A Mish Mosh....

Here's a run down of my life since Christmas:

I picked up my first C.S. Lewis book. Always been intimidated to read anything of his but I'm really enjoying The Screwtape Letters.

My sister got married to the love of her life, Aaron on January 22nd in Jupiter Fl. (pics and the sister-perspective post of their special day soon)

I chopped my hair off to above my shoulders and feel like a new woman. My hair has volume again!

I already achieved one of my NE Res's: lose 3 lbs. This made possible by publix brand ensure chocolate & vanilla health drinks, (and daily cardio which I'm lucky to have time for in my life right now-plus the weather has been beautiful- 74 most days so I'm very encouraged to get outside and walk or run)

I went on a women's retreat to Callaway Gardens and heard Mary Beth McGreevy speak on Sanctification. Amazing. My heart needed that refreshment.

Made the most delicious chowder by E-mealz. (check post below) Ask me if you want the recipe.

Began mentoring a sweet teenager named Cary. We meet on Saturday mornings and discuss a chunk of James. Fun facts about Cary: She's a talented oboe player & her grandfather started a kid discipleship camp called Marannook in Alabama.

Champ, my doggie, had a benign tumor on his hip removed. phew. I'm pretty sure Champ is one of my idols. I'd be heartbroken if he suddenly wasn't in our lives.

I became addicted to Edy's french silk ice cream. (Grace, it's got coffee in it, you'd LOVE it!)

Studying The Gospel in Life by Tim Keller in our small group and really loving it.

I began counselor training at a local crisis pregnancy clinic. This is a ministry I've always wanted to get involved in and now is the perfect time in my life to do so. God has a lot to teach me about presenting the gospel in simple terms. I've been stuck in my theological smokeroom for too long I fear. The gospel should always be something you can teach a 5 year old- but what a task enabled only by the Holy Spirit.

I've determined I need a hiatus from teaching dance. I'm getting burned out. I love to dance but the choreographing and teaching are becoming laborsome and that's not how it should be. I never want dance to seem like a burden. I think I may just take a class or two starting in the summer.....?


So that's me, lately, in a nutshell. D.R. & I are expecting a nice bonus check from the Nat'l Guard soon and we are excited to be able to pay off some loans and save for a trip. I wonder what Santorini, Greece is like this time of year? ha!

*Be thankful!*


and here are some pics from my relaxing day on the Morris Farm in Pine Mt, GA.










Isn't it a beautiful place?

shout out!

i want to give a shout out to something that makes my life a little easier. It's the wonderfulness that is E-mealz. That's right, mealz with a Z, homeslice. That's how they roll. E-mealz is a meal-planning resource for...anyone really. Whether you have 6 kids or it's just you and your roommate, it's easy, cuts your grocery costs and has great variety. D.R. & I have been using e-mealz since August 26, 2007. (the day we got back from our honeymoon!) We spend $5/month on it and it helps us spend way less at the grocery store. E-mealz is committed to simple-to-prepare meals, that are cheap, healthy and a good variety. You don't have to pick low-fat meal plans. We just enjoy eating healthy. They let you pick from the nearest/favoritest grocery store near you and find the cheapest priced items for the meals. 85% of the time we love the meal and recycle the recipe to make again. I'll diverge from the list once in a while when a meal comes up that we aren't fond of but otherwise it has been really great. I have never made up my own grocery list. I never have to think about what's for dinner and I LOVE IT! So if you're looking for something a little easier than coming up with yummy, different meals each week, try it out.

