The Beauty of Waiting

Do you ever read someone else's post and think, "when in the world did she crawl up in my brain and get those thoughts outta there?"  I mean, it's just like they said exactly what you think?  BigMama's post this morning is exactly that. 

It's not that I've really been thinking a lot about this lately, but when I read her post, I was agreeing and shaking my head and saying, "me, too!" to so many things!  Like when she talks about her early twenties and how she was a "hot mess".  .  . me too.  And when she talks of finding those guys who look so good on paper but it's just not "there", it's okay to let them go.  Yes. It. Is.

How do I know?

After messy relationships and emotional break ups, I was turning 25 single. Totally single.  But it was also that birthday that began a relationship that on paper seemed really good.  He had a great job.  He was friends with lots of my friends.  He was handsome. He was fun.

But he was also mean.  He could be a big ole' jerk.  And he never went to church with me, much less prayed with me.

So, almost a year later, I got ballsy enough to walk away.  To be alone again.  And to wait on God.  While just about all of my friends were head over heels in love with their hubbies or fiances, I was again alone.  And waiting.

And would you believe what God had in store for me?  Yeah, you know the end of this story. . . .  a few months later, I met Tim in a Bible Study group that I'd avoided going to for months.  I kept saying I didn't want to go to a singles' Bible Study because it would surely be a meat market.  Not for me.

God's definitely got a sense of humor!  Because it was that first night at Bible Study that I met Tim.  And it began a beautiful friendship based on God.  And God's best for me continues to amaze me day after day.

BooMama says it best when she says, "all I can do is keep my eyes on the One who knows everything in my heart and trust that He knows what's ultimately the best for me.  He hasn't let me down yet."

And, just as BooMama does, I'm closing with this verse.  You single ladies out there, CLAIM IT!!!!

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him."  ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9

What are you waiting on?  Go over and read her amazing post NOW!!!

Titus 2 Tuesday: Ashlie

Welcome to another edition of Titus 2 Tuesday, where we celebrate the women in our lives and what they’ve taught us. Join in; we’d love to have you!

I’m recycling a Titus 2 Post from a while back. And I apologize, but that’s just as good as it gets these days with me. Too much shaking in my neck of the woods. Besides that, I find it worth repeating what a great encourager Ashlie is to me. I first posted this back in April. Today, Ashlie’s encouraging me in many new and different ways and for that I’ll forever be grateful!

I am one of few - in the world, perhaps – who can say that I lived with the same girl my entire college career. And that we never, not one time, had any sort of argument or disagreement. Never. She was the most amazing roomie for 4 solid years. During those years and since then, Ashlie has taught me so much about life.

From the wild days of our Freshmen Fall quarter ~ Ash, remember Opossum and his friends, our first night in Athens, and the freezing cold Auburn game where we sat on the concrete because of the fraudulent tickets and waaaaay too many people in the stadium ~ to the Bible Studies we attended, the friends we made, and the lessons we learned, it’s safe to say that 301 Church Hall and St. Andrews Apt 205 housed not only ourselves but our friendship, many laughs, our share of tears, and many memories of our college lives.

Ashlie has been one of the most influential friends I have in the area of my spiritual growth. It was Ashlie’s hand that held mine while we were seniors in high school sitting in church when a man in the audience began having a heart attack or stroke or something. The preacher stopped preaching and began praying for this little old man. Ashlie was also there when I fell apart one night during a Bible Study session our freshman year, over a very painful experience. And of course, Ash was right there with me, standing as a bridesmaid when I married Tim!

Ashlie taught me how to pray, how to rest in God, how to trust Him always, and how to seek His will for my life in everything I do. I love her dearly, and I truly thank my God for her!

Aunt B & Ellie

I'm posting this picture because it just makes me laugh! I was trying my best to get Ellie to kiss me. . . . Can you tell she wasn't havin' it? She's looking at me like I have lost my mind!!!!!

Happy Weekend, Y'all!!

More Blog Fun ~ 5 Words

So, you guys know I’m always up for a fun little blog game. And Lora recently participated in this and invited her readers to join in. . . . And here I am! Lora assigned me five words. My assignment? Talk about ‘em!


