So Thankful

1 Thessalonians 2:11,12
"...As a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worth of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory."



3 John 1:4
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

At my internship, I work closely with families; lots of families. And they are all different, but they all have one thing in common: dysfunction. Most of this dysfunction has to do with series of bad choices. Yes, life has thrown these families curve balls, and they have been thrust into situations that they had not planned for; however, their dysfunction was not caused by one single event or occurance. Most of these families are just another generation in long cycles of dysfunction. Most families I see come from a history of dysfunction, and caregivers (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, whomever the caregivers [or, in most cases, caregiver,] may be) seem to be teaching their children just that... dysfunction. These children grow up seeing dysfunction all around them, and they learn from that. Children are never taught that there is a different way of living than what they see day in and day out. Children who live in the projects also go to school in the projects. They see the same people each day at school as they see when they are in their homes, on their streets, or in their neighborhoods. They do not see positive choices, or appropriate decision-making skills modeled in adults or peers around them.

Realizing this made me begin to think about how different I would be today had I been raised in a different environment, by different parents. Yes, children are resilient; they often have the ability to bounce back from horrible circumstances and events if they are given that chance, or if they somehow make that opportunity for themselves. Even so, I know that my life would be incredibly different had I not grown up with the wonderful family that God has given me. My parents have taught me so much. I shudder to think where I might had it not been for their presence, activity, and love in my life. They were the face of Christ to me; and they still are.

In my seminar class a few weeks ago, we were asked to go around the room and tell what we have learned from our families. Our class is three hours long, and even if I had been given the entire three hours to tell what I have learned from my family, that would not have been enough time to even capture a snapshot of what my family has taught me over the past twenty years. There is nothing of lasting importance that I have not learned from my family.





From my mother...
I have learned honesty, no matter what the cost. I have learned the art of forgiveness. And of second chances. And of unconditional love. In loving so deeply, she has also been hurt just as deeply. She has been let down and disappointed, and in response to each let down and disappointment, she has overcome and loved harder. I have learned that what you look like on the inside is much more important than what you look like on the outside.

Colossians 3:13,14
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

1 Timothy 2:9,10
"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

1 John 4:16-21
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."

Proverbs 11:1
"The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight."

From my father...
Teachability... We are all works in progress. Humility. Self-discipline and self-denial. Reaching for your dreams, and working for them. Standing firm though others around you may not. Living life through loving and giving to others. My father is the most godly man I know, yet, somehow, he is always striving to be better: to be less self-focused, to love others more, to learn as much as he can about whatever he can, to be the best that he can be in all circumstances, and for the glory of God, as opposed to the glorification of himself.

Philippians 1:27; 2:2-4
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ... I will know that you stand firm, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you... Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

1 Thessalonians 4:11
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you."

2 Timothy 1:7
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, or love, and of self-discipline."

Proverbs 3:9-12
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

Proverbs 17:27
"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."

From my sister...
Hard work in the face of adveristy. She can never seem to settle on just one hobby or interest for very long; she tends to jump from thing to thing. But whatever her current "thing" is, she works harder at it than anyone else, and often for less of a return on her work than others.

Proverbs 6:6-8
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. "

Proverbs 10:4,5
"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son."

Proverbs 13:4
"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."

I could never put into words all of the things my family has taught me. These are just the highlights; the first things that came to my mind when I was asked. I am now, and will forever be, grateful for my family, for what they have taught me, and for the God they introduced me to, and have exemplified each and every day of my life.

Style Me Pretty

Found this blog today. And I also found this picture with it!



I am in love with the yellow dress she is wearing... And with the balloons... And I can't wait for Style Me Pretty to add more pics of this wedding!

Ok... I am seriously done for the weekend now... I think. :)

Weekend, Work, or Anytime Outfit

I love Thursdays, because I get a break from my internship, I am able to spend lunchtime with Andrew, and I get to spend seven hours working in the library and catching up on schoolwork! Plus, all day, every Thursday, I have Friday to look forward to!

This outfit is great. It is so versatile: perfect for work, and perfect for a Saturday shopping trip with the gals. Perfect for breakfast on the go, or for dog walking at the park, or for an afternoon lunch with your significant other (which is one of my favorite things about Fridays, personally).

