Kimarie says...

Shop day...

2012-01-30T20:03:00.000-05:00

Jeremy's class has their first review of the semester Wednesday, so everybody was busy building in the shop this weekend...

Nothing Holding Me Back song...

2012-01-27T14:01:00.000-05:00

Loving this by Bryan and Katie Torwalt.
♥

Lewis Hine exhibit...

2012-01-19T22:56:00.000-05:00

Jeremy and I squeezed in another quick museum visit this week - the NC Museum of History... The whole place was great, but this exhibit got to me...

Photographer Lewis Hine used photography to "spark social change" by documenting the exploitation of child workers.

I find it both admirable and inspiring that he used his camera for such an important purpose.

Hine's notes for this image:

Boy with coat in hand is 11 years old. Been there 9 months. Started at 50 cents a day. Now gets 60 cents. Loray Mill. "When I sweeps double space I gets 90 cents a day, but it makes you work." (Look at the boy.) Two 'infants' appeared at the door, and vanished back immediately on seeing me.
Location: Gastonia, Gaston County
Date: November 1908

intro text

"His images struck a cord with the American public, building support for stronger child labor laws."

Well done, Sir.
So impressed.
♥

Family visit...

2012-01-16T23:24:00.003-05:00

Fun getting to spend time exploring and showing them a bit of our life here in Raleigh.

Sunday afternoon we went to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (which I just heard about the day before)... Definitely a very cool spot!

Kayla took pictures until both memory and battery power were exhausted!

(I was impressed. :)

...definitely look forward to next time!!

♥

Not sure where this is going...

2012-01-11T21:02:00.001-05:00

but I sure am enjoying it!!

goal: more posts tagged creating.

Yay for +1! :)

(and let's hope this guy takes shape so I can share a more finished piece next time:)

Marks of a new year...

2012-01-02T09:33:00.000-05:00

I love the fresh start of a new year, new journal, blank canvas...

The reflection...

The goal-setting...

Last year I knew I wanted to read and write more so I made a goal to read a book per month, and I did all right... I actually finished 9 of 11. -This year I'd like to finish 11 of 11. (I'm going to stick with reserving December for Bible/devotional month... it's less frustrating that way. :)

I also knew I wanted to do more with photography, so in January I signed up for a class, later bought my first 'real' camera, and the photography adventures just got better and better throughout the year. I definitely want to keep pressing into that even more this year. (...maybe by taking another class or joining a club in the area... we'll just have to see how that pans out:)

Another goal this year is to increase time spent creating. I've been wanting to start an at-least-monthly craft night for some time now... I think 2012 needs to be the year.

And finally, I always want to continue growing in faith and love... BSF used to be my vehicle of discipline, but since finishing the track two years ago, I haven't been very structured! This year I plan to start by completing a Beth Moore Bible study and continue from there...

I could probably brainstorm a thousand more ways I'd love to grow and change this year, but if I don't keep it simple I'll never get off the ground. So here's to realistic goal-setting! :)

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

Piano Men...

2011-12-30T22:57:00.000-05:00

So nice to get to spend some time at home for Christmas.

Love these two and their nephew-uncle bonding.

Jeremy and I were talking about how neat it is -all the hope that's wrapped up in a baby.

Hopes of what he'll do and who he'll become... Hopes of joy and a long healthy life... Pure enjoyment of another little soul!

Crazy to think about Jesus coming to us in this way.

So small and helpless.

So dependent.

Entering the world just as we all do...

Joining us in the most natural, humble way.

Bringing hope and joy and God's presence.

Alford Christmas...

2011-12-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day and the day after...

first: pictures with Cade

great-grand

Mom & Son

J's Architecture model - made ornament

after carrots:)

Granchelli Christmas...

2011-12-28T20:36:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve and Christmas morning...

Sister gave us pedicures

the men in the kitchen <3

Happy Birthday, Jesus

Christmas Eve with Brother's family

Claire & Peter visit!!

Christmas morning

stockings after breakfast

It's hard not to look forward to Christmas presents!
This year is was nice to see Kayla getting so much joy from giving.
She bought our present with her own money and had the biggest grin as we opened it!

Thankful for this sweet fam.

Dose of Encouragement...

2011-12-20T07:47:00.000-05:00

This devotional: Streams in the Desert by L.B.Cowman.

I have it in book form.

But here it is, written like a blog, for all the world to read. (It's the old-English copy vs. the updated book version.)

It's encouraging and life-giving, and scripture-full.

Even though it's not labeled an 'advent'-anything, it has certainly helped me worship and grow this season. Just wanted to officially recommend it! ♥

Dec.16th was about prayer...

If a person believes he can become powerful in prayer

without making a commitment to it,

he is living under a great delusion.

...

We must pray to pray,

and continue in prayer

so our prayers may continue.

-Charles H. Spurgeon

Edgefield Christmas...

2011-12-18T22:15:00.000-05:00

Each year my mom's family gathers the weekend before Christmas.

I missed out the last two years because of retail-land.

But not this year.

This year we were able to make the 5 hour trip from Raleigh to almost-Augusta-GA!

Good stuff.

90 years young this Christmas. wow. <3

Starting to celebrate...

2011-12-11T09:32:00.000-05:00

One final down... The big one.

So proud.

perspective drawing & finished museum model.

final review setup

(Thankfully work let me leave so I could be there!)

And last night...

Henry & his wife had us over to celebrate the accomplishment...

J & Mike

Nutcrackers in the site model. Perfect.

Hark the Herald... hiphop style. Nice.

um. not sure. funny stuff though:)

What a group!
And what a difficult/great road this Architecture program is.

Thankful to be here.

Back to study-mode for two final finals.
Semester one is almost complete! ♥

Two TOMS Book Winners....

2011-12-06T08:33:00.002-05:00

Yep!

I chose the old-school way...

And, since I had two FREE books, I just had to pick a second winner!

Michelle & Amy, your prize will be in the mail within the next few days!!! ♥♥

Thanks, guys, for playing and sharing your hearts with me a bit!!
If I get anymore free books in the mail, I'll be sure to let you know! ;)

Simple Christmas, Advent, and that book giveaway...

2011-12-02T20:11:00.001-05:00

We're keeping it simple over here at DixieTrail.

Naptime Diaries' printable advent calendar:

Speaking of advent...

I've googled and brainstormed, but my calendar-activity-list is not yet complete. I'm in need of a few more [simple, heart-focused] ideas!

Got any good ones to share??

I'm not just aiming to fill the days with activities, but with simple actions that remind & help us lean into longing. <--(great post of that title by Vintage 21 pastor Matt Stevens).

(over the heater:)

Granny's nativity

And about that giveaway...

Have you checked in yet?

It closes Monday.

Winner posts Tuesday.

At least come tell me what you would start if you could. LOVE the responses so far. Seriously encouraging. Praying we will get up and go for it!

Come on and enter.

What's to lose?

Giveaway for you! The TOMS book: Start Something that Matters by Blake Mycoskie...

2011-12-01T07:18:00.000-05:00

Happy December 1st!!!

Need a new read?

Been wanting to start something meaningful & beneficial?
This book is a GOODIE and will certainly inspire & help equip you to that end!

The coolest part is, the people at TOMS were gracious enough to send me TWO!!

One for you and one for me! :)

Soooo, to enter the giveaway simply leave a comment on this post letting me know you want it!! And if you really want another entry, you can share this post with friends via FB or Twitter or Blogland- just leave another comment [for each] to let me know you did!

I will randomly choose a winner TUESDAY and announce it here! :)

Okay, one more thing, a curiosity bonus... for another entry, in a separate comment, let me know:
What would you start if you could? / What need would you like to help meet?

Wanna know mine??

I'd start an after-school-tutoring program.

Coffee-shop/art-studio-style...

I want to help meet the need of Mentoring & Discipleship.

Yep, that's my wish!

What's YOURS??

Granchelli-Alford Thanksgiving Goodness...

2011-11-29T20:24:00.001-05:00

Yay! Finally some pictures!!!

...too many probably, but this was a SWEET Thanksgiving trip home visiting our families and I don't want to forget it!!

Wednesday with the Gs...

our beach trip with K&M was GLORIOUS!!!!

then we came home and played some more:)

more playing: our president-beards

Brother fam!!!

NY fam!!

Then, we spent Thursday with the As...

Grandma C & Dalton checking out Baby Cade

the Grandma+Sisters- edited of course:)

the traditional BFF visit

Brothers

SS&C ♥

Sweet. Sweet. Sweet.

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR! ♥

And guess what else, tomorrow I'm going to start giving away one of THESE....

This will be my first, and quite possibly my only, giveaway ever!!!

So stop by between Thursday&Monday to get in the running... :)

6 years since our first date....

2011-11-16T08:04:00.001-05:00

(Dec. 2005)

Wow.

We're gettin big like first graders ;)

Love him big time.

All I Can Say (DC*B)

2011-11-14T09:47:00.001-05:00

This song
is worth the listen.

And maybe read the lyrics while you do.
just because
they're so
impactful.

...All I Can Say lyrics (1999)...
Lord I'm tired
So tired from walking
And Lord I'm so alone
And Lord the dark
Is creeping in
Creeping up
To swallow me
I think I'll stop
Rest here a while

And didn't You see me cry'n?
And didn't You hear me call Your name?
Wasn't it You I gave my heart to?
I wish You'd remember
Where you sat it down

Chorus:
And this is all that I can say right now
i know it's not much
And this is all that I can give
yeah that's my everything

Bridge:
I didn't notice You were standing here
I didn't know that
That was You holding me
I didn't notice You were cry'n too
I didn't know that
That was You washing my feet

Pray your heart gets squeezed like mine did....

