Job Title: Professional Mover

I am moving this weekend!!! Three times in ONE year! I am super excited! Do you know what the best thing about moving is? Throwing things away! It's almost like spring cleaning - just not in my case because it's Fall and I'm moving not just cleaning. Either way it's a great feeling! And although I am very excited about moving in with my best friend, I am sad about leaving my apartment. It was "me" - if you know what I mean. Oh well, I am going to have a blast with Sha-nay-nay (a.k.a. Shannon).

* * * A D V E R T I S E M E N T * * *
If you are in need of a TV or an entertainment center, let me know! I have just the right thing for you!

It's official...

...I'm moving!! I know what you're thinking (that is if you know me) and if you're thinking I'm crazy, you're probably right!I know I've only been living in my apartment (on my own!) for 7 months, but I think it's time to share the...the...the whatever the word is! <---- (I do that often) This apartment has been great! I've loved living on my own, but I'm tired of it! :) I also want to help out a good friend of mine and her husband. This apartment is super cute, large enough for two, and definitely worth every penny - which isn't much at all!

Where am I moving?! In with my best friend, Shannon! Yep! I'm pretty excited about it if you couldn't tell! It's coming a lot sooner than I had expected, too. I am moving in THREE WEEKS! I have to get to work packing! It's amazing how your stuff can grow in just 7 months. I started out with only bedroom furniture and now I have a whole apartment full of stuff! Wow!

Alright, I'm off to pack! Oh, not for that...I am going to Jacksonville, FL this weekend!!

Jennifer who?!

I feel I need to be fired from having a blog. It's been waaaay too long since I have written anything. I miss it!! So, I'm back...until I get busy again of course! :)

Here is a little update on my life...

I have been dating someone for a while now. His name is Matthew and he's probably the reason I haven't been blogging lately. I'm not sure how since he lives 2 1/2 hours away, but it's always fun to put the blame on someone else, right?! As much as I agree with that statement, it's doesn't apply here. Although I have been spending a lot of time with Matthew, he's not the reason that I am "falling down on the job," I'm just a slacker! Speaking of job, mine is going great! Being a "stay-at-home mom" for children who belong to someone else is a hard job!! I have a lot of down time to read, watch TV, take a snooze, or make appointments for myself. I get to leave the house wearing a t-shirt and jeans with my hair thrown up in a pony tail, but that is what makes it so hard! Sure...that may sound appealing to all of you who walk out the door in your business attire, coffee in hand, ready to face the day and deal with a bunch of adults who you think could use a bit more education. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing better than walking in to see two children looking up at you with a smile because they have no reason not to love you. It can be the most rewarding job ever! Have you ever tried putting two babies to sleep at the same time? Let me tell you, it feels like you've conquered the world!! Also, you have a captive audience who laughs at all your funny faces and weird sounds! Ahhh...what a life! Even with all that to look forward to every day, I still miss the business world! I'm not sure I would trade it for anything, though! Well, maybe just one thing. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
(we were reading "The Cat in the Hat")

(Henry being a good sport)

(Amelia being sweet as always)

(That's Matthew!) :)

"Moveing sale!"

Just thought I should share my experience today. I was driving through a little town called Berea, just outside of Greenville. If you've ever been there you already know where I might be going with this. It's a quaint little town. The roads are lined with beautiful trees and flowers that will take your breath.... yeah never mind! I can't get away with that! It was definitely not a picture perfect scene!  I was a little lost so I turned around. On my way back I saw a sign that said "Moveing Sale! Saturday 7-12." I thought that was just a misspelling...nope! There was another one, an even bigger sign that said, "Moveing Sale! Saturday 7-12." So, it was definitely not a mistake! Haha! Oops!

Just wanted to share! :)

Happy Birthday!

Today was a fun day at "work!" It was Henry and Amelia's 2 month birthday! Unfortunately (for them) we did not have a party, but instead had a doctors appointment. That's not fun for anyone, but especially the little ones! It wasn't too bad. Okay, yes it was, but they did great! I had Chick-fil-a for lunch. As usual it hit the spot! After "work" (which was like 2:30) I went to my old job and hung out with everyone for almost 2 hours! It was great! I love going back there knowing I don't have to do any work! Once I had a full and exciting day, I decided to cook. Yes, I cooked a meal tonight! HEY! Get up off the floor! It's not that crazy! Anyway, the food was amazing (in my opinion) and I enjoyed making it! Would you like to know what I made? Either way I am going to tell you, so I hope you said yes! I made Lasagna Rolls (below). It was good, but I'm not a fan of the Kalamata Olives. Gross! 

Creative?!

So, my creative juices started to flow last week when I decided to make my own headboard. I have been sleeping in my bed without one for a few months now and I'm not so sure that I like it. In fact, I can promise you that I don't! Instead of going out and spending a fortune on a new bed frame, I decided to allow my creativity to take charge. Now, if you know me, you know that I have no creativity whatsoever! Honestly, I took a test one time and it was the last one on my list!! So, I was pretty amazed at what I came up with. Of course, I'm sure it's from watching all those TLC and HGTV shows! Design On A Dime anyone?!

