Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Lessons I've Learned on Love

Love abounds in the subtle gestures
It reveals itself in the extravagant outpourings
Love requires growth and demands truth
It conquers an insurmountable task
Yet flourishes in the routine

Love examines motive while extending grace
It is strong, needy, painful, joyous intertwined in a meticulous balance
Love encourages stability and relishes in the spontaneous
It delights in victory and conquers defeat

Love grounds itself in faith
While nurturing itself in community
Love accomplishes what is promised
It leaves no room for gray

Love barters pain for peace
Love fights with an unbridled passion
Silently screaming
Love multiplies through a smile
It overcomes with action

Love shields and protects
It welcomes with extended arms

Love shifts a mood
It calms the emotional twitch
It generously forgives and acknowledges the best
Love reveals the heart and directs the soul

Love is a calling.
Love is a movement.
Love is a choice.
Love is a lifestyle.

God is Love.
Love God. Love others.
Love never fails.

Monday, October 29, 2007

At Home With Amanda

Just made these yummy sticky buns. (Yes, I made sticky buns for dinner!)

I got the recipe from my recent edition of Real Simple. Only 5 ingredients and SO simple! (My kind of recipe!) Hope you enjoy...

1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter thinly sliced into 10 pieces
1 medium banana, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons dk. brown sugar
1/2 c. pecans, chopped (about 2 ounces)
1 (7.5 ounce) tube refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

Heat oven to 375 degrees

Drop a piece of butter in the bottom of each of 10 compartments of a muffin tin. Arrange the banana slices on top. Sprinkle with pecans and brown sugar over the bananas. Top each compartment with a biscuit.

Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

Place a baking sheet on top of the tin while the buns are still hot. Carefully flip the tin over, tapping the bottom to release the buns.

Enjoy!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Loving the Rain

Most days I don't like rain. I don't like the overcast weather. I don't like how frizzy my hair gets when it's raining outside. I don't like the overall dreary feeling of rainy days.

Today was different. I was outside pulling some weeds in our front yard and our girls were playing soccer in the grass. All of a sudden HUGE raindrops started falling from the sky. The girls screamed and ran into the garage and yelled for me to come in so I wouldn't get wet. I stayed, continuing the dreaded task of pulling the weeds. After they saw I wasn't melting, I told them they could join me in the rain. They looked at me like I had a third eyeball. Emma, our practical one, said, "Mom, are you serious? We're going to get all wet." After I assured them that it was fine, they came out in the POURING down rain.

We ran around in our driveway, chasing each other, jumping in the puddles for the next 15 minutes. They kept saying things like, "This is so much fun!" "This is better than Sea World!" and "This is the best day ever!"

After we came in from the rain and dried off, I realized how much fun a simple thing like playing in the rain can be. I was also reminded to appreciate the "rain" in my life. This year I've learned a lot about walking through the storms of life. I've learned that even though it's not always fun to be stuck in the rain or in the middle of a storm, God NEVER lets go of me. He carries me through and the storms help mold me more into the person God wants me to be.

I can truly say I am thankful for the rain: the rain I played in today with my daughters and the rain in life that God brings my way!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Back to Blogland



Wow! It's been a while since I've posted. Thought I would update everyone on what's been going on in my life. Our family passed around a nasty stomach bug last week and I think everyone is finally over it. Now we're on to coughs and colds. I'll take that ANYDAY over the stomach bug! As Ansley put it, "That bug is MEAN! I do not want it in my belly EH-VAH!"

Jackson has had to begin breathing treatments with a nebulizer for this nasty cough he's had for over a month. I thought I would share a picture of him...he has to do this twice a day for the next month. I thought it was going to be a horrible experience, but he actually LOVES it...he thinks its a new toy! (And now he doesn't sound like a 9 month old smoker!)