♥

chicken tortilla soup

2011-11-10T21:57:00.001-05:00

Rotisserie chicken tortilla soup, originally uploaded by kimalford.

This is seriously the easiest (and one of the best) meals I've made. ever.

recipe...
*rotisserie chicken (2 cups)
*chicken broth (1 carton)
*salsa (1 cup)
-make it hot on the stove

then add any/all of these...
*cilantro
*avacado
*tortilla chips

*monterray jack cheese

*slice of lime
(Don't skip the lime!! It makes it so great!)

ENJOY!! <3

DC*B and church on the couch...

2011-11-06T19:16:00.000-05:00

David Crowder Band was awesome.

So was John Mark McMillan, Chris August, & Gungor.

Seriously loved them all.

The road-trip-part with Claire was great too (even though our 6 hours of ride-time turned into 8 because of an inadvertent detour on the way home!) Thankfully, it was totally worth it!! :)

And today I rested.

I have barely left the couch.

I even went to church on the couch...
For a good reason: CUMC made a video-interview with Claire about her Charity:Water project... awesome stuff. (I guess they don't post the videos in the archives, but here's the MP3 of the service in case you wanna have a listen.)

♥

(Unfortunately I have to get up and go to a work meeting now... at least there will be food involved. ;)

InstaFriday (pics of the week)...

2011-11-04T08:36:00.002-04:00

Some favorite camera-phone-moments from this week...
{{InstaFriday style}}

Sweet friends from home... they were passing through from a conference in Greensboro and made a point to join us for coffee, a tour of the studio, and a quick supper stop at the Flying Biscuit Cafe'! YUM! :)

I know we look like ourselves,
but this is us dressed up for Halloween.

I was "a student,"
and J said he was "a Duke fan dressed up like an NC State fan." :)

Even more festive: my co-workers(& the cutest customer!)

Sometimes when I don't have to work in the evening, I like to join J at the studio.

This week I got to 'help' cut chip board in the materials lab. :)

And today... after the work day, I'm off to see these guys with my dear friend Claire.
Can Not Wait!!!!

Happy Friday, Friends!
♥

....linking up....

Walking in Freedom: Step one...

2011-10-30T08:56:00.003-04:00

Pic from the art museum when we went two weeks ago...

We went to church last night since today we'll be busy with work & school...

After the teaching, during worship,

I started thinking on and confessing some specific places I have yet to fully walk in freedom...

Broken shackles and chains often represent freedom from bondage.

As I confessed each thing and meditated on the reality of this freedom, this familiar image came to mind: broken shackles and chains littered around me. Each pile represented one of these issues or areas where I've remained bound... As I drew them in my journal they took different shapes and weights.

Recognizing our freedom in Christ is the first step.

Walking in it is another entirely.

Here's to taking one of those steps...

Have you considered lately all that you've been set free from? Are you walking in it or still hanging out with those old chains like I was?

Take captive every thought...

2011-10-28T08:24:00.003-04:00

In 2 Corinthians Paul talks about us living by different standards than the rest of the world... and one thing he mentions is how as Christians we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor.10:5)

While it's true we need to take our wrong-thoughts captive and make them obey, there's a positive spin that we can also apply here... Mark Batterson taught me in his book Primal, that we need to take captive the good thoughts and ideas too!

We need to capture them [in words or pictures] and act on them.

A past coworker used to warn me about letting good things I had started just 'die on the vine'.. She was right... in business and personally- may we take captive these thoughts & ideas and make them obedient to Christ.

Lord, please fulfill in us that which you have set out to fulfill!
Thank you that no word of yours returns void, but it always completes that which it set out to accomplish! (Isaiah 55:11)

broken for a reason....

2011-10-25T11:29:00.001-04:00

Sunday was one of the sweetest days yet.
Maybe ever.

At church we sang:
Where, oh death, is your sting?
[and the tears came- overwhelming me at the reminder of death's sting lately...]

-a friend losing a friend [*like Mary]

-miscarrying mamas [*like Audrey]

-mamas losing children! [*like Tanner]

As we sang that one short line, it was as if a finger poked right to my heart, pressing in too hard, puncturing deep.

I couldn't help but weep for my friends and their great great loss.

The very next line...
Swallowed up in victory!
Reminded me of the hope we have in Christ.
All things remdeemed-
even death.

And in that moment I scribbled in my journal,
Oh yeah.
Victory.
Because those babies may be lost to us,
but they're found in You.
They're safe in Your love forever.
Please comfort those mourning moms.
Remind them of your victory.

At the end of service I went up for prayer...
To give back this burden.
To lift up those who have lost.
To be moved to action...

All the pray-ers were busy with others,
so I just sat and let the tears flow...

And then Jeremy came and prayed for me. His words and knowledge of my heart were a tender and precious encouragement.

And then a woman (who I do not know) came and humbly sat at my feet, lightly touched my ankle, and prayed in whispers.

I put my hand on hers to thank her for her touch & prayers.

She looked at me with an almost disappointed look and said, "All I've got is 'beauty from ashes' if that means anything to you"... I wanted to respond & tell her how perfectly it resonated, but the floodgates were open again and I just had to let it go a minute.

It truly felt as though God put his finger back to that place that ached and stung during the song and said "There. That place."

[A giant spotlight.]

"Don't miss this. I broke your heart here for a reason. Embrace the brokenness. And go embrace those who are broken. Mourn with those who mourn. I want to give them beauty for ashes."

Later that day, in this sweet spot down the street, I added this story to my journal, and this prayer... Thank you for burdening me with these women's loss. I know it's your compassion and your heart for them at work in me. May I be a faithful steward of this gift.

Thanks for reading, friends.
Not sure what will come of this, but I'm hungry for more direction and action. Please pray for me -that these burdens will bear fruit and prove beneficial.

Start Something That Matters...

2011-10-20T22:54:00.001-04:00

Start Something That Matters

Borrowed this treasure from work this week.
(well, I borrowed NOOK & this is what I'm reading)...

What a great story...

Appreciate the wisdom of starting something new and authentic!

My heart is all kinds of dreamy reading this... so much possibility and potential...

On a whole different note...

I read this online yesterday...

good words by Donald Miller...

Intimacy with God Comes when we Accept His Kindness

Blessed is the man...

2011-10-17T12:02:00.000-04:00

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." -Jeremiah 17:7-8

...working on my trust issues:)

InstaFriday

2011-10-14T22:27:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we were finishing out fall break at home...

Birthday presents for Sister!!

The pouch is just duct tape and velcro. And a few insta-pictures of the fam. ♥

Her birthday party at MedievalTimes... too. much. fun.
(Seeing my dad boogie with the 8&9 year olds had to be the best part!!!)

Sunday lunch with our brother&sister-in-law.
Cade rested up while we ate so we could take 100 more pictures of him before we parted ways! (here's the album link in case you want to see a few from the real-camera:)

Sister and me- celebrating our 5-day-apart birthdays together at Miyabi. All she wanted to do was the birthday chicken dance. It was awesome.

These two. Being silly. ♥

Monday we came back to Raleigh for school & work...

Our chair-friend greeted us. No more morning coffee dates with this guy I guess...

Almost finished the book I'm reading. It's been good for the soul.

My actual birthday was Tuesday, but lunch didn't work out that day, so my coworkers at the studio spoiled me Thursday with a birthday lunch and ice cream cake... what!?? It was super sweet! ♥

We haven't had very many datenights since we moved to Raleigh. In fact, we've only had one so far. So, I decided to remedy this by asking for Friday nights off. The weeks are busy enough. We gotta have soooome JK time. :)

So tonight consisted of black bean burgers and a walk through the museum... and blogging while he read for his Arch-history test this week. :)

It was lovely! ♥

one of my favorites :)

Guess what else...?

On this weekend last year we first visited Raleigh to look at NCSU as an option. Wow. Just one year later and my love is in the thick of architecture grad school. Couldn't be more thankful!

(I have a picture very similar to this one that J took of me during that visit. Now we live here. Crazy!)

....linking up....

another sweet birthday...

2011-10-11T22:49:00.002-04:00

...a little glimpse of the sweetness...

Especially thankful for
a long morning before work,
a pumpkin donut from my studio coworkers,
Kayla's birthday message,
a sweet supper break,
and getting to brainstorm ideas with J for his next project...

Plus sweet calls, emails, tweets & texts from friends & family!! :)

Appreciate all the sweet blessings that mark another year!

((not to mention all the spoiling that happened while we were home over the weekend... that'll have to come at a later time though))

-32- oh my.

May this year bring much growth, wisdom, understanding, and love!!

May I put my talents to work in worship of a mighty God!

May I do for one as I'd like to do for all...
(loved that thought from Ricardo's newsletter today!!)

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. -Ephesians 3:16-19

31 days of thanks... {the album}

2011-10-10T17:11:00.000-04:00

daily

October

thanksgivings

I'm still writing as many as I want in my journal everyday,
but I was looking for a 'fun' way to share one a day-& keep myself accountable:)

(THANKS for the inspiration, Marie!!)

Fall Break Week (InstaFriday style)....

2011-10-07T18:13:00.002-04:00

It's Fall Break for my husband

(from NCSU Architecture grad school).

Thank goodness for a break to catch our breath!

It's nice to be home in Myrtle for a few days

-resting and recouping and collecting hugs!!

We found this greenway this week
-a block from our place in Raleigh-
so beautiful.

This pretty piece lives on the curb next door.
Haha. She's a beauty, huh!?
I couldn't resist posing for this pic!!!

Grad school is no joke.
I knew we'd be busy, but I really had no idea just how busy!