New York and Company has a more affordable version of these pants here. Throw this t-shirt
on with them, also from NY&Co, and you are ready for whatever your weekend has in store.

Unfortunately, I will not be wearing this outfit any weekend soon... It is still sooooo cold here!

The Weekend is Here

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands." - Psalm 138:8

This verse was prevalent to me when I was younger... When I was still in high school, and had no clue what I wanted to do. When I thought it actually mattered where I went to college. When I thought I had to know right then what I wanted to do with my life. How funny that, years later, here I am, wondering if I should go to grad school. What should I do with my life? My concerns are similar, but somehow, they are vastly different too.

I do tend to worry (which is why my bird story is so cool). I am a compulsive planner, a list maker, and a rule follower. I make agendas and stick to them. That is the way I have always been. Flexibility has never been my strong point. Plans, schedules, and to-do lists are not bad things; in fact, they are great things... in moderation. It is when those plans, schedules, and lists begin to control your life that they become bad things. When those things turn into your way of being the one in control, as opposed to God being in control, nothing good will come from those plans, schedules, or lists.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."- Psalm 16:9

This is an area in which God is really working in my life. He is beginning to change my heart; to make me more teachable; to make me more mold-able; to make me more humble. My plans are no more important than anyone else's. My schedule is no more pressing, and my work no more pertinent.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed."- Psalm 16:3

Danielle Thompson Photography

These photos, by Danielle Thompson, just leave me feeling happy...







So, have a happy Friday!

Life is Like Riding a Bike...

I must admit, I do not actually ride bikes. I am capable in the sense that, yes, I know how to ride a bike; however, the last time I attempted to ride, I barely made it around the block once. And even at that, I was out of breath by the time I was done riding. I love the idea of driving a cute bike, with a cute little basket on the front of it, to and from work or class every day, but in reality, I do not think I could make it. On the off chance that I could actually make the journey, I would probably be miserably sweaty by the time I made it from Point A to Point B.
With that said, these cycling photos from Cycle Chic from Copenhagen make me wish that, a) I lived somewhere that was conducive to me riding my bike (that I do not own currently) everywhere that I go, and, b) that I had the physical stamina to actually be able to ride my hypothetical bike everywhere that I go.

"Consider a man riding a bicycle. Whoever he is, we can say three things about him. We know he got on the bicycle and started to move. We know that at some point he will stop and get off. Most important of all, we know that if at any point between the beginning and the end of his journey he stops moving and does not get off the bicycle he will fall off it. That is a metaphor for the journey through life of any living thing, and I think of any society of living things." ~William Golding

"Think of bicycles as ride-able art that can just about save the world." ~Grant Petersen

"[T]he bicycle will accomplish more for women's sensible dress than all the reform movements that have ever been waged." ~Author Unknown, from Demerarest's Family Magazine, 1895

"For instance, the bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created: Converting calories into gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles per gallon." ~Bill Strickland, The Quotable Cyclist

...In order to keep your balance you must keep moving.

Isaiah 40:28-31

For anyone who has just had one of those days... One of those days that runs you ragged, and leaves you feeling worn out and spent up come bedtime. Our God is so good. He is good on bad days, and on good ones. He is good when we are happy, and when we are sad. He is good when we are busy, and good when we feel bored and useless. He is good when the economy is bad. He is good when you lock your keys in your car after already having woken up thirty minutes late for work. He is good when the local coffee shop is out of the muffins that you have been craving for a the past month. He is good when the purse you have been eye-balling for months finally goes on sale just in time for pay day. He is good when your utility bill is high as the sky after a long, cold, winter month. He is good when the cashier at Wal-Mart accidentally short-changes you. He is good when you park illegally and somehow slip by without a parking ticket. In all circumstances, good and bad, our God is so good. In every season of life, God is constant. Amidst every change, obstacle, and curve ball that get thrown our way, God's love is unwavering. His presence is unchanging, and His person is unchanging. No matter how alone we feel, He is with us. No matter how badly we mess up, He does not forsake us. His faithfulness endures forever. That is the God I serve.

"Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

A Little Birdie Told Me

The coolest thing happened to me today. I got to work early, so I spent a few minutes sitting in my car preparing for my day. Mostly, I was just avoiding getting out of my warm car and stepping out to the freezing morning air. I have a little Bible that I keep in my purse. Honestly, I hardly ever use it, but I felt compelled to read it during my last few minutes of solace before starting my day.

