he is able

"There's a voice calling me, from an old rugged tree
And He whispers draw closer to me
Leave this world far behind,
There are new heights to climb
And a new place in Me you will find
And whatever it takes, to draw closer to You Lord
That's what I'd be wiling to do
And whatever it takes, to be more like you
That's what I'd be willing to do

That's what I'd be willing to do
Questions seem to haunt us night and day
Like how could God allow my heart to be torn this way
Does He listen when I call?
Oh, is He even there at all?

Yet I know when my eyes fail to see
He is able
And even though it seems impossible to me
He is able
But if He chooses not to move
In the way we prayed he would
We're confident He's working
all together for our good
   (emphasis mine!)

I will stand behind His Word
For He is able
He is able
And as the night gives way
to dawning and evaporates away
I stand to face another day
And I will stand behind His Word
He is able, I know
He is able
He's able"                    ("He Is Able"  Truth)

 

I don't know about you, but I needed to be reminded of this today.  Especially the part I underlined. 

a break

 

I am going to take a break for a few days.  Your prayers would be appreciated.  Thanks!

restaurant & movie review

 

Friday night, as you know, my friend Kerri and I went to eat at Flat Rock grille.  I have been there two other times before.  I believe I had the fried chicken fingers both times.  I do remember them being pretty good.  Friday, Kerri and I both ordered chicken salads.  While the atmosphere was really nice, the salads left a LOT to be desired.  Of course on the menu and on the commercials, they look really big and tasty.  In real life, not so much.  It was basically a little chicken in a bowl on top of REALLY large pieces of lettuce.  So, if you do go to Flat Rock and you choose the grilled or fried chicken salad, make sure you ask for an extra plate so that you have a place to put all of the lettuce you discard from your bowl.  There will be a lot of it!! 

Having said that, for dessert, we ordered a Hershey bar brownie with ice cream.  IT. WAS. VERY. YUMMY.  It definitely made up for the heads of lettuce brought in from Mr. McGreggor's garden.  Overall, I would not go as far as to tell someone NOT to eat at this restaurant.  All I am saying is, if you are in the mood for a big salad, ( like we always are ), take I-85 to Pelham Road and make a left into the California Dreaming parking lot.

Following dinner, we scooted on over to the movie theatre to see this little piece of heaven.  My only regret is not reading the book before seeing the movie.  I strongly advise you to see this movie.  Especially if you are a Nicholas Sparks fan and enjoy romantic dramas.  It will be well worth your time and your money.  And BOTH characters are very easy on the eyes!   So girls, bottom line,  you can't go wrong with a movie that involves two BEAUTIFUL people who fall in love with one another.  Very nice.


I guess that's all.  I am off work tomorrow.  I needed a mental health day.  I hope everyone has a great Monday! 

kerri

 

This is my girl, Kerri. We went through high school and our first year of college together.  We have seen one another through just about everything.  So, this is my "dedication" post to her!  She means the WORLD to me and I am so thankful that God put her in my life.  It is not often that day goes by when we do not communicate with each other.  I definitely could not make it without her.

Kerri, I know you read this blog.  Thank you for being my best friend.  You are a beautiful person, inside AND out.  I admire and respect you.  I love our therapy sessions and laughing with you is my favorite part of any day.  I love that you call me for counsel when my life is the one that is falling apart.  I love that you support me and love me no matter where I am on the emotional ladder.  I love that when things are really crazy for the both of us, we are able to quickly slip back in time to our infamous beach trips and begin to laugh about all the TROUBLE we caused once upon a time.  Always a spirit lifter!

Although I could write a book, I'll stop here.  I love you, girl.  More than you know.  Thanks for being my babe.

xoxo

favorite photos friday

Well, the weekend is here!!  Thank goodness.  As I sit here waiting on the washer to cut off so I can change the laundry over, I decided that it would be fun to share a few of my ALL TIME favorite photos of JP.  I have posted them before, but it was several years ago.  I cannot believe how much he has grown!   

