New York day 3

• We went into the city today. For some reason the path station and subway took forever. So after possibly an hour of more we made it to Central Park. We went to Strawberry Fields and ate lunch there. Strawberry Fields is a memorial for John Lennon. Imagine. It was pretty awesome, really pretty and surprisingly it was not crowded. (I think the 20 degree weather had something to do with it!)
• After that we took the subway again to get home, and it took quite a while. We did have some entertainment in the subway. There was a jazz band (they actually had a CD) and the lead guy played trumpet, but he played two at one time. He was pretty good.
• My big surprise was.....Eric Hutchinson's concert!! I love him and he was great to hear live. So entertaining, so so so funny, and sounds almost better live than on the radio. The concert was at The Bowery Ballroom which is near Little Italy and Chinatown. We drove there. Traffic was horrible we left at 6 and didn't get there until 9. But once we got there they hadn't started yet and we didn't miss anything. So it worked out just fine.
  
• I went through the Holland tunnel for the first time. I didn't freak out, it was kinda cool. So I can cross that one off my list.
  
• My flight leaves today at 5. I'm not sure if we will have much time to do anything today. We got in last night at 2, so I am somewhat ok with taking it easy.
• The fashion here is amazing. Take a girl from Rome. Pretty normal and I stand out because I'm more normal! I love it!!! It is impossible to stand out with crazy fashion items in the city. There were people in green suits covering their entire body. I thought one girl was dressing up from the 80s, and she wasn't. Boots that have their own zip code cause they are so big. I don't know why but there were about 50 people in Santa suits walking all over in Chinatown. PJ bottoms and a party shirt. Anything goes, its great!
  

I have had the best time!!! Other than traffic and subway troubles it has been 100% relaxing. Even with those troubles its been a million times fun!!!!! lol I don't want to come back home, but I will be happy to see Jeremy again soon!

ABS

New York day 2

• It stopped raining yesterday. There were actually blue skies which I don't think I have seen in New York yet!
• We went to Liberty State Park and took a ferry out to Ellis Island and to Liberty Island. The Statute of Liberty was beautiful. I loved it, I have never seen it that close up. Liberty park was my favorite from last year, and I still think it is my favorite.
• On Ellis Island they have a computer where you can look up you families name and see if and when they traveled through Ellis Island. I found two of my families names. They came from Sweden in 1902. So that was pretty awesome to see and to think about.
• We went into the city to Chinatown-Canal Street. We did a little shopping and just kinda walked around looking at everything.
  
• Then we went to Times Square-Broadway at night, I really don't know why, that place is just so entertaining to me.
• On the subway I am almost 95% sure I saw a model from this years Americas next top model. I almost asked her, but I chickened out for some reason. I think it was Marjorie.
  
• Then we ate dinner in the village at Caliente. It was nice, but so loud. Katja actually started screaming HELP just to see if people could hear her...they couldn't.
• And I learned some Italian words. lol

Today we are going to Central Park to have either a picnic or lunch there. The tour we wanted to go on was booked so I think we are going on Sunday. Then tonight is whatever Katja has planned. I cant wait to find out what it is.

(Oh...we didn't say, but I am pretty sure we both kinda backed out on the ice skating...It was like $40 a person and neither of us can skate, so I don't think we will be doing that.) lol

Anyway....I am having so much fun, its going to be so hard to leave!!

ABS

New York - Day 1

Well...I am in New York now!! I thought I would post some blogs while I am up here. I have the tendency to forget everything I did so maybe this will help. The flight over here was actually pretty ok. I am still very scared of flying, but overall it was a nice flight. I come to New York and guess what I did, yep I forgot my camera! Katjas camera is broken, and my cell phone camera doesn't ever take a good picture. So who knows what I will do!? It will not quit raining here. Katja said that she has not ever seen it rain this much for that long here. I guess I must have brought the Georgia rain with me or something. Today we are going into the city. Times Square, Central Park, Canal Street, something Katja wants to surprise me with, and ice skating. Ice skating in Central Park is going to be fun...I do not know how to skate, and I have never been able to move while attempting to ice skate...but I still think it will be fun!! I am typing this on Katjas computer. Its a German computer. Now you would think that all computers would be the same...but the y and z are switched. Now why would these need to be switched? I can see why there are extra keys like... µ,ß,ö,ä...but why switch the y and z? Anyway... I didn't bring and liquid stuff because of flight restrictions. I used all of Katjas stuff this morning. I go to brush my teeth, I THINK I used toothpaste. It was in German, I really really hope it was toothpaste and not lotion or soap or something! Anyway, off to New York in a few hours!! I think I will post more later!!

ABS

Praise and Adore (Wavorly)

I have been listening to this song almost non-stop recently. It's Praise and Adore by Wavorly.

There is one line in this that says "In every way You're beautiful". Do know the feeling of when you first get into a new relationship? Everything is new, exciting, perfect. In every way it's beautiful. (Reality here) Well of course it's perfect, you haven't had any time to see the negative, to see the flaws. So what are God's flaws? You wont find any, it's not possible, he's perfect. What are our flaws? You're going to find some, maybe even many. But here's what happens: we get saved, into a new relationship with God. He's perfect, and we are perfect to him also. Then our flaws come out, we mess up, we sin, we ask forgiveness, and boom we are perfect yet again. I mean really, this is the best possible relationship any of us could ever ask for. Doesn't thinking about that just make you love God even more, if that's even possible? Just to love how much he truly loves you? It does to me. He IS beautiful in every way, I adore him, and because of how amazing his love is for me and my love is for him I just want to praise him. So this song is about God creating life and everything in the universe. Feeling God as real as you feel the breeze. There is no way accident created this place. It's about praising and adoring our creator.


