Appleblossoms

How are they different?

2012-02-12T17:50:00.001-06:00

It's 430am... And i am typing this underneath my covers. Reflecting on yesterday. Hearing in my spirit... How are they different? How is what you are seeing and doing different?

We tend to always look and find the differences between us . I am being challenged to look for similarities .

To ignore the obvious and look deep past what can be seen. Look with clear eyes and not with jaded American eyes .

so, how are they the same? They are still my children. They are still made in my image. They still need the same savior. They still need love and acceptance. They still need to be fed. Their core is the same as my core .

Papa let us love them . Let us see them as you see them. Remove the coverings from my eyes so I can truly see. Call us to pick up where others have left off .

Finding purpose

2012-02-11T09:36:00.001-06:00

As nervous as I was about this trip and being unsure if I was supposed to be here, when I saw Jaisharee and Piyas at the airport put those fears and uncertainty to rest. The smiles on their face and being able to hug their necks made it all seem good.

It's been a year since we were here. They continue to have such fire and passion in what they are doing. Last year, when we were here they had 2 primary areas they were involved in--- the slum in the Salt Lake area and the village where Crosspoint India resides (ghorgatta).... Over the year things have expanded--- there is a new church in Nalpur. In this area there is a lot of resistance for the church. A lot of protests but also much success. The other area that has expanded is the village near Bangladesh - Gaborda.

I think what struck me most yesterday is the continued fire they have for the growth of these areas and the reality that they are very much persecuted in some of these areas. To me it's something we don't encounter in the US.... It's to the point where their lives are threatened. When was the last time we stood up for Christ when our life was threatened.

My prayer: papa I pray specifically over Piyas and Jaisharee. Continue the fire in their hearts for the people here in India. Protect them- place a hedge of protection around as they continue to maneuver the villages and the areas that work in. Give them favor in all those whom they encounter. I also pray for the people in the slums and the villages where they are going. Give them ears to hear and a heart to receive your grace. Let them see the actions of love that are being poured out upon them and receive that love as it is coming from you . May the beginnings of the ripple effect be felt now and in the coming years.

India 2012

2012-02-10T09:44:00.001-06:00

I am sitting a few thousand feet above the earth on a plane bound for Kolkata. Has it been a year? Being bumped and jolted as we fly.

Anticipation of the days to follow. Anxious to see the kids again. How will they look this year? Will they remember us?

I have been trying to get prepared for this trip ( as I do for previous trips) and for whatever reason I haven't been able to "get ready".

I have been a little anxious and nervous this year.

I am not sure why... I have wrestled in my purpose in coming back. Was I supposed to? Did I take someone else's spot?

I am believing that I am supposed to be here. I am believing that this year will be different than last year. I am believing that He will reveal something to me - something I have been seeking- something I have been needing. At least that is my prayer.

I do have some goals this year. Probably the biggest one is to engage more than last year. To dig deeper with the kids and the adults. I tend to hide behind the lens-- taking it all in looking through my camera. I want to still capture the images but I want to make sure to spend some time loving on the people more this year. To be a kid... To see this trip and the people through new eyes.

So Papa... Bring these words to my mind when I get caught up in the upcoming days. Slow me down to spend time in pouring out your love and not caught up in the task part of the trip. Reveal to me your heart for this mission. Allow us to be your hands and feet. Protect us all during our time here. Prepare the people to hear you. With much love for who you are and the grace you poured out onto us. Amen

I Heart Faces: Autumn Splendor

2011-11-14T20:30:00.001-06:00

It's been a fantastic fall...and I had a lot fun photographing J and B in the leaves. I am thinking this might be the first time that they have experienced this fun especially since they wanted to play in the leaves every time they had a chance. So it was hard to narrow down a picture of which one I liked the best....

I scoured my pics and had several that I wanted to use, but this one of J kept capturing my eye. You can see by his expression (even if part of his face is obscured by the leaves) that he was enjoying himself. There is/was this pure unadulterated joy that they both had... It made me envious and desiring to have that same joy in the simple pleasures of life.

So head over to I Heart Faces and take a look at the other entries...

And as always, Be Blessed!!!

S.

I Heart Faces: Let them be Little

2011-10-24T23:41:00.000-05:00

I couldn't resist but to enter this theme this week by I Heart Faces....
It's my little niece in the middle of a fit....The lighting was right, the moment was perfect, and well the scream was loud....can you hear her? Oh and I had my camera.....it doesn't get better than this.

The Gardener

2011-07-07T13:55:00.000-05:00

“He prepares the soil–tilling up the earth carefully. With exact precision, he places the seeds. Water is gently poured onto the soil. And then he waits patiently to enjoy the fruits of His labor.”–SMA

I am NOT a gardener. I claim to know nothing when it comes to gardening. However, this year I planted a garden in hopes to have some fresh fruits and vegetables. What I have learned over the past few weeks goes beyond gardening. He has reminded and taught me about what it means to grow not just vegetables, but us as His creation. I hope you enjoy just some of what He has taught me.

Check out the rest of this blog over at Cultivate Her

I'm still here....

2011-06-13T23:52:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am still here....
I am not sure if time is going fast...or if it seems to be standing still.
But I am still here...

I am not sure if my lack of writing and blogging reflects progress or regression
But I am still here....

Processing....
My mind doesn't stop...
It continues to turn and churn...
But I am still here...

Seeking and searching
Questioning and wondering
Living and Dying
But I am still here...

Holding on and letting go
Moving forward yet standing still
But I am still here...

Hoping
Believing
Loving
Praising
And I am still here...

Just a few words to let you guys and gals know that I am still here. This wasn't a planned hiatus from blogging but it ended up turning into that for too long. So know that I am praying for a resurgence of the blog....a resurgence and a release to write again. Time to write again. Writing in the past has been healing to me...a sweet release of my thoughts and my stories. I have missed it. I want to return...but I wait for whatever this is to lift so the words that are in my head can be free to flow. That my observations and life lessons can be articulated with grace. Until then...know that I am still here.

Be Blessed!
S.

Dark and Light....

2011-03-30T22:44:00.000-05:00

Hey all....
I hope this finds everyone in blog world doing well. If you don't know I guest post on Cultivate Her every month. Here is my post for this month.... (or at least the start of it...then you can go on over to Cultivate Her to read the rest)... Be Blessed and I hope you enjoy...

****************************************************************

She stood there…alone. Once again, she wondered how she managed to make a mess of everything in her life. She felt isolated from those closest to her. She felt so far from Him. She didn’t know how she could ever make things right again. She was not sure if she even had the energy to try again. All she could do was question “why?”.

Have you ever felt this way?--Getting to a point of just giving up and having more questions than answers… I know I have. It wasn’t too long ago that I found myself spinning completely out of control—with my emotions, my actions, my thoughts. I had done my best job at pushing everyone away. I wanted to be isolated. I wanted to sit in my own “pity”. I would still go to church, but I went and stood in complete defiance. I went because I knew I should. But, I would not praise. I would not sing. I was hurt and confused, and I wanted answers.

....To read the rest of the blog, go here

Sensory Overload

2011-02-22T06:33:00.000-06:00

Hey all!
2 weeks ago today...16 strangers (relatively strangers) started out on an adventure to a far away land of India. Today...I sit in my apartment alone at 6 am still trying to reconcile the fact that I have traveled to India and that now I am back in my "comfortable" world. My sleep patterns are completely off and at some moments I really think that I dreamed up the trip and experiences in my head. Crazy isn't it.

Processing of the trip hasn't really happened yet for me....I keep thinking if I stay in my "bubble" that I will keep my thoughts at an arms length distance. In reality, the longer I procrastinate the more it seems like that the trip never occurred....but it did.

I was there.

16 people went on this trip.

All of us had experiences and memories that will be seared into our being.

Many hundreds of people were affected by us being there...seeing a "white" person maybe for their first time--How crazy is that?

Even crazier is that it may have been the first time for some (many) of them to hear the name of Jesus every spoken.

In our American-ness, those 2 events alone are unfathomable....

I have been asked about the trip many times already...the word that come to my mind is AMAZING. Even that is not sufficient to describe the experience. I am planning over the next couple of weeks is to hit upon a series called "Sensory Overload"....because that was my experience. Everyone of my senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch) got heightened while in India. I want to explore what that means...I need to explore what that means.

So I hope you will come along with me on this journey back into India....I will have pictures and hopefully some video to go along with this series.

Be Blessed!
S.

India

2011-02-07T06:37:00.000-06:00

Hey blog world....
Guess where I am heading in just over 24 hours....?

Yep...you guessed it (or more likely that my title gave it away)....

INDIA!

My suitcase is somewhat packed...I will do a one more do-over this evening...

I have my camera...
My thoughts...well...that has been scattered....but I believe as I finish out my last day of work for 2 weeks that they will begin to focus on what is ahead.

I hope to be able to blog while I am gone, but no promises....
Although I will be posting to my facebook account....

Prayers for this last day of prep....

Prayers for our journey....

Prayers for India....

Prayers for His will....

Be Blessed!!!
S.

OneWord2011: Trust

2011-01-17T08:59:00.000-06:00

I know. It's been forever since I have blogged. I don't have a good excuse except to say life has been busy and I have not put blogging as a priority (and I am okay with that)...but I am still here.

So, there is this movement that I have seen day after day since the beginning of the year. It's the concept to chose a word that will define 2011 for you. I have done this in years past. Usually, I have chosen two words for the year.

2011 has been a slow start for me. It just hasn't quite started out with a bang. I was a little under the weather for the first couple of weeks. New Years Eve was anti-climatic...and well, I just couldn't focus on what 2011 is going to hold. And you can believe, I don't like the feel of being in a hole on day 16 of the New Year...that shouldn't happen until at least Day 116...

Anyway, I have been reflecting on what my one word for 2011 needs to be...and I have come up with.....

TRUST

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know that I like to control everything. Okay, maybe not everything...but, a good part of my life I like to control. I have read that my need to control stems from a lack of trust. And I would have to agree. I have issues with trusting others...and even at times trusting myself and if I really dig deep, I have trouble trusting Him. I don't like that. I don't like the thought I have issues trusting God.

At church yesterday, Pete preached on trust. I sat there as I heard him preaching thinking to myself...is this just confirmation for me that this is my ONE WORD. In my heart, yes....it was.

So my goal in my One Word... is to TRUST HIM:

as I look for a permanent place to live
as I walk day to day
in friendships and relationships
in the situations of so many friends that are hurting right now
that opportunities will continue to open up and I will know the right time to seize them
and just be
and enjoy where He has me
and not lean on my own understanding
and realize that I can put my dreams and desires in His hands without fear.

So there you go, that's my word...

So what is your One Word for this year....?

I'm still alive....Really, I am!!

2011-01-09T10:36:00.000-06:00

Hey Blog World friends....
I am still around....Life has been busy and hectic...and time seems to always be fleeting, but I am still here. I haven't been writing as much and well , that's just not a good thing I know....

So... I am hoping to get back into it. I am still not sure how often or how much or in what capacity...

So stay tuned....stay connected...keep me on your reader!!

S.

Leading through Tension

2010-11-19T08:54:00.000-06:00

How well do you lead through tense situations? Yep…I asked the question. I know…It makes me uncomfortable as well. I am not sure if I like my answer.

When Trish first told the leadership team about our speaker for November, Dr. Kellie Hargis, she noted that Dr. Hargis is a leader who can "lead with emotion without being emotional". I was so captivated by that concept that I wrote it down and have thought about that phrase many times.

I desire to be able to do the same thing. I want to be passionate in what I am doing and I want to lead with that same passion but without letting my "emotional" side get the better of me.

Continue reading at Cultivate Her

Finding My Voice

2010-11-11T16:36:00.000-06:00

I have had this phrase in my mind for awhile... I tend to do a lot of my thinking in the car and for the past few days (and really a few weeks), I kept hearing the thoughts of "finding my voice".

It could be leftover from some conversations earlier this fall....It could be that I have been realizing more that somewhere along the way I lost my voice and that is one thing that I have been struggling to regain.

It's the voice that speaks....

So much of my life, I have spent in silence--allowing others to speak their opinions, voice their thoughts, dictate what should or shouldn't be done....and yet, I have sat by and "taken it all in".

Not because I didn't have an opinion....but because I was scared to hear my voice...or maybe unsure if they really cared to hear my voice...or maybe being taught that my voice didn't matter...

On top of that it seemed that when I did/do speak... that my words did not/does not come out the way they were intended or that the my "tone" that came out would be one that would be taken as negative. This happens especially when I am "passionate" about my thoughts (or I would like to think it's passion).

So..along the way, I learned it was better to keep quiet than speak...

But that's not the answer either...

For me...it's "finding my voice". Discovering that it's okay to speak...to express myself...others don't have to agree with what I say...but it is important that those thoughts are expressed and not kept inside. It's important for me to learn to express myself appropriately.

At a meeting last week, one of the gals was talking about someone that they respected and noted that they "Lead with emotion but without being emotional." I long to be able to SPEAK with emotion without being emotional. I want to find the right balance in emotion and words that come out with the right amount of grace and expression.

S.

Known. Understood. Loved

2010-10-26T06:05:00.000-05:00

So the day has come and passed....and I am now on the other side of my 40th birthday! I had every intention to post some wonderful thoughts and ideas pre-40 and well as you can tell, it didn't happen. Time continues to get away from me..and I haven't figured out yet how to stop it.

So tonight, I thought I would share about a special gift that I received....

I visited my sister a couple of weeks ago and she handed me a box (a present) for me to take back to Nashville...with the stipulation that it could not be opened until my birthday. The box rattled...and the initial guess was that it was a piece of jewelry, but I was good. I brought it home..placed it on my breakfast bar and left it there for 2 weeks. I saw it a couple of times and picked it up to shake it....curious to know the contents, yet content to wait until my birthday. I love presents and cards...I don't get them often and for me, I do get more joy out of giving them (presents)...especially, when I find just the "perfect" gift. So having this little box sit contently was joy enough....

So Saturday night/Sunday morning (after midnight), I sat in my room with the box....I opened it and there it was. A necklace with the most perfect words: Known, Understood, Loved.

Upon reading it, the tears flowed....

That's all I ever wanted.... and I believe it is what most of us want.

To be known for who I am (the real me...the little girl that got lost along the way...the one who still believes in fairy-tales...the one still believes that one day all will be right....the one who still fears...the one who is confident sometimes...the one who can laugh...the one who can cry...)...

To be understood....so many times the interpretation of our words get mangled and twisted. So many times our actions are taken out of context by what others see....but if they only understood the root...understood the story behind the actions and words....

