The Perfect Gift.

So it's ONE WEEK until Christmas.
Yippee!!

I would just like to say that I LOVE Christmas.
As most everyone does.

My absolute favorite part about Christmas is buying other people presents.
Trying to figure out just the right thing to get everyone is SO MUCH FUN.
And let me tell you...
...I am pretty darn good at it.

I have given myself the title of:
"World's BEST gift-giver."
(Don't worry it's been approved by friends and family so I'm not just being pretentious)
(It's just true.)

Gift-giving is an art.
Not everyone is born with this talent.
But everyone can learn it.
So I'm going to share a few tricks of the trade.

1. LISTEN.
Minor comments have always lead me to the best gifts.
When people say...
"Oh my gosh I would love one of these..."
or
"I have always wanted..."
or
"....would really be helpful..."
For example:
Your roommate says,
"Geez I wish I had some bookends to keep the books on my shelf from falling over every time I get something off the shelf"
BINGO.
Bookends.



2.PAY ATTENTION.
Pay attention to them.
Pay attention to their house, car, office, etc
That can give you lots of clues to great gifts.
For example:
Let's say you notice your friends blankets and throw pillows in the living room are looking old and shabby, or might not necessarily go with the decor anymore. Get them some nice, new, cute, fuzzy, blankets and pillows.
That is something you know they will use and would like to have but might not necessarily decide to buy it themselves.
I always love it when someone buys me something I need/want but won't buy it for myself.


3. START EARLY
The sooner you start paying attention,
the more ideas you have.
I constantly have my eyes and ears peeled for gift ideas.
For example:
I don't have any idea when, but I remembered my mom saying that she loved the asian style pajamas. (specifically the ones worn by Vera Ellen in White Christmas)

For years I looked and looked for some like that (within my budget) and I could never find any.

But about 2 years ago I finally did and that was one of the best gifts I have ever given. 

She wears them all the time.


4. THINK PRACTICALLY.
I personally like to get gifts that I can use.
I like things that are pretty but I've never been one for trinkets.
So one thing I love to try and find is something I know they will use on a regular basis,
but it's got a twist.
For example:
If they like to cook,
get them some cool cooking utensils.
They make things that are really useful and cute, especially for the kitchen.
Like a spatula that looks like a microphone.
Or a skillet that has a cute design.
Something ordinary turned interesting.


5. THINK OUTSIDE YOUR BOX.
Try to think like whoever you're shopping for.
One huge mistake people make when buying gifts is saying...
"Well I like it so I figured you would"
WRONG.
While that may be the case sometimes,
more often than not,
IT'S NOT.
For example:
I know my grandma and I both love fresh flowers.
So for me to buy my grandma a bouquet of flowers would be a great gift for her.
She would love to have them brighten up her home.
And vice versa.
If someone bought me flowers I would love them!
Simply because I like looking at pretty flowers.
However, my friend Tisha does not.
It's not that she doesn't like flowers,
 they are just impractical for her,
because they only last a few days before they die.
So in her mind, I'm just buying her something that will die and she will ultimately have to clean up.
So for me to buy Tisha a bouquet of flowers would be a royal blunder.
(She would much prefer that fake wine....amiright??)


6. BE UNIQUE.
When in doubt go for something different.
Be unique.
Get them something that no one else will.
For example:
My brother-in-law, Andy, loves tall, black, Nike socks.
That's all he wears.
So what does everyone give him for Christmas?
You guessed it!
Tall, black, Nike socks.
This kids got socks comin' out the yin-yang.
The last thing he needs is another person giving him a 12-pack of socks.


7.BE CREATIVE.
I do realize (boy do I) that money does not grow on trees.
And so for the more froogle shopper, crafting something might be a good way to go.
And now that we've got Pinterest, you don't have any excuse.
Anyone can go out and buy something,
it takes some real talent to be able to not only make something,
but make something nice enough that people actually want to use it.
For example:
This year for Christmas, my friend Amy, made me a hair clip.

Had she gone out and bought me this I probably would have liked it and worn it a few times,
but it means so much more that she took the time to MAKE it.
And now I'm going to wear it even more so I can brag on her skillz!


I hope this gives all you weary gift-givers out there a little comfort!
Don't stress.
Giving presents is the FUNNEST THING IN THE WORLD.

