As for me and my house...

New Pics

2009-10-30T22:43:00.007-05:00

So October has been the busiest month we have had in a very long time. Here are some updated pics of the house, although not the latest. Maybe, just maybe I can get the most recent pics this weekend! We are set to do an initial walk through on the 18th and close by the 24th. If everything goes well we should be in and settled by Thanksgiving!

Living a Life of Love

2009-09-23T12:30:00.004-05:00

I don't want to waste my life. I want to use every second of every day to further the kingdom of God. I have been convicted even stronger of this the past couple of months. I have been considering my day to day actions and whether or not what I say I value measures up to how I spend my time, money, and energy. I so don't want to look back on my life and wish I had lived differently! The truth is at the end, life lived cannot be changed. So how do we realize the significance of how important each day is unless we understand that one day life will cease to exist. So seize each moment while you still have it. The call to love rarely comes with urgency!

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:1-2

This weekend I am going to Denver to spend much needed girl time with these chicks!!

Gosh I can't wait to see their faces!! I might get punched for these pics though!! hehe!!

We've been framed...

2009-09-16T10:30:00.009-05:00

covered patio

trayed ceiling in Master Bedroom

back of the house

a bad picture of the front entrance

front of the house with garage

south side of the house (that's my mom!)

looking into the eat-in kitchen

looking into the kitchen and the back door

Timeless Wisdom

2009-09-15T13:48:00.005-05:00

So last Friday, September 11th was my great-grandmother's 91st birthday! Ever since I was little I have always loved my Momma Mary so so much! How could I not, I am named after her (along with my other great grandmother, Mary Belle). Momma Mary has always had such a wonderful sense of humor, she is very clever! She never fails to ask me every time I walk in the door, "Sit down and tell me what you know and how come you to know it"...usually followed with a "can I get you a beer?"

I have definitely noticed for a while now that Momma Mary knows she is nearing the end of her life, and makes certain she speaks some measure of wisdom into my life every time I visit (it is usually wrapped with a lot of humor)! For example, on Friday she wanted to know where Matthew was and how come he wasn't with me. I explained to her that he was at work and I had taken off for the afternoon to come and visit with her. She then proceeds to tell me, "Megan, your husband is so handsome. I don't know how in the world you ended up with him! (cackling with laughter)" and, "but he better treat you good!" We continued with some small talk and then she grabbed my hand and looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Megan, I am so very proud of you. Continue to follow the good Lord's path for your life and you will never go astray." Those words will echo in my mind forever.

So Happy 91st Birthday Momma Mary, and I pray many more to come! Just like she told me on Friday, "I've made it this far, I better make 100!! (cackling with laughter)"

We have...Slab

2009-09-10T14:00:00.003-05:00

Hopefully by the end of this week we will be framed. It's been pretty rainy this week though!

Why my dog thinks she is a human

2009-09-10T13:50:00.002-05:00

Matthew and I always joke around about how Chloe thinks she is a human. She can't stand to not be around people all the time. If we are eating, she is eating. If we are napping, she is napping. If we are watching tv, well she is still napping. She is always with us! She can't stand to be left alone, not in anxiety but just because she thinks she is a human. It hit me this morning why she thinks this, maybe because we talk to her like a human.

For example, first thing this morning we had a conversation....

Me: Good morning Chloe! Did you sleep well?

Chloe: still sleeping

Me: He can't take you out this morning, I have to. You are going to have to wait a minute.

Chloe: Blank stare

Me: Just a couple more minutes Chloe, I'm packing my bag for work.

Chloe: Blank stare

Me: Ok, are you ready to go outside?

Chloe: Jumps up on the drawer and waits for her leash.

Me: Stop jerking me Chloe and don't dart out into the parking lot

Chloe: Keeps running

Me: Good girl, Chloe. Time to go back in.

Chloe: Darts out into parking lot again

Me: Ok Chloe, I have to go to work now. Be a good girl and have a good day. I will see you when I get home.

Chloe: blank stare

I can't help it....she is my baby.

Salud cooking and the Redemption Project

2009-09-02T11:23:00.002-05:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Salud cooking school class at Whole Foods in Nashville. I absolutely had a blast!! I'm not sure if I loved the cooking class more or just spending time with good girl friends. There is nothing like spending an entire afternoon at Whole Foods (not to mention the pit stop into Trader Joes)! We learned how to preserve and can summer and fall fruits and veggies. I really enjoyed making the mango chutney while others were slaving away at the strawberry jam, peach jam, red pepper jelly, and bread and butter pickles! I grew up always helping my grandmother and mom preserve our veggies and fruits from the garden but have never been the one in the driver's seat! Tomorrow night I will be attempting to make a pear honey for Christmas gifts this year, hope they turn out ok!

We are planning to drive by the house tonight, so hopefully an update on it tomorrow with pics.

Yesterday was the launch of the Redemption Project for our church (Summit Crossing Community Church)! Matthew and I are so excited that God has brought us to this church. God is doing such great things in the hearts and lives of the people in Madison and we are simply grateful to even be a part! This new project is the renevation of an old warehouse off of Governors West. This building was originally a bakery but has been used as a night club, a strip club, and an internet casino. We see this Redemption Project as an example of what Jesus Christ has done in our lives through the cross! He came in and removed all the filth and garbage of our depraved nature and has restored it through grace into something beautiful, a life with meaning and purpose! "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Phillipians 1:6

Be blessed today!
Megs

Getting excited...

2009-08-27T08:37:00.010-05:00

Measuring Success

2009-08-26T11:45:00.002-05:00

Over the past couple of weeks I have been challenged with this question, by what do I measure success?... Is it how much money I have in the bank? How big my house is? What kind of car I drive? What types of clothes I can afford to wear? Is it my title at work? Or even how popular I am among my friends?

I am sometimes guilty of viewing life through a humanistic approach. Where the "end all" is human happiness in this life. What an error in mindset! Everyone on earth questions what, or who, this life is for, and all creation points back to God. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20

So if my life purpose is for God, then shouldn't I also measure my success by how well I glorify Him? For God did not call us to a life of happiness, but a life of holiness.

Jobs, House-building, Birthday, and River

2009-08-24T12:29:00.002-05:00

Ok, so this month has been crazy busy for us. Why do we all stay so busy all the time?