'savoring moments' is our motto for ~~survival~~ thriving and staying close in the midst of our crazy-crowded schedules!

this was our burrito-supper-break-outside-the-Arch-studio moment ♥

Jeremy's Architecture projects from the past few weeks.

Needless to say,
he impresses me big time!

I am enjoying framing at the studio.
Got to frame a set for twins this week.
So cool.

A little diptic of our visit home so far...
top: former [favorite] co-workers
bottom-left: Sister (birthday lunch at school)
bottom-right: Myranda hug!

Collecting hugs is my favorite part of being home.
...and being totally spoiled by family...

we're spending the first two days with Jeremy's parents...
(man, they're the best spoilers ever!!)
and garden peas just happen to be my favorite!! :)

we'll spend the next two days with my mom, dad, and sister...

Love it. Love it.

....linkup play....

Jeannett {@ Life.rearranged} says:

Share your silly, sweet, and quirky moments of the week using nothing but cell phone pictures! A DSLR is great, but sometimes the sweetest and most telling moments need nothing more than the low resolution cammy on your phone! I have an iPhone and use the Instagram app, but any grainy cell phone pics are welcome!

His banner over us is love.

2011-10-05T15:44:00.001-04:00

clearly ♥

His banner over us is love., originally uploaded by kimalford.

the gift of words... [for Mary]

2011-10-03T06:30:00.000-04:00

This 'gift of words [for Mary]' is actually for her best friend Claire... on Mary's birthday... which would have been today.

Mary would have been 29 today.

But early in the morning on May 1st she was hit and killed by a drunk driver.

(The trial is actually taking place today.)

I have two brief, but very vivid, memories of this sweet girl.

She used to come visit Claire regularly, and when they hadn't stayed up too late the night before, they'd come to church together, all smiles of course.

The first time I'd met her was one of these visits. She and Claire sat behind us in church. She was so lovely. I had already heard so much about her, my heart already loved her.

The second time she and Claire were having one of their famous ice-cream-for-lunch dates. It was next to the restaurant where we were eating that Sunday, and I popped in on them. They looked at me like guilty little children with their hands caught in the cookie jar. It was such a sight!!

Mary and Claire were beautiful friends.

Claire's life has drastically changed since that morning when she received the news that Mary was in intensive care... and then worse.

Mary also left behind a husband, parents and siblings.

She was treasured by many.

Life can be so sweet and then hurt so bad at times. Our hearts get all jaded and broken and fearful. The temptation [for me at least] is to hold back, build a wall, guard the door. But then -as we try to lock out all that can hurt us, we end up locking out goodness too. Our walls are all too effective.

I have watched my friend Claire hurt from the loss of this sweet friend & friendship. I have seen her temptation to give up, throw in the towel, build a great wall. But she has resisted. Instead she has prayed and pressed in for blessing and comfort. She has allowed God to strengthen and walk with her through mourning. And she has reached out in new ways to friends like me. And for that I am grateful.

I wanted to bless Claire today. My prayer is that she will be wrapped in the beauty and comfort that she has continually offered others. And that she will embrace joy and celebration for a life well-lived and a friendship savored.

You are a jewel, Claire. I'm so thankful for you. Pray you have deep deep peace today. -Love you!

Come & Rest...

2011-10-02T09:02:00.003-04:00

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

I am slowly working my way through the book of Matthew...
I've always loved these verses.

I love that Jesus refers to himself as 'gentle and lowly in heart.'

This reminds me that
what the world sees as weakness
is actually strength.

So we fix our eyes, not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. -2 Corinthians 4:18

Challenge to be Thankful...

2011-10-01T11:07:00.002-04:00

In June I read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp...

You may or may not remember me going on about the wonderfulness of this read...

So, during that time, I
-started this wonderful[ly messy] gratitude journal
-made it to 500!!
-felt a milestone had been reached
-and [amidst the move & transition of life in August] I lost the journal... :|
(For now anyway... I still have hope it will turn up... deep in the bottom of a bag, in the car... somewhere... and if it doesn't, I have it's twin on standby:)

Well, Marie has inspired me to uncover this lost treasure and get going again... Every day in October is the challenge...

at least one thing you're thankful for

-write it down
-facebook it
-tweet it
-blog it
whatever you do...

Want to join us??

Since it's already October first, I'll go first...

My first thankfulness is going to be you.

...blogland... encouragers.... friends...

I'm thankful for this space

and you who tarry here

and comment/text/call

with your encouragements...

thanks for all the love!

Pray you're blessed this day!

♥♥

Mounting Photos...

2011-09-30T12:33:00.005-04:00

At the studio we mount photos 8x10 and larger onto photo boards, so they're nice and sturdy, rather than flimsy.

Here's a little glimpse at the process...

readying the photographs, mounting paper & photo boards

(tacking iron)

& into the massive vacuum-sealing machine

Love these tools & new know-how!!

For the past two weeks I've gotten almost 40 hours between BBS & Bookland. That was the goal, and thankfully it seems to be working out well.

Now the goal is to use my 'free time' outside of work as well as possible...

(I've been journaling & journaling about this and working on prioritizing my thoughts and how I'm spending my time.... maybe I'll share more later, but today I'm off to meet Kara in real life!!! Yay! :)

Quick t shirt update (by Shannon)

2011-09-29T06:30:00.000-04:00

Love this idea by Shannon...

She's a creativity/cooking/spiritual inspiration!!

Quick t shirt update
(shared straight from Shannon's blog via Google Reader)

I love Hanes mens white v necks. They are comfy, cheap, and can be easily layered. I own a bunch of them. In efforts to make one a little more fun than the normal plain white t shirt I used some embroidery thread to do some decorative stitching along the hemmed edges. I'll probably end up doing another one in another color, maybe with stitching along the arm hole seams and neckline next time.

SC visit, part 2...

2011-09-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

After finishing up in Charleston Saturday afternoon, Jeremy and I headed to Mom & Dad's for a night's stay....

...the door sign and sister hug were the best! :)

Family night ensued....

Kayla had been working on that bubble since we got there, and she finally got it just before we left! :)

arms-length get-everyone-in-the-shot-bf-we-go pic :)

Thankfully before heading back to Raleigh, we saved a few minutes for a suuuper quick stop at the beach and Cracker Barrel to see Stephanie, Shannon & Cade!! ♥

It was a quick trip south, but for a bonus trip, we sure did squeeze in a lot of hugs and sweet times!!!

So thankful!! <3 <3

Speak up...

2011-09-26T07:54:00.001-04:00

So do not be afraid of them,
for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed,
or hidden that will not be made known.

What I tell you in the dark,
speak in the daylight;
what is whispered in your ear,
proclaim from the roofs.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the One
who can destroy both soul & body in Hell.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
Yet not one of them will fall to the ground
outside your Father's care.
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
So don't be afraid;
you are worth more than many sparrows.
-Matthew 10:26-31

Apparently it's more important to please God with our words... by speaking up... rather than keeping quiet in fear of man....

Makes me think....

What's my motivation for speaking up?

What's my motivation for keeping quiet?

What has he whispered in my ear
or told me in the dark?

What needs to be spoken in the daylight
and proclaimed from the rooftops?

Sweet spot...

2011-09-24T12:32:00.000-04:00

What's your sweet spot??

Do you have one?
or more than one?

Have you identified them?

Can you?

Will you?

And once you do...
Can you spend more time there?

What will it take to make that happen?

My sweet spots feel so all-over-the-place...

At times I don't know how to hone-in even if I want to..

I do want to.

I want to be intentional in finding them
and to make a point to focus more time & attention there...

If any of you lacks wisdom,
You should ask God,
Who gives generously to all
Without finding fault,
And it will be given to you.
-James 1:5

Thankfully I have some extra time to journal and pray and read this day.... Back to it...♥

SC visit, part 1...

2011-09-23T17:03:00.001-04:00

Afam... catching up:)

Charleston!!

class meet-up

partners :)

after the rain...

Thankful to get to tag along for this trip!!

Especially thankful to get to stop in and out of home on the way to & from Raleigh! ♥

Learning to frame...

2011-09-20T08:47:00.001-04:00

My new coworker Liz taught me how to frame start-to-finish yesterday!

And I got to practice three on my own... :)

matting

stapled in place

wire for hanging

aaand sealed with a sticker

Time for Day 2...

Day 1 of week 6...

2011-09-19T08:42:00.001-04:00

I get to start a new job today!!!!

After all the asking, seeking, knocking, I got a job at this sweet little studio a mile from our house!!

It's a photography studio + children's boutique, so she's going to need the most help processing orders and editing clothing for the website.. (at least that's what I think she'll need the most help with:)...

This is the photohop test she gave me when I got there!:)

We have a busy week ahead, but come Friday we get to head to Charleston (for Jeremy's school project) and then home Saturday night & Sunday for a quick visit with our families!!!

Yay!!!! :)

Happy Monday, Friends! <3

Running shorts in Raleigh...

2011-09-16T11:23:00.003-04:00

Promptly upon arriving in Raleigh, Jeremy & I noticed the copious amount of RUNNING SHORTS worn in this town!! -not just by college students although they're surely leading the trend, but by everyone it seems!!

And then of course I had to eat any words I may have spoken harshly about trends & how funny it is to see so many people dressed the same! ....because I found this very cute pink pair at GoodWill for $1.39... and I couldn't resist, so I joined the club! :)

(too bad I'm not even a runner. pretty sure it doesn't matter. I instantly feel cooler..... haha-- jk! :)

So then I realized something.....

Running shorts are to Raleigh-kids

Rainbows are to MyrtleBeach-kids!!