Work: I’m a banker, so in today’s economy, we’re working our fingers to the bone, petal to the medal, nose to the grindstone. You get the drift. But I’m so very thankful to be a tiny part of a bank that’s based on Christian foundations, and we know that our God who brought us into existence is the same God who grew our bank to what it is today. And He’s the same awesome God who’s with us today in this tumultuous time.

Babies: I love ‘em! I am now keeping the babies on Wednesday nights at church, and I absolutely eat it up! Oh how I do pray God’s plan for our lives is for us to be parents!! Like soon!!?!!

Faith: Oh man. . . where do I start? I could go on for days! Faith in my Father is what I rely on, cling to, and stand on. There just ain’t no other way!

Family: My family is my world! If you’ve been reading this blog long enough, you know that much is true! I grew up in an incredibly loving home, and I have so many memories of family times together. And now, my husband and I are a family, and I love every single minute of it.

Embarrassment: I am one of the most klutzy human beings on this earth, so I’m full of embarrassing stories. Maybe Lora included this because I was soooo embarrassed after passing out in the middle of El Azteca Friday night? Perhaps she remembered the time I fell on the treadmill at the gym. Regardless, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my embarrassing moments, it’s that being able to laugh about them is over half the battle!

Fun times! Let me know if you want to play along!

Thursday's Ten ~ My Bucket List

Lora's Thursday's Ten today is Your Bucket List.  What's on your list of things to do before you die? 

1.  Carry a child.

2.  Be a child's mother.

3.  Go skiing out west.  Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, any of it!

4.  Be used by Christ to bring someone to salvation.

5.  Effectively give my testimony to a group.

6.  See UGA play in a national championship game.  In Person.

7.  Go to Europe

8.  Go on a mission trip.

9. Hiking / Camping trip out west like Nilsa and Sweets recently did.

10. Work in a mission-type environment

So.  What's on your bucket list?   

Thomas Nelson Book Review ~ What Kind of Difference Do It Make

Wow. I just finished reading What Difference Do It Make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent. As I've mentioned before, this is the second book by Ron and Denver. Their first book, Same Kind of Different as Me is incredible.

So, I expected great things from What Difference Do It Make? And my expectations were met! Not only do readers get an update on the beloved pair; our hearts are also touched by the stories told of others who read Same Kind of Different as Me and took action, those who began giving to those in need, those who forgave painful pasts, those who paid it forward in some small - or big - way.

As was with the first book, Denver's tales are honest, true, and thought provoking. Ron’s stories are often heart-wrenching and profound. Together, the two tell a story of making a difference in the lives of many. I highly recommend diving on into What Difference Do It Make? After all, this much I know is true:

What Difference Do It Make? Oftentimes, an eternal one.  And that's what it's all about!

Titus 2 Tuesday ~ Gma

Welcome to Titus 2 Tuesday, where we honor women who've taught us something worth remembering.  Won't you join us?  All you have to do is link your blog post to this post!  Be sure to hop around and visit other Titus 2 blogs as well!

This week, I’m honoring my precious Grandmother. Affectionately known to her 6 granddaughters, 3 great granddaughters and one great grandson as “G-ma”, my grandmother is a true matriarch, a true legacy, and a true Christian woman.


Yesterday, I had the opportunity to take Gma to the oral surgeon for a quick procedure. As is typical, the entire trip was worth remembering! Here are a few snippets of what was heard during our time together:

- While sitting at a green light waiting to turn left, Gma says, “Go! You can go!” I most certainly could not go, though. . . less she be creamed by an oncoming car. That’s when I quickly reminded Gma I was driving this buggy! She just laughed! Ha Ha!!

- Upon entering the doctor’s office, Gma says, “shoo, this place smells like medicine!”

- She refused to put her social security number on their patient information sheet. She gave me an ear full about that. “Someone” recently told her not to “ever EVER” do that. My money is that Nancy Grace has recently said that. Gma takes anything Nancy says to the bank!