(I can't find a real music video, so just listen to the words.)

What I have to say is obvious
A knowledge free, for all of us are
Your Word leaves us with no excuse
The paths we choose make us who we are
There's a breeze blowing through here tonight

So I praise and adore You
Lay it all down before You
In every way You're beautiful
From my heart
I praise and adore
You made the world beautiful
I cannot stand and deny
You created life
And some live without it

Wake up morning sunrise in my eyes
At night the moon lights all the sky
The sound of hope that's in the air
In everything, it's everywhere
There's a breeze blowing through here tonight

It's true, it's all You
It's true, it's all You

So I praise and adore You
Lay it all down before You
In every way You're beautiful
From my heart
And every breath I take
There's no way
Accident created this place

I'm going to New York!

I love New York. You know the shirts "I "heart" NY"? Yea, I think those were made just for me. I love the people, the city, the old churches, the water, everything. I don't think I could live there long term, but I love visiting and spending time there. Well I am leaving on Thursday to go to New York!!!! My friend Katja lives in Jersey and I am going to visit her. She is planning something for while I am up there, but I have no idea what it is. I was just told to buy a plane ticket. I don't even care what it is we are doing, I am just so excited to go there and see the city and see Katja. It's so hard sometimes to have your best friend live so far away. I haven't seen her since July, which is actually not that long ago compared to what it usually is. SO I started thinking a little about my friends. Why is it that some people seen to have the mentality that you can have one "best" friend? Or even one friend? Does anyone other than me realize how absolutely crazy that sounds? (And you know I honestly don't think this is the mentality of many people, possibly just some people in my "circle". So if that is the case, consider this just a little venting.) I guess the only point I want to make is: I love my all of my friends, Jeremy is my best friend and so is Katja. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that no matter how you can possibly look at it.

Carol of the Bells

Get in the Christmas Spirit!!!!!
I love this song. I am not usually one for this type of music, but I think it's a new Christmas favorite of mine this year. Kinda long, but good.

Of course Thanksgiving...

I know, the day after Thanksgiving this is like the 100th story of a person's Thanksgiving you've read. Oh Well...

I posted a blog earlier about how I hate Thanksgiving. (Read it...NOW!) Well this year was the best Thanksgiving. My Nana was here, my in-laws (who I consider like my own mom and dad..."in-laws" sometimes doesn't seem to give them enough credit), and my parents were all there (and of course me & Jeremy). We drove around Little River Canyon, which was very pretty and took our yearly pictures. Then after we ate everyone stayed at my house, played games, and ate dessert. After they all left, I put up our Christmas Tree, then we went over to our friends house. It was just fun. Maybe Thanksgiving is not that bad after all.

What am I thankful for? My Family. This can include so many people I am not going to name them, just know my family is awesome and I love them all!

How quickly does God move?

I'm not sure if I already posted a blog about this or not...but I'm going to again anyway...

How quickly does God move? Probably the automatic response is FAST!
Then ask...How quickly does God heal? Deliver? Prosper? Forgive? - Sometimes if you are dealing with any of these issues it may not seem like it happens FAST!

God taught me something about this recently. We are never, ever waiting on him. We don't have to jump through hoops to get forgiveness. We don't have to go through a long journey to be delivered. Think about it: In the world if you wrong a friend, you have to wait for them to forgive you and go out of your way for them. Or if you are (for example) addicted to something in the world you go through a "journey" to recovery to be delivered from it. Now why would God make us do these same things? He doesn't. God has put absolutely no limits on what we can do though him. We are the only ones that can turn something FAST into something tedious and long. We could possibly be wasting precious time on something that God has already delivered us from or already forgave us for. God does move FAST!

Thanksgiving for me...

So I'll just say it. I hate Thanksgiving, I always have. Growing up I was an only child, every family member lived states away, the food was good, but then the clean up was horrible. And cleaning up on a full stomach would always make me sick for the rest of the day. (I'll add that my parents are wonderful and did everything to make it special, but I just don't like it.) While all my friends were seeing their grandparents, and having a huge Thanksgiving feast, it just seemed like a normal day at my house, just a fancier meal (with a bigger mess). I always missed my family so much on Thanksgiving. So this year I am so excited. My Nana is here in town for this Thanksgiving and we are spending it with her. I can't remember ever seeing any of my grandparents on Thanksgiving. And we are NOT cooking, we are going to DeSoto Lodge in Alabama and have reservations there for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I am really looking forward to it. It finally seems like the Thanksgiving I have always wanted!

Support our Troops

This is something I saw on my friend Merecia's page today:

"If you can't stand behind our troops,
Feel free to stand in front of them."


Yea, that says it all on how I feel about the subject.

New funniest...

I could not stop laughing - enjoy!

All Eyes East

Come here some great music from a great band.
ALL EYES EAST

It's fun!

I have been reading the bible a lot lately. Not that I didn't read it before, but I'm seriously reading it like crazy now over the past few months. You know, not just going through the actions, but actually learning and growing more. It's so much fun! It's amazing at how much something so little can change your entire life. What I mean by "little" is the time and effort involved. Just a changed attitude can give you can much more of God. In a small group a week or so ago someone said we should always expect something. Expectations...so I really thought about that, and I started doing that. Something so little can create something so big. I have always been saved, I was raised a Christian, I grew up in spirit-filled churches, and I have always loved God. I have always heard people say "you remember the way you felt when you first got saved?" and everyone gets all excited and says yes!! Well I don't, never have. I've always had God, can't really remember not being spirit-filled. Which is such an amazing thing. However, I don't think that feeling comes only when you first get saved. I think it comes when you are lit on fire because of what you see God doing, because of how amazing you see him working in your life, and because the more and more you learn about God you still know there is more to learn and love! Well I've got that feeling, and it's great! And the ONLY thing I changed was the people I hang out with, the amount of time I read the bible, and how much I pray. Isn't it so simple? With God the possibilities are endless...

