Days Like This . .

I have to admit that I do have a problem. The first step to conquering the problem is to admit there is one, right?! So, step one down!

Most people would say the I am a germophobe. My husband would say that I am a weirdo extremist. For instance, is it strange that some days I would not mind at all wearing one of these around-

Source

Don't answer that, because I am pretty confident I already know.

Here is what my bottle of germ-x looks like that I keep on my desk as of today-

And I would be lying if I told you that I am not concerned. I pump this baby more times than you can think of during the day. And typically, I don't have that much direct contact with the general public. But when someone does come in and I am forced to shake hands, again I would be lying if I told you that it didn't make me think twice. Of course, I always shake hands and no one but me would ever know that the germophobia is kicking in. But, sometimes it is a real problem and God is working on me where this is concerned.

If I got into all my little quirks, you would think I was crazy enough if you don't already by this post! ha!

My grandmother always laughs at me and says motherhood will change alot of the quirky things about my life, including my feelings on germs.

Maybe one day, we will see!

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.

John 17:1-2

Weekend Dump

It is hard to believe that it is Monday already! I was telling my family last night how it seems like after Monday night is over the week flies by and it is time for Monday already again! I am thankful though, that I am able to be up and out and about. There are so many people who don't get to enjoy the beauty of being able to get up and go and get out everyday. I am thankful that I can- even on Mondays :)

Friday night we did absolutely NOTHING and it was great. Friday nights seem to be our crash-from-the-week nights. I know, it sounds like we are 80 year olds or something! Saturday was my clean day, but Saturday night was excellent! Why? A picture clue:



Yum. This is our table at Kellys Steakhouse, one of my family's favorite places to eat. Saturday night was girls night. My dad went to watch the Carolina baseball game in Columbia, and Jason was working, so me, Mama and Mama Gayle opted for an early supper. This picture doesn't do it justice- it was great! No shots of us though, it was alittle dark in there.

Last night we had our Awana recognition program at church. I am a co-leader with the 3 and 4 year olds, so we have been working on our little portion of the program this week. It was hilarious. Nothing went as planned, but it was funny, the kids were GREAT, parents were laughing & seemed excited and, above all, God was glorified. It turned out really cute and I was so proud of all our little ones!

Busy, busy week at work. Monday has begun with my feet on the ground and running! The weather is going to be beautiful most of the week, so I am looking forward to that. All of these allergy related buds and tree thingys are really giving me a fit!

A beautiful start to this most important Easter week!

Sweeeeet Summertime

Big happenings in our area on May 13. Friends, Kenny Chesney is coming back to the BiLo Center. I realize this means nothing to alot of people. But, it means alot to me!! For many reasons, Kenny is special. For one, Jason and I went on one of our first dates to a concert in Charlotte. For two, also that same summer I went to 2 more of his concerts. For three, I just love his music and his concerts. I thought Kenny would never be around again any time soon, but much to my surprise, he is coming in May! I am hoping, Jason, that you are reading this right now and will want to do something so special for your wife and get us concert tickets. ;) We will see how that goes. Let's just say . . I am not holding my breath!

Just wanted to end by posting a picture of this sweet baby! Sorry people, but when you don't have children it just goes without saying that your pets are your babies. And, for now, she is ours! Happy Thursday!

Hello, Remember Me?

Of course I remember me! Whew- it's been a busy few weeks! And, I am not complaining as much of it has been work related. For that, we are so thankful. Other than that, nothing really big going on!

I just began the last semester of my Biblical counseling class. Graduation has been set for June . . . June . .I have forgotten already. Early in June! My friend and I (that carpool together, go to church together, teach together, etc) are so excited because we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. People always ask me / her, "Well, what are you going to do with this?" And, our answer has been from the very beginning that we simply didn't know. We felt led to take this class together, we knew this was where the Lord wanted us and beyond that we were trusting Him to reveal Himself when His timing was in place. We are so excited to see what that entails. Still praying!

God continues to be at work in so many areas of my life right now. Honestly, I love this time. I know that even though His answers aren't clear right now, I am holding on hard to His promises. When the timing is right, all will be revealed. Just remaining content in this season of growth . .

One fun thing I started investigating last week was my genealogy. Wednesday night at church our Pastor had us watch a video on Moses and the Exodus. It was the first in a series, so was mainly just an introduction. But, the narrator began to talk about Moses' parents and the meanings of each of their names- in short how purposeful God was/is in placing us with our earthly family. It was like a light bulb went off. While I know the names of my way extended great greats, I know very little about them. I immediately came home and got to work. I have alot of extended family that are still around, so I have already been in touch with some of them. It has been fascinating! I can't wait to get deeper and deeper. But, I have a time table- my free 2 week trial of ancestry.com is over next Wednesday!

It is in the 80's here today and I am loving every second. I went to get a pedicure at lunch and boy could you tell the change in weather by the number of women coming in for only pedicures. Monday night we had a really bad storm. Like really bad. I woke up at 1:15 to the sound of my chairs on the back porch being thrown up against the side of my house. My parents had 3 trees totally down and roof damage to the extent that they are having to get a new roof. It was really that bad! No tornado's, just terrible wind.