To be loved....to know the true meaning of love....unconditional love... to give love and be loved back.

I am blessed to have my sister....I am blessed that she has come to know me in a way that very few know, she has come to understand the craziness that encompasses me, and in-spite loves me and encourages me. For that, I am ever thankful...

So...baby doll....I love you and I am thankful (despite the pain) the path that has brought us to this point!!

S.

Transitions

2010-10-20T16:25:00.001-05:00

So a few weeks ago my nephew started pre-schoool. Let's just say he didn't adapt so well... In fact he would cry the whole time per my sister and sit in the time- out chair ( and he wasn't in trouble).

My sister explained that he will have a hard time transitioning- going from being home with her then transitioning to being dropped off at school. While I was there, I got to experience the "drop-off experience". It was heart wrenching. It brought tears to my eyes as he realized that he was going to school. The change in his demeanor and then the tears. I think what really got me was hearing him cry and say " I just want to be happy". I was ready to just pick him up and take him home.

As the days and weeks have gone by, things have changed and he no longer cries. He actually enjoys it.

So what's my point? Good question.... It hit me one day that I am ( and probably most of us) just like my nephew. I don't transition well. He takes me places, leads me to places, grows me- and all I want to do is cry and sit in my "comfortable" spot. I have even whispered (cry out) that " I just want to be happy". And after being in this new area I find out that it isn't so bad after all and that He knew better than me.

How about you what lessons have you learned from a toddler lately??

Catalyst

2010-10-13T22:08:00.000-05:00

WOW!! Can I just say that I spent two AH-MAZ-ING days in Atlanta at the Catalyst Leadership Conference. It's a conference that is geared toward Christian leadership!! I am not "officially" in ministry but just by having a personal relationship with Jesus puts me in ministry!! This was my first time attending... I had heard about the conference for many years, but never thought that I would someday attend. However, living in Nashville and a couple of conversations with people--and well, I decided to attend this year!! I am GLAD that I did!!!

So what did I learn/ enjoy at Catalyst???
1. That I need a long time to process what I heard and saw--I hope to share some insights as I get them.
2. That I am thankful for my local church (Crosspoint)--they let me (and Angie--fellow Crosspointer) hang with them for the 2 days!! I loved the opportunity to get to know them better!!!
3. That there are some amazing speakers/writers in the Christian Realm---Andy Stanley, Francis Chan, Seth Godin, TD Jakes, Beth Moore, Daniel Pink, Scott Harrison, Cynthia Cain etc.... I have pages and pages of notes from these people that I get to back through and dissect.
4. It is amazing to worship with 13,000 people!!!!
5. That Tripp and Tyler are crazy!!!
6. Cultivate Her, Leading and Loving it, and Mercy Ministries put on a great Luncheon!!
7. Gungor Band rocks!!
8. Seeing a Human Canon Ball was incredible and nerve racking!!

So, have you attended a conference lately that more than met your expectations???

S.

Counting down.....

2010-09-26T22:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have said it before...but I will say it again. I will be 40 in less than 30 days....

You may think that it's bothers me to be turning 40....and I would say it really doesn't. If anything, I think it amazes me that I can be 40. I am guessing that this is how everyone feels as they age...that it somehow doesn't compute.

Yes, I look at myself in the mirror..and I see someone who has aged (gracefully, of course)...and I see the added wrinkles and lines around the eyes that show that I have aged.... But I also see the little girl in me.

I still see the fear and wonder and joy and confusion and love and.... in my eyes and features. I see the little girl who wore pigtails for a while. I see the little girl with the pixie hairstyle. I see the little girl who was so shy and quiet as a kid. I see the girl who overcome much. I see the little girl who matured in many ways. I see the little girl in the face of a grown woman.....and I stand amazed at the passage of time.

So be warned and prepared that this little girl who is turning 40 in less than 30 days may have a lot to say in the next few weeks. She will be sharing the wisdom from the last 40 years of her life and sharing dreams for the next 40+ years of her life.

S.

Empty Promises

2010-09-12T21:29:00.000-05:00

Tears fell this morning....

I thought I was fine...but something I read this morning struck a chord...and it left me longing. It left me thinking. It left me with tears in my eyes...and they are still there as I type.

I was feeling that I was missing something this morning. I felt incomplete. I felt alone. I felt that I had to put on a happy face for service this morning. I felt forgotten.

And so tears fell...

The reality is that I am blessed beyond measure in so many ways and I know that...but this morning it wasn't connecting. The reality is that He has given me more than I can ever need......but this morning I was wanting more....specifically the one thing that has continued to allude me... a relationship!!

The irony of it all....I went to church this morning and we talked about Empty Promises. Pete laid the foundation for the series for the next 6 weeks--what are the things in our life that we have made idols out of...
Is it the need for money? Do we think more money will make us secure and happy?
Is it work/success? Are you striving for the next big promotion? Does your job define you?
Is it our need to be "attractive"?
Is it pleasure? The need for the next big adventure?
Is it church?
Is it relationships? (DING!! DING!! DING!!)

Have I made relationships an idol? Have I made finding the "one" an idol in my life?
It hit me hard this morning. I can say that I didn't leave church feeling light. Instead I left feeling a heaviness still. I came home feeling that I needed to clear my head...so I went for a run. The run didn't clear my head. Neither did the nap that I took. Or the jaunt out to the Greek Festival...nor the ice cream that I had this evening.

I'm still processing my thoughts. I'm still trying to understand how to give up the control once again...and be.
There is still so much I don't understand.

So I hold onto the closing verse today:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Until next week....

Be Blessed!!

S.

Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson

2010-09-09T23:18:00.000-05:00

Authenticity is something that most of strive for; however, many times we come up against road blocks in our desire for pure authenticity. Many of us are taught at a very young age to hold in our feelings and our emotions. That it's not polite to express what we truly feel. We put on our masks as we go along in life and we lose our true selves.

But what if we felt safe enough to express openly when we were depressed or when we struggled with the unspeakable? What would our life look like? What would the world look like?

I can remember reading a Anne Jackson's blog a few months back (maybe more than a few) when she posted a question "What is the one thing you can't say in the Church?" My mind went wild. I can't remember if I responded to her blog, but I could think of a few things in my own life that I have wanted to talk about but have not felt safe to do so. Little did I know then that from that blog, a book ("Permission to Speak Freely") would be born.

In Anne Jackson's book, Permission to Speak Freely, Anne takes off the masks and makes her way into the waters of authenticity. I love that. The book is a refreshing perspective of truth and freedom. Anne crosses over the threshold of fear that many of have in discussing the deep matters of who we are and lays out some of her struggles. As she describes in the book, she is giving her readers the "Gift of going second". By writing this book, Anne has provided a platform for many people to use the book as a talking point. A place to start....she goes first...so someone else can go second.

We all have a story....we all have things that we haven't be able to talk about because of fear. We all want people to understand who we are....how the story of our lives have created who we are. We want truth...we don't want to hide behind the "I'm fine's" and the "Everything is great"..... and yet the reality is (as Anne puts it in the close of her book) that we are the only ones who can give our self permission to speak freely.

"Each time we decide to take a step away from fear,

we begin to move forward into a life completely energized

and rich in the freedom God has for us. And as we take more steps into freedom,

our actions have the power to set others on that same course of freedom as well."

So are you ready to be free? Are you ready to give the "gift of going second"? Are you ready to give yourself "Permission to Speak Freely?" If this peaks your interest, then make sure to pick up Anne's book and check out the website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Overcoming Fear....

2010-09-06T11:34:00.000-05:00

Fear....

F...E...A...R...

What is it that we fear? What is that I fear?

I have to come realize that I continue to fear the unknown and have more of an anticipatory fear...probably not that abnormal for many of us.

I have let fear win most of the time....

I have walked away from situations when I have gotten scared I have let fear win....

This weekend...I did not let fear win...

This weekend...I conquered two fears back to back days...

Details...
Sunday I went hiking with a lovely friend Angie. We went seeking an adventure and we found one at Cummings Fall....it's an off the beaten path type of trip but it paid off in the end (sorta)...

Here is the description on how to get to the falls:
Take the trail down to the overlook then switchback to the river. Wade cross the river (it's only ankle deep) and look for a trail that begins as a steep scramble up to the ridge top. Follow the ridge top trail for a few minutes until you see a rope and use the rope to (safely) get down to the river. Walk back up river to the hole. It sounds like a lot of work but it only takes about 15 minutes and its worth every minute!

Not bad...until you see the "rope" to get down to the river. You essentially have to repel....and I have repelled but when I did, I had safety ropes on...this not so much.

I looked at it and initially said....."Yeah...no way!!!"...but I continued to watch others go down and I hated the fact that I was letting this "FEAR" get in my way. So after finding another path to the side that I could make my way down part of the way... I sat...self-talked myself...prayed...sat some more...inched my way over some more and then took the plunge and was able to get myself down. Granted I didn't go the typical way of repelling..but I stayed on my bottom and inched my way down and around...

It was well worth it..and I am thankful that I did it. On the way back out...that was another story of how to get up this incline...but I obviously had to get out somehow...and I did.

This is the bottom of the embankment that we climbed down and was going to have climb back up....we weren't sure how we were going to do it. I hope to have pics from Angie on the part that had me very "fearful."

Monday: (Today)...
I ran my first 5K in ~40:39 .... I have had this goal in my mind for over a year...and I would start a running program...and then quit. Start again and then quit....I had convinced myself that I couldn't do it... and then finally last week I signed up for a 5k. I paid for it...and new that I was going to have to go and do it. I also recruited Tammy to run as well.... (which was a lifesaver)....

If I could have quit before going today...I would have. I wanted to...and of course last night, I couldn't sleep.... anticipatory fear. What if I can't do it...what if I fail...what if I have to walk the whole thing....what if...
I was letting all these what if's and fear get in my way...

So this morning....up way too early...went out...
I was so emotional on the inside....as we started out...This was a goal that I was completing...
A goal that I honestly didn't think I was going to complete....

But I did...with help...I ran the 1st 1K without stopping...that is the farthest I have ran without stopping.
The 2nd K....was more of a mix.......but still ran the majority of it...with much encouragement
The 3rd K....was excruciating...thinking that I want to give up but also knew that I was so close....
and that last little bit to the finish line took everything that I had to run it....

When I finished, though...it was amazing....I didn't know to cry or what...no tears came...but on the inside was a different story....

Pre-5K

This weekend...FEAR did not win...
And I am thankful for that....

S.

The Last Rodeo...

2010-09-02T23:56:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post of my thoughts this evening....

I just got in from the Brooks and Dunn "Last Rodeo" tour...it was the last night of the tour in Nashville.
It's supposed to be the last time they perform together as the duo Brooks and Dunn....the last time!! They have had an amazing career of ~20 years together....and now, the duo is no more.

They wanted to end their gig together on top of their game....

Tonight I sat there thinking about the emotion of what they had to be feeling....
I can't fathom it...

How do you perform to a capacity filled room knowing it's your last performance with a person (and a band, and a stage crew, and the rest of the gang that makes a band) without breaking down into tears?

I also sat there (in pretty great seats, if I do say so)...and looked around the arena and wondered what it would be like to stand up on a stage and perform for thousands of people every night. It brought tears to my own eyes...

Regardless of the taste of your music...you have to give this duo a hand....
Thanks Ronnue Dunn and Kix Brooks for an amazing memory tonight and an amazing performance...

Where in the World is Waldo?

2010-09-01T22:51:00.000-05:00

The title really should read....Where in the World is Susie....going?

I'm excited to announce that I am going to.......are you ready?

I....
N....
D...
I....
A....

Yep....you read that right. I am heading out on my third (yes, I said THIRD) mission venture. My church here in Nashville, Crosspoint, is sending a team to Kolkata, India in February...and well, I am going!

A few facts that I know...

Kolkata, India is 11 1/2 hours ahead of central time...
There are 5 million (yes, that is MILLION) people in Kolkata...that's a lot!!
We will be working with kids in one of the slum areas....

It's about 6 months away, but I am already praying that He will use us. I am praying that we are able to connect with the families and kids in this area. That they will see the love of Christ being poured out by the Americans. I am praying for which kid or kids or family that I can personally impact. I am praying for my heart to be broken for the people of Kolkata.

I am also praying for safety for our team. I am praying that there are not any obstacles in our planning process. I am praying for the health of our team now....

Will you join me in praying now and for the next 6 months....
Will you consider sending in a donation for the trip....
If you are interested, then send the tax-deductible contribution to:
    Crosspoint Church
    c/o Ryan Bult
    4301Charlotte Ave
    Nashville, TN 37209
Check can be made out to Crosspoint and should include the following in the memo line (Susie A/India).

Thanks in advance!!!
Be Blessed!!!

Defining Age

2010-08-30T23:17:00.000-05:00

I'm just shy of 2 months before I turn the big 4-0!!

Should I say that again....I'm just 2 months away from turning FORTY!!!!

FORTY!!!!

F-O-R-T-Y!!!

I year older than 39!!!!

WOW!!!

And I am caught somewhere in this crazy world feeling somewhere between 18 (on most days) and 70 (on some days)....

Is this normal?

I hear people with birthdays in 1988 and think..."that's the year I graduated from High School"

I remember the time in Youth (back in WV) when I realized I was twice (2x) the age of most of the kids there...

How did I get here? And where am I going???

Who is this person that stares back at me in the mirror? And what does she say about life at soon-to-be 40??

Stay tuned.... there is lots of reflection that has been occurring and will be written about in the next 2 months!!

I would love to hear from you all (my readers)....don't tell me your age, but tell me the age you feel the most like? Or the age you would like to freeze time?

For me....I would have to say I feel like I am in my late 20's (granted I have my senior moments blended in)... The age I would like to freeze time, probably somewhere around 33...

Your turn!!!

S.

Happy Anniversary!!!

2010-08-29T22:50:00.000-05:00

I am sitting here after a great 4-day weekend and well, I thought it was time to blog a bit. It seems like every time that I try to blog...the words get jumbled in my mind and I can't express myself. This time, however, is different...I am ready to pour out.

As you can tell by my title, I am celebrating my anniversary!! Next weekend, it will be my 1st Anniversary of my move to Nashville, TN. Can I say that I am in complete shock that it has been a year??? And wow, what a year it has been. I have talked to a few people about my year anniversary and the comment I get back is "you have done well for being in town for a year. You have really gotten yourself involved and active."