That Which Continues to be My Delight.

Last week I wrote about my grandmother who had recently passed away.

I told y'all about how she loved well.

And how she taught me to love others well. 

Now I want to talk to someone else who has taught me how to love well.

This example of love goes beyond "well."

This love is exceptional.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Gervice Thomas. 

More affectionately known as PaJoe. 

My grandfather. 

The husband of my late grandmother. 

Together they shared 58 years of marriage. 

Three children.

Nine grandchildren.

Two great-grandchildren.

A life full of adventure and surprise.

And more love than most people can even dream of. 

My grandfather was a military man. 

A pilot in the United States Air Force. 

And with that came uncertainty.

They never quite knew when they would have to leave.

How long they would get to stay.

Or where they would be going next. 

Uncle Sam brought, not entirely desired, spontaneity into their lives.

But no matter what the circumstance, 

no matter how much uncertainty,

insecurity,

fear,

or doubt,

one thing remained the same 

the quality of love they had for each other. 

I always knew my grandparents loved each other growing up, 

that was never something I questioned, 

or even really thought about. 

My grandfather is not one prone to emotions. 

He is rather stoic. 

Reserved.

But over the past few years I have had the pleasure of watching him slowly soften. 

It started when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. 

And he's been slowly melting away ever since. 

I've had the honor of watching how a man is called to love his wife.

He was by her side until her dying breath,

and he couldn't have imagined being anywhere else. 

He may be stoic and reserved with everyone else, 

but with her it was different. 

She had won his heart long ago,

 and she was the only person who ever had.

Everyone who knows him, 

knows how much he loves her, 

because they could see it.

They could see his tenderness with her. 

They could see his devotion to her. 

They can see his heart belongs to her. 

I know what love from a husband looks like.

Because PaJoe has shown it to me. 

I pray that the Lord blesses me with a husband as loving and as wonderful as my grandfather. 

So gentlemen, if you need some tips on how to love your wife,

I know the perfect person to look to. 

That Which Was Our Delight.

It's a strange feeling when you lose someone you love. 

No matter how prepared you are, 

it still hurts. 

For those of you who don't know,

I lost my grandmother on Friday.

And it's been harder than I expected.

I had been anticipating this for a long time.

In my mind I was prepared, because I knew it was close.

She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2000. 

And it's been a battle ever since. 

At the age of 10,

 I began watching my beautiful Granny slowly fade away. 

Her pain and suffering were long. 

She has been set free from that.

Even though I knew it was only a matter of time.

Even though she was no longer the grandmother I knew. 

Even though she has been set free from suffering.

This was the first time she died. 

And knowing all of those things didn't make that part any easier.

Sadly, the majority of the memories I have of her are after her diagnosis, 

after she had begun to fade.

There are still some cherished memories tucked away in my mind. 

She was the gentlest and kindest person.

Never did she get upset. 

I only ever saw her get truly upset once.

And that was when I spilled a glass of water ALL over her. 

And even then, it only took about 30 seconds for her to move from frustration to laughter.

Never did she raise her voice.

We were some crazy kids. 

We did some dumb stuff. 

And she didn't care.

Never did she scold or disapprove.

No matter what the issue, 

I always knew there was a big lap just waiting for me, 

down the street at Granny's house.

Most importantly to a child, 

Never did she say no. 

Granny was the queen of the word "okay."

Every Friday growing up was "Granny Day."

She would get all 7 grandchildren, 

load us up in her big van,

and we would go do whatever we could.

We went to museums, 

and parks, 

and once a month, 

we went to the mall. 

"Granny Day" eventually lead to "Granny Land."

That's what her home became after many a "Granny Day."

Just to give you a small taste of what I'm talking about, 

Granny had a pool,

and we had a canoe, 

so one day we decided we wanted to put the full-sized, aluminum canoe, in the pool,

what was Granny's response, 

"okay."

We could maybe go a foot and a half before we hit the wall.

But we didn't care.

She let us put the canoe IN the pool!

"Granny Land" was full of afternoons like that. 

Full of fun and laughter and joy and love.

Oh, and IBC Rootbeer and string cheese. 

The snack of champions. 

My grandmother was a woman known by her love. 

She let us play and have fun and be crazy kids, 

because she loved us.

She provided us with a place to find rest and comfort when needed, 

Joy and laughter when we wanted, 

And more memories than we could have ever dreamed of. 