the problem beneath the problem

Hello again, blog friends! It's been a little while. I haven't had much to say lately because life has been so full and I've been busy living it! Christmas, New Years, weddings... so much life shared with family and friends lately. It's been wonderful. I can't believe it's 2011. I feel like I was just in Miami at my uncle's house, begging my mom for a sip of her champagne & ringing in Y2K my sophomore yr of h.s.! And now we're beginning a new decade. What will this one bring? In the last one, I've graduated h.s, received a degree from Samford University, married my best friend, become an aunt, and experienced being a homeowner. There is much to look forward to. In the next few weeks I will gain another brother-in-law and experience the sweet relationship of having a married sister to talk to. God has so graciously chosen Aaron for Kirstie and it's a beautiful match. He's been a precious addition to our family and become a true, dear friend of mine & D.R.'s. He's a zealous man of God and deeply loves His Word & the church. I'm confident that he will lead Kirstie well and with much humility and grace. He's the youngest of four children and like most babies in the family, he's learned from his older 3 siblings mistakes & successes. Aaron, if you ever read this, I am truly glad God chose you to be my sister's spouse. We love you and welcome you to the family!

I got to spend some quality time with my sister over New Years and hear her heart about wedding plans and thoughts on marriage. We both share the same struggle with our physical expectations. I know that God will use that struggle in her marriage to show her what's most important but I didn't quite know how to encourage her Biblically. When I got home and shared with D.R. the struggle that Kirstie & I both have he reminded me that the problem is not that she wants to be physically perfect for Aaron and is consumed with her appearance. The problem is her heart's perception of what Aaron deems most important. He said, "Kirstie has a sin problem. It's not that she needs to exercise less and eat more. She needs to understand what she's thinking about Aaron and how twisted it is. She is basically saying that all Aaron cares about is how hot his wife will look. Why would she want to marry a guy who is that shallow? Of course Aaron is not concerned with that stuff. He loves her heart. Her body is just a bonus. You need to remind Kirstie that she needs to beautify and strengthen her heart in preparation to be a wife; not her body."

um, wow. That's why I married D.R. He always puts things in Biblical perspective. Here I am telling Kirstie to just not be so concerned with how often she works out and "eat more meat, skinny one!" when her heart is totally in the wrong place. I'm really good at doing behavior modification and neglecting the heart issue. Kirstie (& I) both struggle with believing that our eternal value is found in Christ. We can easily obsess over how many squats we did/didn't do in a day and forget about cracking open God's word of life to exercise our heart. I'm so thankful that D.R. gave me a sermonette on all this. I personally needed it. My heart needs the sustenance of God's word- the pure milk of His truth. Not tighter thighs. (although that'd be nice, ha) I pray in 2011, I can be a woman who longs for time with my Savior in His Word. I want to drink in the truths that feed my soul and strengthen my heart towards Christ and away from sin. I want to love the things of God more (fellowship with saints, service, hospitality, mentorship, submission) and hate the vanities of this world. Oh how prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love! Oh God, take my heart and seal it for the courts above.

I love the line from "Come Ye Sinners", one of my favorite hymns, that says,
"Let not conscience make you linger, nor of fitness fondly dream; All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him." This is my prayer for Kirstie & I and anyone who struggles to think they must acheive something to be acceptable before God.

It's a Wonderful Life & I have a wonderful husband

Last night, D.R. & I went downtown to the Springer Opera House to watch a showing of It's a Wonderful Life. It's one of our favorite Christmas movies and viewing it in an old opera theater is the only way to watch it. I have to say, I've watched that movie probably 7 times before and I've never been as touched as I was last night. I think it's easy to miss all the clever or important lines and sentimental looks when you're a teen.

I'm not married to a saint. D.R. has many flaws which he would admit but no one could ever say that my husband doesn't care about people and put others above himself. As I watched George Bailey help his younger brother out of the ice pond & keep the local drugist from going to jail for accidently putting poison in a child's prescription bottle & give up his dreams of college and world travel to take over the family bank/loan business; even skip his own honeymoon just to attend to a problem at the bank, I saw my husband's heart. So many times we have had plans that don't work out and D.R. handles them with such grace and trust that God knows best. He is the one who searches for charities to give to & started our Christmas tradition of filling two boxes for Samaritan's Purse. (one for a boy, one for a girl)