Anyway, I went to the fabric store tonight to see what my options were. First of all, there were way too many fabrics to choose from! Who knew there could be so many?! So, I narrowed it down to a few. My color scheme is tiffany blue and brown (I love those colors!). I am going to be taking 6 (maybe more) wood squares with some "stuffin'" and covering it with the fabric that I so carefully choose. I'm not so sure how I will mount it on the wall, but I can cross that bridge when I come to it! Of course, after I narrowed down my choices to a few, I decided to go down the street to the Oops Co. and ended up buying a hat and some sunglasses. Oh well, at least I got a good deal!! :)

Needless to say, my journey has come to a screeching halt! At least for right now! I will pick up where I left off later this week! I will keep you updated with pictures of my progress (but I have to start first!).

Anxious?

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Need I say more?!

Sushi

Tonight I went to dinner with my good friend Shannon. We went to Takosushi for the first time. Now, when we go to a sushi restaurant I normally get chicken & vegetable fried rice and normally try someone's sushi. Tonight, I decided to get the Japanese Bagel. It is a smoked salmon, cream cheese, and scallions wrapped of course in seaweed and rice.  I gotta say, I was pretty excited that I was able to eat it! Some parts of it were a little hard to get down, though. Out of 8 pieces, I ate 6 of them!! Oh, I tried using chopsticks but I was unable to so they gave me the modified chopsticks! :) 

This is a rather goofy picture that Shannon took of me. I honestly thought her camera wasn't working, that's why I look like that! 

Prayer and Thanksgiving

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2

First of all, wow! Second of all, Amen! Prayer is such a powerful thing! It's not just something we should do to feel good. It's not something we should do only when we want something from God. It's not just something we do three times a day before each meal. That is not what I consider, "devoted to prayer." Prayer is much deeper than that. 

We are also supposed to keep "an attitude of thanksgiving." That can be difficult at times, depending on what you're going through. The only thing about that is, it doesn't say, "when you are having a good day, keep an attitude of thanksgiving." If you are devoting yourselves to prayer (on a daily basis) then every time you pray, you should be keeping an attitude of thanksgiving. 

Are you devoting yourself to prayer? Are you doing it with an attitude of thanksgiving?

Catching up!

So, I've been just a tad bit slack in posting during the month of June. It's been a pretty busy month to say the least. It has been the month for new adventures, which of course have all been great! The first week of June was my last week at American Services, Inc. I enjoyed my time there, but at the same time, I was excited to try something fresh and exciting that didn't require a desk, computer, or business casual dress! :) Now, I get to wear T-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes daily! There are way more things going on in my life that I wish I could share, but for right now I will keep you guessing! 

I have only been a full-time nanny for 7 days total. I have loved every minute of it! I will say, it's hard staying awake sometimes because for the most part it is relaxing. I watch TV, rock babies (usually one at a time), listen to a sound machine, change diapers, and feed them. So, needless to say, it's hard to keep from dozing off! Other than being sleepy, it's the perfect job...for me! At this point, I don't think I want to do anything else! In just 7 days I have become attached the twins...and the whole family. It helps that I work for two of the greatest people ever, though. They truly are a blessing and they know how to treat an "employee" (I put that in quotations because I feel like a part of the family). Here are pictures of the twins. 

         

Oh yeah...I also can mark something off my list. I bought a couch!!! Woohoo! 

What a day!!

I am worn out! Wow! It's been a great weekend! Today I was blessed with the opportunity to go with my favorite family to GA. We went to Browns Bridge Community Church, went to eat at Chipotle and Panda Express (we all wanted something different), then we went to see their new house. That was fun! I hung out with the coolest 6 year old and was helping her choose her room and figure out how she would set it up. We took lots of measurements, notes, and pictures. :) It really was a lot of fun! I am so excited for Casey and Julie, but I realized today how much I was going to miss them. I am glad that it's just Cumming, GA and not Chicago or something crazy like that!! 

Well, I am going to bed! I'm beat!!

My list of things to do

I have a lot of things on my "To Do" list that I haven't quite gotten to. The main reason being $$$$. Who wants to spend money?! Not me! When my tax rebate check came in, I put that baby straight into savings! Let me just say, I like the way my savings has started looking over the past year...not so sure I want to tap into that all at once to get everything on my list done! Some things don't cost much, others cost a little more than I'm comfortable spending (unless it's for good reason).  Here are just a few things on my list: plant some Gerbera daisies (my favorite flower), buy an i-Pod, get my car windows tinted, buy a couch, and buy a nice camera. This is not the order in which I want things done, just a list. That would be a couple thousand dollars! Whoa buddy! Of course, I want to get it all done now, not later, but that may not so wise. :) So, I'm trying to prioritize my list by what is most needed (which none of that is...so I should say by what is most wanted), then by cost. This should be fun! 

(I was trying to upload a picture of my Gerbera Daisies, but it won't work!)

What are friends for?

Do you have a friend who you can always turn to for encouragement, prayer, etc.? Who will let you vent, then speak truth into your life? Who will tell you what you may or may not want to hear at the time? Every person needs a friend like that. I have a friend who fits that description. I am about to get very personal and open up with you, so beware!

The past couple of days have been a little tougher than usual for me. I have found myself dwelling on my current state of...singleness. At 26 years old it's not really easy to let go of being single. I know that I need to be content in my singleness. I need to trust God with that area of my life, knowing that He has a plan for my future, whether I can see it or not. As much as I know that to be true, sometimes I need a gentle reminder. That's what friends are for.

Keep smiling!
Keep shining!
Knowing you can always count on me,
For sure!
And that’s what friends are for!