All of these pictures were taken at my cousin, BJay's, wedding.  He and Holly were married on a golf course in Charleston and my little man was one of the ring bearers...

 JP and the Groom

 

 

 JP and Graham...the most HANDSOME men in the wedding party, if I do say so myself!

The big moment!  I was SO PROUD of him! 

 

Even though it was October, it was still warm enough (for the kids anyway) to play around the water.  This is one of my favorites...

 

 

 

Well, I'm afraid that's it for tonight, folks.  I cannot say that I am sleepy, but I am definitely heading to bed with John Mayer radio on Pandora and my headphones.  I hope that everyone has a wonderful Friday.  Tomorrow night I am going to enjoy a nice dinner and a movie.  Can't wait! 

 

 

Stay tuned for my thoughts on Nicholas Sparks',  Safe Haven.

introduction to Forty Days of Grace

 

* I finished writing the Introduction to my devotional book before the summer.  I was supposed to attend a conference at Furman University (where I took my writing class) this past October.  There were going to be publishers and agents there.  Anyway, I was unable to attend.  Because of that, I have not really done much with my manuscript. I am just now picking it back up and getting back into the routine of writing each day.  I thought I would share the Introduction with you.  Thank you to those who have given me your feedback on the magazine pieces.  I greatly appreciate it! 

I also received an email today from a publisher who published a poem that I had written in a poetry book last year.  They are about to publish a "Best of 2012" book and asked for permission to include my poem.  That was sort of exciting.  The funny part is, I really do not like writing poetry. Ha!  It is so ironic that they chose mine.  Oh well, if nothing else, it gets my name out there once more.  I am thankful for any opportunity God gives me in regards to my writing.

I hope everyone has a great night!  I am super excited because tomorrow is Thursday!  One more day closer to the weekend! 

 

Introduction

 

I began writing a blog while waiting to bring my son home from Guatemala in the spring of 2007. God took the most painful period in my life and turned it into His artwork. Writing has always been a passion of mine, but writing devotions has turned out to be a gift. And I don’t mean for you, the reader. These devotions have been God’s gift to me. In order to write a devotion worth reading, God has to speak to you. Now, I cannot tell you that I have always enjoyed His timing. He has awakened me in the middle of the night, and kept me up endless hours. He’s even spoken to me while in the shower or driving in the car. It’s almost as if He knows that I do not have a pen and paper. They say God doesn’t have a sense of humor! I beg to differ.

 

In 2011, I opened another blog specifically for devotions. This book is a result of that blog. My prayer is that God will use each word to speak to you the way He has used them to speak to me. If I have learned anything in my walk with Christ, I’ve learned that this ride called life is very bumpy. The hills are steep and the valleys are deep. In your trunk, you’ll be smart to keep a spare Bible, a set of close friends and a warm blanket of patience.

So, start your engine, roll down the windows and let’s drive together through Forty Days of Grace!

feedback please

Okay,  I need your help with something.  A while back, I wrote three inspirational pieces that I posted on my other blog.  I am going to send one of them to a magazine for possible publication.  I would love for you to help me decide which one I should send.  With each of them, I need to add a couple of verses from the Bible and a prayer, but you hopefully can at least let me know which one you like best.

After you read them, you can either leave a comment in the comment section below, or email/text me.  In the past, most of you have emailed.  Feel free to do that.  If I have given you my cell number before, you can text me.  Or, if you do not want to do any of those, you can send me a facebook message. 


Just click on the links below to read them.

1.)  BEAUTIFUL

2.)  TURN IT LOSE

3.)  GOD PAINTED A SMILE TODAY

I appreciate your help!! Have a great night!!

long weekend recap

It has been a pretty good weekend.  Long weekends are always good weekends.  And then what makes the weekend even better is the short work week that follows!  YAY!! 

FRIDAY NIGHT,  as you know, I went to see Erin in their production of Alice In Wonderland.  After the play we came home and settled in with the movie, BRIDESMAIDS.  F.U.N.N.Y!!  Lots of laughs.  Hal worked the night shift, so Colton gave up his bed for the night so I could stay over.  "Slumber Parties" are always fun!!  It helps that Colton has a Gamecock room.  I think it actually  made me sleep more sound!  Waking up surrounded by garnet and black always makes for a great start to my morning.