Although at the time of her death she wasn't the grandmother that I knew. 

She was still the grandmother that I love. 

Genevieve Thomas will surely be missed by all who knew her.

Her unforgettable memories will never be forgotten.

And her example of love and joy will be displayed for all to see,

because she taught us how to love like her. 

“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”

- Kahlil Gibran 

Recycled.

As many of you are aware, it was Thanksgiving last week, and due to the wonderful system we refer to as 

The Quarter System,
 I was blessed with quite a lovely break. 

So I headed down to south LA for some good ole family time. 

Babs and I enjoy the art of crafting given the right opportunity. 

Let's just say that opportunity was given. 

And boy did we craft!

I find that the best crafts are ones that are cheap and simple.

What could be cheaper than using things you already own?

I just thought I might share some of our crafts with you.

Our first endeavor was some super trendy scarves. 

(Yes, I got the idea from Pinterest.)

It's super simple. 

Old t-shirts...RECYCLED. 

Next, we made us some candles. 

Got some old glasses or jars? 

How about some old candles you can't burn anymore?

RECYCLE THEM. 

We decided to go with some rings next. 

We saw some like these in a store...they were going for $10 a pop! 

Well, we made 10 rings for $3. 

Old funky buttons....RECYCLED.

Take that 505 Imports! 

And we finished it all off with a wreath for Polly. 

It was all stuff I just found around the house!

I found the wreath at my grandpa's house, he's an 80 year old man...

what's he need a wreath for?

The ribbon and feathers were located somewhere in my mother's extensive collection of odds and ends.

And the "P" was from Polly and Andy's wedding invitations. 

Jack Johnson would be so proud of us Mom. 

Reduce. 

Reuse.

Recycle. 

That Pit in Your Stomach.

There's a pit in my stomach.

An aching in my heart.

A surging in my veins.

It's calling out.

It wants me to recognize it.

It wants me to do something about it.

It needs me to act.

It needs me to move.

It needs me to work.

It needs me.

Someone needs me. 

This pit.

This aching.

This surging. 

It's a calling.

It wants me. 

It needs me.

It needs me.

They need me. 

Until now the pit, 

the aching, 

the surging 

have gone undiagnosed.

But it's become clear.

It's love. 

It's a need for love.

To show it.

To live it.

To do it.

Someone out there needs love. 

Someone out there has a pit in their stomach.

An aching in their heart.

A surging in their veins.

It's a need to be loved.

It's a need to have someone care.

It's a need for someone to fill.

I've been made to fill it. 

I've been called to fill it.

I've been wanting to fill it.

Because I have been there. 

I know that pit.

I know that aching.

I know that surging. 

It's been filled for me.

By the only One who can. 

Someone showed Him to me.

Someone showed me what it looked like. 

Someone filled it for me. 

Now it's my turn to fill it for someone else. 

I know they need it.

I know they want it.

I know they're out there just waiting for me.

Now I just have to find them. 

Now I just have to show them.

Now I just have to fill it. 

What Now?

I would say that I've had my fair share of hard times in this short life of mine. 

A lot has happened in the past 20 years. 

Struggles.

Strife. 

Death in every form.

Disease.

Destruction.

Loneliness.

Dissension.

Bitterness.

Regret.

Resentment. 

Addiction.

Accidents.

Failures.

Pain.

You name it and I've probably been there. 

There's about an 85% chance that whatever it is you're going through,

 I've been there in some capacity. 

Don't get me wrong, I've also lead an extremely blessed life.

But unfortunately it's the hard times that always stick out the most. 

I don't know why life is so hard sometimes.

 I just know that it is.

And when it is the last thing you want to hear is how great things are going to be SOMEDAY.

Or how much better you'll be because of all this. 

I know this is true. 

I wholeheartedly believe it.

But when I feel like crap that's not what is going to make me feel any less crappy.

I know that the Lord uses tough situations to mold us and to bring Him ultimate glory.

I have witnessed this first hand. 

But that doesn't change the current situation. 

The promise of the future doesn't always wipe away the pains of the present.

So what NOW?

Where do I go from here?

What do I do NOW?

I know things will be better LATER, but what NOW?

How do I handle things right NOW?

I don't want to hear or think about the future.