In good times!
And bad times!
I’ll be on your side forever more!
That’s what friends are for!

(Lyrics from www.sing365.com)

Sorry, I somehow can always break into song! Anyhow, despite how I was feeling, my friend spoke truth into my life. She knew exactly what to say. She knew exactly what I needed to hear, the truth. I can't thank her enough! Although she's married (and has been for a while), she still found a way to connect with me. She knows what it's like to wait. To wait for something that she wanted so badly. Just like she had to wait for that unexpected blessing, I also must wait for God to give me the desires of my heart...in His perfect timing. He hasn't forgotten about me and never will.

So, thank you Julie! You are truly a blessing!

This weekend has been incredible! I got to hang out with a cool dog for a couple days, went to the Greek Festival, went to NewSpring, and saw my twins!!!! Yes, I had twins yesterday! I am feeling great! They let me leave already! Okay, I definitely didn't have twins, but my future boss did!! It was a boy (Henry) and a girl (Amelia). They are adorable! I cannot wait to start! I am still nervous, but I'm so very excited! It's such a great family to "work" for!

The Greek Festival was fun. I love Greek dancing! I would also love to go to Greece! Such a pretty place! Oh, the Gyro and Baklava was so good! Probably couldn't eat it all the time, but it was so good!

NewSpring was not what I expected...at all! Last time I went there, it was in a much smaller auditorium. It was great, though! The parking crew was very welcoming and fun! Made me feel very good about being there. There were so many people!! That's what threw me off! Anyway, everyone was very nice, it was a very welcoming atmosphere. I will definitely visit again. Can't wait to get involved somewhere.

Well, tomorrow is Monday and I don't want to go to work, but it's coming anyway!

Hmm....

I have nothing to post about....

This is really sad....

I love blogging....

I'll be back soon, I'm sure!

What a day!

It's difficult to find a church. It's especially difficult to find a church after you've been a part of something like Catalyst for 2 years! Yesterday morning me and a friend actually went to two different churches within an hour and a half. Yeah, it was a little strange. We went to one and it was...well...country! We sang songs like, "Lord I Lift Your Name on High," and "All in All." These were the type of songs that I sang in High School. I don't see how so many people attend that type of church. Then we went to another church and heard the sermon and the closing song. It was definitely better, but still...not my cup of tea! I realize, you can't just go to any church and be able to fully worship.

I do not want to lose focus and I do not want to forget about my unchurched friends. I have to find a church that I can invite my friends to. If I don't find that kind of church, then what does that say about me? I think it would say that I'm very selfish and that all I care about is growing in my relationship with Christ. You have to care about both. When your spiritual gift is not evangelism, you need all the help you can get! I'm not saying God can't use just me to guide someone into a relationship with Him, but it sure helps to know I can take someone to a church where I know they will learn/grow in a relationship with Christ. Whether they are far from Christ or have never known the beauty of a relationship with Him, I want to be able to share the truth with them with the help of my church.

Thank you Catalyst for helping me understand the importance of this!

Nanny McPhee

Here's the thing...I'm about 36 weeks pregnant with twins and yet I can still see my feet! I'm not married which may make you question?! Well, I am not literally pregnant, but I am going to have twins very soon! Nope, not adopting....especially since I am only 26 and could never even afford one...much less two!  I am going to attempt to be a full-time nanny! I won't have an annoying laugh, but you can call me Fran if you'd like! To prepare myself, the parents (my new employers) have given me a book to read. They enjoyed it and now I am enjoying it as well. It is called, "The Happiest Baby on the Block." It's actually a pretty decent book! Plus, the baby on the front is really cute! :) Anyway, it is starting to sink in. I am going to be taking care of twins 5 days a week! I do get to go on great vacations, though! We are all going to Italy in 2 years (if they keep me) for 2 weeks!!! Okay, I'm getting off topic. I don't have much else to say except....BRING IT ON...and not cheerleading style either!!

Pandemonium

I accomplished a lot tonight. More than I ever thought I could in one night after work! I cleaned (as in swept, sanitized the entire bathroom, dusted, vacuumed, etc), cooked (which is something I rarely do!), baked cookies, did laundry, and set up my new DVD player! Okay, the only big deal here is the cooking part. I don't cook! Don't get me wrong, though, I can whip up a mean bowl of cereal, an awesome grilled cheese (just ask Kattie), and even some great pancakes! Tonight I made something random! It involved meat, vegetables, and for the random part....cream of broccoli soup. To me, that's random! I'm not too creative in the kitchen, but I was proud! I didn't use a recipe! Nope, just my ideas! Anyway, it actually tasted pretty good! I was impressed! I would have preferred a bowl of cereal with sliced banana instead, but oh well! 

Not exactly pandemonium....but I like that word! :)

Paramedics please...

Life has been crazy lately. I've been super busy, and I love it! Well, for the most part. I've been playing a lot of softball. It's been pretty great! I love my team, the sport, and the exercise that goes along with it. You can't beat that! Last night's softball game went a little different than usual. For the good news...I hit a "home run" and got 3 people home not including myself. Bad news, I supposedly didn't touch first base and I was out! Not cool! I totally touched first base! Later, I was on second base and definitely in the moment of the game! I twisted my knee and fell to the ground in a lot of pain! Okay, I have felt pain like that before but never as instant as it was last night. I was carried off the field but eventually was able to get back on my feet. My knee hurts pretty bad today, but definitely bearable! After all that, we won!!!!