Matthew has been very busy with video work. It is such a joy to be able to serve God with the talents that He gives us! Matthew and his video work is a prime example of such joy! I have moved departments in my job, from development to visitor services. I have really enjoyed the transition so far, I stay crazy busy all the time and am enjoying the opportunities to really be kind (good customer service) to others.

Our house is coming along, pictures to come later. They have the building permit and have plotted and cleared the lot for our new home. We are struggling with being patient, we are ready to move NOW! :) However we are also trying to enjoy the last few months in stress free living!

My birthday was last Thursday, the 20th! I absolutely love birthdays. Having a birthday means that we are alive and blessed to have lived another year! Matthew really outdid himself for my birthday, I am nervous wondering how I am going to match him for his birthday! Many thanks for all the wonderful blessings and gifts from everyone. I am so blessed!!

We got to spend this past weekend on the river. It was so wonderful to have this weekend to really enjoy spending time together! We definitely needed a little R&R!! We left out Friday afternoon and enjoyed having a quiet dinner and watching some Titans football. Saturday we enjoyed a wonderful day out on the water with good friends, Jacob & Miranda. They wore us out on the water so we just crashed with some pizza on Saturday night! My parents had us over for lunch on Sunday to celebrate my birthday! Nothing like a good home meal (especially when you're not the one cooking). I love visiting my parents in the summer, I always come home with lots of fresh veggies!!

Our church has been studying through the Sermon on the Mount, which has really challenged Matthew and I to take a hard look at our lives! What are our motives behind our actions? Do our lives line up with the teachings of Jesus? Do we truly love our enemies? How do we pray? Are we truly investing in the kingdom of God? These are just a few questions that we have been wrestling with the past month. I am so thankful for everything that we are being taught right now! Some lessons are painful but imperative for growth!

Tonight we are having dinner with some friends/mentors that we love dearly! Maybe this week I will get my act together and post some :) Love to you all.

Megs

Quick update...

2009-07-30T10:22:00.001-05:00

So I just realized that I haven't blogged in more than 2 weeks, good thing nobody really reads my blog :) Matthew and I have been very busy!! We have had some big life decisions that have consumed us. We haven't been sure where we were suppose to be living or what we were suppose to be doing, we were only confident in the fact God has something special for us! We prayed and seeked counsel, prayed and seeked counsel, prayed and seeked counsel some more! God showed up in a big way to show us that Huntsville is where He has us for now!

We then set out to buy a house. We looked, looked, and looked some more....found something we loved, made an offer and got outbid. We didn't let that get us down because we knew God had something better for us!! We continued to search and search, only to decide we were suppose to build! So...we are building a house (never in a million years dreamed we would be building our first house)!! We are praying to be in around Thanksgiving! We are very excited about spending Christmas in our new home!! God has blessed us much more than we deserve and continues to give us exactly what we need!! "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19

I am also moving downstairs at my job to begin working with our visitor services! I am very excited about this opportunity to be able to serve the public and to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14)!

Matthew and I are once again proving the Bible to be the living true word of God. "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9. We love you!

"He gives His beloved sleep."

2009-07-10T11:15:00.001-05:00

I am so glad that today if Friday! I absolutely can't wait to sleep in tomorrow morning! I have not been able to get out of the bed on time a single day this entire week. I have been ssooo tired!! I have been running on very low battery power this week and it has reflected in my attitude, relationships, and performance. It is definitely hard to think, feel and act like Jesus when we lack sleep.

Not to any surprise but today my morning scripture devotion was "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2! I want to share some of that devotion with you!

"Sleep is an act of trust: when you go to sleep the world is in God's hands, not yours. And it will get along very well, even if you're not awake to control things. When you awaken tomorrow morning, just like God giving Israel fresh manna, He will give you the grace needed. Jeremiah said, "After this I awoke and looked around, and my sleep was sweet to me." (Jeremiah 31:26) Ever tried to pray when you were suffering from sleep deficit? It's hard to do. Before Elijah was able to spend prolonged time in prayer the angel of the Lord made him take not one, but two long naps. Contrast that with the disciples in Gethsemane who couldn't pray because they kept falling asleep."

Don't ignore the possibilities today to be Jesus to someone, and if you are like me then probably the most spiritual thing we could do is get to bed earlier and wake up refreshed so you're ready to fulfill God's purposes for our day tomorrow!

There is joy in letting go

2009-07-02T11:34:00.001-05:00

I usually don't make posts like this, so I ask for your grace. I just need to share this! I have really been struggling for the past few months. Strug.A.Lin. I have been anxious, nervous, and sick over our plans. What are we suppose to be doing? Where are we suppose to be going? What are our motives behind these things? These thoughts have CONSUMED my being. I have been eating, sleeping, drinking, and dreaming plans. Plans HAD become a idol. Now grant it, I had good intentions, there is nothing more I want in this life than to walk on God's path. An elder in our church mentioned last night that when good things become god things they become bad things. That statement resonated in my being last night. I have not been trusting in God's plan for our lives. I should have picked up on this because the past couple of weeks I have been seeking counsel from Godly women and they all seemed to be telling me the same thing, "Megan, you are not trusting!"

So I say all that to say this, there is freedom, joy, and peace in surrending our plans to God; to trust ourselves fully to Him and what He has for us! I can honestly say that I have never been more excited about what is to come for Matthew and I....and I have no idea what that is!!! But, I am cool with whatever because I know my Father has already prepared the way for me! I would encourage you to let go of your plans, it feels awesome!

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go." Psalm 32:8

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

better late than never right?

2009-06-24T14:10:00.001-05:00

Here are some of my faves from our first anniversary trip!! We had SO MUCH FUN!!!

LOVED this show....Festival of the Lion King!!

Lady and the Tramp....one of my favs

It was Star Wars Weekend!!

the first real Bald Eagle I have ever seen, pretty cool.

Yes, I admit. Loved the characters too!

What's Disney World without Donald Duck?

the man himself...or mouse himself??

