tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60106715022302848352024-03-08T05:48:03.110-06:00Thoughts From A Twenty-SomethingThoughts From A Twenty-SomethingLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-1669574019213263072013-05-13T06:41:00.001-05:002013-05-13T06:41:30.462-05:00Don’t Pass the Buck<p>The topics are endless…the friends she’s hanging out with are poor influences, she doesn’t care about her grades, the guy she is talking to is bad news. But the conversations I have with the moms of teenage daughters almost always starts out the same. </p> <p><em>“Will you talk to my daughter? She won’t listen to me, but I know she’ll listen to you.”</em> </p> <p>While the truth of the matter is I will talk to your daughter, it’s critically important that <em><strong>you</strong></em> talk to her first. </p> <p>Unfortunately, it is true that a lot of teen girls go through a period of time where they aren’t interested in listening to their mother. However, just because it doesn’t appear they are listening that you, this doesn’t get you off the hook as a mom from correcting and offering guidance. Please, I beg of you, speak truth into your daughter’s life. It will be hard. They may roll their eyes or stare out into space. They may say you have no clue what they are going through. I mean, I don’t even have a child and I know how hard it is to put it all out there and offer guidance to only have them do the opposite. But, that’s not the point. </p> <p>You are the mother of your daughter for a reason. Please don’t put your mothering on hold for a season just because you are fearful she won’t listen…or even worse, you just want to be her friend instead. You are her mother. </p> <p>Just think about it. If you choose not to speak, she won’t have the opportunity in a few years to say, “When I was a teenager my mom told me that…I didn’t listen…but, she was right.” You want that. I promise, you want that. Because when that realization happens, your daughter will realize that you have some wisdom to offer and you will find her willingly coming to you with her struggles. </p> <p>But, if you choose not to speak and instead pass the parenting buck on to someone else, it’s much more likely that your daughter will continue to go to someone else when she has passed through the teenage waters and is seeking wisdom. </p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-3169421454626386222013-05-07T09:33:00.001-05:002013-05-12T15:53:48.750-05:00Know Your RoleWell, it has been A WHILE! I could start with a laundry list of excuses, but who wants excuses? <br />
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Since my last post, my days have been busy, and one of the first things that had to go was blogging. Not just writing, but even reading the blogs. I pared down my “must read blogs” from the hundreds to a few handfuls. It was one of the wisest things I’ve done. Mainly because it has allowed me to really focus on me---on what is going on in my life, and the lives of those around me---not just what’s going on in the lives of some people that I will likely never meet. <br />
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Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good blog…and some of my favorites to read are written by people that I will likely never meet. But gone are the days of hundreds of mindless posts. I have been mighty selective with the blogs I read. In order to make the cut, they must be truthful and honest, push me to Christ, and challenge and convict me. While I do laugh from time to time reading through my blogs, that’s not a requirement—I can get laughter from other places. The blogs full of shopping deals and posts that make me say “I want that” have gotten the axe as well. <br />
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As I’ve gone thorough the weed-out process, I’ve realized that if I was someone else doing what I was doing, I would cut my blog right on out of my reader. So I thought the blog may be a good thing to add to my prayer list. Is it something that I should just shut down? I mean, there aren’t lots of people that read it…especially since I blog about once in forever…surely I wouldn’t be missed. While that may be true, after a few months of prayer, I felt like God was saying not to shut it down, but to use it to share wisdom. Wisdom that is truthful and honest…will push others to Christ…and challenge and convict. <br />
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I kept praying. Quite frankly, I wasn’t interested in all of that. Surely I had heard wrong. I didn’t feel like I had much wisdom to share. Then, over the course of the next months (yes, months…I’m not always the quickest to obey), the Lord made it quite clear that I had heard correctly. He showed me through countless conversations with people that I respect and admire. Conversations that I had not initiated. Conversations where people said things like, “you have so much wisdom in that area…you should really share it with others” or “the experiences you have in that area are enough to write a book…have you thought about that” or the one that cut me to the core “you may want to pray about sharing some of that wisdom with others…we need it!”<br />
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So…after almost 6 months of prayers and conversations…this blog is about to be revived. Then,when the posts start showing up they will be different. Instead of it being a random compilation of whatever I decide to write about, it will be a blog to share some of my experiences. <br />
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Here’s the disclaimer, and the whole reason why despite the Lord’s clear instructions to do this that I didn’t want to follow. <strong>I’m not an expert</strong>. Even more so, the topics that I am most often asked to share about are being single in my late twenties and how to raise children and teenagers. The thing is, while I may be single, I have never had a child. Yes, I’ve been a baby-sitter for 17 years. I’ve even been a nanny and done some overnight baby-sitting…but I don’t for one second think those things qualify me to give advice to parents! I’ve worked with youth for 7 years, but never have I had one of my very own. While I love that age with all my heart, they also bring me to tears and send me to my knees almost daily. <strong>I’m not an expert!! </strong>In fact, more often than not any “wisdom” I have comes straight from Scripture and watching a lot of other parents that I love and admire raise some pretty great kids!<br />
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All that being said, the Lord has made it perfectly clear that when He reveals things to us and gives us wisdom, it is sinful to keep it to ourselves. For that reason, from here on out, the goal of this blog will be to offer ideas and encouragement to single ladies as well as moms and people that work with children and teens. I don’t know all the answers, but after years of experiences with children and teens, I have some ideas…and lots of encouragement…and I’m ALL FOR encouraging singles and moms!! While it makes me a bit sick at my stomach to share, I am excited about it because I know that I am being obedient to what the Lord wants me to do. Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-13606582036263108292012-09-14T05:03:00.000-05:002012-09-14T06:20:45.673-05:00If I Could Write A Letter To Me<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oQcTOV2iGBI/UFKbCBstEzI/AAAAAAAAQxI/1ZeFz3WhwSs/s1600-h/600_4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="600_4" border="0" height="152" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uFDSalzvCLg/UFKbCyDaEdI/AAAAAAAAQxQ/YG1RHMJ3pNI/600_4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="600_4" width="596" /></a><br />
I can’t remember how I stumbled across <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/" target="_blank">Emily Freeman’s blog</a>, but I feel like I have been reading it forever. I find myself nodding along and wiping away tears at almost every post. She truly has a way with words. Well, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Good-Girl-Letting-Try-Hard/dp/0800719840/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347583320&sr=8-1&keywords=grace+for+the+good+girl" target="_blank">last year she wrote a book that rocked my world</a>…and now she has done it again. <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/graceful-for-young-women/" target="_blank">This time, for young girls—I’m talking teenagers</a>. And all those people with a heart for teenage girls said AMEN!! I’ve only had the chance to read the first few chapters, but whoa…it’s good. I can hardly wait to get this book in the hands of my girls…and journey through it with with one or every single small group of girls that I lead from here on out! It’s a winner for sure. <br />
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This week on her blog. she has gotten different people to post letters to their 15 year old self, and today she is hosting a little link up for all that want to join. I’m not usually one for jumping on the link-up bandwagon, but something inside me told me that I needed to. After all, teenage girls are my people. Then I started writing, and whoa, it was difficult. I mean, it wrecked me. When I think back to high school, there were so many WONDERFUL memories, but if I think about it long enough, there is so much yuck in there too. Thankfully, I have grown and learned from much of it, but if almost 28 year old me could speak into 15 year old me, I would do it in a heartbeat, and it would go something like this…<br />
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<strong><em><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LpoFIhGsBWE/UFKbELMsjyI/AAAAAAAAQxY/_plkonPWZuc/s1600-h/IMG_8062%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_8062" border="0" height="296" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-83tuMuRiqc0/UFKbFIFR9jI/AAAAAAAAQxg/btDGsFP-egg/IMG_8062_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_8062" width="393" /></a></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Make a B.</em></strong> That’s right, I said make a B. No need to freak out, I didn’t say make all B’s, one will be just fine. Just make the B. Doing your best is important, but you have gotten to the point where you are no longer just doing your best, you have created an idol out of your grades. Unfortunately, the idol will continue through college and it will take you starting Seminary to get over it. It’s not worth all those years of A’s. More importantly, it’s not worth all of the effort to make it appear to the outside world that you are perfect and have it all together. You don’t, and you’re not fooling anyone but yourself. So, just make the B. You may get in trouble for it, but the trouble will be much shorter lived than the ramifications of the perfectionist idol you have created for yourself. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gJp_OoNZt_s/UFKbGTzwGMI/AAAAAAAAQxo/Q-2LO3q6OKA/s1600-h/photo%2525202%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo 2" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NpZBJmgwppI/UFKbHNOtA_I/AAAAAAAAQxw/A3ODKxJUU30/photo%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo 2" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9O0T0K9iClw/UFKbIl3TiUI/AAAAAAAAQx4/aUxMu0RWplE/s1600-h/photo%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo 1" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ejk8PpMSdao/UFKbJZbC96I/AAAAAAAAQyA/LT2zED06heo/photo%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo 1" width="354" /></a><br />
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<strong><em>Keep babysitting.</em></strong> I know people think you’re weird because you would rather spend your Friday and Saturday nights changing diapers, playing board games and coloring. Let them think that. You know you love it and you know you’re good at it. In the years to come, you’ll enjoy it even more and people will really start to think you’re weird. Just keep baby-sitting. You know that having younger kids watching your every move keeps you on the right track, and the families you’ll get to meet will be part of your life for years to come. Let the people say what they want to say about you, baby-sitting is your thing…and that is mighty okay!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i9ZJo1VvrSA/UFKbKea8KjI/AAAAAAAAQyI/R_fKjc2_y48/s1600-h/photo6%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo6" border="0" height="302" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pWWW7yOOXI0/UFKbLUoJEwI/AAAAAAAAQyQ/MiXfkKAtXFY/photo6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo6" width="402" /></a><br />