Impossible Sadness?

As I think to myself, talk to God, and have conversations with people, I have started to realize that it's impossible for me to be sad right now (not prior to this post). Maybe I am stretching my imagination a little bit, but I believe that's where I am with all the changes that are occurring. I feel as though, there is no way for me to be sad. Maybe it's the fact that reality hasn't had a chance to fully sink in. If that's the case, I'll let you know in a couple of weeks if this post was a lie. It's from the heart, though. As much as I will miss Catalyst Church and everything/everyone that came with it, I'm happy. I honestly just realized that tonight.

I like to think that our lives are just a bunch of chapters. If I were to take a second to look back a few chapters, I would see how good God has been to me. Despite all the "bad" stuff that might have happened, something better has always come. God has always been on my side (and yours), and He always wants what is best for me (and you). I keep thinking how funny it will be a year from now, to look back on this chapter and be able to smile. Smile as we think of all the good things that came after the storm. 

I look at my life as a book that started out bad, and will end with the best ending no novelist can think up...except my God. All the in between stuff, that's just the road we must take to get to the "good stuff!" Huh....reminds me of a Kenny Chesney song, The Good Stuff. Okay, maybe not! 

Fun in the...OFFICE

I spend 7.5 hours a day at work. I think we all deserve a little playtime! You can't sit around and just work all day...that's the craziest thing I've ever heard! So, here at the office we like to play pranks. A couple that I have done are: page yourself over the intercom...to call your own extension, call someone in the office and say, "Hi ____! This is Jennifer. I just called to tell you I can't talk right now. Bye.", and my favorite one....hang toilet paper out of your pants (of course it needs to look used) and walk around. I did the TP prank on my boss. I went in to talk about work and when I turned to leave she noticed the TP. She hesitated to tell me and all I could do was bust out laughing! Great day in the office!

That was a few weeks ago. Today is a little slow in the office so we decided to do more pranks. A girl googled "office dares" and found - make 15 copies of a paperclip, put it back in the copier so that when someone makes copies there is a paperclip in the middle of the page. Well, we did that this afternoon. Someone went to the copier so I of course gathered my "posse" to see what happened. I gotta tell ya! I didn't think it would be as funny as it was! The ones who knew, my "posse" were all playing along very well. We were "trying to figure out what was wrong." It went on for a few minutes and finally they tried to figure out what was wrong by basically tearing the thing apart! So, I stepped in and said "here, I think I know!" :) Yeah, it was great stuff! You probably had to be there and know the people we played the prank on, though. 

Oh, and there is a blog about office pranks. Go here.

Fears

Despite everything going on, it's been a good week. I'm trying to trust God with what's coming. It's hard to stop thinking about, which is why I talk about it all the time! As far as what is going to happen over the next little while, I know that is in the hands of my God. 

One of the hardest things to deal with are the questions people have. People who didn't attend Catalyst or who don't attend church anywhere. It's hard for me to grasp the fact that this wonderful thing has come to an end, much less the unchurched. A friend (who does not attend Catalyst) told me that if she had called Catalyst her "home" that she would probably not go to any other church. That, along with Casey and so many others, is my fear. I pray that God helps those people find a church to call "home," but never let them forget the impact that Catalyst had on them. 

Another fear I have is for me to become a slacker. I fear that I am going to slack off when it comes to investing and inviting. It's been a thought in the back of my mind from the moment I heard that Catalyst was closing. Where will I invite my friends? How will I introduce my Savior to them? Can I do that without the help of Catalyst? No matter how hard it may be, that cannot be an option for me (or anyone for that matter). I must continue investing in my unchurched friends. I must continue praying for those friends. I must continue inviting them to church. 

May God guide CCers as they search for another church. 

Hard Times

It's been a hard week. I've been in denial all week, but I think it finally hit me today. What I'm feeling is real and it's okay to cry. It's okay to show my emotions. As much as it hurts and as hard as it is, it's gonna be worth it in the end. God has something wonderful planned, and I can't wait to be a part of it. It's no fun having your heart ripped out, your family taken away, and left to trust God with your future. What other choice is there, though? I would much rather have God handle all the decisions in my life, it's easier that way! 

To be honest with you, I'm already trying to figure out the future. What does this mean for me? What does this mean for all my friends? Where will we go? What does this mean for Greenville? All I know for sure is...I don't know what's going to happen in 1 month from now. I'm in the dark, and that's okay. 

I will be praying for everyone who is dealing with this loss. You will get past this, no question about it. Everyone is hurting in different ways and for different reasons. Whatever you're hurting about, just know that God won't leave your side. He's with you, trust Him to get you through this time. 

GO TEAM!

I'm playing softball again! It's one of the greatest things ever! Tonight was our first game...and the first time meeting my teammates! Except for my boss. I just found out she was on my team. She can hit a ball! Let me tell you! I have a great team, though. We had a lot of fun. I was put on first base for the last two innings. I like first base. To me it's the most fun. You get a lot of action. Well, tonight I did my first split, and not by choice! In order to get the runner out, I had to do a split...I got her out with my toe! Haha! It was pretty hilarious, because if you know me, I've never done anything so crazy in my life!  Mostlikely never going to be able to do that again! I am definitely gonna hurt tomorrow, but it was worth it! 

Oh yeah....WE WON!