I would have to agree with them. Granted it has taken a lot out of me to push myself out of my norm. One of my running jokes is that I have to do the complete opposite of what I would tend to do. What do I mean? Well, if my initial thought is to go home (vs. go meet up with people)...I make myself go out and meet-up with people. Granted I do give in sometime and go home instead....

So what have I been up to this past year??? Well, here is my list....

Crosspoint--Started Attending

Joined a small group within the first month of moving
Became a member
Went on 2 Mission trips with Crosspoint to the Dominican Republic and Honduras(and have plans for my 3rd--more to come on this)
Volunteer at the church periodically
Attend Cultivate Her (and starting to get more involved here)
Did a Habitat build with CP
Participated in a few Serving Saturdays
Have met some great people via Crosspoint and I am blessed to have such an active and loving Church

Photography

Joined the Nashville Photography Club
Participated in their Christmas Dinner
Have attended the majority of the monthly meetings
Started taking a photography class through NPC

Meet-Up Groups

Nashville Hiking Meet-Up Group

Joined this meet-up and several others within a few months of moving here. I really believe this is a great resource and if you haven't checked them out in your city you should... http://www.meetup.com/
Went on several hikes with this group. My first hike is where I met a great friend that has really helped me meet some great people with this group and I am ever thankful for it.
Have participated in several other activities with this group--some mixers and non-hiking meet-ups

Photography Meet-up:

Have participated in several Photography Meet-ups meeting a lot of great photographers

What's the Pho?

A great ethnic dining out Meet-up...have met up and eaten some great food

WVU Music City Alumni

Have helped start and initiate a WVU alumni group here in Nashville.
One of the things that I was concerned about was missing out on my fellow mountaineers and WVU football and basketball. I have enjoyed helping get this started. We have a lot more to do but we do have a base group and I love having fellow West Virginian's to hang out with

Other activities:

Participated in Help Portrait 2009. This is a great photography project that was a blessing to be a part of in 2009. Hoping to be apart of this again in 2010. Check it out here: http://community.help-portrait.com/
Attended the CMA awards
Went to CMA Fest (4 nights)
Enjoyed some great songwriters in the Living Room Round of Terry and Wanda Seay
Got my picture taken with Vince Gill and Amy Grant
Went to the Music Rising benefit Concert
Going to the Final Brooks and Dunn Concert
Went to a Titans game
Went to 2 Predators games
Met Beth Moore at a book signing

Wow!! I am sure that there may be some other things to include in this list...but just looking at this list, I am overwhelmed and blessed by all of it. On top of that list, I have also made several trips to WV and South Carolina to visit family. I got to see my niece born and I was able to celebrate Christmas with the family.

I needed this reflection....sometimes we need to be reminded about all the good things in life and the many accomplishments in life. I continue to remind myself that life is too short and we must make the most of it by living the life we are created to have. That includes not only the things "we" want to do but also in the giving of ourselves and our talents to help those in this world less fortunate.

So....Happy Anniversary to me!!
Now how to outdo my first year....hmmm!!! I already have a few things up my sleeve so stay tuned.

Love to all....!!

S.

I Heart Faces: Shades

2010-08-17T06:43:00.000-05:00

When I was in Honduras a few weeks ago, we had an optometrist on our team and he had some sunglasses that he was giving out. Some of the kids got a pair and well the group of kids in the below photo wanted their picture taken in the "shades"...The photo is just one of many that I have of the guys--who took turns wearing the sunglasses. It was so cute to see them try the glasses on and then pose for a picture. I hope you enjoy it...

S.

Engagement Shoot: Noel and Derek

2010-08-03T06:17:00.001-05:00

Heart Hands
Originally uploaded by SMA321

Just a sample of an engagement shoot that I did a couple of weeks ago....

Wordless Wednesday: Honduras

2010-07-28T00:11:00.000-05:00

A child clings to her momma's leg as she gets her medications.

One of the families that we delivered food to while in Honduras.

The military flew in to provide a clinic as well in Duyure. This is them taking off.

This pretty young lady caught my eye on the first day

Meet fat-baby!!!

An example of the line that we encountered each day

Back in the USA!!!

2010-07-25T01:26:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday morning at 1:23 am....got back into town at 11 pmish on Saturday!!
It's a little surreal on this end of the trip to think that I was in Honduras less than 24 hours ago..and now I sit on my bed catching up with "life" on the computer--checking email, blogs, facebook, twitter, flickr.

How crazy is that??

Praying that what I saw and did this past week will not fade in 24 hours...praying what short term mission trips will be on my upcoming agenda...just praying....

More on Honduras as I am able to process and download my 1700+ photos...yes, I am that crazy to take 1700 photos!!

Be Blessed!
S.

Honduras: Update

2010-07-22T20:33:00.000-05:00

Hey all!! I didn't get a chance to blog for the past few days....
The days have been long....getting up at 5-5:30 am with breakfast at 6 am. We loaded up on the bus around 7 am and start off on our 1-2 hour bus ride. The road--well, let's just say they are not quite paved and with rain--that added to the erosion of the road!! Quite bumpy...it's a good thing I don't get car/bus sick!!!

We would arrive at the clinic around 9 am and open up the doors at 9:30 am..... Each day there was a line of patients waiting for us. Amazingly enough some of the patients have walked for hours. The longest I have heard was 5 hours. Can you imagine walking 3-4 hours to go see a doctor?? Or walk that long to go anywhere???

Each day we have seen around 300+ patients.....Yesterday, we saw 457--357ish in medical, 17 in dentistry (but they pulled 78 teeth), and 80+ optometry. Hope to have totals for each day soon!!!!

We saw some healthy patients and then some that literally collapsed in the clinic. I will have more stories later along with pics!!!!

That's it for now...i'm on a borrowed computer!!!
Can't believe we will be traveling home in a couple of days....

Be Blessed!!
S.

Honduras: Day 1 of Clinics

2010-07-19T22:11:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a day....it was our first day of clinic visits. Started out this morning early for breakfast and our 1 1/2 -2 hour bus ride back into Duruye. As we drove into town, people were already standing in line at the clinic. We had a little bit of prep time and then we started.

6 providers--most of them first timers on a Medical Mission trip (I think)
1 optometrist
1 Dentist (who was delayed getting in so we just got set-up today)
2 Pharmacist
2 Nurses
And a bunch of volunteers....

For me, I had no idea what to really expect...how many people would be coming in...how busy would the pharmacy be...how would be expected to rise to the occasion....
I was pleasantly surprised on how smooth everything went....we had two great helpers in the pharmacy with us and of course some translators (without them--i would have been in alot of trouble). In all the smoothness, it was also my toughest day in my career as a Pharmacist and yet the most rewarding. Truly we are blessed beyond belief in the US--and it's just a reminder by being here that what he have is so much more than most other countries in the world.

I am also excited because I am getting to grab some photos along the way of not only the pharmacy but all the other stations... the kids here are just beautiful and as always they love to have their photo taken. Pictures will be later (once I return back to the US)--just know that they are on their way soon!!!

Tomorrow our patient load increases....praying that it all still goes well...
Thanks again for prayers....

Be Blessed!!!

Honduras: We're here!!!

2010-07-18T20:43:00.000-05:00

We are finally here!!! Quick re-cap of the day....
1). My bag was overweight---by 5 pounds..so I had to shift some stuff around and gave one of the guys some stuff to carry for me because his bag was under. After we did the shift, his bag was over....so he took some stuff from his bag and put it in his carry on.
2). Found out at the airport that TGU (yes, I can't spell the city) is the 2nd or 3rd most dangerous airports to fly into because of the mountain. I didn't think the landing was all that bad....supposedly you can check out some youtube videos.
3). After we arrived, we had to travel for approximately 3-5 hours by bus,..this brought back some memories from Jamaica. Though, I don't think the roads were as bad as Jamaica...

Day 2 recap:
Rained all last night...and pretty hard! Slept well until midnight or 1 am...and then was up for what seemed like forever.... Our cabin looks out upon the part of the ranch....the view this morning was amazingly spectacular. Actually, everywhere we have been has been beautiful. Lush green foilage...beautiful flowers...
I love the colors of the buildings here...they are vibrant....different hues.

We went to Duruye today to set up the clinic and go to church.... We transformed this huge room into 6 consultant areas...waiting areas...an optometry area...a pharmacy...a wound area....tomorrow we start to see patients. 1200 patients in 4 days is the thought process....

After the clinic got set up we ventured around town...got to see some of the kids of the town and yes took plenty of pictures. The goal is to eventually learn more spanish so i can communicate with the kids and people more. Again, beautiful kids beautiful people....

At the church today, a mix of gringos and hondurans....one of our interpreters helped to interpret the sermon...I was on the outskirts of the church and was watching the kids. They had a seperate kids service and ventured there to here them singing and praying..

Hopefully will post more... thoughts are scattered I know but wanted to get something on the blog before the lights went out....

Later

S.

Honduras: Final thoughts

2010-07-17T03:33:00.000-05:00

It's 3:24 am on Saturday as I am writing this post.....just a few more thoughts before leaving.
It seems so surreal that in less than 12 hours, I will be in Honduras....

Am I excited? I have been asked this a few times....
I don't know if excited is the word I would use... I don't have this giddiness when I think of excitement. Right now, I am just hoping that I am awake and that my suitcase meets the weight limit... I think I am still in the process of just wanting to get there...and get there safe and sound.

Trying to process what am I going to see and do....anticipation...but not excitement.

Trying to finalize details in my head...do I have everything? Anything else that I need?

Anticipating who we will meet...what we will see....

So...here goes...

Thanks again for prayers!!!

S.

Honduras: T-12 hours

2010-07-16T17:35:00.000-05:00

T-12 hours till I board a plane to Honduras....WOW!!!
I haven't processed the fact that I am leaving the country again (twice in one year)....

Somewhat apprehensive....going once again with people that I really don't know....
Believing that God will use this time...

Asking for prayers to be the hands and feet of Jesus....
Praying for the team as prepare to truly be healers in body...but hoping that we are healers of the soul as well...

Asking for a new vision in my life....asking for Him to change me....
Praying for peace...

I will be twittering...so feel free to follow me there....

If I can will blog.....

S.

Reflection

2010-07-12T22:42:00.000-05:00

It's Monday evening and there is a lot that I should be doing right now.....and in reality, I am just taking a quick break from everything that I should be doing.

I am taking a moment to reflect....

I am less than a week out for the medical mission trip to Honduras....
It has been 4 months since I went to the Dominican Republic....
It has been 9 months since I moved to Nashville...
I am 3 months from my 40th birthday....
I am 3 days away from an engagement shoot....
I am less than a month away from a visit to WV....
I am 2 months into a new season of my life....
I am 2 months away from having family here in the Nashville area...

I have a lot more to say....
I have a lot more in me that is waiting to be expressed....

Trying to not be overwhelmed by everything around me....but also trying to stay active in the process...

Life is good right now....
Life is busy right now....

So much more to come...
Excited...nervous...hopeful...prayerful....patient....

Still learning so much.....

Reflecting on life....
Reflecting on the future.....
Enjoying the now....

So how is your life right now....???
S.

Music Monday: Sammy Kershaw or Joe Nichols

2010-07-05T23:06:00.000-05:00

A few years back Sammy Kershaw had a hit that I loved and reminded me of my sister...it was titled "She Don't know She's Beautiful." I loved it! My sister is beautiful...I have always thought that....she's beautiful on both the inside and out. Sometimes, I was not sure if she realized how beautiful she was and is. I had the opportunity to see on a couple of occasions the looks that she received when she was totally oblivious to them (at least I think she was)...the first was in Morgantown. I went up to visit her during and we went to the Cheat Lake area and had lunch or dinner at this little mom and pop place. I can remember us walking in...and it seemed like every eye in the place turned to her when she walked in. The second time was here in Nashville...again, I came to visit and we stopped at the gas station on the way to church...as she was walking into pay for the gas...they guys in the parking lot just watcher her walk in and walk out. In both cases, she had no clue of the attention she was getting. It made her that much more beautiful.

Anyway...I wanted to share the lyrics and video of Sammy's song...so hear goes:

She Don't Know She's Beautiful
We go out to a party somewhere
The moment we walk in the door
People stop and everybody stares
She don't know what they're staring for

She don't know she's beautiful (never crossed her mind)
She don't know she's beautiful (no she's not that kind)
She don't know she's beautiful
Though time and time I've told her so

There she goes just walking down the street
And someone lets a whistle out
A girl like her she just can't see
What the fuss is all about

And she don't know she's beautiful (never crossed her mind)
She don't know she's beautiful (no she's not that kind)
She don't know she's beautiful
Though time and time I've told her so

Morning comes and her hair's all a mess
That's when she thinks she looks her worst
It's times like this she don't know why
I can't take my eyes off her

'Cause she don't know she's beautiful (never crossed her mind)
She don't know she's beautiful (no she's not that kind)
She don't know she's beautiful
Though time and time I've told her
She don't know she's beautiful (never crossed her mind)
She don't know she's beautiful (no she's not that kind)
She don't know she's beautiful
Though time and time I've told her
She don't know she's beautiful (never crossed her mind)
She don't know she's beautiful (no she's not that kind)
She don't know she's beautiful
Though time and time I've told her so

Now fast forward to 2010...and I have found a song that I would like to think represents me...or maybe it's just what I hope that someone will see in me. I have seen myself as one of those gals who can get dressed up....but feels much more comfortable in just jeans...sort of that Tom-boyish type of girl. I think that when someone can see you without the make-up and all the glam...they then can see the real you. The song "Gimme that Girl" by Joe Nichols.... I love the lyrics...

"Gimme that Girl" by Joe Nichols

Hang up that red dress,
let down your hair,
cancel those reservations
there's no need to go no where.
As good as your looking right now,
girl bet your thinkin I'm crazy,
there's a side of you that I wanna see
that never ceases to amaze me.

Gimmie that girl with the hair in a mess
sleepy little smile with her head on my chest,
thats the you that i like best,
gimmie that girl.
Gimmie that girl lovin up on me,
old t-shirt and a pair of jeans,
thats the you i wanna see,
gimmie that girl.

Gimmie the girl thats beautiful,
without a trace of makeup of on,
barefoot in the kitchen,
singing her favorite song.
Dancing around like a fool,
starring in her own little show,
gimmie the girl the rest of the world,
ain't lucky enough to know.

Gimmie that girl with the hair in a mess
sleepy little smile with her head on my chest,
thats the you that i like best,
gimmie that girl.

Gimmie that girl lovin up on me,
old t-shirt and a pair of jeans,
thats the you i wanna see,
gimmie that girl, gimmie that girl.