True story!! :)

This city is surely growing on me, but I have a feeling I'll always be a beach-kid at heart! ♥

(aren't you glad to know just a little bit more about Raleigh now!? ;)

...and aren't you GLAD it feels like FALL today!!! How Glorious! The running shorts can wait, my jeans and I are going for a walk!! :)

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking...

2011-09-14T13:46:00.000-04:00

Sunday was an Architecture studio day...

Jeremy had lots (and lots!) of drawing to do, and I had a few things I wanted to be still and work on, so I joined him for the afternoon...

Charleston (environment) study...

...land changes over time... (these are just the rough-drafts!!)

(working on my 146 Poems of Love submission I keep talking about)

Once I was finished with my 'work,' I decided to get going....

I wanted to enjoy the nice weather, stroll through campus, and enjoy the walk home (only 1.5 miles) in time to fix supper by the time he stopped for a break.

I'm glad he lets me tag along like that sometimes! It's great to see him in his element, for sure!

Plus, some things just need to be documented, right!? :)

The walk was like therapy.

I love how the Lord works that way with me.

Even with all my stopping and picture taking, it probably only took me 40 minutes, but it felt like weeks worth of ministry to my heart.

(note to self: do this more often!)

I was walking and thinking/praying about my recent job-searches (or lack thereof). It seems as though it was so easy at home because I already knew the community and actually had friends and work people to network with!

But here, starting from scratch, has seemed so hard.

(Thankfully I'm getting good hours and very decent pay at B&N, so it's not that I'm in a hurry or desperate, I just really want to press into what is for me here.)

So as I'm walking and thinking and praying, I just kept asking, What in the world do you have for me here?

I've looked a few places, but I'm not sure where else to try...There are really so many choices, how in the world do I narrow it down?

Then I briefly thought about the Ask / Seek / Knock verse (Matthew 7:7). And the thought that crossed my mind was something like: I don't know what's in store here or which door is the right one, but that doesn't mean I should stop knocking. Surely the more doors I try, the more chance I have of leaning into the right one.

And so after supper, when Jeremy returned to his project, I retreated to our little living room & cozy futon.

I reread Matthew 7 and asked God to help me sort it out a little more...

Ask. Seek. Knock.

To ASK we have to use our mouths... our voice... (and since out of the heart -the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45), we actually have to first believe with our hearts that someone is listening!)

To SEEK we have to use our eyes... our vision... (and sometimes, especially if it's dark where we're seeking, we might even need to engage our hands as well).

To KNOCK we have to first use our feet to get to a door, our will to go for it, and our hands to make some noise on that guy. Right??

Sometimes doors fling open and opportunity finds us...

and sometimes they don't...

most-of-the-times we have to walk up and take the risk of knocking!

And since still sometimes

-nobody's home-

-or they're busy-

-or we have the wrong door-

we must keep going!

Ask again...

Seek some more...

Keep knocking...

I really didn't want to hear this answer.

The answer I'd already decided on: I did it. I knocked... It was kind of hard & uncomfortable, and even though I have no answer, I did it, and now I'm done... All done.

...not the best response on my part. Kind of lazy of me too.

Life can be so much harder than I feel like it being.

But what joy when we persevere!

What joy when we keep on knocking and someone comes to the door with a smile on their face and a welcome mat for us to walk in on!

We've got to know that's the kind of joy He's got in store for us!! [and when we walk through the hard, murky, and often very uncomfortable to get there, (1)we will appreciate it, and (2)we won't miss it!!! ]

Thank you, Jesus, for your encouragement. And for your hard answers that I don't always want to hear, but know that I need. You are better than I can imagine.

J's completed Charleston study

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.... ...Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who [keep on] ask[ing] him! (Matthew 7:7-11)

online reading...

2011-09-12T17:32:00.004-04:00

There's some good stuff out there...

a few things I've found enjoyable & beneficial recently...

Love146's love story. Do read this if you have a minute.

I can't tell you how many times I've read it and cried.

What to do with this sorrow? How can I respond?

(I did send in two images for the 146 Poems of Love project... but my heart is not satisfied... I'm still thinking and praying for more ways to take action.)

Danielle's Take Heart blog: Series of guest posts on adoption (Sept.5-10)

& now her one sweet love adoption fundraiser-giveaway.

Jessi's FREE monthly home goodness. You can download the goods for free: a September calendar printable, week plan page, aaand a 1Peter2:9 print. Soo lovely!

Truly, I recommend Naptime Diaries all together. Shocker. I know. :)

Robin's marriage post: just... breathe... [at incourage.me]

Bob Goff's tweets: I basically love everything this guy writes. It's full of hope & life & truth.

He has a book in the works I think. Looking forward to that one.

And I've got to thank Kara [at just1step.com] for the inspiration for this post.

She's my blogland-Raleigh-friend that I'm hoping to get to know in real life. :)

{her link loves}

Happy reading!

Any favorites to share?

Date night [in Raleigh]...

2011-09-10T16:21:00.005-04:00

This is the first 5-6 week stretch in years of not at least slowing down for a little Friday night date to relax and laugh and enjoy... (yep: years! -since we started dating in November of 2005!!)...

It's also the first Friday night I haven't had to work since we arrived in Raleigh four weeks ago!

So, clearly, we were beyond thrilled to get some reprieve and go enjoy the city we're calling home!

We started with burritos,

a review of J's current project/ideas,

and about a thirty-minute snuggle-nap on the couch...

It was Heavenly!!

By the time we got out the door it was 9pm. Late for us, but we were already feeling quite refreshed and looking forward to getting out...

Fayetteville Street is apparently where things go down in Raleigh.

There was live music,

city lights,

and a Port City Java that rivaled the one in Wilmington (best one ever in my opinion!).

It's so hard to get our head around the fact that we live here.

And that all of this is about 7 minutes from our little abode!

It was a sweet night. So good to relax and spend some time not-striving.
Very refreshing after such long busy weeks!!
<3

(thanks for all the love and prayers! we're definitely encouraged! praying you are too!!)

stretched...

2011-09-09T16:55:00.001-04:00

Grad school has pushed J to say some pretty hilarious things in the past few weeks...

things like...

I guess I'll sleep in December.
Apparently they don't value that here.

and...

Grad school is intense.
It's like getting kicked in the face -- by a ninja!
"Good morning, Hi-YAH!"

haha!!

Truth be told, these have not been easy days... but they have been good days.

We are being stretched and pulled in new directions and are praying new prayers with new fervor & diligence!

And as hard as all of that can feel at times,

I wouldn't change a thing.

The blessings have certainly been maximized as we've pressed in!

This is my encouragement and prayer....

2 Cor. 12:9-10

For when I am weak,

then I am strong.

amen & amen.

Still time to Love 146...

2011-09-06T12:50:00.003-04:00

I've been wanting to prepare a submission for this project by Amber Morris, and with all the transition, I just haven't done it yet....

BUT, there's still time!!

Poem or Photography submissions are due via email on or before September 30th.

Wanna submit one with me??

Check out Amber's post about the project:

Once Upon a Time: 146Poems: "I am very excited to invite you to participate in a special book project: 146 Poems of Love. It is a project inspired by the organization ..."

blessing & cursing...

2011-09-04T15:46:00.002-04:00

Proverbs 30 got me this morning...

"If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth. For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife." (vs.32-33)

I have grumbled and complained where I should not.

I have hoped that my complaints would not sound like such, would not be taken as ingratitude, but that they would produce some sort of good. And this just cannot be... It just doesn't work that way. It is true: "a man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7)...

Pressing the nose produces blood... not goodness.

So here I am -putting my hand over my mouth.

I will not curse, but only bless..

I will not grumble & complain in deceit that good will come of it. That is pure lie.

(Jessi made a challenge along these lines a little while back... Good words: NaptimeDiaries.com)

{{the window pictured above is a collage/painting thing I made in 2009ish for a silent auction-fundraiser for Abiding Village.}}

wait for it...

2011-09-01T08:21:00.000-04:00

Psalm 37

Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

(read the rest here...)

Sweet encouragement....
Trusting him.
Waiting and watching and asking for eyes to see....

Family pictures...

2011-08-29T15:38:00.001-04:00

I got to take some pictures of the Hensleys earlier this month.... seriously a joy!

With all the transition, I knew it would take me a few weeks to get them edited and shared, but I'm happy to report, the disc is going in the mail today!!

And I posted more pictures from the shoot over at OrganicMuse.com.

Finally, an update...

2011-08-25T11:36:00.000-04:00

Yep, yep.. There's finally a Raleigh update over at sunsetsandsushi.com! ♥

How can this be??

2011-08-21T23:03:00.005-04:00

We learned yesterday morning that a dear friend lost her three year old little boy to a tragic gun accident!!

My heart is broken in a thousand pieces for this mom.

I had to choke back tears while ringing people up at Bookland last night. And this morning in church I had to constantly divert my thoughts not to break down into sobs for her.

Apparently she & her fiance were standing by the car when he picked up a hand gun that was inadvertently left in the vehicle.

I can't imagine the horror! I need to sob and mourn for his lost life... For this mom that has been robbed of seeing her boy grow to manhood... For the love between she and her fiance that is forever changed.

What will happen now?

Will she cling to the Lord or clinch her fists?

Will she ever stop mourning?

Can God's love and comfort be this big?

Surely it can!
(Lord, help my unbelief!)

Can you comfort this mother?

Can you be her refuge and strong tower?

Can you restore & heal a wound this deep?

I know you are mighty to save (Isaiah 63:1). I know your arm is not too short and your ears are not dull (Isaiah 59:1). I know you give good gifts to your children (Matthew 7:11) and give us beauty from ashes and a garment of praise instead of mourning (Isaiah 61:3).