I want to know how to make it through TODAY.

And tomorrow I'll want to know the same thing. 

So what now?

Thirsty.

Isn't it interesting that the things we typically find most difficult in life are the things we can't control.

Why do we have such a need for control?

What is it about humans that make this such an issue for us?

I guess it all goes back to the Garden.

Adam and Eve tried to control their fate instead of trusting that the Lord knew best.

Why?

Why was what the serpent was offering them so much more appealing than what the Lord was offering?

Didn't they realize the magnitude of what they already had?

They were in direct contact with the Lord.

They didn't just pray to Him. . .they spoke face to face.

They walked together.

They were WITH God. 

And they were going to stay with Him FOREVER.

But then things got out of control because Adam and Eve tried their hands at control.

It's just so ironic.

When we try to control things, nothing ever goes right.

Everything goes OUT OF CONTROL.

Fast. 

So our efforts to do things on our own ultimately ends in failure. 

So why do we keep trying?

I have such little faith in what the Lord is capable of.

Yes, I know the Lord is powerful.

I know He is the creator of all things. 

I know. 

But I don't truly believe it. 

Why?

Why is it so hard for me to believe what He says?

Why must I doubt?

He's never given me any reason to doubt Him.

He's never disappointed me in any way.

So what's the problem?

I let my fears get the better of me. 

I fear what could or might happen and instead of trusting that the Lord is going to take care of me,

I freak out and try to do it all on my own. 

But what happens when He gives me something that's too big for me?

What will I do then?

My greatest fears in life are:

1. To be diagnosed with cancer

2. To lose my loved ones

3. To never get married

All of the above are things far beyond my scope of control.

So what am I supposed to do IF/WHEN these things happen?

I know what I'm supposed to do, but I'm just worried about what I will actually do.

I desire to have that kind of faith. 

The kind of faith that people recognize.

The kind of faith with no doubts, no regrets, no hesitations. 

True. 

Genuine.

Faith. 

That is something I thirst for. 

Take to the Sea.

"Whenever it is a damp,
 drizzly November in my soul, 
or when I find myself following every funeral I see, 
and especially when I feel like stepping into the street and knocking people’s hats off--
then I know it is high time to get to sea as soon as I can."
-Moby Dick 


Herman Melville said it best. 
It's time to take to the sea. 


I don't know what it is that makes me love the sea as much as I do.


Maybe it's the smell. 
The crisp salt air smell. 
The scent that immediately fills you with peace.


Maybe it's the sounds. 
The calm crashing of the waves.
Knowing that no matter what, that sound is always going to be there.
Or the seagulls crowing. 
The strange, sometimes overwhelming but soothing sound.


Maybe it's the sights.
Seeing the sky and sea meet. 
Watching the fish and birds live. 
Seeing the clouds change their shapes.


Maybe it's what you feel. 
Feeling the sun come and go as you watch it rise and set.
The cool sand on your feet as you walk along the shore.
The light breeze that brushes through your hair.


Maybe it's just the sea itself.
Looking out at something so vast and mighty. 
Realizing that compared to its grandeur you are something so small and powerless.


Thinking back to it's Creator.
And then feeling smaller and even more powerless.
Feeling that small and powerless brings great comfort. 
Whatever life brings is not so vast and great as the sea.
And it doesn't compare to the Creator. 


So it's high time I take to the sea. 

What's Ahead.

Do you ever feel called to something?

But the thought of actually doing it scares the mess out of you?

So you just decide to try and pretend like it's not there?

I DO. 

And the sad part is, I almost had fooled myself into thinking that it really wasn't there. 

What an idiot. 

But not anymore.

I'm here to proclaim that the Lord has called to something different.

For those of you who know me, you know that I have somewhat "old fashioned" goals.

I ask for nothing more than to be a wife and mother for the rest of my days.

It just looks like such a fun job. 

And I truly believe that that is a desire that the Lord has given to me specifically.

But I think He's added a twist. 

I don't think my life is going to be "normal."

It's going to be more on the unusual side. 

I've always felt like the United States wouldn't be my home forever. 

But I always tried to push that aside because the thought of leaving the U.S. for more than just a few weeks is scary.

This is my home. 

This is where my family is.

This is where my friends are.

This is where my life is.

This is where my comfort is.

Red flag?

I so often forget that I'm not called to be comfortable.

