Get Your Verse On. . . .

I have always been kind of funny about tee shirts and what not with Bible verses on them. I dunno. . . just not really my style.

But these? These are my style. I love 'em! I think I gotta have one.

See my button on the side? God's faithfulness to us is great, isn't it? The button came from Wild Olive Tees, too! I wish I could remember which of you cool cats had the Wild Olive Tee button weeks ago that led me to this great site. Because if I could remember? I'd give you a shout out right here!!

What are you still doing here? Hop on over to the Wild Olive Tees now and "get your verse on"!!

Just Curious. . . and a Blog Award!

When did it become acceptable to be attending a meeting and checking your email on your crackberry, all at the same time? without shame?

Am I the only ding bat who can get side tracked by a visiting neighbor and forget I’m boiling eggs? Like until there’s no water left and the eggs are brown and the kitchen smells like a big ole’ fire?

Do dogs really know when something’s not quite right at home? Belle seemed to really know that I was home alone last night. That’s a good thing!

Are ticks not the grosses things ever? ICK!

How’s it so easy to get so used to having a hubby at home. Last night I am pretty sure I slept so fitfully I woke up every time the AC cut on. Or the wind blew.

Is cream cheese icing not just the yummiest?

Is Jen Lancaster not hysterical? I’m reading her second book (granted, it’s completely not edifying, simply just easy reading) now, and I am cracking up! I could do without some of the profanity, though.

Are this year’s mosquitos not three times larger than last years?

Is it a surefire sign of baby fever when every single thing a baby or a child does is absolutely precious to you?

Okay, so I received a blog award ~ YAY! ~ from Shanda! It's the Golden Heart Award, and I heart it! Thanks, Shanda!

As with any great blog award, I get to give it to five other bloggers who I follow or read, someone who has touched my heart and my life.

Seoul-Mama: She's my cousin, she's my friend. I admire Seoul-Mama for so many things, and I am so excited as she and her family prepare their home, hearts, minds, and family for a baby from Korea. Check out her blog, won't you?

Ally: Ally is the first person I ever knew who blogged. My husband followed her blog, and I began following Ally. She's a dear, sweet friend, and I love her stories of chasing after her Father, searching for her Prince Charming, living life abundantly, and loving her family.

Christina: Besides always sharing amazingly precious pictures of her girls, Christina has a precious little girl who has a rare chromosome disorder. Her most recent post is about a BBQ they're hosting later this summer for families who also fight this disorder. What a ministry!

Little April Rose: B is somewhat anonymous on her blog, despite the fact that she has a bajillion readers. April Rose is her baby girl who's yet to be born. An amazing story she has already. You gotta go check her out. Be sure to check out her His Will Wednesdays, too. Totally moving.

Grace.Gets.Greater: She just says it best in her profile, "I've learned through having my life torn down around me and rebuilt one piece at a time, that I serve a God who offers me grace. When the going gets tough, the Grace Gets Greater." She's real. She's honest. She's funny. Read her!!!

Again, thanks for being part of my blog family! I heart you guys!!! Before you go checkin' out all these cool ladies and their blogs, tell me, what are you curious about?

Wednesday's Walk: A little of this, a lot of that!, and Blogger Appreciation Week

Whew, lately it’s been like I’ve rushed to get up some blog posts just so I can stay connected. I’ve not really put a ton of myself into this blog, and I miss it!!!

So, in honor of Wednesday’s Walk, I’m going to tell you all about our Memorial Day weekend, how we accomplished oh, so much, about my art project, and maybe even I’ll throw a little blogosphere-games in the mix!! So hold on tight, y’all, here we goooooooo!!!!

This past weekend, Tim and I were stoked to be at home for an entire weekend! Add to that fun that we had Monday off, and we were chompin’ at the bit to figure out what all we could get into! I did work Saturday morning, but other than that, it was all fun times for us! We watched three – yes, three! – movies over the course of the weekend. The best one? Marley and Me. Hands down. If you’re an animal lover whatsoever, you’ll surely enjoy this family movie! Just make sure you have your tissues (or a big ole' comfy afghan will do, if you're like me and you spontaneously cry throughout the entire movie. Cry bigtime. Like Boo Hoo Cry.) handy.