Who's on first?

Try not to laugh

You can vote however you like

Can you feel it?

Can you see the wind? I can see the effects of the wind, I can feel the wind.

Can you see God? I can see the effects of God, I can feel God.

What happens when it's windy outside? Leaves blow, tress sway, our hair blows, basically because of the wind moving things, objects around us change. They move, things change and are not the same as they were before the wind moved them. Can a leaf move back where is was before the wind moved it, exactly where it was? Can our hair move back exactly where is was, each strand in the exact spot of our head? No. Once the wind moves things, they move to something different, something new. That's what God does. He moves and we are changed. If we feel God, and move with God we can move into something different, something new, something exciting. If you feel a move of God I can guarantee something about you changes. When God moves people change, lives are changed, relationships are changed. Open yourself up to God.

It's like a windy day, you can stay inside a building looking out at people enjoying the wind, or you can walk through the wind enjoying it for youself. Walk with God, feel God, experience God. It's much more fulfilling than staying inside a box.

Who's watching you?

Two things first...

• I voted today - only waited for about 1 hour. Not so bad.
• I wrote a big policy today for a home in Calhoun. 5 bathrooms, 3 fireplaces, 3 car garage, 7,000 square feet, 11 acres... :-D AND the people liked me so much they are switched their cars to me too (Mercedes Benz by the way) :-D

Who's watching you?

What if your life was like a sitcom with people watching everything you do? Or the movie "What Women Want" where the guy can read women's thoughts? What if camera's followed you around everywhere, seeing everything, hearing everything, but ALSO reading all your thoughts? That's crazy huh?! It makes you think: I need to behave, talk with love, think pure thoughts, be nice, don't cuss. Things along that line. Well God sees every thing you do, and hears everything you think. It's not like he just shows up to listen when you are praying. Are there certain aspects of your life that need to be corrected? I know there are in my life, there are in every one's life...we are not perfect. Someone once told me this: "From the moment you wake up make your entire day, movements, and thoughts be a prayer to God, make everything a conversation with God" What if we all did this, all the time? I can imagine how many things would be different.

Would you like to biggie size that?

I went shopping today. Here is a little background on me... in high school I was a size 0/2, once I got married that increased a little, maybe 15 pounds. So I started going up in sizes :-(...but some of these sizes started to get me thinking. I am 24 and weigh more than nothing and less than too much. And in the past few weeks I have bought from the Juniors department size 11/13 pants, XL bathing suit, and XL&L shirts. (I'm not saying that those sizes are big by any means, they are just big for me personally and what my build is.) Then today I wondered over to the misses/women's section. Guess what...I am a SMALL and size 4/6. You would think that is where I would be shopping huh? BUT I LOVE fashion and the misses clothes are all "career" and not the best fashion sense clothing for my taste. The clothes are so drasticly different. So in one walk across a clothing store I go from a Small to an Extra-Large. What kind of message are these clothing companies sending to young teenage girls? Anyone who is more developed than a 5th grader is an XL? In misses you are a Medium, but in Juniors you are "plus" size? Perhaps if clothes were adequately sized throughout the clothing industry the body images of millions of girls would improve. For me buying an XL kills me and makes me feel like I've "let myself go". However, in my instance, I swallowed my pride, I picked the more fashionable clothing for my taste, and am immediately tearing out the size tags as soon as I get home. So yes I chose to biggie size that!

That's my King

Feeling stressed, down, alone? Watch this video about God and who he is, and what he is all about. Just take a moment and remember who God is and what he does. For me it's taking a moment to remember just who this wonderful amazing God is that I love and serve.

Daylight - Brave Saint Saturn

This is one of my new favorites. It is by Brave Saint Saturn.
In this song - Daylight: God and the darkness: sin

Someone took this song and made their own video...it's awesome when you think about what the song is REALLY saying.

New Song

I was practicing my bass last night and started playing around with this new song. I love the words in it. I can't find where to play the music version, but here are the lyrics.


When all around is fading
And nothing seems to last
When each day is filled with sorrow
Still I know with all my heart

He's got the whole world in his hands
He's got the whole world in his hands
I'll fear no evil for you are with me
Strong to deliver mighty to save
He's got the whole world in his hands

When I walk through fire
I will not be burned
When the waves come crashing round me
Still I know with all my heart

He's got the whole world in his hands
He's got the whole world in his hands
I'll fear no evil for you are with me
Strong to deliver mighty to save
He's got the whole world in his hands.



Isn't that awesome? I think no matter who is reading this, this song can be applied to something in your life. Obviously it can be applied to things going on in the world. Gas prices, economy, stock market, the upcoming new president. Nothing matters out of any of these, because no matter what God has the whole world in his hands. He is bigger, better, and stronger than anything going on in the world. It's an amazing song and really spoke to me. I have had a stressful day, and have some things I could complain about, retaliate and defend myself. But I would rather just share this nice and uplifting song.


ABS <3

When one door closes...

"When one door closes, another one opens."