Buzz Rules!!!

another childhood fave....

a dream that you wish will come true!!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T09:59:00.001-05:00

Dad,

Wanted to tell everyone how wonderful you are on your special day! Thanks for teaching me about Jesus, and thanks for loving me! Thanks for being a wonderful father, for teaching me to drive, plant a garden, hit a softball, bake biscuits and thousands of other things! Praise God for the impact you have had in my life! Love you tons!! Hope to see you soon.

A Broken Spirit

2009-06-10T10:30:00.001-05:00

Here lately I have somehow found a way to mess up almost everything I touch. I can't seem to keep my big mouth closed and have been so discouraging! I am so mad at myself, I have been trying to do life on my own, without God. I have kept Him at a safe distance, only to go to Him with my concerns and desires rather than in praise and thanksgiving.

I think I have reached a place of brokenness, and I am excited about it! I have thought that brokenness meant being a wimp, suffering from an inferiority complex, or having a case of low self esteem. Those thoughts are so far from the truth, true brokenness is when God strips us of self sufficiency to the extent that we've no strength left to fix ourselves. So basically - when God is all you have, God is all you need!

It breaks me that I have been disobedient to Him. I have become so thankful that God will do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to break us of our self sufficiency so the life of Jesus can be demonstrated through us. But we determine how long that process takes, by our submission or resistance. I have been resistant. I have come to believe that sometimes God has to take us down before He can raise up! Moses was called the meekest man on earth, but it took forty years of living as a shepherd in the wilderness to detox him of pride and get him submitted to God.

God is at His strongest in us when we are at our weakest. When Paul discovered that God's power in his life was tied to the thorn that afflicted him, he responded, "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10

New favs....

2009-06-01T15:39:00.001-05:00

This is such a wonderful time of year! I love summer. I don't always love the heat, but I love the swimming, homemade ice cream, and cookouts more than I despise the heat. Summer also brings me back to burning the new "summer CD". Here are a few songs that are going on my summer playlist...

More Beautiful You - Jonny Diaz

Closer to Love - Mat Kearney

It's Your Life - Francesca Battistelli

Happy - Natasha Bedingfield

Sweet Sugar Mama - G. Love

100 in a 55 - Pop Evil

Supermassive Black Hole - Muse

Say Hey (I love you) - Michael Franti

Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas (even though I don't like Fergie)

It Don't Matter - Donavan Frankenreiter

You are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne

the process of being humbled...

2009-05-29T15:47:00.002-05:00

So I have a huge dilemma, well OK in the eyes of the world it is small but to me it is a huge dilemma! I want a new car. I don't need a new car, I just want one really bad. Mine is in pretty bad shape, but it can definitely last a while longer. I am humbled more every time I have to pull up to a drive thru window and open my door instead of rolling down the window. The lady at the bank today seriously laughed at me when I opened my door to make my deposit (kinda hurt my feelings)! Or every time I have someone else in the car with me and there are dog hairs floating around (that's my own fault, I know), or every time someone else is in the car with me and I have to put my car in gear with a bobby pin or a paper clip.

I have never been one to want a fancy car, they have never impressed me. I remember as a child my family holding prayer time in the van praying it would start, and our family truck being two toned (it wasn't suppose to be that way, the paint was just chipping off)! So actually the more I think about it, I like my old car. I am very thankful to even have a car! It gets me from point A to point B and that's all I need right?! After all, if I could have any vehicle in the world it wouldn't be a sporty convertible or a big SUV, it would look more like this (I would paint it green)....

Well, vacation is over.

2009-05-26T11:01:00.001-05:00

I had every intention of updating my blog while we were away on vacation, but as most of you know Disney World can be exhausting!! So my apologies to the ten people who actually check my blog regularly!

Matthew and I had so much fun on our trip to Orlando. I hadn't been to Disney World in well over ten years and Matthew hadn't been in a long time either! Our expectations were exceeded and we are already wanting to plan our next trip to Disney. I would love to share every detail but don't have the time, so I will late until later! I will share pics when we get them uploaded and edited. Until then....we are pooped!!

A day in our life...

2009-05-14T19:59:00.001-05:00

Matthew and I went out for an ice cream tonight....we forgot to lock Chloe in the foyer!

She's still cute!!

A Football Game Gives Hope

2009-05-14T14:34:00.001-05:00

This is a beautiful story of how a whole community gave an unexpected gift to a team of young men who needed it most. I definitely teared up when I watched this. What would our world and the people in it be like if we all showed each other love like this? Like the love Christ showed us? Thank God for second chances! Thank you God for my second chance!"He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again." 2 Corinthians 1:10

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.824269&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26]

more about "A Football Game Gives Hope", posted with vodpod

Praises!

2009-05-07T14:32:00.001-05:00

The surgery for my cousin's husband was successful! No more cancer! He will see the surgeon tomorrow for a checkup, then not again for four months! God is so good. Thanks for your prayers! God bless you!

One year....

2009-05-03T18:06:00.002-05:00

One year ago tonight I was promising to love and cherish my best friend for the rest of my life. We exchanged rings (I couldn't get his ring on his hand), vows, many kisses, wedding cake, and a dance. We had officially entered into the covenant of marriage. After many laughs, tears, hugs and kisses....we have officially made it one year! Many people say that the first year of marriage is often the hardest. While the last year has definitely been difficult, it has also been the most joyous year of my life. I have been given an incredible gift, I get to spend every day with my best friend!!

Matthew, you have taught me so much this past year. I had no idea how incredibly selfish I am, nor did I know that it was possible to love someone as much as I love you. This has been the most challenging and rewarding year of my life! You have continually showed me the true love of Christ and for that I am eternally grateful. Wherever God takes us in life, one thing is for certain, He has blessed us! I love you more today than I did a year ago and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you!

"I found him who my soul loves, I held him and would not let him go!" Song of Solomon 3:4

Happy Anniversary Love, now let's eat some cake!! :)

Mountains and Valleys

2009-04-28T11:07:00.001-05:00

Did you know that it is geographically impossible to have a valley without a mountain? They are beautiful complements in God's grand creation. The valley is the place of vision and reflection. The mountain is the place of discovery and a place to become strong. If you find yourself in a valley, it is because you have come down from a mountain. If you're on a mountain, you came to that place by way of the valley.