We also painted the final room in our house! Well, actually Tim really did most of the painting. I don’t mind painting the big areas with a roller, but I was little messy on Saturday. Eek?!? So, I was quickly excused from that project to tackle my own arts & crafts. . .

Ah, yes, the door sign. So I’ve sort of seen similar, much more detailed things recently, and since we’ve painted our front door Posh Red, I decided I would prefer something simple, clean, and crisp on our front door and forego a wreath for a little while.

Enter the need to go to Hobby Lobby.

Tim obliged, so Saturday we headed to Hobby Lobby so I could load up on supplies. Only after, though, we visited Lane Packing Company and enjoyed some delicious homemade strawberry ice cream!

So, check out my creation! Whatcha think? Seriously, artsy folks, give me any tips and suggestions you might have. Melissa, be thankful I don’t know your phone number, otherwise I’m sure I would’ve called you a million times asking a million questions as I painted! I really have a new, refreshed admiration for your talent! Only straight lines for this chickadee, and it still has room for improvement!

We also took Belle and Buddy to the dog park and then bathed them, so they’re worn out and clean pups!

As for blog games, this week is Blogger Appreciation Week. This week, we have the chance to share with our readers why we blog, why we write, how reading other blogs has touched your heart, what God’s doing in your life through blogging, mention others you’ve met through blogging, etc. . . Shanda even suggesting including titles of some of your favorite posts so that visitors can see what your faves are. Of course, after posting, make sure to put your post info into Daveda’s Mr. Linky.

Make sure to visit other participants while you’re at Daveda’s site, too! We bloggers heart comments and encouragement!

So, I celebrate Blogger Appreciation Week this week for a number of reasons. In high school, I realized I loved to write. While I’m not stellar at it, I do enjoy every minute of it, and I definitely feel the release from writing is phenomenal! I was hesitant to blog because we currently don’t have kids, so I didn’t know really what I’d talk about. I had no idea when I started blogging that themes exist for virtually every day of the week!

Nor did I know the incredible women I’d meet through this blogging world. I love that so many of my blog chums are folks I’d never meet otherwise. Some of you are big city folks, others live on farms and ranches. Many of you are moms, which I definitely admire. And many of you are amazing Christian women who’ve taught me so many things about my Heavenly Father! And that is amazing!

The blogs I most look forward to reading are those that are so popular their authors definitely don’t read my measly little blog, but who doesn’t crave a good dose of LPM every day? And for goodness sake if you believe Miracles Happen, you definitely know all about precious Harper in Kelly’s Korner! Shanda is one of those incredible Christian ladies who I just know would be a fast friend of mine if we lived closer! And Jeriann, I just eat up her posts every day! I love them! So thanks, y’all, for reading along as I live this crazy thing called life. It’s fun times!

Okay, so this has gotten crazy long, so I’m waiting til tomorrow to talk about another blog award / game! Later, taters!

Titus 2 Tuesday: Jennifer

For today’s Titus 2 Tuesday, I’m honoring a dear, life-long friend, Jennifer. I met Jennifer on the first day of first grade. I don’t remember this exactly, but my mom has always said I came home from school and told her there was a new girl in my class, her name was Jennifer, and I did NOT like her. In fact, I called her a witch!?! Mother told me we don’t say mean things about people, reminded me that I’d just met Jennifer, and scolded me for being so harsh.

Days, even weeks passed.

One evening at supper, I announced that my new friend Jennifer had invited me to spend the night with her. My parents asked me if this was the same friend who I’d earlier told them was a witch.

Yep. That’s the one. She also wears big bows in her hair, and they always match her dresses. She always wears dresses.

Well, my parents let me spend the night with Jennifer, thus beginning a true blue friendship that’s lasted through band-nerds-to-cool-girls, first loves, proms, high school graduations, colleges (at different schools), weddings, and careers. I remember when she called me to tell me her granddaddy had passed away; I think we were in fourth grade, maybe?. . . It was the first funeral I attended, and I remember her catching my eye during the song, "In His Time". Both of our eyes were filled to the brim with tears. But somehow, I felt better just knowing my friend knew I was there. The Good Lord knew then that we'd comfort each other many times over in our lives. And each time, I'm reminded that He does make all things beautiful . . . in His time.

