Blessed to Baby-sit

Today was a typical Wednesday. I put in a full day of work. No traveling today, but enough emails, phone calls and text messages to keep my head spinning. Then, when the work day finished up at 4:30, I closed my computer and walked across the street for a few hours of baby-sitting. I take care of kids so often that it rarely merits a post...these days, there isn't much that does...but something about today was different. Something about it was extra real.

Three kids. Ages 15 months, 5 years and 6 years. Oldest and youngest girls...middle, a boy.

When I got there, the youngest was asleep, the middle was working on a coloring sheet for homework and the oldest was in time-out because she was getting frustrated over her math. I watched and assisted when necessary as the middle powered through his homework and after chatting with the oldest decided that it would probably be best to wait until after dinner to take another stab at the math.

Dinner. The kids weren't interested in any of the things that were already prepared. Against my better judgement, I decided to ask what they wanted...I mean, if they had said popsicles I could have used my veto power. After a little discussion, they decided on pancakes. Thankfully, my Dad is the pancake extraordinaire, so I knew just what to do. I outfitted them both with aprons and did my best to divide it so everyone could do the same amount of "helping." Smiles were in abundance and they hadn't even eaten. The first batch was a little rough, but that's typical...and the remaining three batches looked great and tasted delicious. The kids were beyond impressed and asked if I would make them pancakes everyday.

Faces were wiped and I sent them outside to play while I cleaned up the kitchen. I absolutely LOVE the layout of their house because you can clean while watching. As I washed and dried dishes, I could hear the squeals of delight coming from outside and it made me so happy that I teared up. I pray I never grow tired of the blessing of loving on children.

With dishes washed and dried and energy expended, the kids came back in. The little boy grabbed some crayons to color and the oldest daughter finished her math without one cross word, and just as I was doling out pudding for dessert, I heard the youngest waking from her late nap. Thirty minutes later the father came home and I walked back to my house.

Now, I sit at my computer, thinking back on the afternoon. The kids weren't perfect. Time-outs were given. Band-aids were doled out. Yet, there was much laughter and love filled the home. Days like today remind me how blessed I am to baby-sit.

As I drift off to sleep tonight, I know a few things that will most definitely make the prayer list...prayers of thankfulness for the opportunity to love on kids and families that are not my own, followed shortly thereafter with prayers that one day the Lord will bless me with the opportunities to help my own children with their homework and wash my own families' dishes.

The Next Chapter

Three years ago, I heard the name Lysa TerKeurst for the first time. I was a recent college graduate, looking for a good Bible study. My boss at the time was friends with Lysa and told me that he thought I’d really like her books. I went that day to the bookstore and bought “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.” The book is still one of my favorites that she has written, and other than the Bible, I know of no other book that has had such an impact.

After I read the book, I realized that Lysa was both a blogger and the President of a well known womens’ ministry, Proverbs 31. In no time at all, I was reading her daily blogs and donating to the ministry. Two years ago, my dream world and real world met when, once again, my boss came through for me. He had mentioned to Lysa’s husband, who by the way is one of the very best Chick-fil-A operators, that I had really taken a liking to Lysa and her ministry. Before I knew it, I had her home phone number in my hand with their instance that she would love to chat with me. I was beyond nervous to call her, but somehow found the courage to dial the number, and am so very glad I did. Before I hung up the phone she had checked her calendar and invited me to come and stay with her…in her home…with her precious family…for a long weekend. I couldn’t believe my ears. The experience was one I’ll never forget.

Each year Proverbs 31 holds a conference for speakers and writers. I’m really not either, but I have a desire to do both, so it’s been on my radar for a few years now. After lots of praying and some encouragement from Lysa and her dear friend, Holly…I’ve decided this is the perfect year to go. Even though things begin this Friday, I still can’t believe that I’m going to actually get to go. Three days of teaching, learning, enjoying spending time with friends new…some that I’ve only known through their blogs.

I’m not exactly sure all of the reasons the Lord has for me going this year or what the next chapter of this story holds, but I know one thing for sure…She Speaks is where I’m supposed to be, and I can hardly wait to get there!

The many languages of love

I heard the song A Father's Love on the radio the other day and it made me smile.

While the song isn't exactly applicable to my relationship with my father...he tells me all the time how much he's proud of me and loves me....I was reminded of the many ways that we can show others our love.

In his book, The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman talks of the five areas that people show love and want to receive it. I read the book a few years ago and ever since, I've been trying to figure out how others want to receive love. It's almost like a game for me. My love language is words of affirmation, but for the people that have a love language of gifts, the words thing may not mean much. By finding out more about them and focusing on trying to show love the way they want it, they can feel that love even deeper.

The goal is most definitely to express love the way the receiver wants it...but often, since my love language is words, I find myself deflecting to it. I haven't done a study on this...might be something interesting to do...but I've been thinking lately if others do the same. Then, last Thursday, I got a call from my Dad. He said he had noticed the last time I was home that the crack in my windshield was getting larger and that he was going to call someone to get it fixed, so he needed to know my schedule for the next few days. I tried to tell him that I'd be happy to call about it...you know, cut out the middle-man...but he insisted. He said he had the number and was happy to call and get it taken care of. True to his word, this is what I saw when I looked out my window on Monday morning.