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<strong><em>Tough love is just that…TOUGH.</em></strong> During the next year, a situation will come up where you will have the opportunity to choose to keep your mouth shut and go with the flow, or offer tough love to a friend. You will pray about it for months and will decide that it is more important to be honest with your friend and you will give the tough love. While you know it will be hard, nothing will be able to prepare you for what will happen next. Choosing that tough love will cause one of your dearest friends to stop talking to you, and in turn it will totally turn your social world upside down. You will often doubt if it was worth it…or if you did the right thing. First, let me say kudos to you for following through on what you knew the Lord wanted you to do. You learned a lot through that experience. You learned what it meant to earnestly seek the Lord. You learned how hard it is to follow in His steps. You also learned what it meant to fervently pray for a friend, and you did it faithfully for 6 years. Then, 6 years later, things worked themselves out. Your friend apologized and told you how much she appreciated you saying what you said. Your friendship was restored and you got to learn a new lesson—forgiveness and grace. So, keep seeking the Lord…and keep doing what He asks…even if it’s tough!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UgPNF4OvLCE/UFKbMWDwYTI/AAAAAAAAQyY/dJLnRoOn__Q/s1600-h/photo7%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo7" border="0" height="312" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z5Ca_V4o0BY/UFKbNXABaNI/AAAAAAAAQyg/guZqHQfthME/photo7_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo7" width="415" /></a><br />
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<strong><em>Tell your family how much you appreciate them. </em></strong>I know you may not always think they are the best thing ever, but just because you’re a teenager doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to be disrespectful. Soon you will go to college and then will get a job in the real world. You will begin to see what an absolute blessing it was to have two wonderful Christian parents and be right in the middle of an older and younger sister. No need to waste time now complaining, just be thankful. <br />
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<strong><em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mn_oom-jFd4/UFKbOyLuJjI/AAAAAAAAQyo/Szi5Y5KAX08/s1600-h/photo3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo3" border="0" height="283" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mflrxF1AECw/UFKbPlZbGgI/AAAAAAAAQyw/3ieYqol3Ka0/photo3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo3" width="375" /></a></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>If you want something, go for it!</em></strong> Don’t make your Dad threaten you within an inch of your life of moving to another state to get you to finally put your name on the ballot to run for SGA. If you want to hold an office, put your name on the list. Someone else may win, but that’s okay. You don’t always have to win to be a success. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Uy8Ct0QZt8A/UFKbRGel8QI/AAAAAAAAQy4/K3n-LTEm_2o/s1600-h/photo4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo4" border="0" height="278" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-98-ZuJCDFrk/UFKbSLkZE5I/AAAAAAAAQzA/gB59fTOg0UI/photo4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo4" width="370" /></a><br />
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<strong><em>Don’t worry about not having a boyfriend.</em></strong> Really. Don’t. I know you think you’ll be married with kids by the time you’re 25, but you won’t be. Heck…you’re about to turn 28 and you don’t have any real prospects. So do yourself a favor, and quit worrying about it now. Embrace the non-boyfriend life with all you have. I know there are times when a boyfriend will be all you think about, but they aren’t all they’re cracked up to me. Just trust me on this. The older and wiser you has listened to more teenagers than she can count and wiped so many tears that she should purchase stock in Kleenex! More times than not, it is because they are pouring out their broken hearts to her. Hearts that have been broken by a boy. Despite wanting to just forget the part that you have been taught about guarding and protecting your heart, don’t do it. I promise you it is worth it. It is worth it at 15…and it is still worth it now! <br />
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Most of those were pretty serious…but please don’t skip this last one. I think about it every day, and I do mean EVERY DAY. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Clj8zyBhPyI/UFKbTLlKuZI/AAAAAAAAQzI/X37xUxDVyzE/s1600-h/photo%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo" border="0" height="334" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i1hMLFhCt1s/UFKbT-FGjBI/AAAAAAAAQzQ/rhf1JlsalXA/photo_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo" width="252" /></a><br />
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<strong><em>Put some effort into learning how to fix your hair.</em></strong> Please…I beg of you…LEARN HOW TO USE A ROUND BRUSH!! Otherwise, you’ll be in your late twenties and won’t be able to do anything with it other than put it up in hot rollers or pull it back in a ponytail. Don’t worry, all your friends will come to you for advice on how to get the best curl…but if you keep up your lackadaisical hair ways, that will be the only thing they come to you for in the hair department! The hot roll is great, but a few other styles would be helpful. <br />
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I know this won’t fix all of your problems, but that was never my intention. Basically, that thing your mentor told you about keeping an eternal mindset…she was right. If you keep that perspective, everything else will fall into place. Even still, there will be times when you mess-up. Don’t get too hard on yourself when you do…that’s part of life. You’ll learn from the mess-ups just like you will learn from the successes, and maybe even more so. <br />
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Blessings and prayers,<br />
<em>The older and wiser You</em>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-41354834955094883832012-09-05T22:19:00.001-05:002012-09-05T22:19:17.170-05:00When Expectations and Reality Don’t Meet<p>How many times have you walked into a situation hoping and expecting one thing and then something totally different comes from it? If you’re like me, it’s a number much too high to count. While expectations aren’t necessarily bad, the problem is the disconnect that ensues between the expectations and reality often leads to confusion and discontentment. </p> <p>Not making sense? How about an example? Nine years ago I was a freshman at the University of Alabama. I eagerly went through Recruitment and pledged a sorority. I had heard the stories of sorority sisters being your best friends and had even seen it in my older sisters friendships. I had great expectations that I would walk in those doors and find instant friends. The problem was, that wasn’t the case for me. I immediately doubted my decision to join a sorority. If I wasn’t going to meet my best friends there, what was the purpose? I seriously contemplated dropping out multiple times. Thankfully, I chose to listen to someone older and far wiser than me. While the conversation was years ago, I vividly remember being told that just because I thought the purpose of joining a sorority was to meet my best friends didn’t mean that it was the purpose that God had for me joining a sorority. Maybe, just maybe, He had some other things that He wanted me to learn in addition to meeting friends. At first, I didn’t want to hear it, but lots of prayer helped me to see that she was right. </p> <p>Looking back, I can’t even begin to list the lessons that I learned from being in a sorority. However, even now, if I compared my expectations to what actually happened, very few things would line up. Through that experience, I truly learned the importance of taking all of my expectations and laying them at the foot of the cross. It’s fine to dream, and it’s only natural to have expectations of what will happen…but in the end, we have to take those expectations and trust that God is far greater than any of them. </p> <p> I was reminded of this last night when I was talking to one of my newest “college girls.” While her situation is quite different than mine, I could tell from her words that the issue was her expectations and reality just weren’t lining up. The discontentment and doubt had practically taken over every aspect of her life. With each word, my heart ached more and more because I knew. I had been there. Even more, I knew that the area of doubt and discontentment is where the enemy loves to get the children of God because it practically paralyzes us.</p> <p>Despite the tears in my throat, I encouraged her to think about her expectations, and then make the decision to erase those and replace them with the truth that God is sovereign and His plan is far greater than any of our expectations. Unfortunately, it’s not a quick fix. It doesn’t mean that things are going to be better for her overnight. But, I know that learning the truth of expectations and reality is one that will benefit for her for years to come…just as it has me.</p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-17898896588343361252012-04-08T18:11:00.001-05:002012-04-08T18:11:16.544-05:00He Is Risen…He Is Risen Indeed<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RpxFkGGFWQM/T4Ia1S-LfdI/AAAAAAAAP8A/qactilZC9VY/s1600-h/IMG_3334%25255B3%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3334" border="0" alt="IMG_3334" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1j1_eXM30co/T4Ia2LrUrrI/AAAAAAAAP8I/OIR4kQ9gTHk/IMG_3334%25255B3%25255D_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="301"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B6WdMoh21dg/T4Ia3B29TYI/AAAAAAAAP8Q/NAyVdOWE2E4/s1600-h/IMG_3331%25255B7%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3331" border="0" alt="IMG_3331" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z2f78EULh2M/T4Ia4Jne_vI/AAAAAAAAP8Y/Y4bHBbh-9UE/IMG_3331%25255B7%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="400"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k2QuReikC7s/T4Ia5eOm2qI/AAAAAAAAP8g/-HCb9k8DwWQ/s1600-h/IMG_3336%25255B3%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3336" border="0" alt="IMG_3336" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q8cE93y4_fI/T4Ia6Ci5HAI/AAAAAAAAP8o/UNqqifn6uUU/IMG_3336%25255B3%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="301"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q7Gl8aSH-OI/T4Ia75YsVLI/AAAAAAAAP8w/-humLf67kKM/s1600-h/IMG_4444%25255B3%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4444" border="0" alt="IMG_4444" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f6o2XP4CRKU/T4Ia9ZM9iLI/AAAAAAAAP84/yXBSkg_bKvw/IMG_4444%25255B3%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430"></a></p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ATMYi4vPAUI/T4Ia-2lPN9I/AAAAAAAAP9A/T-Q2JE1uArY/s1600-h/IMG_4445%25255B1%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4445" border="0" alt="IMG_4445" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MeOv8k8uVtU/T4IbByAe40I/AAAAAAAAP9I/OJE_JuRWPJA/IMG_4445%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430"></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O_6rhzc1pdg/T4IbDtVdK5I/AAAAAAAAP9Q/t4fAuLZBzwI/s1600-h/IMG_4446%25255B3%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4446" border="0" alt="IMG_4446" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cQg5WHE9trI/T4IbEn0FoWI/AAAAAAAAP9Y/TmYT1bi2JxU/IMG_4446%25255B3%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>What a wonderful Easter Sunday it has been! Church. Seersucker. Friends that have become like family. Family that are some of my best friends. A delicious dinner…complete with strawberry cake. The Masters. A nap. The Masters playoff. </p> <p align="center"><font size="6"><em>Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!</em></font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-89453971671609292492012-04-08T17:45:00.001-05:002012-04-08T17:45:30.017-05:00Spring Has Sprung<p>Sorry for the break. Life has been crazy…filled with papers, tests and lots of things that I can’t really post to the world wide web. Instead of putting my words out for others to see, I’ve filled the pages of my journal. It’s been wonderful, but now I’m ready to jump back on the blog bandwagon. </p> <p>I’m 6 weeks away from being completely finished with my second semester of school. Not gonna lie…there have been many times during the past few months that I doubted if I would make it this far. If my count is correct, I am 3 papers, 2 tests, and 3 finals away…I CAN DO THIS. I WILL DO THIS!!</p> <p>While lots of my time has been filled with school, there has been time for some fun. </p> <p>One of the best parts of school is you get a spring break. Mine couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I got to spend part of my time at the beach with some sweet high schoolers and finished up the last part recuperating from the lack of sleep and relaxing at home. I even got to read a book for pleasure!! Such a novelty! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x8--cIEjQm0/T4IU-Xp9AxI/AAAAAAAAP7Y/kZQ4Ta0fLio/s1600-h/559535_3633286555863_1385149310_3482657_961920172_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="559535_3633286555863_1385149310_3482657_961920172_n" border="0" alt="559535_3633286555863_1385149310_3482657_961920172_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LWq-8FCABjc/T4IU_qYD5mI/AAAAAAAAP7g/QQ1dmHKC6Zg/559535_3633286555863_1385149310_3482657_961920172_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>I’ve also taken full advantage of the beautiful spring weather in Alabama. Lots of walks…and even some runs. Lots of baseball games. </p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_zLvOBUBJEk/T4IVAZqZH7I/AAAAAAAAP7o/nJXbyne0BS4/s1600-h/photo-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo-1" border="0" alt="photo-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y5DKtLJerkQ/T4IVBDvIKUI/AAAAAAAAP7w/KjpVkrSWPsc/photo-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-82080568520376325872012-03-06T16:04:00.000-06:002012-03-06T16:04:06.515-06:00A Grocery Store Trip To RememberGrowing up I loved going to the grocery store. My Dad and I went together on Saturday mornings. It was our time. While I still enjoy it, I don't look forward to it like I used to. Since I don't enjoy cooking for one, the foods I purchase are much more mundane, so the trips themselves often leave much to be desired. <div>