So if you have made it this far in this post....which girl are you? Sammy's girl who doesn't know she's beautiful or Joe's girl that he wants to see in a jeans and a t-shirt....???

Be Blessed!!

S.

Wordless Wednesday: Roots

2010-06-09T06:40:00.001-05:00

Roots #2
Originally uploaded by SMA321

So....you may have already seen this photo if you follow me on FB or my Flickr account....but you may not know my thoughts on this photo.

See I went out last week on an adventure...to shoot the waterfalls at falls hollow. And I did...I love waterfalls...I love the sound of rushing water and at falls hollows there were 3 falls that I got to shoot. I stayed around these falls for about 2 hours...and I could have sat there for many more...just listening and reflecting.

But I got a bonus that day....see I love trees as well. I love how intricate the trees and the branches can be. I love the gnarly wood that grows so intricately....and I love the tree roots. So I hit the jackpot when I found this tree/roots at the last waterfall...I loved it. The roots are so important to survival....they help secure a tree to the ground (keeps the tree rooted) and it is also where the tree gets nutrients to feed the rest of the tree...to keep it growing.

It's similar to our heart (or is it our head)---both are important to our survival as human beings. They both help keep us grounded to life/to feel and both are important in our ability to grow....

So what happens when the roots get exposed....when roots get exposed there is a potential for the life of that plant to be at risk...but sometimes they need to be exposed so growth can occur (ever heard of root rot when the roots gets so tangled that they suffocate themselves to death--and the cure is to carefully expose the roots and pull them carefully apart so they can breathe and flourish?)...

Well...i'm exposing some roots in my life...maybe it's more like root rot that I had....and this picture just reminds me that even with exposed roots survival is possible..and I need that reminder.

Be Blessed!!
S.

Music...music...and more music

2010-06-06T15:47:00.000-05:00

Music...Music...and more Music....!! Can I just say that I am loving Music City and that it is appropriately named??? Okay, now understand that I am not a music trivia buff...I can sometimes barely tell you just sang the song...and well album title, songwriter, and year released are probably all out the window... But I can appreciate to sit and listen to people sing and play...or is it play and sing?

I do love to sit and hear the music...but even more so "feel" the music!! Sometimes it just the rhythm and beat of the music that stirs me...sometimes it's the words of the lyrics that stirs me...and sometimes it's the emotion of the person who is singing or playing that stirs me.

I had the honor to attend a "concert" on Friday evening. I have to say that I had never heard of this gentleman--his name Phil Keaggy. For some of you, that may ring a bell...for this gal, it didn't. I did my homework though and did a quick google search (and as much as I hate to admit it--read his bio on Wikipedia). According to Wikipedia (and my interpretation), this guy is / was the best guitarist in the music world--even Jimi Hendrix admitted to that fact (granted there is some question if this is true), but regardless he is an amazing guitar player. He can make his guitar do lots of amazingly crazy things....I was truly blown away.

He did a lot of looping with the guitar (recording a section and then playing it back while playing another part)...it reminded me of Shane Barnard at a concert in Bluefield--I had never seen someone do that prior to then and it was amazing.

As I was sitting there with a friend, I kept thinking to myself--he is loving what he is doing. He was so at home with that guitar and with his skills. He was one with his music. He was also very humble about his skills. From what I read, he could have taken his guitar skills and used them in any way he chose. He chose (after his mother's death and conversion to Christianity) to use it to serve God. I thought that was amazing.

I am attaching a video for you all to watch. From the songs that he did on Friday, this was one of my favorites.

The crazy thing is that this was just a sampling of the music that I heard this week...Tuesday I went to another songwriters event--AMAZING!! Saturday night went to the Park and listened to Big Band Music and watched lots of people do the foxtrot and tonight I am going to watch another show at another park with Little Texas!!! Oh and next week...I get 4 nights (and days) of the CMA festival--enough country music to fill this country girl to overflowing.....

I love it!! I have to remind myself that I should never be bored in this town...that there is always a place to go listen to some amazing music!!

Anyway...thought I would share that quickly!! I hope my friends in the blog world are doing well!!
Be Blessed!!

S.

A milestone and request for prayer.....

2010-05-26T06:29:00.000-05:00

So....here I am on Wednesday morning!!! Should be getting ready for work...but just needed to do a quick blog... mainly for documentation (and so I don't forget) a mile-stone for me. Yes...unfortunately it will be vague for most of you guys and gals....but I need to remember this season!

I'm stepping out in a path that is probably long overdue for me....I am both proud of myself for starting down this path, but yet scared.....I'm not sure where things are going to lead me. I am excited at the prospect of where this can go, but have already started second-guessing myself....is this the right thing to do...can I be completely vulnerable....do I have the strength to complete this. I have shed tears already out of fear....but hoping that I will eventually shed tears for joy.

So even though, I can't be specific (at least not at this time)...I would appreciate prayers for the next few weeks (most specifically for tomorrow as I start this journey)--pray for peace in this journey, pray for healing in this journey, pray for joy in this journey, pray for strength, just pray....

Thanks in advance
Be Blessed!!!

S.

10 things I Love about Nashville and 10 Things I Miss about WV

2010-05-18T06:28:00.001-05:00

So....I have been here in Nashville for about 9 months....WOW!! That's about the only words I have some days...is wow!! I have said it before and I will re-iterate it once again....it's has been one of the best things I have done in my life. I honestly didn't think I had it in me to move to a new town and "start" over....I like to create roots...I like to feel that I am part of a community....and to pull up the roots and be a stranger again did not appeal to me...but here I am and it's been great!! So...in honor of all this.... let me just list my 10 Things I love about Nashville and that I miss about WV:

10 Things I love about Nashville (and these are in no specific order):

I love the creativity of this city....you can feel it in the air
I love Crosspoint Church....it's different from what I was used to back home, but it's beginning to grow more and more on me
I love that I am meeting new people and starting new relationships... this still has a lot of room to grow and I am still working on finding a core group of people to do life with, but it's coming and I am excited to see who God places in my life
I love that the city is an active city....people here don't sit on their laurels...they are up and moving and exercising and helping each other out.
I love that people are willing to pitch in and give a hand to one another....we have recently had "THE FLOOD"...and people have been out donating time, money, supplies. I am honored to live in a city where people are coming together for those in crisis
I love the music in this town...it goes along with the creativity. You can go out any night and listen to live music....I haven't done this as much as I need to, but it's there for the taking.
I love that there is too much to do....I should never have the problem of "what to do"...I may have the problem of "what not to do" or "how do I fit it all in"... there is always something going on.
I love the food in this city...I can't leave out food...I love to eat...I love to experience new foods...especially local flavor (non-chain places)...luckily I live on the 4th floor so I can burn some extra calories so I can enjoy the food more often
I love the parks in this city....I love that even living in the city...nature is not too far away. I was worried about missing my outdoor activities but I haven't...even living with the city, I can find nature out my back door.
I love meet-up groups....one of the most unique things upon moving to Nashville is that there is world on the web that you can go to and find people that like the same things you do. I have met a ton of people this way

10 Things I miss about WV:

I miss my family....before I left, I was just starting some new found deeper relationships with my family (a new journey of sorts)...I miss that...and I miss seeing my nieces and nephews and being part of their life.
I miss my core group of friends....I had taken advantage of our friendship and even let them down at times, but I miss that comfortable feeling of my core group. However, distance has brought new appreciation in that area.
I miss my church....I don't miss the drama that occurred shortly after I left, but I miss the familiarity of those in my church. However, I have new appreciation for being a newbie in the church and what it feels like to be new and know no-one.
I miss my outdoor adventure areas...the gorge, Beauty Mountain, Babcock, Lewisburg....I miss those familiar areas that I could go with or without someone
I miss my photography trips out with Ginger....I miss having someone that I can go shoot with and we don't have to say a word to each other in the process...or we can sit and chat on top of the mountain for hours
I miss knowing my way around (sort-of)....I miss the comfort of knowing my way around the area...knowing the short-cuts
I miss the home cooked food....I miss going to my Mom's for lunch on Sundays...or having my sis-in-law have lunch ready when I was working in Princeton
I miss the familiar...I have been pulled so much out of my comfort zone...that I miss the familiar. I miss that settled feeling
I miss being known back home (to a degree)..I miss it especially in the pharmacy world...people knew who I was and my abilities and my reputation...here...I am just another pharmacist...nothing too special
I miss my house....I took my house for granted...didn't enjoy the porch enough or the yard enough....but now I miss it...I look forward to having a place of my own in the future....

All in all...it's been good. I am excited about tomorrow....and what the future holds....what He has in store for me during this part of my journey. I am also thankful to Him that the transition has been so smooth.... I am blessed beyond belief with the people He has placed in my life thus far while in Nashville and once again excited to see what role they play in my life and I in theirs....
Be Blessed!!!
Be Blessed!!!

S.

Music Monday: Smile by Uncle Kracker

2010-05-17T21:30:00.000-05:00

So there has been a new song (for me) that I have been hearing for the past couple of days....that well, I had to share (especially since it's been a while since I have posted a music monday). It's just an uplifting song that it does just make you SMILE. So here are the lyrics and the video below...I hope you enjoy and I hope you SMILE while you listen.

Smile by Uncle Kracker

You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler then the flip side of my pillow, that's right
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me,
Lets me know that it's ok, yeah it's ok
And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone
Somehow you come along
Just like a flower poking the sidewalk crack and just like that
You steal away the rain and just like that

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Don't know how I lived without you
Cuz everytime that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Quotable Monday: Compassion

2010-05-17T06:41:00.000-05:00

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.

Without them humanity cannot survive.

--Dalai Lama

So what makes one person have compassion and another person not have it....? I had a recent discussion after the floods here in Nashville with a friend who is working through their thoughts on friends and family who have not picked up the call for their neighbors here in Nashville. Frustrated over the fact that some people have not even made the effort to help in anyway.... what makes a person have the desire to help whether monetarily or physically? How does one capture that spirit and pass it on? What makes a person to let that spirit pass them by?

Per the quote above, Love and compassion are necessary for humanity to survive....is the love and compassion of one person enough?

No answers today...just questions...

Be Blessed

Wordless Wednesday: Second Harvest

2010-05-12T22:33:00.000-05:00

I know...I am delinquent in my blogging (again!)....it's just been crazy and my thoughts have not been coherent...so I decided I could at least post a photo or two....

I was asked to come and shoot some pics for Second Harvest..it's the food bank for Middle TN. So, I did...and here are a few of my favorite shots....

The group that was participating was the Nashville Hiking Group...they packed about 14,000 pounds of food in 3 hours. Pretty amazing...and it went very smooth. Thankful that I got to help record a little bit of what was going on....

Be Blessed!!
And I promise I have some blog ideas...I just have to sit and actually write them...but I will

So...stay tuned!!!

S.

Nashville: Hope Eternal

2010-05-03T21:41:00.000-05:00

If you haven't seen the news, then let me be the first to tell you that Nashville has been/is under water....over the weekend, Nashville received a record 13+ inches of rain in less than 48 hours. This is a record amount for them and has caused some major issues.

Flash floods created raging rivers in places that there were no rivers.
Houses flooded from just inches to literally feet of water
Evacuations--Opryland Hotel was evacuated; 2nd Avenue
Rivers cresting--The Cumberland is scheduled to crest tonight

A major loss for many people...people who didn't have flood insurance (they never thought they would need it)....a major loss for the city....

Now it's time to cleaning up from this major disaster and time to rebuild....

The wonderful thing is to think how God can use this time and this disaster....He already is. He is bringing together neighbors to help clean-up. He is bringing together strangers to donate time and money. He will be glorified amongst the craziness of this disaster....I can't wait to hear the stories. I can't wait to see Him move.

To check out some of the pics/video of nashville, you can go here:
Panoramic View
Video

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-27T23:09:00.000-05:00

I took this picture a couple of weeks ago when I went to Cheekwood Botanical Gardens with a couple of gals here in Nashville. When I saw the petals amongst the other flowers, I was struck by the contrast of colors and size. Something about it just cried out to me to take a picture..and I love it!

I hope it will bring a little bit of joy to your day.

Be Blessed!
S.

Music Monday: The Dove Awards

2010-04-26T22:10:00.000-05:00

I am late in posting my Music Monday...I know and I hate that I have been struggling to get my Music Monday post up. This week..it's all about the Dove Awards, because well....I went to them on Wednesday of this past week. It was interesting to say the least...mainly because it wasn't a live show, so we were there for the taping of the Dove Awards. Since they were taping the show, the process was long....very long...longer than I anticipated...longer than I wanted it to be, but regardless I was AT the DOVE AWARDS!!

I got all dolled up for the event (unfortunately, no pics of me dressed up), but I did get pics of the artists performing. My seats were not bad...but they could have been better, but I am not complaining...especially since I ended up getting an entire row to myself. How? I was in the back...the last couple of rows were empty..so why squeeze 4 people in to a little bench/pew???

They gave out about 6 awards throughout the evening....but they had plenty of performances. I got to hear everyone from the Crabb Family (Southern Gospel) to Phillips, Craig, and Dean (more contemporary) to TobyMac (more funk). Also, some of my favorite groups...Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, and the incredibly talented David Crowder. I had a blast....

So...enjoy some of the pics...maybe next week I will actually get some music and lyrics back up....if not, maybe the week after that....

I Heart Faces: Smiles

2010-04-25T22:17:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's Monday again...and I am participating in another I Heart Faces Challenge. The theme is smiles...I have been looking at some of the pics that I have taken over the past few months looking for that one right picture that encompasses the theme.... and well, this is the picture that I found:

I took this picture during my recent Mission Trip the Dominican Republic. On Sunday, we went and visited this Pastor in part of Santiago....it was a neighborhood where the kids played out in the streets for most of the day. They went from house to house looking for things to do. When they saw us (the gringos) they followed us. They loved having their picture taken and then wanted to see themselves. After that they would want another one and another one....I was happy to oblige. I loved their joy and capturing their smiles and faces. What I love about this picture is the variety of smiles and faces.... no two are the same. Looking at the picture, transports me back to that day...and it brings a smile to my own face. I pray that these little one's are still smiling and enjoying each day.

If you want to see more smiles, go and visit I Heart Faces.

Plan B by Pete Wilson

2010-04-20T16:31:00.002-05:00

So here's the back story.....
2 years ago....I was in a relationship (short lived) that rocked my world to the core..emotionally I was a wreck after this relationship. See I thought this relationship was the ONE...you know, the guy who would sweep me off my feet...marry me...make me an "honest" women. I mean....he said all the right things...he said things that I wanted a guy to say...he was funny...he was charming....he was handsome....but come to find out HE WASN'T the one. I was crushed. I was hurt. I was lost. I questioned everything. I questioned God. I didn't understand why God could bring someone into my life who met most of things on my list and well then take him away.

