myself waiting...along with God...and there is an odd sense of peace.

***please note the actor/model dear friend of mine on the cover, one Scott Lee Van Dusen!

how the heck?!

2008-02-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

I went to the kitchen at work today to get some water (the drink of choice since training began) and a co-worker sees me staring at the birthday cake someone brought in. She says, "Oh, fresh hot doughnuts will be here in 5 minutes!"

How the heck am I supposed to eat healthy and train myself for the 1/2 marathon when people bring these to work at least twice week?!

I shouldn't compain...I consider these to be one of life's most precious joys...however, I know about their absolutel lack of nutritional value and I know it absolutely does me no good to eat them. All this is to say...if you are ever one to enjoy doughnuts, cake, cookies, brownies, etc. for breakfast, TBCH is the place for you. We ALWAYS have dessert waiting in the kitchen!

bring it on!

2008-01-31T13:58:00.000-08:00

well I did it. I have officially registered for the 1/2 marathon. This is something I've been wanting to do for a few years and after seeing some of my friends do it and come out alive I'm hoping for the same results! If anyone wants to buy me an ipod to get me through it...I fully support that. I also support you coming out to cheer me on...you can even do that while I train if you think it will help me! (just kidding...kind of). So everyone mark your calendars for April 26th and I'll have sign up sheets for 30 minute prayer segments that morning for each to sign up so that you can pray I don't die during it...cool? thanks!

anna's engaged!

2008-01-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

Meet my friend Anna...

Anna and I have known each other since junior high but became official friends sophomore year in high school. It has been a joy to be her friend all these years. She loves life and is certianly a go-getter. Anna loves Jesus will all her heart and is such a strong advocate for missions! She loves her family and her home-town! Anna has been a solid rock in my life...she's accepting, loving, encouraging, and can be crazy just when I need her to be! She keeps me up-to-date on current pop music as well as making sure I'm classy and fashionable. Anna's love and concern for others has always been and will continue to be a huge encouragement to my life.

Sunday I heard Anna tell me she was engaged!!! I couldn't be happier for two people. Anna and her now finance, Noah, are college sweet hearts and have a wonderful love for each other. They are truly best friends and compliment each other well.

Anna, I'm extatic! I couldn't be happier for the two of you. You are both two of my favorite people and I can't wait to share this special day with you!

watch what happens

2008-01-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

I've heard project runway being discussed by several different people lately and it tends to suprises me whenever it comes up. I will admit that I watch A LOT of Bravo. It started with Celebrity Poker Showdown. I simply could not get enough. At that time I was fortunate enough to have a roommate with TIVO and it was fabulous. I would know who would win but would continue to watch it over and over. After Showdown, the top whatever hollywood moments were highly entertaining. Then I got into Top Chef, picked up Project Runway on season 2, LOVED Shear Genius, and I am now hooked on the real housewives (pathetic, maybe...but it's how I roll). Next thing you know they give Tim Gunn his own show (FABULOUS!) and you can usually catch some Kathy Griffin most any weekend.

Though I love to watch TV there have been and continue to be very few shows that I feel are a MUST SEE every time there is a new episode. Maybe I've become too dependent on DVD's or friends with TIVO but there's not really a show out there that I have to see what happens next. I love The Office, but will go a month without seeing the new ones (granted I know there aren't anymore...but go with me). 24...in love with...I named my dog Bauer...but I've yet to finish season 5. I find LOST to be highly entertaining but my life would be fine if I never figured out what the heck they are doing there. The list can go on.

HOWEVER, Bravo reality shows have developed this special place in my heart. It's the craziest thing. I feel like Bravo plays re-runs more than VH1 but I still feel the need to be there when the new episode airs. Call me crazy, but its true. I think for a long time I really thought I was the only one who watched these things. I kind of kept this addiction quiet and didn't really discuess it. But apparently the rest of the world is just as crazy as I am and the discussions of the week by numerous people in my surroundings have been about Lauri's wedding, Christian's fierceness, Tim Gunn's gay-ness, the new season of Top Chef, and how Nashville has been well represented on making people super models. Its kind of free-ing to know I'm not alone.

Braynt Park is sooo close...who's it going to be? And do we really think Chicago can bring more heat than Miami did?

"I do it for love."

2008-01-21T14:36:00.000-08:00

Well, either I have a problem saying "no" or the Lord really wants me to go back. Probably both. The more time goes by the less I second guess my decision. I'm talking about Moldova. After returning to the states last summer I was almost confident I wouldn't be returning this year. I knew I wouldn't be going to be the same orphanage I had been to the times before. It was an odd feeling, but one that I trusted the Lord's timing on. I wasn't sure where to spend my time this summer. I had two options very near to my heart. After going with my gut and LOTS and LOTS of prayer I am confident in my decision to go back to Moldova.

I am excited about working in a new orphanage...one my church has only visited once and that was about a month ago. Straseni is located just outside of Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. We will be doing a day camp for the children there. I'll be leading a team of around 15 (hopefully). Its going to be a time of learning and growing for me...but I think it will be good. I am looking forward to meeting new kids and showing them the love of Christ. I can't not go.

NERD ALERT!

2008-01-14T12:56:00.000-08:00

(I know what you are thinking..."wow, em posted two blogs in one day, she must be bored at work!" quite the contrary, this is my busy season...but I'm taking a break since I've worked so much)

My boss was just over at my desk and he was trying to make a correction on something I had written so he picked up my fine point sharpie to use to mark through some things. He tried to write with it like a pencil and said, "This is bad Sharpie!" I said, "No, its a really good sharpie you just don't know how to use it." After finishing making corrections and the work related discussion he looked at me said, "You really like these things don't you?" as he pointed to the Sharpie. "Yes, I do," I replied.

I'm not much of one for name brands. It doesn't really matter to me either way. I get lots of generic brands at the grocery, I shop a lot at target and tjmaxx. It's just not that big of deal if it's really pottery barn, or the look-a-like or if it's chanel or china town. HOWEVER, put me in an office max or send me to buy school supplies and stationary and this is a whole other matter. I refuse to buy any other marker or crayon other than Crayola...Rose Art just gives me a headache. And I only buy Sharpie or Pilot pens. Snobby? probably, but I'm ok with it. I've always been one to spend more money on writing utencils and organizational items then any shirt, purse, or CD. Nerdy I'm sure...but its just how I roll.

I got markers one time for my birthday...best gift ever. Another Christmas a friend gave me scented glitter pens and fun stationary...still using both! What is wrong with me?! apparently I love to doodle with high quality pens and enjoy watching people get their throats cut while pretty music is being sung. good grief!

There's a whole in the world like a great black pit...

2008-01-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

Last night I heard the amazing music of Sweeney Todd for the second time! I LOVE IT! but the funny thing is, I can't even watch all of it. The first time I saw it I didn't really know what I was getting in to. I LOVE musicals and so of course I wanted to see it. However, I closed my eyes everytime the razor got close to a neck. The music is FABULOUS and the acting is really good and so of course I was up to see it again. This time I had told myself that I would watch the whole thing...every scene. Nope...didn't happen. but I still love it and would probably see it a third time. Does that mean I'm wierd? Or that I just really like the music. Probably both.