Today, Jen is that friend who’s always checking in to see how we are doing, she’s busier than I can imagine with a job that’s competitive, challenging, and flat out HARD WORK, and she’s the most compassionate person I know!

Anyone who knows Jen knows that a voicemail from her is almost like a song, “Hey, B, it’s Jen, hope you’re doing well. I’m just working along the coast today and thought I’d check in to see how you are while I’m on the road. We’re good, just staying busy.” This is only the beginning of her voicemail. We laugh at how you aren’t sure there’s a need to call her back because Jen tells you everything in her message! It’s priceless!

This weekend, Jen shared with me that she’s expecting. She and her husband are pregnant, and baby Fanning is due on Christmas Day! Jennifer will be an amazing mother. This is know for sure. After all, she’s been an amazing friend to me for years and years.

Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for putting Jennifer in my life almost 24 years ago. Thank you for the lady she is, for the mother she will be, and for her precious husband who cherishes her as she should be cherished. And, thank you for choosing her to carry a precious baby for your glory.

Recipes for Everyone!

After my post yesterday, a couple of you commented that you’d like my recipes. Well, see, the thing is they’re so simple that it’s ridiculous! You’ll certainly be amazed! But since you asked, here goes. . . .

Grilled Shrimp
Unpeel and devein raw shrimp. In a shallow dish, spread out shrimp and lightly coat with olive oil. I put shrimp into a grill basket before placing them on the grill. Grill on each side about 6 – 8 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked thoroughly. Lightly salt and pepper before serving.

Broiled Asparagus
Wash asparagus, snap off the ends and discard. Lay asparagus in a baking dish in a single layer. Lightly coat with olive oil and a little bit of garlic salt. Broil at 500 for 10 – 12 minutes (I kept them in for 15 because I prefer for my veggies to be really done!). My recipe book (Joy of Cooking, da BOMB for new wives like me!) recommended adding the garlic, but it also said you could add parmesan cheese (YUM).

See how easy? And I promise it’s so yummy!!! And quick! Bon Appetite!

Titus 2 Tuesday: My Health Nut Buddies

Join us for Titus 2 Tuesdays. It's a great way to celebrate the women in your life, and to recognize what you are learning or have learned from those women.

Today, I celebrate two of my friends who have helped me think outside of the box in the last couple of days in regards to health, weight loss, and exercise.

I've referred to my constant weight battle numerous times on this blog, and I've even written a letter to these extra 10 pounds "declaring war". Apparently, it takes more than that. . . .

So, yesterday I decided to enlist the help of some of my health nut buddies. Those girls that I know who exercise because they love it, they eat healthy because they want to. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah.

(I realize that the first thing I need is an attitude adjustment about the "Blah Blah Blah" part. I've changed my outlook, and I'm praying constantly God will help me in this fight!)

Lori and Amber are my two friends who've helped me in the last two days. It is Amber who took the time to write out a looonnnnggggg but very beneficial email to me, telling me what she eats on a daily basis, outlining her exercise plans, and giving me other ideas. Amber's lost 20 pounds in the last 6 months, and it just helps so much to know there's success behind what she's doing. Lori helped me, too, by also sharing her food intake and her exercising. Lori also asked if I'd be interested in being accountability partners in our weight loss; we both want to lose 10 pounds.

After getting all the helpful hints and ideas from Lori and Amber, I was so pumped last night about my new, true health endeavor! I've never been so excited to eat broiled asparagus, grilled shrimp, and salad. And it was D.I.V.I.N.E. Yummy! Delicious! We ate outside on our back patio, enjoying the great spring weather! Even Better!

But I did still think mean thoughts to Jillian while doing her DVD. So, no, I'm not totally there yet with my health nut chums, but I'm getting there. And if you ask me, that's half the battle!

