Journey Through Life

Audacious Living

2011-10-02T20:44:00.000-04:00

I am so grateful to be a part of Northstar Church. The body of believers that I spend time with on a weekly basis is like none other. The presence of the Spirit is so powerful when you walk through the doors each week, it's almost chilling. For the last few weeks, Pastor Scott has been preaching a series titled 'Audacious: The key to God-sized living' and it has been incredible.

Today, was just as moving. At the end of the message, Scott asked us to do something audacious. He shared that one of the ministries we partner with in Knoxville, Water Angels, is always needing shoes. Having done ministry work there many, many times before, I knew that the need for shoes and clothing is always great there. I have seen people there with duck tape holding their shoes together. He also shared that another ministry we partner with in Guatemala is always needing shoes as well. Having been to Guatemala twice now, I know that need all too well. The first year I went, I left my shoes there to be given to someone who needed them much more than I needed them. The second year I was there, I was on a buggy ride through Antigua when I saw an elderly woman sitting on the side of the street with no shoes. I was immediately convicted to get her a pair of shoes. We were making our way back around the block and she was gone. I have no idea where she went and really no way of finding her. I still think about that feeling in my stomach that I had when I realized that I had let an opportunity to show the love of Christ slip by me. As the thoughts of all that I have witnessed while serving "the least of these" flooded my heart, Scott asked us if we felt led to do so to bring the shoes that we were wearing and leave them for these ministries. Yep, take off our shoes, leave them at the alter and leave barefooted. This morning when I was getting ready, I put on my favorite pair of fall shoes. The only pair that is truly comfortable enough for me to wear all day long without my knee, back, or ankle hurting halfway through. I'm not going to lie, it would have been easy for me to say, 'Sorry, Lord. You know the daily pain that I go through with my back and knee. You can't have these shoes. Any other pair you can have, but not these.' And honestly, that thought went through my head more than once. But as I tried to push that tugging feeling out of my chest, it was all I could do to continue standing. I have a closet, make that two closets, full of shoes. I have sandals, tennis shoes, boots, wedges, heels, flats, and flip-flops galore. Not to even mention the fact that I have the financial ability to replace any pair that I give away.So before I could wrestle with the fact any longer, I walked my shoes to the alter, with the prayer that they reach someone in need of the love of Christ and that they feel His presence as soon as they put them on.
I can't even begin to describe the feeling of seeing so many men, women, and children take their shoes and leave them for someone in need. To be the hands, or in this case, the feet of Jesus was just amazing. On the way home to get another pair of shoes, Lily and I talked about what it meant to leave our shoes at the alter. Lily has been waiting for Gracie to grow out of a pair of cowboy boots so she could wear them. Today, Lily got to wear the boots for the first time. She was so excited about those boots, waiting and waiting for her first pair of cowboy boots. Today, she gave them up. I told her I was so proud of her and her words back were simple: "I've been waiting for those to be my boots because I really wanted a pair. I got to wear them one time, but some people don't even have one pair of shoes to wear so I can give those boots up so that they can have shoes." She got it. She understood that it wasn't about getting to go out and get a new pair because, it wasn't about them not fitting exactly right and being uncomfortable anyways that she might as well give them to someone else. She understood that it was something out of the ordinary, something that Jesus would have done, something that would show Jesus to those around her.
I feel like sometimes I've gotten so caught up in this fast-paced, more is better, world that I have forgotten that there are some who will be sleeping on the ground tonight. There are some, who will go without a meal so that their food supply stretches a little farther this week. There are some, who will bury their children because they didn't have proper medical care, and there are some who will give their children up in hopes for a better life for them. My heart has always been, Lord break my heart for what breaks Yours...and today, He didn't fail me. It was completely broken
.

Football Time...In Tennessee

2011-09-30T18:35:00.000-04:00

My favorite time of the year is finally here...football! There is absolutely nothing better than living in the South. The warm summers, the cool lakes, the biscuits and sweet tea...and the best thing of all, Volunteer Football. The first two games were at home this year. Neyland Stadium is one of my favorite places. The atmosphere is amazing, it's a sea of orange and Rocky Top is played probably close to 50 times (give or take a few times) and this year, Coach Dooley's orange pants are a staple on the field.

Finished with warm-ups before the first game

Running out of the T

After the Cincinnati game

Dralin' and Burnie Got Hitched

2011-09-04T21:50:00.000-04:00

My bestest friend since kindergarten married her sweetheart in July. I was so honored to be a part of her wedding...like we would really have it any other way, but I was still honored, nonetheless.

So cute, Courty-Lou and Burnie

Best Friends since Kindergarten. There may have been a few spats and tantrums here and there, but we have successfully made it through 19 years of life together...and have done a purty dern good job at it.

My sweet, sweet Chris worked that morning and then drove 3 hours to join in on the fun. I'm so blessed by such a great man!

It wouldn't be a 'Brier weddin' if there wasn't a picture of me and Lou floatin around somewhere!

If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away...

2011-09-04T21:38:00.000-04:00

I never thought I would get a call from my Daddy like I did on Friday morning. To say that I was overcome with grief would be a total understatement. Death is something that I am not a stranger to, however, in my 23 years of living, I've lost too many people that I've been close to-and I'm just going to be transparent here: IT ~~STINKS~~ SUCKS.
Jennifer was one of my closest friends, someone I spent a lot of time with growing up. My first job was with her, and since I didn't have a license yet, my mom would drop me off after school and I would ride home with Jen. We would laugh and talk and have so much fun. Some nights we would go out to eat on the way home, others we went straight to Jr. Pro cheerleading practice. I'll have to say, throughout my life, I have been so blessed to have such a great extended family. There were boyfriend troubles, and friend troubles, and life in general that Jen was there for, and always had good advice-even if I didn't want it.
Her son, Connor, is one of the best "little brothers" that I could ever ask for. When he was younger, he never told anyone any different-I was his "big sis" and if someone ever questioned it, his response was always the same, "she's my sister." To this day, without missing a beat, he still responds to "little brother," and I still answer to "big sis." My heart breaks for him right now. His best friend, his mama, is gone from this earth. While she will always be in our hearts and shine through us, she's not here anymore to talk to, to call, to laugh with, to hug. She was such a great mom to Connor, and raised him to be such an awesome young man. I couldn't be more proud of the man he is today-so sweet and caring, compassionate and loving.
I'll never understand why those we love are taken from us too soon. God knew from the beginning each of our fates, how limited our lives would be, and I fully believe that. However, I don't know that I'll ever understand why some have to go sooner than others.
It's still hard to believe that I won't be able to text Jen anymore, or call her, or Facebook her. I know I'll see her again, and that makes it easier. Please keep our family in your prayers as we spend the week remembering her life and saying good-bye.

Summer Collage

2011-08-03T14:48:00.000-04:00

Since Summer is half-way over, I thought I would do one large update on all the things that have happened since the weather turned warmer and my tan got darker....

I celebrated my 23rd birthday in May. The Saturday before I was blessed to celebrate with some of my nearest and dearest friends by going to dinner at Wild Wings Cafe and to Bailey's after. We had a great time and I am so thankful for the sweetest friends a girl could ask for. Sunday was Mother's Day so I headed to the 'Brier to see my Mama, Granny, and Nan and to celebrate with family. Tiff was there with baby Cason, and it wouldn't be a true Roach birthday unless Raylon was there to swipe a corner of icing off your cake. Monday was my birthday and I celebrated with co-workers during the day and my sweet girlfriends took me to dinner at Lakeside Tavern. It was a great birthday weekend! I am so thankful for another year of life, healthy and happy. God is so good!

The girls got together and threw Courteney one last hoorah before her wedding. We had a blast at Lacy's just hanging out and eating junk food and singing some Reba. It was a great weekend to be home with some of the sweetest friends and getting ready for Court's wedding.

The whole family loaded up for a week and headed to Orange Beach. We had such a good time playing in the ocean, swimming in the pool, shopping, and eating at all the delicious seafood places. The only thing missing was my sweet Daddy! He wasn't able to get around some work/Army stuff, so he missed out on this wild and crazy trip. It was so sweet seeing baby boy splash in the ocean for the first time. He LOVED it the first day, wasn't too crazy about it the second, and by the third all he wanted to do was hang out by the pool. I think our favorite place to eat this time around was Lulu's, it was GREAT! Great food, great atmosphere, great service! Exactly what a big family looks for when eating out!

Chris and I spent 4th of July at the lake with Uncle Roger and Aunt Dulcie and all of my cousins. We had a great, full day on the lake. The sun was out, the water was warm, and company sweet. I don't think I could have picked a more perfect day.

The weekends have been full this summer of family, friends, and fun. God has blessed me more than I could express through this season of life!

Busy...

2011-07-09T10:55:00.000-04:00

doesn't even begin to describe it!

The last few months have been SO busy. Birthdays, vacations, wedding planning (not mine, my sweet best friend, Courteney's), cook-outs, church, and more have kept my schedule packed. The last few weeks have gone by so quickly, I want to just push the pause button on life for a minute.

I have so many posts to write up, so many pictures to post, and so much to share. Hopefully I can get back to my blog soon. I have so many posts in my mind, and on paper, I just haven't gotten them here yet.

I hope everyone is having a great summer-I know I am!

At His Moment

2011-04-20T18:56:00.000-04:00

I know I say it each week, but church yesterday was amazing. I feel so blessed to be a part of such an awesome church body, where God meets us each week exactly where we need Him to. I love feeling His presence wash over me when I step inside. It’s just the most sweetest feeling.

Yesterday we had a baptism after the service. Such a sweet time for new and old believers. I love the symbolism of baptism, the old being washed away and coming up new and clean. Such a declaration of the fact that we will live our lives for He who died for us. I had the honor of witnessing a 16 year old, wheel chair bound girl being baptized yesterday. It was such a sweet time, for even though her disabilities prevented her from being completely submerged, she wanted to follow in obedience to Christ’s command. While it was so heart-warming to see her follow this command and to be in awe of her story, my thoughts steered away from my surroundings for a moment.

I sat there, holding sweet Lettie while Scott shared this young girls story. When she was 4 she was in a car accident that severed her vertebra causing her to be paralyzed. Her world since then has involved a wheel chair, a trach, and several doctor’s “she will never.” To say that I had tears in my eyes would be an understatement. More like sobbing, mascara running down my face. The parents of this girl were told she would never talk again. Sometime in the last few months, she had to be hospitalized. Her doctor called her father while she was in the hospital and told him he had to get to the hospital right away, they had a surprise for him. When he walked into the room, his daughter, who hasn’t spoken since she was 4, said ‘Hi daddy, I love you.’ Ummm, insert embarrassing cry NOW. In case you aren’t up to speed on Lettie’s story, she’s a 2 year old angel that underwent a dramatic brain surgery to stop her little body from having seizures. Lettie is still having seizures, trouble with her motor skills, and we’ve never heard her voice. So, to hear that this girl who has never spoken since her accident, just spit out a full SENTENCE, was joyful and heartbreaking at the same time. Please don’t get me wrong, I am so happy for her and her family. God spared her life and answered years of prayers at just the right moment-His moment. As I held Lettie and felt her little hand play with my hair and her little body cuddle into my shoulder I just prayed. I prayed that God would heal Lettie from her seizures, that He would allow her to sit up longer this week, that He would allow her to spend the week with no seizures, that He would allow her to talk. I know that it is probably one of the hardest things in the world for Mark and Summer, to have Lettie and not know what her voice sounds like, to not hear her say ‘I love you mommy, I love you daddy.’ So many times since her surgery, I have wondered quietly and out loud, Why God? Why can’t Lettie be healed, why didn’t her surgery “work” and why does she have to go through this? Yesterday, all I could think about was His moment. It’s not time for Lettie to talk yet. It’s not time for Lettie to walk yet. All of her milestones are gifts from God, coming at exactly the right moment for God to receive the glory-not doctors. I have faith that His moment is not far off. I just know that the sweet spirit behind Lettie’s precious smile and sparkling eyes is going to be revealed in a way that only God will be capable of receiving all the credit and glory for.