Facing reality

Sometimes it is hard for me to face reality. As often as I hear it, I try to ignore it. Of course, not if that "something" is good. I'm all about the truth that makes me happy! It's the truth that hurts or the truth that is sad or hard to grasp. It's something that I want to have the power to change. I will pray and beg God to change His course a little bit, but after that I try to forget about it. 

Instead of just praying about it, I want to brainstorm. I want to help. I want God to use me to turn this not-so-good thing into something great! He can do it. There is no doubt in my mind! I don't know what His plan is, but it's there. He definitely has a hold of it. So, I am going to trust Him!

Drank much lately?!

Click on "D.U.I." below. It's hilarious and stupid at the same time!

D.U.I.

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Are you tired of waiting? Waiting to hear from God. Waiting for the right person to come along. Waiting for that promotion. Waiting...waiting...waiting. For the majority of us waiting is the hardest thing to do. That might have something to do with our culture, but we will save that for another day. It was the same way for Saul. 1 Samuel 28 reveals how Saul got tired of waiting. What did he do? In 1 Samuel 28:7, he said to his servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium so I may go and ask her what will happen." Just prior to that, in 1 Samuel 28:3 we learn that he "had forced out the mediums and fortune tellers from the land." Wow! What an impatient guy! He did the very thing he was against! 

There is a lot to be learned from Saul in this chapter. Waiting isn't the easiest thing in the world, but it's always worth it in the end. Although God's timing is perfect, he doesn't worry Himself with watching the clock. So why should we? Who cares if it is taking 3 days instead of 1 day to hear from God? What does it matter if it takes 2 years instead of 6 months to get that promotion? I'm sure God was preparing you for something you weren't ready for a year and a half ago. If you've been waiting 26 years for God to bring you your Mr. Right...that's okay. God knows what He is doing. By the way, He's been doing it for a long time! 

Shift your focus a bit and focus on the things God has for you right now. Focus on the answers God has already given you. Don't miss out because you are too focused on the next question for God to answer?

I am small....

God is so amazing and so BIG! I always knew He was/is HUGE, but Louie Giglio helps me begin to understand just how magnificent God is. When you hear that Earth - our huge world - is only a small part of the Milky Way Galaxy and that the Milky Way Galaxy is only a small part of God's universe, you begin to see how big He is and how small you are. Go check out Louie Giglio's, Significant Insignificance.

I can't comprehend all of it. I see the pictures and hear the facts but I can't wrap my small brain around it. God made me and loves me, yet I am so small compared to His world. It's sometimes hard to believe but that's where faith comes in. I cannot know everything about God. I cannot understand how God can make the world we live in (and the universe) in 6 days! If you try to picture how that looked when God spoke everything into being, you eventually give up. God is BIG, we aren't supposed to know everything!

"'To whom then will you liken Me that I would be his equal?' says the Holy One. 'Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing.'" Isaiah 40:25-26

Movin' on up!!

Today was the BIG moving day! Thank you Casey, Brant, Jake and Kattie! I owe you some mardi gras wings!!!! As much as these guys did today, I owe them more than that! We got everything onto the trailer and there were black clouds and lightning all around us! I had been praying all day that it wouldn't rain, but knew God might have other plans (and He did). So, I ran to K-mart to get some tarp. The 30 minute drive turned into almost an hour. We stopped several times - at a car wash, then at a bank drive-thru - to fix the tarp. Lots of laughter and tears....well almost tears on my part!  I don't have a bed to sleep on tonight, but that's okay. The good part is we had fun anyway! 

Praise God for friends....and rain!

Shout out!

I want to give a shout out to some of my favorite people. These few people are my heroes in a way. They make me take a step back and realize what is most important in life. They are faithful, courageous, hard-working, and believe that God is up to something BIG! They are some of the most humble people I know. They are not looking for praise or a "shout out," but I want them to know they are appreciated. Individually their lives produce great amounts of encouragement (to me). I'm not sure if that statement makes sense, but I'll go with it anyway. These people are the people that God uses to make Catalyst Church happen. The staff and their spouses have incredible passion and child-like faith! So, here's to you Casey, Julie, Jake, Kristi, Ryan, Sarah, Ryan and Courtney! Here's to you!

I am praying for each of you!

"I love rock-n-roll!!!!

Put another dime in the juke box baby!"

I love music! I could listen to music 24/7! I'm not necessarily the person who "finds" great musicians. I'm not the girl who "hears it first" among my friends. However, I am beginning to find things on my own (not necessarily first). The only reason is because I have started watching/listening to VH1 in the morning as I get ready for work. They play some great music during that time. Here are just a couple of artists that I enjoy (whether it's one or all of their songs):

Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
Yael Naim - New Soul (MacBook Air Commercial)
Paolo Nutini - Million Faces
Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am

Go check them out if you haven't already!

No way!!

22 So, I never knew there were 238 colors like Jake pointed out. I tried it, and I didn't do as well as he did! See if you can beat my score, or Jakes score of 26! Let me know how you did! I want to see how many colors you really know! It's pretty crazy how many different names they have! Click on the picture above and take the test!

Celebrate Good Times....COME ON!

So, my birthday is March 23. Yes, that is Easter this year! I know that's exciting, and I don't doubt why, but my mom made it a point to remind me a hundred times that my "birthday is on Easter this year!" Well mom, you aren't the only one that has gotten excited about that! :)

I love my birthday for many reasons. Want to hear them?!