In the middle of reading, I looked up, and a little bird was sitting on the side-view mirror of the passengers' side of my car. Staying very still so that I would not scare him away, I watched him for a moment. He looked straight at me, and I felt sure that he would fly away, frightened. He did not. Instead, he maintained his easy perch on my mirror. I finally pulled out my camera and began to take a few pictures for my mom, who loves birds.

This particular bird was not necessarily pretty. He was just a little, brown bird. A passerby probably would not have taken a second glance at the little guy; however, after watching him for a minute or two, I began to understand how truly beautiful he was. He did not seem concerned, nor did he seem agitated or nervous. On the contrary, he seemed completely content. To look at this bird, one would think that all was right with the world; that there was nothing to worry; that there was nothing to fear or fret; no appointments to schedule; no important places to go or people to see.

This is what I had been reading seconds before the bird made my window his temporary resting place:

Matthew 6:25-34
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

If ever I needed affirmation that I serve a God who loves me, who is aware of all of my struggles, who knows the secrets of my heart, who heals the broken places in my life, who supplies all my needs, I received it this morning. I do not remember the last time that God spoke to me as profoundly as He did this morning. I do not remember the last time I felt so loved, cherished, and singled out among all creation as I did this morning.

Here are some pictures of my morning miracle...

Tasty Tuesdays: All Things Cupcake

I have made two impulsive food purchases this month that have been well worth the cost in dollars and in calories, although I feel sure that a more distinguished food connoisseur would disagree with me. Please heed this recommendation with the knowledge that it comes from someone (me) who has an insanely high tolerance for all things sweet and sugary. I have gone days without "real" food, in favor of desserts instead. I would live off of homemade icing if I could. Having said that, please know that I am not condoning gluttonous or unhealthy eating habits; I am a firm advocate for all things in moderation. And, I happen to love ALL foods; I just love sweet foods the most.

Impulse Purchase #1- Cupcake Fruity Pebbles: I do not know if these technically qualify as an impulse buy. I first noticed them in the store about two weeks before actually purchasing them. For some reason, Cupcake Fruity Pebbles were not on my grocery list, and I try not to deviate from the list, because doing so always leads to my spending more money than I originally planned, and on things that I do not actually need! Somehow, my boyfriend managed to convince me that the Cupcake Fruity Pebbles NEEDED to be bought by ME... someone who would truly appreciate them for what they were. It was then that I realized the cereal was practically begging me to rescue it from its cold, lonely grocery shelf. I picked that cereal up, threw it into my buggy, paid for it, and did not look back. It was DELICIOUS! It was like eating a cupcake for breakfast (which I am not at all opposed to). It was the equivalent of a Funfetti cupcake in cereal form, and who does not love a Funfetti cupcake?! My next move will be to make Cupcake Fruity Pebbles Rice Crispy Treats... Yum! There is even a recipe on the side of the cereal box for Cupcake Fruity Pebbles Cupcakes!



Impulse Purchase #2- Burger King Cupcake Sundae Shake: On Thursdays, when I am not interning, I work at the campus library. Seven hours straight of sitting at a library desk, in a room with no windows, can get a tad boring. Sometimes, it is just downright depressing. One such day, Andrew took pity on me and asked if he could bring me something. He asks me this every Thursday, and I usually respond by saying, "No, but thank you." This particular day, I especially needed a pick-me-up, and I knew exactly what I was craving: The Burger King Cupcake Sundae Shake. I had never tried it, but I know what I like. I love ice cream, and I love cupcakes. What could possibly be better than combining the two? Well, after trying it, I can firmly say that there are not many more fast food desserts that would even come close to touching the Cupcake Sundae Shake. I may even go so far as to say that it is BETTER than a Funfetti cupcake. The ice cream tastes like yellow cake batter (which I love), and the whipped cream serves as the frosting, and the sprinkles add the perfect touch (I have heard it said that sprinkles serve no purpose other than adding unnecessary calories, and usually I might agree with that; however, the sprinkles are an essential ingredient in this particular treat)! Please do not ask me how many calories are in this shake. I do not know, nor do I care to know. It was worth every one!