Lettie goes in a few weeks to have another MRI at Vanderbilt. Please pray that this will shed some light as to why Lettie is having seizures again. Doctors have talked about the possibility of fibers from the parts of her brain that were removed still being attached that could be triggering these seizures. If that is the case, sweet Lettie will have to undergo another brain surgery much like the one she has already had. Please pray for Mark and Summer and Lettie as they travel, the doctors who will be reading the results, and that in the case of Mark and Summer having to make more difficult decisions concerning medicines and surgeries, that they would be at peace with the decisions God leads them to make.

Thank you God, for allowing me the opportunity to understand that it’s not in anyone’s time but Yours. Thank you for sparing the life of that sweet 16 year old girl and for sparing Lettie. Let their stories ring across this city and nation, that You would receive all the glory for the miracles in these lives.

My Life Is Not My Own

2011-04-03T19:00:00.000-04:00

This morning at church, Scott delivered a very powerful Word from God. It was very clear that God's presence filled our worship center. So many thoughts consumed my mind. I probably need to go ahead and insert that I'm in the middle of reading 'Radical' by David Platt, too.

At the end of the message, Scott addressed the church in a way that he hasn't ever done before. During that time, he asked for those that are feeling called to live radically for the sake of the Kingdom to come forward and give it all up. That time did so much for me. I heard God's voice speak clearly to me. I'm not sure exactly what it all means, but it is definitely going to be a time of stepping out of my comfort zone and doing things that I'm not at all inclined to do on my own.

I'm nervous about this new "radical" journey. I'm excited, too. What does this journey look like for me? I'm not really sure yet. However, I know that my life is not my own. I'm here to be the hands and feet of Jesus. To go where He has called me to go, to live how He wants me to live. Not lavishly, but simple.

Radical living...I'm all in.

Is God on your Facebook?

2011-03-17T18:05:00.001-04:00

I got a friend request a few mornings ago from someone that I wasn't expecting. Although the title might lead you to think that it was God that friend requested me, it wasn't. We've been friends for a long time now and He doesn't need to be on my "friends list" to see everything that goes on in my life. He walks by me every step of the way already. This request was from my great-grandmother. My 85 year old, born in 1926, mother of 3, grandmother to 7, great grandmother to 8, Grandma. Not only did she manage to find me and send me a friend request, she had a picture of her and my great-grandfather, had her favorite shows, books and activities listed, and a little bio about herself. I was beyond impressed. You see, for the last few months, my grandmother has been sitting in my "Pending Requests." Not because I didn't want her to be my "friend," but because I wanted to force her to become better aquainted with technology and saying that she lived in Colorado and didn't have a picture just wasn't doing it for me. She might have figured out how to look at pictures and add people, but how was I supposed to know that Facebook shadow in the picture box was really my Granny?

Once I accepted my Grandma, I gave her access to see my friends, read what I write, and see my pictures. I didn't really care. I don't have anything to hide. My page is private for anyone that isn't my friend-and I have to be the one to accept you, so basically, the only people who see my pages are people that I know. Not that I have anything to hide, but I don't want to end up as a Lifetime movie anytime soon. I gave her total access to my life without her being with me at all times.

My Granny used to accuse me of not "adding" her because I was hiding something. I never could convince her otherwise, so when she finally added a picture of herself (and me) I friended her and gave her an all-access pass to my world. I wrote on her wall and she quickly responded the next day and even replied back to my reply. I'll give her credit. Her facebooking has drastically improved. I think she feels like she has to keep up with Grandma.

It made me think-if you got a friend request from God would you quickly accept like you do those that you spend every day with?I let Granny sit in "pending" for awhile, not because I was cleaning things up and blocking things, but it made me think: Would you let Him sit pending while you cleaned out your pictures and quotes and wall posts? I don't have anything to hide. My mom, my dad, my sister, my grandma, and now my great-grandma are my friends. That just means they don't have to call me and ask me what I'm doing or what I did over the weekend. Chances are they've already seen it on Facebook. But what about God? Would you add Him to one of your 'lists' that can only see certain things? Would you let Him post on your wall? I would. I want everyone to know that I am a friend of God. I want those that I come into contact with to see that God is a part of my life, that the things I do revolve around Him. Besides, what's the point in hiding things? He can already see what I do. He already knows what I'm going to do before I know it. Not really much of a point in hiding it.

I think there are Christians that struggle with this. I was one of them. Trying to find that balance between life and living for God. Knowing that He knows all, sees all, hears all, and yet sometimes thinking that "Oh maybe God will just overlook that." That being those greedy thoughts, harsh words, or un-Godly actions. Bottom line though, is that even though God's not on my Facebook, He still sees it all. Even though you've got God on your 'block' list, He still sees it all. The most important thing to me though, is not about what God is seeing, it's what are my lost friends seeing? Are they seeing a life of light in a dark world through my pictures, my posts, my activites? Or are they seeing another Christian still walking with the world? I want my life to count. I want it to really touch those around me. I want my life to always reflect a Saviour that died for me, so that I may LIVE.

So, is God on your Facebook? Because He's on mine!

Understanding the power of prayer

2011-01-31T18:47:00.000-05:00

The last few weeks have been weeks of learning. I have been moved to pray for someone and something very specific in my life. I've spent every morning, afternoon, and evening in prayer for God to work a miracle in this person's life. To move mountains, to show love, to show favor on this person's life. It all came out of nowhere, actually that's not true, but it did come out of a place inside my heart that I thought I had shut the door on.

God left it open a crack.

I don't know how God is going to answer my prayers. I'm not even sure if I'm praying for the right thing. I do know though, that my life will forever be changed if God answers them the way I want Him to. Then again, it'll be changed if He answers the way I don't want Him to as well.

I've always had a deep faith in the power of prayer, but ever since being placed on this powerful prayer journey, I've felt my faith be renewed. I've felt peace that I haven't felt in a long time about things. I feel like it's only a matter of time before I see the fruits of my labor. It's a good feeling.

I'm anxious to see what God continues to teach me through this time and season of prayer. It's a journey, no doubt, and I can't wait to be able to share with you all the things that I'm praying for. Now is not the right time, but as soon as the time is right, you better believe it will all be shared here.

Do you have any prayer requests? I would love to lift you up and pray for you daily. Email me or comment below.

White as snow

2011-01-20T18:24:00.000-05:00

So far this winter has been one for the books. It has snowed so much it feels like. We had a white Christmas, we've had snow for the last couple of weeks, and it looks like more is on the way. The last snow we had was really beautiful. Everything was covered and solid white. There were no black spots in the road, no grass poking through from the ground. Everything was white.

Washed white as snow...

That morning on the way to work, I was grumbling about having to go to work. I didn't want to get out in the mess, it was slick, and it was cold. I stopped at a redlight and could see a hill completely covered. My thoughts started to wander a little. The snow was so perfect. Untouched by warm temperatures, sleds, and footprints. It made me think of my life with a Saviour. How, once, my sins were as scarlet, but He washed them white as snow. Perfect, untouched, snow.

I think sometimes we need that reminder. That our life would be dark without the blood of Jesus washing us white as snow. I'm thankful for the reminder, no matter how cold, icy, and dreary it was that day, my life was warm with the Son.

Joy

2011-01-10T19:09:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I had the privilege to attend the Passion 2011 conference in Atlanta. We heard some amazing Words straight from Jesus. One that has continually stuck out for me was on joy.

Where does your joy start? What is the foundation of it?

I love going to football games. I love chocolate ice cream with marshmallows in it. I love girl nights with Whittani. I love watching 'Elf' over and over and quoting it on a weekly basis with Caiti. But all the things that I "love" don't quite bring me the joy that Jesus does.

Too quickly we get caught up in the worldly, materialistic things of life. Too often we pass people by that are missing the one thing in their lives that will change them forever. The joy of Jesus. I want the root of my life to reflect Jesus. I want a light to shine in the darkness that shines brighter than the street lights. I want those around me to see that it's not a win by the Vols that is the foundation of my joy (however, I really DO love it when we win!) I want to be joyful even on the not-so-good days. I want words of Jesus to leave my lips when I feel like saying things that I shouldn't. I want grace to fill my heart when I think back to the things in my life that have left me hurt.

I want to always be mindful that joy comes from the Lord.

White Christmas

2011-01-09T20:42:00.000-05:00

Christmas was a white one this year and it was so pretty! We spent Christmas Eve at Nan's house. The food was oh-so-delicious like always. It was great to be with everyone again. As we were leaving Nan's it was starting to snow. We woke up on Christmas morning to a winter wonderland. Snow was everywhere, and it snowed pretty much all morning too. We spent the afternoon/evening at Granny's house. Davy was so much fun. He is getting so big. It's hard to believe that our first Christmas with him he was just barely a month old, and now he is 4! He's such a big boy and such an absolute joy to be around. God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave us him. And I am forever thankful to have such a fun, loving, sweet little character around.

Yes, I'm still alive!

2010-12-11T19:23:00.000-05:00

It has been 3 months since I've last updated. I really can't believe that it's been that long, but SO much has been going on. I think this calls for a bullet style update for the friends and family and strangers that actually care...

September, October, and November were FILLED with all things orange! It was a great home season on Rocky Top and all the games were a BLAST. I LOVE living in Knoxville for the games. The atmosphere around town is almost better than Christmas time!
I closed on my house, yep...MY VERY FIRST HOME...on September 30th. I was SO nervous about it all, but I signed on the, well ALL the, dotted lines and am now a homeowner. It has been so much fun decorating and making it my own. Everything is starting to come together and I only have the spare room left to completely finish. I'll post pictures one of these days.
November baby boy turned 4! I can't believe that he is 4 now. He is so big and still such a little JOY. I love that he is in our family. He is growing up and isn't such a baby anymore. It makes me so sad.
It's now December and almost Christmas time. I'm almost finished with my Christmas shopping. The preschool ministry at church is having some "guest" visitors each week. Last week we had a donkey. Tomorrow it's a sheep. Next week a camel. They are coming to help tell the Christmas story and the kids LOVE it.

Life has been nonstop for the last few months. I have so much more to share, including a ton of pictures. Hopefully in the next few days I can get caught up. I hate it when I get behind in blogging. I love being able to go back and read all about the things that were going on at certain times, so I'm really going to try to do better.

Faults, Failures, and Forgiveness

2010-09-13T20:48:00.000-04:00

Everyone has faults.
Everyone has failures.
Everyone needs forgiveness.

I am not above anyone in any of these categories, nor do I claim to be. All of the above were things I have been thinking about the last day or so. We all make mistakes. We all have things that are unique to us that we falter on. Sometimes every now and then, sometimes daily. My faults and failures have made me who I am today, as cliche as it sounds, but it's true. I have made many mistakes, taken many wrong turns, and have ended up on the complete opposite side of the fence at times.

But every time I reach that narrow turn in the road, I find a cross of mercy and forgiveness.

I'm thankful for forgiveness. Without it, life would be a bitter, cold place.

Disappear Much

2010-09-06T08:52:00.000-04:00

The last few weeks here have been C.R.A.Z.Y.
To catch everyone up, it's going to be a bullet-style post kind of day.