Anyway, if you can get past all the blood and appreciate it for the acting, music, directing, and over all great film and golden globe winner that it is I really encourage you to see it. Its a great tale of people who love too much verses not loving at all. Interesting sides to the story and a very good show. AND its fun to picture Angela Lansbury playing the role of Mrs. Lovette.

music to my ears

2008-01-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

ok, so one night a week (sometimes more b/c I like it) I work at a local gift/home goods/stationary/hallmark store. The month of January is a terribly slow month for us b/c people are done with Christmas and don't want to get too excited about Valentine's Day too early (though we already have all our stuff out...crazy, I know, but I love it).

Last night the weather in Nashville was nasty and windy and rainy. You add bad weather to a slow night anyway and it makes it REALLY slow. To pass time I usually walk through our card aisles getting ideas and reading all the cards. I'm walking down the back aisle and I see a new section. "Seriously?" I think so myself. "No way!" I actually say out loud and burst into laughter.
Dayspring, which is the Christian Expressions line of Hallmark cards, has come out with Christian music song cards. OH YES! And the line up is A-MAZING! You've got some good ole MWS classics: Friends and I will be here for you. Then there is some POG, Twila Paris and 4Him action as well as some contemporaries with Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns. "My Father's House" by AA is also one of my favorites as well as the fact that they use "Kiss Me" by Sixpence for one of the "love" cards. The cards are $4.99 which in TN makes it $5.45 but it is soooo worth it. Not only is the song choice fabulous but the wording on the cards makes it even better. I think my favorite thus far is the one that says on the front, "What a friend we have in Jesus...what a friend He gave me in you." You open it up to Smitty singing the ENTIRE chorus of Friends are Friends Forever...CLASSIC!

I'm in love...

2008-01-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

...with my job! Its taken me some time, some bad jobs, and some self assessment to get to this place, but I can truly say I love my job. I'm so thankful for it.

I by no means consider myself a designer. However, part of my job is to communicate with our designer (the fabulous Charlie Wetherington!) and tell him what to create. It's taken me about a year to feel brave enough to really try out my ideas and push the children's homes to the next level. But, by the grace of God and the baby steps we've taken we are slowly getting there. I'm really excited about the new stuff we are doing for the Mother's Day Offering this year. I got the nerves up to suggest some ideas and they were a big hit. Below you will see our super cool poster and new MDO stickers...who doesn't like stickers?!

seriously though...mad props to my boy Charlie...couldn't do it without him!

whirlwind weekend

2008-01-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

here is how you have a weekend o' fun:

STEP ONE: Road with a best friend!

my dear friend anna was gracious enough to accompany me to the ATL this weekend to visit my dad and family. We had some good times together...as always. (seriously, anna gets major kudos for coming with me!)

STEP TWO: spend time with the cutest nephew ever!

Sean, my nephew, is almost 8 months old and is too cute. He loves to crawl and pull up on anything he can!

STEP THREE: watch high quality entertainment with friends!

AMERICAN GLADIATORS is back friends!!! Get excited! ok ok...so the budgets pretty low, the competition is par, but somehow it still manages to be highly entertaining! Wolf is by far my favorite (see Scott's portrayal of him below) but the contender getting stuck at the top of the reverse escalator...did anyone else see this?!?! it was AMAZING! (see Andy's reenactment below). With the help left over Christmas garland (thank you Caitlin) and yummy treats you too can make American Gladiator night a weekly night to remember! I probably heard some of the worst commentary of my life during this show but I laughed harder than have in a long time so it all evened out!

Christmas is all in the heart...

2008-01-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

thank you SCC! Though I think it might be true. I'm not quite sure my heart was completely in the Christmas spirit this year...but it happened none the less. Maybe my age...stage...busyness of life...and what not but it made for a very unexciting holiday season this year...maybe that's a good thing though. Either way I really enjoyed the time off, the chance to relax, and spend time with family and friends.

below are pictures of my holiday season...

First, was the comfy cozy christmas party!

Then we celebrated Baby Sean's first Christmas...adorable!

Then it was Dunn Family christmas time...

the closing celebration was IC5 night...rememerable as always!

fake jake

2007-12-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

BACKGROUND: This is my friend Jake. I met Jake last year in my hometown of Pineville, LA. Our grandparents are friends and our parents grew up together. He moved up to Nashville at the beginning of year and lived with my parents for a bit. Jake has a way important job managing bands and is SO important that he has two cell phones. One for work, and for his personal life.

THE STORY: Last Friday I was chillin at my A.P.T. watching some Gilmore Girls (I'm about to start season 6...I haven't watched anything else but GG since Thanksgiving!). I get this text message from a phone number not saved in my phone.

Text: Hey, it's Jake. What are you up to?

I instantly assume its my Jake and he's texting me from my work phone.

Response: just chillin at my apt

His response: You didn't have to work today?

My response: duh, half day Fridays. what are you up to?

Half day Fridays are the greatest thing about working for the Lord, by the way

His response: just waiting for some doors to be installed

My response: Doors? well just call me later.

His response: Ok

Well later came by and I didn't hear from Jake so I texted him (I used the number for Jake in my phone) and asked...
My text: Did you get the doors?

Jake: Doors?

My text: yeah, the ones you were talking about earlier

Well a bit later, my phone rings and its the number from the first set of text.
Emily: Hey!
fake Jake: Hey, this is Jake.

IT'S NOT MY JAKE! It's Jake, the new guy that came to my community group the Wednesday before. I try not to laugh. I try to make small talk but in my head I'm thinking, "Why is he texting me in the middle of the day?" and then I think, "Crap! I told him to call me later...that's all he was doing!" Needless to say I end up telling him I thought he was another Jake and apologized. Its a very uneasy feeling to hear a different voice than the one you are expecting.

***if you happened to grow up at FBC I can fill you in on part 2 of the story!

that's it?

2007-12-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

a few days ago I was feeling a bit under the weather. I had a big weekend last weekend so I wanted to make sure I would be OK to get everything done I needed to get done. So I went to the walk-in clinic in cool springs I've been going to for the past 4 years.

The nice male nurse took me back to my room and asked me what was wrong. I began to run through your basic "common cold" symptoms....running nose, drainage, soar throat, etc. He asked me if I smoked and I and said, "No."

He left and the nice doctor came in. He asked me what was wrong (which by the way...I always feel like its a test. I just told the nurse and he wrote it down for you to read. And he asks you all this follow up questions...like if you don't answer those right then you aren't really sick...I get so nervous!). I told him the same symptoms and like the nurse he asks, "Are you a smoker?" "No." I replied. He went on to check my throat and nose and breathing and such. Tells me he is going to prescribe me something for the drainage and his final words were, "You're a 25 non-smoker...you should be fine."