- Since I was taking my lunch break to do this little trip, I was checking my emails on my phone. Gma leans over and says, “Are you texting? Or are you on that facebook thing?” She then has me explain both texting and facebook to her. She doesn’t understand why it’s called texting. Why not messaging?

- And that conversation led to blogs. I’ve mentioned before my cousin also writes a blog. Gma’s heard us talking about them, so I was trying to explain to Gma that they’re basically online journals. Gma seemed to think that was a little silly; aren’t journals supposed to be of your deep, private thoughts? She didn’t seem too interested until I told her Seoul-Mama uses hers mainly to document their adoption of Seoul-baby. Gma perked up then and thought blogs were an excellent idea!

- And only my 89-year-old Grandmother would come out of having a tooth extracted with gauze sticking straight out of her mouth and talk the ENTIRE ride home. She was non-stop! It was hilarious!

- Gma made me cookies as a thank you. Never mind that my favorites are her chocolate chip cookies. Nope, she gave me a batch of her homemade peanut butter cookies. Conveniently Tim’s favorite and Gma knows it!

Throughout my almost 30 years, Gma’s taught me so much. So many verses come to mind because my Gma taught them to me. I know Hebrews 13:8 ~ “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” ~ because of my Gma. She shared that verse with me after my Daddy died. I cherish it so very much.  I remember that being the second time in my life I'd seen my Gma cry; the first time was two years before when Gpa passed away. I also think of Gma when I think of a true woman of beauty and strength, such as Esther. And a true Proverbs 31 woman. Yep, that’s my Gma.
 
So after dropping her off at home, after her assuring me she would be just fine – with that gauze still shoved in her mouth – I left to return to work and thanked my God for her, for her humor, her wit, her legacy, and her love.

Blood Donating No More!

What a weekend!  I've thought about whether to give you a run down of the weekend in a Not Me format or just lay it all out there for ya. . . .  And I'm opting for the latter.  So hang on tight; here we go!

Our church held Macon Impact this weekend; this is a semi-annual event where our church participates in various outreach opportunities throughout the community.  There was a blood drive and blood marrow donor sign-up drive on Friday at the church, and Tim and I signed up to give blood.  I will admit I was a bit anxious as I arrived to donate; I've only given once before, and that was 13 years ago, and it didn't go very well. 

This time? I gave blood like a champ!  It was awesome!  And I was so proud!  Heck, giving blood went so well, I grabbed a bone marrow donation application on my way out the door.  My plans were to complete that bad boy and begin donating anything I could every time I could.

We left the church and headed to meet some friends for dinner.  I had looked forward to dinner with our friends for a number of reasons.  You know how there's always that couple you want to hang out with more, but you just can't ever get seem to get together?  And you know how you have a Friday that's full of stress - both good and bad, really - and you just anticipate the time you can sip on a salty margarita while relaxing?  Yeah, that was Friday for me.

So, as we walked into the restaurant Tim tells me his Red Cross nurse told him to double up on his fluid intake and to avoid alcohol.  My nurse didn't say that.  And you know, I am a rule follower from the get-go.  But, I reasoned, if my nurse didn't tell me to avoid alcohol, then I wasn't really breaking any rules by having a small margarita.

So I indulged. 

We ate dinner, we chatted, I sipped on my margarita.  Life?  It was good!

And then, before I knew it, I was feeling kinda funny.  Lightheaded and spaced out.  I told Tim I needed to get outside.  We were just inside of the restaurant's patio area, and I thought, "I can make it to that chair out there and sit down and I'll be fine."

I never made it to that chair.  I wake up to two men in my face, strangers checking my pulse, and I can't see my husband or my friends.  Come to find out, I'd passed out.  I was on the floor propped up with my head in Tim's lap. 

911 was called.  Paramedics arrived, and wisked me off to the hospital.  By the time I was in the ambulance and they started an IV, I began to feel much better.  Almost normal again.  And I was so embarrassed!  Tim and I spent the remainder of the night in the EC while I was having tests run and getting fluids.  We were released around 1am.
But not before Tim explicity told me my blood donating days are over.  And that bone marrow application?  Not for me.

Lesson learned.