FINALLY got to go home and see my daddy a couple of weeks ago. I took off work early and headed to Greenbrier. We had a great weekend. Friday night was spent at the season opener high school football game. Saturday the whole family gathered at Nan's for some cooking and games and family time. Lance came in and we hung out that afternoon, so that was fun. We had a party for my Uncle Steve's birthday and most of our family came together for that. Sunday was church and family time before I headed back to Knoxville.
I put an offer in on a condo and it got ACCEPTED. I was floored. I am so excited about owning my own place. The amount of money I have put into renting is ridiculous, and rent prices are only going up. I decided that it would be a much better investment to own versus rent now. I close sometime this month and can't wait!
Work is going well. I love my job at the credit union. While it's not something I went to school for, I feel like I am in the right place right now. I love doing hair, but right now, I just don't have it in me to do it all day everyday. I like being able to do it when I want to do it.
Preschool stuff is keeping me busy at church each week. It's growing and we have more and more visitors coming that have small children. I love it! They are all great kids and I have a blast with them each week.
Football has officially started and we kicked that off Saturday here in Rocky Top! I have pictures from the game, so there will probably be another post on that sometime soon!
My Thirty-One business is soaring right now. I had great sales last night, much thanks to my awesome customers! I have really enjoyed the huge amount of parties that I've been having lately and meeting all the new people. I have had several new ladies join my team as well, and that has been awesome! I'm praying that it continue to grow! If you haven't visited my Thirty-One site, please do so!

I think that about covers everything. At least in a quick way, anyways! I hope to do better about my blogging now that I am somewhat caught up on everything that has been going on in my busy life.

Happy Labor Day!

One down...one to go!

2010-08-05T14:43:00.000-04:00

I took today off from work and took the first part of my cosmetology test. I PASSED! WOO-HOO! Now, I just have to take the practical portion of it and then I'm officially licensed! I'm excited and ready to be done with that chapter of my life. No, I don't have a job in a salon lined up. I really like my job at the Credit Union, so maybe I'll find something part time to do in the evenings. If anything, I'll always have my license to fall back on.

My week has been slammed with Thirty-One stuff. I had a party on Tuesday night that has been a HUGE success. I have a meeting tonight and another party tomorrow night. I am so pleased at how it has taken off the last few weeks. From the party Tuesday night, I got to 2 bookings and one possible catalog show or another home party! I'm super excited. I have a another girl on her way over now that is going to be my next consultant on my team! I am pumped! Now is definitely the time to join, so if you're interested in making extra money and having fun, let me know!

2010-07-26T19:53:00.000-04:00

This weekend was so busy, but so much fun. Saturday started out with some laundry and house cleaning but progressed into fun when Momma Carol and Whittani got off work. We headed out shopping for a couple of hours and then had a quick lunch. That night we had dinner at The Melting Pot for Whittani's birthday. We had so much fun. After dinner we walked through The Old City and up to The Mast General Store where Sam and I indulged into some ice cold Nehi's. Mmmm, they were delicious. We decided that was going to be our Saturday night thing; general store and Nehi's. You can't beat a cold orange Nehi on a hot summer day...and they are only $1! After our walk through the general store we headed up to Market Square and visited a few of the shops.

Sunday morning was church. The preschool was hoppin' with a lot of little ones. Sarah was sick so I was on my own with running the preschool. God blessed, as always, and things were smooth sailing. The kids are really loving our study on Moses, and so am I. There are so many fun things to do with Moses' story and they are really "getting" it. I love it!

Our family adventure for Sunday afternoon was a little road trip. We headed up to Kentucky Splash for a little water park fun. We had a blast! This year is the park's ten year anniversary so tickets to get in are only $10! Granted, it's no Splash Country, but for $10 and a fun 45 minute road trip it was well worth it. They had 3 water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river so we were content. Ana and Steven tagged along with us so the 5 of us had a blast. We came back to Knoxville and headed to Alcoa for a little dinner at Cheddar's. We stuffed our faces and decided on a movie. 'Salt' won the vote and off we went. I wasn't sure what to think of the movie once we decided to see it, but after it started I was all in. It was a really good movie, so 2 thumbs up from me.

Lettie update: Sweet Lettie made it to Atalanta. She is now at the rehab facility. She had a few setback of not eating or taking her bottle well enough so they had to put the NG tube back in. They are keeping her busy with various types of therapy so please pray for patience of the therapists, strength for Lettie, and rest for Summer. Please pray that Lettie will continue to develop her swallowing habits and that they are able to remove the tube soon and she can start drinking and eating without it. Also, please continue to pray for no more seizures. Thank you all so much for your prayers for Lettie. She is a miracle and to see how God is using her in so many ways is humbling.

Time

2010-07-23T21:27:00.000-04:00

Time is what is lacking in my life right now. I feel like I have zero time to do anything once I get home from work. In reality, I have a lot of time. However, by the time I actually get home from work and sit for a minute, I don't want to do anything! On a normal night, after work and grabbing a bite to eat, I'm usually home around 7pm. Sometimes a little later. After being up since 7am, the last thing I want to do is come home and do laundry or pick up. All I want to do is sit. Normally, that's what I end up doing. By the end of the week, my house is a disaster and my laundry is piled sky high. Not pretty. It actually stresses me out when things are such a mess.

Tonight, I have made a list of things that are going to get done tomorrow. I'm determined not to stop until I finish folding every last piece of clothing, putting away clutter, and reorganizing my desk.

The Fall/Winter catalog for Thirty-One debuts on August 1st, so I'm trying hard to get things taken care of for that. It's proving to be a big task in itself. I have 2 parties scheduled for the very first week of August! My blood pressure goes up just thinking about it. I have tomorrow, and maybe 2 days next week to prepare for them. I'm going to be one busy little person tomorrow and next week.

Does anyone else have trouble sticking to a schedule and using their time wisely?

Hebrews 4:16

2010-07-15T21:54:00.000-04:00

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. -Hebrews 4:16

What a fitting verse for all of life's problems.

I encourage you to approach the throne with confidence....you WILL be blessed!

Fancy Fourth

2010-07-14T23:02:00.000-04:00

I made it back to Greenbrier for the 4th for the first time in a few years. It was great to be back home with family. We had a very busy weekend filled with The Turnin' of the Pig, church, family cookout, and church picnic and fireworks. I loved being able to spend time with my sweet family the whole time. I was able to share with everyone about my trip to Guatemala and even got a few family members excited about and interested in a trip there next summer.
Lance and his new girlfriend came in on Saturday. We spent some time at the Turnin' of the Pig together walking around, playing games, and catching up. I miss him so much so I was very glad to get a day with him. We spent most of the time watching Davy play games and laugh and run around. He loved riding the pony and got to ride it two times that night. There is just something about small town life. It's the little things, like hearing the train come through town, and homemade ice cream by the sweetest ladies in town. Such a great night!
Sunday was church day and family day. We had a cookout at Granny's house after church with a lot of food and fun. After filling up there we headed back to church for a cookout and fireworks. My cousin, Josh, always puts on a good show with the fireworks and this year was no different. Although this time we almost had a few fires...they turned out awesome. The show gets bigger every year it seems like.
The only thing missing this year was my sweet Daddy. He is still in Iraq, watching the sand blow by. Most of his squadron are home. He is on the last leg coming back, so he still has a few more weeks in the sandbox. I can't wait for him to come home! The Turnin' of the Pig was NOT the same without him. I am so proud to call him my Daddy

Power of Prayer

2010-07-06T23:01:00.000-04:00

This is sweet Lettie. I've asked for prayer for her a couple of times here, and thought it would be nice if you could put a face to name. So here she is.

Tonight, and the coming days, please lift her and her precious mom and dad, Summer and Mark, up in prayer to our ultimate Healer. He will receive all the glory and honor for her healing.

Right now, Lettie has experienced some setbacks. You can follow her story and leave Mark and Summer a comment to let them know you are praying for them. I know they appreciate them and are humbled at how quickly their story has been passed along.

I was talking to a friend of mine today, and she couldn't have been more right. God is waiting for the time to "show up and show off." He is a healer and performer of miracles. I have no doubts that the bigger picture in Lettie's journey is going to be amazing. Already, her story has touched the lives of many.

It would be so easy to give up on God in a time like this. Satan is coming from every direction. Emotions are high and Mark and Summer are weary. Their faith in God has never wavered. God has shown His hand on Lettie's life in more ways than one since her journey to today and I don't think anyone in her life can deny that. I can't wait to see the day that Lettie is healed completely...able to tell her story about a God bigger than the universe that healed her little body.

Thank you all so much for the prayers you have prayed for Lettie and her family. It's humbling to know how many people have lifted her up.

Exhausting Week

2010-07-03T09:38:00.000-04:00

I did not do a single updating on my Guatemala blog...so if you have clicked over to read...SORRY! It has been one of the most busiest weeks ever for me and sleeping in this morning was AMAZING. Even more amazing than that though, was this special guy was my wake up call this morning. It made me smile just hearing his sweet little voice. The first thing out of his little mouth? "Mimi-are you coming to MY house today?" Precious. I had been up and down all week about driving to Nashville today to spend the 4th with my family. Um, that pretty much nailed my decision. Of course, I'm coming to your house. Who could say no to the most adorable baby boy (whose not such a baby anymore)? I'm excited, because tonight, we'll head over to the City Hall in my sweet little town and listen to some good 'ol music, play games, have homemade ice cream, and hand turned BBQ with all of the folks in town. I think tonight alone will make the drive there worth it. Which means....I must get going!

Back from Guatemala

2010-06-29T22:21:00.000-04:00

I made it back safely from Guatemala late Sunday night. We had the best trip and God worked in so many ways. I learned a lot about myself, made some great friends, and fell even more in love with the people and country of Guatemala. It's amazing how different my life is now. I never, ever, would have thought that I would have a heart for foreign missions...but I LOVE it. I'm downloading pictures now and working on updating my Guatemala blog...so hop on over {there} to read all about it!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone that supported my trip, prayed for me, and encouraged me along the way. It truly means the most to me!

Little Colette

2010-06-29T18:43:00.000-04:00

Those that are reading, please be in prayer for a sweet, precious 2 year old from my church, Colette. She had brain surgery today at Vanderbilt Hospital. She is now out of surgery and the doctors said that it went great! She will be in the ICU for a few days and then on to a regular room. Hopefully we'll have her home soon! You can read more about Colette and her sweet family {here}. Thank you all so much for the prayers!

Another day at the zoo

2010-06-15T21:49:00.000-04:00

Last week a few of us loaded up for a little trip to the zoo. Foster, Sanders, and Madi had so much fun. The weather was great. It was a little hot, but cloudy enough so it wasn't miserable. I think the most fun they had was at Kids Cove playing in the water. All three of them are such water kiddos...they LOVE it.

June Bug 2.0

2010-06-15T21:43:00.000-04:00

The month of June is our VBS time at Northstar. Instead of the normal week long VBS we spend every Wednesday night in June learning about what "bugs" God, getting messy, and singing buggy songs. The sweet little children have had a BLAST. I love watching their little faces light up each week.

family time

2010-06-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

plane tickets, family time, lake, ice cream, sunshine

2010-06-04T00:10:00.000-04:00

This has been one crazy week. Our trip to Guatemala was postponed again. Delta canceled our flight for yesterday morning so Kim, one of the greatest women EVER, spent all day re-booking our flights. I'm all set to fly on June 21st.

Spent a ~~little~~ lot of time on the mountain this weekend. Our annual family cookout and family time was amazing as always. Sam and I drove up Saturday and spent the day and then I went back on Sunday after church. I love being at Uncle Lanny's house. It is always so peaceful.

We kicked off our version of VBS at church last night. Can I just say that 60 preschoolers is a little crazy. I have never been so exhausted as I was last night. They had a blast though. I have plenty of pictures...I'm just too tired tonight to load them.

Today was a relaxing day working on a little June Bug stuff and spending the day at the cove with the boys. They had such a great time swimming. After getting cleaned up and a little lunch we headed to the mall for some ice cream. They were both in great moods...always a plus!

Our plans are not always HIS plans

2010-05-29T13:27:00.000-04:00

I'm still in the States.