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After putting the trip off for more than a week, there was no getting around the grocery store today. I proceeded to get my cart and scurry through the aisles as quickly as possible during my lunch break...head down so as not to be distracted by anyone. Thankfully, the lines were short today. I began to place my items on the conveyor belt...happy to be in and out in record time...when I heard a voice from behind me. </div>
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The lady behind me in line appeared to be in her mid 50s and said she couldn't help but notice the book in my purse and wanted to know what it was about. Now that I'm back in school, it's not uncommon for a book to find its way into my purse, so off the top of my head I had no clue what book she could be talking about. A quick look brought a smile to my face. She was looking at my copy of <b><a href="http://madetocrave.org/" target="_blank">Made to Crave</a></b>. </div>
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Made to Crave was written by my sweet friend, <b><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.com/" target="_blank">Lysa TerKeurst</a></b>, and it uses the idea of food to show how we were created to crave more than just food...we were created instead to crave God. While many tell of pounds lost due to journeying through the book, Lysa is quick to point out that the book was not written as a weight loss book at all. The book was written to help all of us get to the core of who we are and what we are wrongfully craving more than our Heavenly Father. </div>
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As I explained the premise of the book, the sweet ladies eyes filled with tears. She began to tell me that she had struggled with bulimia for years and had only recently gotten out of a treatment center. I stood in the check out lane in awe. As she spoke, I knew that this was no "chance" meeting. This was God ordained. I began rifling through my book...pulling out all of the little post it notes that I had stuck in it along the way. With underlines and highlights, it wasn't brand new, but I knew that this book was supposed to go to my new friend. Despite her protests for me to keep the book, I placed it in her hands and quickly prayed that the Lord would bless her reading it just as he did mine.</div>
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Thinking that was as good as it could possibly get for the day, I turned around to the cashier to pay for my groceries. I slid my debit card and typed in my pin only to find out that it had been declined. How in the world could that be? I knew I had much more than enough. Embarrassed, I glanced down at my card and noticed that it had expired last month. As I was trying to see if it would be possible to hold my groceries while I ran down to get cash (the grocery store I was shopping at only takes cash and debit), my new friend stepped up and insisted that she pay. I tried to stop her, but her card was run before I had the chance to put up a fight. </div>
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As I fought back the tears while bagging my groceries, I couldn't help but smile as I heard the cashier discussing the series of events with the gentleman behind us in line. The man mentioned he could hardly wait to get home so he could tell his wife all about it. The cashier was just surprised that things like that even happened anymore. </div>
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Before I left, I gave my new friend a hug, thanked her for her generosity and assured her that I would be praying for her. While it's true I may never know what becomes of the book or my friend Linda, I know without a shadow of a doubt that God ordained every detail of the grocery store encounter today...and that leads me to believe that He's not through working in the situation!</div>
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<br /></div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-36029097097998544502012-03-01T15:55:00.001-06:002012-03-01T15:55:58.560-06:00Long time coming…<p>Last Monday night I found myself eating dinner with two sweet families that were meeting one another for the first time. Two moms. Two dads. Two daughters…and me. As I sat at the table and thought back to how they were even meeting in the first place, I couldn’t help but smile. So here’s the back-story to how that meeting came about…as best I can tell it…because it’s almost just too difficult to put into words. </p> <p>Four years ago I stumbled across<strong> <a href="http://paigeknudsen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">this blog</a></strong>. I vividly remember finding it while I was traveling for work. So, alone in my hotel room, and with nothing other to do that night, I read past posts and cried for hours. While I had little in common with Paige, I loved it instantly. Go ahead and read for yourself. I’m sure you’ll love her too. From that day on, I became a faithful blog stalker. For years, I read every single post, but never dared to comment.</p> <p>Fast forward to last August. I was in Tuscaloosa to help my sorority out with sorority recruitment. After practically living at the sorority house for two weeks, I got to know lots of the girls, Emily being one of them. In one conversation we had, she mentioned that she had a younger sister that was a senior in high school that was thinking about going to TCU or Ole Miss. I told her that I knew a girl named Libby from Birmingham that was interested in the same two schools. How fun would it be if they ended up going to the same school and becoming friends? Since we live in the world of technology, we both pulled up facebook to show each other pictures of the respective girls. As she clicked through the pictures of her sister, Abby, I sat speechless. I had seen these pictures before. I had seen them on a blog. Not just any blog…they had been on Paige’s blog. I immediately began explaining to Emily how I knew her sister because I was obsessed with a blog that I remembered her being on. She laughed and said something to the tune of “oh yeah…that’s our friend Paige. We’re good family friends.” In my mind I thought FRIEND? You actually know this awesome lady and her husband and daughters and they know you?! It was almost too much for my little brain to handle. Though I had only known Emily for a short period of time, and didn’t even know Abby at all other than her pictures, I decided right then and there that any friend of Paige’s must be fabulous, and if Abby and Libby did go to the same school, they would need to meet for sure.</p> <p>Let’s skip ahead again to this past January. I got a call from Emily to tell me that Abby had been accepted to TCU and was going to go for a visit. I told her that Libby had also been accepted and since she had visited earlier had already made up her mind that she was going to go there. We introduced the girls to each other through Facebook…what did we do before that came along?? Abby made her visit to TCU and fell in love with the campus and the town of Fort Worth. When I heard the news I could hardly stand it. I was so excited that the girls would have the chance to meet and get to know each other. </p> <p>I guess that brings us up to the present. Earlier this week, Abby’s family was passing through Birmingham, so the girls and their moms worked it out for all of us to grab dinner. While they had been talking on the phone for a month, this would be their first in person meeting. It was such a special treat to be able to see both families interacting…and from the looks of it, I’d say that they are going to have a great time in the fall. I can’t wait for my first visit!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oS6uztO6CuU/T0_wandTd_I/AAAAAAAAPfs/CP5gYxMceaE/s1600-h/DSC02178%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02178" border="0" alt="DSC02178" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cph9oqsVthU/T0_wbHo7jwI/AAAAAAAAPf0/gjqQRv2tZ_Q/DSC02178_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>I know it was long…but I really couldn’t cut anything out. I just love how the Lord wove all of the strands together…from Paige, to Emily, right down to the girls choosing on their own accord to go to the same school. So, the next time you think that God’s not in the details…I hope you’re reminded of this post. He is most certainly in the details…some of the details just take longer to show how they are part of the bigger picture.</p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-75691121697058452682012-02-27T12:23:00.001-06:002012-02-27T12:49:01.210-06:00Yet another recap post<p>Sorry for the long hiatus again. One of these days I’ll get better at posting regularly. I guess it just goes to show that I still have a ways to go when it comes to getting my life in a more balanced state.</p> <p>The past two weeks have been unbelievably busy with school. I’m happy to say that I made it through without complaining…and let me just go on record to say that I really think it made a difference! Now that I’m on the other side of the crazy, here’s a recap of some of the highlights…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q2vgMan856c/T0vJ0nt3lUI/AAAAAAAAPcs/GZZBOOpgyA8/s1600-h/428280_10100673356390465_27427333_51768323_1714807567_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="428280_10100673356390465_27427333_51768323_1714807567_n" border="0" alt="428280_10100673356390465_27427333_51768323_1714807567_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t9ZmdR_9YSs/T0vJ1XS8RjI/AAAAAAAAPc0/c0LF6bJnyNw/428280_10100673356390465_27427333_51768323_1714807567_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="481"></a></p> <p align="center">I’m not a runner…and really have no desire to be…but I sure do love cheering on all my friends!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dj5pmwsr9DQ/T0vJ1wzfehI/AAAAAAAAPc8/IU4346rBY18/s1600-h/407476_10100689725970695_27427333_51817419_995589499_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="407476_10100689725970695_27427333_51817419_995589499_n" border="0" alt="407476_10100689725970695_27427333_51817419_995589499_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-joUFqMA4C6I/T0vJ2tdO0aI/AAAAAAAAPdE/uUr1DPxaoX0/407476_10100689725970695_27427333_51817419_995589499_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">Spent the afternoon in the library writing a paper…thankfully I finished in enough time to the birthday of my sweet friend, Megan!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9TGJ3WyQYTU/T0vJ3VhJGlI/AAAAAAAAPdM/Jw5nxxNqd2I/s1600-h/428144_330019677035024_142340149136312_796756_1779903510_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="428144_330019677035024_142340149136312_796756_1779903510_n" border="0" alt="428144_330019677035024_142340149136312_796756_1779903510_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hL9MoDbvT0E/T0vJ37RNrcI/AAAAAAAAPdU/eNxxU90Gr_4/428144_330019677035024_142340149136312_796756_1779903510_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">Sunday School weekend retreat…complete with a bonfire and smores!