Blog Challenge - Day 7

Day 7

Favorite Movies

I'm a typical girl when it comes to favorite movies. Yes, you guessed it! I love a good chick flick! However, I can hang with the best of them and watch an awesome action or thriller any day. I totally agree with my sister on her blog - I don't care for sci-fi or fantasy too much. I love a good action packed film with a little mystery behind it. If I'm not too sleepy, I love a film that's gonna make me think a bit. But when I'm bumming in my PJs and somewhat lackadaisical, then a chick flick is probably a better route to take. I also love a good comedy or an inspirational film from time to time.

Here are a few of my favorites from 2010:

Inception

Shutter Island

Toy Story 3

Up

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

An Education

Despicable Me

Valentines Day

Salt

Social Network

I don't watch movies as much as I used to or would like to, but life is pretty hectic and sometimes checking a few films off the list isn't always a top priority.

Blog Challenge - Day 6

Day 6

A picture of something that makes you happy

Okay, so again life has left me behind on my blogging. But here we go on day six. I'm supposed to give you a picture of something that makes me happy. Unfortunately for you, there is more than one thing that makes me happy, which means this post will be another lengthy yet fun one. :)

1.

Jesus Christ

First and foremost, my joy comes from the Lord. I have learned over the past year or so especially, that no matter how much I may love someone, they will fail me in one way or another. I have learned to never place unrealistic expectations on someone and to put all of my trust in the Lord. In doing so, God will place people in my life to love and cherish me but still at the end of the day, the Lord is my only true and irrevocable joy. If I could show you a picture of Jesus, I would. I'm sure if I googled a picture of Jesus, many depictions of who He is would come up. To me, the Lord is like a rushing wind that calms me in my most desperate and lonely seasons.

2.

My Family

Aside from the Lord, I have grown to love my family more and more. There's nothing better than laughing with my sisters, spending time with my brother-in-laws, holding my baby nephew, and finding comfort in the love of my mother. As the baby of my family (for the most part), I get spoiled way too much and loved on more than I deserve. There are so many awesome memories I have with my family. I love a good catch phrase game with all the boys present as well. Singing with my sisters is something I look forward to but rarely happens because of life's hectic schedules. There's nothing better than a little Wii "Just Dance" and Guitar Hero with the sisters and bro-in-laws. But more valuable than the fun and silly stuff is the long conversations, overdue skype dates, unexpected phone calls, and text messages just to say, "I love you". Family is so important and mine makes me soooo happy!

{{Mom, Jenn, Christy & I on Christy's wedding day}}

{{Christy, Jenn & I at Jenn's baby shower}}

{{Jenn & I in D.C. last Christmas}}

{{Christy & I in Daytona Beach}}

{{Jenn & Jared at my college graduation lunch}}

{{Matt & Christy at Southeastern University, my school}}

{{Mom & I at Dustin's bbq in D.B.}}

{{Baby Caden & I at one of Daddy's games - GO MUSTANGS!!!}}

{{Baby C & I}}

3.

Andrew

God brought an amazing boyfriend into my life and for that I am grateful. He's handsome and funny but more than his looks or wit is his heart for the Lord that makes me attracted to him. As much as he is an amazing boyfriend to me and treats me like I am royalty, he is ten times more faithful in his walk with the Lord. He is passionate about all that he does and never gives less than a hundred percent. His faith inspires me and his love for the Lord makes me want to grow even closer to my creator - and that makes me happy!

{{Andrew & I before he preached at Flood youth}}

{{A little s'more making session with Andrew}}

{{Us at a MATC Christmas dinner}}

4.

Singing

I've been singing ever since I could remember. I think from the time I could say "mama" I've been using my pipes. I love to sing and it's definitely a way that I feel closer to God, especially in worship. There's this rush that comes over me when I get to sing a song.

{{Me singing at Unveiled, my college group in Florida}}

5.

Writing

Writing is a major outlet for me. If I didn't have the ability to write, I'm not sure how I would express myself. Words and vocabulary are a huge part of my life. When I'm not spending time with the Lord, my family, or boyfriend, I find myself journaling. I love to write!

6.

Painting

Art is a beautiful thing. Unfortunately my art is far from that of a Picasso masterpiece. However, my painting is a way for me to release. I love to paint on a vacant Saturday, on rainy day, or just when I'm feeling the need to articulate how I feel through colors, shapes, and patterns.

{{Here's a few of my paintings I've done over the past year}}

7.