Our flight was cancelled and rescheduled for Wednesday. The airport in Guatemala remained closed yesterday and is still closed today. Delta was gracious enough to work with us and put us on the next flight they had and that is Wednesday. So now we are praying that the airport re-opens.

Right now, it has been raining for about 6 hours in Guatemala. Mix that with all the ash and it makes for a MESS. These are the types of rains that cause mudslides in the mountains. I think back to La Pinada and remember the stories of the houses that sit on the side of the mountains and how they could easily be washed away in torrential rains.

Please be in prayer for those that are being affected by the volcano and the rains.

Praying for a flight

2010-05-28T11:17:00.000-04:00

I leave tomorrow morning for Guatemala. I am beyond excited. Right now though, the airports in Guatemala are closed. Pacaya, an active volcano, erupted yesterday and has covered the city in about 2 inches of ash. Flights into Guatemala are cancelled for today but right now are at a go for tomorrow. Our team is driving to Atlanta tonight and will find out in the morning or later tonight if our flight is still on. Please be praying that we can get into the country and also for safety next week.

While we have already planned what we are going to do with the tremendous amount of things we are taking down (24 HUGE suitcases packed FULL of clothes and shoes for the people) God may have other plans. Several of the villages around the volcano were evacuated and lost everything. Pray for divine appointments next week. God knows that in our house alone there will be 3 groups there going out and sharing about Him. He knows the people there will be looking for answers...and the only answer is Him.

I'll be able to update here and there, so check back for updates! I'll probably update my Guatemala blog more so click here for that link :)

Cleaning, Organizing, Laundry...OH MY!

2010-05-19T14:20:00.000-04:00

Today I have been SO productive. I woke up with plans to run a few errands, maybe meet up with a friend. That never happened and I'm really glad. The cleaning fairy must have flown over and sprinkled a little cleaning dust on me because I have organized my closet by color, finished 4 loads of laundry and put it all away. There are 2 more loads left and there will be NO dirty laundry in this house (save the clothes that I am wearing). I love having all the laundry caught up. It feels so good to know that there is nothing dirty and it is all put away. I am notorious to folding and sitting. I'll fold it up and sit it down on a chair, the back of the couch, the end of the bed...basically anywhere that it doesn't go!

While I was doing all of these things I had my iTunes playing. One song in particular made me stop what I was doing and just thank God for all He has done in my life. Everything to Me-Mark Shultz always brings back memories of when Davy became a part of our family. His birth mother gave us the most precious gift----him. I spent the day with him last week when I was home and enjoyed it so much. His laugh, his hugs, his sweet little face. We had so much fun playing in the park, eating a cupcake at PapaBoo's and drawing on the sidewalk with chalk. Simple things but they meant the world to him--and me. I am so thankful that he is a part of our family. He is the best little boy ever. I don't think much of how he got here, only that he is here. Every now and then, like today, I think about what would his life be like if his birth mother didn't give him up. I don't like to think about it, because the reality is overwhelming. I am so thankful that God placed him with my aunt and uncle. He was made for our family long before we knew he was.

Day at the Lake

2010-05-19T01:05:00.000-04:00

Sam, Konnor, and I spent the day on the dock today. It was such a pretty day so we enjoyed the sun and the nice breeze on the dock. It was nice getting some sun. It's always a fun day when I get some good hugs and laughs from sweet Konnor and some girl time in with Sam. I've been so busy lately, girl time has been limited lately. Super fun day today!

Circle of Friends

2010-05-13T22:35:00.000-04:00

Saturday night some awesome friends joined me for dinner to celebrate my birthday. We had such a great time and I was once again reminded of just how great my circle of friends are. It wasn't a huge dinner, a few special people were missing because of work schedules, but it was still a great time. I have been so blessed to have some really great friends. As I spent the evening surrounded by about 10 close friends, I couldn't help but think about each one of them, and how truly special they are to me.
Sam and I have been friends since the summer I ended up in Knoxville. We have been through some crazy times. We have been through some growing times. It's been a journey, but it's been a great one. I know that no matter how crazy the decision is at hand, she will be behind me 100%. Everyone needs a friend like that.
Van and Michele are great. Michele is the one that I known the longest besides Sam. We had a great time together when we worked together and have remained close. I'm so excited that she chose me to be in her wedding in a few weeks. Van is such a good guy to her and I'm so glad they found each other when they did.

Tregg, Sam, and Konnor are some of the greatest "family." I love the Thursday nights that I get to spend with Konnor, and the girl time we have on those nights as well. Sam will always, always be a sister to me and I love that we met when we did. We have shared many, many tears and many, many laughs...and I know that there are more to come.
Whittani and Skylar have been a part of so many memories I have. Whittani was the first friend I had when I started Cosmetology school and we have been friends ever since. She is such a great mom and is such a strong girl. I am so proud of the changes that she has made in her life and to see her walk with God grow and grow is amazing. I am so blessed to call her friend.
Josh and Amanda are some great lunch buddies! Amanda and I were the only ones who shared the same values and morals at school towards the end of our stint there. She has the sweetest heart and is truly a great friend. Josh has listened to so many crazy stories that we would talk about when he would come eat lunch with us. Such a trooper!
Candis has been my most recent addition to my happy, positive world. She has been a God send at the most needed time. Someone there to speak a little truth into my life when I need it the most. Beautiful inside and out. A woman of God with a servants heart. Such a blessing and a beautiful flower in my garden of friends.

I am so thankful to have such great friends. I fully believe that they have all been hand picked by God, sent at just the right times, with exactly what I need.

Mom

2010-05-07T15:33:00.000-04:00

This is my mom. She's a great mom. I don't get to see her as much as I used to. Living three hours away from home makes that hard. I can't even begin to start on all the things that she has done for me. While it is quite true that I am my daddy's girl, I love my mom so much. She is one of the strongest women I know. Her love for God and her family shines through her. She is a great Sunday School teacher-her children love her. She has instilled in me many of the values I have today. True, we used to butt heads ~~on occasion~~ a lot when I lived at home. We still do some today. But it doesn't change how much she cares about me, it doesn't change how much she loves me, and it doesn't change how much she loves me. She raised me in a great home. Drugged me as a child...drug me to church on Sunday mornings, drug me to church on Sunday nights, and drug me to church on Wednesday nights. Maybe now that is why I can't stay away from working at the church. Either way, I love my area of ministry, so thanks for the drugs, mom! She is a great Army mom. She has taken care of so many families, putting on dinners, picnics, outings and more for them. She's one of those do-it-all superhero moms. I'm thankful to have a mommy like her. She has given me the world and I try to take what she has given me and use it to make her proud and use it to my abilities to 'save the world' as she says. Sometimes I think she thinks I'm kidding when I say that I'm going to save the world...other days, I think she truly believes it. Maybe that's what mom's do best. I'm not sure. What I am sure of, is that my mom is way cooler than your mom

Totally kidding.....sort of

Thanks mom, for being that superhero mom.

Blessed Beyond Measure

2010-05-07T15:17:00.000-04:00

Prodigal- Gungor

I’ve tasted Your glory and I left it there.
Your poured out Your Spirit and I didn’t care.
Still you loved me

I’ve lived for myself with nobody to blame.
I took what You gave me and squandered Your grace.
Still You loved me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.

I could live for the broken and share in their pain.
I could die like a martyr or live like a saint just to love You.
I could sing like the angels and gather Your praise:
Be blessed beyond measure and give it away just to love You.
Still nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.

My heart has been broken; I’ve laid out my shame.
Because of Your mercy,
All I can say is I love You.
So I’ll tell of Your story
I’ll carry Your name
I’ll live for Your glory Lord,
I’ll share in Your pain just to love You.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.

Nothing can separate us
Nothing can separate us
Not death or life
Or depth or height
Or unseen power
Now or ever!

I found this song today. It was real to me. It spoke to me. I checked my mail today and for the third time this week there was a letter from someone who is praying for me, loving me, and supporting me financially to spread the love of Jesus in Guatemala. Wow. I was over come by the sweetness of the people in my life, those that have watched me step out and take this leap of faith and totally trust that God will provide. It's amazing to me. God is providing and even though these are days of cereal and staying home more, I'm ok with that. Because a sacrifice for being able to leave for a week to love on these children and to share the Word of God, is worth more than any meal out is.

3 weeks and counting

2010-05-06T10:59:00.000-04:00

I am so EXCITED.
In 3 weeks I will be on my way to see this handsome boy.
A boy that took my heart and stuffed it into his backpack.
I don't want it back, he can keep it forever. It gives me an excuse to somehow make it to Guatemala every year now.

Clubhouse Guatemala is where you can read all about the Parker family, their ministry, and how YOU can help!

Why This Waste

2010-05-04T11:46:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning at church, Pastor Scott shared the story in Matthew 26. Specifically the story of the woman with the alabaster jar.

A woman from Bethany came to see Jesus while he was at Simon the Lepers house. It was right before passover. She brought with her an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. She anointed Jesus with the expensive perfume, and the disciples questioned her. Why this waste? You could have sold it for a lot of money and given the money to the poor. Jesus then explained to the disciples that when she poured the perfume over his body, she was preparing him for burial. Certainly not a waste in Jesus' eyes.

I'm preparing for a trip to Guatemala in 3 weeks. I am beyond excited. For a week I will get to love on the people of a country less fortunate then I. I had the opportunity to love on these people this time last year and it was an amazing experience.

When I returned last year, I had several people ask Why would you want to go to a poor country? What could be so great about a country that has nothing? Why waste your time...

I was floored by some of the responses I got. Most of the people with these responses don't know the love of Jesus like I do. They don't have the same desires on their hearts that I do. They don't understand that it's not a waste of time.

When I go to Guatemala, I have not wasted a thing. I have spent a week out of my busy life loving on people and showing them the love and grace of a God that will never leave them. Showing them a God that wants to give them eternal life through Him. How can that be a waste?

So, Why this waste? Because it is what God has called me to do. It is what God has laid so heavily on my heart. To show His love and spread His word to a nation. To follow Him... to be used by Him until His work is done

(To hear the words to the video, you will have to go to the bottom and pause the music player)

Devastating

2010-05-03T23:49:00.000-04:00

I have spent the last few minutes looking through pictures of the flood back where I am from. It is crazy. Never in my life have I seen areas that I have walked through, sat in, and driven by flooded by waters. Barely flooded by snow in the winter....and NEVER by water.

This is a picture of the inside of The Opryland Hotel. It has closed its doors for the following months to rebuild. Seeing this picture, and others of the hotel, brought back so many memories for me. This was a regular date place for Dustin and I when we were in high school. Now, it is all under water.

So many people have lost their homes, jobs, cars, and personal items. I can't even begin to imagine. I have been in constant prayer for them the last few days. Earlier while I was looking through pictures I thought to myself, even through all the devastation, my God is still the same. He is still here. Some may even feel His presence more than ever before.

Please pray for those that have been affected. That they may feel the unending love of Jesus that can never be washed away by a flood or ripped apart by a tornado. That they will run to Him and trust in His mercy to carry them through the coming days.

Guatemala 2010

2010-05-01T12:43:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Hello! I hope this letter finds you and your family well. It seems as this year is flying by already. As you may know, I am preparing for another mission trip to Guatemala and it is quickly approaching! I am so excited that God is leading me back to a country that I fell so in love with a year ago. This trip is a complete step of faith for me and I'm praying God will provide greatly for it.