My grandma, uncle and his family left for NYC last night!!! :( I wish I was there so so bad. They were texting me pics of themselves in Times Square this morning and calling me from Saks. Talk about rubbing it in!! No, I know they will have an awesome time. We are planning a girls trip next spring after we get my brother married off later this year. I am already excited!

Tomorrow is Friday! My sister in law and her husband just moved into a new house this past week, so Jase and i are going to go and see it tomorrow night. We are looking forward to that! Other than hair appointment on Saturday afternoon and our family getting in Saturday night, church on Sunday- we have no other plans! :) Happy Thursday (almost Friday!)!

Monday Eve

I am pooped. Jason and I just finished eating a delicious dinner of stew beef, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. I messed up and let Gracie have a sample of our dinner (just a small bite of each food) and she is now laying in the kitchen floor crying for more. Jason is to my right, belly full. . tired from a long, hard day of golf . . and is now snoring. It's 7:34. Basketball is blasting on the TV, but I am not a fan. I plan on turning in tonight early as well. No better way to begin a week than rested!

A tragedy hit home yesterday. There was a train wreck at a nearby park that claimed the life of a 6 year old little boy. I did not know the child, or family, but his dad is the pastor of a church here in town. I did know some of the children that were on the train that -PRAISE THE LORD- are ok- just alittle banged up. Here is a link to the story. Please pray for this family and all those that were involved in this accident.

God reminds me daily of His grace and goodness. In the midst of tragic, heart wrenching events, God still sits enthroned over the heavens and earth and is in control. Japan weighs heavy on my heart day and night. I see photos and hear the news and I just . . . see how fragile life really is. But, Believers, we are not hopeless. Far from it. We cling to Jesus- He hears our cries. He knows them before the words form in our mouths- when they don't form in our mouths. I am praising God because He is the source of my strength. Yours, too.

Thoughts on Lent

I am glad Tuesday is coming to an end! I have not got adjusted to the time change yet. I felt that hour slip right away on Saturday night/Sunday morning. This week is so busy, so I don't hardly have time to be too terribly tired! The good thing is I have 2 of the busy days behind me and only 1 more to go!

I typically don't do anything for lent. It is not something that our church observes strictly. Last year, I decided that I was going to give up soft drinks and tea. And, I did. But, I have realized this year that I totally missed the point. God started speaking to my heart in the weeks leading up to this Easter season. I just felt His presence heavily anytime I would ponder lent and what it meant to me personally. I just kept praying and seeking His counsel and up until this past Wednesday, I had yet to hear specifically what God wanted me to do. But, I trusted that He would reveal in His timing, and He did. He showed me that it was not about what I gave up, per say, but what I did with the time of sacrifice. Even the little things, meaningless things to everyone else, are big things to Him when they are forsaken in the right spirit. And, what I mean by that is this- when I for go that "thing", whatever it is, the very second I make the decision to not do it my thoughts and prayers automatically go to God. His sacrifice. Just, simply, Him. A whole new meaning for me. A new experience during this season that is so refreshing and fulfilling. I also am doing the weekly Sunday readings offered here, which I began this past Sunday.

What a blessing! God welcomed me into our time together with other gifts as well.

I am very much looking forward to this precious time. I am just thinking about over and over again this last leg of our Savior's mission. Time was of the essence, for certain. And, I can't help but feel that way now. I know that folks have always said in the wake of natural disasters, etc. that Jesus must be coming soon. People have been saying it for years. But, I BELIEVE that He is coming quickly- very soon. We must not waste any time in reaching those who are lost.

Weather, Running & Counting

What a beautiful Monday we have had here in South Carolina. It was a welcome change to the cold, windy and rainy weekend we had. Jason and I were both a little under the weather towards the end of the week, so we just hung out around the house. Sunday always ends up being a busy day with church activities, but I had a meeting also on Sunday afternoon, so I feel like my week started a day early. Hopefully our week will be pretty low key.

I want to learn to be a runner. I feel like it would be so enjoyable for me. I use to dance, beginning when I was 3 and all the way until I was a senior in high school. It was great exercise and it kept me in great shape. Since then, I have not really exercised regularly at all. I have off and on, but not consistently. In my mind, I picture myself as the greatest runner ever :) Perfect form, pencil thin and toned. I have a long way to go in reality. As the weather gets warmer, I am going to give it my best effort. I do have a very important wedding in less than 7 months now- no time like the present!

Still Counting . . .

#56 God revealing His kingdom & its work
#57 a burdened heart
#58 a clean house
#59 to be ahead before the week begins
#60 growth and maturity
#61 a husband giving to a ministry without question
#62 the faith of a young man and his willingness to act
#63 a parking space near the doctors office
#64 caffeine and Advil
#65 a sweet little red truck pulling in our driveway