We headed to Tallahassee for the FSU/Miami game and had a great time with friends and family. We had to drive up in two separate cars due to a small accident that happened in our driveway. For those of you who have known me for a while know that I have a history of hitting stationary objects. It's a long story, but because of MY stupidity, Barry got to drive a nice sports car up to Tallahassee. He was knocked down a few notches back to reality when he had to drive his Corolla back home! (Or as I have affectionately labeled it, the "ghetto-rolla".) Here is a cute picture of the girls before the game.
I'm training for a 1/2 marathon on December 1. This is my second 1/2 marathon, so after I run this, can I say that I've run a full marathon? Training has been time-consuming and I'm looking forward to race day!
It's been a busy and fun-filled fall. I can't believe the holidays are just around the corner...I love this time of year and the cooler weather makes the fact that it's fall a little more believable!
It's good to be back in blogland!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

A Delicate Weave

A couple of blogs back I told you about my friend Miss Amy. Today was the day I brought her the peaches. Something divine happened. There was a knock on her door. Miss Amy asked me to get it... so I did. There were 2 pastors from another church in our community there. One of them I know very well. He is an older gentleman that pastors a senior adult ministry. He's known me and my family since I was 2 years old. Imagine the stories he has about me! I love this man and his family very much. He truly has a heart for the seniors in our community and works his tail off to reach just one more. He serves in a very different church environment than ours at C3 but he is flat out getting it done for Christ in his community. He told me that he met Miss Amy just recently and that she had just prayed to receive Christ. I was almost in tears! This is what ministry is all about! I knew God had put Miss Amy in my life for a reason and today it all became clear. I may not have been there when she prayed her prayer of faith but I know God has used me to plant some seeds of love. Furthermore her nurse told us that right before Bill got really sick he gave his life to Christ as well. Her nurse is a Christ-follower and led Bill to the Lord. I am so thankful for these people in Miss Amy's life. These are the moments where life really matters. God places us around certain people for a very specific purpose. We all have different stories and different backgrounds. God uses many methods to reach those around us. I'm so grateful for the methods of C3. We are tirelessly devoted. I'm also grateful for the methods of my pastor friend and Miss Amy's nurse. It was a delicate weave that God knit together to bring Miss Amy to a relationship with Him. I love Miss Amy and I know that she would NEVER feel comfortable with the worship environment at C3 as an 89 year old woman. That's okay! I'm not insulted. My immediate circle of unchurched friends would probably NEVER feel comfortable in the worship environment of traditional churches. That okay too! We all serve a purpose for those who need hope. Thank you for your prayers for Miss Amy... God really does answer. His will is to always answer in a way that brings us together not tears us apart. This is something I've always known but needed to be reminded of.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Procrastination Blogging

I need to clean my house and do some laundry but I don't feel like it. I think I'll give myself a time... let's say I MUST start by 3:00pm.

Darrell and I had lunch at Designer Greens at Waterford Lakes and I loved my salad. It was yummy! I love spending time with him even if it is just an hour out of the day to have a quick bite to eat. He looks really cute today. We made plans to see the new Tyler Perry movie tonight. I'm looking forward to it. I love to talk to him. I can tell him anything. He never judges me. A couple of weeks ago I told him about getting a speeding ticket. He was so nice to me about it. I felt dumb and he never made me feel worse about myself for it. I'm grateful for his gift of mercy. I needed it then. He makes me feel protected and unconditionally loved. He's the best!

Work has been great the last couple of days. I've been really busy and I've met a lot of nice, new clients. I have a very large wedding to do soon and I'm looking forward to that. I'm praying for some particular avenues to open up for me in my freelance career. I've had a lot of referrals lately for fashion shows, weddings, and photo shoots but it would be amazing to have more consistent work. That's the con of working full time for a steady stream of income vs. being able to get out there and promote my work but losing out on a weekly paycheck. I love what I do so much and I would be so bored if I wasn't always busy.