I'm sure everyone has heard that saying. For me in particular, that has not always been the case. I close a door (or chapter in my life) and the next "door" smacks me in the face. :-) But lately with a certain situation I have delt with it has worked for me. I let go of some things, it was hard, unbelieably hurtful, but I feel like I needed to let go, so something better can come in. And after just possibly 2 weeks I think these "better" things are coming in. It's like I thew out the negative so now there is room for posivite. To be specific I "let go" of 2 things, and 3 good ones popped right up. Letting go was something God showed me I needed to do. And going where God wants me has much better outcomes than going there on my own. It is a fine line for me that I think I am still learning, showing God to people and walking in love, but also finding away to remove myself for the situation. God truely helps me define this line, it's not prefect, but it's on the right track in my opinion. I am really looking forward to new things, new positive things to be exact. It's needed, and God is showing me daily that it's already here. I just have to open myself to the greatness.

CRUISE!

Well we are back from our cruise. I seriously did not want to leave! We had the best time, the trip was safe, fun, and had no problems!

• We were able to board the ship early, which was really nice. Check-in was no problem at all. Our rooms were ready earlier than expected, and we were on the boat so early it was almost like we had it to ourselves.
• Our first night at sea was so nice. The food was amazing! The boat was so fancy and clean and everyone was very nice!
• We woke up around 6:30 every morning to watch the sunrise. It was cloudy, but still beautiful.
• NASSAU: BEAUTIFUL! We went to the straw market, which can be compared to Canal Street in New York. I got a Coach purse...it's real and it was $20:shh... We ate lunch at a Bahamian place, food was OK, but the food on the boat was much better! Then Jeremy and I went to find a beach. We ask a local where the prettiest beach on the Island was and she said it was Cabbage Beach near Atlantis. We took a ferry boat ride to the other side of the island (which was fun and came with a water tour of famous peoples houses!) We then got lost and walked/wondered around for about 1 or 2 miles until we found this beach. (everyone was very helpful with directions, but we couldn't understand a word they were saying!) Surprisingly getting lost in the Bahamas is nice, not scary! One second in the water and on the beach was worth the 2 mile walk. It was the nicest, clearest beach I have ever been on. This was probably my favorite place. After we swam and played a while we took a taxi back to the port. Going through customs to get back on the boat was a breeze...quick and easy.
• GREAT STIRRUP CAY: BEAUTIFUL! This is the cruise lines private island. Now some people "toot their own horn" so this "private beach" I thought wouldn't be as nice as I was picturing it...it was nicer. It was a big island, completely private and beautiful. Surrounded by coral, tons of fish, and palm trees. We went snorkeling, ate lunch (which was already included), went shopping, and even took a nap in a hammock.
• Each night on the boat was a blast. We went swimming on the top deck, hung out in the hot tub, went shopping on board, and played ping pong, hockey, and shuffle board. Also the plays and shows were awesome. They had a comic and he was hilarious! They also had the captain preform a song. He sang and played amazing. And the cruise director played harmonica wonderfully. They had a party each night on the top deck, we dropped by but didn't stay.

All in all it was a wonderful trip. I can't wait to go again! We are already starting to plan the next cruise!!!! I HIGHLY recommend cruising with Norwegian Cruise Lines!!

ABS

Cruise Time

Well we are leaving tonight for our cruise! For those who don't know here's where we get to go:

• Friday - Leave from Miami, FL Port
• Saturday - Nassau, Bahamas
• Sunday - Great Sturrip Cay (Private Island)
• Monday - Back in Miami

Jeremy and I were talking this morning and we realized, we have been planning this since April!! I'm so glad it's finally time! We need a STRESS FREE vacation! We joke that sometimes with us whatever can go wrong, does go wrong...SO we are paying for a 1000000000000000% (however much that is) SAFE trip! I want no tow trucks, freak rain storms, lost money, crazy people, or pushing cars UP exit ramps. I want to be able to leave and enter the country with no problem, I want the car to work, I want no hurricanes, I want to have money I plan on having, and to be relaxed! So pray with me for those things!!!

Obviously I am a TAD bit nervous, but I can't wait!!!!!!!!!

ABS

Random thoughts

Good Morning ~ here are some random side notes from me....

• You know the scripture "Love is patient, Love is kind" well my husband proved those very things to me last night. (I'll will just mention patient & kind.) We were shopping for cruise clothes last night. He was done shopping so he came and waited by the dressing room for me. I tried on 4 bathing suits, 5 dresses, and other t-shirts...any idea how long that takes?? He didn't complain one bit, in fact I didn't even ask him to wait, he just did so he could see what I was trying on. I came out in this cute dress, but it looked 100% ridiculous on me. The man could have burst out laughing (I almost did) but he just said: "doesn't look so bad, maybe just try on the others"...now seriously, could you be any more kind?? Yea my husband is awesome!
• Do you have any idea how liberating it feels to simply delete myspace? It's just myspace, but with myspace can come all that drama I've been talking about. It's deleted and I already feel better. Wow I actually feel a little rebellious...I've gotta live on the edge more!
• I'm so proud, I have been venturing out like crazy...I actually bought a shirt that was not all black!! (95% of my closet is black & white...I don't know why, I just love it!) Talk about living on the edge! And even though I don't really wear them, I bought 2 pairs of shorts. My first pair since my honeymoon...4 years ago! :-)
• It's 10:00AM, I got to work at 8:30AM and I have barley accomplished anything...so I guess I better get to it!
• Leaving for the cruise SOON!!!

ABS

Favorite Things...