Last week, my second-cousin's husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. He is having surgery this afternoon in an effort to remove it. Cancer just sucks. It is definitely a valley in those people's lives. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. So in unity I am asking for you to pray for Norman and his family. I will keep you updated. Thanks for your prayers!!

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble!" Psalm 46:1

Oh Mondays, Mondays, Mondays

2009-04-13T14:58:00.001-05:00

Things to do today....

1. Wake up in the middle of the night to a crazed barking dog. CHECK!

2. Oversleep and not have time to wash my hair. CHECK!

3. Get to work and realize I forgot my lunch. CHECK!

4. Deal with upset customers. CHECK!

5. Take shelter from tornadoes...again! CHECK!

6. Stink up the bathroom only to find my boss waiting outside the door. CHECK!

Geez, I can't wait to see what the rest of this day holds!!

My Hope

2009-04-10T11:33:00.001-05:00

Today is Good Friday, and for me and other Christians around the world it is a great Friday! I have been thinking all morning about the sacrifice that our Savior made for us. I don't understand it. Why would the God of the universe send his only Son to be mocked, scorned, flogged, beaten, and murdered for the sins of the world? We definitely don't deserve this gift He has given us, and that is what makes God so great. That God demonstrated his love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8) He has made peace through the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:20) My heart is troubled heavily today though...for those who don't know or have this great gift.

Matthew and I were driving around a couple of weeks ago as a storm was approaching. We watched the night sky being lit up with soft lightning. It was the kind of lightning where the entire sky lights up but no thunder follows. We could even see the outline of the storm clouds! It was beautiful. We started talking about Jesus coming back in the clouds and what a joyous occasion it will be. We chatted about what he will look like and how we can't wait to see Him, to meet Him, to kiss Him, to sing to Him, to spend all of eternity with Him.

I have read so much in the news lately about all the evils in the world. It seems that every day that passes this world just gets more evil. I think it is a sign of the times and that the end of the world is at hand, but this is simply my opinion. However, we can see prophecies beginning to be fulfilled all around us. No one except God the Father knows when He will send His Son to redeem His people. But this time when He comes, He will not come as Savior. He will come as King to judge the world.

As you celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord, take a few moments to praise Jesus for the power, hope, and eternal life you have because of His resurrection!! Share this good news with someone today! Happy Good Friday!

28 Questions

2009-04-01T09:50:00.001-05:00

It seriously feels like forever since I have blogged, mainly because it has been forever. I think about my blog often but as life has it...there are other priorities. Because I am having some extreme difficulties with my brain right now and can come up with nothing else, I'm just going to let you get to know me a little better.

1) Last movie you saw in a theater?
Madea Goes to Jail. I think this is it, I don't really remember.

2) What book are you reading?
Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney. She writes about the seven virtues of a Godly wife and mother given in Titus 2.

3) Favorite board game?
Does a cutting board count? How 'bout cutting board with my Henckles?

4) Favorite magazine?
I read Shape. Matthew bought me a subscription for my birthday.

5) Favorite smells?
My hubby during a hug. Babies. Cooking. Baking. Fresh rain.

6) Favorite sounds?
Guitars and kids laughing.

7) Worst feeling in the world?
Bitterness. Apathy. Fear.

8 ) What is the first thing you think of when you wake?
Dang, it's already morning.

9) Favorite fast food place?
Taco Bell.

10) Future child's name?
I should probably talk with my husband about this. We will let you know when the time is proper, and the time is not proper.

11) Finish this statement - "If I had a lot of money I'd..."
Give it all away.

12) Do you drive fast?
Only when I am by myself.

13) Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
If Chloe counts, sometimes.

14) Storms - cool or scary?
Awesome, I love storms. Unless your roof gets ripped off during the storm, then not.

15) What was your first car?
1987 Volvo. I really, really, really miss that car.

16) Favorite drink?
Diet Dr. Pepper. Yessssssss, I know about the sweeteners. It was aspartame or crack and I chose the former.

17) Finish this statement - if I had the time, I would...
travel more.

18) Do you eat the stems on broccoli?
Absolutely.

19) If you could dye your hair any other color, what would be your choice?
I like my hair color, but I have considered on many occasions just shaving my head.

20) Name all of the different cities/towns you've lived.
Lexington, Cookeville, Nashville, Madison

21) Favorite sports to watch.
Softball, Baseball, College Football, College Basketball

22) What's under your bed?
The leaf for our kitchen table, some books, probably a couple of tennis balls, and lots of dust.

23) Would you like to be born as yourself again?
Yeah, I would do a lot of things different.

24) Morning person or night owl?
At the present time...neither. I do hope I am becoming a morning person.

25) Over easy or sunny side up?
Um, scrambled?

26) Favorite place to relax?
Anywhere there is warm sunshine.

27) Favorite pie?
Anything with chocolate.

28) Favorite ice cream flavor?
Anything with chocolate.

Sunshine and Tears

2009-03-19T11:04:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was such a beautiful day! One of those days where your favorite song and a cool breeze is a little piece of heaven. So on my way home from work, I enjoyed both. I relished in one of my new favorites by Kings of Leon as well as having the windows down. As I was sitting in traffic I looked up and noticed the young lady in the car behind me crying. Of course I immediately thought to myself, why is she crying? Was she just having a bad day, did she get dumped, did someone close to her pass away, had she lost her job, etc, etc? Gosh, I wanted to give her a hug but I was in my car sitting in traffic.

How many times do we go throughout our days so focused on the sunshine in our own lives that we ignore the tears around us? How many times do we walk by people who are hurting without recognizing them? There is so much hurt in this world. The only way to fix it is with Jesus!

Make a point today to notice someone around you who is hurting and show them the love of Christ!

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15

Patience during the Process

2009-03-11T12:25:00.001-05:00

God is using everything around me right now to scream, "Patience, Megan, Patience!!" I am really bad at the waiting game. Maybe it is because I am used to getting what I want, when I want it. Or maybe it is because I don't understand the importance of patience and how God uses it for His glory in my life. I am so caught up right now with what God wants of me. But, I know what He wants. He wants me to experience the fullness of Christ, and the way to this is through trial and tribulations. I am really struggling being patient through this process. I have become like a child who don't know the difference between "NO" and "Not Yet". If you say, "Wait a While" to a child, it is the same as saying "No" because they want it now. God is interested in maturing us into the likeness of Christ. An old Danish proverb says, "Give to a pig when it grunts and give to a child when it cries, and you will have a fine pig and a bad child." Tribulation brings patience, and patience makes us mature. Is there something you are waiting on? Is there something you are struggling with? Give it to Jesus and trust in His timing and His provision!!

