Titus 2 Tuesday ~ Jennifer

"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

For today’s Titus 2 Tuesday, I’m recycling a post from a few months ago and honoring a dear, life-long friend, Jennifer. I'll admit, I'm reposting this one because I ran out of time and just haven't been able to get a new post together.  But, it's pretty timely. . .

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 past weekend, Jen's aunts and I threw a baby shower for her.  Thomas Price is due on Christmas Day! We had a fabulous time enjoying each other's company, laughing and reminiscing, smiling and looking forward to the future.  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.

Please link up and celebrate the women in your life who are teaching you Godly principles.

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!

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!

Library Nerd Talks

I'm a library nerd. I admit it. I love to read. But I'm the type of reader that reads a book once and that's it. Of course, every once in a while, I come across a book that's worth keeping to me. And the last book I read? Definite keeper.



Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. It's fantastic! It's a story of Ron and Denver. Two very different men who end up in a beautiful friendship. I highly recommend it. Highly.



So, today at lunch, I went to the library. With my "books to read" list in hand (See? I told you I am a library nerd!), I trucked it on up to the 2nd floor. After quickly researching their online catalog to find out which books they had on hand, I made my way over to pick out a few books.



Now, despite the fact that I visit this library every 2 weeks, usually on Fridays, returning and borrowing books each time, I still don't feel like the employees of this library are friendly. They refuse to act as those they've seen me there before. I finally figured it out today. Librarians? Snotty.



Here's proof:



After making my selections of, granted, a few novels, I proceed to check out. Ole' tall skinny employee who's always working helps me. He's helped me before at least 50 times. Never chit chats. Well, today, I decided I'm breakin' down that wall.



Me: "So, do you read?"

I realize that was a really stupid question. But go with me here.

Skinny: "Yeah"

Me: "I just read a fantastic book."

Skinny cuts me off: "I don't read fiction."

Refer to the first half of this post. My most recent book was not fiction. Thankyouverymuch.
Me: "It's not fiction. "

There may or may not have been a snotty look in my eye when I said that.

Skinny: "Oh, what was it?"

Me: Same Kind of Different as Me. I highly recommend it.



And that was that. I think I might've made headway with Skinny but time will tell.



What are you reading these days?



Now, I've got some silly ole' fiction to dive into. . . .

Another Blogosphere Game!

Okay, so I’ve told you that I’ve recently gotten really into this blogosphere world, and I’m loving it! I’m participating in an interview, which SoMi recently participated in. Here are the rules:

1. I must refer you to SoMi’s post where I got this idea

2. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And your e-mail address, please.)
3. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions!
4. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
5. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
6. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

So, here were SoMi’s questions for me:

(1) Name only one blogger you really respect and tell me why. Just one? Gee whiz. . . . I respect all of y’all. I’ll tell you why I respect Jennifer. Sometimes the best friendships are ones that kind of happen in random ways, you know? I have gotten to know Jennifer through a mutual friend, and in recent years, Jennifer’s been crushed, her world’s been turned upside down, and she has been heart broken beyond explanation. The beautiful thing, though, is Jennifer is today, one of the most amazing Godly women I know. She has faced her battles with faith like a child, she has embraced the new life God’s given her with such gusto and enthusiasm! I’m one of many, many friends Jennifer has, and it’s so easy to be her friend because she’s so full of life, excitement, warmth, and grace. She’s the true epitome of a Christian Southern Lady, and I’m proud to call her my friend.

(2) If you had to pick a non-urban, U.S. destination in which to vacation for a week, where would you go?

White Salmon, Washington!

Tim’s aunt and uncle live there, and the pictures I’ve seen are beautiful! With a population of just over 2,200, this is definitely a non-urban destination!!!

(3) If you had $500 to spend on housing, food and entertainment for the trip mentioned in (2), how would you spend it? Since we’d stay with Cindy and George, I’d spend $500 on food for the fam and fun times from hiking Dog Mountain to touring wineries and anything inbetween!