That was it. That was my diagnosis. Apparently not smoking is the cure all non-habit!

the sounds of christmas

2007-12-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Last night I heard some amazing music (one of the many reasons why I so enjoy the Christmas season!). Forest Hills Baptist Church had a piano concert. They had 5 grand pianos on stage that were all played at the same time. They had 10 pianist that would rotate out on various songs. There was darn good piano playing going on in that sanctuary. I've always loved the piano and when I hear pieces played as well as they were last night, I'm continually entertained, inspired, and amazed. I knew a few of the pianist and some of the people who arranged the songs so it was extra neat. ...thanks to my friends who came along...I think it was a great night for all!

I also heard LOTS of conversation this weekend. Saturday night I had a Christmas party at my parent's house. It was fantastic! When I began planning and putting the invitation list together I started to stress a little bit as the numbers kept getting bigger and bigger, but it dawned on me...this is what Christmas is about..."families and friends together..." (if I may steal a line from a very beloved FBC Christmas tradition). Though I baked for two days straight and was still getting last minute things out on the table as the first few guests arrived I felt nothing but joy...holiday cheer...friends and family were all there together. It was nice...and fun.

If you've read my blog before you've probably picked up on my love for holidays. Besides the fact that most give me a reason to decorate and host parties I think I love them because they bring people together. Christmas is a time of togetherness, that's why I like it. There is a song in The Muppet's Christmas Carol where the ghost of Christmas present is equating the feeling of love to the spirit of Christmas. One line says, "It is the season of the Spirit. The message if we hear it, is make it last all year." We get so many phone calls about people wanting help during Christmas at the children's home. Our kids our truly blessed this time of year. We always tend to say, "If we only got this many people wanting to help the rest of the year." My prayer for myself this Christmas is to enjoy this season of togetherness, the season of family and friends, this season of joy and hope, this season of celebrating Jesus, and to make it last all year. Maybe each of you will do the same.

Merry Christmas!

it can't be true...tell me it's not true

2007-11-15T14:28:00.000-08:00

so last night, I was informing my community group about my Christmas card photo shoot that Bauer and I had this week. (Thanks to Mary Rosenbaum of www.maryrosenbaum.com) The second I said it everyone started laughing. Well...I say everyone...it included two of my good friends and 1 guy I had never met. One of my friends said, "You are becoming a border-line cat lady!" Now...it would take a lot more than that for me to get offended but I certainly began to defend my case that never would ever become a cat lady.

Let's talk about the "Cat Lady":
1. I think you have to be at least 50 to be given this term
2. and you have to have at least 3 cats

3. and your house has to be full of those climby things and fake little mice
4. and you have to have only 3 human friends.

Let's talk about me:

1. I'm 25 and hip and very happenin' (that's right...i'm too cool to have a "g")

2. I HATE cats and will never have one.

3. I have dog toys...but just bones.

4. I have lots of human friends and just happen to live by myself (because I'm a responsible adult) and choose to have a dog...a cool dog...for a pet.

Just because I love to have my picture taken and feel like adding my dog to the picture gives me a better excuse to send out christmas cards does not make me a border-line cat lady...right? right?

this is Halloween

2007-11-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

It's now November...that's crazy! I'm excited for Thanksgiving!

Yesterday was Halloween. It was a good day. The sad thing was I only heard one group of trick-or-treaters. I heard there were lots of kids at the mall. Apparently the stores give out candy and so they were all there. That made me sad as well. When did children stop going around the neighborhood to get candy? That was always so fun. I wonder if parents are taking their kids to the mall or other trick-or-treating alternatives for the same reason they no longer stay in host homes on youth choir tours. Safety. I would hope that if I choose to live in a neighborhood and raise my chidren there I also feel safe enough to let my children trick-or-treat there. I say these things now, who knows what I will do when I actually have children of my own.

Bauer, on the other hand, LOVED handing out candy to the kids. He also loved that his costume was pretty much a chew toy attached to him at all times!

going all out

2007-10-31T06:47:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I heard my mother give me instructions on passing out candy at her house tonight. She and Jimmy are going out of town today and since I had already made plans for this evening my mother made arrangements that Jake and I would be in charge of passing out candy at her house.

My mom, the preschool teacher that she is, LOVES Halloween. She doesn't love all the scary stuff, or all the candy, but really just the fact that she gets to see all the cute neighborhood kids dressed up. It made her so sad to think her house would be one of those houses with no candy this year...she couldn't bear it. So these were her instructions:

Emily: I need to leave at 6:00
Mom: that's OK. If you will come over after work and be there early for when all the little comes I will get Jake to stay later.
Emily: OK, I can do that.
Mom: and if they are 2, 3, or 4 then they can get 1 thing of play-dough with a little candy.
Emily: wow! OK...

Do you all understand now? When you have a mother who gets age appropriate candy and activities on Halloween you are bound to not only love and appreciate holidays but enjoy children as well. I am fully aware of how much alike my mother and I are but when she goes all out for things like this its a reminder once again. I'm glad I'm like my mother!

On a slightly sadder note - this is the first year in 24 years that I have not dressed up for Halloween. Last year I was Mary Poppins and I'm not sure there is anywhere else to go after that. I loved being Mary Poppins. I'm not sure anything else would top that.

are you kidding me?!

2007-10-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

so, this is my dog...Bauer. He is officially 1 year old. In dog years, he's about 8.2 years old. Neither of these ages qualify him for a "terrible twos" type stage but I feel like that is what's going on. I wasn't aware that dogs could throw temper tantrums...they can...and mine does.

About a month ago I was planning to join some friends for dinner. Bauer, on the other hand, was planning for me to stay at home with him all night. If you have met my dog, you've probably been introduced to some of the most horrific noises you've heard...he makes those when he's happy. And if he makes those when he's happy, you can only imagine the horror that abounds when he is unhappy. He literally threw a fit when I tried to leave that night. Making the worst noises and acting determined to get himself out of his crate. I could hear him as I got into my car. Needless to say...he won that fight and I stayed home.

Yesterday, however, I witnessed something that I didn't think a dog was capable of. He literally threw temper tantrum in the middle of the street. I go home for lunch (like I do everyday) to take him for a walk. I take him outside, go get the mail, and proceed on our normal route. Latelly Bauer has thought that its been fun/cute/controlling for him to grab his leash in his mouth and run ahead of me to prove that he is the one taking me for a walk. Most of the time I think its funny...until he starts to physically eat his leash...we can't have any of that. Usually when he starts to eat it I can just yank it out of his mouth...not yesterday. I go to pull it out of his mouth and he isn't budging. We start this game of tug of war (which my 40 lbs dog beats me at!) and he starts to make this really mean growls and barks - though he's still clamped down on his leash. I go to grab his collar and he goes limp on the ground and just lays there - still holding on to the leash barking and growling and causing all the other neighborhood dogs to start barking. I'm trying to get out of the middle of the street but he continues to lay there and let me pull him on the pavement as he is still biting down on his leash.