OK so a lot of stuff has seemed to been going so very wrong around me lately. And when that happens I have found that it helps me to say and do a few things. Obviously pray and surround myself with Godly people, but also a few other things. Saying "this to shall pass": corny yes I know, but it really helps me out. Also that song from sound of music "these are a few of my favorite things" SO here are a few of MY favorite things. IE things that make me happy:

• toasted marshmallows
• the smell of a campfire
• my cat
• ICEDREAM from Chickfila!!!!!!!
• waking up a little early on purpose just so I can sleep in a little
• driving in the Jeep
• the fan in an open window at night, making it freezing inside
• a good hair day
• painting my toenails
• coffee
• Christmas time/decorating/music/get-together's
• fitting into clothes I wore in high school
• my nephews & nieces: Anderson, Sophie, Felicity, Emerson...(& coming soon: Campbell, and Withrow baby #2!!)
• watching Reba
• going away for a weekend
• camping
• fishing/fly-fishing
• actually catching a fish
• actually catching a fish bigger than my hand :-)
• learning new songs on my bass

Wow ~ it really does help a little to simply think of the good things, favorite things. Staying positive is so much more fulfilling than focusing on the negative.

ABS

Friends turned Family

I just had a little thought. It is amazing to me how some things work. You have your family, then you have your friends. I was thinking about people in my life, and to me I have a family and friends who have turned into my family. Forget the "best" friend thing, some of my friends are my family. I don't like to do "shout outs" to certain friends and people because chances are you are going to leave someone out! Some friends that are in my life I really consider my family and I want to mention them!! And I'll add in some family members...

I'm not big on sappy stuff, I am not very good at it, but maybe just a little for right now!! These of course are in no particular order!!

• Jeremy - duh you know I am madly in love with you. It goes without saying! It's a little weird for me to think of you as my family and my husband. I mean when you stop and think about it, you are my relative...my parents call you their son. So in essence you are my love, my husband, my family, my relative, and my friend. Who else can I say that about? It's hard to wrap your mind around how huge that is. We are one person, not two different people living together, but one person. Yea...you are awesome and I love you so very much!
• Katja - we have been through a lot! :-) You are such a great friend and person. I have learned so much from you, and grown so much because of you. To call you a friend or even best friend is an understatement. You are my family, my sister, and I would do anything for you! Loves you!!!!!
• Amanda - I have known you longer than everyone except my own parents! We have been through TONS of stuff!! You know you are my family and I will always be there for you whenever you need it, and you would do the same for me. There are few greater miracles than seeing a baby be born. I loved being there when Felicity was born. It was the most amazing thing, and I am so glad I was there to witness that! I love you!! BFFEAATDDEUP! :-)
• Phillip - I know we call each other brother and sister, you really are that to me. No matter when we talk, what we are doing, or where we are, you are my brother. :-) I joke that I only sometimes "claim" you, but I claim you all the time (even if you do like Alabama & Tennessee). To be an only child and still have a big brother is pretty awesome!
• My whole church family - It's like I have been birthed into a whole new family. New people, new place, new relationship's. I love where I am right now, and I look forward to making new long lasting relationship's. It's also amazing to me how church people almost automatically (at this church) can turn into my new family. I love it. It's a little bit awesome!
• Mom & Dad - Again it goes without saying. You are both so amazing parents and I could not have anyone as better role models. I am truly blessed! I think we are such a wonderful family!!
• My In-Law's - It's pretty amazing how much "Jeremy's family" is my family now. I love his family. I love hanging out with them. I really feel at home and like it's my own family. It's hard to list everyone by name, but I think it's clear who you are. :-)

I feel so blessed to call all of these people my family . Love you all!!

My weekend!!

This weekend was very full and fun. Here's a little rundown!

• We went kayaking - SO much fun...and I didn't run into any snakes this time.
• Jeremy only threw my in the freezing water once, less than I expected.
• I flipped Jeremy over in his kayak...pretty proud of myself for that one (I've told almost everyone I know!)
• Had a really great time hanging out with my brother-in-law the whole weekend. So sad he is leaving to join the army...but he'll do good I'm sure!
• A little piece of me died when UGA lost...31-0 at half time...you have GOT to be kidding me...they did play better the second half, ending the game at 41-30.
• And I JUST found out that UGA is now ranked 11th - which makes me really mad, Florida lost to a nobody (actually one of the WORST nobody team) and they are 12th, UGA lost the a top 10 ranked team and we get 11th? STUPID!
• Church was really really really good on Sunday. The illustration at the end was amazing. I have heard the message taught different ways, but this way will always stay in my mind. It gave me chills...truly eye opening.
• We are leaving for our cruise to the Bahama's on October 9th!! I can't believe it's so soon, there is still so much to do! I don't even have a "good" bathing suit or a dress for "formal" night! So much shopping, so little $$$!! (well we have more than enough to go on a cruise so we do have $$$...) :-)
• I spent some time with my friend Amanda and her daughter Felicity - Spending time with great friends and babies always cheers me up. We had a great time!
• Looks like I will start going to band practice with Jeremy. Little nervous about this, I love playing the bass guitar, but I have SO SO SO much more to learn!! I just hope they don't think I will be better than I really am!! I guess now is as good a time as any to get better though-right??

Well - that's my little updates from the weekend!!

my funny hubby...

Jeremy and I were talking about my blog yesterday. I found out he doesn't read mine. Which is fine, he isn't the type of person who blogs I guess. But then he said he reads some of my friends blogs and likes them...I laughed and said, well why do you like their blog and not mine? And he said-They are short, to the point, and I don't get bored. I laughed again, no problem...so here is a blog just for my hubby...(who more than likely won't read this.) :-)

• I like wearing black and white, it's my favorite
• I can't wait for UGA to beat Alabama this weekend

And that's all for today....

