coffee.
i am picky about my coffee. let me rephrase that, i am picky about the creamer that goes in my coffee.
my favorite half and half is from Harris Teeter. The only place i can find it is on St. Simon's Island. Where is another Harris Teeter??
i am almost out of my stash that i bought over new years... but since 1.1.12 i have really been enjoying my coffee...
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I learned two things last night
In an effort to be transparent (because why not? in a world where people play pretend and wear masks, let this place not be just another place for dress up and false security) I will share two things that I learned last night about myself.
1. I need better (i.e. healthier) ways to cope with stress and disappointment.
2. I cannot serve both God and Money. I know the verse like I know the back of my own hand but yet, I am still trying to learn the lesson.
It is so hard. It is hard for me. Its easy for me to feel secure because of a number in my bank account or a pay check. It is hard for me to let ALL my hope be in Jesus Christ alone. He knows that. We talk about it, and he is gently teaching me but it is not an easy lesson to learn. My heart is willing by my flesh is so weak. Just this Sunday our pastor spoke truth to me (even though i did not know it at the time). He was talking about having HOPE in Jesus Christ and he gave lots of examples of where people find their hope. In their marriage, in their job status/title, in their home, in their bank account, in the future etc. Little did I know that the Holy Spirit would reveal in just a few short days that my hope is in the wrong place. Not ALL my hope mind you, but a good portion of it.
Good thing that God is bigger than me and bigger than my mistakes and mess ups. Good thing that when you ask for something in Jesus name that it will be given to you - and I know what my heart truly wants is in align with his good and pleasing perfect will. I can HOPE in that this morning.
1. I need better (i.e. healthier) ways to cope with stress and disappointment.
2. I cannot serve both God and Money. I know the verse like I know the back of my own hand but yet, I am still trying to learn the lesson.
It is so hard. It is hard for me. Its easy for me to feel secure because of a number in my bank account or a pay check. It is hard for me to let ALL my hope be in Jesus Christ alone. He knows that. We talk about it, and he is gently teaching me but it is not an easy lesson to learn. My heart is willing by my flesh is so weak. Just this Sunday our pastor spoke truth to me (even though i did not know it at the time). He was talking about having HOPE in Jesus Christ and he gave lots of examples of where people find their hope. In their marriage, in their job status/title, in their home, in their bank account, in the future etc. Little did I know that the Holy Spirit would reveal in just a few short days that my hope is in the wrong place. Not ALL my hope mind you, but a good portion of it.
Good thing that God is bigger than me and bigger than my mistakes and mess ups. Good thing that when you ask for something in Jesus name that it will be given to you - and I know what my heart truly wants is in align with his good and pleasing perfect will. I can HOPE in that this morning.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Why not be random?
1. i really wish that leggings could pass as pants because they are so darn comfortable.
2. i suggested that my students and i tweet each other about a new show that is starting on TV because it follows a book we started reading in class.
3. i am pretty sure they think i am LAME.
4. i have been drinking more water, i am starting to get used to it but will always prefer diet Dr pepper
5. i read the book "heaven is for real" it was a good book
6. kettle corn popcorn really is the best. why don't they sell that in the movie theaters?
7. my new hairdresser is amazing. for real.
8. molly hit me in the head last Sunday in front of about 20 people because she was mad at me. hello welcome to toddler hood mama!
9. i am in the market for a new bible that is compact but not tiny. that is what i am hoping for valentines day (plus a morning of sleeping in until 10)
10. God is awesome.
2. i suggested that my students and i tweet each other about a new show that is starting on TV because it follows a book we started reading in class.
3. i am pretty sure they think i am LAME.
4. i have been drinking more water, i am starting to get used to it but will always prefer diet Dr pepper
5. i read the book "heaven is for real" it was a good book
6. kettle corn popcorn really is the best. why don't they sell that in the movie theaters?
7. my new hairdresser is amazing. for real.
8. molly hit me in the head last Sunday in front of about 20 people because she was mad at me. hello welcome to toddler hood mama!
9. i am in the market for a new bible that is compact but not tiny. that is what i am hoping for valentines day (plus a morning of sleeping in until 10)
10. God is awesome.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
police, cheesecake,and diapers
Last week was quite a week. Some adjectives to describe the week I had would be: busy, fun, long, short, scary, confusing, enjoyable, encouraging, loving, happy.
