Not so cute!

Whitney at "That Girl" gave me this award. This award challenges me to list 10 not so cute things about myself.

This was really hard because I just exude cuteness all the way around, lol... JK! Hope you still love me after this!

1. Right now I have a bunch of sores in my mouth from my braces and my lips are swollen up like a balloon, cute? I think NOT.

2. As I shared before my second toe is WAY bigger than my big toe on my left foot. So this might not be fair. But it's one less thing I have to think of that's not soo so cute, ha.

3. I have multiple scars on my body from where I've had to have things removed that randomly pop up on my body. I swear, I'm a freak of nature, lol.

4. I absolutely HATE to floss my teeth.

5. I let my bathroom get really nasty at times before I clean it, part of it is just laziness but it's disgusting.

6. I use the two-second rule with food. Enough said. If you don't know what that is, look it up, lol.

7. Sometimes I let my eyebrows get hideous before I have them waxed. Can we say uni-brow?

8. I have a tendency at times to chew with my mouth open.

9. My hair sheds horribly. It's disgusting. I have to go behind myself with a dust-buster, ha!

10. And last but not least, my toenails get so hard, that when I cut them, they go flying across the room, haha! A little dramatic there but they do get hard and when I cut them I literally have to get on the ground looking for it, lol!!

I pass this award along to:

Heather
A boy, A girl and a pug
Kelsey
Emily
Jenna



Tomorrow is going to be a fun-filled day. I'm going to the Florida Strawberry Festival with my cousin/bff Melissa. It should be a blast. I'll also get to meet a fellow Florida blogger, Natalie, while I'm there. That should be awesome to meet up. And we got tickets to see Jessica Simpson who is going to be performing there. It will be interesting because I've heard mixed reviews on her music lately. So I hope I don't get disappointed. Can't wait to share about the day!!

Well, today is a day full of baby-sitting, cuteness (or not so cute, you be the judge) has gotta head out!!! Have a wonderful Saturday!

Spring came to the office!

Yesterday was spring cleaning at the office for me, it was LONG overdue. I couldn't stand the dust anymore around my desk and it was pathetic how much I had let it accumulate.

This definitely came in handy!


TA-DA! Here's to a sqeaky clean area!!


All in a days work! Thumbs up to the great coffee I made!


Now I'll just have the smell of Lysol in my nose for days to come, haha!!

I decided I would start doing this every Friday. I started working on the questions on Chapter 1 in my “Lady in Waiting” book, and I thought it would be great to do them right here on the blog. I’m going to be honest and raw, and most of all I’m doing it because I want that accountability, and also if you have any insight you can add as to the particular chapter for the week, then by all means, please share. This week was on “Reckless Abandonment. So here we go:

From your perspective, what is the difference between “token commitment” and reckless abandonment” to Jesus? Is your relationship with Jesus one of sacrifice or convenience? (2 Sam. 24:24)

I think token commitment can sometimes leave people committed because there’s something in it for them, for their gain. It can leave us wanting to be committed on our terms and by our standards and there’s really nothing to be gained by it. I think reckless abandonment comes when we give God all facets of our life. When we put our complete faith and Trust in him and loving him without conditions, not for what he can do for us, but because of what he’s already done on the cross and because he first loved us. I would like to 100% say without a doubt that my relationship with Jesus has always been one not of sacrifice or convenience. But I think at one time or another that we’ve all been guilty of this, and I still find at times I have to work on this. For me personally, I think when life gets so hectic and crazy, it’s easy to put Jesus on the back burner, and feel inconvenienced by it all, but whenever we get that busy where we start getting that mentality, that’s when it’s time to slow down and get our perspective back in line again. It’s so easy to put him in a box and let him out when we give him the go-ahead, when it’s convenient for us, and when it makes up feel good, but this Christian journey does not always make us feel good, but we have the hope and promise in him.

Have you broken you “alabaster box” at the feet of Jesus? (see Mark 14:3-9 and Luke 7:36-39.) Are you afraid to break your box at His feet? Why?