Winner & a GPS Mishap

Thank you all so much for commenting and congratulating me on my 100th blog! The winner of my giveaway is Kristin at These Little Girls of Mine! Hop on over and meet Kristin, and while you're visiting, make sure you check out herprecious new clothing line, SummerSuzette! Kristin, your package is coming soon! Thanks for playing along!

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So, we went to Birmingham this weekend for a wedding shower for Tim's brother, Josh and his fiance, Kelli. I would've sworn up and down to you that I had saved the address for the party in our until-this-moment-perfect GPS, so we're leaving the hotel for the party with Tim's parents in our car. Kelli's parents and uncle were following us. We assured them we could get to the party. I mean, for goodness sake, Tim went to grad school in the Ham just a few years ago. And remember, we have our trusty Tom Tom.

While Tim's driving, we are busy raving to his parents about the Tom Tom. Telling them how we used it to find that great italian spot in Asheville, NC, on the fly last December. Oh, and just a couple of weeks ago, remember we used it to get to the other party for Josh and Kelli in Tallahassee? Yep, these things are super handy!

A few minutes later, we're in Hoover, turning into a neighborhood. I do remember thinking, for a fleeting second, "I thought Josh said this couple lived in a new house. These houses don't look new." We continued driving, following Tom Tom. All the while, still raving to Tim's parents about how handy these systems are. They'll take you anywhere you want to go! See how easy this is!!!

We pull up at 551 Twin Creek Drive, and there are festive candles in the windows. But no cars. Where are the people?

Kelli's parents pull up beside us. As my mother-in-law and I are trying to figure out where everyone's cars are, Kelli's parents tell us we're on Turtle Creek Drive. Not Twin Creek Drive!

We are NOT at the right house!!! Not in the right neighborhood! Well, at least we're in Hoover!?!?!

At which point I promptly take back everything I've just said about tom-tom and refuse to believe that stupid computer can get us anywhere.

We back track, thankful for Tim's knowledge of where he is and how to get around (at least a little bit). Josh directs us by phone: "Call me when you get to the car dealership." Then "Call me when you're at the school."

We made it to Twin Creek Drive; nevermind we were a good forty minutes late!?!?! It's apparently too new of a street for our not-so-trusty-anymore Tom Tom. Gee Whiz. Sometimes good ole' fashion directions from someone who knows are the only way to go!

Fabulous Friday ~ Lovin' It!

Happy Friday, folks! I'm sitting on my couch in my pjs, sipping coffee and watching the Early Show. Yep, it's a day off for this chick, and I'm l-o-v-i-n it!! I've got a little bit of this, a little bit of that to say, so I'm taking after Somi and giving you a little lovin' it for today!

We loved being included in Bella Grace's First Birthday celebration last night. . . watching a one year old's face while everyone sings to her is priceless!

Love that our window boxes are looking so good! The purple verbena is rockin' these days!

Loved Gray's last night! But did NOT like 007's situation. What!?!?! Am I the only faithful watcher who was totally did NOT see that coming?!?!?

Love giveaways. Have you signed up for my giveaway? Check it out! I'll draw Sunday evening and announce the winner Monday!

Speaking of giveaways, check out this cool giveaway-pay-it-forward idea.

Love checkin' out Lora's recipes. I recently made her chicken salad recipe, and it was such a hit! Thanks for sharing your recipes with us, Lora!

Love that I'm about to head out to sit in the sun for a few hours of chillin' out!

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Wednesday's Walk ~ My 100th Post

It’s my 100th post!!! YAY!

When I started blogging, I honestly only knew that I loved to write, that I loved reading other folks’ blogs, that I loved how different people had different, unique styles of writing. I remember being apprehensive because we don’t have kids. What would I write about?
But, 100 posts later, here’s what I do know about blogging

- There is always something to write about! Be it trips we’ve taken, family fun, home projects we’re undertaking, our dogs, running, or random letters I’d like to send.

- It’s definitely become one of my favorite hobbies!