Coffee

I'm in relationship with Joe. Please don't tell Andrew! I love a good cup O' Joe :) It's not quite as sweet as Andrew but it definitely makes me grin from time to time. Some would call me a coffee addict and as for my sister, she'd profess to you that I'm a coffee snob. I'd like to somewhat agree with both. Unfortunately for the cup being sipped on, it usually goes through many rigorous sessions through the microwave. I'm a slow coffee drinker so a cup usually goes a long way for me. :)

8.

Dark Chocolate

Mmmmmmmm....let me name a few of my favorites: Ferrero Rocher, Toblerone, Dove, Hershey's Special Dark, Lindor Lindt Truffles...and the list goes on and on. I try my best not to retreat to chocolate as my comfort food but more of a sweet treat for me. I like it any time of day or year. I can wake up and have it with my coffee and go to sleep eating it as a midnight snack. This is bad; I know.

{{The most handsome boy holding one of my favorite things}}

Blog Challenge - Day 4&5

Day 4 & 5

My Family

If there's one thing I learned in the past 8 months or so more than ever is that people matter. And even more specifically, family matters. Almost 6 months ago, the most amazing little life entered this world. My sweet, sweet nephew, Caden Arthur St. Charles became the perfect miracle from God. I have never seen a more beautiful child and I never thought I could love someone so much. He has this incredible way of loving me with his smile. I adore his innocence. I know that one day, he will grow up to be this amazing man of God - I truly believe that for my little nephew.

So now this brings me to Caden's wonderful and loving parents. Jenn is my oldest sister. Growing up I was always the baby so at times I felt as though I couldn't relate for the obvious reasons of being 5 years apart in age. But as the years have passed and a lot of life has happened, I have never felt more close to her. I spent most of October and November "living" with her and my brother-in-law. I was able to get to know my brother in law better, spend time with my new nephew, and get to know the "Mommy" side of my sister. Did I tell you she's an amazing Mom! God has really brought my sister and Jared (bro-in-law) a long way and I have never been more proud of them than I am right now. Jenn and Jared are not only parents to a handsome baby boy but they are both Teachers. Jenn is an elementary music teacher and Jared is a high school science teacher. When they're not teaching or taking care of Caden, they are living and breathing basketball. Jared is not only a science teacher but a Varsity basketball coach at his high school. And Jenn is not only a music teacher but an amazing fan of Jared's and makes it to nearly all of his games (with Caden right there with her)!

Also, I have another older sister, Christy. Christy just got married this past March to her best friend, Matt. I've mentioned them briefly in an older post. Christy is the prettiest nurse I've ever seen and wouldn't mind having her take care of me one day. :) Christy used to work for a year on an orthopaeidic floor in a hospital but now currently is an RN at an eye clinic where they do lasic eye surgeries. She's not just a nurse that knows her stuff but she's a nurse that truly cares about people. I still think she should take a medical missions trip - maybe this blog will convince her :) Not only is Christy a nurse, but when she's not a nurse, she's an amazing sister, friend, wife, daughter, and worshipper. She has a beautiful voice and is very involved at her church, as is Matt. Matt and Christy are both on the worship team at their church. Matt plays electric guitar and Christy sings. Matt is our techy guy in the family and that we love. He's so much fun to play wii & rockband with and he always knows how to keep us up to date on technology. He also works for a graphic design company. When Matt & Christy aren't working or practicing for the worship team, you can find them at home with their son Bailey (their cat).

Finally this brings me to my mother, cindy. She's the best mother a girl could ever ask for. Mother of 3 girls, spiritual leader, friend, encourager, provider and so much more. My mother is my current roommate as we live in our cozy little house that has been home to me for my entire 22 years of living. She is part-time staff at our church as the coordinator for the youth group and helps with a lot of the event planning. When she's not working, she's catching up with friends, pouring into other's lives who need encouragement, and skyping my sisters. She's the most selfless person I know. She would go her entire life without buying anything for herself just to know that she could help with the provision of others. She is the epitome of a "super mom" and is constantly giving. She's the best; that's my mom!

That's it for a little or somewhat lengthy snippet of my family!

Thanks for stoppin' by. :)

Blog Challenge - Day 3

Day 3-Your first love

I've been a bad blogger. Please forgive me.

This weekend was insanely busy to say the least.

So when I did find myself at home with free time, my desires unfortunately were not to write but rather to sleep! :)

So Day 3 of the blog challenge (Saturday) is going to be fulfilled today.