I was 37 at the time...I have never been married. I WANTed to be married. I didn't think I would be in my late 30's and not be married and not have kids. That was my plan.... Why is it when I look around at all my friends and family...most are married (some even more than once)....most have kids....why didn't my Plan work?

It was at that time that I started reading and listening to Pastor Pete. It was during this time that Pastor Pete preached his Plan B series. I called the church and ordered the series. I can remember listening to it...and having tears stream down my face. It was this series that allowed me to hold onto HOPE. It was from this series that Pastor Pete decided to write a book called Plan B. I read the first 7 chapters on the way to the Dominican a few weeks ago. It captured my attention..and I have been waiting patiently until I could get a copy and finish the book. Well...on Sunday (a couple of weeks ago now) I got a copy and I sat outside and read it. Finished it...every last page of it. It was great.

He weaves the stories of biblical characters into the stories of people who are facing their Plan B here and now. I loved it. I laughed and I cried. I saw myself in many of the stories. I remembered so many of my dreams that haven't come to fruition....and have tried to come to grips with the Plan B's and C's and D's in my life. He made statements that resonated with me:

"You've got to stop looking at your shattered dreams and your unmet expectations as something God is doing to you. He's not doing something to you. But he might be doing something through you. He might be doing something in you."
"Could it be that we need our Plan B situations to rescue us from that kind {mediocre} of life?"
"I'm asking you to trust that one day faith will win over doubt, that light will win over darkness, that love will win over hate, and that all things will be redeemed."
"Do you think you can sacrifice who you are today for who you could become? That's one choice of faith-- to let God change you. To give Him permission and leeway to make you into the person he has in mind."

I love it...I love that it challenges me to see my life (my plan B's) in a new light...it makes me expectant to see what God is up to....how is this story going to end....what's the next chapter and/or volume of my life going to look like....it continues to give me HOPE. It allows me to continue to TRUST in Him....

Flash forward to my present day scenario:
I am now 39 (soon to be 40)....and I am still not married. I still don't have kids.....this is still not my plan, but I am okay that it's not my plan. I have to trust and believe that God has better plan. I have to believe that His Plan B is better than my Plan A. I have to come to grips that my past is behind me. I have to find a way to completely and fully come to grips with that past. Every day I go forward....Every day I HOPE in him...some days are easier to HOPE than others. Everyday, I have to TRUST him with who I am....and who He is creating me to be.

So....what about your Plan B?
Check out the website for the Plan B book...and if interested buy one...or two...and share it with some friends. I have. I just mailed out 4 copies today....and I can't wait to see what this book does to transform their life.

Be Blessed!!
S.

I Heart Faces: Collages

2010-04-19T23:19:00.000-05:00

Taking another I Heart Faces Challenge...This week it's on Collages. I took these photos of Marlowe and Mason last week at Cheekwood Botanical Garden here in Nashville. This series of photos I just thought was adorable so....well, I created a collage using Picasa and well, I think the finished product looks wonderful. Hope you enjoy it and hope you stop by I Heart Faces and see the other entries.

Be Blessed!!
S.

Guess what......

2010-04-18T21:02:00.000-05:00

Hey guess what???

...I had my first guest post over at Cultivate Her

Go check it out...

I know you want to....

it's about dreams....

Wordless Wednesday: Plan B

2010-04-14T06:47:00.000-05:00

I read this on Sunday afternoon. I will have much more to say about this in the coming days...so stay tuned!!!
You can check out the website here
Be Blessed!!!
S.

I Heart Faces: Dessert Photos

2010-04-12T08:09:00.000-05:00

Over Christmas, I made my annual Christmas Candy and decided to take a few pictures of them. The idea is that I will make myself a recipe book of all my favorite recipes. With that, I wanted photos of the food to go with it. Well, the idea is still in process.... So as part of the I Heart Faces Photography Challenge
Here is my entry:

Let's just say the Peanut Butter Balls were a hit!!!

Be Blessed!!
S.

Coming home......

2010-04-01T06:46:00.000-05:00

Good Morning.....April 1st.....

Yeah if I was really good...I would do this awesome April Fool's day post....I am not that good.
But I am getting to spend a few days home with Family and Friends in WV.....and let's just say it's great thus far. Why do you ask?

1). Seeing family after not seeing them for 3+months...I really do believe that being away does make the heart grow fonder and makes the moments spent with family and friends sweeter. We tend to not take the every day moments for granted.

2). Getting some home cooked food..... Ahh the food factor. It's nice to come home and get Mom's cooking. There's something about the way a Mom can cook that makes the food taste and be much better.

3). Having play time with the kids.... When I come home, I get to be the kid amongst the kids (my nieces and nephews) and its always a treat to play with them. Thus far, I have played "word" puzzles, went outside to swing, had a race against two of my nieces (and yes, I won), kicked a ball around, watched the littlest jump in her jumparoo, and get tackled and tickled by the nephews.

4) Hearing the voices of my nieces and nephews..... My favorite lines:
"Aunt Susieeeeeeeeeeeeee" as I get rushed and hugged by my nieces
"Susie" being said for the first time in person to me by youngest nephew
          "Aunt Susie play "word" puzzles with Joseph?"
          "I am sooooo tired!!!" as my nephew decides to lay down outside on the concrete.....
          "I go fast in my car!!" as my 3 year old nephew takes off in a motorized Jeep

So that's my visit thus far.....and I am loving it. Today will be spent with family and catching up with some friends....busyness, but I love it.....

Be Blessed!!!
S.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-31T20:01:00.000-05:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I have posted a Wordless Wednesday....the pics that day were a couple of pics from my recent DR trip (and yes, I realize I still have posted a more in-depth post about the DR---I have been somewhat at a wall with it---and yes, I am trying to work through the wall because I do want to share more about the trip--so be patient).....

But anyway...I thought I would share a couple of more pics from the trip.....pics of the kids that stole pieces of my heart.... I don't know the names of these kids but God does....

Let's Go.....Mountaineers!!!!!

2010-03-27T21:54:00.000-05:00

I may be living in Tennessee....but I still bleed the Blue and Gold of my WV mountaineers. And tonight, it's a great night to be a Mountaineer Fan.....

If you have not seen or heard, WV beat out the Kentucky Wildcats to move to the Final Four in the NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament.

In honor of this....

Dreaming.....

2010-03-26T23:35:00.000-05:00

What do you get when you take a Friday morning....a bunch of women....some food and coffee...and a good speaker? Got you stumped...don't I...

Well you get.....

This is just my second month attending this monthly gathering of ladies who are coming together to develop our leadership abilities. The past couple of months have been on Dreams. The goals have been to identify our dreams and then to understand why we struggle to achieve our dreams and work on making them a reality by learning to say yes and no appropriately.

Last month was harder for me...you know...actually identifying my dreams and putting them in words/paper. As an analytical C personality...I tend to get caught up in the semantics and which segment of my life I am concentrating on...personal, professional, family, social, spiritual. Yes, sometimes I forget that I shouldn't compartmentalize my life but actually learn to co-exist in all my worlds.

This month was easier...identifying why my dreams have not been realized and figuring out ways to achieving them (okay, maybe this part wasn't as easy). I analyze... I am wired to analyze and well, over-analyze to the point of it becoming detrimental to my own sanity. Luckily, I tend to remain on the side of sanity for most of the time...lol.

But seriously...we talked about our obstacles like fear, lack of adaptability, not being able to be vulnerable, and realizing that there are seasons for our dreams. They are all valid obstacles.

We didn't stop at the obstacles. We also talked about how to keep our dreams in front of us (vs. putting them on the back burner) and the big issue of saying yes (vs. saying no). I loved it...I loved hearing other women who struggle with the same things and learn from those who continue to move forward in achieving their dreams.

It gives me hope....

I look forward to the Cultivate Her event each month...

It leaves me energized once I leave there...

It gives me a sense of belonging....

So...Thanks Cultivate Her (Jenni and her team)....Thanks for dreaming and congrats on seeing your dream come true!!!

Be Blessed!!
S.

PS. I am scheduling my jump....a literal skydiving event!! If you want to jump with me, let me know....

Music Monday: From the Inside Out

2010-03-22T06:45:00.000-05:00

I have to be honest and say that I haven't been able to sit down and spend time in blogging. My head is full of thoughts

and emotions still filled from the DR, but I haven't been able to translate them into words on paper. So I apologize for

leaving you hanging in blog-world.

So...for Music Monday today....Here is a song that we have been singing at Church. Interestingly enough, we heard the Spanish

version while we were in the DR...Music traverses culture and I love that.

From the Inside Out by Hillsong United

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
my heart and my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Chorus 2x
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out

And here it is in Spanish....hope you enjoy it.

I have to say that I want to be consumed from the Inside Out....change who I am inside and have it reflect outwardly....

Be Blessed today!
S.

I'm Back....

2010-03-15T08:56:00.000-05:00

I am back.....it still feels very surreal. I was in the DR...but now I am back...getting ready to start the work week...and the regular hustle and bustle of the "real world"....

Not sure how to reconcile all my thoughts and emotions as of yet....not sure how to describe everything that I saw and everything that I felt (that I am still feeling).....

I am glad to be back but yet feel a guilt of being back....

More to come....more to show....but in the meantime, check out GO ministiries
And enjoy just a quick photo from the trip.....this is probably my favorite (I am still going through my other photos--the 1500+)....

I will also ask for your prayers (BTW--thanks for the prayers while I was gone)---
For the pastors and the ministry that they are doing in the DR
For the kids in the DR (especially those that we came in contact with)
For the missionaries with GO ministries
For the team that went, that the memories will not fade quickly and that we will continue to spread the word
For me, I am considering a medical missions trip to Honduras

Thanks in advance
Be Blessed!!
S.

Dominican Republic

2010-03-06T10:41:00.000-06:00

The day is here....I am leaving shortly for the airport....Nervous, excited, anticipating, hopeful....

Is it normal that I can't stand the thought of eating...but yet, I know I will have to eventually....

Packed....did I overpack? Is my suitcase less than 50 pounds (no, I don't have a scale)?

Prayers are appreciated ...I hope to be able to update the blog throughout the week..if not, I will be twittering to the FB account at least daily...maybe more...we will see.

Love to all...

S.

Papa, I pray that you just go with this group...allows us to be your hands and feet...allow us to see through your eyes...allow us to love like you love....allow us to change those who we encounter...and allow us to be changed by encountering them.... Go before us and prepare the way....
Love you
S.

We are like the trees.....

2010-03-04T21:40:00.000-06:00

Today was an amazing day.....

I heard Him....okay, no I didn't hear the audible voice.....but I heard Him.

I went for a hike today....a 2.5 mile hike through the woods...by myself (not sure if it was 100% smart...but I did it anyway)....but it was amazing.

Okay...first off..you have to know I LOVE trees...I love them...I love them with leaves on them...and I love them bare. I love the tall ones...and I love the short ones... I love the one's that have fallen...and the one's that are standing tall.

Second...you have to know I get inspiration from anything and everything...but sometimes my words don't flow from my mouth as they do in my head (and especially not the way they do on paper)....

Third.. I had my camera...and sometimes what I see and what gets transposed into a photo do not always match. I am still working on that....

But back to what I heard and saw....

I was walking along and looking at the trees....trees that are standing bare before mother nature. Trees that have just weathered a winter season...desperately looking for spring. The trees (although barren) lavished in the sunshine...they swayed in the presence of the wind... But it wasn't all the trees....there were some trees that have been struck down due to mother nature and they were laying on the ground. Some trees had been uprooted....some had branches that have been knocked off....and some had their outer covering torn off to reveal the smoothness underneath (although some also had roughness come through). In all of this, I heard Him....We are like the trees...

We are like the trees....
We all stand before creation....we all have our winter seasons that we must weather....we all desire spring (where there is hope in new beginnings). Even when we are stripped of everything...we still acknowledge the power of the "son"...His grace, His mercy, His love that he pours onto us. And even in those moments...if we listen closely...we can feel the presence of the Spirit...sometimes it's like a might rushing wind...and sometimes it's like the brush of a feather across our cheek (evident but almost mysterious). There are some of us who have been struck down with illness..some of us who have been uprooted in our faith because of hurts...some of us who have had pieces of our life taken from us by others...and some of us that have flesh wounds....

We are like the trees.....
I heard Him today....and I am grateful that He spoke....I am grateful that He gives me ears to hear. Grateful that He gives me hope....grateful that His smooths my rough spots and makes me beautiful....

Be Blessed!!
S.

Happy Anniversary!!!

2010-03-03T22:34:00.000-06:00

Happy Anniversary!!!

Yep...it's been 6 months since I have moved to Nashville...Can you believe it? I can't...I still wake up each day and have to remind myself that I am in Nashville.

It's been a great move...overall. Yes...I do have my down days....when I realize that I am can't call up a friend from back home and meet up with them....or I can't take a quick drive to the gorge or Beauty Mountain....or missing my nieces and nephews (and my other family)....

But I 've grown in 6 months... I have had to push myself out of some comfort zones....do some things that I probably wouldn't have done otherwise back home. I am meeting new people...granted I still don't have a core group like those back home...but that will come.....right?

My relationship with my Papa has grown...I believe grown stronger in ways that I couldn't grow back home. He is my constant during this change...He is the one I can go to night or day...and He listens to me. He has comforted me when I have thrown my pity parties....and He has laughed with me when I have done stupid things....

6 months in Nashville...and I am getting ready to go on a Mission Trip to the Dominican....I leave Saturday...going with people who are currently strangers to me ...praying to come back with new friendships.... excited...nervous....anticipating a life change ...wanting a life change....preparing for a life change....

6 months...and I have seen so much..and still have so much to still see....so many decisions that stare me in my face...believing and praying that the answers will come in that still small voice (although, in large letters written in the sky would be okay as well....)

6 months....where will I be in the next 6 months...stay tuned....be a participant....walk this journey with me...

Be Blessed all!
S.

Quotable Thursday: Francis Chan...again

2010-02-25T05:00:00.001-06:00

"God delights to show up when His children call on His name and when they are trusting fully in Him to come through, whether, that is in relationships, in battling sin, in strength to make sacrifices, or in endurance to be faithful in daily life. Are you living this way? Or are you surviving only by your own strength, by your own wits?" --Francis Chan "Forgotten God"

As you know, we have been reading Forgotten God in my small group. Tonight we finished up the last chapter and had some great discussion on the Holy Spirit and the work He has the ability to do in our lives if we allow him. It was interesting to hear how most of us still don't call up on Him (the HS) to lead us and to help us make decisions.