It was aweful. I felt like a mom of 2 year old in the middle of the grocery store. I wasn't aware dogs could act like that. I now have more sympathy for mom's with 2 year olds in grocery store and I feel a little more equipped to one day be that mom with a 2 year old in a grocery store.

I do....well, they did...

2007-10-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I heard my dear Rachel pledge her love to her new husband Chris! I went to school with Rachel from 1st grade on up. She is a wonderful friend and it was a joy to share that special day with her and stand up there along side them.

The weekend was very busy, but also very special for many involved. I heard Rachel's dad publicly affirm Rachel for the amazing, Godly women she has become and credit a lot of that to her mom, Boogle. I heard Chris's mom talk about all the prayers she had prayed for Chris and over Chris regarding his future wife and how she couldn't be more blessed to now have Rachel be in her family. One of the most interesting things I heard was something the preacher did during the vows. For both Chris and Rachel he had them repeat, "for richer or poorer" and then he had them repeat it again, "for richer or poorer." It was kind of funny, but I've kept thinking about ever since then. I have no idea why he did it...maybe he knows the struggle finances can cause in a marriage, maybe he experienced that himself, maybe he thought that part needed some extra emphasis. Who can know? I just thought it was interesting.

here are some more pictures from the wedding weekend!

Here I am, Lord

2007-10-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

I've been traveling for the last week. Apart from a few life changing summer camps and incredibly powerful mission trips, this week will go down in the history book of my life as one of my favorites! I've been at the children's home for two years now. Earlier this summer the Lord showed me that this is not just a job to take a lightly, but that is my ministry. I began to see each day as life on the mission field...though days stuck behind a computer quickly began to become mundane. That all changed this past week. I spent everyday on one of our campuses spending time with our amazing children and talking with house parents. I love this picture. I took it during the sunrise from our Boys Ranch outside of Memphis. Its a little peice of heaven to me.

I've grown up going on mission trips to other states and other countries. This week I was once again reminded that our Lord is mighty and big and also loves His children here in Nashville and Tennessee. I heard stories from our children that moved me to tears. I heard house parents speak of answering the Lord's call in their lives to be full time missionaries for the Children's Home. I heard both of them talk about miracles happening in the lives of the children and how God is using this place to further His Kingdom and to spread His love. Its an exciting thing to be a part of. I'm humbled God would choose me and I'm excited about what great things He is doing in the lives of the children He has placed in our care.

Here is a snapshot of things I heard:
"If I hadn't of come to the children's home, I would be dead. We never had enough food so I figure I would have starved to death."

"I'm a houseparent because the Lord tells us to take of His children...the least of these."

"When I look into the eyes of these children I see the love of Christ. I see hope that can only come from an almightly Father who lavishes His on these dear children."

I was home for two days before I went back on the road. One of those nights I spent back at First Baptist for a retirement service for their minister of music. The choir sang a song that echoed everything I had heard the Lord calling me towards as I spent time with the children on our campuses. I don't know what my future holds. I don't know how long I will be at TBCH. I hope its a long time. I want to be useful and I want to help make a difference in the lives our children and help them see that there is a God who will always love them. The following is the song the choir sang that spoke to me as an affirmation that we are all called to be minsters of Christ wherever He sends us and to pray for His people. My prayer that is I will always remember I serve a God who hears his people cries and that I am willing to go wherever he sends me. If you have a minute today, I would appreciate it if you would stop and pray for the children at TBCH. They have lived hard lives and are in so much need of hope and joy.

I, the Lord of sea and sky,

I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.

Chorus

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

I, who made the stars of night,

I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them?

Whom shall I send?

Chorus

I, the Lord of snow and rain,

I have borne my people’s pain.

I have wept for love of them.

They turn away.

Chorus

I will break their hearts of stone,

Give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my words to them.

Whom shall I send?

Chorus

I, the Lord of wind and flame,

I will send the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them.

My hand will save.

Chorus

Finest bread I will provide,'

Til their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them.

Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

now your life can be complete!

2007-09-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

1. I love that I have red hair.

2. Growing up, I was afraid to color my hair because I knew it would turn green just like Anne of Gables (my friends have sinced convienced me to highlight it...but that's as far as I'll go...I like the red!)

3. I love the colors red and orange together.

4. I think my life would make a great movie and I'm always thinking of which actors would play the different roles of the significant people in my life.

5. I love acting and think about getting back on the stage almost everyday.

6. The main reason I would want to be a teacher is so I could decorate my classroom!

7. I decorate for every season.

8. That's part of the reason I love my side job at Brentwood Stationers...I get at least a 4 month head start planning period on every season and holiday!

9. Orange is my favorite flavor...popsicle, candy, koolaid, etc.

10. I had some sort of metal in my mouth from 2nd grade - 10th grade. That's 9 years.

11. When I had braces I always thought it was fun to change the colors of my rubberbands each month. One October I chose to alternate orange and black (I like holidays...remember). After I saw those pictures I didn't choose colors much anymore. black was a bad choice.

12. I'm a follower of Jesus Christ.

13. This fact shapes everything about me.

14. Everyday I wake up and thank Jesus for loving me and spend the rest of the day trying to grasp what that really means.

15. I love the Lord and I love people.

16. I believe those two things should go together.

17. I was introduced to Kettle Corn popcorn in college and have not been able to eat any other kind since.

18. I don't understand when someone doesn't want to celebrate his or her birthday.

19. I think birthdays are very important and every one should be celebrated at least one day out of the year.

20. I have a heart for the youth of my community.

21. I miss working with the youth at my church and hope one day be able to do that again.

22. my most favorite part about my job is when I get to hang out with the kids and hear their stories.

23. I absolutely love musicals...so much so that I can't rank them in my top favorite movies because they have their own categories.

24. I really like sports.

25. I love to play basketball but I'm not very good at it.

26. Basketball and football are my favorite sports to watch.

27. I really enjoy running...especially in the spring and fall.

28. I prefer to run outside because I think I'm able to clear my head more.

29. I am in desperate need of a new study Bible but I'm very reluctant to part ways with the one that I've had for many years.

30. Each day I think I am becoming more and more a perfect balance of my mom and my grandmother. I feel good about that happy medium.

31. My mother is my hero and I thank God for her each day.

32. I am an aunt!

33. That makes me excited about being a mom some day...like being an aunt is some sort of training or something.

34. I got fired from my first non church related job in high school b/c I called in sick so I could go to church. Two days later they called to see if I wanted my job back...I didn't. I also got grounded for calling in sick when I wasn't. I was grounded from haning out with my church friends. Obviously I was quite the rebel in high school!

35. I am blessed to still have wonderful friendships that i've had since jr high and high school...I don't know what I would do without these friends.

36. I have a best friend who I've known for 19 years...I love that and I love her!...sometimes I miss the days where we would wear matching outfits and I would BEG my mom to let me call her to see if she wanted to go to the grocery store with us! Now I just call her to go to Target and we buy different clothes.