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But first a little snippet of my weekend.

I had Friday off but it was day filled with all sorts of errands to get things ready for Saturday.

Saturday was such a fun day that I wish we could relive it a couple more times.

Just to fill you in quickly, my boyfriend is the Director of Operations for a program called Teen Challenge. Teen Challenge is a Christian drug rehabilitation program for young boys. This enables them to not just rid of bad addictions but to also allow them to rid of bad habits in their life and to disciple them in a personal walk with the Lord.

So on Saturday, one of the students graduated from the program and later that evening, two of the boys graduated from High School. It was an exciting day to see these kids change their life for the better and be a part of their growth and commending them. I took a lot of pictures but these are only a few...

This would be my handsome boyfriend speaking. :)

And the other is of Andrew and I after the graduation.

Unfortunately I am unable to post pictures of the students but just trust me - it was a fabulous day! :)

So then on Sunday I went with Andrew and his boys to visit another church where they were able to give their testimonies and share their heart on where they came from, the place God has brought them to, and how they are continually evolving and growing in the Lord. And so this weekend for me was my heart being encouraged by 11 teenage boys who have surrendered their life to the Lord.

1 Timothy 4: 12

"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

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This weekend transformed my perspective on life. Just when you think your problems are the biggest and your pain is the strongest, God reveals to you another soul who is hurting just as much as yourself if not more. Then the thoughts of frustration, anger, bitterness, & hurt subside as you can focus all your attention on another - that is when you can really be healed. It's not all about me!

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Now on to fulfilling my blog challenge.

So Day 3 (Saturday) was supposed to be all about my first love.

I'm going to take this all the way back to Elementary school.

Thank you Samuel P. Langley for ESOL and the curly slide on the playground. Elementary school is an awkward time in life when it comes to relationship interactions. I knew at this point that I was supposed to like boys and that I did but I guess I tested the waters a little more come 5th grade. We had a program in our school at the time called "ESOL" or "English for Speakers of Other Languages". We took in students who were not fluent in English and taught them. We of course got one of the new ESOL students in my class (whose name remains anonymous). For code we'll call him "Guillermo" because he was spanish. :) haha! Okay so long story short, I was intrigued by this kid and probably more for the sheer fact that he couldn't speak my language. I guess I thought I was going to teach him? hahaah...who knew?! The extent of our relationship consisted of a few smiles across the classroom and an escapade event of being chased down the curly slide one day. Or did I chase him? hahaha....I forget. That was obviously not love but when the blog challenge said "first love", I couldn't help but retreat back to that day in 92 when I had that encounter on the curly slide at Samuel P. Langley Elementary. We are the Jaguars! :)

Each Day...I Choose

I purchased this book for a friend.

I love giving gifts that I feel will be appreciated or used.

However, I wouldn't mind keeping this one for myself. :)

Before wrapping it up tonight, I read through the first couple of pages and felt myself weeping.

Max Lucado, your words penetrate.

But Jesus, your entire being of who you are cuts right to my core!

I have to share the very words on paper that transformed my perspective on everyday life.

I pray you too feel the sudden urge to fall to your knees.

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Each day...

It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the nosie of the day. The calms of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to overcome. And so I choose.

I CHOOSE LOVE.

No occassion justifies hatred;

no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.

Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY.

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.

I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...

the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see

people as anything less than human beings

created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as

anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE.

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE.

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.

Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll

invite him in to do so. Rather than complain that the

wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment

to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new

assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS.

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone

Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to

the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS.

I will go without a dollar

before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked

before I will boast. I will confess before I will

accuse. I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS.

Today I keep my promises.

My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates

will not question my word. My wife will not

question my love. And my children will never fear

that their father will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS.

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.

If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.

If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.

If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL.

I am a spiritual being.

After my body is dead, my spirit will soar.

I refuse to let what will not, rule the eternal.

I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.

I will be impassioned only by my faith.

I will be influenced only by God.

I will be taught only by Christ.

I choose self control.

Love, joy peace patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

To these I commit my day.

If I succeed, I will give thanks.

If I fail, I will seek his grace.

And then, when this day is done,

I will place my head on my pillow

and rest.

-----------------Max Lucado "When God Whispers Your Name"---------------------

Thank you Max!

No words suffice for my gratefulness toward your openness.

I am changed!

May we go and never forget all that which we are not and strive to be all that which he says we are!

The world's trash but His treasure.

Forever evolving...

His greatest creation.