My mom was away this weekend and I missed seeing her. I'm glad she got to have a little time in North Carolina though with her sister and family. She does SO much and never gets the credit she deserves. She lives with and takes care of my grandmother. My grandma has dimensia or alzheimers. I don't really know exactly what because alzheimers and dimensia look very similar. She has been sick for about 5 years. My mom also watches my nephew a lot. She is the best mom/daughter/grandma anyone could ask for. She is beautiful both inside and out.

I enjoy playing Freecell on the computer... it's a great stress relief.

Lola (my beautiful cat) is so precious. She loves to sit at my feet and purrrrr. She is so playful and crazy. She acts like she is still a kitten the way she runs through the house playing hide and seek. She loves Darrell more than she loves me though. I have her all to myself today though so I get all her love. (I get a little jealous.)

Eight minutes until I need to clean. I better go. I need to get in my obsessive compulsive state of mind.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

My Dwelling Place

When I'm in a funk I try to focus on the things that make me happy. I had some funky moments this week and here are some of the things that I've been dwelling on to make me smile. No more funk for me.

-seeing people out with their C3 shirts on
-my own stupid jokes that only I laugh at
-obscenely bright nail polish and lipstick colors
-vivid color in general
-reading my bible and the words hitting me right when and where I need it
-an encouraging word
-climbing into bed right after putting clean sheets on it
-Darrell rubbing what I consider my pudgy belly and telling me he loves it... or when he tells me he loves it and lays his head on it
-fabulous shoes/handbags
-a good read
-makeup... lots and lots of makeup!
-having a great meal and discussion with friends... hence, the pudgy belly
-seeing friends I've invited in church... regularly
-spontaneous silliness
-an awesome day after a crappy one
-laughing so hard it hurts
-hearing about my nephew Hayden's day
-getting ManPed's (manicure/pedicures)
-having code words for things... such as ManPed's
-getting my hair done
-my "CU AT C3" custom license plate on my car
-Madea
-having a weekend off from work
-sleeping in
-smokey eye makeup
-a smile from a stranger
-feeling safe with someone
-HGTV... particularly "Divine Design" and "Deserving Design"
-houndstooth print
-my friend's artwork
-hanging out with my mama and sisters (I don't do this enough)
-dancing a night away
-reconnecting with an old friend
-telling people the stupid things I did when I was younger to get a reaction
-Powerhouse kids
-teasing my mother-in-law
-our Sunday night dinners with Dan and Sally
-cruises
-C3 on Sunday
-making new friends
-talking to my dad on a good day
-seeing someones life change after meeting Christ
-the way the red candles smell from Pier One
-great design
-a fresh perspective
-singing in my car
-setting goals and meeting them
-C3 in the community
-Johnny and Jayde in the morning on XL 106.7 while driving to work
-knowing when someone says they'll pray for me they really will
-Darrell's new faux hawk
-going to Chuck E. Cheese with Hayden
-young adults home team
-C3's future

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Praising Jesus Yolanda's Way


I replayed this song a lot today in the car. You don't want to know how I sounded singing along with it. I'm no Yolanda. God has truly blessed this woman with the most beautiful vocal instrument of all time. I love when the song hits the middle and then ends. She just belts it out to Jesus. The words are so powerful. Check it out.

There is a name that is so precious,
a name so wonderful to me.
This name is worthy of all praises.
Because of him, I am made free.
That name is Jesus, oh how I love him.
The one who gave, his life for me.
Because of love, so unconditional,
I will have life, eternally.

This name speaks peace, unto my storm clouds,
This name speaks calm, unto me fears.
And when I feel, that no one loves me.
His loving presence is so near.
That name is Jesus, oh how I love him.
The one who gave, his life for me.
Because of love, so unconditional,
I will have life, eternally.

Praise that name!
Praise that name!
Praise that name!
Praise that name!