I love you Jeremy!!

Why should we go to church...

This is something that was on my mind a lot lately. A little background on this for me personally. For about 2 years Jeremy (my husband) and I felt like we didn't have a church home. Nothing was "wrong" per-say with a church we had went to for a long time, it was wasn't fitting. I don't know why, maybe it was just the devil feeding us lies, who knows. We have recently found a new church, Journey Church of Acworth. I love it, Jeremy loves it, it is exactly where we both feel like we belong. It is wonderful. So I was thinking back on when we didn't go to church weekly. I was still of course saved, still prayed, still loved God, it's just that things seemed much harder. I was unhappy and I couldn't figure out why. Now that I go weekly to church that feeling is gone. The only thing I have changed is I found a church home. Then I started thinking, wow what makes going to church on Sundays so necessary. I then remember two scriptures.

Matt. 18:20:
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Hebrews 13:5:
I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

So God is always with me, all the time. But God also makes a point to say: where 2 or more are together, I am there. I wonder why he makes a point to say both of these. He makes a direct statement that he is there with one, and he is there with 2 or more. Possibly this point is made to explain the significance of meeting weekly at church. Praising God with other believers. Maybe he made this point, so that we would understand that meeting with Christians is needed in our spiritual life.

Now, I didn't go to bible school, I am still learning everyday about scripture and God. But I think this is one of the reasons God made both of these statements. There is something different about going to church, and staying at home alone praising God. Both are good and needed, but I think we all need both of these in our spiritual life. To me I think I am finding that going to church somewhat completes what I need in my life.

And this church is awesome!! We meet Sunday's @ 10:00 in Russom Elementary School on Dallas Acworth Hwy. Come visit!

Cont' weird/new information....

I was still thinking about the different things about me, mostly from the list I posted a few days ago...well I am adding some to it....some weird, some just my views, and some random facts (weird or not)

• I am scared of snakes crawling up out of the toilet, so even in the middle of the night I turn the light on and check to make sure there are no snakes.
• I always, always, have to check behind the shower curtain when I walk into a bathroom.
• I don't really agree with abortion, I can see some of the arguments, but I think aborting anything with a heartbeat is murder.
• I think pulling the troops out of Iraq is a bad idea. And I think that people who say the war is pointless and stupid, are insulting the men and women defending our country. (I sincerely do NOT want my friends, cousin, brother-in-law, going over there, but if they did, they are doing it for a good reason.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
• I randomly have dreams about awesome fashion designs that I think I'll create one day...I just need to learn to sew...and draw...
• My favorite "alone" time is when I am folding clothes.
• I love singing in front of hundreds of strangers, but freak out in front of 5 people I know.
• I sing all the time, I almost never stop.
• I have only rode a horse once, and I have been to scared to ever try again.
• One of my "goals" is to eat oysters before I die.
• I have "list" of things I want to achieve in my lifetime, and if I ever get bored, I pull it out, and start on the next item on the list.
• Flashback's in movies creep me out, they make me cry.
• Laser Tag scares me.
• I could eat Swedish fish everyday of my life.
• Until I was a teenager I didn't know who/what Alf was.

Yea - that's it for real this time...I just had to add a few things to the list... :-)

Christmas Music

Have you ever tried listening to Christmas music NOT durning Christmas time? I am listening to it right now. For me Christmas music puts me in the best mood. Such happy, uplifting, cheerful, songs! Try it next time you pick music to listen to. It really is a nice touch every now and then!

Things you didn't know about me...

I defiantly stole this idea!
But here are some things that make me who I am, might be weird, normal, or just random information you just have to know about me!

• I hate hearing people eat. Any noise of any kind involving food makes my skin crawl.
• I don't like hitting the reflectors on the road, I try to avoid them at all times.
• I use hand sanitizer at least 20 times a day. When I visited New York I went through one bottle in 3 days.
• You can do no greater wrong to me than touching my belly button. I want to throw up just thinking about it. Lets move on...
• 2 years ago I scratched my toenail the wrong way on a metal bleacher and it made an awful "fingernail on chalkboard" sound...now it only stops hurting if I press my toenail down the correct way.
• I hate having my eyebrows rubbed the wrong way, it gives me a head ache. Same with rubbing my cats fur the wrong way. If I see this happen I have to immediately fix it many times by rubbing it the correct way. The eyebrow thing also applies to others, if I see some else do this to themselves, I have to fix my own.
• When I open a door to walk into a office I have to touch the keyhole at least twice. (But only in offices, in residential homes I don't have to do this.)
• The sound of scratching ice together is the worst sound in the world to me.
• I can't go to sleep unless one foot is out from under the covers, a TV is on but muted, and I can hear the noise of a fan.
• I am absolutely terrified of the dark.
• The first time I ever saw my husband Jeremy, God told me I would marry him. Of course I had to date all the wrong guys before I believed it. Would have been so much easier if I would have listened!
• I believe in spirits, angels, and demons. And I believe one room in my house was "haunted" by demons at one time. I also believe that God protects me.
• I love my cat like she is my own baby.

Well I know there are more crazy and "weird' things about me, but this is all I can think of off the top of my head.

So tell me: What makes you weird or unique?