- I could easily have a theme for every day of posting. Right now, I just choose to participate in Shanda’s Titus 2 Tuesdays and Lynnette’s Wednesday Walks. There are Not Me Mondays, Weekend Wordles, Six Word Saturdays, and a host of other themes. They all seem like they’d be loads of fun, but I’m perfectly content with my two themes each week.

- YOU people ROCK! I always anticipate reading your blogs each day. Some of you are very different from me; some of us are very similar.

- I’m so obnoxiously proud of my niece that oftentimes readers mistake her for my child! LOL! It happens on Facebook, too! It always makes me laugh! I’d claim Ellie Grace in a red hot minute, but I’m just her ridiculously proud Aunt B!

- I’m an even bigger fan of Beth Moore because of her blog!

- Many of us are Children of God, and that makes me smile like nothing else! I’ve learned so much from so many of you about faith, God and His Amazing Grace, and living with childlike faith. So many of you have been through heartaches beyond explaination. Yet you cling to your faith, and that, friends, is beautiful.

So, to celebrate my 100th post, I’m hosting a giveaway! One of you can win a few of my favorite things!

First, a copy of Charles F. Stanley’s book, Leaving a Godly Legacy.

My Bible study group just finished this study last night, and it’s great. I almost didn’t participate in this study since it was very parenting-oriented, and well, we’re not there yet. But, I am so thankful that I did the study anyway! It’s a very straight-forward guide to instilling ten very important principles in your children so that we “give the inheritance that really matters”. It’s also a great guide to leaving a Godly Legacy in the workplace, your neighborhood, and with your friends.

Also, this new mascara is my FAVE! It really does make my lashes seem longer!

Third, a package of my favorite coffee ~ Chock full of Nuts.

It’s super yummy! And every cup of coffee is better in your own monogrammed mug, right! (Lora, I know you agree!)

So, to thank you, my readers, for joining me on this journey, it’s my first giveaway! To participate, simply comment on this post, leaving your email address so I can contact you when you win! If you’re a follower, you’ll be entered into the drawing automatically, but to have more than one chance, please comment, too! Become a follower, and you’ll be entered an additionaly time as well! It’s really that simple!

Have fun!!!!

Titus 2 Tuesday: Amanda

Titus 2 Tuesday is a way that we can honor those women in our lives who've taught us something ~ big or small, whether they know it or not. Check out Shanda's blog for more info and to participate.

I've just met Amanda in the last couple of months through Sav a Life, which is a crisis pregnancy center here in town. Amanda and I volunteer together at Sav a Life's Baby & Me Class once a month.

The first time I met Amanda, I was immediately struck with her bubbly personality. She was so happy! I love how Amanda laughs so easily. I love how Amanda's love for the Lord just shines through everything she does.

Amanda is a proud mom, a faithful wife, and a dedicated business woman. She's all that and so much more! I look forward to the monthly Baby & Me classes now for lots of reasons, one being that I know time spent with Amanda will be a blessing to me.

Amanda has no idea what she's meant to me already in a new, budding friendship. And I'm just sure that our lunch together will provide showers of blessings to me. She's just that kind of girl. And I thank God for her! Off to lunch!!

Mother's Day 2009

Since Monday is likely to be a real Manic Monday for me (Just imagine working on a project to roll out a new program to company. As the trainer, that's been my life for the past 6 months. Friday, 3pm, it died. Kapoot. So, I'm sure tomorrow will be full of meetings with my boss, his boss, that boss' boss, and maybe even el presidente. Fun.), I am going ahead and sharing pictures and a video from our Mother's Day.

There were 19 dedicated in the first service; I heard today's dedications were the most our church has ever had in one day! Here's our preacher praying with Jenn, Brian, and Ellie. It's a little dark because I was afraid to trample over my husband and grandmother to get a better pic, so this is actually a picture of the video screen!

We then went over to the McMenamy house for a family brunch! Yummy foods, great company, and one precious little girl who is loved beyond measure just made for the best day!

Here's E getting her some good ole milk. Her eyes melt my heart!

For Mother's Day, Jenn and I gave our momma (also known as Lovie by Ellie) a painting done by my friend Melissa at Initial Designs. Melissa, thank you - again! - for creating a beautiful painting for us! Momma loves it!!!