SATURDAY  I hung out with my dad most of the day.  We took care of some things that needed to be done around the house.  It was a nice, relaxing day.  Mom and Laurie took Preston over to Rose's house to play with Lindi and the two little dogs.  I hate I missed it because apparently they had a BLAST!  Laurie was able to snap some pics with her phone.

 

The littles watching the snowflakes fall onto the deck.

 

 

Preston getting some Lindi lovin'.

 

 

 

Sunday, I went to church.  Awesome, of course.  Afterwards, we went to eat Mexican at Monterrey's Restaurant.  YUM.  In case anyone is wondering, I could eat Mexican food every single day.  It is my absolute favorite, (other than breakfast food, of course). 

 

Preston loves the lemons and the chips and salsa (or "red" as he calls it!)

 

 

Sunday night, I stayed home from church with JP because he was not having such a good afternoon. He needed me, so we hung around the house and watched movies and TV together.  Before bed I began to run the bath water.  At some point, when I turned my back to grab towels, Preston decided he didn't want to wait on me...

 

He decided to jump right in!!  Little stinker!

 

 

Today has been a very LAZY day.  I didn't take my pajamas off until I went for a run at 9:00 tonight!  Crazy, I know.  But, I rarely have the opportunity to lay around the house and do nothing.  It felt so good.

 

 

I am not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow, but as I said, at least it's a four day week. 

 

 

I foresee this movie in my VERY NEAR future!  I have heard great things about it.  So, stay tuned for a review!

 

 

Well, I am going to try and go to bed now.  I hope that everyone has a fabulous week!







how true

I posted this on my Facebook page this week.  JP has had a tough day today.  It LITERALLY breaks my heart.  I pray each and every day that God uses our trials for His glory.

alice in wonderland

 

Last night, I went to see Erin, as Tweedledum, in Alice In Wonderland.  The play was awesome!  Erin and her partner, Tweedledee, were HUH-larious!  The whole production was amazing.

 

 

Megan and her (not so) baby girl!

 

I have had the privilege of watching Erin grow over the years into a beautiful young girl.  I am so proud of who she has become.

 

 

 

My weekend got off to a great start.  Now, I am looking forward to church tomorrow and another day off of work on Monday!

 

 

HAPPY SATURDAY, friends!

love

^" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

^{It should not come as a surprise to anyone that I am not celebrating Valentine's Day this year.  Honestly, it makes me sad.  And I know, I know, it's "just another day."  I have been told that by so many well-meaning people.  But, the only people who actually say that are the people who have someone in their life to celebrate with.} 

^{That is my dose of BITTER for the day.  I'm done.}

^{Now, what I really want to say is this...   1 Corinthians 13 is one of my all time favorite passages in the Bible.  I do not have enough space on this blog to chronicle all of my faults and imperfections.  There are WAY TOO MANY.  Trust me.  I am not a perfect mother, daughter, employee or friend.  As a whole, I am very imperfect.  I have learned the hard way that love can hurt you.  And a lot of times it will.  Having said that, I am thankful today that, despite all that I do wrong,  when I lay my head down on my pillow each night, I am at peace with knowing that in my life I have sacrificed for love.} 

^{I have loved deeply.}

And at the end of the day, that cannot be taken away from me.

Guess what?!  I have another Facebook hacker!!  I am getting really TIRED of this!  Now, rather than sending my friends messages, they are deleting my friends.  And it is really frustrating, because the people who are being deleted are the people I correspond with most frequently.  Has anyone had this problem before?  This is the THIRD time I've been hacked.

UGH!

Well, that's really all I have time to say today...  Of course, I am looking forward to the weekend.  It's a LONG one!  Hooray! 

HAPPY HUMP DAY EVERYBODY!!

sunday afternoon

I have been feeling pretty sad over the past few days.  I never know when the wave is going to hit me.  It seems to come out of nowhere at times.  I can probably chalk up this stream of emotions to Valentines Day this coming week..... UGH!  And I know that it's really just another day,  but this year it just STINKS. 