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4

Caught my eye....

2009-03-03T23:02:00.001-06:00

This was a really cool sign hanging from an old store in Ellijay! I thought this picture deserved it's own post.

Our lil getaway...

2009-03-03T22:58:00.001-06:00

Matthew and I were blessed to have the opportunity to get away for the weekend in Ellijay, GA. It was really nice to get some much needed time of rest! Here are a few of our pics from our adventures!

This was our little cabin for the weekend. We loved it and didn't want to leave!

Um...I was pretty tired I guess

We took Chloe with us. She wasn't too happy we had to lock her up while we went out. She also decided to escape for a while on Sunday afternoon...I guess she needed her own little adventure!

I can make some pretty good pancakes!

I wanted to go antiquing....

Matthew...not so much

Saturday night I cooked some ribs for us...they weren't to good :(

An old country store....

We had a wonderful time and would recommend Ellijay for anyone trying to get away for a few days!! Peace!

Under your wings

2009-02-23T22:36:00.001-06:00

In pioneer days, wood-burning locomotives frequently sparked fires. Wheat ripens enough to burn 10 to 15 days before it is ripe enough to cut, and sometimes the fires swept wheat fields for 10 miles. One day a farmer saw billows of smoke in the distance and knew his house, barn, and surrounding buildings were in danger. He set backfires and burned his own wheat fields in a circle so that when the great fire met the place he had burned, it passes around and went on. With that backfire the farmer saved his buildings but lost his crop. As he walked the burned field grieving, he saw the charred body of a hen. He tipped the hen over with the toe of his boot, and out ran a dozen little chicks. Because the mother's burned body was over them, the chicks lived. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live!

Somedays all I want is to know I am protected. Not necessarily protected from life's dangers, but more so protected (affirmed) in God's calling on my life. Somedays I get so frustrated thinking that God has something bigger and better for me. I allow those frustrations to take control and before you know it I am spinning in a whirl wind of doubt and uncertainty. Let us take a step back and experience the warmth and protection of life beneath the wings of the Almighty!

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." Psalm 91:4

Sing-A-Long

2009-02-16T10:15:00.001-06:00

My brother tipped me off to this great free album floating around! Thanks Mitch!!

If you like acoustic style worship music download this album for FREE!! It's amazing. Happy Monday!

http://philwickham.com/

Valentine's

2009-02-15T22:31:00.001-06:00

I love balloons on Valentine's day! Ever since I was a little girl my mom has bought me a balloon every Valentine's Day. She even sent me balloons this year for Valentine's!

Yesterday being my first Valentine's Day being married, I was not exactly sure what to expect. I had thought in my mind that this Valentine's would probably be a prediction for the Valentine's to come. Matthew was TOTALLY unaware of all the pressure that was on him! We had discussed our plans earlier in the week and decided to keep it pretty simple.

On Thursday we had gone to Sam's Club and picked up some Alaskan King Crab to have for the evening.

This was going to be our special treat for one another! I had looked forward to Saturday evening all week. Even though we had decided to keep it simple, I was definitely anticipating something special from Matthew (nothing big, just special). So Valentine's rolled around and here I was anticipating a surprise from my husband (this is an extremely dangerous day for men).

Matthew said nothing about this special day...all day! I was beginning to think he had forgotten or was sticking to his word on keeping it simple! Saturday evening arrives and here we are steaming our crab and boiling our corn and potatoes, when Matthew walks into the room carrying a HUGE balloon!! It was the coolest balloon ever...you know, one of the $10 ones! It had two elephants kissing and said "Love You Big Time"!

I started playing with this balloon like I had just won the lottery. This was the coolest Valentine ever! While playing with the string I realized he had really outdone himself!! He had gotten me a hot pink iPod shuffle and clipped it on the string! I was ecstatic!!

Thanks for the best Valentine's ever hun. I love you!!

"The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying, Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3

Godly honesty...

2009-02-09T16:35:00.001-06:00

Well, it has been a while since my last post. A lot has happened...is happening. God is teaching me some incredible things right now...hard things, but lessons I need to learn in order to become the woman of God I so long to be! I want to take just a minute to write what I am learning.

Can I just say that I am so thankful for good friends. Good friends who call you out when you're in sin. The kind that tell you the truth when that is exactly what you need to hear...even if it hurts. My friend Jenna called me out on something the other day. I think her exact words went a little something like this. "Megan, I just have to be honest here. I feel very strongly about this. Shut up, quit crying like a little girl and be a Godly woman. You have a job to do, so do it!"

That wasn't exactly the reaction I was looking for but it was exactly what I needed to hear! In that very conversation the Spirit convicted me of sin in my life! Blatant sin that I did not want to deal with, much less get rid of. God was trying to hold me and let me know that He had control. But I wanted control...I really, really wanted control. What if His plan is not what I have planned? What if He wants me to do something I don't want to do? Or what if He tells me to go somewhere I don't want to go? Because of someone's honesty...brutal honesty, I am now trying to walk in faith. The faith that my Daddy is holding me! No matter what His plan is for my life...He is holding me!

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him!" 1 Cor. 2:9

A trip to the Dollar Tree

2009-01-31T00:30:00.001-06:00

I am writing this post under the conditions that you, the reader, will allow me back in public. If you agree to these terms, continue reading. If not, well, I invite you back another day.

Today, Friday January 30th was quite possibly the longest day of the week. The eight hours I spent at my desk today seemed to crawl by. After work, I had a few errands to run. Matthew was working late so I decided to make these errands, well, my night out! I wanted to pick up a gift for a friend, and then it was off to grocery shopping. Out of convenience I chose Target to get our groceries (I usually don't shop at Target because I am very thrifty and just think it is too expensive). But tonight I was out on the town and the rules didn't apply. I stopped into Starbucks for a Chai (Yes, I am very aware that a grande Chai Tea is $4, but don't judge me, I was taking myself out, remember the rules don't apply). I am actually really enjoying myself just walking around in Target paying to much for my groceries. An hour and a half and $100's later I proceed to go about my evening. As I was leaving the parking lot I decided I would just run into Dollar Tree and get a gift bag (note the thriftiness).