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cqMWyQV-P9Q/T0vJ4rhB_gI/AAAAAAAAPdc/XOVG7WTwKME/s1600-h/422076_3027398078625_1073001344_32923746_728487073_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="422076_3027398078625_1073001344_32923746_728487073_n" border="0" alt="422076_3027398078625_1073001344_32923746_728487073_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9CNo1elgZcs/T0vJ5PkavWI/AAAAAAAAPdg/wP4ow1Uu7ic/422076_3027398078625_1073001344_32923746_728487073_n_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="258" height="381"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S4TfaJjCf48/T0vJ5wrou3I/AAAAAAAAPds/jGf1mX_OmQ8/s1600-h/429593_10150635254737893_566767892_9343016_1451220866_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="429593_10150635254737893_566767892_9343016_1451220866_n" border="0" alt="429593_10150635254737893_566767892_9343016_1451220866_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P3_V9JBydvI/T0vJ6VdDxYI/AAAAAAAAPd0/a5ghgMFi7HU/429593_10150635254737893_566767892_9343016_1451220866_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="258" height="383"></a></p> <p align="center">Cheered on these two beautiful girls in their high school beauty walk! The best part is the outer beauty is really just the inner beauty shining through!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NRrQ2spXyP8/T0vJ7X5kvjI/AAAAAAAAPd8/F_tMzYer6Cw/s1600-h/photo%25255B25%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eZwpSUxkPr4/T0vJ732tGvI/AAAAAAAAPeE/QKrByhz4hxw/photo_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="251"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-82N-X4vKAYM/T0vJ8cCD2GI/AAAAAAAAPeM/SwNCHMqbH7s/s1600-h/426181_392615574085156_100000101514770_1666459_364860212_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="426181_392615574085156_100000101514770_1666459_364860212_n" border="0" alt="426181_392615574085156_100000101514770_1666459_364860212_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NoRBG1Xr62Q/T0vJ8rlLFPI/AAAAAAAAPeU/g0eISOn5htY/426181_392615574085156_100000101514770_1666459_364860212_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="251"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AKx8E_3hCmg/T0vJ984afeI/AAAAAAAAPec/rJJMXsytpsc/s1600-h/420134_3417539922332_1385149310_3383841_940771018_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="420134_3417539922332_1385149310_3383841_940771018_n" border="0" alt="420134_3417539922332_1385149310_3383841_940771018_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7_3PPIIInsY/T0vJ-mr9p8I/AAAAAAAAPek/J2CnIHLMrEU/420134_3417539922332_1385149310_3383841_940771018_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="314"></a></p> <p align="center">Ben Rector / Needtobreathe concert. I had a big test the next morning, but it was definitely worth the 3 hour study break! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c2cFDnLBT2Q/T0vJ_aRPrfI/AAAAAAAAPes/uPHc8LLoCvU/s1600-h/417009_3419833419668_1385149310_3384770_824012199_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="417009_3419833419668_1385149310_3384770_824012199_n" border="0" alt="417009_3419833419668_1385149310_3384770_824012199_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eibkBslyYK8/T0vKAMJeB2I/AAAAAAAAPew/nkyPPRhcgo4/417009_3419833419668_1385149310_3384770_824012199_n_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">The next night’s study break was used to watch these cuties play their final basketball game. They’ll probably kill me for posting a picture from AFTER the game…but I think they look adorable. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VQpUCUc4MZ4/T0vKBLpLWHI/AAAAAAAAPe8/_jeR1xm6SfI/s1600-h/IMG_1331%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1331" border="0" alt="IMG_1331" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VfSv27s8pF8/T0vKBvSj7HI/AAAAAAAAPfE/J940eJBgH8M/IMG_1331_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p align="center">This past weekend was fabulous…too bad I don’t have any pictures. I kicked it off with lunch at the high school and spent my Friday night with the Porter family. So thankful for the way they have adopted me like I’m one of their own! Saturday was filled with baseball games and date night with my aunt and uncle. Yesterday was absolutely BEAUTIFUL in Alabama…the perfect day for a walk with a friend and then it was off to see Wicked with the roommate. All in all, a refreshing and relaxing weekend filled with all things that make me happy. </p> <p align="center">Now, it’s back to this…</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MplpnnbXvpg/T0vKDG2-xII/AAAAAAAAPfM/qd3Fz3HJVSE/s1600-h/photo%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7yb1EJWgq2I/T0vKD9OJttI/AAAAAAAAPfU/ws4A47hZHD0/photo_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="367"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nQbVx7hCu1o/T0vKEWjWLmI/AAAAAAAAPfc/GnG_ai2dips/s1600-h/photo%25255B31%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tQ545m9PMe8/T0vKE9lDX8I/AAAAAAAAPfk/UqGXSNw6PD8/photo_thumb%25255B20%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="367"></a></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-52850249654232467532012-02-08T12:22:00.001-06:002012-02-08T12:22:41.412-06:00Last Dance<p>February 6. I’ve had the day marked on my calendar since last December when I wrote all of the Mountain Brook High School basketball games into my calendar. February 6=last home basketball game. Last home basketball game=senior night. Senior night=last dance and senior dance. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H9OW8zlqeM4/TzK8-AzlItI/AAAAAAAAPW4/EUI3Gcx_wY0/s1600-h/381361_310293485650699_100000101514770_1404123_1984154938_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="381361_310293485650699_100000101514770_1404123_1984154938_n" border="0" alt="381361_310293485650699_100000101514770_1404123_1984154938_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rOyusS95Bno/TzK8-8bxzxI/AAAAAAAAPXA/y2kSwTuD0vw/381361_310293485650699_100000101514770_1404123_1984154938_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="427"></a></p> <p>With months to prepare myself, I hoped that I would be able to watch their performances without crying. I even made sure to not sit with my family that night to try to cut down on the tears induced from others’ tears. Unfortunately,sometimes the best laid plans don’t always work out. I cried during 3 of the 4 dances…but that one time…that one time I was all dry eyed. So, I guess I should give myself credit for that.</p> <p>With the exception of my fabulous cousin that I’ve known her entire life, I’ve only really known these girls for about two and a half years. It’s embarrassing how emotional I get. I’ve tried and tried not to…but the fact of the matter is, just like my mother, when I’m proud of someone, I cry…and Monday night as I watched those sweet cheerleaders and dorians dance together for the last time I was oh so proud. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2lA2w1jp7fY/TzK8_Qz0DoI/AAAAAAAAPXI/4fnIBrQpkY0/s1600-h/DSC_3864%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_3864" border="0" alt="DSC_3864" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nH2aPLPM9wQ/TzK9ADKeiTI/AAAAAAAAPXQ/pBt__sJJ1WA/DSC_3864_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="428"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8kle7AUH44E/TzK9AoF4-TI/AAAAAAAAPXY/_tp4lkcNK0o/s1600-h/299497_293993423947372_100000101514770_1328434_2137464388_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; 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border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5797" border="0" alt="IMG_5797" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0OMIlrVkDM8/TzK9atbJmUI/AAAAAAAAPbk/fuUpdxEGSWQ/IMG_5797_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vFdFruhmPK8/TzK9bXtTGxI/AAAAAAAAPbs/ewuqIGcoJ7Y/s1600-h/305809_10100396735545855_27400651_50399238_522201577_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="305809_10100396735545855_27400651_50399238_522201577_n" border="0" alt="305809_10100396735545855_27400651_50399238_522201577_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-26PuLIW9yWE/TzK9b6Tx_4I/AAAAAAAAPb0/p8NdG77XIJA/305809_10100396735545855_27400651_50399238_522201577_n_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="306"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>So, yes…I cried. Some of the tears were because I knew this was my last chance to see them dance as a group…but most of the tears were because I was oh so proud of the women they are becoming. It’s been a joy to watch them grow these past few years. </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">**sorry for the picture overload…it was hard enough narrowing it down to just these!**</p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-24802432017765478692012-02-01T06:38:00.001-06:002012-02-01T06:38:11.606-06:00No More Complaining<p> </p> <p>After years of conversations with high schoolers, I have found more times than not the advice that I’m giving them can be applied to my life. Sometimes it has to be adapted a bit to fit a more “grown-up” situation…and then there are the times where it applies directly. Like today.</p> <p>Most of my sweet girls are getting ready to graduate high school in a few months. That is not the topic of conversation for today, as my heart is not ready to deal with it. With graduation looming, some have acquired senioritis…and some have it much worse than others. I’ve also realized that senioritis doesn’t look the same for everyone. When I had it, I was sentimental about everything. My cousin has it…but she adopts more of “I’m a senior, and I do what I want” mentality. Then there is the type that complains. </p> <p>I have a few complainers in my mix too. For months I had been saying “complaining doesn’t accomplish anything, it only makes you more miserable”…”quit wishing this away. school is here to stay, so make the most of it”…”when you’re complaining, it’s hard to be the light for God to your classmates and teachers.” </p> <p>After listening to months of complaining, I had reached my breaking point. Of course, I couldn’t tell them that….whoops, guess they probably know it now that it’s on the old blog…oh well, they probably realized it. So I declared February to NO COMPLAINING ABOUT SCHOOL MONTH. I actually did it over text and as soon as I hit send and read it, I knew immediately that this was something I needed to declare for myself as well. </p> <p>At the time, I was getting ready to start my second semester of Divinity School. The first semester was hard for so many reasons…but I didn’t make it any better by complaining about it. In fact, it only made me and those around me more miserable. I’m typically a positive realist…so this complaining about things was new for me…and I didn’t like it. </p> <p>So, now here we are. February 1. No complaining. My girls know it. My friends know it. My family knows it. No complaining. When I get the urge to complain, there are plenty of other beneficial things I can do instead…pray, read my Bible, study for a class, exercise, call a friend and ask about THEIR day…the list could go on and on.</p> <p>Since you’ve read all the way through the post, if you hear me complaining, you have permission to call me out on it. You also have permission to call these two precious girls in the pictures with me out on it because we are serious about NO COMPLAINING. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mqKq8bDb5VE/TykyKnuCNwI/AAAAAAAAPWY/0ncEhWJOAb0/s1600-h/IMG_24814.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2481" border="0" alt="IMG_2481" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aUznpVBohK0/TykyLEvWSKI/AAAAAAAAPWg/ErkkD6KCT_Y/IMG_2481_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6ZG9juAwyzE/TykyMCvObcI/AAAAAAAAPWo/YqsWjOuPQn4/s1600-h/333279_310292205650827_1000001015147%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="333279_310292205650827_100000101514770_1404100_269314070_o" border="0" alt="333279_310292205650827_100000101514770_1404100_269314070_o" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f8Vvp9Cjk4w/TykyMjvnKlI/AAAAAAAAPWw/zp24Ekk_ezI/333279_310292205650827_1000001015147%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="484"></a></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-45118644052433727582012-01-30T21:25:00.001-06:002012-01-30T21:27:59.583-06:00The Perfect Break<p>On December 13, I finished my last final of my first semester of Divinity School. I packed up my things and left the building that I had spent so many hours of the previous 16 weeks and haven’t been back since. Well, after 7 weeks of a much needed break, the time has come to load my backpack up with books and my body up with coffee. While the break has not been void of all things school…I’ve read and outlined the New Testament and have tried to get ahead for my Greek and Reformation classes, for the most part I have used the time to reflect and refresh, and it has been so good.</p> <p>I wish I had done a better job of describing the moments as they happened, because there really have been some incredible ones. For those of you that know me well, you won’t be surprised to know that many of my favorite memories involve high-schoolers. I know it’s probably weird to <strike>some</strike> most, but for whatever reason, that’s just how God wired me. I’ve loved being able to immerse myself in their worlds over the break. There were birthday parties and basketball games, a trip to Atlanta for Passion and a fancy ball, more basketball games, Disciple Now with the church, and then lots of walks, spend the night parties, lunches and coffee dates thrown in the mix. I was reminded with each activity and conversation that God has me in school for a reason…and they are it. While it can be difficult at times…or pretty much all the time…in the end, I will come away better equipped to teach the next generation…and that is exactly what I want.