Freedom

This morning's church service was great. One thing that Pastor Doug said was that most people go to church expecting to "experience" something, whatever it may be. So I stared thinking about this in service. He had some people call out what they wanted to get out of the service. And of course as my family and friends know I would never call anything out in public in front of all those people! :-) BUT I did have my reason in mind. I think, other than wanting to experience God, my reasons for going to church change from week to week, but lately I am going because I want to experience freedom. Freedom from everything. From debt, sickness, physical pain, emotional hurt, sadness, negative people, sin, and freedom from my little comfort zone. Some of those things I'm not about to talk about, but I know my freedom is coming, it's already here, I just have to receive it. Now I have a few issues that I think about all the time with one certain thing. Now I have a pretty awesome life, and grew up with awesome parents, so I'm sure this hurt is nothing to some people, but it's hurtful to me. I always try to walk in love, smile, say nice things. At what point does this stop. At any point is there a "throw in the towel", "God help you cause I've had enough". I know I've thrown in the towel for this one situation. I wish so much that I could just open up, speak my mind, and shake some sense into some people. I have a FANTASTIC friend that always speaks her mind, tells the truth, is honest, and she does it in a way that people still love her, weather what she is saying is good or bad. I wish I could do that, I'm just not that brave I guess or I don't know how to express those things. It's not my comfort zone. Well, I've decided that over time I can only take so many let downs, hurts, and just plain meanness. But I also know that I'm always available for the person in this situation if they ever need any help, or any information on God and how to get their life together. They just have to come to me. I think this is my best conclusion to walking in love in this case. It's the only way I can get freedom from it. I'm going to step back, let it go, move on, and just forget about it. I want to be free from this. I want to surround myself with positive, godly people. I want freedom from the negative.

SO Maybe 2 people in the world might know what I'm talking about here. But it's off my chest now that I talked (typed) it out!

ABS

Bad Day - Good Mood

So my day started off a little aggravating. I have mucho curly hair, I blew it dry, now at this point I straighten it. Before straightening my hair I look pretty much like carrot top with a bigger Afro. Well, my straightener broke. I threw my Afro in a ponytail, of course my bangs are standing straight up and HUGE, ran to walmart in the rain, of course saw someone I knew, bought a new straightener (that heats up to 400 degrees!), went to work and fixed my hair in my office. So I was trying to get in a better mood. I thought "I'm so blessed I have a job where I can come in a little late and fix my hair in my private office." Then I read the warnings on this new straightener and one warning read, no lie:

"Never use while sleeping"

And I realized, whoever straightens their hair in their sleep must be having a FAR worse day than I ever have had. It cheered me right up!

McCain / Obama

I am not a very "political" person. I never watch news coverage on elections. I am one that thinks we need to go by the facts, and not what the news media provides, which I find is often bias. So in searching for that today I went to both Presidential Candidates websites. I looked through the "Issues" section. The other sections are: News, Media, About, Events, and so on. I personally think it is a wise choice to vote for the issues at hand, rather than the person himself. So, I read through McCain's view's and plans, and did the same with Obama. After reading both; I have come to a decision. McCain knows where he stands, he gives straight answers. Yes and No. Obama on the other hand I had to read the issues 2 and 3 times to try to comprehend what his views were. After reading many times, I just simply do not agree with Obama's views. Now I am not a complicated person, my main issues that I am concerned with are: war, abortion, and marriage. And I hands down agree with McCain on all of these issues. Personally I am so tired of hearing "gossip" surrounding the election. Presidential & Vice presidential candidates DO NOT belong in the tabloids. End of story. Go with the views and main issues at hand, and then decide on your 2008 pick.

http://www.johnmccain.com/

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

Walmart receipt checker clarification

OK - my last visit to Walmart I saw the same receipt checker lady I talked about in my blog a few days ago. I had nothing to be checked, but the guy ahead of me did. It was an XBox 360, he didn't stop for her when she asked, and then when he walked through the doors the alarm went off. She asked him a couple times to stop, when he finally did he was almost outside. She asked him to come back inside, he responded with "I'm right here."

I felt so sorry for that lady and how rude that person was being to her, and how much she must have to put up with everyday from rude people. So I just wanted to point out, while I do think the receipt checking at Walmart is not necessary, I also see absolutely no reason to be mean to the person that has that job.

Driving age?

I am very busy today so this is just a quick "something to think about" moment.

"People" say far to many car accidents on the road are caused to inexperienced drivers. Now the first thing I think about when I hear this is young high school students driving, and causing accidents because they are new drivers. There is talk of raising the driving age to 17 or 18. Would a new driver at 18 be more experienced than a new driver at 16? Not more experienced, just older. Experience makes a good driver. Now I personally think the age should be raised, but for many other reasons. And I do not think raising the age will solve the accidents inexperienced drivers cause. Just something to think about!

Walmart receipt checker

OK - I shop at Walmart a lot and I have many aggervations about the store. This one tops it for me though...

When walking out of the store if anything is not in a shopping bag the door person asks to see your receipt. Usually this creates a line when trying to exit and mass confusion. Now why in the world check these items? The things to "big" to fit in a bag. The size of the item has NOTHING to do with the cost. Toilet Paper $5.00 they check, GPS $300.oo they could care less about. Things that are big "stealing" items actually fit in bags. THAT'S WHY PEOPLE STEAL THEM...because they are small, they can hide them, put them in bags without scanning them at self checkout. Not one person is going to try to steal a basketball goal and expect to walk out the door, they know good and well someone will notice, exit receipt checker or not. DVDs, all video games, CD's, not one person at walmart is checking for these things. Today they checked for $3.00 bird seed I bought, but not the more expensive item in my bag, of course after I waited my turn as I was THIRD in line to exit.

My point in all of this is simple... Do not check receipts at the exit door.
It wastes time, energy, and lacks purpose.

Out of sight - Out of mind...

