seeing vs. hearing

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

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?!

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

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

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

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

cait

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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!

em

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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.