</p> <p>Sorry for the picture overload…that’s what happens when I don’t really document much. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YuY4PdCpeP0/Tydey7RLBsI/AAAAAAAAPRg/PE_zpE-a9q4/s1600-h/388121_336778533002194_100000101514770_1498100_562973523_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="388121_336778533002194_100000101514770_1498100_562973523_n" border="0" alt="388121_336778533002194_100000101514770_1498100_562973523_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8xw_l7_-fWU/TydezhlqQHI/AAAAAAAAPRo/xA8ZVpXf8GE/388121_336778533002194_100000101514770_1498100_562973523_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">My fabulous cousin, Allison, turned the big 1-8. Her friends wanted to throw her a party, so she asked that it be a lumberjack theme. By far, one of the most fun parties I have ever attended. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W7hoInziuVo/Tyde0nKiFfI/AAAAAAAAPRw/4_ufRvr5zCI/s1600-h/IMG_3183%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3183" border="0" alt="IMG_3183" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SVLr8YYmWr0/Tyde1DT5AiI/AAAAAAAAPR4/BYrAxbNOujw/IMG_3183_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DJ1Rxwi3EBU/Tyde2MUegcI/AAAAAAAAPSA/5LaGsVPf7Og/s1600-h/IMG_3193%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3193" border="0" alt="IMG_3193" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5tuWc1seTno/Tyde2nZXvBI/AAAAAAAAPSI/6wcunwk3FR0/IMG_3193_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WnQ5H6JdqpY/Tyde4EUrdCI/AAAAAAAAPSQ/kj0RujR4wt4/s1600-h/IMG_3194%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3194" border="0" alt="IMG_3194" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q1D-JoW8Jls/Tyde4xg-FzI/AAAAAAAAPSY/N8_X-8LmSSA/IMG_3194_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zW6FN1c2j2Q/Tyde7NLPtcI/AAAAAAAAPSg/22ZQj9l-Kl8/s1600-h/IMG_3185%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3185" border="0" alt="IMG_3185" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PImdXUmDnLo/Tyde7rulQoI/AAAAAAAAPSo/mUqfjs_1KQ0/IMG_3185_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ou00iDXgD9I/Tyde8p_dsDI/AAAAAAAAPSw/iE93sQKFyd8/s1600-h/IMG_3184%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3184" border="0" alt="IMG_3184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MQjqXO_cmcE/Tyde9LyVwfI/AAAAAAAAPS4/GkJh-cJvRuY/IMG_3184_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nQhYqQyvmq0/Tyde-ddxmDI/AAAAAAAAPTA/dZfG7wR81-A/s1600-h/IMG_3209%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3209" border="0" alt="IMG_3209" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XqK7YtDF1c4/Tyde_OEu3cI/AAAAAAAAPTI/qZN-SK8tX48/IMG_3209_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">Got to take this fun group of girls to Atlanta for Passion. Such a blessing!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RR_5iGY-z5w/TydfAbbjxUI/AAAAAAAAPTU/-8ZELo3JBhg/s1600-h/328323_10150496213356361_607296360_9281781_2009184512_o%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="328323_10150496213356361_607296360_9281781_2009184512_o" border="0" alt="328323_10150496213356361_607296360_9281781_2009184512_o" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7uKqnPnfKak/TydfBOP0tfI/AAAAAAAAPTc/WtDzCs2y19U/328323_10150496213356361_607296360_9281781_2009184512_o_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="387"></a></p> <p align="center">One of these days, I’m gong to figure out how many Disciple Now weekends I have participated in over the years. While I don’t know the exact number off hand, I do know it’s in the double digits..and this group of seniors is as good as it gets. Thankful every day that God saw fit for my first “group” of Dawson students to be these kids. Love them oh so much!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ot3iwZWypGc/TydfCIvKEqI/AAAAAAAAPTk/T4Z8kB5vsdM/s1600-h/IMG_3231%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3231" border="0" alt="IMG_3231" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EwVoL4htx1Q/TydfC0TDv4I/AAAAAAAAPTo/KWjiUhrjPms/IMG_3231_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DTp9keCnge0/TydfDnthtWI/AAAAAAAAPTw/TCiA_za1vtI/s1600-h/IMG_3233%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3233" border="0" alt="IMG_3233" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fOKuOeyd5dk/TydfEPsEZnI/AAAAAAAAPT8/JUQcAu3UXFs/IMG_3233_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5ggME_lh-88/TydfFNBDwbI/AAAAAAAAPUE/xqElgyyJ7Ps/s1600-h/IMG_3234%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3234" border="0" alt="IMG_3234" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5McxALKJm3Q/TydfFnR3i9I/AAAAAAAAPUM/ClgnuhEXSCw/IMG_3234_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uyGlE2K9ui8/TydfGUCFkAI/AAAAAAAAPUU/hVXut2jUsXo/s1600-h/IMG_3240%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3240" border="0" alt="IMG_3240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-km99cZgR3FE/TydfHBm5d3I/AAAAAAAAPUc/LRpgPjcbHNs/IMG_3240_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--LHCGEiVgtA/TydfH2vD2XI/AAAAAAAAPUk/EjUXNIlNI2M/s1600-h/IMG_3242%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3242" border="0" alt="IMG_3242" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g3Q7SlS_blM/TydfIdEY53I/AAAAAAAAPUs/QXzMiSWJXvI/IMG_3242_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bqo63JO2wzg/TydfJeHLEUI/AAAAAAAAPU0/csr0qbRGBDU/s1600-h/IMG_3245%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3245" border="0" alt="IMG_3245" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b1Dgc2WM064/TydfJpPi6uI/AAAAAAAAPU8/rzXWPBNMy0Y/IMG_3245_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U0K-KYVmbCA/TydfKmMahsI/AAAAAAAAPVE/AWM8DjowB8A/s1600-h/407048_367585746588139_100000101514770_1597803_297424985_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="407048_367585746588139_100000101514770_1597803_297424985_n" border="0" alt="407048_367585746588139_100000101514770_1597803_297424985_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4C3vIuabzlo/TydfLAL2kuI/AAAAAAAAPVM/XBDSRQ5fNLU/407048_367585746588139_100000101514770_1597803_297424985_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="428"></a></p> <p align="center">Nothing like seeing my sweet girls all dressed up to get the tears flowing. This senior year has been so fun, I think we should just delay college and do it all over again next year!!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WfhriUM8FyU/TydfLzm1JrI/AAAAAAAAPVU/BMf8gn_Jxv4/s1600-h/IMG_3248%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3248" border="0" alt="IMG_3248" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j-vqRWCl6xA/TydfMcn9XpI/AAAAAAAAPVc/0zyZTGiFLtU/IMG_3248_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y58LgYOytgw/TydfMzKG3FI/AAAAAAAAPVk/z-5q1d7Se1s/s1600-h/396350_10150515855497426_565802425_9138389_559442335_n-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="396350_10150515855497426_565802425_9138389_559442335_n-1" border="0" alt="396350_10150515855497426_565802425_9138389_559442335_n-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hv3-uCTT2mE/TydfNtF_DqI/AAAAAAAAPVs/qPPhwPEPGw0/396350_10150515855497426_565802425_9138389_559442335_n-1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-29843783729520068382012-01-11T14:43:00.001-06:002012-01-11T14:43:05.082-06:00Road to 14<p> </p> <p>I spent the past few days in New Orleans. To say I had a wonderful time would be an understatement. While I have been to New Orleans many times in the past, this trip was no ordinary trip. Instead of going to shop on Magazine and Royal streets and eat the yummy beignets from Café Du Monde…though I did all of those things…I went to cheer my team as they competed for their 14th National Title in College Football. </p> <p>The days were filled with lots of walking, shopping and yummy meals, and of course the game…but the best part was by far the time spent with family. There were so many times over the course of the trip that I thought to myself “I am so blessed.” Whether I was sitting amongst family and friends eating late night beignets or cheering amongst family and fans in support of the Alabama Crimson Tide, I got to experience something this week that many can only dream to experience. The thing is, I got to experience it not because of who I am…but because of <em>whose</em> I am. I got to experience so many wonderful things because I am blessed with grandparents, parents and aunts and uncles that take great delight in showering me with goodness. They were the perfect reminder of how Jesus delights in showering his children with gifts. With each thing that I undeservingly was given…nice meals, souvenirs, game ticket…I was reminded how much God truly loves us. </p> <p>Bet you weren’t thinking you were going to get a “God analogy” in the football post, huh? Probably not…but it’s so true. </p> <p>So, thanks for the undeserved blessings, family…and thanks for the win, Bama!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0o207DAEdFc/Tw30SkkwP5I/AAAAAAAAPQc/ieASFvCfi3Q/s1600-h/IMG_3225%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3225" border="0" alt="IMG_3225" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zdU66vCEkMw/Tw30TYYSUsI/AAAAAAAAPQk/UWqSnRmeulk/IMG_3225_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">January 2012—All smiles with my Mom after the big win. ROLL TIDE!! 14th Title</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NSH5eYdSLMA/Tw30T_dQbxI/AAAAAAAAPQs/iWvehGF6PqY/s1600-h/IMG_3167%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3167" border="0" alt="IMG_3167" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fVRtfGwUNKg/Tw30Upo36YI/AAAAAAAAPQ0/mgFS6mCNAkk/IMG_3167_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">January 2010—Celebrating the 13th National Championship in Pasadena. 13th Title</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r-b6LBRXaOU/Tw30VQueeJI/AAAAAAAAPQ8/cou14Jk3I9Q/s1600-h/Scan%252520120110000%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Scan 120110000" border="0" alt="Scan 120110000" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G_1IBQStNto/Tw30V-5pGaI/AAAAAAAAPRE/OV03ME97tv4/Scan%252520120110000_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">January 1993—In New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl for my first National Championship experience. 12th Title</p> <p>I’ve been through enough great Alabama seasons and not so great ones (AKA…college) to know that life doesn’t revolve around football. Whether we had won the game or lost it, the sun still would have shown the next day…but I sure do love it when we are doing winning! </p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-57396023181384379022012-01-07T10:34:00.000-06:002012-01-07T13:25:04.287-06:00Fall RecapBefore my most recent post, it seemed that I settled in for a long fall nap. While I wasn’t blogging…I was most certainly not just sitting around doing nothing. <br />
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The remainder of October and the months of November and December were jam packed for me. Most of the time was spent with my head in books. I found my little spot in the school library…and when they kicked me out of there, I found that the Waffle House was a suitable substitute for late night studying. <br />
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I most certainly never perfected a balance among school, my family, my friends and daily tasks…but I did find a little time to just relax and have a good time. Here are some pictures of some of the highlights. Maybe I’ll be better in 2012 at actually blogging as the memories happen…but I’m not making any promises. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dHyPqwtX6q8/Twh0RHXtk4I/AAAAAAAAPMk/lJjlLwKir7I/s1600-h/305257_10100447126731515_27407716_50764209_1730101466_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="305257_10100447126731515_27407716_50764209_1730101466_n" border="0" height="312" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c6J9EHyLKJE/Twh0RuWKzOI/AAAAAAAAPMs/RUDb4T87bQM/305257_10100447126731515_27407716_50764209_1730101466_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="305257_10100447126731515_27407716_50764209_1730101466_n" width="466" /></a></div>
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I spent many a Saturday in Tuscaloosa cheering on my favorite team…and got fabulous seats at many a game thanks to this sweet friend and her family!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BcTwLkOdkmg/Twh0SUel6NI/AAAAAAAAPM0/SlNp_-57yAU/s1600-h/298661_307391842607530_100000101514770_1391235_1466065422_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="298661_307391842607530_100000101514770_1391235_1466065422_n" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1tdO2Ctt_Ec/Twh0S89G_ZI/AAAAAAAAPM8/cAaWixH1p88/298661_307391842607530_100000101514770_1391235_1466065422_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="298661_307391842607530_100000101514770_1391235_1466065422_n" width="322" /></a> <br />