Someday I'll leave this earthly dwelling,
Through time and space, my soul will soar.
And finally see the face of Jesus.
And praise his name, forevermore!
That name is Jesus, oh how I love him!
The one who gave his life for me!
Because of love so unconditional,
I will have life eternally.
Excellent is that name!
Glorious is that name!
Wonderful is that name!
Oh praise that name!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Fruit Logs and Peaches

I went to visit my friend yesterday. It was my last day off in a six day stretch. I wanted to spend some quality time with her because what seems so like little to me is a huge deal to her. My friends name is Miss Amy. I love her. She is so sweet to me and she has a funny door mat. It says, "well butter my butt and call me a bisquit... look who's here." Miss Amy used to call me when I worked at Saks to place her Estee Lauder phone orders. She would have her products sent because she doesn't leave her house much. Miss Amy's husband had alzheimer's and she loved him very much. She stays home because she is sick a lot and very fragile herself. I vividly remember how she would call and get impatient with me on the phone. I had to meet her. She was fiesty! One day I offered to take her products to her house myself... and so began a beautiful friendship. I've been visiting her regularly now for about two and a half years. In that time her husband, Bill, passed away. She has great stories of how much they loved each other. They lived in England and had great careers in government. She is highly opinionated, educated and adorable at the same time. I really enjoy Miss Amy if you can't tell. She always orders a fruit log for me every Christmas from her favorite bakery in England. She bought Darrell some golf balls out of a catalog. She is so thoughtful. Miss Amy wasn't doing to well yesterday. She is getting very sick due to the natural aging process. She says she has never truly felt well since Bill left her. Pray for Miss Amy. She asks me about having a baby constantly (along with everyone else!) She smiled so beautifully yesterday when I told her that Darrell and I will start trying to get pregnant soon. Amidst her pain... she smiled. It was so pure and gorgeous. I will see her again next Tuesday. She asked me to bring "a half a dozen of so" of some peaches. Secretly, I always pray for a next time with Miss Amy. So here is to Miss Amy, fruit logs and peaches!

Monday, October 15, 2007

God's Dress Code

Colossians 3:12-17:

12 -14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
15 -17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Sometimes there is just no need for my commentary. This just says it all for me today. What else can I say other than I need to be more like this.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Whatever It Takes


I found a deal and I'm the proud owner of a 2008 black Toyota Camry! Yeah! They hooked me up here. The service was fantastic and I have a lower car payment! Gotta love it! (That just sounded like a commercial... forgive me but I'm excited!) Their tag line is true. I haggled tough and they did "whatever it takes." I love my car and we have a relationship. What will I name her?

Madea Teaches the Bible

Catching up with Madea- from "Madea Goes To Jail"

A little comic relief... watch your "interpretations!"

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Six Days of Bliss

I will be off from work for the next six days. I'm so excited because I just worked a long stretch of days to get here. It is nice to just rest. I've scheduled nothing but I am up for anything. I want to be spontaneous and available. Here is a general idea of some things I may be participating in.

-Cleaning and laundry
-Hang out with my hubby
-Spend time with my family
-Catch up with friends
-Head up to Universal to buy some tickets at Hard Rock
-Sleep a lot
-Go get a ManPed (what my sister's and I call Manicure/Pedicures)
-See a movie with my mother-in-law
-Contact some of my clients (my freelance work)
-Go to the Yves Saint Laurent company warehouse and trade some labor to get new FREE makeup (I love my boss... she hooks me up!)
-Set up a photo shoot to update my portfolio
-Finish reading Mark, move on to Luke in my bible... reading in general
-Go to church on Sunday (I'm so excited about the new series, "Dirty Little Secrets")and have lunch with my FOUR friends that will be coming for the first time!
-Watch some Tyler Perry/Madea stuff... the best plays and movies ever!
-Sleep a lot
-Update my facebook
-Blog
-Surround myself with positive, uplifting people, things, and activities
-Visit my friend Miss Amy
-Sleep a lot
-Force myself into the gym
-Look into trading in my car if I can get a deal
-Strategize my future goals
-Love my time and enjoy every minute
-The thing I'm most excited about... CU at C3!