1. I was born!
2. It's in the Spring! (best season ever!)
3. March is just a happy month!
4. My birthday usually lasts about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks!
5. Gifts! Who doesn't enjoy a gift(s) on their birthday!?
6. I get to choose where I have my birthday lunch...and I choose....drum roll please...
CHICK-FIL-A!

So, I'm going to start the celebration!

Busy busy bee!

Busy, busy weekend! Friday I packed, helped my roommate move some of her stuff, went out to dinner, and then tried to go dancing (there was too much rap music!). Saturday I went to lunch with my future employers (for the nanny job), then sat in a basement to stay safe from all the tornadoes, drove to Atlanta (in the storm) for a wedding and danced 'til my feet hurt! It was some kinda fun! I got 5 hours of sleep, got up and went to church. Left church early and went to meet my old roommate and her husband and child for lunch. I also went on a little walk tonight, which was much needed! Oh yeah, and in the middle of all that, I am dogsitting and trying to pack for my big move! 

Stealing Cinderella

Last night was so much fun! I finally got out and did something exciting! Might I add....it was FREE! Yes, it was a FREE concert @ the Blind Horse Saloon last night! Whiskey Falls, Chuck Wicks, and Trent Tomlinson. As we were walking up to get in line, Chuck Wicks was standing by the buses giving out autographs and posing! I got a little picture with him. Yes, he's pretty good-looking! We had a great time!

We also ran into a friend from church...who is a bouncer at the Blind Horse. Yes, I felt rather safe!

Anyway, we had fun and I am definitely going back! Can't wait to go line dancing! Yes, you heard me! I love line dancing! I am a country girl at heart!

Thank you WSSL 100 for giving a free concert!

Truth or Dare?

Dare please!

I am watching The Moment of Truth and sometimes I want to change the channel! The questions they ask are way too personal! How could you, knowing the questions they have to choose from, ever agree to participate?! Obviously we hope that you have some good answers that will not risk relationships, but do you think they would choose you to be a contestant if you didn't?! NO! They want the ones who can get some Oooohs and Aaaahs from the audience!

The girl on right now is doing pretty good, because she has pretty good explanations. I mean, it doesn't change the truth, but it helps cover it up a little. Would you really risk everything that mattered in life for a few thousand dollars? I could never! Especially if I knew the truth was hard to say/hear.

So....truth or dare?

Ugly Duckling

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" 1 Samuel 16:7

What a great verse! The Lord says so much in these few sentences he spoke to Samuel. This verse was a constant reminder of God's love for me, no matter what I looked like on the outside. Somehow this verse got covered up by a lot of the material things in my life. I began caring about what others thought of me by changing the way I looked. I changed my hair and actually took time (too much time) fixing it every morning. I began wearing more make-up to cover up the things I didn't like about myself. Of course, I am not going to go back to what I was before by not caring about myself and my appearance. I think it's okay to fix your hair and put on make-up. The only problem is when it becomes more important to you than anything else. 

God does not worry Himself with the way we look, so why should we? He only cares about the heart. If we are right with the Lord, our appearance doesn't matter to Him.

Be careful when you begin judging people by their appearance. I am sure you had a time in your life when you were the one being judged (MS/HS?). Stop. Think before you speak. What really matters?

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14 

"Extra! Extra! This just in!"

Do you know that new song by Britney Spears called "Piece of Me"?? Well, I for some reason really like that song although I'm not too fond of Britney herself. Tonight I listened to the lyrics really close and it made me feel sorry for her. It really is the truth. No matter where she goes or what she does, they get pictures of her and probably write stories that are stretching the truth as much as possible. Although I don't agree with what I think she is doing with her life (since who really knows), I still feel sorry for her. No one, no matter who you are, should be treated with that much disrespect.

Britney, if you're reading this (which I doubt you are), be strong! Don't let the paparazzi put pictures of your derriere in the magazine!

Where do I spend my time?

I spend a lot of time with people who don't go to church. I spend a lot of time talking about things not related to church or God. I spend a lot of time thinking about those people who don't go to church.

I spend time with people who go to church. I spend time talking about things relating to church or God. I spend time thinking about those people who go to church.

What do these things have in common? Church or the lack thereof. Me. People. God.

What is the first one lacking? No invitation! I'm not inviting as often as I should be!

What is the second one lacking? Quantity! I'm not spending enough time with those people!

All of these things are very important in some way or another. You must spend time with people who don't go to church. If you don't, how will they hear?! You must also spend time with people who do go to church. If you don't, how will you learn and grow?! There has to be a healthy balance in these two areas of your life. I have been struggling with this lately. I see the results of not spending enough time with those people who lift me up with encouragement, godliness, wisdom, and prayer. Everyone needs that in their lives, no matter who they are!

Start (or continue) investing! Start (or continue) inviting!

It's rewarding! Trust me!

Training

I had CPR training at the Red Cross today. It's a requirement to be certified for my nanny job. It was a little strange! There was only two people in the class and we had to practice the Heimlich on each other! Okay, can you say weird?! It is very good to be certified in CPR, but at the same time I am now responsible for someone if they are choking or unconscious. Kinda scary to think that at anytime, wherever I am, I could possibly save a life...or not! It hopefully will never happen, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared, right?!

I really would recommend that everyone go to the Red Cross and get certified. What are you waiting for?! Go!