Please comfort. Please restore. Please be as big as your word says you are. Thank you for hope and faith! Thank you for your love- especially now when we cannot make sense of the pain & sorrow around us! Please comfort this mom as only you can. Please use us to shine your light and be your hands and feet in a hurting world.

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
-Isaiah 40:28-31

(this pic is from a set we took in 2008 when T was almost one)

Miss you, MB...

2011-08-17T13:49:00.002-04:00

Miss you, Ocean...

Miss you, Back Porch...

Miss you, Kitty...

Miss you, Kitchen table (& packing mess)...

Miss you Friends & Family...

We're getting all settled in here, but we miss you more than ever! ♥

Raleigh: day 1

2011-08-15T10:52:00.000-04:00

Moving day (yesterday) went well.

And now... it's on.

J. is at orientation and I am at the library (bumming internet since ours won't be turned on for two weeks:).

Our stuff is mostly unpacked.

Our place is lovely.

And now it's time to find our way around this town....

I've google-mapped the essentials (walmart, trader joes, sam's, and work)!!

Crazy starting this new chapter. Good crazy though.

Leaving our families & friends (and the ocean) were the hardest parts, but we're praying that as we step out that new & excellent fruit will be cultivated in our lives and in the lives of those we love! ♥♥

Hope you're blessed today and embarking on new adventures of your own.
♥

Sayonaras...

2011-08-13T11:26:00.008-04:00

These last few weeks have been filled with lots of 'see-ya-laters'.. It's been awesome and oh so sad.

I know this new chapter will bring new friendships and adventures, but I can't help but think of how dearly I'll miss these treasures!!!

cousin-week 2011

nephew Cade... (8 weeks)

oh, Sister... I'm not saying bye to you!

Here we go!!

Staycation 2011

2011-08-08T07:27:00.001-04:00

Cousin-week is here and we are soaking it up!!!

Many adventures to be had this week..

Then it's off to Raleigh we go!!
♥ ♥

Photog-certificate...

2011-08-01T17:47:00.003-04:00

Last week I had my last of three photography classes at HGTC.

These pictures were part of my portfolio... Glad to get some good feedback and learn more about the field.

Getting a photography job of some kind still seems too good to be true!

But maybe it's not...

Maybe Raleigh will have a continue-learning-and-growing-photog-job just for me! ♥

Claire's Catalyst post...

2011-07-31T16:44:00.002-04:00

Remember Claire's Clean Water blog?

Well, she's been asked by Catalyst bloggers to revamp her legacy-leaver post for their blog!

Pretty awesome stuff... Check it out here. ♥

the gift of grace... [thoughts on marriage]

2011-07-30T10:01:00.009-04:00

We've been going and going around here, so it was great to take a break with each other last week.

It's a sweet gift to get to enjoy the company of another like this...

Whenever anyone asks, I am quick to declare the sweetness of marriage (especially with someone who is humble & kind like my guy!) -but there is a super hard part... Chip Judd described it during our wedding service (which I was recently reminded of when we snuggled up and watched the video of our ceremony the other night).

I'm going to go ahead and quote the part because he was kind enough to give us his words in writing...

The best metaphor I have come up with for marriage is a mirror. The only way we truly get to know ourselves is through interaction with others, the closer, the more consistent --the better.

No relationship brings us closer more consistently than marriage. Within a marriage you are able to see yourself more accurately for who you really are than in any other relationship.

When God says in Genesis 2 that Adam & Eve were "both naked but they felt no shame," He was stating a fact and a standard. The fact is inevitable --you will see each other without clothes or covering. The standard --"they felt no shame"-- is not automatic or inevitable.

One of the greatest goals toward which your marriage can strive is to create an oasis of acceptance for your beloved. One place on earth that is always safe to return to. One place on earth where you are fully known but fully loved....

I just love those words...

Of course as any of us do life together closely, the friction rubs.. But sometimes, for me at least, the hard part of that friction is not the other, but the me-part. When I am ugly, crabby, or downright slothful, I don't want to be seen or known. When the other still loves and gives me undeserved kindess, the friction burns, I can't accept it. I want to run & hide.

I recently wrote in my 1000 Gifts journal a thanks for "vulnerability with J.. How I long for it, give it, cringe, & realize his constant love again & again!" This is my hard, beautiful cycle.

Thank God he loves us like he does- and that he uses the sweet love of others to make us realize the reality of that love- at our best, and especially at our worst! Thank God for loving husbands and parents and guardians. Thank God for Jesus- I can't imagine having to earn or deserve his love. What a sad, hopeless story that would be. I pray you're blessed with the sweet love of caring friends & family- and that you're able to bless others in this way- by loving them all the way -deserving or not! ♥

[[My goal here is not to put myself down- but it's somehow beneficial for me to realize that the hard part of loving for me is not so much loving the others' hard places, but letting then love me through mine..

I think even spiritually I hit the same road block: I don't expect God to bless me here or there, as I clearly don't deserve it.. And when he blesses me anyway, I am reminded it's not about deserving his love -or earning it- but that it's a gift to be received!]]

Skype...

2011-07-26T06:49:00.002-04:00

My little Sis is up in NY visiting our extended family and she asked Mom if we could skype Sunday night.

This was the excellent result... 4 cousins + Sister laughing & playing -and Kayla putting her face too close to the camera for the better part of thirty-nine minutes.

Kind of awesome. :)

(yes they are eating corn in that pic.. I think Kayla was showing off that she was eating & liking a vegetable!:)

Cade...

2011-07-24T19:20:00.004-04:00

The nephew is getting cuter and cuter!!

Love watching him grow!! ♥

(I had him for over an hour while he was sleeping!♥♥)

Love that A-fam. It was Shannon's birthday, but apparently Cade stole the show. Sorry, brother. Maybe next year. Or maybe not. ;)

catching up [with iPhonography]..

2011-07-20T20:10:00.008-04:00

The driving test is over... We killed it! :)
So glad it's done.

I feel like we can get back to enjoying our last few weeks at home...(PS- Jeremy has a link to a 'cheat sheet' that really helped. If you ever have to take the NC Driver's test, let me know, we'll gladly share the wealth!!)

I've been adding most of my favorite phone pics to my Flickr stream lately, but I have missed some good ones, so here's a little [very mismatched] photo catch-up...

Saturday beach walk...

More pool-time with Sister...

after work Jill-family date + neighbor-friend...

Jeremy & Doug @ Fresh Brewed...

PF Chang's with some sweet ladies...

Kayla & Kenzie's purple streaks...

Jordan-twin time...

Baby Cade: already a month old...

BN visit from a high school friend, baby & lil sis! <3

Yard Sale goodness...

aaaand a glimpse at our little Raleigh space! :)

It's been a good couple of weeks... we definitely look forward to packing as much MB-friend-family-goodness into the next 3 & 1/2!! ♥

Early to bed... Early to rise...

2011-07-13T18:08:00.004-04:00

That's my 1% change...

I must get to bed earlier
(norm: 11-ish; goal: before 10)

so that I can wake earlier
(norm: 6ish; goal: 5ish)

It's a hard discipline for me, buuut, the quiet morning-time before work is worth it!

I could probably elaborate, but I have Yard Sale signs to make for Saturday and this silly driver's manual to read for next week... soooo, that's all for now! ♥ ♥

So much for reading what we want to read...

2011-07-11T06:53:00.001-04:00

Jeremy and I will have our noses in the NC Driver's Handbook for eight more days.

We spent the weekend prepping some of our big stuff (futon, coffee table, etc.) for our first official Raleigh-moving-session next Monday.

Then, Tuesday morning, we have driving test appointments (which puts us a step closer to in-state tuition for next year)!!

Little sister, Big story...

2011-07-10T17:01:00.004-04:00

Some already know Kayla's adoption story, however, until last weekend, Kayla herself didn't realize what a great big story she had...

My dad wrote it out in a basic way he knew she'd be able to read and understand.

It's quite beautiful.

I'm just going to post the images, so you'll have to click on them to enlarge them if you want to read it...

She took it well, and has had really minimal questions so far...

I look forward to her knowing some of the more intimate details for sure, but for now, I'm just glad that they went for it and that she knows how much we absolutely love and treasure her.

Thankful for the gift of her life to ours. ♥

Quitter...

2011-07-06T07:39:00.001-04:00

Jeremy & I made it through Quitter this weekend.
(For me at least, this is a testament to the ease of the read!!)

It was not only easy to read, it was quite hilarious and extremely helpful!

I kinda loved every minute of it... (& it's one of only two books I've ever read in so few sittings/days!!)

Whether you like your day job or not, whether you have a big dream in your heart or not, whether you're married or single, employed or unemployed, I'd recommend this book. It's that good. ♥

Mystery of Freedom (by Chip Judd)

2011-07-04T12:50:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we went to Victory Christian Fellowship (our kinda-sorta second-home church & where Jeremy's parents regularly attend).

Chip Judd, one of our personal heroes and the founding pastor there, was speaking.

His sermon Mystery of Freedom was so good, I wanted to post my notes here... (That's a link to the audio... If you've got approximately 36 minutes, it's worth the listen!)

VCF- Sun. 7/3/11
Mystery of Freedom -Chip Judd

For all of us, there's a championships we want to win...
[Me: marriage, parent/family, [insert fully defined dream here]]

We proclaim Christ... So that you all may grow up/mature in him..(?)

[I think it was this verse: He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. -Col.1:28-29]

Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it! (Matthew 7:13-14)

John 8:31-32

Free: the power to direct our actions without the control or influence of any other person or thing; self-directed or governed

One of the greatest obstacles in life= our freedom.