One of the stories that Francis Chan used in the book was about Elijah and the story with him and the prophets of Baal. He talked about that Elijah prayed fervently and God answered by sending fire to encompass the sacrifice. Elijah was just like us....and he prayed to the same God that we prayed....so why does it feel sometimes that God doesn't answer us like he answered Elijah? I have asked that question many times for various things in my life and in others. I've prayed...I've asked...and yet sometimes it seems like nothing has happened (granted there are the times that I do believe that God has answered prayers and opened doors). What makes Him answer one prayer and not another? And yes, I know He has answered the prayer and maybe not in the way I wanted him....and yes, I know that some answers are delayed....I know all the "biblically correct" answers for this question. So why am I asking?

I am asking because a couple of things struck me....First, it's found in the quote above.....and it continues to be a theme for me this year....and that is trust. Am I trusting Him completely...or am I still trying to manipulate Him for the answer I want?

Second, it's the concept of fervent prayer....can I consider my prayer life as "fervent"? There's different thoughts on prayer.....my thought has been that constant communication. It's in the small moments that I talk to him...it's in the car....it's in the shower....He is always there so I can talk with him. I have cried in His lap (my floor)....but have I prayed fervently? Dictionary.com defines fervently (the adjective) as "having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc" Do I pray with an intensity of spirit?

If I answer both of these questions, honestly...I would have to say no on both (to a degree)....I am trusting him more, but I still don't trust him completely with everything...and I have prayed with intensity before, but not regularly. So...I have got some areas to improve upon... and yes, I know that it still doesn't guarantee the answer that "I" want.... but it will improve my relationship with Him...and that is key.

How about you? How would you answer those questions?

Be Blessed

Wordless Wednesday: The Parthenon at Night

2010-02-24T05:00:00.001-06:00

Saturday afternoon/evening I met up with a group of fellow photographers at Centennial Park here in Nashville. Our goal was to photograph The Parthenon at sunset and at night (once the lights came on). Up to this point, I had not attempted or tried any nighttime photography...using long exposures to capture the lights at night. Here is what I got on my first try:

"Hands-On Fun" Photo Challenge

2010-02-22T20:56:00.002-06:00

Hey guys! I am entering my first on-line photo contest via I Heart Faces Photography

The them is "Hands"--I love this theme. Hands for me is something I love to photograph---especially at weddings when the bride and groom are holding hands. I love to photograph the hands of newborn and have many shots to prove that. I love to photograph hands when the people are playing an instrument especially the guitar. Hands have so much character...they show such depth into a person (second to only eyes--in my opinion)....After much debate, I chose a photograph that I took back in 2008 at Christmas. We (my sis and brother-in-law, and I) were video-taping my dad (wanted to get some of his stories on video)--well, they video-taped and I took pictures. It was truly an amazing time for me to have my dad talking and me snapping some genuine non-posed pictures. One of the pics I took was of my dad's hands....you can see the wear and tear in his hands, the lines and the age spots, the roughness, and just a history that can only be felt by those hands. I love it...and I hope you will too.

Be Blessed!!
S.

Quoatable Thursday

2010-02-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

"Receiving and freedom and healing in answer to prayer is generally not something that is done to you,

a situation in which you are just a passive participant.

Occasionally God works this way and simply heals or frees a person outright. He is certainly capable of this. But in my experience, He typically asks us to play an active role in the journey toward wholeness.

He doesn't need our help but invites us to participate.

Often this journey to freedom takes times, sometimes a very long time. And it takes perseverance.

It takes participation on our part."

Francis Chan from "Forgotten God"

I am still so blown away every week as we continue this study of Forgotten God. We are currently in the chapter on God's will...and basically, Francis Chan says why do we even ask that about God's will...it's basically a cop-out for not following the Spirit. We need to follow the spirit on a daily basis and not want this epiphany of His will.

And then there is the quote above...and the parts that are bolded are my favorite...He (God) doesn't need our help....but he wants us to be involved. He wants us not to sit back and just wait for the healing or the answer to prayer, but he wants us active in the process.

I took a step today in being active in the process for an answer I have been praying about...I need to have some closure in a situation.. I have been praying about it...I have been seeking...I have even drafted an initial letter, but never sent it. Well after a conversation with my sis (love you babydoll)...and praying about it this evening....I hit the send button. Yes, my heart was beating wildly....and it may have been my biggest mistake ever....but, it's done...my weeks of debating and praying and believing have been sent in an email. So now, I wait....

So what is it in your life that you have been praying about that God is prodding you to get off the side-lines and be an active part?

Be Blessed!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-16T21:59:00.000-06:00

Tuesday was my day off...and I was supposed to run all these errands and get some things done in prep for the Dominican Republic. That's not what happened.....instead I found myself in tears most of the day (not a thing I like to do). The reason....not a good one in my opinion. So, instead of going out and doing my errands...I stayed curled up on the couch working on some projects here at home. One of those was to create a few new Scripture Pictures for an upcoming silent auction..... so here are a couple. Hope you enjoy!!!

Quoatable Thursday: Beth Moore

2010-02-11T18:38:00.000-06:00

"Men are not our problem; its what we are trying to get from them that messes us up. Nothing is more baffling than our attempts to derive our womanhood from our men. We use guys like mirrors to see if we are valuable, Beautiful. Desirable. Worthy of notice. Viable. We try to read their expressions and moods in order to determine whether its time to act smart and hard to get or play dumb and needy. Worse yet, we try to tap ino their inner equestrian by acting like the damsel in distress."--Beth Moore "So Long Insecurity"

So I picked up Beth Moore's newest book (yes, I am in the process of reading 3 books at once---why oh why do I do that to myself?)--and it's great thus far and I am only in Chapter 2. The quote above came from chapter 1--the book is obviously talking about why we are insecure. Guys come into this equation and when I read the above quote....thought to myself "Oh, this is so me..." There has always been some insecurity in my life...I honestly can't think about a time that I haven't had some insecurity....it's not always been because of guys....but various reasons. I am excited to see what Beth has to share in this book.

My exciting addition to this post is that I got to meet...yep...meet Beth Moore. She was here in Nashville for a book signing...and well, I was off today...so I went. I was expecting a huge crowd, but there wasn't (at least, not at the afternoon signing...I was told that the morning book signing was packed.... so...I am including a few pics....

Be Blessed!
S.

Wordless Wednesday: Nashville Photowalk

2010-02-10T08:41:00.000-06:00

Had a fun day on Sunday and met up with some photographers in Nashville for a photowalk...Here are a few of the shots ...check out more on my Flickr account. Thanks to Amy and Angie from I Heart Faces Photography.

Music Monday: A Cowgirl, A Diva, and a Shameless Hussy

2010-02-07T23:23:00.000-06:00

Okay...today will be a little different on here....
Instead of posting lyrics...I am going to introduce you to 3 ladies that I had the privilege to meet and listen to on Saturday night. I have had the opportunity to be invited to a Living Room Round...this is my 2nd one. Well, let me say that I love it....I love going to listen to some great music and stories to go along with the music. I can be honest and say that I didn't have any real idea of who these ladies were...but after hearing them I highly recommend them.

Becky Hobbs (She's the Cowgirl)
Click on her name to go to her website. This lady can write and sing....she is from Oklahoma. She wrote Angels Among Us...which if you are familiar with country music you will know that Alabama sang it. The story behind this song is also one that needs to be read . I hope you will take the time to check it out.

Benita Hill (She's the Diva)
She's got a more sultry voice ...amazing. A couple of her big hits were performed by Garth Brooks--one of my favs. He performed..Two Pina Coladas and It's Your Song. She is a cancer survivor who believes in the healing power of music/songs. I would encourage you to check her out...

Kacey Jones (She's the shameless hussy)
Okay...let me just say she's quite different than the other two....her music and her lyrics are not the traditional type lyrics, but they still resonate in a way that will make you laugh until it hurts.

I bought a CD from all this gals...and can't wait to listen to them...and share my favorites.
Take some time and check them out on line...and if you like their music...buy a CD....

Be Blessed

S.
This lady is hoot....I

Quotable Thursday

2010-02-05T09:01:00.000-06:00

"We are most alive when we are loving and actively giving of ourselves because we were made to do these things. It is when we live like this that the Spirit of God moves and acts in and through us in ways that on our own we are not capable of."-Francis Chan from "Forgotten God"

My small group has been reading Forgotten God by Francis Chan....this quote is from this past Wednesday. We were primarily talking about why do we want the Holy Spirit to be a part of our life...and I think the quote sums it up for me. I am most alive when the Spirit is actively a part of my life. When I let Him lead and I surrender my control....in those times that is when He is capable of doing things through me that I cannot do on my own.

The key for me is that many times I don't give up that control...I hold onto it, thinking that I can do this better than Him. I can fix the problem better than Him. I know what I need better than Him. And the reality is that I know nothing. The reality is that I tend to mess things up more when I try to do it on my own.

The other part is that even when I do give up control and feel that I have followed His prompting that I then second guess myself. Was that the right thing to do? Is He telling me to stand still in this situation? Am I supposed to say or do this? Was that really Him?

I know that the answer is to follow peace....and I have felt that peace many times, but sometimes I think I get amnesia and can't remember what that peace actually feels like. Sometimes I can create a "false" peace...and claim that it's His peace.... and well, sometimes I am just rebellious.

S.

Wordless Wednesday: Winter

2010-02-02T22:50:00.000-06:00

Just some shots I took recently of winter here in Nashville....We got snow (I missed it), but I caught the tail end on Sunday and went out and got a few shots.....

Hope you enjoy them.

Be Blessed!
S.

Music Monday: Need you now by Lady Antebellum

2010-02-01T10:12:00.003-06:00

If you didn't know, I am a country fan. I know for some they will think...what? You like Country....Yep, I am have been a country fan for many years....some of the time, I repressed it. But know that I am living in the Country Capital of the World...my love for it has been resurrected.

One of my favorite groups right now is Lady Antebellum. I bought their new album off of itunes on Tuesday. Great Album...

The song: Need you Now has had a lot of air time....as I was driving this weekend, I listened more intently to the song and there was a couple of key phrases that just jumped out to me. I have highlighted them below. The second highlight is the one that I want to call the most attention to....getting to the point that you'd rather hurt than not feeling anything at all. I love that....it's so easy to not feel anything...to become numb to life, to love, to friends.....but that's not living. To live you have to all yourself to be hurt...it means you have a heart. It means you can feel the ups and the downs of life. It's taken me awhile to get to the point of wanting to "feel" again....but I do want to risk being hurt again. I was ready to take that plunge again....I am ready to take that plunge again. I was listening to a radio interview with Hilari from Lady Antebellum and she talked about being in love and being hurt. She also talked about that she knew she was ready to love again when she okay with being vulnerable again. Vulnerable to allow people inside our inner circle...allow people into our dreams and our heart.

I am happy to report that I am ready to be vulnerable again....It's taken awhile for me to get there but I am excited about the possibilies....now just to find someone to be vulnerable with....hmmm!!!

Be Blessed!!

Need you Now

Picture perfect memories
Scattered all around the floor
Reaching for the phone cause
I can’t fight it any more
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It’s a quarter after one
I’m all alone and I need you now
Said I wouldn’t come
But I lost all control and I need you now
And I don’t know how I can do without
I just need you now

Another shot of whiskey
Can’t stop looking at the door
Wishing you’d come sweeping in the way you did before
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It’s a quarter after one
I’m a little drunk
And I need you now
Said I wouldn’t call
But I lost all control and I need you now
And I don’t know how I can do without
I just need you now

Yes I’d rather hurt than feel nothing at all
It’s a quarter after one
I’m all alone and I need you now
And I said I wouldn’t call
But I’m a little drunk and I need you now
And I don’t know how I can do without
I just need you now
I just need you now
Oh baby I need you now

Quotable Thursday: Fear vs. Freedom

2010-01-28T15:33:00.002-06:00

If you don't know, I joined Booksneeze.com--a part of Thomas Nelson Publishing where bloggers are asked to review a book on their blog. I am excited about this opportunity because I love to read and I love to blog. A pretty good combination if I do say so myself. Let me say first off....this is NOT my review. I am only on page 30 and I am already hooked. However, I wanted to go ahead and share a quote from the book

"Fear obstructs our understanding and route to freedom. In fact it's the single biggest enemy of freedom, and it isn't until you get to the other side of fear that you experience the good stuff."--Brian Tome from Free Book

I have blogged about fear before...and my struggle with fear. I thought I was past it....but in starting this book. I realize I am not. I still have a fears in my life....not the little fears of spiders or snakes or bees. But I have the big fears...the fear of disappointing people, the fear of failure, the fear of not being loved, the fear of the unknown.... I am excited though to finish this book and see where Brian Tome goes with the concept of freedom (of getting to the other side). In the meantime, I hope you will take some time to reflect on the quote above...and think about what fears (if any) you have in your life.

Looking forward to sharing my thoughts with you soon on this book....until then...Be Blessed!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T08:05:00.000-06:00

The cross and baptistry at 1st Baptist Church in Hendersonville. I loved the light and color.

Music Monday: Unredeemed by Selah

2010-01-24T23:19:00.000-06:00

Tonight I had the opportunity to go see Selah in Concert. They were performing a free concert in Hendersonville. Since I had to work today, I got off of work at 6 pm...which was just in time to get to the concert. I have to say it was good...okay for me it was great. It could have been better if the baptist were willing to move and groove a little more....but that's a whole different story.

I have never heard Selah in concert before tonight. I have listened to a few of there songs. The connection for me is from Todd's wife Angie. I have been reading Angie's blog for a couple of years...so there is a connection there. Anyway...I really enjoyed them. I enjoyed the testimonies...especially Amy's. She talked about her desire to be married and how hurtful words had been spoken into her life many times over by people (specifically the last person she dated before she met her husband). But what I loved most was when Amy talked about how her husband (before he was) looked at her one day and said that "he knew that he knew" that they would get married. He didn't propose at that time, but Amy said for her that was the proposal. She said that he looked at her like she was beautiful (and she is) and he saw her through God's eyes and not through man's. I loved it and of course teared up...she then went on to sing one of my favorite songs...God Bless the Borken Road ... but that's not the song lyrics I am blogging about. Instead it was another song that they sang called Unredeemed. The words touched a chord in me....so take a look and see what you think. I hope that they touch you as they have touched me. I will also encourage you to buy their album..."You deliver me"--I haven't listened to it yet...but if what they sang tonight was any indication...then you should definitely buy it.