I'm called to be obedient. 

So if that means I move to some developing country and live in a hut with 30 orphans...

...bring it on. 

The idea of that is so appealing to me.

But the reality of it is SCARY. 

So now I just want to say that yeah I am scared of what the future might hold. 

I'm scared of what the Lord is going to ask of me because I know that I most likely won't want to do it.

But I have learned that He is ever so faithful.

And I'm sure He is going to enjoy proving that to me over and over again. 

So this is what I'm most likely looking at...

I'm more likely to live in this

...than this.

My family is most likely going to look something like this...

...rather than this.

That's what I'm looking ahead too.

And yes, I am very very excited. 

And I am also scared out of my mind. 

But this is what I'm called to so this is what it is going to be. 

The New Normal.

Life is just so weird.

One day things are great.

Life is good.

And then the next, it all comes crashing down on you. 

It's scary to think how life can change. 

And it might not necessarily be a bad change, but it's still change...and who likes that?

NOBODY.

(if you say you like change, you're a liar)

It's so hard not to resist change. 

I know I do it.

All the dang time.

I don't want things to change.

I like them the way they are. 

And then there are those times when things change and you don't even have time or energy to resist.

You just have to sit there and watch it all happen.

And you just want things to go back to the way things were before SO badly. 

But they can't.

And they never will.

And that sucks. 

It's such a scary thing to think, that things will never be the same again.

Things will never go back to "normal" because there's going to be a new "normal."

And who says the new normal is going to be bad?

Fear.

Dread.

Frustration.

Anxiety.

Satan. 

What a punk. 

I don't know why the new normal is always such a big fear for everyone. 

Okay, I do know why, I just don't like it. 

It just shows how untrusting we are. 

If I truly trusted in the Lord then what would I have to fear?

Not a blessed thing.

So why is it so hard for me to trust Him?

He's never disappointed me before.

He's never lied.

He's never left my side.

He's always been faithful. 

So what's the deal?

Why am I so skeptical?

Lord, remove my fear. 

Make me trust you.

Make me want the new normal. 

Roommate Week.

This week is officially ROOMMATE WEEK.

Thank you to the Wesley Foundation. 

So in honor of Roommate Week please allow me to honor my roommates.

Currently I have three roommates, Hannah (Lane), Hanna and Anna.

Say that 10 times fast. 

Yes, it's a tongue twister. 

Yes, it does get confusing at times.

But we make it work.

Hannah (Lane)...isn't she stunning. 

Sweet Hanna/Han/Hannie....etc. 

Dear Anna.

Don't judge...some people just don't have a steady hand.

I've had my fair share of roommates over the years...

so believe me when I say that these are GREAT. 

They are. 

It's true. 

We usually don't get to spend a ton of time together

busy bees.

But ironically, this week we've actually spent a good bit of time just the four of us.

And that has been FUN. 

Ladies, we need to do this more often.

But I just wanted to take a minute and brag on my roomies. 

Because I like them.

A lot.

And because I can.

So thanks for being so great ladies. 

ISFJ

I took a personality quiz tonight.

And I'll admit, I was skeptical at first.

I mean how accurate can this REALLY be?

But I was SHOCKED to find out that it was incredibly accurate. 

I am an ISFJ personality.

Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging. 

At first I didn't really understand what that all meant but once I did a little research I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this is EXACTLY my personality.

It was kinda freaky.

Here's a link to a site that can explain it far better than I can.

Yup this is me.

Everyone see what I mean?

Freaky. 

But it is cool to know now that there's not something wrong with me when I act certain ways, that's just who I am.

This is how the Lord has made me to be. 

And He's made me this way for a purpose. 

Which is AWESOME. 

So what's your personality?

Wanna find out?

I would encourage it.

If anything it's pretty dang interesting. 

Blessed.

I have come to realize just how truly BLESSED I am.

The Lord has blessed me more than I can even imagine. 

I'm talking in particular about the wonderful people He's placed in my life.

Those men and women He's given me to encourage me, guide me, rebuke me, love me, etc.

He's blessed me BIG in this area. 

Praise the Lord.

I feel like I've always had a good bit of friends but it wasn't until I got to college that I realized what genuine Godly friendship was. 

He's taught me so much through these friendships.

And I know He's got so much more in store for me.