I have been actively involved in my church here in Knoxville (Northstar: www.northstarknox.com) for a little over 2 years. Last summer I was given the chance by members of Northstar to go to Guatemala and serve with Clubhouse Guatemala (www.clubhouseguatemala.com). While we were there we put on a VBS for close to 500 children. This was the first time many of these children heard about the love of Jesus and for the first time they were given a glimpse of grace and hope. Many of the teachers let us do our thing the first and second day. By the end of the week, many of the teachers were asking for copies of the songs we were teaching the children, copies of the materials we were using and they were reading the Bibles we provided for them. The principal of the school we were in was non-existent the first day we were there, and by the end of the week had asked God to come into his life and was begging us to come back again soon. The last day we were there we held a block party for the village to minister to the families of the children we had been pouring into during the week. Many men and women came and heard the story of Jesus and many came to receive Christ. It was an amazing experience and to be sharing it with you now is taking me back and I can hardly wait to be back in May. We did a few other ministry projects while we were in the village. Our group started 'Carl's Coops'-you can read all about the name and the meaning behind it on the Clubhouse website. We built a huge chicken coop out of wire and PVC pipe and the night before finishing it we sat at share time and prayed that God would provide us with the money to buy enough chicks and have enough money left over to buy some feed that would last a long time. The next day, our pastor went out to buy the chicks. We were able to buy 20 baby chicks and 100lbs of feed...10 more chicks and about 50lbs more than what we thought we were going to be able to purchase. How great is our God?! There were so many other things that we did and I would love to share them all with you, there just isn't enough paper to write it all out. I started a blog before I left on my last trip and have been recollecting memories. You are more than welcome to check it (www.emilyrguatemala.blogspot.com).

-Building the first chicken coop, kicking off Carl's Coops

Our team will be doing many of the same things this trip and I can't even begin to tell you how excited we are. We will be leaving May 29th and return on June 6th. We were able to get some great deals for flights there and back and will be able to actually have more time to minister since we have direct flights that are going to allow us to arrive earlier and leave later. The expense of the trip is right at $1,000. A large number, but very small when you take into consideration the lives that will be changed. Right now, I have close to $500 that I have saved to put towards my trip. I know that things are tight for many people, but will you take a leap of faith with me and ask God if this is something He would have you give to? Your gifts will be used to bring people to Christ and to give them a glimpse of love that they may have never seen before. After I have raised and saved the amount of the trip, any left over gifts will then be added to the ministry area. This will allow us to build more chicken coops, buy more chickens, buy supplies for families, and to help purchase food for the feeding centers we will be working with.

-Kids at the Feeding Center in La Pinada-

Thank you so much for your prayers, for your encouragement, and for your support. I can't even begin to imagine how God will bless this trip. Our team has been diligently praying since January for God to provide and we are overflowing with His blessings daily. Ever since my last trip my prayer has been for God to give me a heart that breaks over the things that break the heart of God, and I truly believe that He has done just that.

-My sweet boy, Edgar. I am so excited about seeing his sweet face again!-

Thank you again for taking the time to read about all the things that God is preparing me for and for being willing to pray for our team.If you feel led to support this trip financially, please feel free to email me at emilyroach2@gmail.com No matter the gift, monetary, words, or prayers, please know that it will be used to further His kingdom!

Love in Christ,

Emily

A Very Unproductive Day

2010-04-27T15:16:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it's good to have a lazy day. Today was one of those days for me. It was rather enjoyable. I was blessed with a phone call from my sweet Daddy, a chat with Samantha, and another call from my sweet Mommy. In the middle of all the phone calls, I listened to some new songs, clicked around on eBay and did absolutely nothing. It felt great.

There are very few days that I have time to just be lazy. Most days I am doing something to benefit myself or others. Although I sit here and see a bed that needs to be made and a pile of clothes that need to be put away, and some laundry that needs to be washed, I'm still rather certain that I am ok with having had a lazy day today. Ask me tomorrow when I am trying to finish up all the laundry though, and I may have second thoughts.

Things here in our happy little home are, well, happy. We watched 'The Blind Side' not once, but twice yesterday and enjoyed every minute of it. Such a great movie. I'm sure all of America has seen it already, but Sam and I are usually a little behind on things. Everyone is doing great and we're all ready for summer!

Patience

2010-04-21T15:12:00.003-04:00

Not exactly my best feature. But it's something I'm working on. It's hard knowing that there is something you want. It's right there in front you, an arms length away. You could reach out and grab it, and no doubt hold on to it for eternity...if only there wasn't something keeping you from fully wrapping your hands around it.

I feel like God is testing my patience right now. Maybe not patience, exactly. More like my trust and faith in Him. There are so many things that I want to happen in my life right now. Right at this moment. Sometimes I try too hard to make them happen. It always backfires, it's never the right time, and it never works out.

So for now, I'm praying and practicing patience.

A Shaded Road

2010-04-07T00:10:00.002-04:00

La Pinada, Guatemala, 2009

Sometimes I feel like I walk on an unpaved road. Not sure of the bumps and rocks that will get in my way. The above picture is how I sometimes vision what my life looks like right now...at least what it looks like to me.

Some very bright areas where it is easy to walk.

These are the areas where I know what is going to happen. Where I am going, who I will see, what I will be doing. My comfort zone. An easy place to be. A comfortable place to be. A place where my insecurities are all but a distant memory.

And then, there are the shaded paths. Paths that I don't want to walk alone.

A place where it is hard to see. Hard to trust. Hard to know what lies ahead. A path that I don't want to walk alone. Simply because I don't know what is in store.

When I get to the shaded areas in life, I remember

Jeremiah 29:11~ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and to not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I was walking a shaded area yesterday. All day thoughts of my trip to Guatemala consumed my mind. How am I going to raise the money? Am I going to be able to save enough to pay bills while I am gone? Can I really do this? were all questions that flooded my mind. I went into work with these thoughts.
One of my favorite couples came in to eat with me last night. They are angels that lit my path last night. After catching up like we normally do I began to tell them about my trip. They were so excited with me and when I went to grab their drinks they prayed for me and for the trip. When I was getting ready to drop off their check, the sweet woman who has been so quick to take care of me in times of need, folded up a check and placed it in my hand.
"It has been on my heart all night to give you this. It isn't much, but it's something."
Two simple sentences that touched me to tears. A couple that was sent on a day that I was worrying when I shouldn't have been. A couple sent to remind me that their is light on path always....the light of Jesus. Sent to remind me that I shouldn't ever doubt the hand of God.

I may walk a shaded road at times, but the light of Jesus is never far away.

Guatemala 2010

2010-04-01T11:19:00.003-04:00

My sweet boy, Edgar~2009

I am slowly preparing for my next trip to Guatemala. I was so blessed to be able to go last year and I am so excited that God has made a way for me to go again this year. I am looking forward to seeing my sweet little boy, Edgar, and loving on the children and people of Guatemala. They entered my heart a year ago and they haven't left it since. You can go back and read about my experiences on the blog I started before I left the last time {here}. (There are several posts that I haven't posted there yet, mainly because some of the things I haven't been ready to share yet. In time, they will appear.)

I am currently praying that God will provide for this trip. The cost is around $1,000 and so far I have about $300. I'm completely walking by faith here. I know that God will provide, everything will be taken care of, and His name will be honored through it all. If you feel led to give toward furthering His kingdom and would like to help out with this trip, please email me Emilyroach2@gmail.com

Your gifts will be used to witness to the people of Guatemala, to pave a way for them, and for them to hear and know the love of Jesus.

My trip dates are May 28-June 6, 2010. Please start praying now for the people, for our team, and for God's glory to be shown.

Spring Day at the Zoo

2010-04-01T11:14:00.005-04:00

Me, Abigail, and Caleb

Today we loaded up kids and headed to the zoo. Sasha with her 3 and Sarah with her 2. We had such a good time and the kids were all so good! We saw all the animals and played in the play area and rode a carousel. I have been so blessed to have such great friends in my life and love the time I get to spend with them.

Foster and Caleb

My Daddy

2010-04-01T11:08:00.002-04:00

This is a picture of me and my sweet Daddy before he left for Iraq. We were blessed enough to be able to spend a few days with him at Camp Shelby before they headed out. While Camp Shelby is not our favorite place to be, it feels like home when you're there with your daddy. I miss him so much. I haven't talked to him in almost a week. I'm so thankful for the daddy that I have and the sacrifices that he makes daily for our country. He is such a great leader and takes such good care of his men. His job is important to him and he does it with pride...all to provide for our family and for our country. Please pray for our soldier's safety and that they come home soon!

Really Slacking

2010-03-09T22:58:00.002-05:00

Wow. I have done horrible at keeping up with my blog this year. I have been so busy it is most certainly the last thing on my to do list each day.

The last few nights I have been going back through and reading all my previous entries. I have been through so much and come out on top on so many things. I like being able to look back and see what all I've done and what all I have accomplished...and also see the things that I still need to work on.

I am almost finished with school. My last day is March 19. It has been a long time coming and I'm so excited to be finished.

Daddy is in Iraq now and I miss him a lot. I have been able to talk to him a few times on Skype and I'm really glad. I can't wait until he is back though.

I have so many new pictures to post and updates to give. Hopefully I can get back to a regular blogging schedule!

I have no excuse....

2010-01-21T18:20:00.003-05:00

...for taking an almost 3 month hiatus from blogging. I have literally been non-stop that my schedule has just not had any time, or if I have had a few moments to spare, blogging has not been at the top of my list.

The last few months have gone by in a blur. I am nearing the end of cosmetology school and I'm super excited about that. I still have no idea where I'm going to work. I'm trying to follow God on that. I have some ideas about some things, but I'm trying to just simply follow Him in them.

Thanksgiving was great, Christmas was great, New Years..eh, not so great ( I had a stomach virus that was pretty violent). But so far, the new year has been amazing. God is really working!

My dad leaves in just a few weeks for Iraq. Please pray for him. Last week he lost a close friend of his and was unable to leave from Camp Shelby to go to the funeral . Life of an army man. I hate that he wasn't able to come in. He has a lot on him while he takes the last few days preparing his guys to go over seas. I'm thankful my mom and sister and I will get the chance to fly down and spend the last few days with him before he leaves.

I'm working on uploading some new pictures now, so more in detail posts to follow!

"It's the little things"

2009-10-06T10:43:00.002-04:00

A few nights ago the girls and I decided to bake a cake for dessert. We had a little fun with food coloring and make a pink cake with blue and purple frosting. The girls had so much fun helping and frosting the cake. They are getting so big and independent. They are a blast to be around and I'm always trying to think of new and fun things to do with them. While we were digging through the pantry trying to find the food coloring, Makenna found some sprinkles. I sat her up on the counter and we each took a second to eat a handful of sprinkles. After she finished her mouthful, she smiled and said, "It's the little things that are so much fun!" She is too precious!

And she is right. It really is the little things in life that are so much fun. It's extra bath time so your Barbie's can swim longer. It's handfuls of sprinkles and dessert before supper. It's big blankets and movies on the couch. It's popcorn for supper. It's the little things that make memories. And I'm so happy I can make the little things fun for these sweet girls!

My Best Friends Wedding...Chapter 3: The Bach Party

2009-09-16T15:27:00.002-04:00

Rheanne's wedding is getting closer. A few weekends ago I headed to Nashville and we had her bachelorette party. It was fun hanging out with the old group of girls that I grew up with.

8 years later...

2009-09-10T15:46:00.002-04:00

I don't think I will ever forget the events after 9/11. It changed America. It changed my town. It changed my life. It will forever be something that is important for me to remember. For me to reflect on, for me to honor, and for me to appreciate. Thank you to those that serve our country proudly. Thank you to those that served it even before 9/11. Thank you to those that continue to leave America, and fight for our freedom. To fight for those lost on this tragic day.

And thank you to my Daddy. For being the hero that lives in me, that still leaves our family week after week to prepare his guys for another deployment. For being the hero that misses birthdays, holidays, and special occasions so that I can sleep safely at night. So that I can live freely. You have been, and always will be, my number one Hero.

Family Weekend

2009-08-23T00:56:00.003-04:00

Last weekend my sweet, sweet cousin Emily and her boyfriend Shannon came to Knoxville to see me. We had such a great weekend catching up, spending time together and going out! I have missed being around her all the time and I'm so glad they decided to come up and visit Ryan and I. Hopefully they will come up more in the future now that they know how much fun we are!