Pumped!

So, tonight is the first night of Inside Out (Catalyst's student ministry) Small Groups and I am pumped! God is doing so much at Catalyst and I'm beginning to see that in the student ministry! It's amazing to see where God is taking us. I hope and pray that this environment for students can be irresistible and that lives are changed! Please pray for us tonight! God is answering prayers and I am pumped!

Note: I normally don't use the word "pumped," but I kinda like it!

Refrigerator madness....

I went to the refrigerator this morning to get ice for a glass of water. The ice was melted and at room temperature!!! The lights were on but the refrigerator was not cold and the freezer wasn't freezing like it should be! My roommate and I were gone all weekend so who knows how long it's been broken. Long enough for a whole thing of ice to be melted I guess! So, it doesn't sound like the apartment complex is going to reimburse us for our food. They think somehow we broke it. Way to take responsibility! 

Funeral procession...

Today on the way home from church I literally got in the middle of a funeral procession! It was like a Seinfeld episode! I was pulling out onto a 4 lane road and ALL of the cars were in one lane to the far right. I was completely confused by the situation...I didn't see any flashers at first! Then, I didn't know whether to pass everyone (like other cars were so rudely doing) or get in behind the line and wait for my turn. Well, I got in behind what I thought was the back of the line! Nope! Another car...oh wait two more cars came up behind me with their flashers on! Embarrassing moment for me! I felt like the worst person on earth! I was laughing, not at the fact there was a funeral happening and the people around me were sad, but at the fact that I had no idea what to do! Is it like when you see an ambulance? Are you supposed to pull over when there is a funeral procession in progress? 

1 Samuel 7:3

"If you're turning back to the Lord with all your hearts, you must remove your foreign gods and your idols of Ashtoreth. You must give yourselves fully to the Lord and serve only Him. Then He will save you from the Philistines."

Need I say more?!

I think I can! I think I can!

I received a phone call today about the nanny position. I got the job!!!!!! I am so excited! After I took it and screamed (inside), I realized how stinkin' hard it's gonna be! I think I can do this, though. With God's help and my mom and Julie's advice, I think it can be done. Like I said before, it is definitely going to be a challenge. Two infants at one time!? I would gladly welcome advice if you'd like to share! I am excited that I will be with the twins from birth, though. I think that will be a good thing.

I have to go take a CPR training class at American Red Cross. I'm pretty excited about that. I can't believe, in all my years babysitting, that I never took the class! How did those parents trust me with their children?! I will feel much better about caring for infants once I have gone through the training. 

Have I mentioned that this is probably going to be the best (hardest) job ever?! YAY!

Shifting Focus

I realized earlier this week that I am too focused on me. I also realized that I am not investing in other peoples lives. Whether that be a churched or unchurched person. A new friend or an old friend. I must be doing these things. It's extremely important to shift my focus off of me and onto God! And in doing so, I end up caring more about what God cares about! 

This week I have been praying and really trying to put God first. It's not an easy thing to do. To allow God to change your way of thinking. To allow God to show you what is most important in life. It truly has brought me one step closer in my relationship to God, and I am giving Him all the props for that one! 

When your relationship is right with the Lord, everything else seems to "fall into place" like it should. Life is a million times better when you aren't focusing on yourself! That can stress a person out!!

FYI - I am by no means finished growing! God's not done with me! I don't have all the above completely together in my life...just so you know! :)

Plastic Surgery

Are you happy with the way you look? Would you do anything you could to have the perfect figure? Or the perfect complexion? Almost anyone would, right? I am watching VH1 about what celebrities do to have the "perfect" body. It's ridiculous and sad at the same time! Exercising is one thing (a healthy alternative), but surgery to enhance, hide, or get rid of something you don't like?! Yeah, it's nice to look and feel good, but why do we go to such extreme measures? Do we do it so that others will notice us more? Do we think that we will be better in the eyes of the world if we look unnatural!? Seriously people! It's not that important! 

Yes, exercise, eat right, and definitely care about the way that you look, but not in an unhealthy way. God made you the way that you are and you don't need to change that. If I created something and "it" changed the way that "it" looked, that would hurt my feelings! 

So, take care of yourself, but trust that God knew what He was doing the first time!

What matters most?

I was reading something the other night and it lead me to Matthew 6:33, "and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." I have read this verse many times but for some reason I never understood! I've always thought that I don't get what I desire because I am not good enough or maybe I'm not in God's will. What I realized the other night is that my problem doesn't necessarily lie in one of those two things. I believe that I am too focused on myself and the desires of my heart rather than on God's kingdom and what He desires.

It's really not that hard. All I have to do is shift my focus a little bit - off of me and onto God. Forget about the things that I want. Forget about the life I wish I had. Stop worrying about the future and how God is going to give me the things I desire most. He's got this and He won't let me down! So, I want to make Him proud! It's time to focus on God's Kingdom! Isn't that what matters most?!

Apology

There are a few men in my life that deserve an apology for my previous post. You know who you are! I am not giving men enough credit, really. What would we do without men?! Well, too many to mention to be honest! So, to all men out there (even the ones that I said are pigs), you really aren't that bad...you just have your moments.

So, with that said, I truly am very sorry. It was a tad bit harsh! Don't you ever just have a moment?!