Be Blessed!!!

Unreedemed by Selah

The cruelest world
The coldest heart
The deepest wound
The endless dark
The lonely ache
The burning tears
The bitter nights
The wasted years

Life breaks and falls apart
But we know these are
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the Lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

For every choice that led to shame
And all the love that never came
For every vow that someone broke
And every lie that gave up hope
We live in the shadow of the fall
But the cross says these are all
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the Lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But you never know the miracle the Father has in store
Just watch and see
It will not be
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

9 months and counting....

2010-01-24T04:00:00.001-06:00

9 months from today...and I will be turning 40. So, I thought I should reflect a little bit on my progress on my goals that I have set for this last year of my 30's. If you remember, when I turned 39 I set some goals for this year:

Run a 5K-- have started working on this one. I have been trying to walk/run more since I have moved here. However, since the holidays and weather (cold)...I haven't done this as much. I did discover on Thursday the gym at my complex and did a walk/run of 3 miles in 45 minutes. I have set a goal that I will accomplish this by June.
Skydive--I haven't set the exact date...but goal is to do this before August 2009
Go on a cruise (if possible, a Mediterranean cruise)--I think I would like to do this for my birthday. I have started looking a little bit. I obviously don't want to do this by myself, so I need to start recruiting some friends to take a little boat ride with me....Any blog friends want to go? I have debated on when, but I am settling into the thought that I wold like to go over my birthday (either that or have a big shin-dig--a party might be fun also--hmm!!! Thoughts?
Go on a mission's trip--I WILL be accomplishing this March 6-13th as I travel to the Dominican. And I may have the opportunity for a second trip this summer (medical missions to Honduras).
Ride in a hot,air balloon --Need to look into where I can do this..

So all in all...I am making slow progress in meeting my goals, but I am certain that I will get there (slow and steady wins the race).

9 months and counting....Hard to believe.

S.

Quoatable Thursday: Enough already

2010-01-22T06:06:00.000-06:00

"Enough will never be enough unless you determine what enough is"

Michael Batterson from Primal

Okay, so this past Sunday Pastor Pete preached on Wisdom in Finances. At the end of the sermon, he quoted the above....guess what? I liked it. I liked it alot..... enough that I tweeted about it the other day (and even got a reply from Pastor Pete---pretty cool) and enough that I am blogging about it.

So the context of the quote in relation to the sermon was in giving....at what point do we have enough money that we can start giving more away? How much money is enough? I haven't really thought about this for me personally. I do know that you spend what you make. Meaning if I had a job that made $30,000...I would spend/save $30,0000 (and maybe even more if you don't mind debt). If I have a job that makes $75,000, then we would spend/save that amount as well. But is there a point in time (or money) that we say if I make more than $X then I give the rest away. Or do we just keep taking it in and stocking up?

Now don't get me wrong...I don't have an answer for the question of when is enough enough? I have been blessed with a career that pays above the national average ($50,303) but I am not the financial wizard I would like to be. I have a pseudo budget....I know when I can spend and when I need to save. I am frugal a lot of the time, but every so often I will splurge. I have a list of "would like to buy" but when I think about buying what's on the list, I think about what that money can do elsewhere (specifically, right now what can it do in Haiti or what can it do for the upcoming DR trip). I struggle with finances because it's not an area where I feel knowledgeable. Also, trying to balance the efforts to save for tomorrow with the reality of today.

I am a single gal....and I think that makes a difference. I don't have someone to fall back on....to lean on. I haven't taken the time yet to have someone on my team to advise me. I have thought about it and have listened to the advice of some close allies....but it's the action that comes with listening that I have failed to do.

So with all this being said...what I am I really trying to say? Good question....I want to define what enough is for me. I want to get a point where I am not "working for a living, but working for a giving." I know God has blessed me so I can bless others.

I don't think determining that level is done on a whim, but I am seeking to find it. Part of that will be in having to lean on others who are more knowledgeable than me...and that's hard for me to give up that control. I have been talking about going to a Dave Ramsey Financial Planner (I mean they are here in Nasvhille, why not utilize them) but I hate the thought that I have to pay somebody to help me with my money (seems wrong)....but I also have to think that if they can give me better insight then it might just be worth the money spent.

So....when is enough enough for you? Have you thought about it....

S.

Wordless Wednesday: Haiti

2010-01-19T22:24:00.000-06:00

Okay....I have no pictures of my own to give to you today, but I do have a link to some amazing and heartbreaking photos from Haiti. Yes, my mind is still wrapped around the devastation that happened last week. I still can't imagine what it would be like...I don't want to find out, at least not experiencing the quake itself.

I don't think I have mentioned this yet on the blog....but I will know. I am scheduled for a missions trip in March for the Dominican Republic (you know the other half of the island). What I didn't know until this past weekend...the church we are going to minister to is a Haitian church. The people that attend are from Haiti. Per my pastor, many of them are in DR to work and send money back to their family in Haiti. The key is now the men that are in the DR don't know what is going on with their family in Haiti. Can you imagine???

With that said, our plans for the missions trip have the possibility of changing ever so slightly. Nothing definitive but a possibility....so I am asking for your prayers that the Lord's will be done. Wherever we need to be sent that we be sent...let us (the team) be the hands and feet of God. I am excited for what is to come....the trip is about 6 weeks away.

Stay tuned for more...
Be Blessed!!!

S.

Music Monday: Jesus Reigns/Arms Open Wide

2010-01-18T07:43:00.000-06:00

Okay..so this weekend I have had a roller coaster of emotions...to some degree it has left me exhausted and at a loss for words and thoughts. But I went to church this morning (like I do most Sunday mornings), and well worship was great. More specifically it was great because the worship leader said the following (my paraphrasing)....

"I know that many of you may not know how to understand the destruction that has happened in Haiti. And that many of you are struggling with your own issues....but regardless of the situation, regardless of the disasters....God is still God. He is the God in the good times and He is God in the bad times."

We then proceeded to sing a song titled "Jesus Reigns"---the key is that I can't find the lyrics for the version that we sung. The words essentially talked about that even in darkness and despair...Jesus Reigns. That even when hope seems distant...Jesus Reigns. It was timely for me....It home for me.

We ended service with another great song called Arms Open Wide by Hillsong. Here are the lyrics:

Take my life I lay it down
At the cross where I am found
All I have I give to You oh God

Take my hands and make them clean
Keep my heart in purity
That I may walk in all You have for me

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

Take my moments and my days
Let each breath that I take
Be ever only for You oh God

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

My whole life is Yours
I give it all
Surrendered to Your Name
And forever I will pray
Have Your way
Have Your way

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

That is my prayer today...that I come with Arms Open Wide...That I am His and He is mine....regardless of the situation...regardless of how I feel...regardless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dILsZIgBxE

I hope and pray that you enjoy this...
Be Blessed on this Monday!!!

S.

Prayer....

2010-01-16T23:05:00.002-06:00

My heart is heavy tonight….My head is spinning and I feel helpless. Papa, I don’t understand your ways at all….but I have to believe that you have a purpose for each of these situations. Okay…I need to back up and explain….

My heart is heavy for so many of my friends and family tonight….and even for those I don’t even know.

First off, there is earthquake that hit Haiti…. I haven’t been able to get my head and thoughts around that situation. I honestly can’t imagine the destruction. I have seen pictures, but I can’t imagine being in the midst of that destruction. I can’t imagine the loss of life…the loss of an entire family…the loss of 100K people. I mean how do you comprehend it.

Then there are those who are close to me that are going through tough times….and all I can do…all I know to do…is pray. I want to fix their problems…but I can’t. I feel helpless….

· For my babydoll who is exhausted and just wants her lil one to eat and sleep.

· For a good friend who got devastating news on MRI…progression of MS lesions. She wonders what will happen in the future…will she be able to run and play with her daughter or will this disease take that away from her.

· For a good friend and her husband who is looking to start all over financially. She is uncertain of what tomorrow will bring.

· For a couple of friends who are fighting leukemia..one who has gotten their transplant and is waiting for a complete and total healing. The other is still waiting for a match…wondering what will happen if it doesn’t happen

· For a good friend who is battling …just battling for each day and waiting for a change to happen

· For a new friend who just needs to pass an exam…and get a break.

· For another new friend who just is….

And so I sit here….in thought…in contemplation..in prayer. I sit here in HOPE!!! Yes, hope….I hope in the ONE who can change the course in each one of these situations. I am learning that Hope = Trust…and with that I TRUST the one who can change each one of these situations. I TRUST that HIS will will be done in each of these situations. So I pray….and I ask others to pray…

So Papa…I am praying for each of these situations. You know each one..you know each one by name… you know the details of each situation…and you alone know the future for each of the situations. I am just asking that while we wait for the answers that you will give each person comfort…that you will give them strength to face each day with HOPE…that you comfort them when they are tired, exhausted, frustrated, scared, mad…. Papa, we so many times want the answer now…and the healing now…and sometimes (many times) it doesn’t happen on our timeline…give them the courage to know that you have a perfect timing for everything….I know it might not be what they want to hear….but let them be reminded that you will not leave them or forsake them. I believe in you…I HOPE in you….I TRUST in you!!!

Thanks Papa!!

Your daughter….S.

Quoatable Thursday: Serendipity

2010-01-13T23:23:00.000-06:00

At the urging of a friend, I went out and bought Serendipity the movie....I watched it and love it. The quote below is not from the movie, but is inspired from it....I like it because it describes a little bit of what I am feeling...looking for something in my life and finding something completely different.

Serendipity. Look for something, find something else, and realize that what you’ve found is more suited to your needs than what you thought you were looking for. - Lawrence Block

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T04:00:00.001-06:00

So, I have been having lots of fun this past weekend. First, off I went to The Factory in Franklin. A great collection of stores in this warehouse like building. A great space for photos...and I did have my camera. Then on Sunday, Imaging 2010 was in town so I went to the expo and got overwhelmed by all the photo gear and equipment. Then Monday, I participated in a workshop sponsored by Pocket Wizard (which allows you to take your shoe flash off the camera and trigger it). We got to play with the wizards an shoot some models.... So for Wordless Wednesday, I am giving you a few of my shots.

Hope you enjoy them! Be Blessed!!

S.

BookSneeze.com

2010-01-12T20:19:00.003-06:00

Hey guys and gals...I wanted to share this information. After moving here to Nashville, I have a great time picking up some new Twitter followers and blogs. From that, I have come across some great opportunities that I am not sure if I would have found otherwise. I am at the point of almost being overstimulated from the opportunities available in the "big" city. Since you guys follow my blog or at least come by to visit, I thought I would share this great opportunity to combing the love of blogging with the love of reading

Michael Hyatt is the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing here in Nashville and on his blog today he put out there about BookSneeze.com. It's an opportunity for us bloggers to review some books and post a blog about them...either positive or negative or even indifferent reviews. So if you are interested, go check this link out. I signed up today and can't wait to get my first book to review.

Stay tuned and Be Blessed!!

S.

Music Monday: Before the Morning

2010-01-11T04:00:00.001-06:00

I am back to one of my favorite new artists --Josh Wilson. This song is on his New Album-- Life is not a Snapshot....and I love it. The words resonate so much with on many levels...and almost on any given day.

Many times we get so focused on the issue right in front of us...and forget that God has a bigger and better plan. He will allow us to go through a season of hurt and pain...many times this is just the darkness before the dawn. I hope you enjoy these lyrics.

Before the Morning by Josh Wilson

Do you wonder why you have to
Feel the things that hurt you
If there’s a God who loves you where is He now

Maybe there are things you can’t see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending

Someday somehow you’ll see you’ll see

Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning

My friend you know how this all ends
You know where you’re going
You just don’t know how you’ll get there
So say a prayer

And hold on cause there’s good for those who love God
But life is not a snapshot
It might take a little time but you’ll see the bigger picture

Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory

It’s just the hurt before the healing
Oh the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning

Quotable Thursday: Hope vs. Optimism

2010-01-07T04:00:00.001-06:00

Okay...so I am a "twitterer"....I don't tweet as much as others, but I do follow a few people. Sometimes the tweets are not worth it...I don't need to know you are grocery shopping. But sometimes, the tweets will lead to something that is worthwhile....This is how I found this quote from Rick Warren. I am not sure if it's an original quote or if it's taken from somewhere else...but here it is:

Hope isn't optimism. Optimism often denies reality. Hope never does. Optimism is positive thinking; hope is passionate trust. Optimism is psychological; hope is theological.Optimism focuses on what you think you can do.Hope trusts in what God can do. Optimism says “It’s not so bad!” Hope admits “Yes, it’s bad. Really bad. But I still beliieve & trust in God!”

Wow!!! That's all I have...is WOW!!! When I read it...it resonated deeply. The part that resonated the most with me is....Hope is passionate trust!!! I love that.....it's tying together two themes that I have been hearing a lot of lately.....HOPE and TRUST. I am starting to think that is my theme for this year...

HOPE--allowing my self to dream again. Believing that anything is possible. Remembering that NOTHING is impossible with God.

TRUST-- allowing myself to give of myself to God. Trusting God in a new way for my life this year. Trusting in his word more...reading his word more.

I love it!! I love how He continues to speak until I hear him....

So....I will officially introduce the theme for 2010......

Hope and Trust

Be blessed!!

Wordless Wednesday: Athena

2010-01-06T14:09:00.003-06:00

Had a new found friend visiting for the past couple of days...we went and explored the Parthenon museum....and we found Athena. It was pretty amazing to see....

My new found friend doing what he does best...taking photos. Love it.....

Have a great rest of the day!!
Be blessed!!

S.

Music Monday: Why by Rascall Flatts

2010-01-04T06:07:00.000-06:00

So, I am sitting here on New Year's Day...waiting for football to come on (rooting on my Mountaineers) and I am listening/watching GAC...when this video comes on. It catches my ear...so, I am intrigued to find the lyrics...and I do. I read them and they penetrate my heart. The words...bring back memories of a long time ago. It reminds me of how many people sometimes feel so hopeless in this world....they feel that there are no outs...they feel that no one can help....they feel that no one understands.... But I want to reinforce that there is hope....there is HOPE....THERE IS A HOPE.... There is a Papa who understands it all and understands the loss....all you have to do is let Him heal your heart...