If you really want a life the life of intimacy & impact, you need to find the narrow road... (Matthew 7:13-14)

The mystery of Freedom--
I am free, but...
Freedom is a gift I should never keep.

The moment you keep freedom, you go into slavery --to the meanest master you will ever serve-- yourself!

With self at the center:
...we put ourselves in the place of God.
...we create solutions to our needs / challenges.
...we take ourselves out from under God's protection.

He always has a solution for you!
--but it's not always comfortable
--& we don't always want to hear it!

Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it... (Luke 9:24)

No goal/desire will be achieved w/out self-denial & surrender to something...

You can't get what you want by always getting what you want!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

We seriously love this guy.
Love his wisdom.
Thankful for his speaking it into our lives over the years.

Happy Fourth, blogland! ♥

PS- Shameless husband plug: Jeremy happens to be the builder/designer of Chip's site, so there's the link again, in case you want to check out his handy work. ;)

Jeremy. Music. Friday.

2011-07-02T09:32:00.002-04:00

Jeremy & Doug will be back at Fresh Brewed this Friday...

8:00 pm-ish...

Come hear and see and worship... ♥

turning the page...

2011-07-01T07:35:00.001-04:00

Finished this beautiful book last night before sleep.

Thankful for this sweet Ann, full of grace, and for the journey of One Thousand Gifts.

As a result of this read, I'm still going strong on my own gratitude journal. It's small and wonderful, and I keep it handy at all times... (It's especially helpful when I'd rather complain.. It daily reminds me of all the great [and ugly-beautiful] things I have to be thankful for...)

With July being our last full month here at home before heading to Raleigh, I'm excited to be starting Quitter by Jon Acuff! (Jeremy's already half way through and continues to encourage me how much I will love this read. --Being the often very reluctant reader that I am, this is a great blessing!:)

Looking forward to closing the gap between my day job and my dream job with Jon- who works for Dave Ramsey, by the way... (Yep. That puts him waaay up in my book!:)

Happy Friday, Blogland! ♥

What are you reading??

Food Changes

2011-06-30T21:41:00.000-04:00

After watching Food Inc. this past weekend, there are a few baby steps I'm inspired to take....

1. Eat less meat.

2. Buy more organic.

3. Buy more whole foods. Start cutting out processed foods.

4. Reevaluate the bread we buy. [Learn to make my own.]

5. And finally, read (or listen to) this book In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan.

Pretty excited Naptime Diaries' is back with the 1% changes this week too... perfect timing! :)

Sister's heart...

2011-06-29T22:28:00.002-04:00

Kayla told me tonight she accepted Christ at camp last week.

And she wants to be baptized.

I'm really thrilled for her and this journey she's on.

Thanks for those of you who are praying and loving her with me.

Keep keeping her, Lord. Thanks for her sweet sweet heart. May it be soft and pliable in your hands. [and mine also!] <3

Girls' Night Babies...

2011-06-29T21:52:00.001-04:00

Lately we've been aiming to have a girls' night at least once per month.

As if the girl-time wasn't enough, these cuties have filled the space with fun and laughter!

Sweet, sweet gifts from Heaven! <3

Columbia weekend...

2011-06-27T08:24:00.011-04:00
We just enjoyed our second annual Floyd-family weekend thanks to my husband's attendance at the Converge SE conference...

We played ball in the house, swam, and snuggled the sweet Floyd boys in the mornings [while being served coffee & breakfast!!]...

I was also able to work in a Naptime Diaries' family photo-shoot!!

Quite the honor capturing this lovely fam!!

...I posted a few more pics on my new Picture Page! ♥

Aaaand we watched the very informative, absolutely life-changing Food Inc. before heading home yesterday!!!

If you eat, ever, I recommend you watch it too. It's that important! Seriously.
(It's on Netflix and quite possibly at your favorite local library!!)

Praying for little ones...

2011-06-22T17:14:00.000-04:00

(Anna & Kayla at least two years ago...)

My sister and her friend are away at church camp this week....

They went last year too and loved it.

I pray that more than ever they will see and hear the greatness of our God.
I pray they realize his big big love for them this week!!

Thankful for each couselor and child there..
I pray they come home with a fervor that cannot be snuffed out!!

(They let us email them too.. They print the emails daily and give them to the campers! How cool is that!?)

Thanks for your big love, God. Pour it out on all these little ones!! <3

eventful week...

2011-06-18T15:13:00.006-04:00
It's been quite the week around here...

Last weekend was mom's birthday & Kayla's dance recital... (trying on hats at random)

We had our Monday night time with the G-fam...

...aaand the Jordans came by... Kayla wanted to give them a show :)

...a Conway date with Myranda...

...a quick visit with my favorite Rogersons...

And more time with brand new Baby Cade!!

more pics from his first two days of life... <3

Thankful for this lazy Saturday to play with pictures and hang around with my love.

We're off to see the A-fam tonight and then time with Cade and our dads tomorrow!

Happy Weekend! ♥

Baby Cade came today!!!

2011-06-15T21:39:00.003-04:00
He was scheduled for July, the second week...

buuut, when S&S went to their doctor's appointment today, her blood pressure was way up and she had apparently developed preeclampsia... So they decided to do an emergency c-section. today.

And we are thanking God all is well with the little man!

He is healthy, handsome, and we are all so thrilled to have him here!! ♥

On with the pictures already.....

♥ ♥ ♥

Pool time with Sister...

2011-06-12T14:54:00.002-04:00
She's too much fun. Really...

She had me jumping from the side and turning my hair over like George Washington... I felt 12 again and loved it! :)

aaaand we had s'mores after supper!!

Kinda awesome.

Yay Summer!! ♥

transitions on my mind...

2011-06-07T22:44:00.011-04:00

(basement apt. reserved for us in Raleigh)

What's on my heart really...
Raleigh... moving... clearing the clutter [simplifying before moving]... and enjoying the days/time we have left....

This apt-above-the-garage [where we currently live] has been my abode since college graduation: 10. years. ago. ((How did that many years go by already!?? They've been full and wonderful, almost every one, but ten!? really!?))

And so, as this part of our story comes to a close, we have a whole new chapter ready to be written.

I'm anticipating and welcoming The Raleigh Chapter, but of course I'm a little nervous-excited too.

(Jeremy helping with worship during our last visit. And I got to help with the song-projection!:)

My hopes and dreams for our life ahead:
continued unity in marriage
growth: spiritual & personal
community
meaningful, fruitful work
FUN
Joy & constant thanksgiving (like Ann V. talks about in her book that I'm loving)

Meet His Gaze

2011-06-07T20:54:00.004-04:00

Chin up, Child,
Meet His Gaze.
His arms are open wide.

Chin up, child.
Look into My eyes.
Don't be shy.
Don't look away.

Let Me meet you here.
Meet Me.
Meet Love.
My Love,
My Grace,
It is Sufficient.

You are fully loved.
Do not fear;
Take courage.
Keep walking.
I will be with you;
Always.

I will never leave you.
Though man may forsake you,
I will never forsake you.

You are Mine.
I am yours.
Remember.
Always:
Everytime you eat,
Everytime you drink,
Remember my love.
Remember my sacrifice.
It is for you.

I am with you.
Always.
Forever.

You are mine.
I am Yours.

Chin up.
Embrace.
Speak up.
Call out.
Speak Life.
Love.
Nurture.

Go in My strength,
And power,
And might.

[Inspired by a challenge one Sunday during our visit to Raleigh... a Triangle Vineyard Church member spoke up, "Many come with our eyes downcast [ashamed or weary]. Let's lift our eyes and meet His loving gaze."]

mmm...

Thanks for that, Dear Woman.
♥

{{link to comments}}

Jewelry for a reason...

2011-06-06T20:38:00.004-04:00
Super fun having Steph home for a little while!

And a lot of fun having a party to sell the jewelry that supports the ministry she & Jen do in Thailand.....

A few pics from the party....♥

the hostess with the mostess ;)

Mom's smart idea...

The best part is, they raised $1000 for BTN, just with the two jewelry parties she had during her visit home!!

...dollars for BTN translates to discipled leaders, protected girls, and orphan care (in the works)!

Embracing the Camera with Sam...

2011-06-05T20:29:00.003-04:00
It was an eventful week for my good friend Sammie...

I'm so thankful she was in town for her birthday/engagement day (and that I got to be there for both)!!

Then Jeremy & I came back for more for her family's annual(ish) Crab Fest!!

One day left... jump in the shot and go link up with Emily!

{{to comments}}

Compassion Doers...

2011-06-04T10:01:00.007-04:00
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only... (James 1:22)

This is the real deal...

These laborers are DOing... not just thinking about, or being inspired by someone else's story (although they probably were at some time).

They have gotten off the couch, or out of the office, away from their homes and comforts and have decided to act and work and hug and see and do.

And I am completely awed, inspired, and praying God, keep making me a doer too!

Teach My People, Summer 2007 {{more}}

When you have a few minutes, do read some of these stories...

I kinda hope you have tears as thick as mine while reading their accounts of their trip to the Phillippines with Compassion International...

(Then come back and let me know and maybe we can talk about some things we can do together!) ♥

Emily @ Chatting at the Sky...
I read Day 3... (I'd say it was as good of a place to start as any!)

Kat @Inspired to Action...
I started with The Power of Being Known (plus I've read some other excellent posts by her along the way!)

and Keely @ keelymariescott.com...
She's a photographer, ya'll... oh my. If you only have time for one: Please, go check out those pictures!!

((There are more people blogging with Compassion [on the same trip] but I didn't have alllll day, so you'll have to go check them out if you want to find more Doers from the trip!))