These are the people that aren't willing to just tell me what they think I want to hear.

They aren't going to let something go unnoticed.

They come in love.

They aim to glorify the Lord.

And they want to show that they love me.

So thank you to all of you out there who have been there for me.

Who have influenced me.

Who have taken a sledge hammer to the walls I try to build.

Who the Lord is using.

Thank You for your patience and love. 

Even if I don't always know how to show it...I love you and I greatly appreciate you.

I praise the Lord because of You. 

P.S. Here's a few results of my latest crafting....random....I know.

Pintrest will be the death of me.

Okay so this is technically baking...not crafting...but so what.

My lovely friend Brooke Conly is getting married next month.

Woop Woop! 

So we wanted to shower her with love and Pampered Chef. 

THOSE Days.

We all have THOSE days.

You know what I mean.

Days that can only be described with an exhale. 

And then we all have THOSE weeks.

Which is just a continued series of THOSE days.

And then comes THOSE months.

Etc, etc.

You get the picture.

I'm always interested in how people react to THOSE days/weeks/months.

Do they just sit there and take it?

Do they try and pretend like it doesn't exist?

Do they totally freak out?

What do they do?

How do you handle THOSE days?

For me, I've tried more and more to not let myself be phased by THOSE days.

Albeit, sometimes that proves really difficult. 

But you know what...that's okay.

Life is hard.

It can really stink. 

But it doesn't last forever.

...Typically...

And the best part is, the Lord promises that suffering is followed by blessing. 

James 1:12

1 Peter 1:6-7

Matthew 5:10-12

The Lord also says that being a Christian means, suffering is going to come. 

He doesn't try to deny that.

It's going to be hard. 

Just embrace it.

1 Peter 4:12-14

2 Timothy 3:12

John 15:18-20

So don't be shocked when things get rocky.

And don't wish it away.

The Lord can get glory out of our sufferings.

And that's what our lives are all about.

Right?

Giving Glory to the Lord.

So don't limit the Lord to only being glorified when things are easy.

He can be glorified in all and through all.

And He's going to be.

So don't fear the suffering.

You don't have to ask for it.

Just don't try and "pray it away" when it comes.

See why it's there.

See what the Lord is trying to do.

See how much glory He's going to get.

Fun Surprises.

Somehow the Lord always manages to shock me with His timing. 

I mean, shouldn't I just come to expect something awesome to come after something that's not so awesome??

I should know this already.

You would think I would have discovered this aspect of His character already.

Yet, His timing is still something that surprises me. 

It's always a very welcomed surprise though.

The BEST surprises always come after the WORST surprises. 

You know what I mean?

Something happens and all you can say is 

"What the heck?!?!"

And yeah it sucks. 

You don't enjoy those surprises. 

No one does.

But we've all got them. 

And they are there for a purpose.

Rarely do we know what their purpose is until MUCH later. 

But it's still comforting to know that in the midst of all the lousy surprises, the Lord is doing it with purpose. 

He's that kind of guy.

Purposeful. 

Useful.

Resourceful.

Helpful.

And then once your head stops reeling from that pile of stinky...then comes the fun stuff. 

Then comes the use of that purpose. 

Then comes the blessings. 

The fun surprise. 

FINALLY! 

It might take a while to get there. 

It might totally suck on your way there.

And it might not be what you wanted once you get it.

BUT

It's what the Lord wants for you.

It took just as long as He wanted it to.

It hurt, but He wanted it to. 

Pain makes us realize we need something. 

Whether it's a filling 

or 

Dependence on the Lord.

When it hurts, you know something is wrong.

He's got it all planned out. 

So just relax and enjoy the ride.

As much as you can.

I'm sure there's plenty of fun surprises waiting for you. 

Just be willing to see what they are. 

Reunions.

This has been a weekend of reunions.
And what a joyous weekend it has been!

I journeyed to Starkville, Mississippi yesterday.
There I was greeted by the Lovely Miss. Molly Hopper and Miss. Bethany Rogers.
Molly and Bethany and I all did summer missions in the UK this summer.
Molly worked at a camp in Ireland.
Bethany was on a videography team (like me) in Scotland.

It was positively stupendous to get to see these ladies again.
It was so nice to reminisce and catch up on how things have been going since returning stateside.
I just wish that Kelsea Fox girl could've joined us.
Darn you for living so far away!
I know...it's not your fault.