Month Recap

2009-08-23T00:47:00.003-04:00

School is great. Only a few more months and I'm done! I've been thinking about places to work once I get finished and I'm so excited!
Work at Chili's is good and it is starting to pick back up again.
Church is great! Our new building is coming along great and we are hoping to be in by Christmas! God has blessed Northstar greatly and I'm so thankful for such a great church family.
Life in general is great. Things are going well and I'm staying busy working and schoolin'.

My Best Friends Wedding...Chapter 2: The Shower

2009-07-29T15:13:00.002-04:00

Saturday I had the honor of throwing my best friend her first wedding shower. It turned out to be perfect and I was super pleased with how the decorations, the food, and everything turned out. The cake came from Magpies Cakes and I HIGHLY recommend them if you are in the Knoxville area. Yes, that cake traveled from Knoxville to Greenbrier in the car and still looked perfect!

I can't believe it is almost time for Rheanne's wedding. I'm so excited for her. It seems like yesterday we were riding the bus home getting ready for a weekend full of slumber parties!

Fun Friday

2009-07-29T15:07:00.002-04:00

Friday we loaded up and headed to Pigeon Forge for some dinner at Calhoun's and putt-putt golf! Putt-putt always makes for some fun family time and a little competition. Tanner swears that Sam and I lost, but we like to think different!

Falling Behind

2009-07-24T10:30:00.003-04:00

It seems as though I'm falling behind in every direction lately....and I mean every direction!
School is wearing on me and I'm just really ready to be DONE! Since I took the month of June off, it pushed my finish date back even further. If all goes as planned I should be done mid January. I've already begun praying that I can stay well and not be sick during the winter months.
My laundry is piling up! I don't ever have time to do it, because I'm always running around like crazy! Hopefully today I can get it caught up.
My Bible study area/life has slacked greatly. I have found it harder and harder to just set aside time to really focus on it. I've been praying that God will motivate me and really stir my heart again.

Even with falling behind I have much to be thankful for. God has blessed my life in so many ways lately. I have been able to fully let go of things that had been cutting at my heart, I have been able to rejoice in the salvation of a person I thought I would never see have anything to do with God, and I have tightened the bonds within my church family.

God has truly blessed my life. I have such great family, such great friends, and so much to just be thankful for. There have been so many times in my life that have been filled with hurt and anger that I often asked, "Why me? Why am I going through this? Why do I have to hurt?" It's all taught me something. I know that I will never be given more than I can handle. I will never be left to stand in the storm alone. My God has never left my side, He's been there through it all. And even when it feels like I'm falling behind in the small areas of life....God never let's me fall too far before He reminds me that I'm not falling...just merely being taught to lean on Him.

Edgar

2009-07-15T15:23:00.004-04:00

This is my sweet boy in Guatemala. I miss him so much today. It's been a month since I've seen him. I loved on him so much for 5 days straight. I wish so much that I could have just brought him home with me. He was the most loving, sweetest little thing ever. Every day he would find me, and it would take everything I had just to get him to go back to class when it was time for us to change groups. We were both attached to each other. Diana and I had a chance to get some pictures copied so I copied a few of Edgar and I to give to him. When I gave them to him he grabbed them out of my hands and pulled them close to his heart. I told him to put them in his "mochilla" (backpack) in really broken Spanish and his eyes lit up and he took off running full speed through the play ground and clutched the pictures so tight to his little chest. Of course by that time, tears were streaming down my face.

This little boy, who only knew me as a 'gringo' loved me so much. He told me every day he loved me and that we would be best friends always. He hugged on me, kissed on my cheeks, and sat in my lap. On the last day, the kids knew we were leaving and wouldn't be back. Before we left, we literally climbed up my legs for me to hold him and buried his little face in my neck and I could tell he was crying. I was trying so hard not to let him see me cry but my heart was breaking for this little boy.

I knew and still know, nothing of his family. I don't know if he is loved in all the ways I'm loved. I only know that I got to love him and tell him about Jesus' love for 5 days. I got to give him three pictures that hopefully will remind him that I love him so much and that I'm praying for him constantly. But most importantly, I pray that they remind him of a God who is always there, always forgiving, and always loving.

Beach Trip 2009

2009-07-15T15:17:00.004-04:00

At the end of June, Samantha and I packed up and headed to the beach for a few days with mom and dad and Caiti. We went to Navarre Beach, right outside of Pensacola in Florida. We got to spend a few days with Tiffany and Stephen since we were close to their house and we had a blast. I'm glad I had a few more days off of school so I could get a few days in at the beach! The weather was nice the entire time we were there. It only rained the last night we there and that was after we had already come in off the beach. The ocean was really cold, and there was a lot of seaweed coming in, so we spent a lot of time at the pool. We had a really great trip and I'm so blessed to have such an amazing family!

A month! Seriously?!?

2009-07-01T16:01:00.002-04:00

It has been almost a month since I have posted here. Time has absolutely FLOWN by!

Guatemala was amazing and my heart is longing to go back. As long as the Lord provides, I think I'll be flying back in October. I can't wait. The children there, the people there, and God's amazing presence was overwhelming. I truly feel like God is really going to use me there. You can read and see pictures {here}. But, bare with me. I'm still updating, and since I've been slammed with things, it's a slow process. I'm trying to get it all updated though!

After I got back from Guatemala I repacked and headed for the beach for some family time. Samantha and I met my parents and little sister in Florida for a few days on the beach. It was a blast and the weather was awesome the entire time we were there.

I was able to set up a Thirty-One Gifts booth at the hairshow here in Knoxville this past weekend. I had a few sales and a few new contacts so God blessed me there.

I started back to school yesterday after a month off. It felt good to be back doing what I love. I didn't think I missed it as much as I thought until I got back.

Life in general is going great. God is moving and working in ways that I never thought He would. Everyday is a constant reminder of just how big and just how great He truly is. He has held me in the palm of His hand through some crazy storms and is now showing me the rainbow at the other end of it all. I have truly been blessed and I know that it is only going to get better from here.

Counting Down!

2009-06-05T13:42:00.002-04:00

This time tomorrow I will be on a plane to Guatemala! I can't wait! You can read all about the trip {here} I can't wait to see what God is going to do in the lives of the people there! I know it is going to be an amazing experience! Please continue to pray for me and the others that will be going from Northstar!

I have been feeling much, much better. The medicine I'm taking for this nasty infection makes me a little nauseous if I don't take it with food, so I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do if I have to take it in Guatemala between meals. I just don't want to be nauseous while I'm there. I just have faith that God will keep me well!

I'm such a procrastinator... so far I've only packed shorts and a pair of jeans! Oh, and my hair stuff. I guess I need more than that to live for a week. I have all day to pack though so I'll get it done!

I was thinking today that I'm really gonna miss Paisley while I'm gone! I have only been away from her for one night since I got her. I've slept with her every night since then...she's a little on the spoiled side and loves sleeping on the pillow. I know Aunt Sam and Uncle Tanner will take good care of her though!

Please pray

2009-06-03T11:50:00.002-04:00

As many of you know, I'm leaving on Saturday for a trip to Guatemala where I'll be there for 7 days. I need your prayers!

Monday night I spent several hours in the emergency room and after some tests was diagnosed with a kidney infection. After a shot in the hip and some antibiotics I was released. I'm taking the medicines now, but they are making me sick to my stomach. Please pray that God will heal me before I leave on Saturday. I will have to continue the medications while I'm there, but it would be awesome if God will make the nausea go away before then!

And since I've got you praying....will you pray for the rest of the team going? I'm sure they are having their fair share of attacks from the devil this week as well. And, would you pray that God's grace and glory shine through all of us when we step off the plane...and that the people of Guatemala will come to know Him?

Busy, Busy Week Ahead

2009-06-01T14:46:00.001-04:00

This week is going to be very, very busy as I prepare and pack for my trip to Guatemala. I'm so excited to be serving alongside the rest of the team from Northstar and the Parker family. Next week, we will be hosting a VBS for 500 Guatemalan children. I'm so excited to see what God is going to do in the lives of the people there! Please pray for me as I prepare my mind, body and soul for what I'm about to encounter and witness.

For more information on Mike Parker, and Clubhouse Guatemala, click the picture at the top of this post! You won't want to miss an awesome prayer opportunity for this family!

Trip to the Zoo

2009-06-01T14:41:00.003-04:00

Last weekend was so nice and warm and breezy that we decided to venture to the zoo after church. The girls all had a blast and loved seeing the animals! The double stroller proved to be a good investment and made the trip much easier for when little legs got tired. Hopefully, there will be more zoo days this summer for us!

It's been awhile

2009-05-26T10:33:00.002-04:00

I haven't updated in awhile...I've been so busy! A lot has happened and my life is crazy it seems like. For those that are keeping up, here are a few updates...

school is going great...hopefully I'll be finished in November!
my trip to Guatemala is quickly approaching! If you don't know about my trip yet, you can read all about it here
my Thirty-One business is picking up. I have 2 parties scheduled within two days of each other, so I'll be worn out...but hopefully will get off to a great start for the month of June. If you don't know about Thirty-One, check it out here and here and if you would like to place an order, you can email me at: Emily.Thirtyonegifts@gmail.com
I've been keeping a friend of mine's three little girls during the week when I'm not working at Chili's and they are super precious. I love them so much and we have been having so much fun going to church, having girl time, and going on fun adventures
laundry is overflowing...when is it not? Sorry, that was random, but I just looked over at it and thought that I probably need to tackle that at some point this week
Caiti graduated from high school last week...you can read about that in a previous post
Raylon graduated from kindergarten last week too. I can't believe she is going to be in the 1st grade and is turning 7 in a few months!

All in all, life is really going great right now :)

Memorial Day

2009-05-26T10:17:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was Memorial Day. I meant to do a post yesterday, but didn't have the chance. Nonetheless, here it is :)

Memorial Day is a special day. It's a time set aside to remember those that fought for our chance to have the freedom that we do today. Many lives have been lost throughout the years so that we may live in a country free to do almost anything we choose. Many have friends and family that have served in some branch of military at some point. I'm no different. My dad is the Command Sergeant Major for 2nd Squadron of the 278th regiment. He served in Iraq for 18 months and is currently preparing his soldiers for a second tour. I'm proud of my daddy and all that he has done for our country. His service will never go unnoticed. I'm thankful for those that came before us to fight and defend our country, and I'm thankful for those that continue to do so today.

Caiti's Graduation

2009-05-26T10:08:00.004-04:00

My crazy, sweet, fun, beautiful little sister graduated from high school on Thursday night. I can't believe she is going to be going away to college in the fall! She is going to be successful in anything and everything she chooses to do. I just hope she will always stay on the right path and do what she knows in her heart is right. Congratulations, Caiti! I'm super proud of you!

My 21st Birthday!

2009-05-18T16:19:00.003-04:00

I had a 3-day birthday celebration last week and had an absolute blast! I'm so thankful for my amazing friends and family that helped me celebrate. We started on Friday night at midnight and went down to the strip for a little while. That was eventful!
Saturday I had dinner with some amazing friends at Calhouns on the River. My amazing big sister Sam went all out and got me a yummy cake too!
Sunday I went back to Greenbrier and spent Mother's Day with my mommy and the rest of the family. We had a delicious Sweet~n~Sassy cake, some homemade ribs and bar-b-que and more..compliments of my daddy, the wonderful cook!
The first 21 years of my life have been amazing, eventful, and full of great memories...so here's to 21 more!

Everything Thirty-One

2009-05-06T23:18:00.002-04:00

Head on over to my newest blog : Everything Thirty-One and take a look at my new Thirty-One Gifts business! I just posted the May Customer Specials and I'll just say, you don't want to miss out these awesome deals this month! You can order online and have it shipped directly to you! Let me know if you have any questions about ordering!