And a video. Ellie was talking up a storm this afternoon, and I just couldn't resist! To those of you who don't live in the south, yes, I totally acknowledge the fact that I sound as country as cornbread. That's what ya get with a born and bred Georgia Peach! Enjoy!

What a great day we had. I hope all of you mothers out there were celebrated and thanked for all that you do!

Happy Mother's Day

In honor of Mother's Day on Sunday, I am recycling this post from February about my momma. Hope you enjoy it ~ for the first time or again!

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. I'm amazed at the incredible, Christian mothers I've met through this blog world. And I'm thanking God for you this year, too. I learn so much every single day from so many mothers. Oftentimes, you teach me about life, God's love, and any other life lesson. The sweetest part to me is how you all teach me about being a mother without even realizing you're doing it! I love that!

Hope you enjoy this post. . . .


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Yesterday was my mother’s birthday. We had a great dinner last night at Jenn and Brian’s with Gma there as well. Of course, Ellie was still the center of attention for all of us! Here’s a list of various things: memories I have, things I love about my mother, good times gone by. . . Momma, this is for you.
1. She’s my momma. That’s why I love her!
2. She gave me life.
3. She always made the best roast ever
4. Growing up in Gordon, we spent hours upon hours riding from Macon to Gordon, Milledgeville to Gordon. When I was little, momma would sing with us. I can’t count the times we sang “This Little Light of Mine”, “Jesus Loves Me”, “Popcorn Poppin’ on the Apricot Tree” or any other song she could think of.
5. I remember loving to watch her get dressed up for a date night with my Dad. I loved going into their bedroom after they’d left just to get a whiff of momma’s perfume she’d sprayed minutes before. Perfume never has smelled as good as it does on my momma.
6. The ultimate may / can teacher. “I don’t know, can you?”
7. Her love for the beach.
8. Even in the very minute of heartache beyond belief, she never wavered from the strong mother I knew she was
9. She’s a friend who’ll always be honest with me and tell me exactly what she thinks. Whether I want to hear it or not.
10. Her home always has smelled like you could “eat the walls” like one of Jenn’s high school friend once said.
11. Nights of sitting on our back porch on Senora Place, us three girls, crying, hurting, and comforting each other months after Daddy died.
12. My 17th Birthday party where just a few friends turned into waaaay too many, including a few cops!?!?!
13. King & Prince visits through the years
14. Crabdaddy’s and the best waitress ever
15. Lovin’ me through my ugly years when she didn’t like me!
16. The many formal dresses we shopped for, tried on, and bought through the years of proms, Valentine’s Dances, Homecomings, and the like!
17. Corky the Cat and his many siblings. . . alive and dead.
18. Christmas Sugar Cookies that the Piggly Wiggly always had that I loved!
19. Canning veggies Daddy grew in the Griffin’s garden
20. Her strong grip on my hand walking into the church for Daddy’s funeral
21. Surprising me at Jayne’s with my new car for my high school graduation!
22. Senior Cruise
23. Spring Break trips
24. Momma’s admiration and love for her family that I always admired.
25. Island Townhouses, C9
26. The no good horrible very bad terrible Surprise Party
27. The fact that we can now laugh about that Surprise Party
28. My K5 teacher had a baby while I was in her class and momma was the sub. I would immediately forget who my mother was every day we walked into the class. I was scared of her as a teacher, I think!
29. Quebec City and Toronto
30. Hotel del Coronado
31. I was always amazed as a child at how she could harmonize any hymn in church
32. Her stories of her life growing up. I always loved to hear her say, “When I was a little girl. . .” I knew it was going to be a good story!
33. Calling out daddy for his cousin Maurice
34. Pulling me through the lowest times of my life
35. Always assuring me God did in fact have someone out there for me, even when I didn’t believe it.
36. Watching her in her teacher role.
37. Jenn’s Graduation Party!
38. Being there when “my” branch opened downtown
39. Being the happiest mom of the bride ever!
40. Watching her be Lovie
41. Her “surprise” and excitement each Christmas and Easter morning when we saw when Santa or the Easter Bunny left!
42. The fact that she honestly never knew that Jenn and I always snuck into the room before they were up to see what Santa left us!
43. Our many trips and times with the Kononens
44. Her new Friday night tradition with Ellie
45. “Jesus love the little Ellies. All the Ellies of the world. . ."
46. Her life long friend LaDon and how LaDon and Harry are my second parents
47. All the Georgia games we’ve been to in our lives!
48. Her love for junkin’
49. Her plants, flowers, and such she always has growing
50. “Child of Mine”
51. Heartbreak and triumph we’ve all 3 known
52. How protective she still is of me and Jenn
53. The comforting fact that I know, without a shadow of a doubt, my momma will always be there for me. Always.