It's so neat to know that no matter where life takes me, or them, we will always have such a special connection.
You get to know people in a very interesting way when you serve in a foreign country with them.
And shoot, we weren't even in the same country for the majority of the time!
But it's a special bond nonetheless.
One you can't get anywhere else.
And this is something that we will ALWAYS have.
BLD.
(that was for you Molly)
(BLD is the Irish equivalent to PTL)

I thought you guys might enjoy this.
These are our best impersonations of our Supervisor in Wales,
Mr. John Robinson.
He has a rather impressive tush (tush in the UK is a mustache...don't get it twisted).
He is an EXCELLENT cook.
And he has the world's DEEPEST voice.
Talk about some long vocal cords.





And, on my journey back to Ruston today, I drove through the quaint little town of Clinton, Mississippi.
Home of Mississippi College.
AND Miss. Beth Ann Lampley.
A K-West gem.
It was quite a wonderful visit.
Even if it was only for 30 minutes. 

Christina's Quest for a Childhood.

So, I have this friend. 

Her name is Christina. 

She didn't have a childhood.

Bless her poor little heart.

She was a softBALLER. 

(note the emphasis on baller)

So in her journey to becoming a BALLER.

She overlooked a few things.

Such as, but not limited to:

1. Swimming.

2. Bike Riding.

3. Roller Blading.

4. Tree Climbing.

5. Fort Building.

6. Sleepovering.

7. Smores Eating.

...Etc, Etc...

So she and I have embarked on a quest.

A quest to discover her long lost childhood. 

First we tackled bike riding. 

We've only had one lesson, but I'd say it was pretty successful. 

Next, we tackled swimming. 

Now, I've taught people how to swim before...but they were all about ages 3-7. 

So this was interesting.

But SUCCESSFUL.

Progress was made.

And more progress is still to come. 

We also gave Christina her first taste of GRITS.

...Texans...

She is still undecided as to whether she likes them or not. 

(I know she does...she just doesn't want to admit it.)

There's is more childhood to be had.

So check back in to see what this crazy kid does next. 

Cobbler at the Cottage.

Isn't it interesting how things pan out sometimes?

Things NEVER end up how you think they are going to.

Especially when it comes to relationships. 

And I'm not just talking like "relationships," I am unbiased in the meaning of the word relationships.

So like even with certain friendships.

Do you ever find yourself sitting with a friend and then you try and think back to when that friendship began?

Or what it was like a year ago?

Or what it was like six months ago?

Or maybe even a week or two ago?

So interesting. 

Today my dear friend Michael Reid and I made a cobbler. 

It was rather delicious. 

Blackberry Mango.

Oh yeah! 

(No, Scott I sadly did not use your recipe. I didn't have all the ingredients and didn't want to face Walmart. Next time.)

So as we were enjoying our cobbler and ice cream, I just started thinking back to when our friendship began. 

And it was just interesting. 

Michael and I haven't always gotten along.

He really used to irk me. 

(most of the time it was intentional)

But it's so cool to see how with time and maturity came a friendship.

I would say that we are fairly good friends. 

And I would just like to give the Lord a shout-out because He is GREAT!

So much this year I've gotten to see His glorious hand in my many friendships.

And I've seen His beauty shine in ALL of them.

Praise the Lord because He gave us friends. 

Need a friend?

Let's hang out.

We can go to The Cottage. 

Don't let her frighten you...she's harmless. 

And a really good listener. 

She's my roommate.

Hannah Lane.

Never Bored.

I would say I am very rarely bored. 

1. My mom NEVER let us say we were bored. 

If we did...out came the vacuum and the Pledge. 

NO THANKS.

2. I used to have a very "simple" life.

Meaning: I would go to class, come home and nap and/or watch TV. 

Pretty exciting stuff huh?

3. Those moments when I do find myself getting bored...this usually is what happens...

So as you can see...boredom just ISN'T an option. 

(And I have Babs to thank for that...THANKS MOM)

So who knows...maybe I'll get bored tomorrow and make my living room prettier. 

Or make some cookies.

Or a cobbler.

I did make one Thursday...but due to circumstances beyond my control I did NOT get to eat any. 

Ohhh yeahh that's what I'm going to do.

Cobbler. 

Yummmm.