It all started on Thursday. If you have ever ridden in the car with me you know I am not afraid to use my horn. It was built into the car for a good reason is my philosophy. Now, I am not someone who randomly honks at other drives just because they don't turn on their turn signal but I will use my horn when someone cuts me off, veers into my lane or is sitting at a red light for a looooooooooooooooong time. I am sorry if those kind of people annoy you or cause you to roll your eyes but yes I am one of them.
.....anyways I was driving home from work and this car pulled out in front of me going about 20 mph. I was going about 50 (speed limit) so it was first dangerous and then secondly annoying. So I honked my horn. I might have layed on my horn a little too. When I could I passed the driver and went on my merry way. Except he was really mad. He didn't like that I honked my horn at him. Not one bit. So he pulled up beside me and started screaming at me, throwing his hands in the air, getting in front of me and slowing way down so I was forced to go the same speed limit. I was starting to get a little worried and in fact fearful as we pulled up to a stop light. Allen told me to call the police so that is what I did. I had to file a police report etc. It made the afternoon more hectic than I would have liked but I am okay and I really hope that angry driver man gets some help before he has another freak out on the road.
Friday night I celebrated a big birthday for one of my best friends. I met some new people and really had a great time getting to know them. We stayed out LATE and ate cheesecake and sang happy birthday. It was so much fun.
Saturday morning molly woke us up earlier than normal crying and crying. I think we drifted in and out of sleep for about 15 minutes before we actually went to get her. As I picked her up out of her crib I noticed that she was soaking wet so I took her to her changing table to put on a fresh diaper and pajamas. Well apparently she stored up all her peeing for nighttime and made her diaper explode. Have you ever seen the stuff that is inside the diaper? It is impossible to get off of a sticky, cold, screaming baby. Allen and I both were barely awake trying to figure out how to remedy the situation. I felt so stupid. Haha all part of the job title I suppose. We eventually ended up putting her in the bathroom sink with warm water and a washcloth. All before 7am. Yippie!
Besides all of that - molly is cutting her two top teeth and I am just hoping and praying that she doesn't look like a rabbit. She is walking more and talking up a storm and it is PURE JOY to my heart. Allen and I had a great weekend being married and trying to help each other out more by really paying attention to each other's needs and concerns. I got to take a nap when Molly napped on Sunday and talk to a dear friend who lives in Italy. I had the freedom to worship Jesus on Sunday night and to love on my neighbors and a stranger at goodwill. It was a fantastic weekend and I am so so so thankful that we had Monday off!
It all started on Thursday. If you have ever ridden in the car with me you know I am not afraid to use my horn. It was built into the car for a good reason is my philosophy. Now, I am not someone who randomly honks at other drives just because they don't turn on their turn signal but I will use my horn when someone cuts me off, veers into my lane or is sitting at a red light for a looooooooooooooooong time. I am sorry if those kind of people annoy you or cause you to roll your eyes but yes I am one of them.
.....anyways I was driving home from work and this car pulled out in front of me going about 20 mph. I was going about 50 (speed limit) so it was first dangerous and then secondly annoying. So I honked my horn. I might have layed on my horn a little too. When I could I passed the driver and went on my merry way. Except he was really mad. He didn't like that I honked my horn at him. Not one bit. So he pulled up beside me and started screaming at me, throwing his hands in the air, getting in front of me and slowing way down so I was forced to go the same speed limit. I was starting to get a little worried and in fact fearful as we pulled up to a stop light. Allen told me to call the police so that is what I did. I had to file a police report etc. It made the afternoon more hectic than I would have liked but I am okay and I really hope that angry driver man gets some help before he has another freak out on the road.
Friday night I celebrated a big birthday for one of my best friends. I met some new people and really had a great time getting to know them. We stayed out LATE and ate cheesecake and sang happy birthday. It was so much fun.
Saturday morning molly woke us up earlier than normal crying and crying. I think we drifted in and out of sleep for about 15 minutes before we actually went to get her. As I picked her up out of her crib I noticed that she was soaking wet so I took her to her changing table to put on a fresh diaper and pajamas. Well apparently she stored up all her peeing for nighttime and made her diaper explode. Have you ever seen the stuff that is inside the diaper? It is impossible to get off of a sticky, cold, screaming baby. Allen and I both were barely awake trying to figure out how to remedy the situation. I felt so stupid. Haha all part of the job title I suppose. We eventually ended up putting her in the bathroom sink with warm water and a washcloth. All before 7am. Yippie!