Thursday's Ten ~ Hometown Places to Visit

I'm really digging Lora's new meme ~ Thursday's Ten. Check out her digs for more info!

So, today's Ten: What 10 places around where you live would YOU take a brand new visitor to your area?



1. The Hay House. The Cannonball House, Sidney Lanier Cottage – called “the Mansion of the South”, the Hay House is a beautiful mansion was built in the 1860s and is a National Historic Landmark. Besides that? It’s beautiful! the Cannonall House was the only site in Macon to be struck by a cannonball during the 1864 Federal Attack. Again, a beautiful place! And the Sidney Lanier Cottage is the birthplace of Sidney Lanier, renowned poet and musician.


2. Fincher's BBQ - Arguably the best BBQ ever!

3. Fresh Air BBQ - what keeps me from saying with 110% confidence that Fincher's is the best!

4. Mercer Basketball Game – my hubby’s a proud alum of Mercer University, and we love going to basketball games throughout the season. Go, Bears!!

5. Ingleside – Our church home, where we met, where we married, and where we go to be fed and grow in Christ.

6. Indian Mounds – this is a federal park in Macon where Indians once lived. Not only is it full of history, but it’s a beautiful place to hike or run with great views of our city!

7. IVP – Ingleside Village Pizza. The ambiance. The garlic bread knots. The pizza. The beer. It’s the BEST!

8. Ga Sports Hall of Fame  – a fun museum full of sports facts, memorabilia, and activities. And? It’s where our wedding reception was! Sweet!

9. Ga Music Hall of Fame – another fun museum full of music, facts, and fun all about Georgia’s best musicians. Including Otis Redding, Alan Jackson, B52s, REM, and more. Yep, all Georgia grown!!

10. Cherry Blossom Festival– The month of March always means a town abuzz with tourists from around the world and beautiful cherry blossom trees (hopefully) full of soft pink blossoms! From a 5K to pink pancake breakfasts, market festivals to free cherry ice cream, hot air balloon glows to air shows. There’s always plenty to do in Macon this week!

Thanks, Lora! That was so much fun! And I learned a little more about my home town as well! Wanna come visit?

Titus 2 Tuesday: Vicki

"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:1 - 5, NIV

Welcome to another edition of Titus 2 Tuesday where we recognize and celebrate the women in our lives who have taught or are teaching us Godly principles, sound wisdom, and truth.

I've been attending a new Bible Study for the last few weeks. Honestly? It's intimidating. I'm not sure it's the best fit for me, but in so many ways it's such an answer to prayer. I've been hungry for so long now for a true teacher. Not just a group of girls getting together to review what we've read; I want someone who's ahead of me on this journey, someone who's wiser than I. I want to be FED by a Godly woman.

And that is why my new Bible study is awesome

Meet Vicki.

What an incredible woman Vicki is. Already in two sessions, Vicki has ministered to me in so many ways. She's encouraged me, reminded me of God's constant provision, and loved me from the very first meeting. I tend to think it's crazy, really, but then I remember: IT'S GOD. Nothing "crazy" about it! She sends the group amazing little reminders all during the week to keep digging, keep pondering, keep considering how Esther (the study we're doing) applies to our lives individually.

Do you have a woman who's recently encouraged you in your journey? Link on up and share it with us!

Book Reviewing Fun

Oh. My. Gosh. I read on Lora's blog earlier this week about how she's signed up to review books for Thomas Nelson. Considering my newest obsession is reading, I couldn't wait to check this out!

Just yesterday we were in the small bookstore in the Logan Airport in Boston when Tim just about pulled me out of there by my arms. He laughed about how I could seriously spend all the money I could in bookstores. I love to read! I've said before I'm a total library nerd, too, so if I can read a book for free, I am All. About. It.

So, naturally, I checked out what Lora was talking about, and let's just say this?

is officially on its way to my door. For me to devour. For free. All I do is blog about it ~ which I'd do anyway, remember my blogging about Same Kind of Different as Me? ~ and post a review on any online bookstore.

It's that easy.

What are you waiting on? Go get your read on!