(4) Tell me about one person with whom you've lost touch. If you hope for a reunion, how would you like that reunion to take place? It would have to be Kristin, a friend from high school. Actually, Kristin went to school with me in kindergarten, too, but moved to California. She returned for her senior year, and we were instantly close friends. We remained close through college, even living together for a few months. When I graduated and returned to Macon, Kristin and I were roommates in a guest house together. Let’s just say I ended up moving out, losing money and a friend. She moved for work, and we really haven’t spoken since. . . . then the wonderful world of Facebook intervened, and I found her mother (or did she find me?) and Kristin. We’ve chatted briefly via Facebook, and while I miss her friendship dearly, I know I always will. It seems as though she’s happy now, and that’s really all that matters. We both grew up and are different people, I suppose. . . . Ah, thus is life. Reunion? Doubtful. . . .

(5) In 2008, what was your biggest achievement and your biggest failure/disappointment? Would becoming an aunt be an achievement?!?! Probably not so much since I really did nothing except cheer on my sister through labor and dote on Ellie ever since! So, my biggest achievement of ‘08 would definitely be running my first half marathon. What an experience! I’m especially proud since I really have only been running for less than a year! 2008 was such a great year for me, being a newlywed, watching my sister and brother in law become parents. . . but the disappointments would be losing a dear friend to cancer and losing my Pepoppie to stroke. Amy was just too young, and Pepoppie’s illness was so brief that I’m not sure it’s hit me yet that he’s really gone. Life is so fragile.

So, there you have it, friends! Hit me up, and I'll send you questions so you can play along, too! Happy New Year! Stay safe!

Daffy Aunt B Here

All my life I’ve heard people say, “Oh when it’s your own child, things are so different.” Blah blah blah. . . a week ago, though, my sister made me an aunt, and low-and-behold, all those folks know what they are talking about, I am sure! And I am just the aunt! Is it really just that Ellie’s is my sister’s baby? Or is she just as precious as I am convinced she is?

Tim and I are kind of behind many of our friends when it comes to marrying and having families. We’re still happy-as-can-be newlyweds having a blast being married! While we’re not ready for kids of our own, we do love when we spend time with any of our many friends who have babies or kids. Whether it’s a Friday night of pizza and piling onto Lawson’s “ship” (his bed) to get out of the "water" (his bedroom floor) and watching Bella laugh at Tim or if it’s a dinner out with Shaun and Laura watching Hannah smile at strangers, play with the crayons, and eat the crayons. . . . we do enjoy spending time with these kids of our friends!

But sometimes, I’ve found myself thinking some people are a little obsessed with their children. I mean, how many times do we have to stop our conversation to watch Cute little Baby hold a French fry?

And then my sister went and had a baby of her own.

Saturday afternoon I realized I was one of three adults hovering over a 5 day old baby sleeping soundly in her bassinette, all three of us holding cameras fighting to capture Ellie’s every move. Seriously! She’s sleeping, folks! Just sleeping. . . . We’ve gotten pictures of Ellie with her hand on her chin like she’s thinking, one where her pinky’s by her mouth like Dr. Evil, one where both of Ellie’s hands are up behind her head like she’s truly laid back and relaxed. . . and then this one:
She was disgusted about the Dawgs losing to Tech. Just disgusted. Yep, I’m daffy about this little angel! They say babies grow up too fast, and they do. But I watched a toddler today walking to her Daddy’s car, holding her Daddy’s hand, and she was chatting away and looking up at her Daddy like he hung the moon, and I thought, “Oh, I can’t wait for Ellie to know us like that, to be excited to see her Aunt B come pick her up, to be telling her Aunt B which playground she wants to go to, which slide she wants to go down, which flavor ice cream she wants. . . . Ahhh, yes, life will never be the same!

And I couldn't be happier about that!