Humpty Dumpty

If you were wondering if I was right in my blog "Women seeking MEN...not boys." You no longer have to wonder because I was right! Yes ladies, all (or most) men (or boys)are pigs! Don't get me wrong, we have our faults, too! We are too trusting! That's just one of many, but we have good reasons for most of them...men! Men cause us to say stupid things, do stupid things, and pretty much act like a fool!

Do you ever get down in the dumps and wonder why God has allowed these things to happen to you? I have! Do you ever just throw your hands up in the air and say, "Why me, God?!" I do! Do you try to figure out what God is up to exactly? I do!

I've come to find out that God has a much bigger plan than I can imagine. He knows what's up! He's not afraid to let us fall down and get hurt. He's always there to pick us up and put us back together again! (a little humpty dumpty wisdom)

The moral of the story is - trust God no matter how tough life gets!

Sickly

Today is not a good day! I called in sick this morning. I woke up at 6am and felt horrible! It has only gotten worse as the day has gone on. Right now I'm , but my head is pounding and my belly aches (if you know what I mean). I can't say that has kept me from eating! Probably not the right thing to do when I am sick to my stomach! Oh well! I wanted my sandwich!!

It was kind of a blessing to my roommate Kattie. She was leaving for work as I was getting up around 11 and her car would not crank! Well what a great day for me to stay home sick...she was able to take my car! I'm so glad God works things out like that!

Alright, back to watching CNN.

BUMMER!

I just got the word that we are not having church tomorrow due to possible weather conditions. I am a little bummed. I was excited about being able to go to church this Sunday. I mean, after seeing what God did this week at Catalyst, I really wanted to be able to go! I still cannot get over what God has done and how He has provided a way for Catalyst to continue to exist and change lives. GO GOD!!! :)

CCer's, sleep in tomorrow! Enjoy time with your family! As for me, I will hopefully still be able to take my favorite 6 year old to Build-a-Bear!

My Friday

What a great day! I had my second interview today and it went great! We ordered lunch from Soby's on the Side...which is now my favorite place!!! They asked a lot of questions, and I talked a lot! Typical interview but we had a good time getting to know one another and it was very comfortable. I gotta tell ya, this could probably be the best job ever! I get to be around children, golden retrievers, and a pool all day! I get to travel with the family and get paid for it! Italy here I come! I mean really, what could be better?! Anyway, they are going to call me in two weeks with their decision. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, and hopeful!

After my great interview and a few more hours at work, I was able to spend the evening with four of the coolest people! We talked, we laughed, we ate Moes, and watched Frasier. Yes friends, it was fun! Do you have those kinds of friends? The kind that no matter what you do, you have a great time? It truly is a blessing!

Now I am back to dogsitting, watching 20/20, and looking forward to getting some sleep tonight! It is supposed to snow tomorrow very early in the morning and what a blessing it would be to NOT have to work! Not that I don't enjoy working at the store (Southern Housepitality), but I miss my Saturday's! Oh well, I will still have fun!

HAPPY WEEKEND!!!

Nanny Diaries

Tomorrow is a very exciting day for me! About a week and a half ago I had an interview for a nanny position in Greenville. It has been a very fast process, which I love! Tomorrow I go for the second interview where I will meet the wife/mom who will ultimately make the decision! :) I'm pretty nervous about the position itself, mainly because she is pregnant with twins! It's not that I don't think I can handle infants, but TWO?! At one time!? I'm excited about the challenge but whoa!? I don't think it will be too hard, though. I mean, once I get a routine down I will be fine, right? Well, hopefully I will be able to find out!

Come back tomorrow to find out how it went! :) 

Praise the Lord!!

Well, it's Wednesday and Catalyst not only met their goal, they surpassed it! What a cool thing to be able to share with people! God is so BIG and He can do BIG things! Catalyst is such a blessing, it would be horrible if this church could not continue due to money! 

This "scare" has forced me to really think about who I am investing in. Am I really making it a point in my everyday life to get to know the people around me that don't attend church? Am I praying that God make me more aware of these people? What am I doing to invest in their lives, and then eventually invite them to Catalyst? I never used to invite friends to church and to be able to have a place I know I can invite an unchurched friend to and not have to apologize is a huge blessing!! Why would I want to let that opportunity pass me by?! 

I am going to pray for more unchurched friends. Not only will I pray for me to recognize those people in my life, but I will pray for you as well! Don't let this opportunity pass you by! 

"Women seeking MEN"...not BOYS!

Is there a time when a boy turns into a man? I mean really! Is it so hard to be a man? I'm asking because I obviously do not know the answer to that. From my point of view it looks to be a very difficult task. Now, I'm not speaking about all of the male species, just most. I do know a few real men. Men who aren't afraid to take chances. Men who will treat women with love, respect, gentleness, appreciation, etc. Do you (women) ever just get frustrated with men? Whether it be a friend, boyfriend, fiance, husband, or whatever? How do you deal?! Giving up is not the answer, but it seems to be the easiest option!!

One More Day!!

Well, this is my first blog ever and what better to post about than Catalyst Church?! There is ONE more day before our goal must be reached! That might worry some people, but I'm not worried at all! I know that God can and will provide the money that we need and more. Right now we need $10,000 compared to the $35,000 that we needed just one week ago! It's amazing how much God can do when people all over are praying BIG and giving BIG! God is doing tons of things at Catalyst and not just with money! If you want to know more or just want to find out what Catalyst is all about go HERE. 

Please continue to pray BIG! God's not finished!!!