I'm not 100% certain, but I'm fairly positive that my Dad's love language is acts of service. He loves it when I teach him new things...serve him...serve my mom...serve others. And, just as he appreciates being served, he often shows me his love through service as well...filling up my gas tank every time he sees me; spending two days in my yard to make it look like someone actually lives in the house; sending me emails with the latest financial news, books to read and Internet deals; and even taking care of my windshield.

I'm so thankful for my Dad...a Dad that shows me love every way that he knows how.

Weddings Galore

As a girl in my mid-twenties, weddings are a big part of my life...especially during the summer. This summer is no different. I knew four sweet ladies that got married a few Saturdays ago. Though I tried to make it to the festivities of more than one bride, it became clear that would not be possible. I just had to remind myself that just because I could only be at one didn't mean that I couldn't be happy for all.

So, here's to the brides of June 26 and their sweet husbands. I pray that the next chapter of your lives together will be better than you could have ever dreamed it!

Lauren and Josh: I've known Lauren for my entire life. Literally. The early years were filled with church musicals and youth trips, and when she was old enough to drive, she graciously became my taxi. The last few years, we have watched many guys and gals couple off and get married...always knowing that one day the day would come for us. I'm still waiting, but I couldn't be happier for Lauren and Josh!

Anna and Whit: Anna and I didn't officially meet until my freshman year of college, but because our mothers were sorority sisters at Alabama, I had heard about her long before that. Though we both ended up pledging different sororities, the friendship continued. We walked many miles around the campus during those four years...and ate many cups of TCBY! Anna was one of the few friends that visited me my first summer in Atlanta...I won't go into the details, but let me just say that I much appreciated both she and her then boyfriend, now hubby, being there that particular weekend! She and Whit compliment each other so well. Who knows...maybe one day in the future, we'll send our children off to Alabama and they'll become friends just as we did.

Becky and Emory: I met Becky when I was a freshman in college and we were in the same sorority rush group. We ended up pledging different houses, but I still ran into her from time to time. Our paths crossed again two years later when we were both rush counselors, and thanks to our blogs, we have stayed in touch. I've never met Emory, but I've read so much about him that I feel like I know him, so I can say...good pick, Becky!

Leslie and Stephen: Leslie was one of the first people that I met when I moved to Atlanta 3 years ago. I worked with her at Chick-fil-A and was so blessed to get to work with her. Over the course of many lunch dates and afternoon snacks, she poured her wisdom into me in the most non-judgemental way. Leslie is one of the sweetest people I've ever met and she deserves every happiness...I have a feeling that marriage will bring lots of it!

An End to the Silence

I went to my hometown a few days last week and I found out that apparently people actually read this thing. Who knew? Sweet of them to keep up, but not sweet of them to never comment! :) I tried to explain that I don't know what to write about, but apparently that doesn't matter. So, I'm back....trying to uphold my end of the promise to be more consistent with my posts.

The post before this one was written about two months ago, so I'm definitely not going to even try to back-date and retell all of those comings and goings since, but I will say it was busy. Crazy busy. Travel for work. Travel for vacation. The month of July will be a much more laid back pace...something I'm very thankful for.

To help with my commitment to be a better blogger, I'm making myself a list, and I'll do my best to post about these things in the coming weeks. Maybe by the time I mark all of the things off the list I'll be inspired again. If not, I suppose I'll go back to my non-blogging self. For now, here's the list, in no particular order:

• Roommates
• She Speaks
• Nashville
• Weddings of sweet friends
• Birthdays and half birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Working from home
• Baby-sitting
• Summer reads
• Ruth
• Ms. Peggy

That's my list. I'll get working on it this week. For now, I'm going to enjoy spending some time with my family.

Teary Saturday

Saturday, May 8 was a busy day for me. It began with an early morning drive to Tuscaloosa to watch some of my sweet friends graduate and ended with a drive back to Birmingham to see my cousin presented at her sophomore candlelight ball. To say that tears were cried would be a bit of an understatement. Just typing this now has me a bit teary, but the events of the day are some that I don't want to forget...so I will be sharing.

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you've heard of Miss Sarah Beth. She has been one of my favorite people since the first time I saw her and even though I knew the graduation ceremony would be 2+ hours, I knew it was something that I couldn't miss. I was impressed with my abilities to hold in the tears as they called out her name and she walked across the stage. Not so impressive was the sob fest that followed soon after when the band began playing the Alma Mater. It gets me every time.