Happy Mother's Day, Momma! I love you with all my heart!

Wednesday's Walk: Posh Red Door

For today's Wednesday's Walk, I am showing you our new front door!! It's finally finished, and is definitely "Posh Red"!!


I absolutely love it! Tim patiently painted it with seven - yes, seven! - coats of paint! I doubt I'll ever see a red room after our first experience with red paint!! And that's okay! Because we have a Red Door!!!

I couldn't be happier!!

A Teachable Heart...: Titus 2 Tuesdays - Amazing Amy

http://happyascanb.blogspot.com/2009/05/today-is-titus-2-tuesday-and-since-we.html

Titus 2 Tuesday: Amazing Amy

Today is Titus 2 Tuesday, and since we had Relay for Life last Friday night here in Macon, I want to highlight my sweet friend, Amy.

Amazing Amy at our wedding

Amy and I originally met in high school; I think it was probably 1995, and we both worked in a cute little gift / card shop in town, Jayne’s Hallmark. Amy was the most timid, quietiest person I think I’ve ever met. I swear she was scared of her shadow. Mesh that with me – loud, outgoing, talkative – and I’m sure she was terrified of me! We worked together for a couple of years until I left for college. Amy stayed in town and worked at the card store while attending college. It’s important to note that our boss at the store was Jayne, and she was very possibly one of the most demanding bosses you can imagine. But fair. She expected nothing less than our very best, for us to always be on our toes, always giving the best service, and always happy and upbeat. Jayne taught me the foundations of customer service and how to deliver the BEST of whatever it is I might sell or do. Jayne taught Amy that as well. More than that, though, I think Jayne taught Amy how to love herself and be happy with who she was.

Fast forward a few years and I was working here at the bank while Amy had finished school and was still at the store. I talked to her one day while I was in there shopping and encouraged her to let me know if she was ever interested in banking. I knew she was smart as a whip, and her years at Jayne’s had helped her become an incredibly happy, friendly woman. Amy did end up moving to the bank, and she started her banking career. It was only a matter of time before Amy took a promotion into the loan administration area of our bank, and she helped to develop our loan operations department during her career.

In 2005, Amy experienced a period of time where she had a nagging cough. It just wouldn’t let up. After rounds of antibiotics, her doctor finally did a chest x ray. There was a tumor found, but they were not sure what it was. I remember Amy travelling to Emory, where she visited a specialist. I remember us all expecting this doctor to confirm that this was some sort of strange – but benign – tumor. An invisible twin or something. We honestly weren’t worried.
And then Amy’s Daddy called me. Cancer. Ewings Sarcoma cancer. We were told it was a pediatric cancer, so it was strange for a 25 year old to be diagnosed with it. It was in her lung cavity but was not in her bone – a good thing.

“No pity parties” her Daddy told me. Amy wants no pity parties. “We’re going to beat this. And that’s all there is to it.” Mr. Randall was so calm and clear with me. He calmed me with his words from that very moment.

Amy fought like the bravest, most beautiful person you can imagine. I called her "Amazing Amy" because she was just amazing. She worked through her treatments, wearing a port and a bag of drugs she carried around with her. And she joked around, laughing and cutting up the entire time. Here she is with another coworker sporting a wig!

And just call her a Diva here, if you please. . . . Can't you just see her attitude? Love it!!!