This part is where my evening takes a turn. I should have stayed on course for the evening and spent $5 on a bag instead of trying to save myself the $4, or better yet, I should have used an old box I had at home...she wouldn't have cared!

I would also like to take the time right now to thank two of my most favorite men in my life (you will know why shortly). Matthew, thank you for always wanting to accompany me in public. Your knowledge of my reactions to ignorant people have kept me from being arrested on many different occasions! Now thanks to my dad. Dad, well, let's just say I learned certain behaviors from you.

Ok, so back to my story. I went into the dollar tree, found a cute bag and was in line to pay when my evening took a turn. This lady, let's call her Mary, with her daughter walked into the store. Ok, so she didn't just walk in, she strolled in with the comment "Whew, it's hot in herr". She didn't just say this, she basically yelled it across the store. She then proceeded to yell across the store (she was speaking to her daughter who was standing right next to her), "Let's find the bathroom!" I am standing in line waiting to check out when she proceeds to cut in front of me and ask the cashier, "Hey! Where's y'alls bathroom?!" The cashier, a young gal, proceeded to tell her, "Mam, I am very sorry but both of our restrooms are out of order." Mary then said, "What do you mean they are out of order? Well, what do you want me to do?" Let me remind you that this is taking place right in front of me. The young gal then replies, "Mam, our restrooms are out of order, they will let you use the restrooms next door." Mary says, "My daughter is about to have an accident in your floor and you are telling me to leave, use the bathrooms next door, and then come back?" The young gal says, "Yes, mam." Well, then Mary turns to me and says, "I have to leave here and then come back, just to use the bathroom!"

And I replied, "It's really simple lady. You have two choices. Go next door and use the bathroom, OR your daughter pees in the floor. Choose wisely."

Slowing time down...

2009-01-22T13:09:00.001-06:00

I was SO EXCITED to have Monday off work!! The thought of sleeping in, watching a chick flick, and cooking dinner was enthralling. I had not really cooked Matthew and I dinner for a while, so a nice hot dinner when he arrived home was on the agenda for the evening. After cooking baked lemon pepper chicken, brown rice with green onions, steamed veggies, and some homemade rolls, we were ready to sit down to our dinner. We were kind of in a hurry to sit down, have our dinner, and clean the kitchen before "24" started. I had fixed my plate and was sneaking bites of brown rice as Matthew was pouring our drinks. All of a sudden there was a crash...orange juice spilled in the frig (He had accidentally knocked over the orange juice carton trying to get to the Milo's. I would like to note that it was not his fault but Tropicana's. Who designs a pop top lid instead of a screw on? Is our society seriously that lazy?) It wasn't exactly a small spill either. Who knew there were so many cracks and crevices inside a refrigerator. My concern was not for the spilled orange juice but that our dinner might get cold. A lot of hard work had gone into this dinner and it was GOING to be enjoyed...spilled orange juice or no spilled orange juice! We decided to sit down and eat dinner instead of immediately cleaning the spill. However the thought of cleaning the mess hung over the dinner table like a storm cloud in the distance, we knew it was coming! After dinner we decided that I would clean the frig while Matthew did the dishes.

While wiping down EVERY item in the refrigerator and cleaning every shelf, nook, and crany I began to think to myself, "I wonder how many more times I will be cleaning up spilled orange juice, tea, juice, or milk in my lifetime." My mind shot forward to times with small independent children trying to pour their own glass and dropping the carton on the floor, then screaming and stomping in the spill like a mud puddle... I caught myself getting caught up in the future rather than the present. What was I needing to learn in that particular moment that I was possibly ignoring?

My mother has always warned me to not get so caught up in my life goals that I miss out on the life lessons that are to be learned now. She is constantly reminding me of this, mainly because I am often looking for the next LIFE step. In every stage of life there is some valuable lesson that can be learned, and we can take along with us to the next step. Let us remember this friend, God's delays are not His denials. Often we feel that we are wondering around in circles and looking for God's calling on us. Maybe He is grooming us! Could it be possible that we are not yet ready for the responsibilities that our next LIFE step includes? God just might have us in a holding pattern for His purpose in our lives. Life is such an incredible journey and God has prepared something wonderful for us!! Let's not settle for less than His best for our lives!!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Love to you all.

My first blog award...

2009-01-16T20:44:00.001-06:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! My wonderful friend Kearsie has chosen to help build my blogging esteem but passing on the Honest Scrap award to me. Basically, it's just a way for me to tell you some interesting things about myself. It has to be truth, and your suppose to dig deep.

So to fulfill my promises of all truth to my 10 faithful readers, here it goes, 10 honest things about me!!

1. I absolutely love my dog Chloe. Something about a set of big brown eyes, they melt my heart. She is a faithful friend always by my side. We don't have children yet, so she's the closest thing! She doesn't care if I have had a bad day or if I haven't showered, she still wants to put her head in my lap and get her ears rubbed. She is standing at the door everyday when I get home from work and always waiting for me to drop a scrap of food. She knows when it's time to play and when it's time to just lay at my feet. She really loves to snuggle too!

2. I LOVE music! I love to sing and play the guitar...wish I was better than what I am :) What kind of music? Any kind!! There is something so deep about the honesty of lyrics and the ability to pour yourself into an instrument as if it was an extension to your own body. Lyrics when expressed are a beautiful source of freedom. Music keeps me sane most days. I used to write a lot but haven't in a while. I was certain I had written a hit one day but threw it away in fear that someone might read it...so dumb! I regret that, a lot!

3. I hate watching the news. It's always bad news and often a lot of the details are unnecessary. I try to stay very informed about what's going on in the world but choose to do it through reading. That way I can avoid watching a T.V. anchor say terrible things about what's going on in the world like it's just another day, and skip over all the unnecessary details.

4. "Take your Mama" by the Scissor Sisters ALWAYS puts me in a good mood. Always. Take caution if you are around me when this song plays. I will break into intense song and dance. Period. A close second is "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley.