Breaking Ground at Northstar

2009-05-04T14:24:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we had a ground breaking and prayer walk at our new property at Northstar. God has provided us with an amazing piece of land and building has started on our new building. With God's help, we should be in it by October! Our building now is beautiful, however, we must have
two services on Sunday to hold everyone. It will be awesome to worship all together again!

Sweetness

2009-05-02T22:31:00.001-04:00

Oh to be a kid again...

Giving to Guatemala

2009-04-30T16:11:00.002-04:00

You can read all about my preparations, my thoughts, my prayers, and my trip to Guatemala here

An Answer to an Unasked Prayer

2009-04-28T15:57:00.002-04:00

For the past few weeks I have had my heart and eyes set on a trip. A trip that I never thought possible, and never thought would come my way. My finances were making this trip unattainable to me and since I knew this, I didn't really think anything else about it.

How amazing is my God? Pretty amazing if you ask me. Of course, I already knew this...He just sees it fit to show me again every now and then :)

My wonderful church is going on a mission trip in little less than 6 weeks. God answered my prayer, even if it was unspoken. I had no means of paying for the trip, but He made a way and saw fit for me to go. And I'm ecstatic! I can't wait to dive in to the Lord's work even deeper than I already am. I'm humbled that someone saw fit to send me on this trip. Humbled that God chose me.

Please pray for me during the next few weeks. Pray that the Lord prepares my heart and mind, emotionally and spiritually. Pray for the people in Guatemala, that they be receiving of His word. I'm so excited to share Him with those that don't know how awesome my God is.

I'm in the process of setting up another blog as a journal for my trip and as soon as I have it set up I'll post the link.

Thirty-One Gifts

2009-04-26T00:05:00.002-04:00

Here's the exciting news you've all been waiting for :)

I'm now a Consultant for Thirty-One Gifts! If you have never heard of Thirty-One Gifts, I want to encourage you to check out the amazing products they have and they are at great prices! And please, if you would like to order something, want to host a party in your home or online, or want more information, please let me know! Click {here} to go directly to my website!

The fastest way to contact me: Emily.Thirtyonegifts@gmail.com

Happy Shopping!

For Such a Time Is This

2009-04-25T23:52:00.002-04:00

This weekend I was given the opportunity to attend "The Esther Experience" with over 600 other women. All I can say is WOW. I don't think I have ever felt the presence of God surrounding me more than I have this weekend. To know that I am called to be free from all the hurt, all the pain, all the sin of my past is overwhelming to me. I am undeserving of His love. Undeserving of the freedom He has given me. And yet, I'm free. Free to live a life of love, peace, and to be filled with God's unending blessings.
I have been struggling with some things the past few weeks and for the first time since they came about, I feel free. I don't have to carry the burden of them anymore. I never had to carry them in the first place. As a child of God, I have the freedom to lay my burdens at the foot of the cross and to be free from the weight of them.
This weekend was an experience for me. I was moved in ways I've never been moved before. My heart has been burdened with desires I've never had before. I'm excited what God is doing in my life. I'm excited for the things that are in store for me. But most of all, I'm free and ready... For Such a Time Is This.

Easter 2009

2009-04-25T23:45:00.001-04:00

Easter was filled with a wonderful time spent in precious Greenbrier with my even more precious family. As always, it didn't last long enough for me. Davy was so sweet hunting Easter eggs this year. He's such a doll. I know I talk about it all the time, but I absolutely love loving on this precious baby. He's such a blessing to our family and will never truly know how much he is loved. And it's only by God's choosing that he is a part of our family.

Keep an Eye Out...

2009-04-15T15:35:00.001-04:00

...because I have some exciting news to share in the next few days!

Where has the time gone??

2009-04-08T16:01:00.003-04:00

It's been weeks since I last posted. I've been SO busy! Life has been a whirlwind of things and I'm finally getting back in the old groove and settled into my never-ending-oh-so-busy life! God has truly blessed me with such awesome family, friends, and an even more awesome life!

Samantha and I are pretty much settled into our new apartment...and it looks amazing, if I do say so myself :) Hopefully I'll have some pictures posted in the next few days so you can see for yourself.

Church is great. Pastor Scott has had some really awesome messages the last few weeks. You can listen to them here. Northstar has really been a blessing to me. The people there are amazing and have such hearts for the Lord. I really feel like I'm at home when I'm at Northstar. I'm being used in the Children's Ministry on a weekly basis and am honored to have such a sacred job within the church. Those kids are the future of God's kingdom and I feel so blessed to be a part of their lives. To hear and see their love for Jesus is amazing. If you live in the Knoxville area and are looking for a church home I want to encourage you to seek Jesus in your journey and visit us at Northstar. We would love to see you!

Please be in prayer for the Smith family as yesterday was the year anniversary of the death of their sweet girl, Audrey. Also, be in prayer for Baby Stellan. A surgery may be in his near future, however God is a performer of miracles and anything can happen between now and tomorrow. Pray for rest for MckMama and her family, pray for Stellan's doctors, and pray for Stellan.

As for me, I'm great. I'm planning a trip to my hometown for this weekend and can't wait to have easter egg hunts with the baby, home cooked meals, and family time. School is going great and I'm really loving my decision to be a hairstylist. I love it! Paisley is great as well and is excited about showing off her new Easter dress this weekend!

Quick updates

2009-03-17T19:06:00.002-04:00

I know I have seemingly disappeared from the Blog world, and I have, but not intentionally. Life has just been a whirlwind of events for me and I'm trying to get caught up. I do have some great blog posts that have been swirling in my head, and as soon as I have internet on a regular basis, believe me, they will all come flying out!

Samantha and I are moving in less than two weeks. We've been packing like crazy and cleaning things out. I'll be glad to be in our new place and settled! All the clutter and mess of packing is getting on my nerves!
School is going great! I love it! I'm excited to be working on as many as two to three clients a day and I'm learning so much!
God has really been doing such a work in my life. I'm doing new things and He has placed new callings on my heart. Some of these things will be revealed in a later post!
Life is still not the same without Steven. I miss him so much. Tomorrow is his birthday. We're planting a tree in front of Chili's in his memory. I wish he was here. He's not supposed to be gone :(
I'm making a quick trip to Greenbrier on Sunday to see the family and have a little roadtrip with Samantha. It should be fun. And it will be even more fun since hopefully little Mary will make her way into the world either tonight or tomorrow night :) Pray for Celeste that her delivery go fast and smoothly!

And I think that is about it. Since I'm not home much and when I'm home I'm packing, I went ahead and cut the cable and internet off at my house so I'm having to rely on time at Panera to update things. But don't worry! I'll be back full swing as soon as I'm settled into my new house!

Losing A Friend

2009-03-08T16:48:00.001-04:00

Friday night I received some of the worst news of my life so far. One of my greatest friends, Steven, or Thor as he was better known by us, died at age 27 of a heart attack. A heart attack. At 27 years old. This is crazy to me. I know that God is in control and is the holder of our lives. But Thor was such a good friend and such a good person. And so young. He had his whole life ahead of him. We worked together at Chili's so I spent a lot of time with him. Especially when we closed together. If we weren't busy we would always sit at table 71 and split dinner and talk about life. We shared our dreams with each other. I knew everything he wanted to do and have in life and he was on his way to getting it all. I never thought that when I saw him on Thursday that it would be the last time. I never thought that I was leaving work Thursday night and he said, "Emmy, ya work tomorrow night? Good, see ya then. Love ya too!" would be the last time I would ever hear those words. I can't sleep because I know sleep will bring another morning that I have to wake up and remember that he's gone. Work and life will not ever be the same without him. I still can't grasp that he's gone. I'm still waiting to get a text saying, "Guys I got ya'll good." But that text will never come. And in the next few days ahead, we will say goodbye to our friend and be left with only the memories that he left on our hearts.

Thor, I miss you so much man. You were always there when anyone needed you. We had so much fun together. I will never forget the fun and goofy times we had together. Just Thursday night we were laughing until our sides hurt over all kinds of things. Have fun up there in Heaven. And I'll see you again when my time comes. I know you're watching down on us and trying to get us to stop crying. You would want us to laugh. But it's hard because it hurts. It hurts knowing that I won't see you at work tomorrow. We won't share 71 together anymore. And you won't talk me into doing some of your closing work anymore. I miss you Thor. And I love ya.

Fresh and New

2009-03-02T22:12:00.004-05:00

"It's such comfort to drop the tangles of life in God's hands and leave them there"
Tonight I went before God and gave it all to Him. My struggles, my desires, my purpose, my life. I asked for a new, deeper faith than I had before. I want to be used, really used, by Him. I want my life to shine of all He has done for me. I share this, because I struggle. We all struggle. As a Christian, I fail, I slip, and I get brought down. But God is there to forgive, to hold, and to help me back up. And I'm so thankful. Thankful He has never left me. I've made some mistakes along my way to the here and now, but God has freed me from them. And never again do I have to carry the weight of them. They are swept away like the wind, gone and forgotten.

I'm reading "Experience a Fresh Explosion of Faith: A Taste of Believing God" by Beth Moore. It's amazing. In the introduction she lists the 5-Step Pledge of Faith. I love how easy it's laid out. 5 simple things to remember daily.

I'm having faith that things in my life will be provided for and taken care of. Not by me but by Him. The struggles I have are known by Him and it's in God alone will I get by. I have a Father in Heaven that loves me, teaches me daily, and provides even when I entertain thoughts that it's never going to happen. All because He loves me. He works miracles everyday and because I'm a child of Him, I am a receiver of miracles and blessings daily.

Beth Moore pointed out three things that really stood out to me:
The God I serve is able. -Daniel 3:17
Everything is possible.-Mark 9:23
Nothing is impossible.-Luke 1:37

I was freed of some things tonight that I have struggled with recently. They are gone and forgotten. And the weight of their hurt has been lifted. The faith alone I have in my God is what allows me to be free. And you, too, can be free. All you have to do, is ask.

5-Step Pledge of Faith:
1.God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Him.
5. God's word is alive and active through me.

So far I've read through 1-3. I'm going to finish 4 and 5 tomorrow. So be looking for my thoughts on those tomorrow evening.

A Day with Baby

2009-02-24T10:49:00.003-05:00

Before I left my sweet small town I spent some quality time with the handsome, sweet, little man that stole my heart the moment I looked into his big brown eyes. I can't believe how big he is getting. He is always talking and always moving. I had so much fun "flying" around the house with him, playing farm, and being doggies with him yesterday. I miss him so much already and can't wait until Easter when I get to see him again!

My Best Friends Wedding...Chapter 1

2009-02-24T10:41:00.002-05:00

Chapter 1...Dress Shopping
Rheanne, my childhood best friend, is getting married in September. I went home to Greenbrier over the weekend to go bridesmaid dress shopping with her. We had fun having brunch, catching up, and trying on all sorts of dresses! I'm so happy for her and happy to be a part of her special day! It was also fun catching up with Cassie, who is also in the wedding. I haven't seen Cassie in such a long time so it's always fun to laugh and relive old memories.

I really want...

2009-02-24T08:21:00.003-05:00

....to win this dress! And I know you do too! So, all you have to do is {click here} and enter to win. You can enter once a day until March 4! I know what I'll be doing every night! Visit Fashion Fling for more tips, reviews, contests, and coupon codes.

Mark 6:31

2009-02-23T21:40:00.002-05:00

He said to them, "Come with Me by yoursleves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Mark 6:31

This verse is one I came across today and it kind of hit me. I've been on the go for so many weeks and haven't really done my daily Bible study like I know I should. After reading this verse I realized how important it is to just stop and listen to what God is telling me. I'm praying that this week brings me rest and closer to my Lord.

I was able to go to Greenbrier and visit with family and physically rest this weekend. I also have tomorrow off of school and work and will finally be able to catch up on my house cleaning and more physical rest. I'm thankful for the rest God has provided me so far this week.