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I loved every minute of the MBHS fall show…especially since I got to watch one of my favorites perform.<br />
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I spent every Friday night cheering on the Mountain Brook Spartans…and definitely cried like I had actually attended the school when they beat Hoover. <br />
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My roommate and I had our Sunday School class over for a Halloween pumpkin carving party extravaganza. <br />
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I missed my first class ever so that I could see these sweet senior girls in their final homecoming pep rally and parade. Totally worth it. I’m currently in denial that they are going to be graduating and leaving me in a few months.<br />
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I attempted to throw my roommate a birthday party on Halloween night. Seeing that she is Ms. Martha Stewart…it paled in comparison to any party she would throw, but we still had fun. <br />
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We had a visit from these sweet kids that we baby-sit for…by far our favorite trick or treaters! <br />
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I attended more Alabama football games with friends<br />
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I celebrated my cousin’s 18th birthday…Lumberjack theme, anyone?!?!<br />
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I was reunited with two of my all-time favorite families in Atlanta.</div>
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It was a full fall. I finished my first semester of Divinity School…sometimes fighting with the Lord…but I did it. I found a way to juggle full-time school and practically full-time work. I was fed spiritually by some of the best Sunday School teachers I have ever had. I focused lots of my free time on my sweet high school senior girls and though it meant lots of things had to fall to the wayside, I know it was worth it. I formed new friendships…and rekindled some old ones that I had missed so much. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Through it all…God was faithful.</span></div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-10191901973893023572012-01-06T09:25:00.000-06:002012-01-06T09:25:33.805-06:00God is Faithful<br />
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Earlier this week, I took a group of girls from Birmingham to Atlanta for <a href="http://268generation.com/passion2012/#!/home/" target="_blank">Passion</a>. I had been looking forward to it and praying over the time we would have there for months. After attending Passion previously, I expected God to show up in big ways. He most certainly did. What I didn't expect was what happened on the drive over. </div>
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We were driving along...laughing lots and singing at the top of our lungs...and then we topped the hill and I caught my first view of the Atlanta skyline. My throat tightened up and my eyes welled with tears. In my two years of living in Atlanta, I had made the drive from Birmingham more times than I could count. Since I've moved, I've made the drive a handful of times each year. Yes, I have gotten teary before...but this was different. </div>
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When I left Atlanta in 2009, I cried almost the entire way to Birmingham. Atlanta was so good to me. The people especially. I had friends that loved me for me. Bosses and coworkers that wanted nothing more than to help me grow as a person. Families and children that I loved and that loved me back. High school girls that I connected with. A pastor that had helped me grow in my spiritual walk more than any other pastor had before. Atlanta had been so good...I didn't want to leave. I knew Birmingham couldn't be anything like it. </div>
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I was reminded of all of that as I drove a car load full of high school senior girls from Birmingham into my home of Atlanta. God is faithful. He knew my heart. He knew my longings. He knew that as wonderful as Atlanta was for me, Birmingham could be even better. In Birmingham, I have been blessed with yet another wonderful roommate that loves me for me, holds me accountable and encourages me to have fun. In Birmingham, the list of families that have welcomed me into their home with open arms seems to lengthen with each passing year. In Birmingham, I have been blessed with a group of high school girls that would blow you away. I'm currently in the state of denial that they are graduating in May and moving away. In Birmingham, I have found a church that I can grow in, fellowship in and serve in. </div>
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His plans may not always be my plans...but I can always trust his plans. I can do that because I know without a doubt, when I'm dreaming big dreams...He is dreaming bigger ones. God is faithful. Even in the smallest of things. I'm so thankful for that. </div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-1267073945523705252011-10-10T05:23:00.000-05:002011-10-10T05:23:00.061-05:00Lil Light O' Mine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I will never forget the first time I walked into the door of the DeFeo home. A sweet mom greeted me at the door and a little girl, not even a year old, with a head full of curls looked up at me. It was love. Instant love. That was September 2007. Over 4 years have passed since then. In that four years, I've watched Courtney love on her children and the children of others. I've seen her fill my heart and the hearts of others with encouragement, love and biblical truths. <br />
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It is with great excitement that I get to share with you the news that the same mom that I met almost 4 years ago has started her own company, and it is launching TODAY. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lillightomine.com/index.php">Lil Light O' Mine</a></span></b> was "created to empower moms and change little lives" and I have no doubt that it will do that and so much more! <br />
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The website is incredible. The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Light-O-Mine/245818842115869?sk=wall"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">facebook</span></b></a> and <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://twitter.com/lillightomine">twitter</a></span></b> pages will encourage you. <br />
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I'm not a mom, but with as much baby-sitting as I do, I know a good thing for moms and kids when I see it, and let me tell you...this is a VERY good thing. <br />
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I've got ABC scripture cards on the way to my house as I type and I can hardly wait to have them in my hands...and then to give them to some of "my" families. <br />
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<i>Sweet Courtney...I'm so sorry for breaking down when I called today. I really was trying my best to keep it together, but my excitement just had a way of coming through in tears. I'm so excited for you. Thank you for your willingness to step out into the unknown and allow the Lord to use you. I can hardly wait to see all that he accomplishes through you and this company!!</i><br />
<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-75295917075556055832011-09-28T18:29:00.000-05:002011-09-28T20:24:45.795-05:00ABC about ME ME MEI have a BIG Greek test tomorrow. So, the blog is getting some love. <br />
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My friend, <b><a href="http://lindseelou.blogspot.com/">Lindsee</a></b>, was the first to do this yesterday...and then I found out that lots of people love Lindsee too, because my reader had lots of posts with people copying her. <br />
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So, here it is..Lindsey in ABC format...<br />
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<b>A. Age: </b>26...savoring every last minute of it before the next birthday<br />
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<b>B. Bed Size: </b>Full...I'd be perfectly fine with a twin though because I don't move.<br />
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<b>C. Chore that you hate: </b>Dusting...or any kind of yardwork. Thankfully, my roommate and I have a yard boy. Who knows, one of these days we may just get a maid, too!<br />
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<b>D. Dogs:</b> None here, but one at my parents house named Maggie<br />
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<b>E. Essential start to your day: </b>Ok. This is a little embarrassing. Every morning, without fail, I start the day by saying "It's going to be a great day!" I've done it every day since my senior year of high school when our high school football coach encouraged us to do it. <br />
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<b>F. Favorite color: </b>Hmm...I LOVE color. Blue is probably my all time favorite...just can't pair it with orange!<br />
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<b>G. Gold or Silver: </b>Both. Just not at the same time!<br />
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<b>H. Height: </b>5'8'....technically it's almost 5'9", but I like 5'8" better<br />
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<b>I. Instruments you play:</b> The piano...but only the treble cleff and the French Horn. <br />
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<b>J. Job Title: </b>Sales Manager...and full time student<br />
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<b>K. Kids: </b>None of my own, but plenty that I would claim as my own!!<br />
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<b>L. Live: </b>Alabama. Love this sweet state and my current home in Birmingham.<br />
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<b>M. Mother's name: </b>the same as my middle name...Robin<br />
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<b>N. Nicknames:</b> hmmm...the typical ones are Linds, Lindzi, Lindzers, Linrobsmi...but then you have the odd ones that I acquired through the years: Bob and Corn top that list. I won't mention the millions that my younger sister has for me. <br />
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<b>O. Overnight hospital stays: </b>summer before first grade when I had pneumonia...lots of stories from that visit, let me tell ya!<br />
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<b>P. Pep peeves: </b>Most of them center around English grammar. I just can't handle it when people misuse the words their/there/they're or your/you're! I know spell check doesn't pick it up, but it's in the 2nd grade grammar book. Maybe I'll do a post on that one day. <br />
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<b>Q. Quote from a movie: </b>I love movies. Don't watch them nearly as much as I used to. One of my old time favorites is Serendipity. Lots of great quotes from that one, but here's one you can journal on: "You know the Greeks don't write obituaries. They only asked one question after a man died. "Did he have passion?" Those Greeks...they were on to something.<br />
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<b>R. Right or left handed:</b> Both. I write, eat, and throw left handed. I bat, cut, and shoot a gun right handed.<br />
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<b>S. Siblings: </b>Two sisters. One 4 years older. One 4 years younger. I am the quintessential middle child and am only now starting to get over my "middle child" syndrome.<br />
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<b>T. Time you wake up: </b>5AM...usually without my alarm clock. Though now that school has started and my naps have been removed, I will say that I often sleep right up to it.<br />
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<b>U. Ultimate vacation: </b>Greece. Now that I'm taking some Greek, I'm trying to convince my parents that this would be a great way to "better my knowledge."<br />
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<b>V. Vegetable you hate: </b>I think I like, or can at least tolerate, them all...wait, no, I do not like beets.<br />
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<b>W. What makes you run late: </b>I subscribe to the adage of "if you're on time, you're late" and am often at least 5 minutes early. Except for church. Despite the fact that I can see the building from my front porch, I'm almost always at least 30 seconds late. <br />