37. I got run over my junior year of high school two weeks before prom.

38. A year later, I went out with the boy that ran over me with his car...I guess I forgave him.

39. My top 3 favortie movies include The Natural, You've Got Mail, and Hook.

40. The only reason I would change jobs would be to plan big events.

41. I like to plan, organize, and make lists.

42. because of this, my real simple magazine subscription holds a special place in my heart.

43. I don't really like to read.

44. I tend to feel that if I'm going to read it should be my Bible or something Jesus related.

45. this has become quite the perdicament considering my new found love of Harry Potter.

46. I know more about Star Trek and Star Wars than I really ever admit. I blame this on my dad and my brother.

47. I also know more about comic books and the X-men then a girl really should...I blame this on them as well.

48. I have a dog and his name is Bauer.

49. I'm a big fan of the tv show 24.

50. I've loved Keiffer Sutherland ever since the Three Muskateers movie.

51. I feel it is important to document the goings on of my life...if not for theraputic purposes then for the sake of my children.

52. thus, I take LOTS of pictures.

53. and I journal most every day.

54. You would think these last three facts combined with my love for crafts would make me a shoe-in for scrapbooking...wrong. I've been working on the same scrapbook for the last 3 years. It's just not going to happen.

55. I love listening to soundtracks. My most favorite are The Natural, Dances with Wolves, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, and You've Got Mail.

56. I work at a greeting card store but I rarely buy the cards.

57. ever since middle school i have LOVED making my own cards.

58. I'm very much a "people person."

59. I always said I would never live alone.

60. I live alone.

61. I absolutely love living alone...though I think I would feel differently if I didn't have Bauer.

62. I'm horribly afraid of the dark.

63. I get really involved with the movies I watch.

64. Sometimes this is annoying to people because I react out loud most of the time.

65. If my final destination is 5 hours or less I refuse to stop the car...unless I'm traveling with the pup.

66. My biggest fear is for Jimmy to not be at my wedding.

67. I love watching him love my mom.

68. I love to cook.

69. I'm working really hard to get all my place settings together so I can start having dinner parties.

70. I try to be home to watch the Wonder Years every night at 9.

71. If I could do anything on a Friday night it would be to get dressed up and go to the theater.

72. Mexican is by far my favorite "type" of food and I probably eat it at least every other day.

73. Potatoes are my favorite food.

74. Kevin James is my celebrity crush.

75. I take the word "friend" very seriously.

76. because of that, the majority of my friends are people I have known for more than 6 years.

77. I love that I have two very different pictures of "college life"

78. I hate that I feel like I didn't really go to college at either school I went to.

79. I love my jeep!

80. I go to Target at least once a week.

81. I prefer to wrap gifts instead of using gifts bag.

82. I'm very particular about how a gift is wrapped.

83. I'm not really sure I have a favorite color.

84. It used to be purple...my room was even purple...but I'm not sure its really my favorite.

85. One time in 8th grade I started really liking cows so I stopped eating beef. That resulted in me loosing a big portion of my iron intake. I had to miss my dress rehearsal for Little Women because I physically couldn't get out of bed. My parents took me to Arby's that night.

86. Arby's is one of my top 3 favorite "fast food" places.

87. I consider myself to be a sweet tea conisour.

88. Honey Mustard is hands down my condiment of choice and if a restaraunt doesn't have it, I rarely will eat there again.

89. I got in a wreck while skipping school in high school. It wasn't my fault and I didn't get in trouble.

90. I would love to be a mascot for a sports team.

91. I've been the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus.

92. Apparently I really like to dress up in costumes. I have an entire section of my closet that is strickly clothes for costume purposes.

93. I tend to keep the same CD in my CD player in my car for at least a month at a time. AND I usually only rotate between 5 CDs. Billy Joel and Paul Simon are in this rotation and sometimes they stay in there longer than a month.

94. At least half of the time I am in my car I keep the radio and music off. I really enjoy the quiet.

95. When the radio is on, half the time its on NPR.

96. I wish I was a better writer. For the sake of my job, and I just think it would be fun. I'm currently reading a book about finding your writing voice. I'm mainly reading it for the sake of my job, but also because I think it will be fun.

97. I absolutely LOVE to fly and there isn't a week that goes by that I don't regret not taking my interview with Southwest to be a flight attendent just to see what would have happened.

98. I love singing in a choir and I miss it terribly.

99. One of my most favorite concerts was the Gaither Christmas Concert. I love gospel music more than most people. (Though Billy Joel is my all time favorite concert, followed by a tie for second with Harry Connick Jr and James Taylor.)

100. A friend once told me that I don't humor anyone. Sometimes I like that, sometimes I don't. I used to be really harsh and blunt...I'm working on being kinder and more sympathetic.

dreams really do come true

2007-09-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

I heard it was coming...I didn't believe it at first, but this week I saw it with my own eyes...even went in and made a purchase. My most favorite store ever has come to Nashville. If I owned a store it would be this one! I'll admit, I feel a little bit better about life these days knowing there is one near by! I would relate this feeling to your team winning the super bowl, or world cup, or christmas morning...its that big of a deal! If you have never been to Swoozies, I highly recommend going...at some point in your life you can benefit from something in the store. Even if you personally aren't that big of a fan of it...someone in your life will be and you can get them a present there!

so big

2007-09-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have known Bauer from the time I brought him home, you have also known that I thought he wouldn't get much bigger than 20 lbs. HA HA HA!!!! I was sure wrong on that one! This past friday was Bauer's 1st Birthday! and he's weighing in just under 35 lbs!!! He's just the cutest little chunk of love! From people who go weeks without seeing to those who see him regularly, the first words out of anyone's mouth seem to be, "He's gotten so big!" He has gotten big, but hopefully now that he's a big boy the growing will calm down. Here are some pictures of Bauer with his birthday presents!!! He LOVED them!

he's so ready for the first day of school!!

he rocked out on his new guitar all night!

bauer loves to show off his grill!

oh...family time...

2007-09-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to Louisiana to celebrate my Granpa's 90th birthday. It's not everyday you get to turn 90 so it was quite the celebration. All my cousins came in, my dad, ...and....Stuart and Sara and BABY SEAN!!!! That by far was the highlight of the weekend. Look how adorable he is!!!

Here are the two most favortie quotes of the weekend...welcome to north Louisiana by the way! Where apparently the only thing to discuss is why Emily isn't married...sweet!

Granny: That's a pretty ring you have there (grabbing my left hand and noticing the ring on my middle finger)
Emily: Thanks Granny!
Granny: Now, when am I going to see an important ring on this very important finger? (still holding my left hand and grabbing my ring finger)
Emily: Ummm, not today.
Granny: Well you know all these men would be flirting with you...but their your cousins!
Emily: Good thing they are!