I'm ready... let the fun begin. I just hope it doesn't fly by too quickly!

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

What I've Done


I'm forgiving what I've done.
Now what will I do?
Deuteronomy 15:10
Give freely and spontaneously. Don't have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God's, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Waiting for the Sunrise

On Thursday morning I watched the sunrise from above the clouds. It was nothing less than breathtaking. Vivid shades of orange and pink transformed the sky into a work of art. But before long some dark billowing clouds rolled in and covered the sun. I watched the black clouds and the lightening striking within the clouds for only a few minutes and then tried to get some rest. I was awakened by the bright sun blaring through the window of the plane. All the dark clouds were gone and there was nothing but blue sky and sunshine.

I spent the next 2 ½ days at a hospital by my Dad’s bedside; holding his hand, stroking his head and telling him how much I love him. Even though I knew he was ready to go to heaven, I just wasn’t quite ready to let him go. On Saturday morning around 6 am he took his final breaths and made the transition from earth to heaven. I’m sure all of heaven was rejoicing as my Dad entered the gates to meet Jesus.

There’s so much I could say about my Dad. He was an awesome dad and grandfather. He always considered the needs of others above himself. He even told everyone that he wouldn’t die until I had the opportunity to get to Pennsylvania to say goodbye to him. He even waited until Travis and the boys made the long 20 hour drive. Just hours after Caleb and Luke said goodbye to their grandpa he passed away. He considered himself lucky that he had the opportunity to say goodbye to the people he loved the most. Not all of us will have this opportunity, but we do have the opportunity to be prepared for the day when our lives here on earth will end, whatever the circumstances. My dad accepted Christ when he was in his 40’s. On that day he secured his salvation and his eternity with Christ in preparation for this time. My dad loved his Lord and never hesitated to share that love with the people around him. He had the awesome privilege to lead my grandmother and my aunt to Christ before they passed away. Even on his death bed his biggest concern was for the salvation of his brother. Through the oxygen mask he shared the Gospel and urged his brother to accept Christ so he could see him again someday in heaven.

The last few days have been so crazy. Right now I feel like I’m trapped in those big black billowing clouds. But I know that God has more beautiful sunrises and bright sunny days ahead for me. Thanks to the love, encouragement, support, and prayers of my husband, family, and friends those sunrises won’t be too far off. Maybe this morning my Dad got to see the sunrise from above the clouds…or maybe there were too many other amazing things to see and do in heaven to be bothered with a boring old sunrise.

Friday, October 5, 2007

Still... a Jesus Freak

I was a MAJOR DC Talk fan as a kid. Here's a flashback to my teenage years. This is my favorite song by them. What will people think?!

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Praying for You...

Dear Readers: Please pray for Sandi and Travis and the boys. Sandi's father has taken a turn for the worse, and she is trying to get to him as quickly as possible. Please pray for her dad, for safe travel, and for the family during this difficult time.

Dear Sandi:
We love you, and pray for safe travel, peace and calmness for you tonight, and comfort and healing for your dad. Please know that you are not alone. We are with you, and will continue to lift you up.

Love,

Your Sisters.

Peace to you.

Monday, October 1, 2007

No Place Like Home

I got back from LA last night around 9:30. For those of you who don't know, I went out to California to visit my brother and sister-in-law and meet my new niece, Kylie Reese. I had a great time visiting with my brother and Robin. We even got to see a couple of stars! (Crystal Bernard from Wings and Sela Ward) We did a few touristy kind of things but mostly just hung out at their apartment in Santa Monica.

Kylie is a very laid back, easy-going baby. She is so sweet! Tim and Robin are adjusting to parenthood and are doing a great job! I hate that they are so far away, but am very thankful for the time I got to spend with them.

Barry did an awesome job taking care of the kids while I was away. I missed them terribly and I am so happy to be home!