OK, Lord...

you have my attention. I read the devotional, Jesus Calling, each morning. For the past week, a reoccuring theme/certain words have stuck out to me.

Such as:

*A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control. Turn from this idolatry back to Me. Listen to Me and live abundantly!

*I am always with you, so you have no reason to be afraid. Your fear manifests itself in excessive planning.

*Circumstances are in flux, and the world seems to be whirling around you. The only way to keep your balance is to fix your eyes on Me.

*Instead of trying to create a mental map of your path through the day, focus on My loving Presence with you.

Bug eyes, Fifties, and Storms.

I'm still sporting my shades. However, my eye is a lot better! THANKFULLY!


I'm getting ready for a fifties themed mini relay for life at my school tomorrow. Lots of black, white, turquoise, and a little bit of pale pink thrown in. Oh, and some great tunes!


It has been storming on and off all day today. I know of a tornado that touched down in our county, but cannot believe the devastation in Alabama and some parts of north GA. SCARY and so, so sad!

I don't know if it is the weather, my busy schedule, or what...but I'm going to use my friend Carrie Beth's terminology...and say that I'm in a funk. :) I told her today, "I would call and tell you that I'm not coming to Valdosta, but I can't face my life right now." Ha! And then I was reminded of Jonah, and how he ran from what God wanted him to do, even though he knew it was the right thing. I guess I can sort of relate to him right now in some sort of way. I'm not running, I'm just not entirely happy about what I am facing right now....but I'm getting there. I am! He is faithful and He has a plan for me and my family. I will serve Him and be thankful for EVERYTHING that He has blessed me with! And even in this tough time, I am so aware of His everlasting love, grace, and mercy. I'm thankful that last Fall the Lord brought me to the Jonah study. And I've posted this before...

It is just so good!

Jonah 2:2
I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble,and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me!

Thank Goodness for BIG, DARK Sunglasses!

I have been battling a SEVERE, AWFUL, PAINFUL, UGLY eye infection for the last few days. You can see that in our Easter Pictures, my left eye was beginning to swell. I WILL NOT be sharing pictures of what it looks like now.


Again, I am so thankful for sunglasses. I'm sure everyone at my opthamologist's office is too. It is NOT pretty! The worst thing about it, is that the pain hurts so bad at times that my entire side of my face hurts and then I feel dizzy and nauseous.

Luckily, I do have these. Now, if they'd just work.


I've stayed in this room all afternoon. And I was bored...so I took pictures of some things around the room.






And of my view. :)



And because I need some uplifting today.

He is RISEN, INDEED!!!

We have had a very quiet Easter Sunday....but it has been great! It is gorgeous outside today!

We went to our early service this morning. Guess what our Praise Team sang? Stronger!!! Then we pretty much laughed through about half of Sunday School...mainly about c-sections, cedar smoked salmon, seersucker, and hoses from Sears. Haha! I did get a lot out of the lesson too though. :) We stayed through part of the second service so Matt could sing. I enjoyed it just as much as the first time around.

We took some pictures when we got home, gave Blakely her Easter Basket, then had a light lunch.






We took a perfect Sunday Nap and ate our Easter meal.





I am so thankful for this day and everything that it means! Worthy is the Lamb!


Happy Easter!!!

Philippians 3:10-12
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Everything's Coming Up Roses...

It's Rose Show time here in our little town. The 90th Annual to be exact! Thursday night I helped out with the Rose Bud parade...featuring children from our area. Our school had a float and yes I am on that committee. :) I am never too thrilled about our "Safety Yellow" shirts that we usually wear at events like these! Haha! However, they are starting to grow on me after 4 or so years...they really do stand out.


Lining up under the oaks! Our goal at school this year was to read and log 100 GRAND books...and we surpassed our goal! Yay!


Our float! I walked down the cobblestone alongside it. It was actually really fun!



Friday night was the Rose Show Parade. Then the street dance with The Swinging Medallions. So fun! Everybody in our whole entire town is usually downtown for the festivities.






There were lots of activities around town today too! I made sure that we had eggs out and Blakely's Easter basket. I also made sure that my JSL cookbook was turned to the special Rose Show Page, and even got part of our Easter lunch prepped and ready. We are missing our families this Easter, but thankful that we have our church family to celebrate with!






The song, Stronger, by Hillsong, has been stuck in my head all day. Instead of posting the You Tube video I thougt I'd just post the lyrics. They are so powerful and true.

There is love that came for us
Humbled to a sinner's cross
You broke my shame and sinfulness
You rose again victorious

Faithfulness none can deny
Through the storm and through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ who lives in me

You are stronger! You are stronger!
Sin is broken
You have saved me
It is written
Christ is risen
Jesus You are Lord of all

No beginning and no end
You're my hope and my defense
You came to seek and save the lost
You paid it all upon the cross

WOW!!

Oh My, Upcoming Musts!

I couldn't resist! 2 posts in 1 night! I love books, movies about books, and music. If you read this blog, you should know that!

I absolutely cannot wait for The Help, Water for Elephants, and Something Borrowed to come out! Especially The Help!!!



I am anxiously awaiting Mary Kay Andrews' new book, Summer Rental to hit the shelves this summer!


And of course, Selah's new CD in August! Here is a little preview!!!

Lemons, Eggs, and a Family Heirloom

I am a girl that is all about lemons. I love them. I love to decorate with them, and love the fresh lemony smell of cleaners and candles. Before Matt and I got married, there was one thing I wanted, a lemon wreath.


We got it at one of our first showers. Do you see it in this picture?


5 years later and I still proudly hang it up in the Spring!!



I am WORN out after our Easter Egg hunt and party at school. We had TONS of eggs. Lots of baskets and buckets full. Fun times in room A8! :)



Matt's dad brought us a family heirloom last weekend. It has been in his family for a long time, and about 8 years ago, Matt, my brother, and I tried to fix it up...but we didn't know what we were doing and it didn't turn out so well.



I'm excited about de-rusting, re-painting and adding some pretty outdoor pillows. I can see us sitting on it beneath the fireflies on summer nights. I can also picture myself reading on it in every season! :)

I'm so excited about a bubble bath, praise and worship music, and my BED tonight! :)

Deuteronomy 30:6 (NLT)
The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!