Family Friend: You are beautiful!
Emily: Thank you!
Family Friend: You know they are saying that we are seeing less and less red heads because no one is marrying red heads...
Emily: (holding up left hand) apparently not!
- to this lady's credit she went on to say how red heads aren't marrying red heads so there are fewer and fewer...however, I still thought it was funny!

blondes ain't got nothin' on me

2007-08-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

so we all know the saying, "Blondes have more fun!" however, I'm pretty sure red heads are a close second...look at these pictures of people putting on the "emily wig" and you be the judge!

someone older and wiser

2007-08-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

I feel like getting older is a gradual process. With the exception of my 16th birthday when I instnatly got to start driving by myself, I feel the aging part of birthdays is a bit anti-climatic. Don't get me wrong, I do LOVE birthdays and will probably always make a big deal out of everyone's and stand by my belief that everyone deserves to be celebrated at least one day of the year. However the feeling older part doesn't really come in one moment on that day...at least it hasn't seemed that way for me.

with 25 being a quater of a century it's a kind of mile marker in ones life. Everyone keeps asking me how I'm doing, if I feel older and wiser and sooo much more closer to 30. Its not so much that I'm ready to be older, but I'm really excited about 25. We'll see if I become wiser this year...

here are some pictures on how I turned 25! Thank you to those who helped me celebrate! The party theme was ME! selfish I know...but it turned out to be really funny. I challeneged folks to dress up like me.

anna dressed up like me strickly by accident...gotta love target

Scott on the other hand did an amazing job of replecating 4th grade emily - what you can't see is that these are overall shorts, with bright blue socks and high tops...and he has a ribbon in his hair! AMAZING!

it was jason and jeremy's birthday as well...so they sang to all three of us!

I feel like 25 is off to a great start...stay tuned...more fun to come I'm sure...oh, more older and totally wiser fun at that!

i'm a pepper, you're a pepper

2007-08-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

I don't remember not liking Dr. Pepper. Its by far my carbinated beverage of choice.

So I moved into my new place, right? Well it happens to be right across the street from target. ugh! I have to cut back on my spending and I move closer to my addiction...not good. But...I shall overcome. Anyway...last night I had a girls night with two friends that consisted of cold stone and a trip to target. At cold stone I didn't really feel like ice cream and wanted some sort of slushy/smoothie type thing. Well I got this strawberry/lemon smoothie and it was good...but didn't do the trick. We walk around target (Please note: for the record I did not buy anything!!!) and we get in the check out line and I say, "I really just want an icee!" Kera, the wise one of the bunch says, "Well there they are, you should just get one." Little did I know my life was about to change.

I looked over towards the icees and there it was. I swear there was a special light from heaven shining on it. - now let me interrupt this story by telling you that I'm not one to buy treats at target. I heard one of my friends mention something about coke and popcorn for real cheap at target and that it could be my new late night snack in my place b/c I could just walk there, but I didn't really listen b/c I had always been so focused on other things in target that when I go in, I just don't even look towards the pizza hut/pretzel/popcorn/icee goodness - So there it was, Dr. Pepper Icees!!!! I had no idea! Had I been missing this all along??? I almost screamed but I didn't ...emily might have screamed for me so it was ok. Needless to say I got right over there in that line and got myself a large Dr. Pepper Icee! The nice lady asked if I wanted my free popcorn...even better! So its true. You can get a large icee as well as popcorn for less than $2 at target. My life is changed...definatly for the better.

ps they also have Jolly Rancher Watermelon icees...kera had her life changed as well.

oh, country music

2007-08-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

Growing up I was very quick to say that I did not like country music. I'm pretty sure I would even use the word "hate" occasionally. It wasn't until I went away to college that I discovered I do like most country music. I think initially I felt like I owed it to Nashville, my hometown, to stick up for country music when I moved away. I began to appreciate the old country and "the legends" and I started really like some of the new stuff...you know the dixie chicks, faith hill, tim mcgraw. I think I always liked Vince Gill (thanks to the Gentry's and me having to watch CMT everymorning before the bus came) and Garth Brooks. But slowly I started keeping the radio on country stations more and more.

Which brings us to today. I currently keep a steady rotation between soft rock (92.9), new indie music (lightning 100), NPR, and my country station of choice 97.9 wsix - mainly b/c of Jerry House in the mornings! So I got to lunch today and its on 97.9 from this morning and this song comes on that I haven't heard before...but the voices are very familiar. I come to the conclusion that it is Tim and Faith, however, the lyrics were HORRIBLE!

It was an obvious love song about two people needing the other person which is sweet and all but then chorus started off with:
"I need you like a needle needs a vain..."
for whatever reason that was the least romantic comparison I would have thought to have made and just thought it was really funny. It went on to say that he also needed her, "like the Father and Son need the Holy Ghost..." Seriously?? they were serious.

I think one of the reasons I have a heard time always liking country music is because the lyrics are so ... I don't know, blatent...which I guess is why some people like it b/c it is rarely sugar coated but I just thought it was really funny. I don't I'll want my husband to ever want me like needle wants a vein...but I guess it works for some folks!

speaking of funny lyrics...i do LOVE the new Brad Paisley song, "TICKS" incredibly clever!

feels like home

2007-08-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time I was this excited! Maybe when my parents surprised me with a puppet stage, or the night I brought Bauer home, either way, I'm pretty excited about my new place to live! Is that silly? I have always said that I would never live by myself. It just sounded horrible to me. I love people so much that to think about coming home to a place where no one else lives was just sad. However, this past spring brought to me a place where I would entertain the thought of living by myself and it would make me really happy. So...I did it! I bit nervous at first, but I am absolutely loving it! It's really funny to me how moving into a new place gives you this feeling of completely being able to start over. It's not new year's, but here are my new house resolutions:

1. Make my bed everyday (we are on day 4 and all things are looking good!)
2. Keep fresh flowers in the room! (I'm not sure this will last, but they make me happy and look pretty and I would love to keep up this habit!)
3. Keep clothes (and especially socks...bauer!) off the floor at all times. - now, techincally not all my close are out of bags yet so I've yet to do this one, but once I get it done I'm hoping to keep it done.
4. I really want to try and be home at least 3 nights a week. I really doubt this will happen but I'm starting to kind of enjoy "emily" time - which is a super shock to me! - and its just so great to love where I live!

I've heard lots of things while being at the new place! I've heard most my neighbors stories which are good ones and I'm excited to have a new community to be involved in. I heard my dog bark A LOT! Who knew the little brat would be such a good guard dog?! I've also heard people tell me they like the place...maybe they are lying, but either way its been great to be able to have people over again and spend time with friends.

Speaking of friends...I could not have made the move without some wonderful folks! They made it such an easy and enjoyable move and made the first few nights full of fun!

humbled by prayer

2007-06-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

Now I'll be honest and say I'm not one of those people who hates for all the attention to be on them...I don't mind it, however, when someone offers to pray for me, pray over me, while I'm standing there I suddenly seem to not want that attention. I never really knew why that was because if you should welcome any kind of attention it should be that of someone praying for you, right?