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<b>X. X-Rays you've had: </b>My lungs. See letter O<br />
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<b>Y. Yummy food that you make: </b>I don't cook near as much as I used to...with the roommate I have, it's not really necessary. But, if needed, I can make pretty much anything. My specialities are appetizers and desserts though. <br />
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<b>Z. Zoo animal: </b>Giraffe! I'm also partial to the elephants and monkeys. <br />
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So there you have it...26 random thoughts about me.<br />
<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-8786298667958269482011-09-21T22:24:00.000-05:002011-09-21T22:24:00.333-05:00When I left Atlanta and moved to Birmingham, I had a lot of reservations. I knew Birmingham was where I needed to be, but it was still so hard. One thing could have made it much easier though...a suitcase so I could take all of my "Atlanta people" with me. Specifically, I wanted to take the sweet families that I used to baby-sit for and move them to my new neighborhood. <br />
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After years of baby-sitting, I feel like I'm an expert on the subject. Well, let me clarify. I'm not an expert on baby-sitting by any means...but an expert on knowing a good family when I see one, that I am. You may think it's easy, but they are hard to come by! After all, you have to have kids that are fun and obedient, and parents that trust you and aren't especially weird. :) So, <b><a href="http://thirtycanwait.blogspot.com/2009/06/baby-sitters-dream.html">as I explained in this post</a></b>, my Atlanta families were the best of the best and I often wondered if there would be even one family in Birmingham that could hold a candle to them. <br />
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Two years later, I'm blown away at the sweet families that I get to hang out with. The moms wear the hats of counselor, mentor, and friend. The dads show me qualities of a Godly husband and father. The marriages give me a constant reminder to trust that God's timing is perfect, and waiting for the right mate is always worth it. The children make me laugh and cry, strengthen my patience and remind me to live life to the fullest.<br />
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Then, when school started, those sweet families climbed to new levels of sweetness. Seriously my love tank is overflowing. I've gotten texts, calls and cards almost everyday filled with encouraging words. I think my favorite was the little boy that asked if I was going to be in his kindergarten class. :) Then, as if the words weren't enough...because they totally were...one sweet family even remembered that I was thinking about getting a new coffee maker for myself to help with the late nights and took it upon themselves to surprise me with the Cadillac of coffee makers. You know, the kind that has the little cups you put in so you have the exact amount that you need. To say I was a bit overwhelmed would be quite the understatement. <br />
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My precious Atlanta families will never be replaced, but after two years in Birmingham, I can say with confidence that in so many ways the Lord has proven himself faithful to my prayer for sweet families, and for that, I am grateful. <br />
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<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-40366930627779322011-09-12T19:01:00.000-05:002011-10-02T20:48:23.589-05:00this one's for the girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever heard of the Martina McBride song "This One's For the Girls?" It's been one of my favorites for years, but now that I'm back in school...reading hundreds of pages a week, writing papers and being called on in class to give my theological interpretation of a Biblical passage, I'm finding that it's running through my head more, but this time with a different insight into the words.</div>
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There are many reasons I am going back to school to get my Masters of Divinity, but most of them include these precious faces. This one's for the girls. The teens of today, and the teens of tomorrow. Just typing these words and seeing these faces has given me the extra push to get back to my reading...even if I don't have a clue what in the world the words mean! </div>
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**Yes, I thieved these pictures from blogs and facebook. I did it without permission. I am happy to take the picture of your precious girl down if requested. I promise, I won't take offense. In addition, if your picture isn't on this post, it does not mean that you aren't loved...it just means that you weren't in the pictures that I was able to quickly locate. My study schedule only allowed for a 15 minute break. :)**Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-57742472398516061322011-09-07T20:44:00.000-05:002011-09-07T20:44:01.145-05:00Before I started Divinity School, one of the most common pieces of advice was don't let your reading for your classes cause you to lose time for your own personal quiet time. I tucked that little piece of information away, but didn't really think I'd have to worry about that. Of course I'd want to continue my daily quiet times. I love them. <br />
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Then school started. I was assigned hundreds of pages to read a day. Papers to write. Quizzes to be prepared for. A new language to learn. Things got crazy real quick...clearly, I've barely been in school a week...and my early morning quiet time has been replaced with one final read through of the homework. My 30 second <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-Enjoying-Peace-Presence/dp/1591451884"><b>Jesus Calling</b> </a></u>reading and 5 minute drive to and from class has become the new morning devotion time. Not good. I know. <br />
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Well, as <strike>luck</strike> God would have it, this arrived at my house today. <br />
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I heard about this book months ago because I'm a frequent reader of <b><a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/">Emily's blog</a></b>. I knew I would love it, but was almost afraid to read it for myself. It's not a secret that one of the things I struggled with the most is giving myself grace, and since I've worn the "good girl" label pretty much my entire life, I had a feeling that this book would really rock my world. Well, after reading so many great things about it, I knew that I just had order it. I have a feeling this book may be just the ticket to get me back in my morning quiet time routine and I can hardly wait!<br />
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<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-64080663417419515972011-09-05T03:32:00.000-05:002011-09-05T07:47:54.952-05:00Meet My Crew...AllisonAbout three months ago I decided I'd start a little blog series called "Meet My Crew." It lasted for all of one post, and then I kind of forgot about it. Good thing is, my cousin, Allison did not. Since she did the honors of reminding me, I figure she deserves her own little post. So, without further adieu...<a href="http://allisoningram.blogspot.com/"><b>Meet Allison</b></a>!<br />
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When I was growing up, I always envied my friends that had cousins that lived nearby. Not only did I not have a cousin super close in age, but none lived close enough for me to see much more than holidays. While I still wish that I had some of those cousin memories from when I was a kid, I think it makes me appreciate the ones I am able to make now even more.</div>
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One of the best things about moving to Birmingham has been, hands down, getting to know Allison better. In lots of ways we are alike...but we're different in all of the ways that make her better than me! <br />
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While I love to bake, Allison can out bake anyone, any day, and her cooking skills are getting better, too. Don't even think about challenging her to a Just Dance danceoff...she can beat you blindfolded! She can speak French. For real. Not just like a wannabe. One day, if I ever make it big, which, is HIGHLY doubtful, but if I ever do, I'm taking her to France with me! She's a trendsetter. Want to know how the term "deuces" became a common phrase in her community? That would be Allison. </div>
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She is, by far, one of the wittiest people that I know. Her sense of humor is one of my favorite things about her. Even the mundane is hilarious when Allison describes it. She has a comeback for everything, and now that we have twitter she has perfected her comebacks to 140 characters or less. </div>
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It didn't take her long to clue in that I love hanging out with her, and it makes my day that she invites me to do it! True, I would probably invite myself over anyway, but I love that I don't have to. She's always so sweet to text me with an invitation to dinner, a request to call out things for an upcoming test, or if I'm lucky...she'll even swing by my house for an impromptu visit. <br />
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Her home is always hopping. Yeah, she has a great space for people to hang out, but that's not the only reason why. The people come because she is such a fabulous friend and host. Her friends are some of the best in the land...but to have a friend, you must be one, so clearly she is a great one! <br />
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Allison is the school spirit queen. I was never one to miss a school sporting event growing up, so I totally understand her excitement. She's not just about the pep though. I guarantee you that she knows more about sports than any of those other cheerleaders out there...and probably more than a majority of the people that are playing the sport!</div>
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While she would probably disagree, Allison is a leader. I love watching her with a group of people. She's respectful of others and their opinions. When she talks, others listen. She's giving. She's humble. Always putting others before herself. She loves the Lord and her relationship with Him is something I could only dream to have when I was in high school. Pretty much, Allison is incredible. It's easy to forget that there are 9 years between us because she is so wise beyond her years. I'm so thankful she's my cousin because that means we'll be together forever...thank goodness, because I sure couldn't handle family get togethers without her!</div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-29930488484875970362011-09-04T16:19:00.003-05:002011-09-04T16:36:14.070-05:00One week down...Well, I'm a week into school and let me just say, WHOA! As I sat in class each day last week, I just kept thinking to myself, why in the world am I doing this? What was I thinking? No..what was God thinking? <div>
<br /></div><div>I have read through my old journals every night this past week...gotta remind myself that it was not of my own strength that I am actually doing this. I got into school because it was the Lord's plan, and I will make it through...if that's His plan. :) </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I expected that I would learn and grow a lot, but after 4 days of class, two papers and 400 or so pages of reading, I think it's safe to say that I'm going to be growing in ways I never dreamed possible. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I've been so confused and stressed these past few days that I haven't been able to really think. Instead, I've been turning up the music and using it to worship. Currently playing...Kari <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jobe</span>. Kari is one of my all-time favorite worship leaders. I love the honesty in her music...she's one of those that just leads you to the throne when she opens her mouth. Truly a gift. This past week, I have been claiming the words of her song "You Are For Me." Well, this morning, for the first time that I can remember, the praise band at our church sang a Kari <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jobe</span> song...and not just any song...yes, they sang "You Are For Me." For those sitting around me today, sorry for the waterworks. As if the words of the song weren't enough already to remind me that God is there, it was such a special treat for them to sing it. As I sat and listened to the words it was almost as if God, Himself, was singing over me. Powerful indeed. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here's the clip of Kari introducing and singing the song. Take a listen...then go get a copy of the CD for yourself. I promise, it won't disappoint.