Alright.  That's all I am going to say about that.  Despite my feelings, I have had a really nice weekend.  Church was great this morning, as always.  This afternoon I took the boys to Furman. Being outside is ALWAYS just what I need to lift my spirits!

And now my heart feels better.

 

Last night I went over to Megan and Hal's to hang out.  We ate frozen pizza and watched a movie and, of course, LAUGHED!  (Above)  For those of you who do not know me, this is Megan's son, Colton.  He turned 14 years old Thursday... I cannot believe he is so grown!  I have been friends with Megan for MANY YEARS.  When Colton was a baby, his dad traveled all week.  I was not married at the time, so we spent a lot of time together.  Colton was my little buddy... and always will be.  His dad, Brian, passed away five years ago after battling brain cancer for three years.  Brian would be SO PROUD of Colton and the man that he is becoming.  I know I am.  He is so kind-hearted, sweet spirited and as you can see, handsome.  Watch out, ladies!  And lock your doors, Megan! 

 

 

Megan has since remarried to a WONDERFUL man, Hal.  This is his son, Jackson.  Lots of SPUNK in this little package. 

 

 

 

Megan will kill me for posting this picture.  I didn't give her a chance to put her hat back on...as you can see, I do not care.  Love her!

 

This is Hal....an awesome guy, brother, and friend to me!  He and Megan are meant for one another.  I am SO happy God brought them together. 

 

And this is beautiful Erin AKA Honey (and Preston's love interest!)  A beautiful girl, inside and out.  Just like her mommy.

 

 

Okay, well as I mentioned in a previous post, I am going to spend more time thanking God for my friends and showing my appreciation for them.  So, that's what I decided to do here.  This is my life.  My friends.  My family.  These (along with countless others) are the people who take care of me.  Encourage me.  Support me.  Love me.

 

Well, it's Saturday and it's GORGEOUS outside.  I am going out for a run.  Tonight I have a date with another one of my best girls.  I will post about her later on.  I hope everyone has an amazing Saturday!!!

 

 





the weekend

Megan and I on our way to meet the other girls at the lake!  We LAUGHED all the way to Keowee...seriously, it was so healing!  At one point neither of us could breathe.  FUN TIMES!!!

 

On our way to dinner at the Lighthouse!!  Yummy!!!



 

After dinner, we came back to the house and CHILLED!  It was so relaxing... of course, Alexis made brownies, so we gorged ourselves with those first!!

 

 A few of my favorite girls!

 

We spent a lot of our time laughing at videos on YouTube....I'd rather not share, publicly what those videos were!  LOL  Afterwards, we carried our party downstairs to watch the movie, Pitch Perfect.  Hilarious!

 

Our Oasis for the night... thank you, Alexis!  You are a wonderful host and an even more wonderful friend!

 

 

Sunday night, after church, JP and I went to Pastor Mike and Gail's house for dinner and football.  It was a lot of fun!

 

 

On Facebook, I titled this picture "Babysitter's Club."  I babysat Megan (right) from the time she was a baby until she was about JP's age.  Now, on Sunday afternoons, she babysits JP for me to go to choir practice.  We've come full circle! Ha!  Seriously, I LOVE this girl...but, not quite as much as JP! 

 

 

We were there way past JP's bedtime.  Can you tell?! 

 

 

JP and Mrs. Gail.  They have become fast friends! 

 

And this little piece of sweetness is my friend Megan's daughter, Erin.  JP named her Honey when he was younger.  She met Preston for the first time Sunday afternoon and fell in love with him.... Of course, as you can tell, he was doing his fair share of flirting!

 

 

 

Well, that's about it for this past weekend.  Are you bored to death?!  We had a great time.  As always.  I have found myself LIVING for the weekends.  Even more so than before.  In light of our present trials, I THRIVE on spending time with family and some of my very BEST friends.  I've said it before, and I will say it again...

 

 

I am blessed.