I leave Friday to go back to Moldova. This will be my third time to go and I couldn't be more ready. I know the kids. I know the routine. I know my God is great and is ready to work! Why am I still nervous and unsure? I've done a bit more behind the scenes, pre-trip work this year which I think is adding to my stress but I've come to appreciate my nerves. I figure if I think I got it all under control then that doesn't leave much room for the Lord to work, right? I'm able to find peace and exercise my faith in the midst of uncertainty of schedules, passports, kids, etc. My God is with me and He is mighty save (so says Zephaniah). I never feel more myself and who God is creating me to be than when I am with these kids in Moldova.

So why do I get all weird when people want to pray for me? I've come to find out that its because I know I so desperately need it that it puts me in a very vulnerable position. I know God has called me to go on this trip...that means there is no way I can do it by myself. I need the prayers of His people. Its very humbling to hear someone pray over me and know that I need those prayers to do His work. Its very humbling and I very much appreciate the prayers I've heard for me, my team, the children we will work with, and the country of Moldova this week. Thank you!

kids kamp kraziness

2007-06-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the last night of Cool Springs Kids Kamp 2007 (that's the fancy name for what my church calls their Vacation Bible School). Though these past few weeks have been some of the most stressful as I've tried to prepare myself, my church, and the kids for this week I have to say I'm kind of saved its almost over. That's a rather new mindset about it though.

Last week, and even up until Sunday friends and family would ask how I was and if I felt prepared or stressed or ready, etc. My answer was always something to the extent of, "I'd really like to wake up and it be August!" I was ready for Kids Kamp to be over. I was ready to be back from Moldova. I was ready to move out and move in somewhere and be settled. However, today, I'm not ready. I'm not ready for this week to be over. Tuesday night we had several kids say they were ready to accept Christ! Some went home and were able to sit with their parents and ask questions and pray to accept Christ into their lives. Others came back Wednesday ready to pray with their teachers! Though I can't quite remember a time I have been this stressed, this busy, this over-comitted, and this out of touch with my friends, its all worth it because these kids lives are forever changed! It's exciting to be a part of!

This is why I do all that I do. It's why I decided to help with Kids Kamp. It's why I can't not go back to Moldova. It's why I work for organization that changes the lives of children on a daily basis. I love Jesus and I long for others to love Him as well. I have no doubt I will wake up tomorrow morning and be joyful...and not just because the kids kamp stress is over, but because my God is alive and He is growing His kingdom and reaching out to His children!

So...to all my friends who I've not been able to have real converstaions with in weeks...I'm sorry, but I'm almost back and ready for action. Thank you for understanding and to most of you, thank you for making this week a great one for the kids! Once tonight is over and I'm done making goal posts and planning bible studies and freaking out about who will teach cheerleading...I'm ready to have friends again!...well for two weeks, until I go to Moldova!

a favorite

2007-05-23T07:04:00.001-07:00

If you were to ask me, "Emily, what's your favorite restaurant?" Anyone who knows me at all knows that I will say...well true, Las Palmas is near and dear to my heart but if we are going for all time favorite, then I would say...ok, well Baja Burrito would come before Las Palmas, but still if we are going for all time favorite and money isn't an option...YES! The Cheesecake Factory. The obsession started early on really. You would think that a love of cheesecake compelled me to enjoy this place so much when actually it was the other way around. A love of the Factory taught me to appreciate the amazing dessert that is the cheesecake. Its the whole experience there that I love. The atmosphere, the book of a menu, the fabulous food, and of course...the cheesecake.

Now, what many of you don't know is that there is a place I love just as much. I know what you are thinking...that its not possible. It is though. There is a place that I LOVE, but I never really talk about it. One reason is most people haven't heard of it so its just easier to say, "the Cheesecake Factory!" and then whoever asked the question will usually responded with, "Oh yeah, I went to one of those in Chicago!" or "Yes! That's a great choice, however you know I've never had the cheesecake. I'm always too full!" See, not only is the cheesecake Factory a great place to eat, but a fabulous conversation starter as well. I'm not sure other reasons why I don't mention it. I guess b/c I've never been there with friends, I don't know. anyway...

So today I heard that I get to plan the menu for a lunch that we are doing at work and it is coming from Mere Bulles, my favorite restaurant. I've only been there for work events and meetings but I absolutely love it. Its in an old plantation home in Brentwood. Its beautiful, especially at Christmas. I love everything about it. The fact that the waiters remember repeat customers, the atmosphere, the art work on the walls, the patio when its nice outside, the fact you can reserve to eat in the Library, but most importantly the She Crab bisque soup. It is the most amazing soup and it is the main reason I love this place so much. I've also never had anything twice on the menu and I've yet to be disappointed. From Mahi-Mahi Sandwiches to Rib Rolls or various salads...gosh, its all so good!

So, the truth comes out. My true favorite. If you've never been I encourage you to go...and you can take me if you want!

Auntie Em!

2007-05-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

so my sister-in-law just had a baby...that makes me an aunt...and my brother a father! It's crazy! Sean Michael Lamkin was born on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 12:30pm! They are home and everyone is doing well! I can't wait to meet the little guy...I'm not sure when that can happen but hopefully soon!

seriously??!!!?

2007-05-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

so...though my dog is cute... as you can see for yourself, i'm not sure he's the smartest. Granted, he can learn tricks and he's learned the names of most of his toys, and he can act like a cat with the best of them however, the commen sense factor may not be all there.

Some of you may remember my blog after Valentine's Day recalling the account of when Bauer decided to consume and entire toy. 20 stitches later...we were fine. You would have thought that would teach him not to eat cloth...it didn't. Don't worry.

Yesterday I got back from my trip to Chattanooga and picked Bauer up from my parent's house (Gran and Pop as they like to be called). He was really tired and lazy when we got home. I figured this was because he had been playing outside for two days and was worn out. This morning he woke me up at 5am throwing up. I wasn't all that concerned...it was just some grass and such, nothing to be worried about...again, he had been playing outside for two days and bauer tends to run with his mouth open and eat everything that comes in his way so I assumed the grass intake was higher than normal causing his stomach to be upset. We continue on with our morning routine...breakfast, outside, I take a shower, start getting ready, etc. Usually while I get ready Bauer camps out under my bed. That's where he was this morning when I hear him start hacking something up. I take a quick glance under the bed and it looks like bauer is just chewing on a toy. I look a bit closer...not a toy, a pair of underwear...THAT HE JUST THREW UP! My dumb dog swallowed a pair of underwear whole and then threw it up this morning. It was disgusting! HILARIOUS! but really gross. Seriously bauer, stop eating cloth!

choose your own adventure

2007-05-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

The first part of this week I spent at that Chattanooga campus of the Children's Homes. Monday night was the retirement dinner for our East Region Vice President. It was a lovely dinner and I was touched as I heard friends and collegues get up and say such nice things about this man. At the end, Dr. Segrest got up and said a few words. He began to talk about being a pastor, a sunday school teacher, a trustee for the Children's Homes, and finally a RVP for us. He then thanked his wife for standing beside him through all thier years of adventure in ministry.