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<br /></div></div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-50748541332046863472011-08-29T21:49:00.003-05:002011-08-29T22:25:39.988-05:00Ready or Not...I bet you thought after almost 3 months of no posts that I was no longer writing. Truth be told, there have been lots of times over the past few months that I debated deleting the account and writing it off for this chapter of my life. Thankfully, I didn't...because days like today just have to be shared, and now that I'm going back to school, I feel like this blog may really start to get some attention. Procrastination at its finest. :)<div>
<br /></div><div>Lots of things have happened over the past three months...maybe I'll do a post in the near future about that...but for now, I'll just pick up with today and ask for grace on everything that I've missed.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Today was a bid day for me. After months of anticipation, I found myself sitting in a chapel, surrounded by people I had never met as we became "oriented" to the Divinity School. The place we will be spending the next 3-4...or more....years. In many ways, it was like a dream come true, with a few nightmarish parts thrown in for good measure. The dream part was listening as Dr. George spoke on Hebrews 11. Often known as the "Faith Hall of Fame," I have read the verses that make up that chapter time and time again. The passage took on new meaning this morning, however, as we were instructed to move from certainty to trust, security to vulnerability and temporal to eternal. I felt like I couldn't write his encouragement down fast enough. Then came the words I wished I had never heard...you know, the phrases of "This is not summer camp. This degree will be every bit as hard to earn as a medical or law degree." Definitely not what I wanted to hear. Or how about "whatever grades you made in undergrad, expect to make a letter grade less" my over-achiever side about had a heart attack when that was said! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Thankfully, as I looked around the room, I saw so many faces that looked the same as mine. Fellow believers that have a desire to grow more in their own relationship with the Lord so that they can impact the Kingdom. I have no doubt that there will be tears shed between the time the first class begins tomorrow morning and the time that we receive our diplomas, but I also have no doubts that the support that I will receive from the students and faculty alike will be insurmountable.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>After the end of a full day, I left still very excited about the future, but a little more apprehensive than I have been in the past. As I drove, I asked the Lord to calm those fears and to help me remember the reason that I was going to get this degree in the first place. It was not for me...it was for Him. Then, because God is in the details, tonight I got a message from my cousin asking me to come to her house for a small group Bible study that she and some of her friends were starting tonight. I'm not going to lie, it warmed my heart on so many levels...one, because they were meeting on their own accord to dig deeper into God's Word and two, because they wanted me there. As I sat and listened to them share their desire for authentic Christian community, it was all I could do not to cry. I mean, I teared up, but I don't think they even noticed. Really, it was just too much for my little heart to take today though. The way they encouraged one another and were honest about their struggles was encouraging. It's no secret that high school and college aged girls are my favorite group of people in the world. As I sat and listened, it was almost as if the Lord was right there, confirming and affirming that girls ministry and Divinity School specifically, is right where He wants me. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>So now, instead of being nervous, I am choosing to be thankful. Thankful for the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord so that I can in turn minister to others in a way that will give them a desire to grow closer as well.</div><div>
<br /></div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-51972676891221599652011-06-05T20:27:00.007-05:002011-06-07T11:47:17.021-05:00Copying is Flattery, right?!?!<div>What does one do when they have a blog that is currently on life support and continually finds themselves with nothing to write about? I don't really know the answer, but it's a question that I have been asking myself over and over again and I have decided that what I will do is take ideas from blogs belonging to my friends and hope and pray that they take the copying as a sincere form of flattery!<div><br /></div><div>Up first...an idea from my roommate and newest addition to my blog reader, <b><a href="http://beingconfidentofthis.blogspot.com/">Martha</a></b>. After years of reading blogs, she has decided to venture into the blog scene. Though she's just getting started, I'm sure her blog will be filled with lots of wonderful posts. In order to introduce the blog world to all of her friends, she has started a little series called <i>Meet My Crew</i>. I love the idea and realized that there are quite a few people that I have mentioned on my blog, but not really talked about. So it begins...my first installment of <i>Meet My Crew.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Since I am taking the idea from Martha, I feel it's only best to start with her.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RoI8yEet52w/Te5UesI05bI/AAAAAAAAPIs/wxlwKAIKxjw/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RoI8yEet52w/Te5UesI05bI/AAAAAAAAPIs/wxlwKAIKxjw/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615518671598577074" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Martha and I first met right before I officially moved to Birmingham. I was visiting a Sunday School class and she introduced herself. Despite the fact that she was an Auburn grad, I knew, even then, that we would be friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>A little less than a year later she found herself in need of a new place to live and I found myself getting blessed with one of the best roommates ever. I tell everyone that I'm going to live with her until one of us gets married...I sure hope she doesn't get sick of me before I walk down the aisle...or that she walks down the aisle and leaves me too soon!</div><div><br /></div><div>As small town, southern baptist, SEC football loving, sewing machine owning girls, we have a lot of similarities. Yet even with all of the similarities, she has taught me so many new things...and helped me to love even more the things that we have in common.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRqp7F8Vdro/Te5UeKn6K2I/AAAAAAAAPIk/mv3EF7t0Dn8/s1600/232323232%257Ffp733%253B8%253Enu%253D5934%253E%253B44%253E256%253EWSNRCG%253D33634-6-4%253B347nu0mrj.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRqp7F8Vdro/Te5UeKn6K2I/AAAAAAAAPIk/mv3EF7t0Dn8/s400/232323232%257Ffp733%253B8%253Enu%253D5934%253E%253B44%253E256%253EWSNRCG%253D33634-6-4%253B347nu0mrj.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615518662602140514" /></a><br /></div><div><div>Here's a small smattering of reasons why Martha is the absolute best...</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Parties, Parties, Parties...I've always wanted to have a warm and welcoming home. Now that I live with Martha, I no longer have to want it, I have it. She exudes southern hospitality and because of that our home is always filled with people, especially when she decides to throw one of her parties.</li><li>Mad cooking skills...she may not cook every night, but whatever she cooks, or bakes, always turns out PERFECT.</li><li>Words, words, words...She knows my love language is words of affirmation and she speaks it to me oh so well. It's one thing to speak words of encouragement and thanks when they are expected, but Martha has the "out of the blue" note down to an art. Walking into my room and seeing a little envelope with my name on it sitting on my dresser is sure to bring a smile...and more than likely a few tears as well.</li><li>Old school music...Some of my absolute favorite times are when we are sitting around in the living room, both on our computers. When all of a sudden we start taking a walk down memory lane with our old school music...especially the old school church music. I don't know, but it delights me to no end.</li><li>Tough love...she says that I'm the queen of giving it, but she's pretty durn good at giving it right back. I love how whenever we are talking I know that she is always looking out for my best interests. It's the part of friendship that you can't teach, and she has it.</li><li>Curly hair...I literally have hours of my life back thanks to Martha. After years of trying, I thought it was hopeless, but in 10 minutes one night she had me feeling like a real, live, curly haired girl.</li><li>Pictures...I love pictures, and have always done a good job at organizing them and getting them printed. Martha takes it one step further and keeps the frames updated. It's so nice to see updated photos of people we love all around the house.</li><li>Thinker...It's not uncommon for us to listen to a sermon and then chat about it. I feel like my observations are pretty basic, but Martha always seems to dig deeper. I love that, and it helps me to dig deeper too.</li><li>Embracing the moment...Martha truly knows how to enjoy the moment. I'm so glad that I'm getting to live my "single days" with her because it makes me love this stage of life even more. We don't spend hours wishing and planning a wedding. Instead, she has helped me to see the fun that can be found in the present.</li></ul></div></div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UKBeGF_OO4/Te5UdyN017I/AAAAAAAAPIc/NUpHOrnXcn8/s1600/232323232%257Ffp73398%253Enu%253D327%253B%253E769%253E2-4%253EWSNRCG%253D35-93272%253C-32%253Cnu0mrj.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UKBeGF_OO4/Te5UdyN017I/AAAAAAAAPIc/NUpHOrnXcn8/s400/232323232%257Ffp73398%253Enu%253D327%253B%253E769%253E2-4%253EWSNRCG%253D35-93272%253C-32%253Cnu0mrj.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615518656050288562" /></a><br /></div><div>The truth of the matter is, whether it's late night chat sessions, movies, walks to dinner, road trips, dance parties or pool days, life is definitely better with Martha! God has truly outdone Himself with this roommate. I pray that I will never take one minute of living with her for granted!!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7yB1P0HlYfE/Te5UdWr1TQI/AAAAAAAAPIU/zBwnyZ-Wqww/s1600/232323232%257Ffp538-7%253Enu%253D327%253B%253E769%253E2-4%253EWSNRCG%253D355%253B996%253B6732%253Cnu0mrj.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7yB1P0HlYfE/Te5UdWr1TQI/AAAAAAAAPIU/zBwnyZ-Wqww/s400/232323232%257Ffp538-7%253Enu%253D327%253B%253E769%253E2-4%253EWSNRCG%253D355%253B996%253B6732%253Cnu0mrj.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615518648659954946" /></a><div><br /></div></div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010671502230284835.post-65892432153212013992011-06-01T07:56:00.003-05:002011-06-01T08:37:17.998-05:00The Joyful ReactionsFriends divide the pain and multiply the joy. I don't know if I have ever experienced the multiplicity of the joy part of that statement more than in the weeks following my acceptance to Beeson.<div><br /></div><div>In the months prior to finding out, I had been secretly making a list of people that I wanted to call when I found out the news...whatever news it would be. It seemed a little crazy at the time, but I'm so glad I did it because I didn't have to think of who to call. I won't bore you with the reactions of every person on my list, but there are some that I don't want to forget...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Natalie</b>...my best friend that has walked the journey of apply to school, get too scared, apply to school, get to scared, apply to school the entire time. She has faithfully prayed for me, asked me the tough questions and cheered me on every step of the way. Sending her the message with the word TOP in it brought tears to my eyes immediately. Truly a dream realized. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mrs. Teresa</b>...During my interview I was asked to name a person in my life that has done for me what I long to do for others. Without hesitation, I began to describe the relationship that I have with Mrs. Teresa, my mentor. I met her when I was in middle school, and despite only living in the same city for 3 of the past 15 years, she has given poured into me, encouraged me, listened to me and loved me unconditionally. If I can do for teenage girls even half of what she has done for me, I will feel like I have accomplished something. Her squeal of delight and affirming words were a blessing.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sarah Beth</b>...another dear friend that has walked the journey of applying for school with me. She was my daily encouragement to fill out the application, read the books and write the papers. Her accountability was just what I needed...and I sure hope it doesn't stop when the real school begins! She was one of the few I got to share the news with in person, and she immediately decided that a trip to Summer Snow was in order to celebrate. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Allison</b>...my cousin in high school. She isn't one to show much emotion, but when she does...you know it's real. To see her excitement, and the subsequent excitement as she shared the news with her friends, was such affirmation for me. After all, I want to work with high school girls...and their smiles, hugs and cheers gave me reason to believe that they though I would actually do an okay job at it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sweet Moms</b>...I love to fill my free time with baby-sitting. One of the greatest compliments in the world is when parents welcome you into their home and give you the chance to love their children. One of the neat things about baby-sitting as a twenty-something is that the parents are becoming more and more my friends. I loved getting to call so many moms to share the news with them...especially since I know they had prayed over the decision for so long. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mark</b>...my former boss at Chick-fil-A. I will never forget the conversation I had with my boss to tell him that I felt the Lord wanted me to work in ministry full-time and that in order to do that, I was going to need to leave the job I loved. That was more than 2 years ago. He was by far the best boss I have ever had, and leaving him was one of the hardest things I have done. Finally being able to call him and tell him that I was, in fact, going back to school, was so special. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Martha</b>...my dear roommate. I know, I mentioned her in the earlier post, but she was such a large and important part in the whole process that she deserves at least one more mention. Her reaction was one of my favorites. She was the one, reading the letter...and doing a much better job of comprehending what it said. She was the first one to congratulate me. She was the one that sat there as I whipped out my list of people to call. She was the one who sat there as I began to go down the list, only to have NO ONE answer the calls. She was the one that I joked with and said "it looks like the rapture happened and the newly admitted divinity student was left behind." She cheered me on the whole way, and I know she'll be cheering me on the whole way through New Testament Greek, Spiritual Formation and Old Testament Theology this fall. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay...I think that's enough of the divinity school posts...at least until school starts this fall. Thanks so much for all of the encouraging words, cards, texts, emails and calls. My words of affirmation love tank is filled and overflowing!</div><div><br /></div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05772819464369181754noreply@blogger.com1