Besides all of that - molly is cutting her two top teeth and I am just hoping and praying that she doesn't look like a rabbit. She is walking more and talking up a storm and it is PURE JOY to my heart. Allen and I had a great weekend being married and trying to help each other out more by really paying attention to each other's needs and concerns. I got to take a nap when Molly napped on Sunday and talk to a dear friend who lives in Italy. I had the freedom to worship Jesus on Sunday night and to love on my neighbors and a stranger at goodwill. It was a fantastic weekend and I am so so so thankful that we had Monday off!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
he is the MOST personal God
Do you know how personal God is? Incredibly. Sometimes I forget this little known fact about Him and he kindly reminds me.
Take yesterday morning for example. I had the opportunity to take 10 minutes before I left the house and pour over Psalm 23. A verse that I had never really paid much attention to before stood out to me. Verse 5 says "you annoit my head with oil; my cup overflows." I asked God to make that true of me that day. I asked Him to write His words on my heart and to allow His word to not stay inside me but because of the overflow, pour out.
One the way to work I felt a little nudge from the Holy Spirit and decided to call a sweet friend to see if I could pray for her or encourage her in anyways. I almost didn't because I was so afraid that it might come off the wrong way like it was all about me or something.
Turns out that phone call was completely in the Lords plans. At 8 o'clock on a random weekday morning she answered the phone in need of some encouragement. It was so awesome! I just can't get over how God united us with Him in that moment. It wasn't about me trying to do something nice it was about the Lord knowing one of his children was in need and asking another child to help out. After our conversation had ended I was in awe. It was so awesome to say to the Lord "use me, i am here, i am yours, help me say yes more than i say no today" and then less than one hour later the Lord said "oh, you want me to use you? okay that's awesome, call your friend, tell you love her and ask her if you can pray for her. it is for my namesake, it is for my glory."
He is so personal. SO personal. I hope I believe this more and more about Him and that I continue to say yes to Him more than I say no.
Take yesterday morning for example. I had the opportunity to take 10 minutes before I left the house and pour over Psalm 23. A verse that I had never really paid much attention to before stood out to me. Verse 5 says "you annoit my head with oil; my cup overflows." I asked God to make that true of me that day. I asked Him to write His words on my heart and to allow His word to not stay inside me but because of the overflow, pour out.
One the way to work I felt a little nudge from the Holy Spirit and decided to call a sweet friend to see if I could pray for her or encourage her in anyways. I almost didn't because I was so afraid that it might come off the wrong way like it was all about me or something.
Turns out that phone call was completely in the Lords plans. At 8 o'clock on a random weekday morning she answered the phone in need of some encouragement. It was so awesome! I just can't get over how God united us with Him in that moment. It wasn't about me trying to do something nice it was about the Lord knowing one of his children was in need and asking another child to help out. After our conversation had ended I was in awe. It was so awesome to say to the Lord "use me, i am here, i am yours, help me say yes more than i say no today" and then less than one hour later the Lord said "oh, you want me to use you? okay that's awesome, call your friend, tell you love her and ask her if you can pray for her. it is for my namesake, it is for my glory."
He is so personal. SO personal. I hope I believe this more and more about Him and that I continue to say yes to Him more than I say no.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A21
A21 is an amazing organization that seeks to free slaves from the sex trade and bondage.
The offer shelters to those in need of safe housing, they offer medical and psychological support
They offer transition homes
They offer love
They offer support
They offer kindness
They educate
They prevent
They care
I want to share some facts with you from their website:
Human trafficking is an organized criminal industry that affects every nation. While the statistics can seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that every number represents the life of a victim. The A21 Campaign has recognized a significant need in the region of Europe, and is committed to combating this injustice through rescuing one life at a time. (http://www.thea21campaign.org/)
•Human trafficking is the second largest global organized crime today, generating approximately 31.6 billion USD each year. Specifically, trafficking for sexual exploitation generates 27.8 billion USD per year.
-There are 1.39 million victims of commercial sexual servitude worldwide
-Over 25 percent of sex trafficked victims are trafficked from Southern and Eastern Europe
-90% of victims trafficked into the European Union member states will end up in the sex industry
-Tragically, only 1-2 percent of victims are rescued, and only 1 in 100,000 Europeans involved in trafficking are convicted
-Greece is known as 'the center of trafficking in Europe. A primary destination and transit country for human trafficking, Greece is the primary gateway for trafficked victims to enter the European Union, host to 90% of all EU illegal immigration
There is more information than I have time to write...please take time today learning so that for you ignorance is not an excuse
Today is an important day
Today is an important day. January 11 is Human Trafficking awareness day. Last year January 11 was just January 11th. Nothing extraordinary. Nothing important - at least nothing that I can remember.
But now I know. I can't stand by and do nothing. I have to say something.