I liked that...adventure in ministry. I think its true. I found myself longing to be able to tell stories from my own adventures in ministry. I continued to think about that the rest of the night, and still the next morning during the board meeting...and still on my way home.

As christians we are always in ministry. Everything we do. Too often I forget that. Even working for a christian organization I forget that what I do is ministry. When I'm not working at the Children's Home...I'm still doing ministry. I got really excited when I began to think of it that way! What an adventure our lives can be!

I'm not sure I've done the best job of being excited about my job...I am. I love it and I love the work God allows me to do for these precious children! What children you ask? These absolutely adorable ones! (this is what I did monday...it was a blast!)

happy birthday!

2007-05-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

so I've heard "Happy Birthday!" A lot lately. I had two friends have birthdays back to back this past weekend.

I was excited that they both had parties. Someone once asked me when I think I'll get too old to have a birthday party. I'm not quite sure that will ever happen. It could possibly have something to do with my previous blog...however my mom hasn't had birthday parties for herself since I can remember so I think we might differon this topic. I realize, I'm still really young to make a comment like "I will never not have a birthday party." I realize I could one day have kids and a family and they would take priority over my birthday but I just love birthdays so much. My mom always made a big deal about our birthdays so naturally I see them as highly important.

I love the fact that everyone has their own special day for themselves! You should be celebrated! I never understand why people don't like their birthday or don't like getting older. There is so much excitement in starting a new year. Maybe I'm just really cheesy and like excuses to have parties...but honestly I think I genuinely love the concept of celebrating someone! Is that wierd? maybe. What's also weird is that I've had 24 bithday parties and only repeated a theme once. CRAZY! Wonder what the big 2-5 theme will be? any suggestions???

as a side note: I realize I've talked about my mom a bit in these last two blogs. I think that may have to do with the fact that it is Mother's Day on Sunday. At the Children's Home we get 25% of our operating budget from the Mother's Day Offering...which is my responsiblity. So this is my plug for you to give! Honor or remember the special women in your life by giving to the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes. Your gift helps a child in need recieve the love and care they deserve!!!

...and that's what Easter is all about.

2007-04-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

When you meet my mother I have a feeling you begin to understand me in a whole new way. I think that in a way, that's true for most people. Meeting someone's parents allows you to understand why that person is the way they are a little better. However, I think my resemblance to my mother goes a bit deeper than most. That may have to do with the fact that my brother's resemblance to my father goes a whole lot deeper than most (mainly b/c they didn't spend everyday together so to have the same voice inflection, laugh, mannerisms, and interests is amazing). Luckily for me, most days I really like my mom so I don't mind being like her in a lot of ways.

For as long as I can remember, we have always had people over for holidays. Not just family but friends and neighbors. I'm not sure if this is because we aren't real sure what will happen if its just the family so we invite others over to be buffers or if it really is the heart beat of my mother to reach out and always minister when the opportunity to presents itself. I'm sure there is some of both, but i believe more of the latter. My mom genuinely loves people. I've always known this about her but I think this Easter it became more real.

Easter Sunday was coming up and mom asked if I had any friends in town who wouldn't get to go home and be with thier families. I was certain I did so I told her I would get back to her. Like I said earlier, we've always had people over for Easter lunch, thanksgiving dinner, etc. Sometimes its been neighbors, friends from church who have lost loved ones...once I went to college in town it quickly turned into me having friends over who couldn't go home and see thier own parents. So, I emailed a few friends to see if folks were staying here or going home. I began to get a lot of responses about friends that would love to come over. I started getting nervous b/c I could tell right away this wouldn't be the same gathering of a few friends like there had been in years past. I got nervous that my mom would get upset because of all the people coming over. I told her my concern and she looked at me and said, "Oh, that's fine. That's what Easter is all about!" Meaning, what a better time than resurrection Sunday to fellowship with loved ones.

The more I think about it, I think that's what life is all about ultimately. Yes, Easter and Christmas and Thanksgiving are all great times to spend with family and friends, but I guess this is maybe something my mother has enstilled in my heart. A love for people. Maybe this is why I throw so many parties and always want to have people over. That's what life is all about, right? We are called to have life and to have it abundently. I guess that looks different for everyone. But to me, thanks to my mom, that looks like having lots of friends over for good food!

All that to say, I like my mom. I like the ways that I'm like her. I'm thankful for her and Jimmy and that they love my friends just as much as I do. And that they love when 17 of them come over for Easter Lunch! I hope each of you had a great Easter...wether it was spent with family or friends or a mixture. After all, that's what Easter is all about. And if that doesn't sound like a line from Charlie Brown then I'm not sure what does!

me? entranced by a book?

2007-03-02T07:09:00.000-08:00

I don't usually blog on anything all that serious...mainly because I'd prefer to actually discuss "serious" things with actual people, not just put it out there for whoever to stumble upon. However, I've read some things lately that have provoked my mind in a way it hasn't been in a long time.

I started reading this book (I know, shocker #1). The thing is, I can't put it down (shocker #2). I've never been a reader. I'm not really sure why. Maybe because I was forced to go in so many bookstores as a child with my dad and brother that I was turned off at an early age. Maybe its because I just simply enjoy conversation more than reading words. Maybe its because I fall asleep within the first paragraph usually...who can know really. However, I have recently began reading Girl Meets God, by Lauren Winner. Its about a girl who became an Orthodox Jew convert and then later converts to Christianity. I'm fascinated by her thoughts. I fascinated by how smart she sounds when she writes, which leads me to think she is actually smart when she doesn't write as well. It makes me want to write and want to think deeply about life and God and my faith. It makes me want to get coffee and sit and read all day on a rainy saturday - granted I don't like coffee and I don't like to read.

Here's a quote that I processed for long time last time. It just makes me think...not in a "gosh, this girls got it all figured out" kind of way, but in a "I really want to think about God" kind of way...maybe that doesn't make sense, its ok.

"Here is the thing about God. He is so big and so perfect that we can't really understand Him. We can't possess Him, or apprehend Him. Moses leanred this when he climbed up Mount Sinai and saw that the radiance of God's face would burn him up should he gaze upon it directly. But God so wants to be in relationship with us that He makes himself small, smaller than He really is, smaller and more humble that his infinite, perfect self, so that we might be ablt to get to Him, a little bit."

She goes on to talk about God shrinking Himself down into "manger finiteness" and then quotes another author who says, "For people with bodies, important things like love have to be embodied. That's all. God had to be embodied, or else poeple with bodies would never in a trillion years understand about love."

now maybe none of this makes you think. maybe it makes you think, "wow em, you're really simple minded if this is what makes you think...I thought about this years ago." which is fine. Either way, I encourage you to think...about life, about God, your faith. Maybe it will inspire you to meet with friends and discuss what you think about those things. Maybe you too will long for a rainy saturday to sit in a coffee shop and read even when you too don't like coffee and don't like to read.