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."- Margaret Mead


There are many awful things that happen all over the world, everyday, and very little of these things how the ability to physically affect us. Lets get out of the way first the war in Iraq and so on. These affect me, but it's not what I am talking about right now. (But that in itself is a great example of "Out of sight, out of mind.") For example: Puppy Mills, world hunger, child abuse, foster care, animal abuse, animal testing, and yes Global Warming...Now I am not big into politics, anything with the news, or in general negative stuff. I mean what can I do to help these issues, it's not my problem to solve. Right?? Well... a few weeks ago I found a kitten, in searching for a home for him I found many sites about strays and animal abuse, and all kinds of horrible things that happen to animals. And it was very depressing. So I wanted to do something about it. I just could not say "out of sight, out of mind." And in thinking "what can I do to help", I found many, FREE, things to do, in many different problem areas. And if every person on the Internet did a little, imagine how much that really would be. So when you see a problem, even if it doesn't affect you, think about what you could do to help. Just like the quote above says, it only takes a few to change the world. Here are some pretty awesome websites I visit everyday.

http://www.bhookh.com/ - Click once a day and a cup of food is given to a hungry Indian
http://www.freerice.com/ - Answer simple trivia questions and for each correct answer 20 grains of rice is donated to the UN World Hunger Program
http://stopglobalwarming.care2.com/ - Click to reduce one pound of carbon and a donation is made to help save the Amazonian Rainforest.
http://children.care2.com/ - One click helps a child in need.
http://pets.care2.com/ - One click generates a donation to pets in need.
www.blackle.com - This is like Google.com, except it uses a black background vs. a white background, this generates less power and all in all saves watts of energy.


OK so that's my latest rant on how to "save the world". It's a click, no money, no time, and it helps. It's a small way I feel I am keeping these issues in my mind.

ABS

Forgive and Forget

You know the saying "Forgive and Forget" Forgiveness is defined as: to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve, to cease to feel resentment against. Forget is defined as: be unable to recall. So Jesus tells us to forgive. I think the kicker in forgiveness is "to cease to feel resentment against. In my way of thinking the best way to do this is to forget, or be unable to recall. For me honestly the best way to forgive, is to also forget. They go hand in hand. My only question in this is the land of second chances. We are asked by God to walk in love, and love one another, and to forgive. Does this mean we have to be friends with everyone, I have forgiven them, however maybe the friendship is over? There are some people that have wronged me, and I have forgiven in the past, however because of that wrong I might not desire to be as close with them as I was before. When I think about it that way, this has to mean that I have not forgotten the wrong. And I do think that is true, after about 10 or 20 times of being wronged, and me forgiving, it's like a cycle, it's exhausting, and I keep getting hurt. Then I think how many times have I "wronged" God, or sinned? What if he gave up on that relationship. He doesn't, and he never will. I do believe I have forgiven the person, however I might be less likely to trust the person again. It seems so logical, but so much a "flesh" thing. With God you ask for forgiveness, and it's done, never to be brought up again. I can't tell you how many times I have asked for forgiveness more than once for the same thing and God replies "What are you talking about, it's forgiven, I don't remember it." Christian means "Christ like" I am to be like Christ in everything I do. So maybe the next time my reply to myself needs to be "What are you talking about, it's done, forget about the wrong that person did and start fresh." It's hard, one situation in particular in my life, it is a hard thing to forgive, epically when the person never asked to be forgiven. But I have forgiven, though it seems impossible for me to forget, but I am working on it. It becomes so hard to make your flesh shut up at times, but when your spirit shines and does as God desires, amazing things take place. So I have faith that amazing things are going to take place.

Worship Meanings

Well, I am new to this whole "blogging" thing, so here it goes!

I have a huge passion for music and worship songs. When singing these lyrics in worship songs I like to think about every word that is said/sang. It brings an entire new meaning to the song. I can't help but get excited about God, and what the song is saying. So I want to reiterate to whoever is reading this, and to myself what some of these songs and words mean...

1. Redeemed of the Lord say so... In this song it speaks about being redeemed. The definition of redeemed is: Ransomed; delivered from bondage, distress, penalty, liability, or from the possession of another, by paying an equivalent. So when I am singing "I am redeemed" I am saying I am delivered from bondage and distress, basically that I am free. How awesome is that?

2. Holy, Holy, is the Lord Almighty...Singing "Holy" to God telling him he is Holy. The definition of Holy is: Applied to the Supreme Being, holy signifies perfectly pure, immaculate and complete in moral character. So basically we are saying, God you are perfect and amazing and I'm praising you. One of my most favorite scriptures on the bible is Revelation 4:8 : And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. My favorite part about this is saying "rest not day and night, saying, holy, holy, holy" When I go to heaven this is what I am going to be doing, all the time, 24/7, no rest, because all I want to do is tell God how Holy he is. To me singing this now is my practice for heaven. I love it. I can just picture all the angels in heaven circling God and telling him he is Holy, loving and praising him. What am amazing sight.

3. Salvation is here..."Salvation" has many meanings in the bible, it strictly means deliverance. Words associated with it are: victory, deliverance from sin and death, eternal life and happiness, refereed to often as a great salvation. So it can also be translated to "Deliverance is here" this is agreeing with scripture, and also confessing that you are delivered from death, sin, and you have the victory. I'm so glad I have salvation.

I could go on for a while about all different kinds of songs and what they mean to me. But this is enough for now. I think the true heart of worship is listening to every word, picturing the meaning, and believing what you are saying. It's easy sometimes to look at the screen, sing the notes, read the lyrics, and clap along. But when you grasp the meaning, and how amazing our God is, and why we are singing about how wonderful God is, that is when true worship begins.