I think I partially have. There are still those areas and those deepest parts of me that I keep hidden and don’t fully give over to him (like he doesn’t already know all there is to know about me, ha). I’ve come to realize you can’t hide a darn thing from him. He’s the see all-know all. That’s pretty cool to think there’s someone that knows you like no other ever will. I, at times, feel like I can never live up to this expectation he has of us and that I’ve disappointed him in ways he can’t forgive, but he didn’t lay those expectations on us. All he’s asking us to do is live a life for him and that’s pleasing to him, and with abandonment. And I think all this in a lot of ways has hindered me from fully breaking my alabaster box.

Like Ruth, has your relationship with Jesus affected your friends, your surroundings, and your faith? (Mt.19:29).

I would have to say yes, but not in a bad way. I think those relationships that God has placed in my life, even those where one may not have a personal relationship with Jesus, there’s a respect. A respect for where I stand in my relationship with him and how I choose to live my life, whether that be at work, or at school, or anywhere else. And in return, those people know they will get no judgment from me, but that I’m always here if they want to know more and I think a lot of those people feel they can share with me, no matter what it is, because they know they will not be judged. As for my faith, I still struggle in the area of faith. It’s soooo easy to believe something for someone else and pray for someone else, but when it comes to faith for those things in which you’re asking for, it’s so easy to get that mentality, like who am I. All he does is ask us to have faith the size of a mustard seed.

Does your life have public and private evidences of your reckless abandonment to Jesus Christ? Explain.

I’ve always firmly believed that who you are in public is who you should be behind closed doors. Sometimes I’ve been guilty of my words expressing that I have huge faith in a particular situation or circumstance when deep down that situation is breaking me to pieces and you want to portray to everyone that you have it all together, when in reality, I was broken. I pray that he teaches me more and more everyday to just be real with myself, be real with him, and be real with others.

Read Colossians 2:10. What does being complete in Jesus mean to you? In what ways do you feel incomplete? How can that be changed?

I think you can summarize being complete in Jesus just in the realization of knowing who you are in him, that in itself I truly believe allows you to feel complete. Sometimes I feel incomplete in my self-worth and how I view myself. I have my good days, and my bad days. Sometimes I feel incomplete in just the simple fact that we’re supposed to be content with where we’re at, and that’s not always the case for me. And I’m still working on this, but I think once I fully realize that myself worth is not in the things and people of this world, but only in him. And when I fully come to terms with the fact that I’m on his boat, not rowing my own and that he’s the director of my path, and I’m RIGHT where I’m supposed to be, mountains can be moved.

Have you experienced the completeness that comes from the courtship available with your heavenly Fiancé? Consider this dating prerequisite: You must understand you are complete in Jesus before you ever date or marry.

This is a HUGE eye-opener. I’ve never been in a serious relationship and the dates I’ve been on I’ve never heard from again. And I always thought there was something wrong with me. I seriously, now, consider it as God protecting my heart. And I think there’s a lot of rearranging he has to do in my life before allowing that person to come in. And I think this question pertains directly to where I’m at, and he’s allowing me more and more everyday to find that completeness in him, and then I just leave the rest up to him.

What does the following statement mean to you: “Any woman who does not understand that she is complete in Jesus is susceptible to idolatry”? (This idolatry is dependence on a guy to make her complete-thus putting him in God’s place.) Consider this verse: “How happy are those who know their need for God…” (Mt. 5:3 Phillips).

The answer to this is simple, if you’re not finding your completeness in God, then you’re going to be looking for it in other people, and not seeking after that true completeness that God desires for us. There’s complete and then there’s COMPLETE, and the second complete is only found in God. And he’s surely putting that completeness in my life together one piece at time, even at times when I may not always recognize it.

Ha, wow, that was almost theraputic!! Thank you for hanging in with me there. And if you would, please keep my grandpa in your prayers. He has fallen twice and the second time he fractured his hip and now he's back in the hospital. Also, update on my Aunt. She's back home after her procedure and recuperating. Please continue to pray for her recovery. Thank you!!

I'm ecstatic it's the weekend! How about you???? It's supposed to be gorgeous in Florida this weekend with a high of 81. Not to brag or anything :o)

The best of both worlds!

I wanted to introduce you to our cattle friends! This pasture backs up to our house and I went home for lunch yesterday and this is what I saw. So it's the city life and farm life all rolled into one! So in the words of Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana, I get the best of both worlds, haha!