The spiritual rest I so desperately need is what I thought of the most when reading this verse today. I need to rest in my Saviour's arms more, trust in Him to supply my needs more, and take comfort in knowing He will never leave me. My heart needs rest from the struggles I've been battling and I know that that rest will only come from Him, and only after I give it all to Him. Here's to giving it all to Him....

What do you need rest from? Go to God and find the rest you need.

So far behind...

2009-02-20T22:13:00.003-05:00

I am so far behind in my blogging. I have been so busy lately I have not had a chance to update in about a week. Nothing too interesting has happened. A lot of school, a lot of work, and a lot of church. I'm not complaining though because life is wonderful right now. I have a few posts that I just can't seem to finish. They're good though, so keep an eye out for them!
Tomorrow I'm leaving to visit my hometown and my family and I can't wait. I talked to Davy the other day for about 20 minutes and he is just as precious as ever and I can't wait to love on him!
We're going Sunday to find dresses to wear in Rheanne's wedding. I can't believe that it's that time! I'm looking forward to a girls day with my best friend!

As I was driving to work today, or maybe it was home from school, I can't really remember right now, but anyways, I was thinking about how I'm excited to be going home for the weekend but also how I'm going to miss Northstar on Sunday morning. I'm so thankful for my sweet church and for the people there. I really feel like God sent me Northstar at just the right time. Each week I learn something new and God reveals something else He has in store for me. I've grown so much in my time there and consider myself blessed to have such a Godly church. It makes me thankful to live in a country where we are allowed to worship freely and openly.

My laundry just finished so I need to go swap out more. I promise that I'll do better on my posts next week...and I'll finish the ones I've started. Maybe I'll get one finished and posted tonight :) But that's a huge maybe!

A Sunday with the Sister

2009-02-15T15:55:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday after church Samantha and I decided to play outside. It was such a spring like day and we were determined to take full advantage! We ventured out of Knoxville and made our way to Big South Fork State Park and spent the afternoon walking the river and basking in God's creation. It was such a beautiful day and to have the opportunity to spend it not only with Sam, but to feel God's presence around us was amazing. I have always been in awe at all God has created for us to enjoy and while we were out in the mountains I couldn't help but think how intricate each tree, plant, and rock was. There were pinecones on the ground and Sam and I had a discussion on what God was thinking when he decided we needed pinecones. So simple and unique, yet so perfectly created by God.
Before we headed back we also had the chance to stop by my Uncle Roger and Aunt Dulcie's house for a quick visit. We had a yummy snack of pulled pork sandwiches with homemade BBQ sauce and it made me miss my Aunt Dulcie's yummy southern cookin'. I can't wait to have another afternoon to go back!

A contest worth entering

2009-02-12T14:50:00.001-05:00

Head over here and enter to win a $25 Marshall's gift card. All you have to do is leave a comment about a great deal you've found at Marshall's! How easy is that?

Big Sister + Maggie Moos + Bride Wars= Fun Night

2009-02-11T16:23:00.002-05:00

Last week Sam and I were both off work at the same time for the first time in forever. We headed out to Turkey Creek for some ice cream and a movie and had a blast. We saw 'Bride Wars' and it was definitely worth seeing. If you haven't seen it...grab some girlfriends and GO! It was funny, because on the way home we were talking and during the movie we could both see each other in both of the characters in different parts of the movie. I'm so thankful for a big sister and best friend that I can laugh with, cry with and be crazy with.

Tennessee Basketball

2009-02-02T17:10:00.002-05:00

Last week I went to my first UT basketball game of the season. I miss going to UT for three reasons: Tennessee Football, Men's Basketball, and Lady Vols basketball. My blood runs orange when it comes to Tennessee athletics. I forgot how much fun the atmosphere is at the basketball games. Sadly, we lost...though I have to say we were handed some pretty shady calls by the refs. I can't wait to go to another one soon!

Snow Day!

2009-02-02T17:05:00.002-05:00

I opened the front door to a wintery surprise this morning...SNOW! And lots of it! I was quite surprised too, since last night around midnight it was clear and warmer than it had been the past few days before. It was a small blizzard on the way to work. I worked for a few hours and then came home and cuddled up in bed, and I've been here ever since! Paisley and I did have some fun playing in the snow for a minute...and then my poor baby started shivering so we came back in and wrapped up in some blankets. Now, I'm just waiting on Jen to get off work so we can go grab some dinner!

Time to Move!

2009-02-01T21:07:00.002-05:00

Panache Productions has officially moved! Visit the new blog home by clicking here!

I'm still here!

2009-02-01T17:20:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it is already Sunday! This week has flown by and I have so much that I want to share! I've been working on a few posts, so check back during the week to see what's been going on in my life, my heart, and my mind!

Baby Easton

2009-01-28T15:05:00.001-05:00

Please pray for a very close family friend, Emily, and her new baby boy, Easton. Baby Easton was born today at 28 weeks. He weighed 1lb 15oz and is stable in the NICU. Doctors told Emily and Justin that he probably wouldn't cry or breath once he was born but praise God he did both! He is only on oxygen through a nasal tube right now and seems to be doing ok, he's just really, really little. I'll keep ya'll updated as I know more.

Join and Win

2009-01-28T11:39:00.001-05:00

I recently signed up for Swagbucks and have been earning swagbucks almost everyday since signing up. You earn "bucks" simply by using their search engine. Accumulate "bucks" and then you can buy cool stuff. Click the banner above and start earning today!

A Friend

2009-01-25T21:48:00.005-05:00

Today in DOK (Daughters of the King for those that do not know what that stands for) we talked about what makes a friend. Kendra asked us to think of the good friends we have in our lives and the bad friends we have in our lives and the characteristics that make them the way we perceive them. I had many thoughts on the people in my life and those that were a part of my life in the past. This morning as I sat surrounded by a room full of dear friends and amazing women I realized that I am such a lucky girl. I have been through so much this past year and I've had some amazing people to lean on and hold me up. As we talked about what makes a good friend Kendra pointed out some great verses that I feel led to share with you all.

"A friend loveth at all times..."
-Proverbs 17:17 {KJV}
"A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother"
-Proverbs 18:24 {KJV}
"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses on an enemy are deceitful"
-Proverbs 27:6

I can apply these verses in my life and to the people I consider my true good friends. It wasn't until recently that I truly realized how blessed I am to have the friends that I have. And they all have an important place and role in my life. Each of them do little things here and there to show they care, many of them pray for me on a daily basis and many go out of their way to do something for me just to let me know they care. Being a friend is more than just having dinner every now and then. It's about respecting each other, not judging each other, and loving each other no matter what.

This week an old friend got in touch with me through Facebook. It's been almost 2 years since we last spoke. The last time we talked we had quite the falling out. We were super close for a long time and it truly broke my heart when we stopped talking. I was excited when I noticed an email from him the other day. We caught up and then talked on the phone for almost an hour a few nights later. He shared his apology with me and I quickly forgave him. Life has taken us in several directions since we last talked and it was great to catch up. I'm glad to have him back in my life because he was so special to me, in many different ways.

Tonight I was equally reminded of how great my friends are. Michelle came over to hang out and jumped right in and helped me finish cleaning and picking up my house. I was going to clean the carpets once I got finished picking things up and she grabbed the carpet cleaner and a towel and started scrubbing away at the spots on the floor. I'm humbled that she would come over and clean my floors for me so that I could finish cleaning sooner and we could hang out. How amazing is she?

I have two more verses to share that Kendra closed our time together with.

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
-Romans 5:8
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
-John 15:13

How amazing is it that there is a friend who died for you and I? Jesus loved us so much that He died for us so that we may have life everlasting. If you aren't a presonal friend of Jesus, please, don't wait another minute to become friends with the friend of all friends. Jesus is the friend that is ALWAYS there. He never fails. And He loves you far more than any of us deserve.

How would your friends describe you? Would they describe you as a good friend or a good "bad" friend? Do you love your friends? Do you treat them with the respect they treat you with?

Updates...In bullet form

2009-01-23T23:31:00.002-05:00

Because I like bullet form and they make my life a little bit easier when I'm tired, yet not tired enough to skip out on a post because I feel guilty for not updating lately. So, without further delay, I give you....bullets:

School is great. I'm scheduled to be finished by October 16. However, I must mention that is if I don't miss ANY days between today and then. So, my realistic date will be more along the lines of November 16, I'm sure!
Samantha and I had some great sister time last night. A whole post dedicated to last night to come at a later time, like when I get the pictures uploaded.
Work is going well. I'm still broke all the time but I'm learning to deal with that.
Sam and I are moving in April. We're excited. And now, I have no motivation to really clean my house. I want to pack it all up and move right now. Our new apartment will kick butt.
Paisley is still as sweet as ever. She's actually laying on my leg as I post this. So sweet :)
I miss my family. I miss Greenbrier and I miss my babies. I struggle with the fact that some days I want to move back, but other days I want to stay right here. I love Knoxville and all my friends here, but I long to be close to my family again.
I've recently noticed that my life isn't what I had it all planned out to be 3 years ago. It is still outstandingly wonderful in every way. It just doesn't reflect at all what I thought I was going to be doing. Nor does it reflect the many, many MASH games Courteney and I played in the 8th grade.
Also, recently, I have felt the burden of something big on my heart. I don't really feel compelled to share right now, however, I would like to request prayer on it. God knows what it is.
A friend of mine recently had surgery. It has bothered me that I haven't been able to help her in the ways that I want. She's remained on my heart and in my prayers though. And I know she can feel it.
I was super blessed to be able to have dinner with Michelle and the kids on Wed. before church. I love her so much and I'm so thankful for her friendship.
Wed. night again reminded me of what special kids we have at Northstar. I love them all so much and I feel so honored to be a part of their lives, even if it is only for a couple of hours a week.
At the moment I'm reading Karen Kingsbury's Between Sundays. And it's amazing. I love her books. I've almost read them all.

And those my blogging and real life friends, are my updates for now. I hope you enjoyed. What are you doing these days?

Fun Photo Friday

2009-01-23T23:27:00.001-05:00

Yes, Friday is almost over. Almost. I'm going to get this post in before it hits midnight here. Yes, this photo is from our girls weekend in Atlanta. Yes, I have the best girlfriends in the absolute world. Yes, this picture was one of many attempts at using the 10sec. timer on my camera. And yes, for some reason we all thought we needed to kneel down to get in the picture. When in reality, we didn't really need to. Have a good Friday night....or what's left of it!

Southern Weddings Magazine

2009-01-21T16:30:00.003-05:00

If you follow my Twitter you probably already know that I spent Sunday and Monday in Atlanta. And you also know that I spent Sunday night at the Southern Weddings magazine launch party at the Dogwood Restaurant. It was a blast! Kristyn, Sam and I woke up early on Sunday morning and drove down to spend the afternoon and get ready for the party. It was so good to get away and spend some quality girl time with great friends. We really did have a blast. If you haven't checked out Southern Wedding you should! Their magazine is awesome and their blog is amazing as well! SW is by far our favorite!

My best friend and her babies

2009-01-20T08:27:00.004-05:00

I was so glad that I got to spend time with my childhood best friend and her 3 babies when I was in Greenbrier for Christmas. We had such a good time catching up and playing with the kids and shopping. Alison and I have been friends since I was 5. We cheered together, lived next door to each other until her senior year of high school, and have remained close since then. I was one of the first ones to know she was pregnant with Noelle, the first one to know with Noah, and close to the first one to know about Christian. I was there in the hospital with her with Noelle and Noah, and I was so sad that I missed Christian's birth. Nonetheless, we've remained close and I love being Aunt Emmy to those sweet babies!

Fun Photo Friday

2009-01-16T15:23:00.001-05:00

This is my monkey man, JT. I love him so much!