5. My life goal is to be a good wife and mother. I love kids and absolutely can't wait until God chooses to bless us with life. I think the most challenging and rewarding job is to be a good spouse and parent. But to have the responsibility of raising Christ follower's is such an exciting thought. It will be an honor to take some of God's children and raise them to love and follow Him. That's so cool!

6. I do have a fear that people don't like me and are just nice to me because they "should" be. Or to put it in more positive words, I long for intimacy in my relationships with other people. Until Jesus, I just didn't like people. Now I want to know their stories. Where they've been in life and what makes them who they are today. What their fears and joys are, what drives them, what they are passionate about, what they struggle with on a daily basis. I want to be a best friend to others. I'm taking applications for people willing to be my friend now :) Caution: I'm weird!

7. I think about life before Jesus, a lot. What I have come from and how that journey has shaped me. Things that I have beat and things that have beat me.

8. I crave adventure. Maybe I just have a restless soul. A great fear of mine is to get caught up in simple mundane days and miss out on life. I want to see all of God's creation and enjoy every coffee and ice cream shop along the way.

9. There are very few people in this world who's opinion I actually care to hear. I love sitting under the teaching of older, wiser, Godly women. But I often look at the fruit of someone's life before I am receptive to their teaching. You might have lived life, but if you haven't learned Godly lessons then how can you teach me? I have learned in my short 23 years that older doesn't always mean wiser.

10. I really, really, really want a tattoo.

So there's me! Have a great weekend.

OCD & P90X

2009-01-15T14:51:00.001-06:00

I have diagnosed myself with OCD. I know that I probably don't actually have OCD but it gives me an excuse for most of my tendencies. If any of you know me well, you know that in most situations I have two extremes. Perfectionist and I couldn't care less. Most of the things I do will fall along either of those spectrums...rarely in the middle. If I don't really care about something, I will often halfway do it or put it off to the last minute. OR if I am in perfectionist mode, I literally get completely consumed in the task at hand.

I'll start with over the top happiness. Matthew tells me this is when I just start talking and don't stop until my mouth and mind are exhausted (if I ever do this in a conversation with you just understand that I'm enjoying your company). For example, someone could purposefully plow me over in their vehicle and I would pop up and tell them to have a good day, Jesus loves you, and go about my business. And then there is over the top pissiness. This mood most often comes when I deal poorly with unmet expectations. Or to put it even more simply, when I am being selfish and don't get my way. I don't just get upset about the one issue...everything upsets me. I'm best left alone and to myself when this happens so I don't make too big a jerk of myself. Fortunately it's usually only my husband, family, and very close friends that see this mood. And last but not least is, goal setting. I set personal goals to keep myself on task. I usually have to do this so I use my time wisely. The only problem is I get extremely focused, sometimes neglecting the things that need doing but aren't on my schedule.

Ok, so that big long explanation of myself explains what is going on in my life right now. P90X. This is a fitness cuss word! An in your face, six days a week, intense workout regime. The first time I did the core strengthing video my dog thought I was trying to play with her for an hour! My heart rate sky high, sweat pouring off my face, Chloe jumping up and trying to lick the sweat off my face....nothing like a good at home workout! The idea of P90X is muscle confusion, in other words, never hitting a workout plateau. I have set a personal goal to finish this program while lowering my body fat percentage.

The last time I was on a big fitness kick was about four years ago (I wasn't a Christian then), and it was not pretty! I became an in the gym twice a day fitness nazi. I remember my little brother telling Matthew after we started dating, "Wait till Megan gets on a workout kick , she gets intense." I think it's just that I set a personal goal for myself and I won't stop until I reach it. Here's the problem; who and what do I ignore in my quest of reaching personal goals? Does it make me selfish to set personal goals? At what point do the goals we set for ourselves become idols in our lives? I'm not trying to get all legalistic here, I know there is nothing wrong with working out and setting personal goals, but to be honest, I haven't set this type of goal since I became a Christian. I guess I'm just needing some words of wisdom on how to regulate my personal time while holding firm to the teachings of Jesus.

Exactly how simple?

2009-01-12T16:39:00.001-06:00

I consider myself a really simple person. It doesn't take a lot to make me happy. I appreciate the small things in life. Maybe it's just because I was raised in the South, but I enjoy the simple natural way of life. I find some joy in a good hard day's work. Grow a garden, milk your cow, gather eggs from your hen, eat the vegetables from the garden, eat the cow and hen, repeat. This is a rather hard life to lead in a city but I'm doing what I can. So needless to say, I've always been the strange kid who quietly relates to the hippie kind of lifestyle (don't tell anyone). Ok, so from chatting with a friend of mine, I stumbled upon The Simple Way. Their mission is to Love God. Love People. Follow Jesus. Their leader is a guy named Shane Claiborne.

So I'm wondering if any of you know anything about him. I know nothing, other than what I have researched today. Let me know what you think about this guy and his Simple Way. I am very interested to know your thoughts.

White Honda Civic

2009-01-07T16:11:00.001-06:00

The other day I was driving home from the grocery store and got behind one of those cars. You know the one's that drive extremely slow in the left lane and are extra cautious in every situation. I was in one of those moods. You know the one that you want nothing more than to be at home, in sweats on the couch! All I could think about was all the groceries that still had to be unloaded, getting into my pj's, and why this person couldn't drive. Then it happened...we were both (the other car and I) about to turn left at a green light, nothing was coming and she stopped!!! Yes, this lady stopped! May I repeat, nothing was coming! And did I mention the big "Left Turn Yield on Green" sign hanging by the stop light? I was screaming inside and just wanting to lay on the horn. I mean, seriously, why are you driving if you don't know that it's ok to yield at a green light. Here I am in my car full of groceries wanting to get to my home and enjoy my Sunday afternoon. I stared at the "Let's keep Christ in Christmas" bumper sticker and I knew God was trying to teach me. Another learning experience in the books! The tables had turned. Even though I didn't act on my emotions, my heart was selfish.