Happiness is life served up with a scoop of acceptance, a topping of tolerance and sprinkles of hope, although chocolate sprinkles also work. ~Robert Brault

A Dose of Cuteness

I want a corner of a room in my house that looks like this. (First things first, maybe I need a house.) Looking at this picture just makes me feel happy! The designer managed to create a space that is vibrant and cheerful, but also relaxing and calm. LOVE the deer and the owl figurines... and the hanging lantern... and the curtains... and the pillows... and the mirror... and the white painted brick... and... need I go on?

Throwing this little guy into the mix makes the room complete... Complete perfection!

Thanks to dottie angel for the pics.

These pillows are bright and springy. They make me smile!

A Day in the Life

In my line of work and study, as with all others, I suppose, each day is a little different than the last. One thing social work has taught me is that no matter how much you schedule and plan, and no matter how prepared you think you are, you never can know quite what to expect from day to day. Some days I leave work feeling totally discouraged and ineffective. Other days I leave work feeling frustrated with myself, with my clients, or with both. Today was no such day. Today I left work feeling completely fulfilled and empowered. That is the crazy thing about empowering others; you end up feeling empowered too.

I met with two new clients today who were both a breath of fresh air. At the particular agency I work with, I often feel like I am enabling people to continue in their laziness and in their bad choices rather than helping them learn to make wise choices and how to problem-solve correctly. In other words, I often go home at the end of the day feeling as if I did the exact opposite of what I meant to do! Both clients I met with today were hard workers, striving to be independent,and willing to learn and try new things. They just needed a little push in the right direction; someone to encourage them, guide them, and walk along-side them. After attempting to do just that, I found myself feeling incredibly content, accomplished, happy and simply... blessed beyond measure... at the end of the day. Loving others is what we were created for. I lived today loving each person that I came in contact with. In my book, that makes for a day well lived.

“The success of love is in the loving - it is not in the result of loving. Of course it is natural in love to want the best for the other person, but whether it turns out that way or not does not determine the value of what we have done.” - Mother Teresa

Found this photo here.

Found this photo here.

Puppy Love

Today was a great day in Nashville. After an incredibly long and COLD winter, we had wonderful day of sunshine. Just from a quick trip to the grocery store,I could sense a difference in the atmosphere. People were happier, summer shoes were being worn again for the first time in months, girls were standing on corners selling girl scout cookies (I could hardly resist a box of Samoas), and people were glad to be out and about after being cooped up inside all winter. The whole town was abuzz. My first thought after realizing how gloriously perfect it was outside this morning was, "Wow. What a day to start having perfect vision." My second thought was, "Wow. What a wonderful God I serve to have created such a beautiful day and placed it in the middle of such a hard winter. He must have known we all needed a little grace right about now." My third thought was, "Wow. This would be the perfect day to take my dog for a walk at the park; or even just around the block." That, of course, was an impossibility since I do not currently own a dog.

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. ~Gilda Radner

You ask of my companions. Hills, sir, and the sundown, and a dog as large as myself that my father bought me. They are better than human beings, because they know but do not tell. ~Emily Dickinson

A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary? - Marley and Me

Here is an extra dose of cuteness to help us all get through our Monday! If these don't make your heart melt I don't know what will!

Stop a moment, cease your work, and look around you.- Thomas Carlyle

After almost a lifetime of having to wear glasses or contacts in order to see ANYTHING, I had LASIK eye surgery yesterday. It is kind of a crazy thing... Years of ordering new contacts, picking out new glasses, and changing lense prescriptions, and all it took was about two minutes to correct my vision completely.
I can see the TV from far away. I can see the numbers on the microwave from far away, and I can tell what time it is even when I am standing yards away from the clock! I have a whole new lease on life now!
The sentimental part of me misses my glasses. I always felt more dignified and professional when I wore them. The more rational part of me knows that not having to wear glasses or contacts in order to function each day is totally practical. I never have to order contacts again. I never have to buy glasses frames or lenses again! Granted, they can be cute, but they are also expensive! And I have to admit, it was an incredible feeling to wake up first thing this morning and be able to see... PERFECTLY!

The Love Chapter: 1 Corinthians 13

"If I speak in tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.



Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.



Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears...



And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."



Happy Belated Valentines' Day!