At one point in the movie, George is offered 8x the salary he is making if he'll work for Mr. Potter. (the mean, wealthy opposition in town/rival banker) George is tempted to take him up on it but to do so would mean Bailey Loan & Adjustments would close. He's captive to his conscience and rejects the offer with plenty of Bailey gumption. I cried at that part because I am not that way. I'm so lured by the riches of this world. I admit I feel comfortable with the salary God has provided us with through D.R.'s new job but I also feel like I deserve it. "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, [wo]man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith." I Timothy 6:9-12a Oh how quick my heart is to forget God's blessings. He's so good to me. D.R. is always reminding me of God's provision in uncertain times. It's something he mentions every time he prays. "And God thank you for always providing for us." I'm so thankful I have a thankful-hearted husband who seems material possessions for what they are....material, temporal. He would never champion me buying a new dress for each wedding we go to which is frustrating but sooo good for me. The truth is I could stand to give 1/2 dozen dresses away!

Hanging in the "Bailey Building and Loan" offices there was a picture that said, "The Only Thing You Can Take With You Are the Things that You Give Away." I pray I can live with this more in mind in 2011.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I remember how magical Christmas was as a child.

My family and I would pick out Christmas music (usually Steven Curtis Chapman or Amy Grant) and drink Farmstores eggnog and decorate the tree. Ok, maybe we got distracted and let mom decorate the tree. I loved watching my dad string the colored lights on the roof, the columns, over the garage and in the bushes outside my bedroom window. I remember how good it smelled the first day we got our tree into the house. I remember, as I got a little older, and my belief in ol St. Nick was unsure, Kirstie & I would test his existence by laying out cookies and then asking him (through prayer I guess) if he would only eat one cookie. If he ate more than one, we would know he wasn't real. Well, Santa was always more hungry than we thought he'd be. I remember waking up at 6, 6:30, 6:50, 7:15, 7:40, 8:00!!!!! We couldn't get out of bed until 8. Dad would set up the tripod video camera, put on some coffee & music and we'd open presents. After that we'd call granny's house to wish them Merry Christmas and tell them to come over for breakfast. Mom's sausage,egg, hashbrown and cheese casserole with fresh fruit. Then it was off to granny's to open gifts under her tree. We'd hang out there till late afternoon then load up our loot and head home to work on Christmas dinner. We usually took a walk, rode a new bike or played with new toys while dinner was prepared. Christmas dinner was always an intimate affair. Dad, mom, me, Kirstie, granny, papa & uncle Ricky.
It became tradition once Kirstie and I were 9 or 10 to have our friends the Shoe family over for a Christmas movie later that night. They are dear friends of ours who are more like family. They have two girls, Jessica & Jamie and a boy, Jared. Another Christmas tradition that was started somewhere along the way, is going to Atlantic Ave in Delray Beach to see the big Christmas tree and take a picture in front of it. It's a beautiful tree and has Santa's workshop inside it. Kirstie has started a tradition of making monkey bread on or around Christmas day and it's something her future husband's mom has made for years. :)



I love Christmas. The smells, the sounds, the significance. And even though lots of songs on the radio are singing about sleigh rides and mistletoe, they all remind me that this is the most wonderful time of year because of our Savior. Jesus; Lord at Thy birth. What a magical thing to ponder! I love remembering how He came; humbly, quietly, peacefully. No trumpets or lit up sky to proclaim His birth. No warm mansion for such royalty to dwell in. A cold, damp stable filled with animals and all their sanitary-ness. I love being reminded that Christ was man; pleased with men as man to dwell; Jesus our Emmanuel.

And while I love giving and receiving gifts, drinking hot cider & singing the holiday tunes, my favorite part is being still and pondering that little baby. That Holy baby whose cry was so tender and mild. That baby who came for me. Who came for you. That baby who even at birth could save the souls of men. I love Him. I'm so thankful for His gift. He knew my name even while laying in that manger. He knew my sin and my sorrow. He knew my heart's longings.