Is our character at greater risk in prosperity than in adversity? Why was I grumbling about anything when God has provided everything? I had just bought a load of GROCERIES, put them in my CAR, taking them to my HOUSE, to enjoy my nice TV and COUCH. Once again I found myself acting like an Israelite, ignoring all the blessings God has provided. The Israelites grumbled to Moses and Aaron saying "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death." (Exodus 16:3) Could these people not see what God had done for them? Taking them out of slavery and providing for their every need! Wow, sound familiar? Are our hearts content in what Jesus has given us, or do we still want a taste of Egypt? That thought gives me chills. Lord, help us not to act like this world and help us to keep our eyes focused on the Promised Land!

And to the lady driving the white Honda Civic....thank you for stopping at a green light!

The Bittersweetness of Marah

2009-01-04T16:27:00.001-06:00

I love camping! Really anything outdoorsy, but especially camping. I know this is strange for most women (maybe because I grew up with brothers) but I just love the excitement of building a fire, cooking over it, sitting on a stump and singing kum by ya, and then falling asleep on the cold earth after staring at the stars! It simply thrills me. However I also enjoy my warm showers, television, couches, and microwaves, so I don't think I would fair to well living completely in the outdoors.

I just recently started studying the book of Exodus. This has definitely opened my eyes to the living conditions of the Israelites and God's provision for them (my camping couldn't hold a candle to these guys). I did get struck with awe in Exodus 15 where God provides water for the Israelites. Ok, imagine this, you have been following around this old bearded dude, and you have been wandering in the wilderness for three days without water. You are led to this place called Marah and you find water. After shouting for joy, turning a couple of cartwheels, maybe a back flip into the water, you discover that the water is bitter. I would definitely be thinking, really dude? Do you think this is funny or some kind of joke? Thanks a lot, you led us to bitter water in the desert, how kind of you! Do you have any idea how thirsty I am? Well, that's exactly what the Israelites did, they grumbled at Moses and asked, really? Good job O fearless leader, what are we suppose to do now? So Moses cries out to God, and then the craziest thing happens. God, Jehovah-Jireh, showed him a tree; and Moses threw the tree into the waters, and the waters became sweet! Are you thinking what I am thinking....What?? God took a simple tree and made bitter water sweet for selfish, ungrateful people. Awesome!

So I started thinking of times God allowed me to taste my own bitterness, and how He has provided for my bitter water to become sweet. Have I mentioned that I am a newlywed?! O the things God has taught me in the past eight months. All the married folks are laughing right now. I had NO IDEA how selfish I was until May 4, 2008 (the day after our wedding). My selfishness is often accompanied by my pride and stubbornness. Please pray for my amazing husband Matthew while God continues to work in me :) How bitter my water! ! But, how wonderful our Savior!! I find it no coincidence that God used a tree to sweeten the water. The same thing he used to sweeten us, a cross (Ok, I know I may be going all Sunday School here, but this is amazing). On a tree at Calvary were cast the bitter waters of all time. Through the death of Jesus, the waters were made sweet!! Some days I feel like the Israelites, just wandering around not thinking about anything but myself, and how God continues to be Jehovah-Jireh and providing grace to the lowest of sinners. Thank you.

"O God, You are my God; I shall seek you earnestly; my soul thirsts for you, my flesh yearns for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1

New Year's Resolution

2009-01-02T11:01:00.001-06:00

Well, we made it through 2008! Give yourself a hand. I was not excited at all about ringing in the New Year. Mainly just because I still felt exhausted from all the Christmas festivities. I am certain people could tell I have been dazed over for the past week, just needing a good night's sleep. So when the opportunity arose on Wednesday night to possibly go to bed early and then sleep in on Thursday morning it sounded too good to be true...and it was! Matthew and I ended up staying up to ring in the New Year, however we did get to sleep in on Thursday morning which was a tired girl's dream!

On Thursday morning we headed over to the Snitko's for some homemade cinnamon rolls. I had heard so many people go on and on about Mrs. Shelly's cinnamon rolls and knew I just had to try them. They were absolutely the best cinnamon rolls I have ever had in my life...I ate 3!! After we left I started pondering to myself, what actually is the big deal with New Year's? Is it not just another day of the year? A perfect day to do nothing but watch football? Maybe take down the Christmas decor? Get rested up for the New Year? or simply start working on our resolutions that last all but two weeks? What is the significance of a New Year? At the end of all my pondering I just left it at, it's just another day. But last night it hit me...wow, what a year I have had! So many things have happened in 2008: I got married, was blessed with wonderful in-laws, moved to a new city, got a new job, met some new friends, said goodbye to old friends, lost my great-grandaddy, started attending a new church, lost 20 pounds, gained 15 pounds, just to name a few! The past year has been a great challenge as well as a great blessing. So a New Year is not just another day, it's a hallmark for things to come!

So then I got to thinking about the things to come. Of course I set a cliche New Year's resolution to run a half marathon. The only reasoning behind this is, I have lost my dang mind! I have set many short term goals like that for the year, but I just couldn't shake the idea of what was really important. To become more like Christ. If we set this as our New Year's resolution does that not take care of everything else we could possibly want to achieve? Becoming better wives and husbands, being better children or parents, to be honest employees, to treat our bodies as the temple of the Most High God? But I know often times I set my eyes low, and I hold onto the things I know won't last. I run after the wrong things just to have to learn again from my mistakes. But I'm finding if I humble myself and learn from these mistakes, then I am becoming more like Christ. So the best thing for us to do this year is to chart out our course to pursue the things of Christ and not to allow this year to just happen as if it's just another day!

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phillipians 1:6

Bienvenidos!

2008-12-31T17:45:00.001-06:00

Well, this is my first attempt at trying out this blogging thing. A friend of mine (thank you Kearsie) suggested that I give it a try as a way of journaling. I need a journal to keep my thoughts on life and love, some days I think I have the potential to write a hit song, or a top selling book with some of the thoughts that go through his head of mine. The extent of most of my soul searching often comes while driving, and I need a place to put everything (not while driving). So here it is, my blog.

Here's the thing, anyone who knows me well, knows that most of the time I am the over honest friend who always tells it like it is. That brings up the name of my blog...undressingmind. At first I thought it was a little risque, but that's not the idea. You will find no bull jargon here, or sugar coated words that cover wounds instead of healing them. Instead you will find who I am, and read my thoughts while I undress my mind! Simple as that.

Possibly more to come today, I think I like this stuff :)