So last night was a total blast hanging out with Samantha. She just started a blog of her own. Click here. She's still tweaking it, but I think you'll really like it. We went to Urban Flats for some amazing flat bread, and of course, couldn't go without taking pictures :o)

I was soooo excited to get food in my stomach that I thought about taking a picture after the fact, so here's the end result!


Sam enjoying her flatt bread. YUMMY!!!!


I so enjoyed hanging out with her!


We have a new member of the family! How cute is this face?



Her name is Angel. My Granny got her yesterday to keep her company, because my Grandpa is in a long-term care facility, and so the house is kind of quiet. She's soooo precious. Got to go see her last night, and I was VERY tempted to bring her home with me, ha!!



So on a final note, Whitney from "That Girl" is holding a Spring Swap. Go here. Sign up! It will be so much fun!!!

P.S.
I survived the shoe crisis of Wednesday and wore them ALL day!!! Let it be known that my back is NOT happy, but I will have great posture for the rest of my life, haha!!!!

Not so wordless Wednesday!

I’ve always wanted to do the “Wordless Wednesday”! But thus far I have not been successful. Seems like I always have something to say, ha! Maybe next week!

So, I just realized yesterday that I was chit-chatting about the Bachelor, and I’m not supposed to be watching TV. I gave it up for lent (if you recall from my previous post). I’ve only cheated Monday and last night when it came to the Bachelor, without even realizing it, and none of you called me on it. At least if I was going to cheat, I wish it would have been something more beneficial for me, and not a waste of my time, haha! Well, today’s a new day, and on a good note, I haven’t had soda since lent began :o)

I’m wearing my purchase that I made over the weekend. Let me refresh your memory:




I can already tell I’m going to have one heck of a day in these things. I feel like I’m preparing for the runaway, now all I need is a book on my head, lol. I will say though, it’s allowing me to have good posture for the day, haha!!! Let’s just say I’m not a girl that wears big heels a lot, so seeing me walk today is an interesting sight to see. These heels are as long as my toe, haha. If you want to learn an interesting fact about me, my toe next to my big toe on my left foot is waaay longer than my big toe, haha. It’s hilarious! There’s some story behind that, like you’re supposed to be the ruler of the house or princess of the house or something. Does anyone else have a humungous toe like I do??? Come on, fess up. And I did bring a back-up pair of shoes though, but let’s hope I can pull through the day, without breaking my ankle, haha! Have to break these bad boys in somehow!

Yesterday was a very interesting day! I found myself pondering my purpose and why I’m here and questioning everything about life and questioning God. Do any of you ever have those kinds of days? It was kind of emotional. But I was gently reminded that God knows the number of hairs on my head, knows everything about me, and knows my purpose and destiny, even when I can’t always understand it. That’s pretty awesome when you really think about that concept! So just know that each and every one of you have a HUGE purpose and destiny, and the hairs on your head have been counted!!

I'm excited because tonight I get to spend time and have dinner with my friend Samantha! It will be nice to hang out with her and catch up. I think God is stiring up something pretty neat in this friendship!! :o)

Thank you for walking this journey with me!

P.S.

I was on MSN.com this morning and this is what I saw. Click here. This is absolutely HI-LAR-IOUS!!!!

I have a HUGE canker sore on my lip and it has graciously caused my lip to swell up to unimaginable proportions, haha!!! Just thought you'd like to know that!!! Not pretty!!!

Alabaster Box!

You might remember awhile back I started a book called “Lady in Waiting”. Sadly, I’ve only gotten through the first chapter. I know, pathetic, huh? Well, starting this week I’m going to get into it more and try to focus on a chapter each week and have you walk through it with me and share with you what I’m learning. The first chapter focused on Mary and the Alabaster Box. And if you haven’t heard it before take the time to listen to Cece Winans song “Alabaster Box”. I’m excited to share this book with you as I get into it more. How I long to be more like Mary! I have a book called having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, that about sums it up for me! So, what are you needing to break out of your Alabaster Box? Anything that you're needing to lay at the feet of Jesus? I encourage you to meditate on that today!

Well, yesterday I got myself booked for the Women of Faith Conference in Atlanta. I sooooooo cannot wait. It's not until August but I'm already stoked. How could you not be with this line-up??





