I can't believe that I graduated from college three years ago. Sometimes I feel like it's been longer than that...other times I feel like it was yesterday. I clearly remember those feelings I had when I graduated. I used to think that college was the end all be all. You hear all your life that the most fun you have is in college. I'm not going to say that it wasn't a wonderful four years, but I also think it's important to point out---especially to those that are closing the chapter on the college experience---that the end of college is not the end of life. It is the beginning of something else. Yes, it will be different. There will be times where your bank account doesn't have as much money in it as you'd like. There will be times where you would gladly trade in your office days for a day of class, pool time, homework and an evening with your friends. But there will also be wonderful things too....like when you have the money to buy something you've wanted for so long, or the days when work doesn't seem like work at all. Then there are the fun blessings of marrying off your best friend to the man of her dreams and then later visiting her at the hospital to hold her precious baby. College is wonderful...but life after college isn't too bad either!

After graduation, I got myself back in the car and drove to Birmingham to see my cousin, Allison, before she left for her candlelight ball. She has been planning for this ball for months and when she asked me a few weeks ago if I would come, I was beyond excited. I just love my sweet cousin and her friends and it was extra fun to see them all dressed up. We won't talk about the part of the evening when she was presented and I started tearing up. Nope. We wont talk about that.

Atlanta...better late than never

The month of April was filled with so many wonderful moments. I've already told you about my weekend in Pensacola...and now, a week and a half after I'm back, I'm ready to fill you in on my time in Atlanta.

Since I lived in Atlanta for two years after college, I love getting the chance to go back whenever I can. When I heard that Beth Moore was going to be speaking at a live event in Atlanta, I knew I wanted in. I purchased my ticket and only became more excited as the event got closer and I realized that so many of my favorite bloggers were going to be attending as well.

The conference was on Saturday, but I made my way over on Friday so that I could get some quality time in with some of my favorite 3 year olds...and their families. :) I was blessed to get to watch Ella and Emma Kate while their parents attended a small group each week. They have grown and changed so much since those first days when they weren't doing much more than sitting up and crawling. After some time at the local jump house, playground and an ice cream treat, I dropped them back off with their parents' and headed a little further north to meet my roommate.

Technically, Christen isn't my roommate anymore, but she was by far my favorite of all my Atlanta roomies and that has earned her the title of being one of my lifetime roommates. I love getting to hang out with her because we both just enjoy being with each other. We are easily entertained and pretty much enjoy the same kinds of things...and she didn't make fun of me for wanting to go to bed early that night either.

I woke up extra early on Saturday morning and got ready to head up north to First Baptist Woodstock. I hate being late, so I actually ended up arriving about 30 minutes before they opened the doors. That turned out being a good thing because there were almost 10,000 people in attendance and the tickets were general seating.

I'm so glad I got there earlier, because it was during that time that I was able to meet those bloggers that I was hoping to see. It was so neat to finally get the chance to see and talk to people that I had been reading about for years. I was happy to see that every single person I met was just as sweet, or sweeter, than I thought they would be. I didn't take a picture with everyone, but I did get some with a few people. I'm guessing most of you will probably already recognize some of these faces, but just in case...

Kelly from Kelly's Korner. I started reading her blog almost two years ago. Her blog became wildly popular after the birth and extended hospitalization of her daughter, Harper, but she has always been one to communicate her willingness to pray for women...especially those that are single or struggling to get pregnant. Seeing that I fit into that single category, I was glad I got the chance to hug her neck and thank her for her encouraging words.

Jenna from These Are The Days. I stumbled across Jenna's blog about a year ago, and have not missed a post since. She is so funny...but so real. Her love for the Lord is something that she incorporates into her daily life so seamlessly. We're about the same age, and she leads some small group bible studies with high school and college girls, so I love seeing what's going on with that...and sometimes borrowing some ideas. :)

Lindsee from Lindsee Lou. Another blog that I stumbled across about a year ago. Lindsee lives in Texas and works as a Girls Minister for a church in her town. If I didn't love what I was doing, I think I would want to do what she does. It's so encouraging to see other people that are my age that feel called to "do life" with younger girls. In addition to loving her girls, she also loves my favorite show...Biggest Loser. She's good times. We actually exchanged a few emails earlier in the week and when she found out that I would be attending the event alone, she invited me to sit with she and her friend, Jen. So fun!

Jen from Jen the Newlywed. I actually hadn't read her blog before, but since getting back have done lots of reading and she is for sure a new favorite. She and Lindsee are best of friends, and like Lindsee, she is quite funny. Yay for new friends...and new blogs to read!

And, now back to the REASON I went to Atlanta in the first place...Beth Moore.

I've read most of her books, and have done quite a few of her studies in the past few years, but attending a conference was a first. I loved it. The worship was incredible, but I mean...when is it not incredible if Travis Cottrell is leading? Beth spoke on the topic of Insecurity...a follow-up to her book So Long Insecurity. I don't know a single woman that hasn't struggled with it at one time or another....but it doesn't have to be that way. She challenged us to work to combat the insecurities in our own lives so that we can teach the next generation with hopes that they won't struggle with it. I took lots of notes and have been reading over them all week...lots of good things to put into practice for sure!

It was a blessing to get to hear and see Beth, and to get to meet people that I had read about for so long. A weekend that I will never forget!