Why by Rascall Flatt's

You must have been in a place so dark
You couldnt feel the light
Reaching for you through that stormy cloud
Now here we are gathered in our little home town
This cant be the way you meant to draw a crowd

Oh why, thats what I asking
Was there anything i could have said or done
Oh I had no clue you were masking a troubled soul
God only knows what went wrong and whyy youd leave the stage in the middle of a song
mmmmm

Now in my mind ill keep you frozen as a 17 year old
Rounding third to score the winning run
You always played with passion no matter what the game
When you took the stage you shined just like the sun

Oh why thats what I keep asking
Was there anything I could have said or done
Oh I had no clue you were masking a troubled soul
Oh God only knows what went wrong and why you would leave the stage in the middle of a song
Yeahhhhh

Now the oak trees a swaying in the early autumn breeze
The golden sun is shining on my face
Tangled thoughts i hear the mocking bird sing this old world really aint that bad a place

Oh I theres no comprehending and who am i to try judge or explain
But I do have one burning question
Who told you life wasnt worth the fight
They were wrong
They lied
Now your gone and we cry
Its just not like you to walk away in the middle of a song
Your beautiful song
Your absolutely beautiful song

Proverbs 31 day challenge

2010-01-03T07:10:00.002-06:00

Hey all! Happy 2010!! Starting this year off in a great way by participating in my church's Proverbs 31 day challenge....It's simple!! Read a chapter of Proverbs every day...They even have a blog for comments...check it out!!!

So we are on Day 3....
The verse that spoke to me today....3:32...."God can't stand twisted souls. It's the straightforward who get his respect." I probably should have chosen 3:7..."Trust in the Lord with all you soul. Do not lean on your own understanding."...but no, I have to go for the one that puts the zinger in my life...

I so try to live my life straightforward...(ok and no laughter from the peanut gallery---I can hear you)....but so many times, I still hide behind the masks. It is so hard for me to say what I want to say...be blunt! So instead, I will say what people expect to hear.... And yes, I realize that there is a happy medium in there....

I guess my goal is more of the authenticity...being real. I want that in others....so I need to continue to press thru to be that myself!!

That's it...simple, short!!
Be Blessed!!

S.

Reviewing 2009: A snapshot Part 2 and 2010 goals

2010-01-01T01:02:00.005-06:00

So here I am again, finishing up my reflection of 2009. Here are the last 4 questions from Michael Hyatt. I thought these last 4 were harder for me answer. I had to search deeper and really think about the year.

What do you feel you should have been acknowledged for but weren’t?

Okay, I am not sure if I have an answer for this one… I am not one that typically looks for accolades…so, I have to say there is no answer for this question.

What disappointments or regrets did you experience this past year?

Taking too long to “move on” from my past relationship. Holding on too long. The positive in this is that it was also part of my catalyst to move

Still being single. I don’t think this one even needs a commentary.

What was missing from last year as you look back?

· Traveling—I haven’t traveled near enough. I do have a couple of things planned for this year and I am hoping to have some extra time to do some traveling.

What were the major life-lessons you learned this past year?

· Life is too short

· It’s okay to ask. The worse thing that can happen is the answer is no.

· Being still doesn’t always mean that you don’t act.

· God has a better Plan B than my Plan A

So that’s it for the 2009 reflection, overall it was a good year.. an eventful year…and one full of change. As I go into 2010, I have a hope that I didn’t have a year ago. I have an excitement for 2010.

I used to make “resolutions” but I never kept them like I should have…so instead of resolutions, I like to make some goals for 2010.

· Deepen my relationship with my Papa

· Travel more—I already have plans to go the Dominican Republic in March

· Develop my cooking skills—I cook a little bit, but would like to broaden my cooking abilities this year

· Develop my photography skills—I have been inspired by talking to a few people and I realize that my skills need some major enhancements.

· Run a 5K before June 2009.

· Skydive before August 2009

· Be in a relationship/ go out on a few dates with the same person—yes, I am putting this down here.

All in all...I am praying that 2010 will be the best year yet...not only for me but even more so for those around me.

Be Blessed!! Happy New Year!!!

Quotable Thursday: Love

2009-12-31T04:00:00.001-06:00

Okay...I am sitting here watching "The Notebook"...I love this movie. So I heard a quote as I was watching it....and it goes like this:

"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give you forever."

So as we go into this new year....I pray for this type of love for my blog friends.
Be Blessed!!

S.

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas

2009-12-30T08:02:00.004-06:00

Me with my nieces and nephews....I love these kids!!!

Our 2009 Family Portrait

Be Blessed!! Happy New Year!!!
S.

Reviewing 2009: A snapshot Part 1

2009-12-30T00:38:00.001-06:00

It’s me!! It’s been a long time since I have sat down to write with meaning…so tonight I am putting more thought into my words and not just typing because I feel like I have to blog. Words are my escape…sometimes when I can’t come up with words to say, I can write them and they will flow much more eloquently than I can ever say them. Why? That’s something to ponder….but that will have to wait for another day/another blog post.

Tonight I want to reflect on this year...as 2009 draws to a close I need/I want to take stock of this past year and then look forward to 2010. I won’t be making “resolutions”…but I will be looking at setting some goals (but once again, that’s not for tonight). So let’s start….I decided to use the questions from Michael Hyatt’s blog to launch my reflection.

If the last year were a movie of your life, what would the genre be?

Okay, I don’t find that one to be as easy as it sounds….my first thought is adventure. My reasoning: I left a job in January with no “next” job lined up, took a 2-month sabbatical, started a new job which was in a completely different part of my field of work, and moved to a city where I essentially knew no-one. Talk about moving me out of my comfort zone….so, yes I will have to say that my movie genre for 2009 is ADVENTURE. Okay...so maybe that was easy.

What were the two or three major themes that kept recurring?

I would have to say without a doubt….decisions, decisions, and decisions. At every turn of 2009, I had to make decisions that would affect ,,in my eyes the next chapter of my life. From that, I learned I wasn’t good at making decisions on my own…and that sometimes I had to just “leap” and trust God (my Papa) that everything would work out. Many times I didn’t see how it would and sweated over a lot of the details, but I will have to say that my Papa didn’t disappoint. Along with this one, I have to add in CHANGE---I look back to this time last year and NOTHING is the same. I am not the same person. I am not living in the same state or city. I am not working the same job.

Family time was also a reoccurring theme this past year. I had a lot more family time this past year than I have in a long time which of course can be both good and bad. In January, I had visits with my sister and family in NJ. With my new job, I got to see my family in Princeton at least 2 days a week for several months. My sis and her son were in for the summer and had many opportunities for family fun with the nieces and nephews. We hosted our family reunion in August with over 100 people in attendance. I had family (sis and bro-in-law) help me find a new place to live and help move me. I also got to see my niece come into this world which was one of the most special moments in my entire life. Lastly, Christmas time for me was fun just hanging out with family….making new memories along the way.

What did you accomplish this past year that you are the most proud of?

· Moving—taking the risk of completely picking up my life and relocating to a new city. It wasn’t without many fears, doubts, questions, or concerns—but I did it and have no regrets.

· Selling my house—I lived it in for 11 years. It sold in less than 120 days.

· Reconciling some friendships. When I get pushed into a corner, I tend to come out swinging and usually don’t care who I take down in the process. I will push people out of my life because I can’t deal with myself. I did that in 2008 and part of 2009, but as I began to heal those friendships needed to be restored. I believe they have been. Even without me being close in distance anymore, the friendships are being renewed in new ways. I am thankful that people don’t give up on me even when I have given up on them. There are some roads that are meant to be traveled alone for a time period (but only for a time period) but on the other side of the journey it’s nice to know you are always welcomed back with open arms.

So that’s the end of Part 1, mainly because it’s getting late and my mind is starting to wander and not really focus on my task at hand. There are 4 more questions to be answered so I will be posting those soon. After that, I will be posting a blog for 2010…there’s so much possibility that it excites me to even think about it.

As always, Be Blessed!!!

Music Monday: Auld Lang Syne

2009-12-28T18:30:00.003-06:00

Okay...so I am late in posting today...sorry, don't fire the blogger. Today was travel day and I didn't get a scheduled post completed over the holiday. I hope and pray that my blog world friends had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. I know that I did...and well on Wednesday I'll post some pics..so come back by.

Since we are just days away from New Years, I thought it would be appropriate that I post the lyrics for Auld Lang Syne. I'll be honest enough to say that I have not really read them before. As much I hate to admit it, I used Wikipedia to get a gander at the history and lyrics. Feel free to follow the link and check it out.

Probably the most import thing to know: Auld Lang Syne means long, long ago or days of old (literal translation old long since)

I will be posting more on New Years and reflecting about 2009. So much in a short year and so much to look forward to this coming year. Enjoy the lyrics and stay blessed!!

S.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine^† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Quotable Thursday: Christmas

2009-12-24T04:00:00.001-06:00

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."
~ Oren Arnold

Be Blessed!!!
Merry Christmas everyone!!!

S.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-23T04:00:00.001-06:00

From the Opryland Hotel in Nashville TN...one of the light displays. Truly amazing....

And something even more amazing....my new niece. Looking forward to seeing her shortly....
Be Blessed!!

S.

Music Monday: Christmas Carols

2009-12-20T20:00:00.004-06:00

Can you hear what I hear...? It's the most Wonderful Time of the year......Yep, it's Christmas Carols.... they have been playing for almost 4 weeks now....some of the stations play it non-stop for 4 weeks....you hear them everywhere you go.... Now don't get me wrong, I love Christmas carols and Christmas music....just not 24-7 x 4 weeks plus..... I take it in doses...a little bit here and a little bit there.... and since we are just a few days away from celebrating Christmas (the birth of our Savior)--I thought it would be appropriate to talk Christmas Carols.

When I was thinking about this post, I was trying to figure out what is my favorite Christmas Carol...and as I type, I still don't know. When I was kid, I had all these lyrics that were typed out on colored paper and a Christmas song book...I used to get them out every year and look over them and sing them (to whom I am not sure)...I would try to play them this little organ/piano that we had....it was just always a fun time. As I have gotten older, the words to the songs mean more to me than when I was a kid....

So question for the peeps out there in blog world....do you have a favorite Christmas Song--which one(s)?

Here is the lyrics to just one of the many Christmas Carols....

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.

So...I pray that each you have a very Merry Christmas. I hope you get some time with your loved ones...and I hope you remember the reason for the season.....Without Him....there is no Christmas. So Be Blessed.....

S.

Quotable Thursday: Remember by Christina Rossetti

2009-12-17T10:49:00.003-06:00

When I was younger, I loved poetry...I loved to write poetry...I loved to read poetry...I used to collect poetry. Some of the books that I packed up when I moved are literature/poetry books...I believe they were college books for American Literature, English Literature and the such. I also packed up my "portfolio"--this was a notebook of works that I had written/collected over the years. Writing was a release for me as a kid....and has continued to be a release for me as an adult (hence my blog). I am not always elegant in my words..and I have been told I write just like I talk (not sure if this is good or bad).

So to my point today....I woke up this morning to hear the news that Chris Henry (a WR for the Cincinnati Bengals and former WVU Mountaineer) was seriously injured and then died secondary to those injuries. He was 26!!! Only 26 and he had lived a tumultuous life. He had his troubles both on and off the field but in recent time had made a committment to turn around his life. He was doing that...he was turning his life around...and then this. A fall off the back of a truck...and then death. He leaves behind a fiancee and 3 kids...3 kids who are now going to grow up without a father. It saddens me. It reminds me of the fragility of life.

Now to tie my two points together....one of my favorite poems when I was younger was Remember by Christina Rossetti and since today many people will be remembering Chris Henry, I thought it would be appropriate to post it... My favorite part of the poem are the last 2 lines... Hope you enjoy it. Be blessed!!!

S.

REMEMBER

by: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

EMEMBER me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

Wordless Wednesday: Help-Portrait Day

2009-12-16T05:00:00.002-06:00

So Saturday was Help-Portrait Day
Here are a few pictures of the event... The basic premise: Take a picture for someone who is unable to afford a photo. Print it out and give it to them. Simple enough....
Estimates from Saturday's adventure which was WORLDWIDE is:
20,000+ photos taken,
2000+ photographers,
1500+ volunteers

Countless number of smiles before, during and after recieving their photos....PRICELESS!!!

Jeremy Cowart, founder of Help-Portrait Day!!!

Be Blessed!!
Think about how you can use your talents to give back to those less fortunate...

S.

Music Monday: Hold my Heart

2009-12-14T03:00:00.005-06:00

Here's a song that I heard few back at church. I had to search out who sang it...
The words hit me hard...harder than I expected. So I thought I would share the lyrics
and video that I found. Enjoy it...take the time to read the words before listening/ watching
the video.

Hold my Heart by 10th Ave North

How long must I pray
Must I pray to You
How long must I wait
Must I wait for You
How long 'till I see Your face
See You shining through

I'm on my knees
Begging You to notice me
I'm on my knees
Father, will You turn to me

One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the Maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart
One life is all I am
Right now, I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart

I've been so afraid
Afraid to close my eyes
So much can slip away
Before I say goodbye
But if there's no other way
I'm done asking why

Cause I'm on my knees
Begging You to turn to me
I'm on my knees
Father, will You run to me

(Chorus)

So many questions without answers
Your promises remain
I can't see but I'll take my chances
To hear You call my name
To hear You call my name

(Chorus)

So what do you need Him to hold your heart on?

Be Blessed today!!!
S.

Quotable Thursday

2009-12-10T08:50:00.000-06:00

Okay...so I am having way too much fun coming up with a "theme" for each day of the week...and yes, I know that I have skipped Tuesday....but anyway, I am figuring if I can get a theme going each day..then I can focus more on a theme vs. just rambling... Oh, but don't think that my rambling is going away...it's still here (can't you tell)...just with a twist and there may still be those days that "rambling" is a better option than focused theme.....

So Welcome to Quotable Thursday....this will be a day for a quote...it may be bible verse, a quote that I like from someone else, a unique quote from me, or from something that I have read or heard....but it will be a quote (with or without commentary).

So here goes.......

"I think a lot us need to forget about God's will for my life. God cares more about our response to His Spirit's leading today, in this moment, than about what we intend to do next year. In fact, the decisions we make next year will be profoundly affected by the degree to which we submit to the spirit right now, in today's decision. " Francis Chan from "Forgotten God"

I read/listened to this book over Thanksgiving...and this quote stuck out to me. I a guilty of wanting to know God's will for my life, but do I sacrifice listening to His Spirit and His prompting by struggling to find His Will? Is His will intermingled in with the whispering of His Spirit? I challenge myself (and you) to listen more to His Spirit than searching for His plan.