Amy was declaired cancer free one year to the date of her intial diagnosis. And we celebrated! We were all praising God that He had healed her! But, at Amy's first follow up, 3 months later, she was told that her cancer was back. In fact, it might not have ever really left as they'd thought. And this time, it was bigger, worse, growing faster.

Again Amy bravely faced chemo and radiation treatments. She made fast friends with all the folks in her doctor's office. how could you not love Amy? She'd spend her time sitting in that room, receiving treatments by making jewelry. Tons and tons of jewelry she made. Stones and beads galore. She turned them into necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and watches. She could do anything you asked her to! Get a new outfit? Amy can make you jewelry to match!

Amy read scripture (quoted below) in our wedding in December of 2007. Who would've ever known that just 45 days later, she'd be fighting for her life. January 30, 2008, Amy was in the hospital, and we'd learned that this was it. She'd fought as bravely as she possibly could, and the time was coming for her Heavenly Father to scoop her up and bring her into Heaven. I will forever be grateful - so very grateful - to Amy's parents for letting me have just a few minutes with Amy just before she died.

Again, it was her Daddy who met me in the hall of the hospital. He held my shoulders, looked me square in the eye, and very calmly warned me, "this might be hard for you, Bethany." God love his heart. There he was, watching his only child, his precious little girl, leave this earth, and he was worried about me. Again, it was his words who comforted me.

I walked into that room, grabbed Amy's hand, grabbed her mother's hand, and I'll never forget those precious moments. I was able to thank Amy for being so Amazing. I thanked her for teaching me so much about God's plan being bigger than ours. I thanked Amy for being so precious to me for so many years, for being my friend. And I promised her we would love on her parents and take care of them for her. I admitted to Amy I was a little jealous of where she was heading. But I assured her that I'll see her again one sweet day. And I will.

So, last Friday night, we had Relay for Life here in Macon. Amy's parents were the Accounting Chairs this year, so we helped them count money, and count money, and count money. It's safe to say I hate cancer. Hate it. I might not have the skill sets to study cancer, to research for a cure, but I can participate in Relay. And I can raise money for a cure. That's why we do it; our bank again won the award for raising the most money by a bank. For Amy's memory, we're Amy's Angels, and we will not stop fighting and praying for a cure.

Colossians 3:12 - 17 ~ "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

That's how Amy lived her life. Her short 28 years were packed full of the peace of Christ, love in her heart, doing everything she did with thanksgiving, all in the name of her Father in Heaven. Oh how I hope to be clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, just as Amy was.

Show Us Your House Friday: The Kitchen

Kelly's doing this really cool home tour via the blogosphere! I am playing along for fun; if you want to, jump on over to Kelly's site for info. Now, not only do I admire Kelly for her amazing ministry through her blog, but I also admire her for her taste and talent at decorating! And I LOVE her cabinets and her kitchen!

Yep, today's room is the kitchen. Here are some pictures of our kitchen. Now, keep in mind when I bought this house five years ago, I was a young, single girl who cared very little about cooking and being in the kitchen. Since marrying, I've found a love for cooking and baking. But our kitchen. . . . well, it ain't a cook's kitchen. But I get by! It isn't big, there's not a lot of counter space (Tim would argue that's because I have clutter on the countertops. I say it's decor. He says clutter.), and it gets hotter than blue blazes in there when we're cooking.

But it's just fine! And it does the trick! So, here are some pictures of our kitchen. . .

Here's the view of the kitchen from our dining room. . .

A couple of my favorite things in our kitchen are
Our Cuisinart coffee maker! Neither Tim nor I were coffee drinkers when we married. But this bad boy makes the yummiest coffee, and we now drink it every morning! YUM!

My Kitchenaid mixer. I promise you I hear angels singing when I crank up this sucker! Whether it's cake batter or pimento cheese, a good mixing with the Kitchenaid, and all is well!

As you leave the kitchen, you'll see this above the doorway. . .

Tim often comes into the kitchen to see what's cooking - or what he can nibble on until dinner is ready - and always kisses me before he leaves the kitchen! It's the cook's orders, you know.

It might not be a cook's kitchen, but I get by, I get by. . . And I love it!