I think I'm most excited about seeing Steven Curtis Chapman and Mandisa, and of course, Anita Renfroe. She is absolutely hysterical. August, can you hurry up and get here??? ha! The scary part is it will be here before I know it. I love going to these types of things, it makes for a wonderful and fulfilling quick getaway :o)

Okay, so on to the Bachelor last night. Can you believe that mess??? I for one, along with the rest of America, was shocked at the events that took place on ABC last night. All I can say is I would never, ever want my relationship to be displayed for all of America to see, and last night was exactly the reason why. And that’s all I have to say on that, haha!!! What are your thoughts??

Monday Inspiration!

I cannot believe we're already into March. The year is already flying by. I came across this and thought these were some good thoughts for this Monday morning, and as we're flying through our 2009, here's a recipe for you!!!

A GREAT RECIPE...for 2009

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is
the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about
what is going on in your life.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My
purpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for______________'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is
manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan
salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of
the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest
your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a
college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree
to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will
this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
family will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I
am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll
be smiling before you know it.

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I pray that this will be a wonderful Monday for you all. Don't let those Monday blues get you down. Think of it as a new week filled with new mercies and his abundant grace. Those things we might have struggled with last week are long gone. Now it's a new week to get things right! Have an awesome day everyone! So, what is everyone thankful for on this Monday? I thought it might be nice to count our blessings to get us through this Monday!

I'm thankful that I have another beautiful, but chilly day to wake up to.
I'm thankful that I have my health.
I'm thankful that I have purpose today and I choose today to walk in that purpose.
I'm thankful that I can praise my way through the day. Nothing like having that continuous conversation with God through the day to get you through the day. He's always listening.
I'm thankful that I have wonderful family and friends that make my life so fulfilling.
I'm thankful that I have a job to come to on a Monday when many people are suffering with the economy and loosing their jobs.

And the list could go on and on.... So, let me hear it. What are you thankful for today??? Trust me, do I wish it were not a Monday, haha, you betcha. But you have to make the best of it :o)

STOP, slow down weekend!

Sarah sent me this picture, so I wanted to share. These people, my friends, are what make school worth going to three nights a week. We get each other through and know that we'll remain friends long after school is over. I couldn't do it without them, and we're just missing another Sarah who couldn't make it but is also a good friend of ours. This is from left to right... Sarah (who is leaving for San Diego), of course me, Motasha (but we call her Mo), and Kristin. Good times, and we're going to miss you Sarah!

I had a wonderful lunch with Cherryl yesterday...



It was soooo nice to meet her and we had such a wonderful time talking and getting to know each other and got to walk her around and show her some of the sites of The Villages. It was such a beautiful day!





Seriously, unless you live here, you will never truly understand what The Villages is all about. It's one of the biggest retirement communities in the U.S. But it's geared to all ages. It's a town of it's own, which is why they eventually turned it into a city of it's own, called The Villages, Florida. It has everything and I swear I'm going to retire here someday, haha! It's has two town squares with a bunch of great shopping, restaurants, live entertainment each night, and two movie theaters. So alot to do and as you can see, there are golf carts everywhere. So I thought this would be a neat place to take her. And like I said, it was a beautiful day to walk around.

Then last night I went to the movies with my mom, sister, and my sister's boyfriend to see...


Talk about suspense. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was a GREAT movie. Go and see it if you haven't already!!!! Then after we went to the movie we went to this road where supposedly this young woman awhile back got killed and was dragged and supposedly haunts the area and they say you can go on this road to this specific part of the road and stop your car and put it in neutral and just sit there with your lights off and it has to be pitch black out. Then you sit there and all the sudden your car will just move like it's being pulled. Our car moved but we came to the conclusion that it's because your on the hill and so your car is going down hill and therefore it's going to move, and so we felt pretty silly about all this, haha, but nonetheless, I was still kind of scared. And this is a true story but I think they wanted to take this car moving thing, which it actually can, because like I said, it's on a hill, but wanted to put a scary spin on it by adding this story. I know, we're retarded, haha!

This morning has been a lazy one and we cooked a big breakfast. Tonight I'm going to go get sushi with a friend and see "Madea Goes To Jail", haha! This should be hilarious. I loved "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" :o)

Hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!