I love the lines in this song by Downhere,
"How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me"

Much to be Thankful For

Here are some highlights from our Thanksgiving weekend with my family.


We ate frozen yogurt when it was 30 degrees outside.





We took a stroll downtown Columbus.


We sat around one of my uncle Ben's beautifully decorated Christmas trees.


We feasted.



My flowergirl, Ella Claire & her mom, Tiff.


My ringbearer, Mason and Jackson, the polar bear.


We posed.





We went to the Original Chick-Fil-A in Hapeville, GA aka "The Dwarf House". The menu was amazing. Fresh veggies, pies, burgers, additional salads. Awesome experience.


We took a freezing boat ride on Lake Lanier.


We danced in the bedroom :)




I'm thankful for my family. Each and every one of them. I'm thankful for Christ and the love He has put in my heart for my family. I have more than most people could ask for and far more than I deserve.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:14-16

The Gospel & Porn

All credit goes to Scott Moore,
Assistant Pastor at Grace Community Church
Mobile, AL

I am quite aware that even bringing up the subject can cause some to wonder down the porn path. That's how enticing it is. But I must communicate the dangers of this horrible medium. WE must speak up. The snowball is rolling downhill fast. It has been gaining exponential speed ever since pornographic material was invited into the home with the simple click of a mouse.

It seems that the only ones communicating honestly about the abuse of sex are the secular artists. With their words, images and expressions, they reach down into our innermost beings and call our sinful flesh to feast at their table. And they are good at it. While at the gym the other day, not only did I pass by the front desk with an issue of MAXIM magazine in full display; but I also found my head bobbing to the lyrics, "I kissed a girl and I liked it..." WHAT THE HECK!

Again, the snowball is rolling fast. And its getting larger. It is difficult to go anywhere or listen to anything without getting bombarded. Sure, there is Christian television and radio...but I don't want to go there. Most of it, though "clean" is only superficially so. We go there only to find that the pendulum has swung to the other side. This get's us nothing but a new Pharisaical friend. What we really need is the gospel, which powerfully embraces the entire clock with redemptive arms.

The gospel is not afraid of sex - nor is it afraid of porn! It, like the secular artist, is honest. In other words, both the gospel and the secular artist are not afraid to say what is really going on! Notice that I did not say that they (the gospel and the artist) agree on what is right (or wrong) about what is going on.

The gospel praises the pleasures of sex, but never the distortion of it. The gospel exposes the fact that, yes, indulgence in pornographic material is exhilarating, pleasurable and intense; but it does not leave the individual in the slums. The artist sinfully feasts in those slums and calls others for company. When the song is over, however, all the guests are left with no artist and with dirty faces. Let the guilt begin.

The Krispy Kreme donuts are gone, now everyone sits around trying not to puke.

The gospel, on the other hand, goes to the slums and calls sinners to a superior pleasure! Again, porn is the horrible distortion of something that is gloriously good. Porn feeds the human appetite for pleasure and sexual intimacy with something less than glorious. The gospel doesn't call for an extinction of the appetite, but rather a redirection of it. A lion who is foolishly addicted to oatmeal should not be encouraged to stop eating; but rather, he should be redemptively redirected to eating steak!

Here's the only dangerous part - bringing the gospel to pornographers requires taming lions. But here is the glorious part - the gospel tames lions. And tamed lions live powerful lives. As Christians we must live the gospel. Christ died to set us free. He tore down the wall that kept us from our Superior Pleasure - God. This is forgiveness. This is fulfillment.

Here is the truth...The gospel targets sinners. Yes, even pornographers. And when it hits them, it powerfully changes them. Porn, though tempting, is no longer appealing. The lion looks at the oatmeal and smirks. By grace, I am living proof.
Posted by Scott Moore