Its more than a blockbuster movie with Hollywood stars. Its more than a billboard or a poster you might see. It is real life. Not for me, and not for you but for someone who is just as valuable and important.
Lately I have been scouring the A21 website trying to absorb all the amazing information that they have put at our fingertips. Over my Christmas break from work I was able to hear Christine Caine speak at the Passion 2012 conference. I have never in my entire life heard such a dynamic speaker. The Holy Spirit was definitely speaking through her to the 42,000 + that attended the conference that afternoon. She heads up the A21 campaign which you can like up with right ------------ > HERE
One statement that was repeated over and over was " Ignorance is not an option" and you know, it really isn't. We live in such an "all access" world. Information, news, resources are all available with a click of a button. Most friends and family I know have the Internet literally in the palm of their hands so why don't people take advantage of it?
But now I know. I can't stand by and do nothing. I have to say something.
Its more than a blockbuster movie with Hollywood stars. Its more than a billboard or a poster you might see. It is real life. Not for me, and not for you but for someone who is just as valuable and important.
Lately I have been scouring the A21 website trying to absorb all the amazing information that they have put at our fingertips. Over my Christmas break from work I was able to hear Christine Caine speak at the Passion 2012 conference. I have never in my entire life heard such a dynamic speaker. The Holy Spirit was definitely speaking through her to the 42,000 + that attended the conference that afternoon. She heads up the A21 campaign which you can like up with right ------------ > HERE
One statement that was repeated over and over was " Ignorance is not an option" and you know, it really isn't. We live in such an "all access" world. Information, news, resources are all available with a click of a button. Most friends and family I know have the Internet literally in the palm of their hands so why don't people take advantage of it?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Don't stand by
There are two major human issues that have been weighing on my mind and heavily weighing on my heart.
1. the crisis in the congo
2. human/sex trafficking
I believe both of these issues are human issues. It does not matter your race, gender, faith background or age to be concerned about what is happening in these two arenas of life. Both of these, the crisis in the Congo and the rampant human trafficking are absolutely devastating to me. I believe the Lord has brought these two problems to the forefront of my heart not to just say "oh that is so sad! Where is God in this?" or " wow, i wish i could do something about that." No. I believe that he has brought them to my heart because they are His Heart. I can't imagine the grief and sorrow our Lord knows and feels in regards to these issues. My heart is broken on a daily basis and I only know a tiny person with a tiny bit of information.
For the next couple of days I really want to share information with you that I know in hopes that you will read it and be changed. Maybe you will pass it on, maybe you will begin to pray, maybe you will learn something new and the Lord will lay His heart over yours and you will begin to ache with the longing of healing and restoration for a beautiful country full of people in need or a generation of millions who are trapped in a sexual slave trade.
I don't know a lot. My mind is like a sponge soaking up information where I can find it. My heart is just out there trying to do something now instead of sitting around and just talking about a problem.
Today I read an article in the NY Times. The PICTURE was more than enough to stir every emotion in my heart. In my heart of hearts I wish I was on a plane tonight that was directed towards the Republic of Congo. Sometimes I feel like tPeter because I just want to go/do/act without thinking or without waiting on the Lord.
I am praying for so many things right now that are amazing and huge and confusing and would be hopeless if I was praying to anyone other than my Father in Heaven.
Please take 3 minutes to click the picture link and read just one story of the current crisis of the Congo. This story is really nothing in comparision to what I have read, but the picture tells a much bigger story than what is written.
Back in Novemeber
we celebrated a little American holiday called Thanksgiving
Celebrations included both families with lots of great conversations and great food. My mother in law and her famous cooking pictured below. Molly made it almost through the whole meal before we got to witness a nice holiday melt down.
after the morrison thanksgiving we headed up the mountain to celebrate a dobrenic thanksgiving. it was so nice and peaceful to be in a place where family time was more important that getting the best deals in the stores. We took our time and cooked a great meal and watched a Christmas movie.
La La, Lovey and Daddy walking around downtown Highlands, North Carolina
sweet molly fast asleep as we closed out the awesome holiday known for apple pie, turkey, family and football
Monday, January 9, 2012
a picture is worth a thousand words
they say a picture is worth a thousand words.
this picture for me represents a thousand thoughts/happenings.
molly is stretching her arms out to receive a hug from me in the photo and i feel like that is how we have embraced this season as a family.
there is so much to say and so much that God is doing. He is always at work, but sometimes it just seems more noticeable.
i hope to share in the next few weeks a little bit of our life from the past two weeks and how good God is!
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