Thursday's Ten ~ Fall Lovin'

Lora is doing a new blog meme, and I think it's going to be a fun one! So, since we're just getting back from a crazy vacation, and since my mind is all over the place, I'm taking full advantage of something that's going to be fairly easy to do!!

If you'd like to participate, jump on over to Lora's blog for details! It's going to be a fun time!!

Today's theme is Fall. 10 things you love (or hate) about this season!

First of all, there's nothing - I repeat, NOTHING - I hate about fall! So this one? Easy Peasy for me!

1. Like I mentioned last week, 'tis the season for some good ole' college football! We are die hard dawgs, and it just don't get no' betta than Saturdays in Athens with the crisp fall air (Ok, I admit that really only happens in October and November, but I do love it!), the smell of grills warming, and the sight of those good ole' silver britches running 'tween the hedges!

2. Fall leaves. They're beautiful!

3. The sound of said leaves crushing when they're walked upon with boots.

4. Sweaters, jeans, boots, and scarves.

5. Pumpkin Spice Lattes ~ Lora, I second that one for sure!

6. The promise of Thanksgiving and Christmas being right around the corner.

7. Roaring fires

8. Laying in the hammock with a blanket and the hubs

9. Running in the cool fall weather

10. This precious one's first birthday is right around the corner, too!

Oh how I do love fall!!!! What do you love about fall?

Titus 2 Tuesday: Celebrating Shanda

"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:1 - 5, NIV

Shanda has hosted Titus 2 Tuesdays as long as I've participated. And I just told her last week that it's my favorite meme around! She then shared with me her sensing God's prompting to lay aside blogging for a while. How sad I was. Selfish, I know, but I know I will miss Shanda's posts. And I'm sure I'm not alone.

So, for this Titus 2 Tuesday, let's do something a little out of the box. If you'd like, comment on this post telling Shanda how much she has meant to you. Has has Shanda's blog influenced your life? What has Shanda taught you?

Shanda, we will miss you, dear one! May God richly bless you as you follow His leading and guidance. And when you're ready, we'll welcome you back to this blogging family of faith with open arms!

God bless you!

*Titus 2 as we've all known it will return next Tuesday!

Tis the Season

Like my new look?

'Tis the Season after all for. . . .

~ Red polish

~ Humming "Glory Glory"

~ Wearing Red and Black with a purpose!

Football season is here!

Go Dawgs!!!!

Titus 2 Tuesday: Women of Faith '09 ~ Patsy Clairmont

Gettin' crazy over here, I am! Yep, combining a Titus 2 Tuesday with my recount of Women of Faith! If you'd like to join in on Titus 2 Tuesday, be sure to jump on over to Shanda's blog for details.

Friday night, after a pretty funny performance by Anita Renfroe (a whole 'nother Titus 2 Lady), this petite little lady bounced up on stage and absolutely touched my heart. Patsy Clairmont is one of the cutest little ladies I've ever seen. And most profound. Patsy's latest book is entitled Catching Fireflies, and in this book, she talks about all different kinds of light. But my favorite ~ and the light she spoke about Friday night ~ is the firefly. Like Patsy, I also have cherished memories of spending summer evenings in my Gma and Gpa's big back yard chasing these tiny, amazing creatures whose backsides light up! Now, you must understand that Gma and Gpa's house was only 30 miles from my house. But, I never did seem to see these "lightning bugs" in my yard. So, I always thought of them as Macon bugs.

Back to Patsy. Patsy spoke about the people in her life who have shone the light of their Savior in her heart and life. She spoke very openly about her dear friend who passed away from cancer, and the light she was to Patsy even in the bitter end. I couldn't help but think of my dear friend Amy. Or my Aunt Nancy. Both women lit my life with their firefly glow until the day they died. Then, it seemed to only glow brighter!

Patsy helped me to take a look in my life and recognize my fireflies. Who are those women (and men) whose Light has taught me a lesson? whose light has brightened my days? whose light has loved me? So, this week, I'm sending many of my fireflies a small thank you for being the light of Christ in my life. And I'm thanking God for them and for you!

Who are your fireflies?