Freedom Readers, June 2010 {{more}}

And if you're so inclined, do go pray for [or SPONSOR] one of these precious ones through Compassion.

**The pics in this post are of times when I felt like I was really DOing, being the gospel, and loving [little ones] like I'm called to do.

Keep me DOing, Lord. Let me not be stagnant or content to stand-by, inspired, but still. Put me to work. Here I am, Send me. (Why does it scare me to say that out loud!? Maybe because I know how hard this work can be.) Little ones are not easy. (neither are big ones) But they're worth it. They're worth every bead of sweat, every tear. So here I am, trusting in His Good plans and purposes (Jer.29:11)! Help my unbelief. Pick me!

I linked this up with Casey for What's on Your Heart Friday link-up...

{{Link to Comments.}}

JK News (and a stolen 1% change)...

2011-06-02T22:17:00.009-04:00

Remember that time we had a little Sunsets & Sushi site where we published updates for friends & family??

Yep, that one that doesn't get a whole lot of love all the time -mostly because I'm too busy playing over here in blogland -and with life in general! :)

Well, there's finally a new update over there!!

Some news you may or may not already know about our location and life for the next few years...

Are you curious yet???

Go see what we're up to already! ;)

PS-- I decided I loved Naptime Diaries' 1% change this week so much, that I will just be adopting it as my own... verbatim. So if you're curious about that too, you can head over there and read her challenge to make an extra meal once in a while & bless somebody with it...... a very good challenge indeed!

(Clearly I love that lady and think she has some pretty great ideas!! Hope you're encouraged and spurred-on too!:)

[I do have my own next 1% change welling up in my heart and mind, I just need to carve out some time to write it...]

♥ ♥

A Friend Made It...

2011-05-30T17:33:00.002-04:00
So in early May, Naptime Diaries' had a massive Motherload Giveaway, and I just so happened to be the lucky winner of this sweet little pillow case dress...

A Friend Made It!

And it just so happens to (almost) totally fit my sweet friend Jill's big girl Carly... who happens to have two little sisters that will eventually grow into it too!!

Earlier in the visit they had water-play-time........

Sooo fun!! :)

What are you doing to protect your marriage?

2011-05-28T07:19:00.002-04:00
Somewhere along the way I started email-following Michael Hyatt's blog.

I don't know too much about him, but that he has a healthy marriage and is chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers.

This post caught my attention last week...

It's short, to the point, and very beneficial...

This is a crazy world, and while we need not live in fear, we must be equipped and on guard from the enemy's schemes!! (Ephesians 6:10-12).

All this is hitting especially close to home as I've just learned about a dear friend with two precious little ones who's losing her husband.

My heart breaks for them.

The devil is cunning. None of us are immune or invincible to his schemes. Lord, build us up in your armor and protection that we might not fall prey. Please bless this family and bring reconciliation, peace, hope, healing. Fight with and for them. Bring them your victory for your glory...

{{The link again for MH's post.}}

baked or fried?

2011-05-25T21:12:00.005-04:00
no question.

I always (always) choose fried.

ahh, wrong answer, I know.

But I loooove fried.

For a snack when I got home, I devoured my sweet husband's leftover waffle fries that he saved just for me, because he knows how very much I love them... and then my dad made these for supper!!!

crispy fried goodness... it's a shame that I love them so. really it is.

SO, in the spirit of 1% changes (baby-step-size -that's why I LOVE this game!) --I want to adopt the challenge to replace fried with baked once in a while!

I've already given up fast food this year, so that's not even my vice right now...

But, come date night or the occasional Sunday lunch out, basically whenever I'm given the opportunity, 100% of the time I choose fried -- potatoes, chicken, whathaveyou..... (sometimes may be acceptable, but 100% is just. too. much.)

So, I called my mom-in-love on the way home today just to ask how she does her delicious baked potato fries... It may be just the same way you do yours, but I'll post the steps anyway... even if for myself so that I'll be ready to DO them next time my french fry craving hits (like tomorrow;)...

Cut up potatoes and put them in a zip lock bag,
add some oil,
cheyenne pepper,
minced garlic (or garlic powder if you have none to mince)

Give it some shake-shakes.

Spread them on an oven pan.

Bake at 425 for 10 minutes.
Then switch to broil for 10 more minutes (instead of stirring them around... brilliant if you ask me... either way though!)

and voila... pure goodness.... and it's not even fried!! :)

[she mentioned too that you could soak the freshly cut potatoes in ice water for a minute before adding them to the seasoning-bag..... her fresh-out-of-the-garden-potatoes didn't need such love, but maybe when using store-bought ones, I'll go ahead and add that step:]

Bloggers, link up with a healthy recipe or 1% change??

You're invited...

2011-05-22T23:30:00.004-04:00

Tuesday night we're having a jewelry party to benefit Bridge the Nations...

[This is the ministry Steph has been working with in Thailand for the last two years!]

If you live in this town and you're interested in supporting this ministry, you should definitely let me know so I can tell you when & where to be!!

(And even if you don't live here but want to check out the jewelry, here's a PDF of the catalogue! -minus prices)

<3

Photo apps are my favorite....

2011-05-21T09:34:00.003-04:00

It's no big news that I've been totally enthralled with these two photo apps: Diptic (the collage maker) and Instagram (the color-effects one)....

Soooo, welcome to my faves of the week Diptic/Instagram-style.... ♥

K & M after Kayla's recital last weekend...

G-family night with the BFFs...

Bellacino's & bracelet-making with Myranda...

Before & After haircut collage...

Clearly he takes the cake
for most drastic!
Mmm...
And most handsome!;)

aaaand, a fabulous midweek datenight to Huntington Beach!

Love these sweet moments... Documenting/sharing them just makes them all the sweeter! <3

{{Don't 'cha just love these apps?? They make iPhonography so much fun!!}}

Linked up with The Anderson's (I mean Amy's) Embrace the Camera this week! ♥

Renew the Mind...

2011-05-18T22:31:00.001-04:00

A change I've made before (way too many years ago) and I'm working on adopting again is memorizing Scripture...

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

There's something about getting it on your mind and down in your heart...

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

It's not about piety or works, but long-term-knowledge, and change.

By working the truth into my mind, I am nurturing my own spirit and helping it follow God's lead --rather than leaving it to it's own devices!

So my 1% change is to RENEW MY MIND by committing Scripture to memory (1-2 verses every two weeks for now).

Having a friend in it with you can make allll the difference. A few weeks ago I emailed a girl from my last book-study and mentioned that I was wanting to work on memorizing but was having trouble getting off the ground.... She immediately accepted the challenge with me and now we have a quick phone/recital date every other week.... Sweet, huh!? :)

We're working through this Armor of God passage from Ephesians 6.

Looking forward to reading all your changes this week.... {Naptime Diaries' link up}

♥ ♥

Twin Birthday Parade...

2011-05-16T07:11:00.003-04:00
This time last year our friend-cousins the Jordans were at MUSC where their babies were born twelve weeks premature!! Naturally, they were suuuper tiny and still had a lot of developing to do, resulting in a grueling [yet hopeful!] three months there in the NICU...

{{Pictures from last May...}}

BUT NOW... they are healthy, happy, and sooo stinkin CUTE!!!

And I had the sweet privilege of taking pictures at their birthday party Saturday... Enjoy! :)

cousins:)

sisters & friends... a few road trip pics

2011-05-15T20:10:00.001-04:00
Steph and I hit the road this Thursday to see these twin beauties in Columbia... They were way too sweet and kind-- amusing us with dinner, hilarious sister stories, 30 Rock via Netflix, and brunch on Friday before we came back to the beach & they headed for Charleston...

It was great getting to spend some quality time with these dear ones Kristin & Kelley...

Kelley & Steph... brunch at The Gourmet Shop

so cute in their matching sunglasses

Friday AM walk with my new camera friend...

mmmm... Moe's for the ride home<3

Fun times! ♥

Eat Right for Your Type...

2011-05-14T07:49:00.000-04:00

A few years back, I came across this book... Eat Right for Your Type by Peter J. D'Adamo ...I kinda love it! Not everyone agrees with the guy's research & philosophy, but I found it helpful for getting me on the right track with food choices.

Being that I have type A blood, D'Adamo encourages me to get my proteins from beans rather than meats.... this bean dip recipe has been one of my favorites...

[I'd like to say it's better with black beans (b/c they're my favorite), but personally I think it's way better with pinto beans]....

Happy changing, friends! ...Hope you too have been encouraged by all this to keep making those small, consistent, baby-step-ish changes for the greater good...... I certainly have appreciated the challenge!!

{link up with Naptime Diaries!}

the reason...

2011-05-10T22:48:00.000-04:00
The fact that I have the last three mother's days documented here in blogland feels like part of the reason God made blogging!

I love a good memory...

especially a visual one...

so as not to break tradition, I must declare yet another sweet mother's day has been had..... this year was suuuper nice.....

Just about every Sunday, you'll find the Alford's at Nagoya's... this Sunday was no different. I absolutely love when we get to join them.

Good food and really good times with this sweet family-in-love. (They're such good sports with me always taking their pictures too... glad for that!!:)

Stephanie was 31 weeks this Monday.

Seriously can't wait to meet Baby Cade!

So very thrilled for them (last year was rough)!! ♥

This is a seriously blessed family.

Gary is basically a third brother to Shannon & Jeremy.

Rare jewels -these two. Right here in the flesh.

Sooooo glad she loves me. This sweet lady has been a blessing of a mom like I've never known. Her heart is a deep well that never runs dry (as in a 'living water' kind of well like John 7:38 talks about).....

So after church & lunch we came home for a quick nap before dinner with the Granchellis..... always a good time with this bunch..... Kayla was our waitress for the evening..... (and it was awesome!:)

As far as I can tell, Mom felt good and spoiled with cards, presents, burgers from the grill, and Kayla's homemade fruit salad (sliced fruit, plus our choice of whip cream &/or carmel drizzle... nicely done, Sister!!!!)

We topped off the night with a bike ride around the neighborhood... Seriously good times.... Hope yours was good and that you felt loved. Lots of hurt and hard stuff happening every day. I know at least two neighbors that lost their moms this year.

Thankful to get to seize these moments and spoil ours a little....

Much love, bloggers...

1% changes tomorrow..... :)

(Mom's Day archives... 2008 // 2009 // 2010) ♥

embracing the camera...

2011-05-07T06:40:00.002-04:00
A few of my very favorite things this week....

I got to visit my former kiddos at Teach My People!!

Jeremy and I got to enjoy a sweeeeet bike ride through Huntington Beach State Park.

And we had my BFF over for supper again... (If you don't know Steph, she's been living in Thailand for the past two years and is home visiting for about a month, so we're trying to get in as much hang-time as possible!!)

I linked-up this post to The Anderson Crew where Emily invites bloggers to Embrace the Camera... (I haven't been following these guys very long, but long enough to know they're an adorable, Jesus-loving, adoption-practicing family.)

on life & death and a best friend's legacy..

2011-05-06T10:10:00.007-04:00
My heart and mind have been heavy this week as I've considered and prayed and mourned the loss of a sweet girl I only met twice.

Even though I barely knew Mary, I've had the saddest, somehow beautiful, priveledge of walking through this tragedy with her closest friend, Claire...

Mary & Claire, 2006

Claire's words on their friendship and a life-giving, clean water legacy of these two friends:

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2011

A Tribute to a Legacy Leaver
What legacy are you going to leave? Several months back I asked that question on this blog, and I hope it was something you honestly wrestled with. Now I would like to share with you the story of the legacy of my dearest friend.

About five years ago, I was living in an apartment in Myrtle Beach. One day I was taking the water dog for a walk, and we met some new neighbors who had moved into the apartment below ours. Darcy thought Piper, their dog, was friendly, and I was impressed that Mary knew immediately who my male dog was named after. A few nights later, I went completely against my character and decided to take a risk on this potential friendship. I walked down to their apartment, knocked on the door, and asked if they'd like to hang out. From that moment on, Mary and I became practically inseparable. We only grew closer after Mary and her family moved to Savannah and then Alabama. I have had many great friends during my life but Mary was an especially precious gift. I can't remember a single fight we ever had. She always accepted me for who I am. She never hurt me. She taught me so much and helped me become more like who God wants me to be. And, I have never laughed as hard or been as happy as I was in her presence. Plus, I got her amazing and big hearted husband, Corey, and Darcy got his two best friends in the world, Piper and Bogie.

If you've followed this blog at all, you know Mary's name. Mary was the one sitting next to me at Catalyst when I heard God tell me to raise money for a well, fast for a month, and write this blog. When I turned to her and told her this, she immediately told me she believed in me and how could she help. I'd like to say that I would have gone forward with this project even if she had not been supportive but I know that would be a lie.

Mary didn't just support me in this project; she actively worked for its success. Every client she saw at her salon during those three months heard about the water project and the water situation in our world. She wore the charity:water bracelet every day and told whoever noticed it what it meant. She celebrated with me when donations were coming in, and she cried with me when they weren't. She encouraged me when people weren't supportive and questioned what I was doing. She listened to rough drafts of blog posts over the phone, and she let me talk out ideas I had with her. At the end of the campaign when it didn't look like the money was going to come in, she supported me in my big leap of faith and reminded me that she believed in me and in this project. My joy was her joy, my anger her anger, my tears her tears, and in the end, any success I can claim was also hers. I can honestly and without a doubt say that I could not have done what I did without her.

This past Sunday Mary was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 28. In one worlds destroying moment, Corey lost his beloved wife, a family lost their precious daughter, and I lost the Jonathan to my David. The last few days have been ones of deep pain and heart crushing brokenness.

I thought it only fitting that the well Mary worked so hard with me to build be built in her honor. So, yesterday I called charity:water and asked if this would be possible. And now, when our well is finished, there will be a plaque on it that reads "In Honor of Mary Whitfield."

Someday children will dance in the water of that well, the same children who are healthy and in school because of that clean water. Women will be safe from the dangers of walking miles to and from clean water sources. And, the economic situation of a community has the increased potential of improving because of access to clean water. I can think of no better tribute to one of the best people I ever known and one of the most precious people to my heart.

I won't see Mary again until she greets me at Heaven's gates but I find joy amidst all this pain in knowing that her legacy is continuing and the world is just that much better because of her. I see her smiling, joyful face in my mind and know that if I do nothing else in my life, I have done something to honor the best and truest friend I have ever had.

If you would like to contribute to Mary's growing legacy, please consider donating to charity:water at http://www.charitywater.org/donate/ or an anti-drunk driving organization of your choice.

(You can view Claire's original post here.)

Prayer closet

2011-05-04T21:31:00.006-04:00
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret... (Matthew 6:6)

My 1% change this week is simply this....going into my room or closet, closing the door, and spending some quality time with God in prayer each day.

Tenderly inspired by Matthew 6 & Bill Hybel's Too Busy Not to Pray.

Beth Moore's Praying God's Word
Another great resource... It's a topical prayer guide, and it's seriously great stuff!

{Link back to Naptime Diaries' 1% change this week}

life is short but sweet for certain...

2011-05-01T22:10:00.001-04:00
My sweet friend Claire lost her dear friend Mary today.

The details are still vague, but apparently she was hit by a drunk driver.

Mary was a young wife, a daughter & baby sister to three brothers. She doesn't live here, but she and Claire get together several times a year to travel, shop, eat ice cream for lunch, and all around encourage each other.

I'm thankful Claire called this morning...

Thankful I was able to go be with her.

Thankful for Mary's life.

28 years.
Just a blink.

A few of our closest friends came over after church.

So we walked.

and talked.

and cried.

and laughed a little.

It was a good, sad day.

Still trying to wrap my head around the finality of this physical death.... Mary loved the Lord, and I'm thankful for the thought of her in Heaven with Jesus. I pray her family and husband are comforted and know His peace. I pray it is thick and tangible to them... and to Claire.
Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1: 3-5)
{post title credit: Dave Matthews Band, "Two Step"}

It's Not Okay...

2011-04-30T22:38:00.010-04:00
Of course lots of things going on in this crooked world are not okay, but whenever this issue arrises, it hits a nerve, and I really just need to get this out... (so thanks for listening/reading along!) ♥

It's not okay that children are trafficked.

It's not okay that little girls -or any girls- are forced into prostitution or pornography.....

that they're abused and used and degraded.

This grates against my soul like no other evil.

I have been torn about how to get involved, what to do, how to help.....

All I can think is that
the problem is too big
and I am too small.

I can't actually see the victims
or recognize them,
nor the perpetrators,
and if I could...
What could I do?
I am untrained.

In his book Primal, Mark Batterson says,

Don't let what you cannot do keep you from doing what you can. (p.46)

How many times am I stopped in my tracks because I can't do it all??

I can't fix the whole problem
so I guess I'll just do nothing.

Why do our brains do that to us??
(or is it just me?)

Rescue Her is one of many organizations already fighting for these little ones.....

I may not be able to do it all, but I can certainly do something.

We sure do drink a lot of coffee around here.

Every morning.

What if I bought Zoe Coffee from Rescue Her instead of the stuff we normally buy?

$10 at a time doesn't feel like much, but it's a start.

What if I talk to my friends who own a coffee house and see what they think about buying Zoe Coffee??

Any causes grating at your soul??
Do they seem too big?
Have you done something anyway?
♥

1% change #5: vitamin regimen...

2011-04-27T21:18:00.006-04:00
Background: I started taking a generic multivitamin about six years ago... in 2005.

(image source)

I used to buy these at Walmart... for cheap!

Best choice ever.

Immediate benefits:

1. This daily dose seemed to regulate my appetite immediately. (I went from massive portions [+ dessert!] to being content with a 'normal' amount... I attributed that to the suppliments & the fact that my body was not having to take in as much food to get the nutrients it needed.)

2. It also improved my digestion. (aka: The bowels were on the move -regularly. Gross, I know. But a very good thing!)

3. I even think this simple daily vitamin regimen helped me shed a few pounds...

me then... with JILL & Meg :)

Since then I've changed brands and added a few specific vitamins to the list.... and unfortunately gotten away from the regular - daily part.

I just want to get back on track with my regular doses. Once in the morning (with breakfast) and once in the afternoon (between lunch & supper). More complex than before, but not too hard to handle.

(clearly all of these aren't mine, but this is part of our stash:)

The point here is health... and consistency. These 1% changes are really helping me tackle some areas I've been neglecting. Bad habits come easy for some reason. This has been great motivation for me to fight against that.

....Just in case you're wondering, the other changes I've made have been going great...

-walk-time: still loving it. (also nice that I usually walk during my lunch break for work, so the 30 minutes is already there, carved out for me)

-Bible reading: One of the best priority-shifts I've ever made! (I've read three 'books' in 4 weeks... (finished 2 Corinthians this morning!!))

-Being Early (1 & 2): stiiiiiiiilll working on it.... I've made it to on time but early still alludes me! ...for some reason it seems as if it goes against everything in my being!!

Hope to have a happy vitamin-report next week...... Maybe I'll do what my husband does and set an alarm on my phone... good thinking, Love!

Happy changing, friends. ♥
(and... the linking up link :)